bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional and Behavioral Problems Among 3- to 5-Year-Olds Left-Behind Children in Poor Rural Areas of Hunan Province: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Luo Jing , Zou Jiaojiao , Ji Meimei , Yuan Tong , Sun Mei , Lin Qian
Published: October 2019

The term left-behind children (LBC) refers to underage children who have been separated from their father/mother or parents for a long period of time. At present, there are few studies on the emotional and behavioral problems of three- to five-year-old LBC in poor rural areas of China. In this study, random cluster sampling was used to recruit caregivers of left-behind children (CLBC) aged three to five years in two poor rural areas in Hunan Province. General demographic data of LBC and their caregivers were collected via face-to-face questionnaires. Children’s emotional and behavioral problems were assessed by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Among 557 LBC, the prevalence of a total difficulties score in an abnormal/borderline range was 27.6–50.6%. The most common problem of LBC was hyperactivity, with a rate of 33.6%. Compared with boys, girls had more emotional problems (p < 0.05) and fewer hyperactivity disorders (p < 0.01). Factors related to the emotional and behavioral problems of LBC were the LBC’s age, the number of sick people at home, and the CLBC’s willingness to take care of the LBC. The detection rate of emotional and behavioral problems of three- to five-year-old LBC in poor rural areas is higher than that of children of the same age in urban areas and Western developed countries. There were gender differences in hyperactivity and emotional symptoms. Poor care will increase the risk of children’s emotional and behavioral abnormalities.
Emotion, Psychological Well-Being and Their Influence on Resilience. A Study with Semi-Professional Athletes
Authors: Trigueros Rubén , Aguilar-Parra José M. , Álvarez Joaquín F. , González-Bernal Jerónimo J. , López-Liria Remedios
Published: October 2019

The objective of the present study is to analyze the influence of coaches on emotional intelligence and on levels of anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and resilience among athletes. Five-hundred forty-seven semi-professional athletes between the ages of 16 and 19 participated in this study. Various statistical analyses were conducted which explain the causal relationships between the variables. The results, obtained using a structural equations model, find that while autonomy support positively predicts emotional intelligence, perceived control predicts it negatively. Moreover, emotional intelligence positively predicts self-esteem and self-determined motivation, but negatively predicts anxiety. Other results show that self-esteem positively predicts self-determined motivation, whereas anxiety predicts it negatively. Finally, self-determined motivation positively predicts resilience. Indeed, the study demonstrates the influence and the importance of coaches in relation to the emotional intelligence, psychological well-being, and motivational processes of adolescent athletes when the latter engage in their respective sports. These results help to better understand how different behavioral, emotional, and social aspects belonging to the athlete interrelate with one another during competition.
The Potential of Non-Mega Sporting Events for the Promotion of Physical Activity Among Inactive Supporters at the Poznan Half Marathon: A Case Study
Authors: Malchrowicz-Mośko Ewa , Poczta Joanna , Adamczewska Katarzyna
Published: October 2019

The impact of sports events on the promotion of physical activity, healthy lifestyles and sports participation is debatable, and most of the literature is on mega-events. This begs the question if more evidence of this type of impact can be found for non-mega events. Research on sports legacy often refers to the tangible effects such as infrastructure that is left after the competition. However, the construction of new facilities does not automatically result in attracting participants. Despite the high expectations of events organizers in terms of their impacts on pro-health behavior of people, few studies provide empirical evidence that events encourage sport fans to become more physically active. The aim of this research was to examine whether a mass run promotes physical activity among spectators, and whether a mass run influences the willingness of spectators to start in half marathon in the future. A written paper–pencil survey was collected from 510 spectators during the 6th Poznan Half Marathon. The results show that observing a mass run event has a positive impact on the willingness to engage in regular physical activity as well as the willingness to take part in this type of sport in the future. Our work provides knowledge about the level of effectiveness in promoting active lifestyles among supporters depending on age, sex and place of residents. This work focuses on mass runs, which have been under-researched when it comes to impact on sport participation.
Discrepancies in Karst Soil Organic Carbon in Southwest China for Different Land Use Patterns: A Case Study of Guizhou Province
Authors: Zhang Zhenming , Huang Xianfei , Zhou Yunchao , Zhang Jiachun , Zhang Xubo
Published: October 2019

The assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC) in mountainous karst areas is very challenging, due to the high spatial heterogeneity in SOC content and soil type. To study and assess the SOC storage in mountainous karst areas, a total of 22,786 soil samples were collected from 2,854 soil profiles in Guizhou Province in Southwest China. The SOC content in the soil samples was determined by the oxidation of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), followed by titration with iron (II) sulfate (FeSO4). The SOC storage was assessed based on different land uses. The results suggested that the average SOC density in the top 1.00 m of soil associated with different land uses decreased in the following order: Croplands (9.58 kg m−2) > garden lands (9.07 kg m−2) > grasslands (8.07 kg m−2) > forestlands (7.35 kg m−2) > uncultivated lands (6.94 kg m−2). The SOC storage values in the 0.00–0.10 m, 0.00–0.20 m, 0.00–0.30 m and 0.00–1.00 m soil layers of Guizhou Province were 0.50, 0.87, 1.11 and 1.58 Pg, respectively. The SOC in the top 0.30 m of soil accounted for 70.25% of the total within the 0.00–1.00 m layer in Guizhou Province. It was concluded that assessing SOC storage in mountainous karst areas was more accurate when using land use rather than soil type. This result can supply a scientific reference for the accurate assessment of the SOC storage in the karst areas of southwestern China, the islands of Java, northern and central Vietnam, Indonesia, Kampot Province in Cambodia and in the general area of what used to be Yugoslavia, along with other karst areas with similar ecological backgrounds.
Do Compactness and Poly-Centricity Mitigate PM10 Emissions? Evidence from Yangtze River Delta Area
Authors: Tao Jing , Wang Ying , Wang Rong , Mi Chuanmin
Published: October 2019

The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region is one of the most densely populated and economically developed areas in China, which provides an ideal environment with which to study the various strategies, such as compact and polycentric development advocated by researchers to reduce air pollution. Using the data of YRD cities from 2011–2017, the spatial durbin model (SDM) is presented to investigate how compactness (in terms of urban density, jobs-housing balance, and urban centralization) and poly-centricity (in terms of the number of centers and polycentric cluster) affect PM10 emissions. After controlling some variables, the results suggest that more jobs-housing-balanced and centralized compactness tends to decrease emissions, while poly-centricity by developing too many centers is expected to result in more pollutant emissions. The effect of high-density compactness is more controversial. In addition, for cities with more private car ownerships (>10 million within cities), enhancing the polycentric cluster by achieving a more balanced population distribution between the traditional centers and sub-centers could reduce emissions, whereas this mitigated emissions effect may be limited. The difference between our study and western studies suggests that the correlation between high-density compactness and air pollution vary with the specific characteristics and with spatial planning implications, as this paper concludes.
High-Intensity Interval Circuit Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Functional Ability and Body Mass Index in Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ballesta-García Ismael , Martínez-González-Moro Ignacio , Rubio-Arias Jacobo Á. , Carrasco-Poyatos María
Published: October 2019

The literature suggests that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) to improve functional ability. However, there is no evidence on including HIIT in a circuit programme (HIICT). Our objective was to determine what type of training (HIICT or MICT) induces greater adaptations in the functional ability and body mass index of middle-aged and older women. The study used a quasi-experimental randomized controlled trial with 54 participants (age = 67.8 ± 6.2 years). Participants were randomly allocated to HIICT (n = 18), MICT (n = 18) or a non-exercise control group (CG; n = 18). The participants in the HIICT or MICT groups trained twice a week (1 h/session) for 18 weeks. Forty-one subjects were analysed (HIICT; n = 17, MICT; n = 12, CG; n = 12). Five subjects presented adverse events during the study. Strength, gait, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance and body mass index were measured. A significant training x group interaction was found in the arm curl test, where HIICT was statistically better than MICT and CG. Likewise, HIICT was statistically better than the CG in the BMI interaction. In lower limb strength, gait/dynamic balance and cardiorespiratory fitness, both HIICT and MICT were statistically better than the CG. In conclusion, HIICT generated better adaptations in upper limb strength than MICT. Likewise, HIICT generated better adaptations in body mass index than CG. Finally, both HIICT and MICT had a similar influence on strength, cardiorespiratory fitness and gait/dynamic balance.
Factors Affecting Urinary tt-Muconic Acid Detection among Benzene Exposed Workers at Gasoline Stations
Authors: Chaiklieng Sunisa , Suggaravetsiri Pornnapa , Kaminski Norbert , Autrup Herman
Published: October 2019

Trans, trans-muconic acid (tt-MA) is a metabolite that is widely used as a biomarker to identify low exposure to benzene, a human carcinogen. This study aimed to investigate occupational factors related to the urinary tt-MA detection of benzene exposed workers in gasoline stations. Spot urine samples were collected and analyzed for tt-MA using a high performance liquid chromatography. Additional data were collected via subject interviews using a structured questionnaire. The personal benzene concentration was measured and analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. Results showed that, among the 170 workers, tt-MA was detected in 24.7% of workers and the concentration ranged from 23.0 to 1127.8 µg/g creatinine. Over 25% of those detections possessing tt-MA exceeding the recommended 500 µg/g creatinine was safe. A multiple logistic regression analysis identified that factors significantly associated with the detectable tt-MA were having no other part-time jobs (ORadj = 4.2), personal benzene concentrations of 0.05 ppm or higher (ORadj = 10.3), close to fuel nozzle during refuelling (ORadj = 93.7), and no job training (ORadj = 2.74). Safety training is recommended for those tt-MA detected workers or under a reference benzene concentration of 0.05 ppm or higher. The proposed reference of occupational action level to benzene exposure is 0.05 ppm and compliance could be assessed tt-MA for biomonitoring of those benzene exposed workers.
Supply Chain Partner Communication in a Managed Programme in the UK Water Industry: A Case Study with Social Network Analysis
Authors: Li Qing , Wang Shengqiao , Shaw Nicky , Shi Victor
Published: October 2019

The water industry in every country aims to effectively and efficiently provide water with satisfactory quality in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. To this end, it is critical to achieve effective communication among the partners in water supply chain networks. In this paper, we focus on one of the UK’s largest water utility companies and its eight main contractors and analyze the factors influencing partner and network communication in a managed programme of their asset supply chain. We employ social network analysis to conduct the cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of partner communication. Factors found to influence the communication network are grouping of projects within the programme, individual’s organisational affiliation, status, tenure, elapsed time through the programme lifecycle, and co-location. Our contributions to practice include demonstrating water programme management factors that influence communication and trust and how social network analysis can better inform them about intra- and interorganisational relationships. Moreover, the methodology introduced in this study may be applied to water management in other parts of the world.
The Influence of the Social Context on Motivation towards the Practice of Physical Activity and the Intention to be Physically Active
Authors: Trigueros Rubén , Aguilar-Parra José M. , Cangas Adolfo J. , Fernández-Batanero José María , Álvarez Joaquín F.
Published: October 2019

According to WHO data, only around 20% of adolescents participate in physical activity (PA) during their free time. The social context can act as a support for adolescents to do PA, given the effect that both parents, friends and teachers have on young people’s behaviour owing to the large amount of time and influence they have on them. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyse the role of the social context on adolescents’ motivation to practise PA and their intention to be physically active. This study involved the participation of students in compulsory and post-compulsory secondary education. Several statistical analyses were performed, including three confirmatory factorial analyses of the scales and a structural equations model that explains the causal relationships between the variables. The results showed how support for autonomy in the social context positively predicts autonomous motivation, whereas the psychological control of the social context negatively predicts it. Autonomous motivation positively predicted intent, attitude, behavioural control and subjective norms, and consequently, the practice of physical activity. In short, the study showed how the three validated scales have adequate goodness-of-fit indices while the structural equations model demonstrated the influence of the social context on the student’s motivational processes and the adoption of active life habits.
Study on Spatial and Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Coordinated Development Degree among Regional Water Resources, Social Economy, and Ecological Environment Systems
Authors: Wang Xinkui , Dong Zengchuan , Xu Wei , Luo Yun , Zhou Tao , Wang Wenzhuo
Published: October 2019

Water resources utilization, social economy development, and ecological environment protection are key factors in regional sustainable development. Scientific evaluation of regional coordinated development status and diagnosis of regional uncoordinated development constraints will improve the management level of decision-makers. At present, most developing countries have the problem of unbalanced regional development caused by the one-sided pursuit of a certain system. Taking 14 prefecture-level cities in Hunan Province as cases, this paper analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the carrying capacity level of the water resources system, the development level of the social economy system and the protection level of the ecological environment system in each evaluation unit based on entropy weight method and order parameter analysis. Based on the theory of coordinated development, a calculation model of a coordinated development degree was constructed, and the corresponding evaluation criteria were formulated. The spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of a coordinated development degree in each research unit were analyzed and evaluated. The results showed that the average coordinated development degree of Hunan Province from 2004 to 2016 evolved from “Light disorder recession” to “Nearly disorder recession”, then to “Reluctance coordinated development”. Restricted by different systems, the coordinated development degree in each research unit presented spatial and temporal differences. According to different development stages and the characteristics of different regions, corresponding development strategies can be formulated to provide the guidance for coordinated the development of regions.
The Spillover Effects of Spousal Chronic Diseases on Married Couples’ Labour Supply: Evidence from China
Authors: Shen Zheng , Zheng Xiaodong , Tan Yiwen
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study is to examine the spillover effects of chronic diseases experienced by spouses on their wives or husbands’ labour supply. Using data from 2010 and 2012 of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this study employed a difference-in-difference (DD) strategy to investigate the average treatment effect of affected adults on their spouses’ working hours. The results show that, after their spouses were diagnosed with chronic diseases, the average weekly working hours of wives and husbands would be significantly reduced by 3.7–4.2 h and 3.8–4.4 h, respectively. Specially, the average weekly hours of full-time work would be reduced by 2.1–3.3 h for wives and 3.6–3.8 h for husbands. The effect was stronger for those married couples with lower socioeconomic status (SES), such as low-level education, family asset, non-labour income, while the effect was insignificant for high-level SES households. Therefore, as a result of the adverse spillover effects on household labour supply, chronic diseases could cause a greater loss of labour force productivity. Additionally, households in low levels of SES may suffer more losses from reduced labour supply when spousal chronic diseases take place.
Comparison of Periodontal Status According to the Additives of Coffee: Evidence from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2015)
Authors: Kim Yu-Rin , Nam Seoul-Hee
Published: October 2019

It is well known that periodontal disease is highly related to dietary habits. As coffee is a typical beverage consumed worldwide, the relationship between coffee and periodontal disease was analyzed in this study using the data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) 2013–2015. Complex-samples chi square tests were performed for the comparison of the demographic characteristics of the 6528 study subjects and coffee components. Poisson linear regression analysis was performed for the analysis of the periodontal condition and coffee component effects, while complex-samples logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the demographic characteristics and coffee component effects. Over the years, the proportion of people drinking coffee with syrup or drinking a coffee mix containing both syrup and cream has decreased significantly. The results of the analysis, conducted by integrating the study subjects’ demographic characteristics and the coffee components, showed that the prevalence of periodontal disease was 0.83-times lower when drinking coffee with cream than when drinking black coffee. Coffee is the world’s second largest trade commodity following oil, and about 70%–80% of the world’s population drinks coffee. Drinking coffee with milk or cream can have a beneficial impact on periodontal disease.
Field Research on Mixing Aeration in a Drinking Water Reservoir: Performance and Microbial Community Structure
Authors: Zhou Zizhen , Huang Tinlin , Gong Weijin , Li Yang , Liu Yue , Zhou Shilei
Published: October 2019

Field research on the performance of pollutant removal and the structure of the microbial community was carried out on a drinking water reservoir. After one month of operation of a water-lifting aeration system, the water temperature difference between the bottom and the surface decreased from 9.9 to 3.1 °C, and the concentration of the dissolved oxygen (DO) in the bottom layer increased from 0 to 4.2 mg/L. The existing stratification in the reservoir was successfully eliminated. Total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations were reduced by 47.8%, 66.7%, and 22.9%, respectively. High-throughput sequencing showed that Proteobacteria, Bacteroides, and Actinomycetes accounted for 67.52% to 78.74% of the total bacterial population. Differences in the bacterial changes were observed between the enhanced area and the control area. With the operation of the water-lifting aeration system, the populations of bacteria of the main genera varied temporally and spatially. Principal component analysis pointed out a clear evolution in the vertical distribution of the microbial structure controlled by the operation of the aeration system. Permutational analysis of variance showed a significant difference in the microbial community (p < 0.01). Redundancy analysis showed that physical (water temperature, DO) and chemical environmental factors (Chl-a, TOC, TN) were the key factors affecting the changes in the microbial communities in the reservoir water. In addition, a hierarchical partitioning analysis indicated that T, Chl-a, ORP, TOC, pH, and DO accounted for 24.1%, 8.7%, 6.7%, 6.2%, 5.8%, and 5.1% of such changes, respectively. These results are consistent with the ABT (aggregated boosted tree) analysis for the variations in the functional bacterial community, and provide a theoretical basis for the development and application of biotechnology.
Domestic Violence During Pregnancy in Greece
Authors: Antoniou Evangelia , Iatrakis Georgios
Published: October 2019

There are no data about the prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy in Greece. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and the associated factors of domestic violence in a representative population of pregnant women in Greece. Five hundred and forty-six consecutive women, in outpatient clinics of two Public General Regional Hospitals in Athens, agreed to answer anonymously the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) questionnaire, translated into the Greek language. Five hundred and forty-six questionnaires were returned (100% response rate), revealing that the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy is 6%, with 3.4% of the sample having being abused since the beginning of pregnancy, mainly by their husband/partner. The factors associated with higher risk of abuse during pregnancy were nationality, socio-economic background, and educational level. Foreign women or women with a foreign partner, unemployed individuals, housewives, and university students faced a higher risk of being abused. A substantial age difference (≥10 years) in the couple, a history of abortions, and an undesired pregnancy also increased the risk of violence in pregnancy. These findings suggest that prenatal care is an important period for discussing abuse and, in the end, encouraging women to seek help.
Characterizing Obesity Interventions and Treatment for Children and Youths During 1991–2018
Authors: Tran Bach Xuan , Nghiem Son , Afoakwah Clifford , Latkin Carl A. , Ha Giang Hai , Nguyen Thao Phuong , Doan Linh Phuong , Pham Hai Quang , Ho Cyrus S.H. , Ho Roger C.M.
Published: October 2019

Overweight and obesity have become a serious health problem globally due to its significant role in increased morbidity and mortality. The treatments for this health issue are various such as lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapies, and surgery. However, little is known about the productivity, workflow, topics, and landscape research of all the papers mentioning the intervention and treatment for children with obesity. A total of 20,925 publications from the Web of Science database mentioning interventions and treatment in reducing the burden of childhood overweight and obesity on physical health, mental health, and society published in the period from 1991 to 2018 were in the analysis. We used Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for identifying the topics and a dendrogram for research disciplines. We found that the number of papers related to multilevel interventions such as family-based, school-based, and community-based is increasing. The number of papers mentioning interventions aimed at children and adolescents with overweight or obesity is not high in poor-resource settings or countries compared to the growth in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among youth due to cultural concepts or nutrition transition. Therefore, there is a need for support from developed countries to control the rising rates of overweight and obesity.
The Association between Social Support Sources and Cognitive Function among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A One-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Noguchi Taiji , Nojima Ippei , Inoue-Hirakawa Tomoe , Sugiura Hideshi
Published: October 2019

There is evidence that social relationships may modify cognitive decline in older people. We examined the prospective association between social support and cognitive function among community-dwelling older people. Japanese adults recruited at health checkups in suburban towns were surveyed at baseline and one-year follow-up. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Japanese version (MoCA-J). Social support from coresiding family, non-coresiding family, and neighbors/friends was assessed using self-administered questionnaires. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the effects of social support on MoCA-J scores at follow-up. Data were analyzed from 121 older people (mean age (standard deviation): 73.86 (4.95) years). There was a positive association between social support exchanges with neighbors and friends and MoCA-J scores at follow-up after covariate adjustment (unstandardized β = 1.23, p = 0.006). Social support exchanges with coresiding family and non-coresiding family and relatives were not associated with MoCA-J scores at follow-up (coresiding family: Unstandardized β = 0.28, p = 0.813, non-coresiding family and relatives: Unstandardized β = 0.51, p = 0.238). The provision of emotional support to neighbors and friends had the largest effect on MoCA-J scores. Our findings suggest that social support exchanges with neighbors and friends are protective against cognitive decline.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: What does Public Awareness Tell Us about Prevention Programming?
Authors: Choate Peter , Badry Dorothy , MacLaurin Bruce , Ariyo Kehinde , Sobhani Dorsa
Published: October 2019

The prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) does not appear to be diminishing over time. Indeed, recent data suggests that the disorder may be more prevalent than previously thought. A variety of public education programs developed over the last 20 years have promoted alcohol abstention during pregnancy, yet FASD remains a serious public health concern. This paper reports on a secondary data analysis of public awareness in one Canadian province looking at possible creative pathways to consider for future prevention efforts. The data indicates that the focus on women of childbearing age continues to make sense. The data also suggests that targeting formal (health care providers for examples) and informal support (partner, spouse, family, and friends) might also be valuable. They are seen as sources of encouragement, so ensuring they understand the risks, as well as effective ways to encourage abstinence or harm reduction, may be beneficial for both the woman and the pregnancy. Educating people who might support a woman in pregnancy may be as important as programs targeted towards women who may become or are pregnant. The data also suggests that there is already a significant level of awareness of FASD, thus highlighting the need to explore the effectiveness and value of current prevention approaches.
The Human Ecological Perspective and Biopsychosocial Medicine
Authors: Tretter Felix , Löffler-Stastka Henriette
Published: October 2019

With regard to philosophical anthropology, a human ecological framework for the human–environment relationship as an “ecology of the person” is outlined, which focuses on the term “relationship” and aims to be scientifically sound. It also provides theoretical orientations for multiprofessional clinical work. For this purpose, a multi-dimensional basic grid for the characterization of the individual human being is proposed. The necessity and meaningfulness of a differentiation and systematization of the terms “environment”, and above all “relationship”, are demonstrated, and practical examples and links to similar framework models are given.
Prevalence of Falls on Mount Fuji and Associated with Risk Factors: A Questionnaire Survey Study
Authors: Uno Tadashi , Fujino Masaya , Ohwaki Atsushi , Horiuchi Masahiro
Published: October 2019

Since little is known about the detailed situations of falls on Mount Fuji, the aim of this study was to clarify the risk factors of falls on Mount Fuji in Japan. We conducted a questionnaire survey of 556 participants who had climbed Mount Fuji and collected the following information: fall situation, mental status, fatigue feeling, sex, age, climbing experience on Mount Fuji and other mountains, summit success, whether staying at a lodge, use of a tour guide, and symptoms of acute mountain sickness. Among the 556 participants, 167 had a fall (30%). Among 167 participants who had experienced a fall, 30 had fallen more than three times (18%). The main cause (>60%) of fall were slips. The most optimal model using multiple logistic regression (no fall = 0, and fall = 1) found eight significant risk factors, including sex, prior climbing experience on Mount Fuji, staying overnight at a lodge, subjective feeling of relaxation, sleepiness, emotional stability, dullness, and eyestrain. These results suggest that females, people who have no prior climbing experience on Mount Fuji, and people who did not stay at a lodge should pay attention to an increased risk of falls on Mount Fuji.
ATRX Contributes to MeCP2-Mediated Pericentric Heterochromatin Organization during Neural Differentiation
Authors: Marano Domenico , Fioriniello Salvatore , Fiorillo Francesca , Gibbons Richard J. , D’Esposito Maurizio , Della Ragione Floriana
Published: October 2019

Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a multi-function factor involved in locus-specific transcriptional modulation and the regulation of genome architecture, e.g., pericentric heterochromatin (PCH) organization. MECP2 mutations are responsible for Rett syndrome (RTT), a devastating postnatal neurodevelopmental disorder, the pathogenetic mechanisms of which are still unknown. MeCP2, together with Alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked protein (ATRX), accumulates at chromocenters, which are repressive PCH domains. As with MECP2, mutations in ATRX cause ATR-X syndrome which is associated with severe intellectual disability. We exploited two murine embryonic stem cell lines, in which the expression of MeCP2 or ATRX is abolished. Through immunostaining, chromatin immunoprecipitation and western blot, we show that MeCP2 and ATRX are reciprocally dependent both for their expression and targeting to chromocenters. Moreover, ATRX plays a role in the accumulation of members of the heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) family at PCH and, as MeCP2, modulates their expression. Furthermore, ATRX and HP1 targeting to chromocenters depends on an RNA component. 3D-DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) highlighted, for the first time, a contribution of ATRX in MeCP2-mediated chromocenter clustering during neural differentiation. Overall, we provide a detailed dissection of the functional interplay between MeCP2 and ATRX in higher-order PCH organization in neurons. Our findings suggest molecular defects common to RTT and ATR-X syndrome, including an alteration in PCH.
Post-Translational Deimination of Immunological and Metabolic Protein Markers in Plasma and Extracellular Vesicles of Naked Mole-Rat (Heterocephalus glaber)
Authors: Pamenter Matthew E. , Uysal-Onganer Pinar , Huynh Kenny W. , Kraev Igor , Lange Sigrun
Published: October 2019

Naked mole-rats are long-lived animals that show unusual resistance to hypoxia, cancer and ageing. Protein deimination is an irreversible post-translational modification caused by the peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) family of enzymes, which convert arginine into citrulline in target proteins. Protein deimination can cause structural and functional protein changes, facilitating protein moonlighting, but also leading to neo-epitope generation and effects on gene regulation. Furthermore, PADs have been found to regulate cellular release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are lipid-vesicles released from cells as part of cellular communication. EVs carry protein and genetic cargo and are indicative biomarkers that can be isolated from most body fluids. This study was aimed at profiling deiminated proteins in plasma and EVs of naked mole-rat. Key immune and metabolic proteins were identified to be post-translationally deiminated, with 65 proteins specific for plasma, while 42 proteins were identified to be deiminated in EVs only. Using protein-protein interaction network analysis, deiminated plasma proteins were found to belong to KEEG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways of immunity, infection, cholesterol and drug metabolism, while deiminated proteins in EVs were also linked to KEEG pathways of HIF-1 signalling and glycolysis. The mole-rat EV profiles showed a poly-dispersed population of 50–300 nm, similar to observations of human plasma. Furthermore, the EVs were assessed for three key microRNAs involved in cancer, inflammation and hypoxia. The identification of post-translational deimination of critical immunological and metabolic markers contributes to the current understanding of protein moonlighting functions, via post-translational changes, in the longevity and cancer resistance of naked mole-rats.
Variable Smear Layer and Adhesive Application: The Pursuit of Clinical Relevance in Bond Strength Testing
Authors: Chowdhury Abu Faem Mohammad Almas , Islam Rafiqul , Alam Arefin , Matsumoto Mariko , Yamauti Monica , Carvalho Ricardo Marins , Sano Hidehiko
Published: October 2019

The removal or modification of smear layers that cover the dentin is critical to allow the penetration of adhesive molecules and to ensure a strong bond between resin and dentin. Aiming to establish a model for clinically-relevant dentin-bond testing, we evaluated the effects of smear layers created by abrasives having similar coarseness (180-grit SiC paper; fine-grit diamond bur) and application modes (single application; double application) on the microtensile bond strengths (µTBS) of two currently available universal adhesives (G-Premio Bond; Scotchbond Universal Adhesive) and a two-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil Megabond 2). Sixty extracted human third molars were used for the μTBS test. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Fracture modes were determined using stereomicroscopy. An additional 24 third molars were prepared for observation of the resin–dentin interface by TEM and adhesive-smear layer interaction by SEM. μTBS was significantly affected by the adhesives and their application modes (p < 0.001), implying that the double application of universal adhesives should be recommended to improve their performance. The effect of smear layers was not significant (p > 0.05), indicating that 180-grit SiC papers could be used to prepare dentin as a substitute for fine-grit diamond burs for dentin-bond testing in laboratory settings.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Effects of Stybenpropol A on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Feifei , Zhang Qing , Liang Qiuming , Wang Shumei , Xian Minghua , Wang Feng
Published: October 2019

Inflammation is a key mediator in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Benzoinum, a resin secreted from the bark of Styrax tonkinensis, has been widely used as a form of traditional Chinese medicine in clinical settings to enhance cardiovascular function, but the active components of the resin responsible for those pharmaceutical effects remain unclear. To better clarify these components, a new phenylpropane derivative termed stybenpropol A was isolated from benzoinum and characterized via comprehensive spectra a nalysis. We further assessed how this phenylpropane derivative affected treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Our results revealed that stybenpropol A reduced soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression by ELISA, inhibited apoptosis, and accelerated nitric oxide (NO) release in TNF-α-treated HUVECs. We further found that stybenpropol A decreased VCAM-1, ICAM-1, Bax, and caspase-9 protein levels, and increased the protein levels of Bcl-2, IKK-β, and IκB-α. This study identified a new, natural phenylpropane derivative of benzoinum, and is the first to reveal its cytoprotective effects in the context of TNF-α-treated HUVECs via regulation of the NF-κB and caspase-9 signaling pathways.
The Molecular Effects of Sulforaphane and Capsaicin on Metabolism upon Androgen and Tip60 Activation of Androgen Receptor
Authors: Carrasco-Pozo Catalina , Tan Kah Ni , Rodriguez Tayner , Avery Vicky M.
Published: October 2019

Androgen receptor (AR) stimulators, such as androgen and Tip60, play a pivotal role in prostatic carcinogenesis as androgen receptor signaling is critical for the growth and transformation of the prostate gland. Moreover, androgen and Tip60 promotes HIF-1α activation, involved in metabolic reprogramming by increasing glycolysis, a hallmark in cancer initiation and development. In this study we evaluated the effect of androgen and Tip60 stimulus in AR pathway activation and HIF-1α stabilization, in terms of proliferation and cell metabolism in androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells. The protective role of the bioactive compounds sulforaphane and capsaicin against the effect of these stimuli leading to pro-carcinogenic features was also addressed. Sulforaphane and capsaicin decreased nuclear AR, prostate specific antigen and Bcl-XL levels, and cell proliferation induced by androgen and Tip60 in LNCaP cells. These bioactive compounds prevented the increase in glycolysis, hexokinase and pyruvate kinase activity, and reduced HIF-1α stabilization induced by androgen and Tip60 in LNCaP cells. The protective role of sulforaphane and capsaicin on prostate cancer may rely on mechanisms involving the inhibition of Tip60, AR and HIF-1α effects.
SAR-mediated Similarity Assessment of the Property Profile for New, Silicon-Based AChE/BChE Inhibitors
Authors: Bak Andrzej , Pizova Hana , Kozik Violetta , Vorcakova Katarina , Kos Jiri , Treml Jakub , Odehnalova Klara , Oravec Michal , Imramovsky Ales , Bobal Pavel , Smolinski Adam , Trávníček Zdeněk , Jampilek Josef
Published: October 2019

A set of 25 novel, silicon-based carbamate derivatives as potential acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE/BChE) inhibitors was synthesized and characterized by their in vitro inhibition profiles and the selectivity indexes (SIs). The prepared compounds were also tested for their inhibition potential on photosynthetic electron transport (PET) in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts. In fact, some of the newly prepared molecules revealed comparable or even better inhibitory activities compared to the marketed drugs (rivastigmine or galanthamine) and commercially applied pesticide Diuron®, respectively. Generally, most compounds exhibited better inhibition potency towards AChE; however, a wider activity span was observed for BChE. Notably, benzyl N-[(1S)-2-[(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy]-1-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)carbamoyl]ethyl]-carbamate (2) and benzyl N-[(1S)-2-[(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy]-1-[(3-hydroxyphenyl)carbamoyl]ethyl]-carbamate (3) were characterized by fairly high selective indexes. Specifically, compound 2 was prescribed with the lowest IC50 value that corresponds quite well with galanthamine inhibition activity, while the inhibitory profiles of molecules 3 and benzyl-N-[(1S)-2-[(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy]-1-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)carbamoyl]ethyl]carbamate (4) are in line with rivastigmine activity. Moreover, a structure–activity relationship (SAR)-driven similarity evaluation of the physicochemical properties for the carbamates examined appeared to have foreseen the activity cliffs using a similarity–activity landscape index for BChE inhibitory response values. The ‘indirect’ ligand-based and ‘direct’ protein-mediated in silico approaches were applied to specify electronic/steric/lipophilic factors that are potentially valid for quantitative (Q)SAR modeling of the carbamate analogues. The stochastic model validation was used to generate an ‘average’ 3D-QSAR pharmacophore pattern. Finally, the target-oriented molecular docking was employed to (re)arrange the spatial distribution of the ligand property space for BChE and photosystem II (PSII).
Role of Hypoxia and Metabolism in the Development of Neointimal Hyperplasia in Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Sadaghianloo Nirvana , Contenti Julie , Dardik Alan , Mazure Nathalie M.
Published: October 2019

For patients with end-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis, their vascular access is both their lifeline and their Achilles heel. Despite being recommended as primary vascular access, the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) shows sub-optimal results, with about 50% of patients needing a revision during the year following creation. After the AVF is created, the venous wall must adapt to new environment. While hemodynamic changes are responsible for the adaptation of the extracellular matrix and activation of the endothelium, surgical dissection and mobilization of the vein disrupt the vasa vasorum, causing wall ischemia and oxidative stress. As a consequence, migration and proliferation of vascular cells participate in venous wall thickening by a mechanism of neointimal hyperplasia (NH). When aggressive, NH causes stenosis and AVF dysfunction. In this review we show how hypoxia, metabolism, and flow parameters are intricate mechanisms responsible for the development of NH and stenosis during AVF maturation.
Sepsis: Precision-Based Medicine for Pregnancy and the Puerperium
Authors: Greer Orene , Shah Nishel Mohan , Sriskandan Shiranee , Johnson Mark R.
Published: October 2019

Sepsis contributes significantly to global morbidity and mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations. Pregnant and recently pregnant women are particularly prone to rapid progression to sepsis and septic shock, with 11% of maternal deaths worldwide being attributed to sepsis. The impact on the neonate is considerable, with 1 million neonatal deaths annually attributed to maternal infection or sepsis. Pregnancy specific physiological and immunological adaptations are likely to contribute to a greater impact of infection, but current approaches to the management of sepsis are based on those developed for the non-pregnant population. Pregnancy-specific strategies are required to optimise recognition and management of these patients. We review current knowledge of the physiology and immunology of pregnancy and propose areas of research, which may advance the development of pregnancy-specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to optimise the care of pregnant women and their babies.
Xeno-Free Propagation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells from Infant Boys
Authors: Dong Lihua , Gul Murat , Hildorf Simone , Pors Susanne Elisabeth , Kristensen Stine Gry , Hoffmann Eva R. , Cortes Dina , Thorup Jorgen , Andersen Claus Yding
Published: October 2019

Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation therapy is a promising strategy to renew spermatogenesis for prepubertal boys whose fertility is compromised. However, propagation of SSCs is required due to a limited number of SSCs in cryopreserved testicular tissue. This propagation must be done under xeno-free conditions for clinical application. SSCs were propagated from infant testicular tissue (7 mg and 10 mg) from two boys under xeno-free conditions using human platelet lysate and nutrient source. We verified SSC-like cell clusters (SSCLCs) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immune-reaction assay using the SSC markers undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 (UCHL1), GDNF receptor alpha-1 (GFRα-1) Fα and promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger protein (PLZF). The functionality of the propagated SSCs was investigated by pre-labelling using green fluorescent Cell Linker PKH67 and xeno-transplantation of the SSCLCs into busulfan-treated, therefore sterile, immunodeficient mice. SSC-like cell clusters (SSCLCs) appeared after 2 weeks in primary passage. The SSCLCs were SSC-like as the UTF1, UCHL1, GFRα1 and PLZF were all positive. After 2.5 months’ culture period, a total of 13 million cells from one sample were harvested for xenotransplantation. Labelled human propagated SSCs were identified and verified in mouse seminiferous tubules at 3–6 weeks, confirming that the transplanted cells contain SSCLCs. The present xeno-free clinical culture protocol allows propagation of SSCs from infant boys.
Haplotype Networking of GWAS Hits for Citrulline Variation Associated with the Domestication of Watermelon
Authors: Joshi Vijay , Shinde Suhas , Nimmakayala Padma , Abburi Venkata Lakshmi , Alaparthi Suresh Babu , Lopez-Ortiz Carlos , Levi Amnon , Panicker Girish , Reddy Umesh K.
Published: October 2019

Watermelon is a good source of citrulline, a non-protein amino acid. Citrulline has several therapeutic and clinical implications as it produces nitric oxide via arginine. In plants, citrulline plays a pivotal role in nitrogen transport and osmoprotection. The purpose of this study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with citrulline metabolism using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and understand the role of citrulline in watermelon domestication. A watermelon collection consisting of 187 wild, landraces, and cultivated accessions was used to estimate citrulline content. An association analysis involved a total of 12,125 SNPs with a minor allele frequency (MAF)>0.05 in understanding the population structure and phylogeny in light of citrulline accumulation. Wild egusi types and landraces contained low to medium citrulline content, whereas cultivars had higher content, which suggests that obtaining higher content of citrulline is a domesticated trait. GWAS analysis identified candidate genes (ferrochelatase and acetolactate synthase) showing a significant association of SNPs with citrulline content. Haplotype networking indicated positive selection from wild to domesticated watermelon. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing genetic regulation of citrulline variation in plants by using a GWAS strategy. These results provide new insights into the citrulline metabolism in plants and the possibility of incorporating high citrulline as a trait in watermelon breeding programs.