bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibronectin and Its Receptors in Hematopoiesis
Authors: Wirth Franziska , Lubosch Alexander , Hamelmann Stefan , Nakchbandi Inaam A.
Published: December 2020

Fibronectin is a ubiquitous extracellular matrix protein that is produced by many cell types in the bone marrow and distributed throughout it. Cells of the stem cell niche produce the various isoforms of this protein. Fibronectin not only provides the cells a scaffold to bind to, but it also modulates their behavior by binding to receptors on the adjacent hematopoietic stem cells and stromal cells. These receptors, which include integrins such as α4β1, α9β1, α4β7, α5β1, αvβ3, Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), and CD44, are found on the hematopoietic stem cell. Because the knockout of fibronectin is lethal during embryonal development and because fibronectin is produced by almost all cell types in mammals, the study of its role in hematopoiesis is difficult. Nevertheless, strong and direct evidence exists for its stimulation of myelopoiesis and thrombopoiesis using in vivo models. Other reviewed effects can be deduced from the study of fibronectin receptors, which showed their activation modifies the behavior of hematopoietic stem cells. Erythropoiesis was only stimulated under hemolytic stress, and mostly late stages of lymphocytic differentiation were modulated. Because fibronectin is ubiquitously expressed, these interactions in health and disease need to be taken into account whenever any molecule is evaluated in hematopoiesis.
Implication of the Association of Fibrinogen Citrullination and Osteoclastogenesis in Bone Destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kim Ji Soo , Choi Mikyung , Choi Ji Yong , Kim Joo Yeon , Kim Jeong Yeon , Song Jin-Su , Ivashkiv Lionel B. , Lee Eun Young
Published: December 2020

Immune complexes containing citrullinated fibrinogen are present in the sera and synovium of rheumatoid arthritis patients and potentially contribute to synovitis. However, fibrinogen can inhibit the osteoclastogenesis of precursor cells. We investigated the direct effect of citrullinated fibrinogen on osteoclastogenesis to understand the role of citrullination on bone erosion of rheumatoid arthritis patients. We evaluated the fibrinogen citrullination sites using mass spectrometry and quantified osteoclast-related protein and gene expression levels by Western blotting, microarray, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Differences in spectral peaks were noted between fibrinogen and citrullinated fibrinogen at five sites in α-chains, two sites in β-chains, and one site in a γ-chain. Transcriptome changes induced by fibrinogen and citrullinated fibrinogen were identified and differentially expressed genes grouped into three distinctive modules. Fibrinogen was then citrullinated in vitro using peptidylarginine deiminase. When increasing doses of soluble fibrinogen and citrullinated fibrinogen were applied to human CD14+ monocytes, citrullination restored osteoclastogenesis-associated changes, including NF-ATc1 and ß3-integrin. Finally, citrullination rescued the number of osteoclasts by restoring fibrinogen-induced suppression of osteoclastogenesis. Taken together, the results indicate that the inhibitory function of fibrinogen on osteoclastogenesis is reversed by citrullination and suggest that citrullinated fibrinogen may contribute to erosive bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.
Curing Reaction Kinetics of the EHTPB-Based PBX Binder System and Its Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zhang Xing , Liu Yucun , Chai Tao , Ma Zhongliang , Jia Kanghui
Published: December 2020

In this research, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to compare the curing reaction kinetics of the epoxidized hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene-isophorone diisocyanate (EHTPB-IPDI) and hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene-isophorone diisocyanate (HTPB-IPDI) binder systems. Glass transition temperature (Tg) and mechanical properties of the EHTPB-IPDI and HTPB-IPDI binder systems were determined using the DSC method and a universal testing machine, respectively. For the EHTPB-IPDI binder system, the change of viscosity during the curing process in the presence of dibutyltin silicate (DBTDL) and tin 2-ethylhexanoate (TECH) catalysts was studied, and the activation energy was estimated. The results show that the activation energies (Ea) of the curing reaction of the EHTPB-IPDI and HTPB-IPDI binder systems are 53.8 and 59.1 kJ·mol−1, respectively. While their average initial curing temperatures of the two systems are 178.2 and 189.5 °C, respectively. The EHTPB-IPDI binder system exhibits a higher reactivity. Compared with the HTPB-IPDI binder system, the Tg of the EHTPB-IPDI binder system is increased by 5 °C. Its tensile strength and tear strength are increased by 12% and 17%, respectively, while its elongation at break is reduced by 10%. Epoxy groups and isocyanates react to form oxazolidinones, thereby improving the mechanical properties and thermal stability of polyurethane materials. These differences indicate that the EHTPB-IPDI binder system has better thermal stability and mechanical properties. During the EHTPB-IPDI binder system’s curing process, the DBTDL catalyst may ensure a higher viscosity growth rate, indicating a better catalytic effect, consistent with the prediction results obtained using the non-isothermal kinetic analysis method.
Improving Generalized Discrete Fourier Transform (GDFT) Filter Banks with Low-Complexity and Reconfigurable Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Otunniyi Temidayo , Myburgh Hermanus
Published: December 2020

With ever-increasing wireless network demands, low-complexity reconfigurable filter design is expected to continue to require research attention. Extracting and reconfiguring channels of choice from multi-standard receivers using a generalized discrete Fourier transform filter bank (GDFT-FB) is computationally intensive. In this work, a lower compexity algorithm is written for this transform. The design employs two different approaches: hybridization of the generalized discrete Fourier transform filter bank with frequency response masking and coefficient decimation method 1; and the improvement and implementation of the hybrid generalized discrete Fourier transform using a parallel distributed arithmetic-based residual number system (PDA-RNS) filter. The design is evaluated using MATLAB 2020a. Synthesis of area, resource utilization, delay, and power consumption was done on a Quartus 11 Altera 90 using the very high-speed integrated circuits (VHSIC) hardware description language. During MATLAB simulations, the proposed HGDFT algorithm attained a 66% reduction, in terms of number of multipliers, compared with existing algorithms. From co-simulation on the Quartus 11 Altera 90, optimization of the filter with PDA-RNS resulted in a 77% reduction in the number of occupied lookup table (LUT) slices, an 83% reduction in power consumption, and an 11% reduction in execution time, when compared with existing methods.
A Two-Stage X-Band 20.7-dBm Power Amplifier in 40-nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Li Zhichao , Yang Shiheng , Lee Samuel B. S. , Yeo Kiat Seng
Published: December 2020

For higher integration density, X-band power amplifiers (PAs) with CMOS technology have been widely discussed in recent publications. However, with reduced power supply voltage and device size, it is a great challenge to design a compact PA with high output power and power-added efficiency (PAE). In the proposed design, a 40-nm standard CMOS process is used for higher integration with other RF building blocks, compared with other CMOS PA designs with larger process node. Transistor cells are designed with neutralization capacitors to increase stability and gain performance of the PA. As a trade-off among gain, output power, and PAE, the transistor cells in driving stage and power stage are biased for class A and class AB operation, respectively. Both transistor cells consist of two transistors working in differential mode. Furthermore, transformer-based matching networks (TMNs) are used to realize a two-stage X-band CMOS PA with compact size. The PA achieves an effective conductivity (EC) of 117.5, which is among the highest in recently reported X-band PAs in CMOS technology. The PA also attains a saturated output power (Psat) of 20.7 dBm, a peak PAE of 22.4%, and a gain of 25.6 dB at the center frequency of 10 GHz under a 1 V supply in 40-nm CMOS.
A Compact and Robust Technique for the Modeling and Parameter Extraction of Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Falaschetti Laura , Mencarelli Davide , Pelagalli Nicola , Crippa Paolo , Biagetti Giorgio , Turchetti Claudio , Deligeorgis George , Pierantoni Luca
Published: December 2020

Carbon nanotubes field-effect transistors (CNTFETs) have been recently studied with great interest due to the intriguing properties of the material that, in turn, lead to remarkable properties of the charge transport of the device channel. Downstream of the full-wave simulations, the construction of equivalent device models becomes the basic step for the advanced design of high-performance CNTFET-based nanoelectronics circuits and systems. In this contribution, we introduce a strategy for deriving a compact model for a CNTFET that is based on the full-wave simulation of the 3D geometry by using the finite element method, followed by the derivation of a compact circuit model and extraction of equivalent parameters. We show examples of CNTFET simulations and extract from them the fitting parameters of the model. The aim is to achieve a fully functional description in Verilog-A language and create a model library for the SPICE-like simulator environment, in order to be used by IC designers.
Vulnerability Assessment of Ubiquitous Cities Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Tariq Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman , Wai Cheuk Yin , Muttil Nitin
Published: December 2020

Urbanization is a challenge faced by most countries worldwide and leads to several problems. Due to rapid communication capabilities, conforming the megacities into Ubiquitous cities (U-cities) seems to be a potential solution to mitigate the problems caused by urbanization. Extensive reliance and dependencies of U-cities on information and communication technologies (ICTs) bring forth a new set of risks and vulnerabilities to these megacities. This research investigates the vulnerabilities of ICTs against man-made and natural hazards in a systematic way using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The study identifies the vulnerabilities of different ICTs in U-cities and helps in improving the system’s resistivity against various hazards. The task is performed by evaluating the level of disruption on the different technologies and areas under the identified man-made and natural hazards. The research provides an insight into the working mechanisms of involved ICTs. It also helps to manage U-cities with more secure and sustainable services. The research identified that the new ICTs-based hazards have emerged and have become among the most influential hazards. The research has concluded that the vulnerabilities of U-cities are significantly different from that of conventional cities and need further studies to develop further understandings. The research recommends similar vulnerability studies for regional areas as well.
Latitudinal Cline in Chromosome Numbers of Ice Cod A. glacialis (Gadidae) from Northeast Greenland
Authors: Ghigliotti Laura , Christiansen Jørgen S. , Carlig Erica , Di Blasi Davide , Pisano Eva
Published: December 2020

The ice cod Arctogadus glacialis (Peters, 1872) is one of the few fish species endemic to the Arctic. With a circumpolar distribution, the species is confined to the fjords and shelves of the Arctic seas. Biological information on A. glacialis is scarce, with genomic information restricted to microsatellites. Within the frame of the TUNU-Programme: Arctic Ocean Fishes—Diversity, Adaptation and Conservation, we studied A. glacialis at the chromosomal level to explore fish diversity and evolutionary aspects. The analysis of over 50 individuals from the Northeast Greenland fjords between latitudes 71°09′ N and 76°42′ N revealed a remarkable intraspecific diversity epitomized by chromosome numbers spanning from 28 to 33, the occurrence of putative B chromosomes, and diversified patterns of distribution of heterochromatin and rDNAs. The number of B chromosomes followed a latitudinal gradient from 0–2 in the north to 2–5 in the south. Considering the benthic and rather stationary life history of this species, the observed chromosomal differences might have arisen independently, possibly driven and/or fostered by the dynamics of repetitive sequences, and are being fixed in relatively isolated fjord populations. The resulting latitudinal cline we observe today might have repercussions on the fate of local populations facing the ongoing climate-driven environmental changes.
Carriage and Gene Content Variability of the pESI-Like Plasmid Associated with Salmonella Infantis Recently Established in United States Poultry Production
Authors: McMillan Elizabeth A. , Wasilenko Jamie L. , Tagg Kaitlin A. , Chen Jessica C. , Simmons Mustafa , Gupta Sushim K. , Tillman Glenn E. , Folster Jason , Jackson Charlene R. , Frye Jonathan G.
Published: December 2020

Salmonella Infantis carrying extended spectrum β-lactamase blaCTX-M-65 on a pESI-like megaplasmid has recently emerged in United States poultry. In order to determine the carriage rate and gene content variability of this plasmid in U.S. Salmonella Infantis, whole genome sequences of Salmonella isolates from humans and animals in the U.S. and internationally containing the pESI-like plasmid were analyzed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) identified 654 product sampling isolates containing pESI-like plasmids through hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) verification testing in 2017 and 2018. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified 55 isolates with pESI-like plasmids in 2016–2018 through the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. Approximately 49% of pESI-like plasmids from FSIS verification isolates and 71% from CDC NARMS contained blaCTX-M-65. Pan-plasmid genome analysis was also performed. All plasmids contained traN and more than 95% contained 172 other conserved genes; 61% contained blaCTX-M-65. In a hierarchical clustering analysis, some plasmids from U.S. animal sources clustered together and some plasmids from South America clustered together, possibly indicating multiple plasmid lineages. However, most plasmids contained similar genes regardless of origin. Carriage of the pESI-like plasmid in U.S. appears to be limited to Salmonella Infantis and carriage rates increased from 2017 to 2018.
Bi-Allelic Pathogenic Variations in MERTK Including Deletions Are Associated with an Early Onset Progressive Form of Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Jespersgaard Cathrine , Bertelsen Mette , Arif Farah , Gellert-Kristensen Helene Gry , Fang Mingyan , Jensen Hanne , Rosenberg Thomas , Tümer Zeynep , Møller Lisbeth Birk , Brøndum-Nielsen Karen , Grønskov Karen
Published: December 2020

Bi-allelic pathogenic variants in MERTK cause retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Since deletions of more than one exon have been reported repeatedly for MERTK, CNV (copy number variation) analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data has proven important in molecular genetic diagnostics of MERTK. CNV analysis was performed on NGS data of 677 individuals with inherited retinal diseases (IRD) and confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Clinical evaluation was based on retrospective records. Clinical re-examination included visual field examination, dark adaption, scotopic and photopic full-field electroretinograms (ffERG), multifocal ERG (mfERG) and optic coherence tomography (OCT). Fourteen variants were detected in MERTK in six individuals, three of which were deletions of more than one exon. Clinical examinations of five out of six individuals revealed a severe phenotype with early-onset generalized retinal dystrophy with night blindness and progressive visual field loss; however, one individual had a milder phenotype. Three individuals had hearing impairments. We show that deletions represent a substantial part of the causative variants in MERTK and emphasize that CNV analysis should be included in the molecular genetic diagnostics of IRDs.
Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of Skeletal Muscle Tissue: Expanding Biomarkers in Primary Mitochondrial Myopathies
Authors: Gervasoni Jacopo , Primiano Aniello , Marini Federico , Sabino Andrea , Biancolillo Alessandra , Calvani Riccardo , Picca Anna , Marzetti Emanuele , Persichilli Silvia , Urbani Andrea , Servidei Serenella , Primiano Guido
Published: December 2020

Primary mitochondrial myopathies (PMM) are a group of mitochondrial disorders characterized by a predominant skeletal muscle involvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the biochemical profile determined by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic technique would allow to distinguish among patients affected by progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO), the most common PMM presentation, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), and healthy controls. Thirty-four participants were enrolled in the study. FTIR spectroscopy was found to be a sensitive and specific diagnostic marker for PEO. In particular, FTIR spectroscopy was able to distinguish PEO patients from those affected by OPMD, even in the presence of histological findings similar to mitochondrial myopathy. At the same time, FTIR spectroscopy differentiated single mtDNA deletion and mutations in POLG, the most common nuclear gene associated with mitochondrial diseases, with high sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, our data suggest that FTIR spectroscopy is a valuable biodiagnostic tool for the differential diagnosis of PEO with a high ability to also distinguish between single mtDNA deletion and mutations in POLG gene based on specific metabolic transitions.
Adiposity and High Blood Pressure during Childhood: A Prospective Analysis of the Role of Physical Activity Intensity and Sedentary Time in the GECKO Drenthe Cohort
Authors: Wiersma Rikstje , Hartman Esther , Boezen Hendrika Marike , Corpeleijn Eva
Published: December 2020

Whereas in adults, physical inactivity is strongly related to obesity and hypertension, in young children the evidence is inconsistent and scarce. We examined the association between physical activity (PA) behaviours at 5–6 years of age and adiposity and blood pressure (BP) at 10–11 years in 947 children (51% boys) from the Groningen Expert Center for Kids with Obesity (GECKO) Drenthe cohort. Sedentary time (ST) and light, moderate, and vigorous PA were assessed using accelerometry (ActiGraph GT3X, wear time > 600 min/day, ≥3 days). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and systolic and diastolic BP were measured at 5–6 and 10–11 years of age and standardized as age- and sex-adjusted (and height-adjusted, for BP) z-scores. Adjusted linear and logistic regression models showed that most PA behaviours were not related to standardized BMI or WC, overweightness/obesity, abdominal overweightness/obesity, standardized systolic or diastolic BP, pulse pressure, or prehypertension at 10–11 years of age. Only if children spent more time in vigorous PA was WC slightly lower (B (95% CI) = −0.08 (−0.16, −0.01) SD, stdβ = −0.068) and the increase in WC over the years was less (B (95% CI) = −0.10 (−0.18, −0.01) SD; stdβ = −0.083). To conclude, at this very young age, PA behaviours are not a strong predictor for overweightness/obesity or hypertension later in childhood.
Racial Segregation, Testing Site Access, and COVID-19 Incidence Rate in Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Hu Tao , Yue Han , Wang Changzhen , She Bing , Ye Xinyue , Liu Regina , Zhu Xinyan , Guan Weihe Wendy , Bao Shuming
Published: December 2020

The U.S. has merely 4% of the world population, but contains 25% of the world’s COVID-19 cases. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., Massachusetts has been leading other states in the total number of COVID-19 cases. Racial residential segregation is a fundamental cause of racial disparities in health. Moreover, disparities of access to health care have a large impact on COVID-19 cases. Thus, this study estimates racial segregation and disparities in testing site access and employs economic, demographic, and transportation variables at the city/town level in Massachusetts. Spatial regression models are applied to evaluate the relationships between COVID-19 incidence rate and related variables. This is the first study to apply spatial analysis methods across neighborhoods in the U.S. to examine the COVID-19 incidence rate. The findings are: (1) Residential segregations of Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black/African Americans have a significantly positive association with COVID-19 incidence rate, indicating the higher susceptibility of COVID-19 infections among minority groups. (2) Non-Hispanic Black/African Americans have the shortest drive time to testing sites, followed by Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Asians, and Non-Hispanic Whites. The drive time to testing sites is significantly negatively associated with the COVID-19 incidence rate, implying the importance of the accessibility of testing sites by all populations. (3) Poverty rate and road density are significant explanatory variables. Importantly, overcrowding represented by more than one person per room is a significant variable found to be positively associated with COVID-19 incidence rate, suggesting the effectiveness of social distancing for reducing infection. (4) Different from the findings of previous studies, the elderly population rate is not statistically significantly correlated with the incidence rate because the elderly population in Massachusetts is less distributed in the hotspot regions of COVID-19 infections. The findings in this study provide useful insights for policymakers to propose new strategies to contain the COVID-19 transmissions in Massachusetts.
Work Disabling Nerve Injury at Both Elbows Due to Laptop Use at Flexible Workplaces inside an Office: Case-Report of a Bilateral Ulnar Neuropathy
Authors: Kuijer P. Paul F. M. , van der Pas Joris , van der Molen Henk F.
Published: December 2020

Background: This case report describes whether a female civil servant who developed bilateral ulnar neuropathy can be classified as having an occupational disease. Methods: The Dutch six-step protocol for the assessment and prevention of occupational diseases is used. Results: Based on the six-step protocol, we propose that pressure on the ulnar nerve in the elbow region precipitated the neuropathy for this employee while working prolonged periods in elbow flexion with a laptop. Conclusion: Despite the low incidence laptop use might be a risk factor for the occurrence of ulnar neuropathy due to prolonged pressure on the elbow. Employers and workers need to be educated about this disabling occupational injury due to laptop use and about protective work practices such as support for the upper arm and elbow. This seems especially relevant given the trend of more flexible workspaces inside and outside offices, and given the seemingly safe appearance of laptop use.
How Does Sexual Harassment Influence the Female Employee’s Negative Response in a Deluxe Hotel?
Authors: Jung Hyo Sun , Yoon Hye Hyun
Published: December 2020

Today, organizations face risky legal and financial consequences stemming from a single sexual harassment event. The purpose of this study was to verify that the sexual harassment, as perceived by female employees, significantly affects their levels of psychological distress and workplace deviant behavior to investigate the moderating role of organizational silence and psychological detachment in the causal relationship. First, this study found that perceived sexual harassment has a negative impact on the female employees’ psychological distress and workplace deviant behavior. This study’s results also demonstrated that psychological distress has a positive impact on workplace deviant behavior. Additionally, the influence of perceived sexual harassment on psychological distress increased when the employees’ psychological detachment was weak. Finally, limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
Quorum Quenching Mediated Bacteria Interruption as a Probable Strategy for Drinking Water Treatment against Bacterial Pollution
Authors: Liu Jia , Sun Xiaohui , Ma Yuting , Zhang Junyi , Xu Changan , Zhou Shufeng
Published: December 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water lines may cause bacteria pollution indrinking fountains that could affect the quality of potable water, thus posing a risk to public health. A clean and efficient strategy is required for drinking water treatment for food safety. In this study, an AiiA-homologous lactonase was cloned from a deep-sea probiotics Bacillus velezensis (DH82 strain), and was heterologously expressed so that the capacity of the enzyme on the N-acyl-L-homoserine lactone (AHL)-degrading, effect of bacterial proliferation, biofilm formation and toxic factors release, and membrane pollution from P. aeruginosa could each be investigated to analyze the effect of the enzyme on water treatment. The enzyme effectively degraded the signal molecules of P. aeruginosa (C6-HSL and C12-HSL), inhibited early proliferation and biofilm formation, significantly reduced toxic products (pyocyanin and rhamnolipid), and inhibited bacterial fouling on the filter membrane, which prevented the secondary contamination of P. aeruginosa in drinking water. The findings demonstrated that the quorum quenching enzyme from probiotics could prevent bacteria pollution and improve potable water quality, and that the enzyme treatment could be used as a probable strategy for drinking water treatment.
Chemical Characterization and Quantification of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) in Seafood by Single-Particle ICP-MS: Assessment of Dietary Exposure
Authors: Grasso Alfina , Ferrante Margherita , Zuccarello Pietro , Filippini Tommaso , Arena Giovanni , Fiore Maria , Cristaldi Antonio , Conti Gea Oliveri , Copat Chiara
Published: December 2020

The significant increase in the production and variety of nanoparticles (NPs) has led to their release into the environment, especially into the marine environment. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are used in different industrial sectors, from the food industry to several consumer and household products. Since the aquatic environment is highly sensitive to contamination by TiO2-NPs, this work aimed to give a preliminary assessment of the contamination of packaged seafood, where the food additive TiO2 (E171) is not to be intentionally added. This allowed providing a chemical characterization and quantification of TiO2-NPs in processed canned fish products belonging to different trophic positions of the pelagic compartment and in canned clam. The new emerging technique called single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) was applied, which allows the determination of nanoparticle number-based concentration, as well as the dissolved titanium. This study highlights how processed food, where the pigment E171 was not intentionally added, contains TiO2 in its nanoparticle form, as well as dissolved titanium. Processed clam represented the seafood with the highest content of TiO2-NPs. In pelagic fish species, we found progressively higher levels and smaller sizes of TiO2-NPs from smaller to larger fish. Our results highlight the importance of planning the characterization and quantification of TiO2-NPs in food both processed and not, as well as where the pigment E171 is intentionally added and not, as it is not the only source of TiO2-NPs. This result represents a solid step toward being able to estimate the real level of dietary exposure to TiO2-NPs for the general population and the related health risks.
Quality of Working Life, Psychosocial Factors, Burnout Syndrome and Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Guerrero-Barona Eloísa , Guerrero-Molina Mónica , García-Gómez Andrés , Moreno-Manso Juan Manuel , García-Baamonde María Elena
Published: December 2020

The objective of this work is to study the quality of working life associated to psychosocial factors and risks, burnout syndrome and emotional intelligence, as well as being able to detect predictors of the said syndrome. The sample consisted of 311 professionals working in direct contact with an intellectual disability from 15 associations of Extremadura (Spain). The Spanish version of the CESQT questionnaire was administered to evaluate burnout syndrome, the Wong & Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) was used to evaluate emotional intelligence, while the UNIPSICO Battery was used to evaluate the psychosocial factors of demands (work–family conflict and psychosomatic problems) and resources, such as social support and work satisfaction. The results indicate average values of burnout, revealing that work satisfaction, emotional intelligence, and social support are related to burnout syndrome. In addition, there are also positive correlations between psychosomatic symptoms and work–family conflict. Satisfaction at work, social support, and emotional intelligence (intrapersonal and interpersonal perception, use and regulation of emotions) predict burnout syndrome. What is more, the psychosomatic symptoms and work–family conflict explain, respectively, 17% and 17.9% of their variance. Thus, there is a need to develop intervention programs that encourage social support and the conciliation of family life, as well as training skills related to emotional intelligence, such as communication and conflict resolution.
Nicotine and Its Downstream Metabolites in Maternal and Cord Sera: Biomarkers of Prenatal Smoking Exposure Associated with Offspring DNA Methylation
Authors: Kheirkhah Rahimabad Parnian , Anthony Thilani M. , Jones A. Daniel , Eslamimehr Shakiba , Mukherjee Nandini , Ewart Susan , Holloway John W. , Arshad Hasan , Commodore Sarah , Karmaus Wilfried
Published: December 2020

Nicotine is a major constituent of cigarette smoke. Its primary metabolite in maternal and cord sera, cotinine, is considered a biomarker of prenatal smoking. Nicotine and cotinine half-lives are decreased in pregnancy due to their increased rate of metabolism and conversion to downstream metabolites such as norcotinine and 3-hydroxycotinine. Hence, downstream metabolites of nicotine may provide informative biomarkers of prenatal smoking. In this study of three generations (F0-mothers, F1-offspring who became mothers, and F2-offspring), we present a biochemical assessment of prenatal smoking exposure based on maternal and cord sera levels of nicotine, cotinine, norcotinine, and 3-hydroxycotinine. As potential markers of early effects of prenatal smoking, associations with differential DNA methylation (DNAm) in the F1- and F2-offspring were assessed. All metabolites in maternal and cord sera were associated with self-reported prenatal smoking, except for nicotine. We compared maternal self-report of smoking in pregnancy to biochemical evidence of prenatal smoking exposure. Self-report of F0-mothers of F1 in 1989–1990 had more accuracy identifying prenatal smoking related to maternal metabolites in maternal serum (sensitivity = 94.6%, specificity = 86.9%) compared to self-reports of F1-mothers of F2 (2010–2016) associated with cord serum markers (sensitivity = 66.7%, specificity = 78.8%). Nicotine levels in sera showed no significant association with any DNAm site previously linked to maternal smoking. Its downstream metabolites, however, were associated with DNAm sites located on the MYO1G, AHRR, and GFI1 genes. In conclusion, cotinine, norcotinine, and 3-hydroxycotinine in maternal and cord sera provide informative biomarkers and should be considered when assessing prenatal smoking. The observed association of offspring DNAm with metabolites, except for nicotine, may imply that the toxic effects of prenatal nicotine exposure are exerted by downstream metabolites, rather than nicotine. If differential DNA methylation on the MYO1G, AHRR, and GFI1 genes transmit adverse effects of prenatal nicotine exposure to the child, there is a need to investigate whether preventing changes in DNA methylation by reducing the metabolic rate of nicotine and conversion to harmful metabolites may protect exposed children.
Potential Risks and Factors of Women’s Health Promotion
Authors: Costantino Claudio , Casuccio Alessandra , Restivo Vincenzo
Published: December 2020

In addition to diseases shared by both sexes, there are a number of illnesses and injuries that are primarily associated with women [...]
Parents’ Creative Self-Concept and Creative Activity as Predictors of Family Lifestyle
Authors: Lebuda Izabela , Jankowska Dorota M. , Karwowski Maciej
Published: December 2020

Family rules, routines, and resources shape children’s creativity. However, little is known about how parents’ creative self-concepts and creative activity are related to the lifestyle adults create in their families. Family lifestyle might be operationalized as referring to domain-general dimensions of family social functioning (cohesion, flexibility, communication, and family satisfaction) and domain-specific factors related to creativity, namely, family climate for creativity (encouragement to experience novelty and varieties, encouragement to nonconformism, support of perseverance in creative efforts, encouragement to fantasize). To explore the link between parents’ creativity-related characteristics and family lifestyle, 303 Polish parents (57% mothers) of children aged between 6 and 10 (M = 7.99; SD = 1.38) reported on their creative self-concept (creative self-efficacy and creative personal identity), creative activity, overall family lifestyle, and climate for creativity in their families. We found that parents’ creative self-concept and their creative activity predict support for creativity in the family and more general balanced and satisfying family relationships. We discuss these findings, point new paths for future research, and suggest possible interventions to strengthen families as creativity-fostering environments.
Does Smoking Protect against Being Hospitalized for COVID-19?
Authors: Berlin Ivan , Thomas Daniel
Published: December 2020

Gonzalez-Rubio et al [...]
Micronutrient Status of Electronic Waste Recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana
Authors: Takyi Sylvia A. , Basu Niladri , Arko-Mensah John , Dwomoh Duah , Nti Afua Asabea Amoabeng , Kwarteng Lawrencia , Acquah Augustine A. , Robins Thomas G. , Fobil Julius N.
Published: December 2020

Growing evidence suggests that micronutrient status is adversely impacted by toxic metals (e.g., cadmium, lead, and arsenic) exposures; however, the micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers who are amongst the highest metal-exposed groups is not known. This study, therefore, assessed the micronutrient status of e-waste recyclers using dietary information (2-day 24-h recall survey) and biomarker data (whole blood and urine) among 151 participants (100 e-waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie and 51 controls at Madina Zongo from the Accra region, Ghana) in March 2017. Biomarker levels of iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were analyzed by the ICP-MS. Linear regression models were used to assess associations ofwork-related factors and sociodemographic characteristics with micronutrient intake, blood, and urine micronutrient levels. The results showed that apart from Fe and Zn, e-waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie did not meet the day-to-day dietary requirements for Ca, Cu, Se, and Mg intake. Except for the low levels of Mg and Fe detected in blood of e-waste recyclers, all other micronutrients measured in both blood and urine of both groups fell within their reference range. Exposure to biomass burning was associated with lower blood levels of Fe, Mg, and Zn among the e-waste recyclers. Further, among e-waste recyclers, significant relationships were found between the number of years spent recycling e-waste and urinary Ca and Cu excretion. Given that, some dietary and blood levels of micronutrients were below their reference ranges, the implementation of evidence-based nutrition strategies remains necessary among e-waste recyclers to reduce their risk of becoming malnourished.
The Diversified Impacts of Urban Morphology on Land Surface Temperature among Urban Functional Zones
Authors: Gao Sihang , Zhan Qingming , Yang Chen , Liu Huimin
Published: December 2020

Local warming induced by rapid urbanization has been threatening residents’ health, raising significant concerns among urban planners. Local climate zone (LCZ), a widely accepted approach to reclassify the urban area, which is helpful to propose planning strategies for mitigating local warming, has been well documented in recent years. Based on the LCZ framework, many scholars have carried out diversified extensions in urban zoning research in recent years, in which urban functional zone (UFZ) is a typical perspective because it directly takes into account the impacts of human activities. UFZs, widely used in urban planning and management, were chosen as the basic unit of this study to explore the spatial heterogeneity in the relationship between landscape composition, urban morphology, urban functions, and land surface temperature (LST). Global regression including ordinary least square regression (OLS) and random forest regression (RF) were used to model the landscape-LST correlations to screen indicators to participate in following spatial regression. The spatial regression including semi-parametric geographically weighted regression (SGWR) and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) were applied to investigate the spatial heterogeneity in landscape-LST among different types of UFZ and within each UFZ. Urban two-dimensional (2D) morphology indicators including building density (BD); three-dimensional (3D) morphology indicators including building height (BH), building volume density (BVD), and sky view factor (SVF); and other indicators including albedo and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and impervious surface fraction (ISF) were used as potential landscape drivers for LST. The results show significant spatial heterogeneity in the Landscape-LST relationship across UFZs, but the spatial heterogeneity is not obvious within specific UFZs. The significant impact of urban morphology on LST was observed in six types of UFZs representing urban built up areas including Residential (R), Urban village (UV), Administration and Public Services (APS), Commercial and Business Facilities (CBF), Industrial and Manufacturing (IM), and Logistics and Warehouse (LW). Specifically, a significant correlation between urban 3D morphology indicators and LST in CBF was discovered. Based on the results, we propose different planning strategies to settle the local warming problems for each UFZ. In general, this research reveals UFZs to be an appropriate operational scale for analyzing LST on an urban scale.
Are Reallocations between Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Associated with Better Sleep in Adults Aged 55+ Years? An Isotemporal Substitution Analysis
Authors: Vanderlinden Julie , Biddle Gregory , Boen Filip , van Uffelen Jannique
Published: December 2020

Physical activity has been proposed as an effective alternative treatment option for the increasing occurrence of sleep problems in older adults. Although higher physical activity levels are associated with better sleep, the association between specific physical activity intensities and sedentary behaviour (SB) with sleep remains unclear. This study examines the associations of statistically modelled time reallocations between sedentary time and different physical activity intensities with sleep outcomes using isotemporal substitution analysis. Device-measured physical activity data and both objective and subjective sleep data were collected from 439 adults aged 55+ years. Replacing 30 min of SB with moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was significantly associated with an increased number of awakenings. Moreover, a reallocation of 30 min between light physical activity (LPA) and MVPA was significantly associated with increased sleep efficiency. Furthermore, reallocating 30 min of SB to LPA showed a significant association with decreased sleep efficiency. There were no significant associations of time reallocations for wake time after sleep onset, length of awakenings, and sleep quality. These results improve our understanding of the interrelationships between different intensities of movement behaviours and several aspects of sleep in older adults.
The Role of Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (CADM1) in Cutaneous Malignancies
Authors: Sawada Yu , Mashima Emi , Saito-Sasaki Natsuko , Nakamura Motonobu
Published: December 2020

Cell adhesion ability is one of the components to establish cell organization and shows a great contribution to human body construction consisting of various types of cells mixture to orchestrate tissue specific function. The cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) is a molecule of cell adhesion with multiple functions and has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene. CADM1 has multifunctions on the pathogenesis of malignancies, and other normal cells such as immune cells. However, little is known about the function of CADM1 on cutaneous cells and cutaneous malignancies. CADM1 plays an important role in connecting cells with each other, contacting cells to deliver their signal, and acting as a scaffolding molecule for other immune cells to develop their immune responses. A limited number of studies reveal the contribution of CADM1 on the development of cutaneous malignancies. Solid cutaneous malignancies, such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, reduce their CADM1 expression to promote the invasion and metastasis of the tumor. On the contrary to these cutaneous solid tumors except for Merkel cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphomas, such as adult-T cell leukemia/lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, and Sézary syndrome, increase their CADM1 expression for the development of tumor environment. Based on the role of CADM1 in the etiology of tumor development, the theory of CADM1 contribution will desirably be applied to skin tumors according to other organ malignancies, however, the characteristics of skin as a multicomponent peripheral organ should be kept in mind to conclude their prognoses.
Challenges and Trends of Financial Technology (Fintech): A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Suryono Ryan Randy , Budi Indra , Purwandari Betty
Published: December 2020

Digital transformation creates challenges in all industries and business sectors. The development of digital transformation has also clearly triggered the emergence of fintech (financial technology) initiatives, which are recognized as some of the most important innovations in the financial industry. These initiatives are developing rapidly, driven in part by the sharing economy, regulations, and information technology. However, research in the field of fintech remains in its infancy. Fintech offers several services, such as funding, payment (including electronic wallets), e-aggregators, e-trading, and e-insurance, and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. This provides an opportunity to more closely examine fintech’s research challenges and trends. This study aims to (1) determine the state of the art of financial technology research; (2) identify gaps in the financial technology research field; and (3) identify challenges and trends for future research potential. The novel proposal in this study includes theoretical contributions regarding financial technology. Using the systematic literature review approach of Kitchenham, in addition to thematic analysis, meta-analysis and observation to validate the quality of literature and analysis, the results of this study provide a theoretical basis fintech research from an information systems perspective, including the formulation of fintech technology concepts and their development.
Toxicity and Biological Effects of Beauveria brongniartii Fe0 Nanoparticles against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhang Kaihui , Cuthbertson Andrew G. S. , Du Cailian , Ali Shaukat
Published: December 2020

Nanotechnology has clear potential in the development of innovative insecticidal products for the biorational management of major insect pests. Metal-based nanoparticles of different microbial pest control agents have been effective against several pests. Synthesis of Beauveria brongniartii based Fe0 nanoparticles (Fe0NPs) and their bio-efficacy against Spodoptera litura was observed during this study. Beauveria brongniartii conidia were coated with Fe0NPs and characterized by applying a selection of different analytical techniques. Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy showed the characteristic band of surface plasmon at 430 nm; Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed spherical shaped nanoparticles with a size ranging between 0.41 to 0.80 µm; Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectral analysis revealed characteristic Fe peaks at 6.5 and 7.1 Kev; the X-ray diffractogram showed three strong peaks at 2θ values of 45.72°, 64.47°, and 84.05°. The bioassay studies demonstrated that mortality of 2nd instar S. litura larvae following Fe0NPs treatment increased with increasing concentrations of Fe0NPs at different time intervals. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values of Fe0NPs against S. litura after seven days of fungal treatment was 59 ppm, whereas median survival time (LT50) values for 200 and 500 ppm concentrations of Fe0NPs against S. litura seven days post-treatment were 5.1 and 2.29 days, respectively. Beauveria brongniartii-Fe0NPs caused significant reductions in feeding and growth parameters (relative growth rate, relative consumption rate, and efficiency of conversion of ingested food) of S. litura. Beauveria brongniartii Fe0NPs induced reduction in glutathione-S-transferase activities throughout the infection period whereas activities of antioxidant enzymes decreased during later periods of infection. These findings suggest that B. brongniartii Fe0NPs can potentially be used in biorational S. litura management programs.
Affecting Factors and Correction Ratio in Genu Valgum or Varum Treated with Percutaneous Epiphysiodesis Using Transphyseal Screws
Authors: Lee Si-Wook , Lee Kyung-Jae , Cho Chul-Hyun , Ye Hee-Uk , Yon Chang-Jin , Choi Hyeong-Uk , Kim Young-Hun , Song Kwang-Soon
Published: December 2020

This study evaluated the correction rates of idiopathic genu valgum or varum after percutaneous epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screws (PETS) and analyzed the affecting factors. A total of 35 children without underlying diseases were enrolled containing 64 physes (44 distal femoral (DT), 20 proximal tibial (PT)). Anatomic tibiofemoral angle (aTFA) and the mechanical axis deviation (MAD) were taken from teleroentgenograms before PETS surgery and screw removal. The correction rates of the valgus and varus deformities for patients treated with PETS were 1.146°/month and 0.639°/month using aTFA while using MAD showed rates of 4.884%/month and 3.094%/month. After aTFA (p < 0.001) and MAD (p < 0.001) analyses, the correction rate of DF was significantly faster than that of PT. Under multivariable analysis, the aTFA correction rate was significantly faster in younger patients (p < 0.001), in males (p < 0.001), in patients with lower weights (p < 0.001), and in the group that was screwed at DF (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the MAD correction rate was significantly faster in patients with lower heights (p = 0.003). PETS is an effective treatment method for valgus and varus deformities in growing children and clinical characters should be considered to estimate the correction rate.