bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix Metalloproteinases and Arterial Hypertension: Role of Oxidative Stress and Nitric Oxide in Vascular Functional and Structural Alterations
Authors: Prado Alejandro F. , Batista Rose I. M. , Tanus-Santos Jose E. , Gerlach Raquel F.
Published: April 2021

Various pathophysiological mechanisms have been implicated in hypertension, but those resulting in vascular dysfunction and remodeling are critical and may help to identify critical pharmacological targets. This mini-review article focuses on central mechanisms contributing to the vascular dysfunction and remodeling of hypertension, increased oxidative stress and impaired nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, which enhance vascular matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. The relationship between NO, MMP and oxidative stress culminating in the vascular alterations of hypertension is examined. While the alterations of hypertension are not fully attributable to these pathophysiological mechanisms, there is strong evidence that such mechanisms play critical roles in increasing vascular MMP expression and activity, thus resulting in abnormal degradation of extracellular matrix components, receptors, peptides, and intracellular proteins involved in the regulation of vascular function and structure. Imbalanced vascular MMP activity promotes vasoconstriction and impairs vasodilation, stimulating vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to switch from contractile to synthetic phenotypes, thus facilitating cell growth or migration, which is associated with the deposition of extracellular matrix components. Finally, the protective effects of MMP inhibitors, antioxidants and drugs that enhance vascular NO activity are briefly discussed. Newly emerging therapies that address these essential mechanisms may offer significant advantages to prevent vascular remodeling in hypertensive patients.
Assessing Various Control Samples for Microarray Gene Expression Profiling of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ustaszewski Adam , Kostrzewska-Poczekaj Magdalena , Janiszewska Joanna , Jarmuz-Szymczak Malgorzata , Wierzbicka Malgorzata , Marszal Joanna , Grénman Reidar , Giefing Maciej
Published: April 2021

Selection of optimal control samples is crucial in expression profiling tumor samples. To address this issue, we performed microarray expression profiling of control samples routinely used in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma studies: human bronchial and tracheal epithelial cells, squamous cells obtained by laser uvulopalatoplasty and tumor surgical margins. We compared the results using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering versus tumor samples and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. A general observation from our study is that the analyzed cohorts separated according to two dominant factors: “malignancy”, which separated controls from malignant samples and “cell culture-microenvironment” which reflected the differences between cultured and non-cultured samples. In conclusion, we advocate the use of cultured epithelial cells as controls for gene expression profiling of cancer cell lines. In contrast, comparisons of gene expression profiles of cancer cell lines versus surgical margin controls should be treated with caution, whereas fresh frozen surgical margins seem to be appropriate for gene expression profiling of tumor samples.
Heme Oxygenase-1 Signaling and Redox Homeostasis in Physiopathological Conditions
Authors: Consoli Valeria , Sorrenti Valeria , Grosso Salvo , Vanella Luca
Published: April 2021

Heme-oxygenase is the enzyme responsible for degradation of endogenous iron protoporphyirin heme; it catalyzes the reaction’s rate-limiting step, resulting in the release of carbon monoxide (CO), ferrous ions, and biliverdin (BV), which is successively reduced in bilirubin (BR) by biliverdin reductase. Several studies have drawn attention to the controversial role of HO-1, the enzyme inducible isoform, pointing out its implications in cancer and other diseases development, but also underlining the importance of its antioxidant activity. The contribution of HO-1 in redox homeostasis leads to a relevant decrease in cells oxidative damage, which can be reconducted to its cytoprotective effects explicated alongside other endogenous mechanisms involving genes like TIGAR (TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator), but also to the therapeutic functions of heme main transformation products, especially carbon monoxide (CO), which has been shown to be effective on GSH levels implementation sustaining body’s antioxidant response to oxidative stress. The aim of this review was to collect most of the knowledge on HO-1 from literature, analyzing different perspectives to try and put forward a hypothesis on revealing yet unknown HO-1-involved pathways that could be useful to promote development of new therapeutical strategies, and lay the foundation for further investigation to fully understand this important antioxidant system.
Anatomy, Pathophysiology, Molecular Mechanisms, and Clinical Management of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients Affected by Coronary Artery Disease: A Review
Authors: Sangiorgi Giuseppe , Cereda Alberto , Benedetto Daniela , Bonanni Michela , Chiricolo Gaetano , Cota Linda , Martuscelli Eugenio , Greco Francesco
Published: April 2021

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been defined as the inability to attain or maintain penile erection sufficient for successful sexual intercourse. ED carries a notable influence on life quality, with significant implications for family and social relationships. Because atherosclerosis of penile arteries represents one of the most frequent ED causes, patients presenting with it should always be investigated for potential coexistent coronary or peripheral disease. Up to 75% of ED patients have a stenosis of the iliac-pudendal-penile arteries, supplying the male genital organ’s perfusion. Recently, pathophysiology and molecular basis of male erection have been elucidated, giving the ground to pharmacological and mechanical revascularization treatment of this condition. This review will focus on the normal anatomy and physiology of erection, the pathophysiology of ED, the relation between ED and cardiovascular diseases, and, lastly, on the molecular basis of erectile dysfunction.
Efficacy of Mechanical Thrombectomy using Penumbra ACETM Aspiration Catheter Compared to Stent Retriever SolitaireTM FR in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sila Dalibor , Lenski Markus , Vojtková Maria , Elgharbawy Mustafa , Charvát František , Rath Stefan
Published: April 2021

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The primary aim of our study was to compare the procedural efficacy of the direct aspiration technique, using Penumbra ACETM aspiration catheter, and the stent retriever technique, with a SolitaireTM FR stent. Secondarily, we investigated treatment-dependent and treatment-independent factors that predict a good clinical outcome. Methods: We analyzed our series of mechanical thrombectomies using a SolitaireTM FR stent and a Penumbra ACETM catheter. The clinical and radiographic data of 76 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Using binary logistic regression, we looked for the predictors of a good clinical outcome. Results: In the Penumbra ACETM group we achieved significantly higher rates of complete vessel recanalization with lower device passage counts, shorter recanalization times, shorter procedure times and shorter fluoroscopy times (p < 0.001) compared to the SolitaireTM FR group. We observed no significant difference in good clinical outcomes (52.4% vs. 56.4%, p = 0.756). Predictors of a good clinical outcome were lower initial NIHSS scores, pial arterial collateralization on admission head CT angiography scan, shorter recanalization times and device passage counts. Conclusions: The aspiration technique using Penumbra ACETM catheter is comparable to the stent retriever technique with SolitaireTM FR regarding clinical outcomes.
Post Occupancy Evaluation of School Refurbishment Projects: Multiple Case Study in the UK
Authors: Ahmed Hamad , Edwards David J. , Lai Joseph H. K. , Roberts Chris , Debrah Caleb , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku
Published: April 2021

Buildings inevitably deteriorate with time. Schools buildings are no exception and require refurbishment at times. Despite the UK Government announcing the £1 billion funding for rebuilding 50 schools over 10 years starting 2010–2021, it is common practice for builders and designers to, upon completion of a building project, move on to the next development without considering how the completed building performs. This research undertakes a post occupancy evaluation (POE) of three schools in the West Midlands, UK with specific focus on building services, viz., heating, lighting, and air conditioning and ventilation. The research adopted a mixed philosophical approach of interpretivism and post-positivism to conduct inductive reasoning. A questionnaire that collected both quantitative and qualitative primary data was distributed to the end-users of the schools. Data was analysed using the Cronbach’s alpha, one sample t-test and Kruskal–Wallis test to identify any differences between the questionnaire responses. Findings revealed that building users demanded greater control of the internal environment thus contradicting the current trend for automated ‘intelligent systems’ approaches. This research represents the first work to consider the contractor’s perspective towards developing a better understanding of client satisfaction with the school buildings. Moreover, the POE result represents a notable pragmatic advancement to knowledge that will influence the contractor’s knowledge and understanding of client satisfaction, and where to improve upon these.
Fallopian Tube-Derived Tumor Cells Induce Testosterone Secretion from the Ovary, Increasing Epithelial Proliferation and Invasion
Authors: Colina Jose A. , Zink Katherine E. , Eliadis Kanella , Salehi Reza , Gargus Emma S. , Wagner Sarah R. , Moss Kristine J. , Baligod Seth , Li Kailiang , Kirkpatrick Brenna J. , Woodruff Teresa K. , Tsang Benjamin K. , Sanchez Laura M. , Burdette Joanna E.
Published: April 2021

The fallopian tube epithelium is the site of origin for a majority of high grade serous ovarian carcinomas (HGSOC). The chemical communication between the fallopian tube and the ovary in the development of HGSOC from the fallopian tube is of interest since the fimbriated ends in proximity of the ovary harbor serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STICs). Epidemiological data indicates that androgens play a role in ovarian carcinogenesis; however, the oncogenic impact of androgen exposure on the fallopian tube, or tubal neoplastic precursor lesions, has yet to be explored. In this report, imaging mass spectrometry identified that testosterone is produced by the ovary when exposed to tumorigenic fallopian tube derived PTEN deficient cells. Androgen exposure increased cellular viability, proliferation, and invasion of murine cell models of healthy fallopian tube epithelium and PAX2 deficient models of the preneoplastic secretory cell outgrowths (SCOUTs). Proliferation and invasion induced by androgen was reversed by co-treatment with androgen receptor (AR) antagonist, bicalutamide. Furthermore, ablation of phosphorylated ERK reversed proliferation, but not invasion. Investigation of two hyperandrogenic rodent models of polycystic ovarian syndrome revealed that peripheral administration of androgens does not induce fallopian proliferation in vivo. These data suggest that tumorigenic lesions in the fallopian tube may induce an androgenic microenvironment proximal to the ovary, which may in turn promote proliferation of the fallopian tube epithelium and preneoplastic lesions.
Metal Oxide-Based Photocatalytic Paper: A Green Alternative for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Nunes Daniela , Pimentel Ana , Branquinho Rita , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo
Published: April 2021

The interest in advanced photocatalytic technologies with metal oxide-based nanomaterials has been growing exponentially over the years due to their green and sustainable characteristics. Photocatalysis has been employed in several applications ranging from the degradation of pollutants to water splitting, CO2 and N2 reductions, and microorganism inactivation. However, to maintain its eco-friendly aspect, new solutions must be identified to ensure sustainability. One alternative is creating an enhanced photocatalytic paper by introducing cellulose-based materials to the process. Paper can participate as a substrate for the metal oxides, but it can also form composites or membranes, and it adds a valuable contribution as it is environmentally friendly, low-cost, flexible, recyclable, lightweight, and earth abundant. In term of photocatalysts, the use of metal oxides is widely spread, mostly since these materials display enhanced photocatalytic activities, allied to their chemical stability, non-toxicity, and earth abundance, despite being inexpensive and compatible with low-cost wet-chemical synthesis routes. This manuscript extensively reviews the recent developments of using photocatalytic papers with nanostructured metal oxides for environmental remediation. It focuses on titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) in the form of nanostructures or thin films. It discusses the main characteristics of metal oxides and correlates them to their photocatalytic activity. The role of cellulose-based materials on the systems’ photocatalytic performance is extensively discussed, and the future perspective for photocatalytic papers is highlighted.
g-C3N4-Stabilised Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskites for Efficient Photocatalytic Selective Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol
Authors: Zhang Menglong , Wang Weizhe , Gao Fangliang , Luo Dongxiang
Published: April 2021

The outstanding optoelectronic performance and facile synthetic approach of metal halide perovskites has inspired additional applications well beyond efficient solar cells and light emitting diodes (LEDs). Herein, we present an alternative option available for the optimisation of selective and efficient oxidation of benzylic alcohols through photocatalysis. The materials engineering of hybrids based on formamidine lead bromide (FAPbBr3) and graphic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is achieved via facile anti-solvent approach. The photocatalytic performance of the hybrids is highly reliant on weight ratio between FAPbBr3 and g-C3N4. Besides, the presence of g-C3N4 dramatically enhances the long-term stability of the hybrids, compared to metal oxides hybrids. Detailed optical, electrical and thermal studies reveal the proposed novel photocatalytic and stability behaviours arising in FAPbBr3 and g-C3N4 hybrid materials.
Parental Education and the Association between Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Asthma in Adolescents: The Greek Global Asthma Network (GAN) Study
Authors: Antonogeorgos George , Priftis Kostas N. , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Ellwood Philippa , García-Marcos Luis , Liakou Evangelia , Koutsokera Alexandra , Drakontaeidis Pavlos , Thanasia Marina , Mandrapylia Maria , Douros Konstantinos
Published: April 2021

Background: Evidence suggests that nutritional factors, such as consumption of fruits and vegetables, along with socioeconomic factors such as parental education level, are associated with asthma prevalence. Our study examined the role of parental education in the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and adolescent asthma. Methods: 1934 adolescents (mean age: 12.7 years, standard deviation: 0.6 years, boys: 47.5%) and their parents were voluntarily enrolled and completed a validated questionnaire assessing current asthma status, fruit and vegetable consumption and parental educational level. Participants were categorized as high or low intake for five food groups: fruits, cooked vegetables, raw vegetables, all vegetables (cooked and raw), and all three food groups together (fruits and all vegetables). Results: Adolescents who were high consumers of all three food groups (fruits, cooked and raw vegetables) were less likely to have asthma, adjusted for several confounders (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25–0.97). Moreover, in adolescents who had parents with tertiary education and were in the high consumption of all three food groups, the inverse association was almost twofold higher than the one for adolescents with parents of primary/secondary education (aOR: 0.35, 95% CI: (0.21–0.89) and aOR: 0.61, 95% CI: (0.47–0.93) respectively). Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of the adoption of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables for all asthmatic adolescents and emphasize the important role of parental influences in this association.
Physical Activity and Motor Competence in Preschool Children
Authors: Martínez-Bello Vladimir E. , Estevan Isaac
Published: April 2021

Longitudinal evidence has demonstrated that engagement in physical activity (PA) and the development of motor competence (MC) have numerous tangible health and developmental benefits [...]
Magnetic Resonance-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation of Uterine Fibroids—Efficiency Assessment with the Use of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Potential Role of the Administration of Uterotonic Drugs
Authors: Łoziński Tomasz , Ciebiera Michał , Łuczyńska Elżbieta , Filipowska Justyna , Czekierdowski Artur
Published: April 2021

Objective: The assessment of the usefulness of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) when qualifying patients with uterine fibroids (UFs) for magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity ultrasound (MR-HIFU). Material and methods: This retrospective, single center study included 283 women who underwent DCE-MRI and were treated with MR-HIFU. The patients were divided according to non-perfused volume (NPV) as well as by the type of curve for patients with a washout curve in the DCE-MRI study and patients without a washout curve. The studied women were assessed in three groups according to the type of uterotonics administered. Group A (57 patients) received one dose of misoprostol/diclofenac transvaginally and group B (71 patients) received oxytocin intravenously prior to the MR-HIFU procedure. The remaining 155 women (group C) were treated with the traditional non-drug enhanced MR-HIFU procedure. Results: The average NPV value was higher in no washout group, and depended on the uterotonics used. Conclusions: We demonstrated a correlation between dynamic contrast enhancement curve types and the therapeutic efficacy of MR-HIFU. Our results suggest that DCE-MRI has the potential to assess treatment outcomes among patients with UFs, and patients with UFs that present with a washout curve may benefit from the use of uterotonic drugs. More studies are required to draw final conclusions.
Determinants of Poverty in Mexico: A Quantile Regression Analysis
Authors: Garza-Rodriguez Jorge , Ayala-Diaz Gustavo A. , Coronado-Saucedo Gerardo G. , Garza-Garza Eugenio G. , Ovando-Martinez Oscar
Published: April 2021

Most studies on the determinants of poverty do not consider that the relative importance of each of these determinants can vary depending on the degree of poverty suffered by each group of poor people. For Mexico’s case, the studies carried out so far do not contemplate this approach, even though there is wide variation in the degree of poverty among the different groups of the poor. Investigating these differences is important to design better policies for fighting poverty, which consider how each variable that explains poverty affects each group of people who suffer from poverty differently. This article examines the determinants of poverty for Mexican households. Using data from the Mexican National Household Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH) 2018, the study estimates a probit model and a quantile regression model to examine the extent to which the determinants of poverty vary across the poverty spectrum. The results from the probit model indicate that households with more than one member, having a female head, or speaker of an indigenous language are more likely to be poor. The results obtained in the quantile regressions indicate that there are significant differences with the results of the simple ordinary least squares model, especially for households in extreme poverty but also for the other income categories analyzed for several of the explanatory variables used in the models. Households in the categories extremely poor and deeply poor are most affected if they are in the southern region or if the household head speaks an indigenous language or is an elderly person. It is observed that achieving a higher educational level is an effective way to increase income across the poverty spectrum.
A Novel Switched-Capacitor Inverter with Reduced Capacitance and Balanced Neutral-Point Voltage
Authors: Xun Zhuyu , Ding Hongfa , He Zhou
Published: April 2021

A novel three-phase switched-capacitor multilevel inverter (SCMLI) with reduced capacitance and balanced neutral-point voltage is proposed in this paper. Applying only one DC source, the three-phase seven-level topology possessing voltage-boosting capability is accomplished without the high-voltage stress of power switches. Owing to the inherent redundant switching states of the proposed topology, two charging approaches that can effectively limit the voltage ripples and path selection for capacitors can be realized. This provides the presented topology with reduced capacitance, balanced neutral-point voltage, good performance in not only the three-phase four-wire system but also the three-phase three-wire system, and low total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output voltage. A comprehensive comparison with previous SCMLIs in various aspects is conducted to validate the merits mentioned above. The simulation results accord with theoretical analyses, confirming the feasibility of the proposed three-phase SCMLI.
An ANN-Based Adaptive Predistorter for LED Nonlinearity in Indoor Visible Light Communications
Authors: Lain Jenn-Kaie , Chen Yan-He
Published: April 2021

By modulating the optical power of the light-emitting diode (LED) in accordance with the electrical source and using a photodetector to convert the corresponding optical variation back into electrical signals, visible light communication (VLC) has been developed to achieve lighting and communications simultaneously, and is now considered one of the promising technologies for handling the continuing increases in data demands, especially indoors, for next generation wireless broadband systems. During the process of electrical-to-optical conversion using LEDs in VLC, however, signal distortion occurs due to LED nonlinearity, resulting in VLC system performance degradation. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are thought to be capable of achieving universal function approximation, which was the motivation for introducing ANN predistortion to compensate for LED nonlinearity in this paper. Without using additional training sequences, the related parameters in the proposed ANN predistorter can be adaptively updated, using a feedback replica of the original electrical source, to track the LED time-variant characteristics due to temperature variation and aging. Computer simulations and experimental implementation were carried out to evaluate and validate the performance of the proposed ANN predistorter against existing adaptive predistorter schemes, such as the normalized least mean square predistorter and the Chebyshev polynomial predistorter.
Propagation of Voltage Deviations in a Power System
Authors: Okon Tomasz , Wilkosz Kazimierz
Published: April 2021

The paper deals with voltage profiles in a power system. The analysis of these profiles is important due to the requirement that the Root-Mean-Squared (RMS) values of nodal voltages should be within certain ranges, as well as to ensure desired power flows in a power system. In both cases, it is desirable to indicate points in a power system where it is reasonable to apply remedial measures to meet the requirements for RMS values of nodal voltages, or to effectively control the power flows in a power system. In general, candidate nodes for remediation are established based on operational experience or measurement data from a certain time point (sometimes from several time points). The paper presents a method that provides a basis for determining the aforementioned candidate nodes based on the behavior of a system over a certain period of time, which is an unquestionable advantage of this proposal. In order to achieve the abovementioned goal, the method provides for the analysis of propagation of voltage RMS value deviations in a power system. The analysis of correlational relationships between the RMS values of nodal voltages is used for this. After presentation of the theoretical background, the new original method is described in the paper. Then, case studies showing the utilization of that method are presented. At the end of the paper, features of the proposed method are enumerated.
Performance Enhancement Scheme for RSE-Based Underwater Optical Camera Communication Using De-Bubble Algorithm and Binary Fringe Correction
Authors: Zhou Zihao , Wen Shangsheng , Li Yue , Xu Wenxi , Chen Zhijian , Guan Weipeng
Published: April 2021

Optical camera communications (OCC) has been growing rapidly in recent years, which offers a flexible and low-cost way to achieve underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC). However, the existence of underwater bubbles and suspended impurities will greatly decrease the signal quality. In this paper, we propose a de-bubble algorithm and a sampling scheme based on binary fringes correction (BFC) to enhance the communication quality. The experimental results demonstrate that a robust transmission can be achieved in the harsh bubble environment by applying the proposed two algorithms.
A Pilot Study Investigating the Role of Gender in the Intergenerational Relationships between Gene Expression, Chronic Pain, and Adverse Childhood Experiences in a Clinical Sample of Youth with Chronic Pain
Authors: Christensen Jennaya , Beveridge Jaimie K. , Wang Melinda , Orr Serena L. , Noel Melanie , Mychasiuk Richelle
Published: April 2021

Chronic pain is a highly prevalent and costly issue that often emerges during childhood or adolescence and persists into adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase risk for several adverse health conditions, including chronic pain. Recent evidence suggests that parental trauma (ACEs, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms) confers risk of poor health outcomes in their children. Intergenerational relationships between parental trauma and child chronic pain may be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. A clinical sample of youth with chronic pain and their parents completed psychometrically sound questionnaires assessing ACEs, PTSD symptoms, and chronic pain, and provided a saliva sample. These were used to investigate the intergenerational relationships between four epigenetic biomarkers (COMT, DRD2, GR, and SERT), trauma, and chronic pain. The results indicated that the significant biomarkers were dependent upon the gender of the child, wherein parental ACEs significantly correlated with changes in DRD2 expression in female children and altered COMT expression in the parents of male children. Additionally, the nature of the ACE (maltreatment vs. household dysfunction) was associated with the specific epigenetic changes. There may be different pathways through which parental ACEs confer risk for poor outcomes for males and females, highlighting the importance of child gender in future investigations.
Molecular Signatures of Reticulate Evolution within the Complex of European Pine Taxa
Authors: Łabiszak Bartosz , Wachowiak Witold
Published: April 2021

Speciation mechanisms, including the role of interspecific gene flow and introgression in the emergence of new species, are the major focus of evolutionary studies. Inference of taxonomic relationship between closely related species may be challenged by past hybridization events, but at the same time, it may provide new knowledge about mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of species integrity despite interspecific gene flow. Here, using nucleotide sequence variation and utilizing a coalescent modeling framework, we tested the role of hybridization and introgression in the evolutionary history of closely related pine taxa from the Pinus mugo complex and P. sylvestris. We compared the patterns of polymorphism and divergence between taxa and found a great overlap of neutral variation within the P. mugo complex. Our phylogeny reconstruction indicated multiple instances of reticulation events in the past, suggesting an important role of interspecific gene flow in the species divergence. The best-fitting model revealed P. mugo and P. uncinata as sister species with basal P. uliginosa and asymmetric migration between all investigated species after their divergence. The magnitude of interspecies gene flow differed greatly, and it was consistently stronger from representatives of P. mugo complex to P. sylvestris than in the opposite direction. The results indicate the prominent role of reticulation evolution in those forest trees and provide a genetic framework to study species integrity maintained by selection and local adaptation.
Enhancing the Nutritional Value of Red Meat through Genetic and Feeding Strategies
Authors: Juárez Manuel , Lam Stephanie , Bohrer Benjamin M. , Dugan Michael E. R. , Vahmani Payam , Aalhus Jennifer , Juárez Ana , López-Campos Oscar , Prieto Nuria , Segura Jose
Published: April 2021

Consumption of red meat contributes to the intake of many essential nutrients in the human diet including protein, essential fatty acids, and several vitamins and trace minerals, with high iron content, particularly in meats with high myoglobin content. Demand for red meat continues to increase worldwide, particularly in developing countries where food nutrient density is a concern. Dietary and genetic manipulation of livestock can influence the nutritional value of meat products, providing opportunities to enhance the nutritional value of meat. Studies have demonstrated that changes in livestock nutrition and breeding strategies can alter the nutritional value of red meat. Traditional breeding strategies, such as genetic selection, have influenced multiple carcass and meat quality attributes relevant to the nutritional value of meat including muscle and fat deposition. However, limited studies have combined both genetic and nutritional approaches. Future studies aiming to manipulate the composition of fresh meat should aim to balance potential impacts on product quality and consumer perception. Furthermore, the rapidly emerging fields of phenomics, nutrigenomics, and integrative approaches, such as livestock precision farming and systems biology, may help better understand the opportunities to improve the nutritional value of meat under both experimental and commercial conditions.
Book Review: The Psychology of Family History
Authors: Jarvis Pam
Published: April 2021

This article reviews The Psychology of Family History. It proposes this as an excellent introductory text for ancestry research, creating a lively discussion of its effects upon individuals and potentially upon communities. The review additionally proposes that the book will be equally useful for academic and independent researchers in the relevant fields.
Telehealth Interventions to Support Self-Management in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hwang Na-Kyoung , Park Ji-Su , Chang Moon-Young
Published: April 2021

Telehealth (TH) intervention is a method to optimize self-management (SM) support in stroke survivors. Objectives of this study included identifying the TH-SM intervention’s focus and SM support components, the TH delivery type, and the TH-SM support effects on stroke survivors. Five databases were searched for the years 2005–2020 to identify TH-SM support interventions for stroke survivors. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental, one-group re-post study designs were included. Ten studies were reviewed. TH-SM support focused on post-stroke depression, obesity management, participation, functional mobility, and activities of daily living. The TH delivery type most used in selected studies was messaging. Regarding the SM support components, the education component was used in all studies, and psychological support and lifestyle advice and support were used in 8 out of 10 studies. TH-SM intervention had positive effects in terms of goal achievement for SM behavior, emotional state, and mobility of clinical outcomes, and TH acceptance in stroke survivors. Although the TH-SM-supported intervention effects were not found consistently in all outcomes, this review discovered a positive effect on various SM-related outcomes. In addition, TH delivery types and SM support components showed the possibility of various options to be considered for intervention. Therefore, we suggest that TH-SM supported intervention is a positive alternative for SM support in stroke survivors.
Women’s Perception of Male Involvement in Antenatal, Childbirth and Postnatal Care in Urban Slum Areas in Bangladesh: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zakaria Muhammad , Khan A. K. M. Ziaur Rahman , Ahmad Md. Sarwar , Cheng Feng , Xu Junfang
Published: April 2021

Male participation in reproductive health issues has been considered to be an effective and promising strategy to address the women’s reproductive health problems since the 1990s. Under this background, we aim to explore the women’s perception of men’s involvement in antenatal care (ANC), delivery and postnatal care (PNC) in the slum community of Bangladesh where various sexual and reproductive health problems exist. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women and their husbands living in 12 slums of Chattogram city. Cross-tabulation with chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the predictors of husbands’ support in wives’ antenatal, delivery and postnatal care. The study demonstrates that the education and economic level of most women and their husbands were very low although husbands seemed to have a better status than wives in these aspects. Almost all men (~90%) had never accessed services related to reproductive and maternal health. Only 10% of respondents gave birth to their last baby in government hospitals or private clinics. In addition, 60% of the husbands took care of their wives during pregnancy with 44% during childbirth and about 30% providing help in receiving postpartum care. Moreover, husbands’ discussions with a health worker regarding maternal and reproductive health were the most important predictors for support of their wives during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care (p < 0.05). Study participants’ perception of a satisfying spousal relationship also appeared to be a significant factor for husbands’ responsible role regarding wives’ antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care (p < 0.05). This study found that pregnant women living in slums received poorer health-related services when there was a low involvement of men; specifically, the husbands of pregnant women. In addition, men’s involvement was influenced by many aspects, particularly awareness-related factors (e.g., knowledge, communication and access to reproductive health services). Therefore, awareness creation is important for active involvement in antenatal, delivery and postnatal care. Strategies should be designed to provide men living in the slums with adequate information, education and communication to gain their interest and support about reproductive and maternal health.
Safety of Renal Biopsy by Physicians with Short Nephrology Experience
Authors: Torigoe Kenta , Muta Kumiko , Tsuji Kiyokazu , Yamashita Ayuko , Abe Shinichi , Ota Yuki , Mukae Hiroshi , Nishino Tomoya
Published: April 2021

Percutaneous renal biopsy is an essential tool for diagnosing various renal diseases; however, little is known about whether renal biopsy performed by physicians with short nephrology experience is safe in Japan. This study included 238 patients who underwent percutaneous renal biopsy between April 2017 and September 2020. We retrospectively analyzed the frequency of post-renal biopsy complications (hemoglobin decrease of ≥10%, hypotension, blood transfusion, renal artery embolization, nephrectomy and death) and compared their incidence among physicians with varied experience in nephrology. After renal biopsy, a hemoglobin decrease of ≥10%, hypotension and transfusion occurred in 13.1%, 3.8% and 0.8% of patients, respectively. There were no cases of post-biopsy renal artery embolism, nephrectomy, or death. The composite complication rate was 16.0%. The incidence of post-biopsy complications was similar between physicians with ≥3 years and <3 years of clinical nephrology experience (12.5% vs. 16.8%, p = 0.64). Furthermore, the post-biopsy composite complication rates were similar between physicians with ≥6 months and <6 months of clinical nephrology experience (16.3% vs. 15.6%, p > 0.99). Under attending nephrologist supervision, a physician with short clinical nephrology experience can safely perform renal biopsy.
Science Informed Policies for Managing Water
Authors: Loucks Daniel P.
Published: April 2021

Water resource management policies impact how water supplies are protected, collected, stored, treated, distributed, and allocated among multiple users and purposes. Water resource policies influence the decisions made regarding the siting, design, and operation of infrastructure needed to achieve the underlying goals of these policies. Water management policies vary by region depending on particular hydrologic, economic, environmental, and social conditions, but in all cases they will have multiple impacts affecting these conditions. Science can provide estimates of various economic, ecologic, environmental, and even social impacts of alternative policies, impacts that determine how effective any particular policy may be. These impact estimates can be used to compare and evaluate alternative policies in the search for identifying the best ones to implement. Among all scientists providing inputs to policy making processes are analysts who develop and apply models that provide these estimated impacts and, possibly, their probabilities of occurrence. However, just producing them is not a guarantee that they will be considered by policy makers. This paper reviews various aspects of the science-policy interface and factors that can influence what information policy makers need from scientists. This paper suggests some ways scientists and analysts can contribute to and inform those making water management policy decisions. Brief descriptions of some water management policy making examples illustrate some successes and failures of science informing and influencing policy.
Risk Factors for Oral Health in Anorexia Nervosa: Comparison of a Self-Report Questionnaire and a Face-to-Face Interview
Authors: Rangé Hélène , Pallier Alice , Ali Aminata , Huas Caroline , Colon Pierre , Godart Nathalie
Published: April 2021

Behavioral, nutritional, and local risk factors for oral health are frequent in people with anorexia nervosa. However no self-report questionnaire is available for screening in clinical practice or for research purposes. The objective of this study was to design a questionnaire to identify risk factors and symptoms of oral diseases and to test its reliability as a self-report form among people with anorexia nervosa. A 26-item questionnaire was designed based on a sound literature review performed by a group of dentists, psychiatrists, and epidemiologists specialized in the field of eating disorders. Sixty-nine anorexia nervosa inpatients (mean age 18.72 ± 5.1) were included from four specialized units. The questionnaire was first self-reported by the patients, then the same questionnaire was administrated by a dentist during a structured face-to-face interview as the gold standard. The concordance between the two forms was evaluated globally and item per item using Cohen’s kappa statistical tests. The overall concordance between the self-report questionnaire and the face-to-face structured interview was 55%. Of the 26 items, 19 showed significant concordance. Items relating to water intake, extracted teeth, gingival status, and oral hygiene had the best concordance (all kappa coefficients > 0.4). A questionnaire that identifies risk factors and symptoms of oral diseases in anorexia nervosa was developed and tested. The 26-item form of the questionnaire (long version) is moderately reliable as a self-reported form. A short version of the questionnaire, including the 10 most reliable items, is recommended for oral risk assessment in patients with anorexia nervosa. The clinical value of the self-administered questionnaire remains to be evaluated.
Hormonal and Inflammatory Responses to Hypertrophy-Oriented Resistance Training at Acute Moderate Altitude
Authors: Benavente Cristina , León Josefa , Feriche Belén , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Bonitch-Góngora Juan , Almeida Filipa , Pérez-Regalado Sergio , Padial Paulino
Published: April 2021

This study investigated the effect of a traditional hypertrophy-oriented resistance training (RT) session at acute terrestrial hypoxia on inflammatory, hormonal, and the expression of miR-378 responses associated with muscular gains. In a counterbalanced fashion, 13 resistance trained males completed a hypertrophic RT session at both moderate-altitude (H; 2320 m asl) and under normoxic conditions (N; <700 m asl). Venous blood samples were taken before and throughout the 30 min post-exercise period for determination of cytokines (IL6, IL10, TNFα), hormones (growth hormone [GH], cortisol [C], testosterone), and miR-378. Both exercise conditions stimulated GH and C release, while miR-378, testosterone, and inflammatory responses remained near basal conditions. At H, the RT session produced a moderate to large but nonsignificant increase in the absolute peak values of the studied cytokines. miR-378 revealed a moderate association with GH (r = 0.65; p = 0.026 and r = −0.59; p = 0.051 in N and H, respectively) and C (r = 0.61; p = 0.035 and r = 0.75; p = 0.005 in N and H, respectively). The results suggest that a RT session at H does not differentially affect the hormonal, inflammatory, and miR-378 responses compared to N. However, the standardized mean difference detected values in the cytokines suggest an intensification of the inflammatory response in H that should be further investigated.
We Trust You! A Multilevel-Multireferent Model Based on Organizational Trust to Explain Performance
Authors: Salanova Marisa , Acosta-Antognoni Hedy , Llorens Susana , Le Blanc Pascale
Published: April 2021

This study tests organizational trust as the psychosocial mechanism that explains how healthy organizational practices and team resources predict multilevel performance in organizations and teams, respectively. In our methodology, we collect data in a sample of 890 employees from 177 teams and their immediate supervisors from 31 Spanish companies. Our results from the multilevel analysis show two independent processes predicting organizational performance (return on assets, ROA) and performance ratings by immediate supervisors, operating at the organizational and team levels, respectively. We have found evidence for a theoretical and functional quasi-isomorphism. First, based on social exchange theory, we found evidence for our prediction that when organizations implement healthy practices and teams provide resources, employees trust their top managers (vertical trust) and coworkers (horizontal trust) and try to reciprocate these benefits by improving their performance. Second, (relationships among) constructs are similar at different levels of analysis, which may inform HRM officers and managers about which type of practices and resources can help to enhance trust and improve performance in organizations. The present study contributes to the scarce research on the role of trust at collective (i.e., organizational and team) levels as a psychological mechanism that explains how organizational practices and team resources are linked to organizational performance.
Gut Microbiota and Environment in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Piccioni Andrea , de Cunzo Tommaso , Valletta Federico , Covino Marcello , Rinninella Emanuele , Raoul Pauline , Zanza Christian , Mele Maria Cristina , Franceschi Francesco
Published: April 2021

In recent years, studies evaluated the associations between coronary artery disease (CAD) and fecal gut microbiota composition. This opens new perspectives on therapeutic strategies to prevent CAD representing the leading cause of mortality in Western societies. We have conducted a review of the literature regarding the characteristics of the gut microbiota of CAD patients, its underlying mechanisms and their associations with pollution and the Western diet. The latest evidence confirms that an abnormal microbiota predisposes to the development of CAD and differs in composition compared to the microbiota of healthy patients; the results are, however, heterogeneous. The most studied underlying mechanisms involve the production of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the immune system activation mediated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Despite a large amount of available data, there is no evidence about the role of a specific type of gut microbiota in the risk of developing acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Moreover, no relationship has been assessed between the gut microbiota and the characteristics of coronary plaques in humans. However, a close association has been found between both pollution and the Western diet and gut microbiota and CAD. Further studies are needed to clarify the associations between gut microbiota, CAD, and ACS to find efficient therapeutic strategies.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Associated with Kidney Glomerular Hyperfiltration in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Abbate Manuela , Mascaró Catalina M. , Montemayor Sofía , Casares Miguel , Gómez Cristina , Ugarriza Lucia , Tejada Silvia , Abete Itziar , Zulet Maria Angeles , Sureda Antoni , Martínez J. Alfredo , Tur Josep A.
Published: April 2021

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is early marked by kidney glomerular hyperfiltration. However, the association of NAFLD with kidney glomerular hyperfiltration has not been tested so far in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aims: To assess the relationship between NAFLD and kidney glomerular hyperfiltration in adults with MetS. Methods: The study included 154 participants aged 40–60 years with MetS and NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasound. NAFLD was confirmed by MRI in 109 subjects. Participants underwent anthropometric measurements, and biochemistry testing. Estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated using the CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula; hyperfiltration was defined as eGFR ≥ 120 mL/min. Results: Participants with MRI-proven NAFLD showed a worse metabolic profile and higher levels of eGFR than those with no NAFLD. Presence of NAFLD and increased weight were independently associated with an increased probability of presenting hyperfiltration. Conclusions: The present study shows an association between kidney glomerular hyperfiltration and NAFLD in adults with MetS. Establishing an association between NAFLD and kidney glomerular hyperfiltration would help to earlier identify those patients at increased risk of CKD, who would benefit from an early intervention.