bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollution Sources and Carcinogenic Risk of PAHs in PM1 Particle Fraction in an Urban Area
Authors: Jakovljević Ivana , Sever Štrukil Zdravka , Godec Ranka , Bešlić Ivan , Davila Silvije , Lovrić Mario , Pehnec Gordana
Published: December 2020

Airborne particles are composed of inorganic species and organic compounds. PM1 particles, with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 1 μm, are considered to be important in the context of adverse health effects. Many compounds bound to particulate matter, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), are suspected to be genotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic. In this study, PAHs in the PM1 particle fraction were measured for one year (1/1/2018–31/12/2018). The measuring station was located in the northern residential part of Zagreb, the Croatian capital, close to a street with modest traffic. Significant differences were found between PAH concentrations during cold (January–March, October–December) and warm (April–September) periods of the year. In general, the mass concentrations of PAHs characteristic for car exhausts (benzo(ghi)perylene (BghiP), indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (IP), and benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF)) were higher during the whole year than concentrations of fluoranthene (Flu) and pyrene (Pyr), which originated mostly from domestic heating and biomass burning. Combustion of diesel and gasoline from vehicles was found to be one of the main PAH sources. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was estimated for three age groups of populations and the results were much lower than the acceptable risk level (1 × 10−6). However, more than ten times higher PAH concentrations in the cold part of the year, as well as associated health risk, emphasize the need for monitoring of PAHs in PM1. These data represent a valuable tool in future plans and actions to control PAH sources and to improve the quality of life of urban populations.
The Common Factors of Grit, Hope, and Optimism Differentially Influence Suicide Resilience
Authors: Clement Déjà N. , Wingate LaRicka R. , Cole Ashley B. , O’Keefe Victoria M. , Hollingsworth David W. , Davidson Collin L. , Hirsch Jameson K.
Published: December 2020

No study to date has simultaneously examined the commonalities and unique aspects of positive psychological factors and whether these factors uniquely account for a reduction in suicide risk. Using a factor analytic approach, the current study examined the relationships between grit, hope, optimism, and their unique and overlapping relationships in predicting suicide ideation. Results of principle axis factor analysis demonstrated close relationships between these variables at both the construct and item level. Item-level analyses supported a five-factor solution (Stick-to-Itiveness, Poor Future, Consistency of Interest, Positive Future, and Poor Pathways). Four of the five factors (excluding Stick-to-Itiveness) were associated with suicide ideation. Additionally, results of a multiple regression analysis indicated that two of the five factors (Consistency of Interest and Positive Future) negatively predicted suicide ideation while Poor Future positively predicted suicide ideation. Implications regarding the interrelationships between grit, hope, and optimism with suicide ideation are discussed.
An Indicator System for Evaluating Operation and Maintenance Management of Mega Infrastructure Projects in China
Authors: Chen Dan , Xiang Pengcheng , Jia Fuyuan , Zhang Jian , Liu Zhaowen
Published: December 2020

Mega infrastructure projects provide a basic guarantee for social development, economic construction, and livelihood improvement. Their operation and maintenance (O&M) management are of great significance for the smooth operation and the realization of the value created by the projects. In order to provide an approach for effectively evaluating O&M management, this study develops a holistic indicator system using a mixed-review method from the national macro perspective in China. In this study, literature analysis, policy texts, expert interviews, and grounded theory were used to collect relevant data at home and abroad, and establish an initial evaluation indicator system with 23 indicators covering two dimensions and five aspects. Then the questionnaire survey and factor analysis were used to score and categorize the indicators, and finally an evaluation indicator system for O&M management of mega infrastructure projects was formed. The results show that social relations, environmental benefits, macro policy, and operational capacities play an important role in the evaluation of the O&M of mega infrastructure projects. This study helps the management team to avoid negative impacts in the O&M management of mega infrastructure projects and lays a theoretical foundation for future research. The indicator system in this study is based on the Chinese context, and it remains to be verified whether the indicator system is applicable to other countries due to the differences in political and cultural backgrounds in different regions.
Potentially Prolonged Psychological Distress from Postponed Olympic and Paralympic Games during COVID-19—Career Uncertainty in Elite Athletes
Authors: Håkansson Anders , Moesch Karin , Jönsson Caroline , Kenttä Göran
Published: December 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on the world of sports due to periods of home quarantine, bans against public gatherings, travel restrictions, and a large number of postponed or canceled major sporting events. The literature hitherto is sparse, but early indications display signs of psychological impact on elite athletes due to the pandemic. However, beyond acute effects from lockdown and short-term interrupted athletic seasons, the postponed and still uncertain Olympic and Paralympic Games may represent a major career insecurity to many athletes world-wide, and may lead to severe changes to everyday lives and potentially prolonged psychological distress. Given the long-term perspective of these changes, researchers and stakeholders should address mental health and long-term job insecurity in athletes, including a specific focus on those with small financial margins, such as many female athletes, parasports athletes, athletes in smaller sports, and athletes from developing countries. Implications and the need for research are discussed.
The Lung Health Ambassador Program: A Community-Engagement Initiative Focusing on Pulmonary-Related Health Issues and Disparities Regarding Tobacco Use
Authors: Galiatsatos Panagis , Judge Eliza , Koehl Rachelle , Hill Marcella , Veira Olivia , Hansel Nadia , Eakin Michelle , McCormack Meredith
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Educational campaigns have the potential to inform at risk populations about key issues relevant to lung health and to facilitate active engagement promoting healthy behaviors and risk prevention. We developed a community-based educational campaign called the Lung Health Ambassador Program (LHAP) with a goal of engaging youth and empowering them to be advocates for pulmonary health in their community. Objective: To evaluate the process outcomes and feasibility of the inaugural LHAP (2018–2019 academic year), with a specific aim to impact tobacco policy in the state of Maryland. Methods: Outcomes regarding feasibility included assessment of number of schools reached, number of students and healthcare professionals participating, and types of projects developed by participating students to impact modifiable risk factors for lung health. The courses for the LHAP were five 1 h sessions implemented at days and times identified by the community. The topics of the LHAP focused on lung anatomy, pulmonary diseases affecting school aged youth, tobacco use and prevalence, and air pollution (both indoor and outdoor). The fifth class discussed ways in which the students could impact lung health (e.g., policy and advocacy) and mitigate pulmonary disparities. Main Results: The LHAP was implemented at two elementary/middle schools, one high school, and two recreation centers within an urban metropolitan region. A total of 268 youths participated in the LHAP (age ranging from 11 to 18), whereby 72 (26.9%) were Hispanic/Latino and 110 (41.0%) were African American. Of the participating students, 240 wrote letters to local politicians to advocate for policies that would raise the legal age of acquiring tobacco products to 21. As for healthcare professionals, 18 academic faculty members participated in implementing the LHAP: 8 physicians and faculty staff and 10 nurses. Conclusions: The LHAP is a community-based program that provides education and training in advocacy with a goal of teaching about and, ultimately, reducing respiratory health disparities. The results from the first year demonstrate that the program is feasible, with success demonstrated in completing educational modules and engaging students. Next steps will include strategies to ensure sustainability and scalability to increase the reach of this program.
Potential for Mycorrhizae-Assisted Phytoremediation of Phosphorus for Improved Water Quality
Authors: Rubin Jessica A. , Görres Josef H.
Published: December 2020

During this 6th Great Extinction, freshwater quality is imperiled by upland terrestrial practices. Phosphorus, a macronutrient critical for life, can be a concerning contaminant when excessively present in waterways due to its stimulation of algal and cyanobacterial blooms, with consequences for ecosystem functioning, water use, and human and animal health. Landscape patterns from residential, industrial and agricultural practices release phosphorus at alarming rates and concentrations threaten watershed communities. In an effort to reconcile the anthropogenic effects of phosphorus pollution, several strategies are available to land managers. These include source reduction, contamination event prevention and interception. A total of 80% of terrestrial plants host mycorrhizae which facilitate increased phosphorus uptake and thus removal from soil and water. This symbiotic relationship between fungi and plants facilitates a several-fold increase in phosphorus uptake. It is surprising how little this relationship has been encouraged to mitigate phosphorus for water quality improvement. This paper explores how facilitating this symbiosis in different landscape and land-use contexts can help reduce the application of fertility amendments, prevent non-point source leaching and erosion, and intercept remineralized phosphorus before it enters surface water ecosystems. This literature survey offers promising insights into how mycorrhizae can aid ecological restoration to reconcile humans’ damage to Earth’s freshwater. We also identify areas where research is needed.
Effect of Periodontitis and Scaling and Root Planing on Risk of Pharyngeal Cancer: A Nested Case—Control Study
Authors: Chen Ping-Ju , Chen Yin-Yang , Lin Chiao-Wen , Yeh Ying-Tung , Yeh Han-Wei , Huang Jing-Yang , Yang Shun-Fa , Yeh Chao-Bin
Published: December 2020

This study investigated the association between periodontitis and the risk of pharyngeal cancer in Taiwan. For this population-based nested case–control study using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database derived from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified patients (n = 1292) who were newly diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer between 2005 and 2013 and exactly paired them with propensity score matched control subjects (n = 2584). Periodontitis and scaling and root planing (SRP) were identified before the index date. Pharyngeal cancer was subdivided into 3 subgroups on the basis of anatomic location: nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and hypopharyngeal cancer. A multiple conditional logistic regression model was applied to analyze the adjusted odds ratio (aOR). Periodontitis was associated with an increased risk of pharyngeal cancer (aOR, 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17 to 2.10), especially oropharyngeal cancer (aOR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.07 to 4.60). We found a decreased risk of pharyngeal cancer in patients who had undergone SRP (aOR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.96). In conclusion, this study showed that periodontitis was associated with an increased risk of pharyngeal cancer and SRP exerted a protective effect against pharyngeal cancer. Our results suggest that treating periodontitis and performing SRP, which are modifiable factors in oral health, in clinical practice may provide an opportunity to decrease the disease burden of pharyngeal cancer in Taiwan.
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Maltese Adults
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Libra Massimo
Published: December 2020

Background: Populations living in Mediterranean islands are experiencing a nutrition transition process from traditional to Westernized dietary patterns. No information on this matter regarding individuals living in Malta have been published to date. The aim of this study was to assess the level of adherence of the Maltese people to the Mediterranean diet and which factors were associated with it. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in the island of Malta between 2014 and 2016. A literature-based Mediterranean diet adherence score was used to assess the level of adherence to the dietary pattern. Results: Out of 3947 adults, the overall Mediterranean diet adherence score mean was 7.19 (SD 1.91): being female, non-smoker, and having older age was associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Less clear pattern of association was found for educational and occupational status, for which medium educational level and a high occupational level were associated with lower adherence to Mediterranean diet. Higher adherence was finally associated with consumption of healthier food groups (more rice and dark bread and less pasta and white bread; more all plant-food groups and fish, less animal-food sources, including fast foods; more light cheeses and yogurt were more frequently consumed among higher adherent individuals in spite of regular ones). Conclusions: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Malta is lower than in those of populations living in companion Mediterranean islands. Given the lack of data on this topic, further studies should be conducted among the Maltese people and public health nutrition interventions should be planned to improve current eating habits toward more traditional dietary patterns.
Assessing the Health Loss from Kashin-Beck Disease and Its Relationship with Environmental Selenium in Qamdo District of Tibet, China
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhao Shengcheng , Yang Linsheng , Gong Hongqiang , Li Hairong , Nima Cangjue
Published: December 2020

Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) is one of major endemic diseases in China. In this study, we estimated the health loss from KBD in Qamdo district of Tibet using the years lived with disability (YLD) metric and investigated the influence of environmental selenium (Se) on it by multiple regression model. The results showed that YLD rates produced a different ranking of health loss of KBD from that produced by prevalence rates between Basu and Luolong County, with higher health loss from KBD (43.61 YLD/1000) but lower prevalence (17.86%) in Basu County. YLD rates in two counites were both highest for the 45–64 years age group. Compared with the prevalence rate, the YLD rate had a closer relation to environmental Se and was significantly negatively correlated with Se in both soil and highland barley. The multiple linear regression further revealed that Se contents in cultivated soil and highland barley were main influencing factors for the health loss of KBD, which could explain 90.5% of the variation in YLD rates. The information obtained highlights the significance of the YLD metric in exploring the environmental etiology of KBD and provides important information on which to base decisions on future prevention and control of endemic diseases.
COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions and Online Media Consumption in Germany
Authors: Lemenager Tagrid , Neissner Miriam , Koopmann Anne , Reinhard Iris , Georgiadou Ekaterini , Müller Astrid , Kiefer Falk , Hillemacher Thomas
Published: December 2020

The lockdown restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to increased stress levels and feelings of anxiety in the general population. Problematic usage of certain online applications is one frequent way to compensate for negative feelings and stress. The current study investigated changes of online media consumption during the lockdown in Germany. Gender and age specific differences in specific online activities were assessed. n = 3245 subjects participated in an online survey conducted between the 8th April and the 11th May 2020. Participants’ age ranged between 18 and >55 years. A considerably high percentage (71.4%) of participants reported increased online media consumption during the lockdown. Male participants were more likely to increase their consumption of gaming and erotic platforms, while female participants reported a higher increase in the engagement in social networks, information research, and video streaming than males. The findings revealed an increased usage of all online applications during the lockdown. For the clarification whether the increase might present a risk for elevated Internet-use disorders or can be regarded as a functional and time-limited phenomenon, further studies, assessing changes in these online activities after the end of the pandemic, are needed.
Effect of a Tailored Activity Pacing Intervention on Fatigue and Physical Activity Behaviours in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Abonie Ulric S. , Hettinga Florentina J.
Published: December 2020

Tailored activity pacing could help manage fatigue and improve physical activity. However, little is known about how to tailor activity pacing for people with multiple sclerosis. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a tailored activity pacing intervention on fatigue and physical activity behaviours in adults with multiple sclerosis. Twenty-one adults with multiple sclerosis, stratified by age and gender, are randomly allocated to either a tailored pacing or control group. Participants wear an accelerometer for seven days that measures physical activity behaviours, and self-report fatigue at the baseline and four-week follow-up. Physical activity behaviours are assessed by examining activity level (seven-day average activity counts per minute) and activity variability (seven-day average highest activity counts each day divided by activity counts on that day). The intervention improves activity levels (Mean difference = 40.91; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] (3.84–77.96); p = 0.03) and lessens activity variability (Mean difference = −0.63; 95% CI (−1.25–0.02); p = 0.04). No significant effect is found for fatigue (Mean difference = −0.36; 95% CI (−1.02–0.30); p = 0.27). This investigation shows that tailoring activity pacing based on physical activity behaviours and fatigue is effective in improving physical activity levels, without exacerbating fatigue symptoms.
A Narrative Review of Motor Competence in Children and Adolescents: What We Know and What We Need to Find Out
Authors: Lopes Luís , Santos Rute , Coelho-e-Silva Manuel , Draper Catherine , Mota Jorge , Jidovtseff Boris , Clark Cain , Schmidt Mirko , Morgan Philip , Duncan Michael , O’Brien Wesley , Bentsen Peter , D’Hondt Eva , Houwen Suzanne , Stratton Gareth , De Martelaer Kristine , Scheuer Claude , Herrmann Christian , García-Hermoso António , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Palmeira António , Gerlach Erin , Rosário Rafaela , Issartel Johann , Esteban-Cornejo Irene , Ruiz Jonatan , Veldman Sanne , Zhang Zhiguang , Colella Dario , Póvoas Susana , Haibach-Beach Pamela , Pereira João , McGrane Bronagh , Saraiva João , Temple Viviene , Silva Pedro , Sigmund Erik , Sousa-Sá Eduarda , Adamakis Manolis , Moreira Carla , Utesch Till , True Larissa , Cheung Peggy , Carcamo-Oyarzun Jaime , Charitou Sophia , Chillón Palma , Robazza Claudio , Silva Ana , Silva Danilo , Lima Rodrigo , Mourão-Carvalhal Isabel , Khodaverdi Zeinab , Zequinão Marcela , Pereira Beatriz , Prista António , Agostinis-Sobrinho César
Published: December 2020

Lack of physical activity is a global public health problem causing not only morbidity and premature mortality, but it is also a major economic burden worldwide. One of the cornerstones of a physically active lifestyle is Motor Competence (MC). MC is a complex biocultural attribute and therefore, its study requires a multi-sectoral, multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary approach. MC is a growing area of research, especially in children and adolescents due to its positive association with a plethora of health and developmental outcomes. Many questions, however, remain to be answered in this field of research, with regard to: (i) Health and Developmental-related Associations of MC; (ii) Assessment of MC; (iii) Prevalence and Trends of MC; (iv) Correlates and Determinants of MC; (v) MC Interventions, and (vi) Translating MC Research into Practice and Policy. This paper presents a narrative review of the literature, summarizing current knowledge, identifying key research gaps and presenting questions for future investigation on MC in children and adolescents. This is a collaborative effort from the International Motor Competence Network (IMCNetwork) a network of academics and researchers aiming to promote international collaborative research and knowledge translation in the expansive field of MC. The knowledge and deliverables generated by addressing and answering the aforementioned research questions on MC presented in this review have the potential to shape the ways in which researchers and practitioners promote MC and physical activity in children and adolescents across the world.
Socioeconomic Inequality in the Use of Long-Term Care among European Older Adults: An Empirical Approach Using the SHARE Survey
Authors: Lera Javier , Pascual-Sáez Marta , Cantarero-Prieto David
Published: December 2020

The increase in the proportion of elderly people in developed societies has several consequences, such as the rise in demand for long-term care (LTC). Due to cost, inequalities may arise and punish low-income households. Our objective is to examine socioeconomic inequalities in LTC utilization in Europe. We use the last wave from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe SHARE (Munich Center for the Economics of Ageing, Munich, Germany), dated 2017, to analyze the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on LTC. For this purpose, we construct logistic models and control for socioeconomic/household characteristics, health status, and region. Then, concentration indices are calculated to assess the distribution of LTC. Moreover, we also analyze horizontal inequity by using the indirect need-standardization process. We use two measures of SES (household net total income and household net wealth) to obtain robust results. Our findings demonstrate that informal care is concentrated among low-SES households, whereas formal care is concentrated in high-SES households. The results for horizontal concentration indices show a pro-rich distribution in both formal and informal LTC. We add new empirical evidence by showing the dawning of deep social inequalities in LTC utilization. Policymakers should implement policies focused on people who need care to tackle socioeconomic inequalities in LTC.
Intergenerational Ties in Context: Association between Caring for Grandchildren and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese
Authors: Liao Shiming , Qi Ling , Xiong Jie , Yan Jie , Wang Ruoxi
Published: December 2020

Grandchild caregiving is suggested to improve the elderly’s cognitive function, but the specific relationship remains under-investigated. Considering gender disparity, this study aimed to understand the relationship between grandchild caregiving and cognition. In total, 7236 Chinese residents (≥45 years old) were selected from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (CHARLS-HCAP) was used to measure cognition. Grandparenting was measured from three dimensions: caregiving frequency, intensity, and the number of grandchildren cared for. The relationship was examined by multivariate linear regression, with age as a moderator. The results showed that the majority of respondents provided care to their grandchildren, especially grandmothers. Grandchild caregiving was positively associated with cognition (β = 0.686, 95% CI = 0.334–1.038), especially in the older-aged group. Moderate, not regular grandparenting, or caring for one grandchild was more positively associated with cognitive function. However, intensive and regular grandchild care was significantly associated with cognition only in men. No moderating effects of age were found in women. The study confirmed that moderate intensity and frequency of caregiving was related to better cognitive function in middle-aged and older Chinese population, whereas cultural context and gender differences could be considered when designing targeted policies.
Comparative Toxic Effects of Manufactured Nanoparticles and Atmospheric Particulate Matter in Human Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: Wu Yun , Wang Mei , Luo Shaojuan , Gu Yunfeng , Nie Dongyang , Xu Zhiyang , Wu Yue , Chen Mindong , Ge Xinlei
Published: December 2020

Although nanoparticles (NPs) have been used as simplified atmospheric particulate matter (PM) models, little experimental evidence is available to support such simulations. In this study, we comparatively assessed the toxic effects of PM and typical NPs (four carbonaceous NPs with different morphologies, metal NPs of Fe, Al, and Ti, as well as SiO2 NPs) on human lung epithelial A549 cells. The EC50 value of PM evaluated by cell viability assay was 148.7 μg/mL, closest to that of SiO2 NPs, between the values of carbonaceous NPs and metal NPs. All particles caused varying degrees of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) suppression. TiO2 NPs showed similar performance with PM in inducing ROS production (p < 0.05). Small variations between two carbonaceous NPs (graphene oxides and graphenes) and PM were also observed at 50 μg/mL. Similarly, there was no significant difference in ATP inhibition between carbonaceous NPs and PM, while markedly different effects were caused by SiO2 NP and TiO2 NP exposure. Our results indicated that carbonaceous NPs could be served as potential surrogates for urban PM. The identification of PM model may help us further explore the specific roles and mechanisms of various components in PM.
Pregnant Women’s Intentions to Implement Safety Practices for Preventing Infant Injury: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Honda Chikako , Naruse Takashi , Yamamoto-Mitani Noriko
Published: December 2020

Injury prevention education for pregnant women may be beneficial for infants’ safety. Currently, knowledge about the scope of an expectant mother’s intent to prevent injury is limited. The objective of this study was to determine pregnant women’s intentions to implement infant injury prevention strategies. From May to June 2017, a self-administered questionnaire based on the precaution adoption process model was distributed among pregnant women who participated in a parenting preparation class in a city, Tokyo. Pregnant women’s intentions to implement the following eight kinds of safety practices were measured: three practices regarding suffocation, two regarding falls, one safety practice for burns, one for accidental ingestion, and one for traffic accidents. Among 132 respondents (response rate: 83.5%; mean age: 33.4 years; mean gestational age: 29 weeks), the most common unawareness issue was “Make sure that there is no space between the mattress and bed frame” (68.2%), followed by “Use a firm mattress or futon” (38.5%) and “Keep soft objects away from the baby’s head in the baby’s sleep area” (31.8%); 58% or more women reported having already “decided to implement” the other five practices. Safety practices that pregnant women were mostly unaware of were for preventing suffocation, despite this being a leading cause of death in terms of unintentional infant injury. In comparison, the safety practices for falls, burns, and accidental ingestion were more known to pregnant women. The pregnant women’s intention to implement injury prevention for infants varied by safety practices. These findings could be used to improve the focus of antenatal education programs for the prevention of infant injury.
Assessment of Endothelial Injury and Pro-Coagulant Activity Using Circulating Microvesicles in Survivors of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Gavriilaki Eleni , Sakellari Ioanna , Anyfanti Panagiota , Batsis Ioannis , Vardi Anna , Bousiou Zoi , Lazaridis Antonios , Nikolaidou Barbara , Zarifis Ippokratis , Masmanidou Marianna , Yiannaki Efthalia , Markala Dimitra , Anagnostopoulos Achilles , Douma Stella , Gkaliagkousi Eugenia
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) suffer from morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular events. We hypothesized that vascular injury and pro-coagulant activity are evident in alloHCT survivors without existing alloHCT complications or relapse. (2) Methods: we enrolled consecutive adult alloHCT survivors without established cardiovascular disease and control individuals matched for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (January–December 2019). Circulating microvesicles (MVs) of different cellular origins (platelet, erythrocyte, and endothelial) were measured by a standardized flow cytometry protocol as novel markers of vascular injury and pro-coagulant activity. (3) Results: we recruited 45 survivors after a median of 2.3 (range 1.1–13.2) years from alloHCT, and 45 controls. The majority of patients suffered from acute (44%) and/or chronic (66%) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Although the two groups were matched for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, alloHCT survivors showed significantly increased platelet and erythrocyte MVs compared to controls. Within alloHCT survivors, erythrocyte MVs were significantly increased in patients with a previous history of thrombotic microangiopathy. Interestingly, endothelial MVs were significantly increased only in alloHCT recipients of a myeloablative conditioning. Furthermore, MVs of different origins showed a positive association with each other. (4) Conclusions: endothelial dysfunction and increased thrombotic risk are evident in alloHCT recipients long after alloHCT, independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. An apparent synergism of these pathophysiological processes may be strongly involved in the subsequent establishment of cardiovascular disease.
Melanogenesis Connection with Innate Immunity and Toll-Like Receptors
Authors: Koike Saaya , Yamasaki Kenshi
Published: December 2020

The epidermis is located in the outermost layer of the living body and is the place where external stimuli such as ultraviolet rays and microorganisms first come into contact. Melanocytes and melanin play a wide range of roles such as adsorption of metals, thermoregulation, and protection from foreign enemies by camouflage. Pigmentary disorders are observed in diseases associated with immunodeficiency such as Griscelli syndrome, indicating molecular sharing between immune systems and the machineries of pigment formation. Melanocytes express functional toll-like receptors (TLRs), and innate immune stimulation via TLRs affects melanin synthesis and melanosome transport to modulate skin pigmentation. TLR2 enhances melanogenetic gene expression to augment melanogenesis. In contrast, TLR3 increases melanosome transport to transfer to keratinocytes through Rab27A, the responsible molecule of Griscelli syndrome. TLR4 and TLR9 enhance tyrosinase expression and melanogenesis through p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and NFκB signaling pathway, respectively. TLR7 suppresses microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and MITF reduction leads to melanocyte apoptosis. Accumulating knowledge of the TLRs function of melanocytes has enlightened the link between melanogenesis and innate immune system.
Exosomes: Cell-Derived Nanoplatforms for the Delivery of Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Kim Hyosuk , Kim Eun Hye , Kwak Gijung , Chi Sung-Gil , Kim Sun Hwa , Yang Yoosoo
Published: December 2020

Exosomes are cell-secreted nanovesicles that naturally contain biomolecular cargoes such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Exosomes mediate intercellular communication, enabling the transfer biological signals from the donor cells to the recipient cells. Recently, exosomes are emerging as promising drug delivery vehicles due to their strong stability in blood circulation, high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and natural targeting ability. In particular, exosomes derived from specific types of cells can carry endogenous signaling molecules with therapeutic potential for cancer treatment, thus presenting a significant impact on targeted drug delivery and therapy. Furthermore, exosomes can be engineered to display targeting moieties on their surface or to load additional therapeutic agents. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of exosome biogenesis and the development of efficient exosome engineering techniques will provide new avenues to establish convincing clinical therapeutic strategies based on exosomes. This review focuses on the therapeutic applications of exosomes derived from various cells and the exosome engineering technologies that enable the accurate delivery of various types of cargoes to target cells for cancer therapy.
Maternal Responses and Adaptive Changes to Environmental Stress via Chronic Nanomaterial Exposure: Differences in Inter and Transgenerational Interclonal Broods of Daphnia magna
Authors: Ellis Laura-Jayne. A. , Kissane Stephen , Lynch Iseult
Published: December 2020

There is increasing recognition that environmental nano-biological interactions in model species, and the resulting effects on progeny, are of paramount importance for nanomaterial (NM) risk assessment. In this work, Daphnia magna F0 mothers were exposed to a range of silver and titanium dioxide NMs. The key biological life history traits (survival, growth and reproduction) of the F1 intergenerations, at the first (F1B1), third (F1B3) and fifth (F1B5) broods, were investigated. Furthermore, the F1 germlines of each of the three broods were investigated over 3 more generations (up to 25 days each) in continuous or removed-from NM exposure, to identify how the length of maternal exposure affects the resulting clonal broods. Our results show how daphnids respond to NM-induced stress, and how the maternal effects show trade-offs between growth, reproduction and survivorship. The F1B1 (and following germline) had the shortest F0 maternal exposure times to the NMs, and thus were the most sensitive showing reduced size and reproductive output. The F1B3 generation had a sub-chronic maternal exposure, whereas the F1B5 generation suffered chronic maternal exposure where (in most cases) the most compensatory adaptive effects were displayed in response to the prolonged NM exposure, including enhanced neonate output and reduced gene expression. Transgenerational responses of multiple germlines showed a direct link with maternal exposure time to ‘sub-lethal’ effect concentrations of NMs (identified from standard OECDs acute toxicity tests which chronically presented as lethal) including increased survival and production of males in the F1B3 and G1B5 germlines. This information may help to fine-tune environmental risk assessments of NMs and prediction of their impacts on environmental ecology.
The Role of Gold Nanorods in the Response of Prostate Cancer and Normal Prostate Cells to Ionizing Radiation—In Vitro Model
Authors: Musielak Marika , Boś-Liedke Agnieszka , Piotrowski Igor , Kozak Maciej , Suchorska Wiktoria
Published: December 2020

To increase the efficiency of therapy via enhancing its selectivity, the usage of gold nanorods (GNR) as a factor sensitizing cancer cells to radiation was proposed. Due to gold nanoparticles’ characteristics, the smaller doses of radiation would be sufficient in the treatment, protecting the healthy tissue around the tumor. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gold nanorods on cancer and normal prostate cells and the role of nanorods in the cell response to ionizing radiation. The effect was evaluated by measuring the toxicity, cell cycle, cell granularity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and survival fractions. Nanorods showed a strong toxicity dependent on the concentration and incubation time toward all used cell lines. A slight effect of nanorods on the cycle distribution was observed. The results demonstrated that the administration of nanorods at higher concentrations resulted in an increased level of generated radicals. The results of cellular proliferation after irradiation are ambiguous; however, there are noticeable differences after the application of nanorods before irradiation. The obtained results lead to the conclusion that nanorods affect the physiology of both normal and cancer cells. Nanorods might become a potential tool used to increase the effectiveness of radiation treatment
Early Evaluation of Patients on Axial Flow Pump Support for Refractory Cardiogenic Shock Is Associated with Left Ventricular Recovery
Authors: Fagot Jérôme , Bouisset Frédéric , Bonello Laurent , Biendel Caroline , Lhermusier Thibaut , Porterie Jean , Roncalli Jerome , Galinier Michel , Elbaz Meyer , Lairez Olivier , Delmas Clément
Published: December 2020

We investigated prognostic factors associated with refractory left ventricle (LV) failure leading to LV assist device (LVAD), heart transplant or death in patients on an axial flow pump support for cardiogenic shock (CS). Sixty-two CS patients with an Impella® CP or 5.0 implant were retrospectively enrolled, and clinical, biological, echocardiographic, coronarographic and management data were collected. They were compared according to the 30-day outcome. Patients were mainly male (n = 55, 89%), 58 ± 11 years old and most had no history of heart failure or coronary artery disease (70%). The main etiology of CS was acute coronary syndrome (n = 57, 92%). They presented with severe LV failure (LV ejection fraction (LVEF) 22 ± 9%), organ malperfusion (lactate 3.1 ± 2.1 mmol/L), and frequent use of inotropes, vasopressors, and mechanical ventilation (59, 66 and 30%, respectively). At 24 h, non-recovery was associated with higher total bilirubin (odds ratios (OR) 1.07 (1.00–1.14); p = 0.039), lower LVEF (OR 0.89 (0.81–0.96); p = 0.006) and the number of administrated amines (OR 4.31 (1.30–14.30); p = 0.016). Early evaluation in patients with CS with an axial flow pump implant may enable the identification of factors associated with an unlikely recovery and would call for early screening for LVAD or heart transplant.
The Effect of Steel and Polypropylene Fibers on the Properties of Horizontally Formed Concrete
Authors: Chajec Adrian , Sadowski Łukasz
Published: December 2020

The article presents a comparative analysis of the impact of the addition of steel and polypropylene fibers on the properties of the concrete mixes and hardened concrete used in the concrete floor industry. The behavior of concrete intended for floors is different from conventional structural concrete because it is formed horizontally; until now, the effect of steel and polypropylene fibers on the properties of concrete formed horizontally has not yet been fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this article is to examine this issue and compare the behavior of concrete modified with steel and polypropylene fibers in concrete that is formed horizontally. The following properties of fresh concrete mixes were analyzed: consistency, the content of air-voids, and bulk density. Consequently, the following properties of hardened concrete were analyzed: compressive strength, bending tensile strength, and brittleness. It was confirmed that steel and polypropylene fibers have a different type of effect on the properties of fresh concrete mixes and hardened concrete. Finally, a combined economic and mechanical analysis was performed.
Thermoplastic Composites and Their Promising Applications in Joining and Repair Composites Structures: A Review
Authors: Reis João Pedro , de Moura Marcelo , Samborski Sylwester
Published: December 2020

Thermoset fiber reinforced composites, widely used in current structural applications, have complex repair procedures and generates significant amounts of scrap due to its recycling difficulties, which does not comply with the most recent environmental restrictions. These disadvantages may be overcome by using a thermoplastic matrix phase, which is very suitable to be joined and repaired by local melting, making the composite material fully recyclable. This work presents a literature review on the joining methods applicable to thermoplastic based composites and their potential applications to be used as repair procedures in structural elements. The effectiveness of selected adhesive and fusion bonding techniques for several thermoplastic composite systems is evaluated by a comparative study based on the joints’ strength and toughness results available in the literature. This work focuses on the three most promising fusion bonding techniques: Resistance welding, induction welding, and ultrasonic welding. The advantages and drawbacks for each one of these processes are discussed, as well as their suitability for several specific structural applications. In addition, several discordant aspects for each welding technique are identified and the corresponding recommendations are discussed. A compilation of analytical models for the mechanisms of heat generation and transient heat transfer modelling is also presented for each fusion bonding process in order to promote their application in numerical modelling.
Rapid Preparation of MWCNTs/Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites by Photoinduced Frontal Polymerization
Authors: Hu Guofeng , Fu Wanli , Ma Yumin , Zhou Jianping , Liang Hongbo , Kang Xinmei , Qi Xiaolin
Published: December 2020

Due to their excellent mechanical and thermal properties and medium resistance, epoxy/carbon nanotubes and nanocomposites have been widely used in many fields. However, the conventional thermosetting process is not only time- and energy-consuming, but also causes the agglomeration of nanofillers, which leads to unsatisfactory properties of the obtained composites. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/epoxy nanocomposites were prepared using UV photoinduced frontal polymerization (PIFP) in a rapid fashion. The addition of MWCNTs modified by a surface carboxylation reaction was found to enhance the impact strength and heat resistance of the epoxy matrix effectively. The experimental results indicate that with 0.4 wt % loading of modified MWCNTs, increases of 462.23% in the impact strength and 57.3 °C in the glass transition temperature Tg were achieved. A high-performance nanocomposite was prepared in only a few minutes using the PIFP approach. Considering its fast, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly production, the PIFP approach displays considerable potential in the field of the fast preparation, repair, and deep curing of nanocomposites and coatings.
Unified Approach to Fractional Calculus Images of Special Functions—A Survey
Authors: Kiryakova Virginia
Published: December 2020

Evaluation of images of special functions under operators of fractional calculus has become a hot topic with hundreds of recently published papers. These are growing daily and we are able to comment here only on a few of them, including also some of the latest of 2019–2020, just for the purpose of illustrating our unified approach. Many authors are producing a flood of results for various operators of fractional order integration and differentiation and their generalizations of different special (and elementary) functions. This effect is natural because there are great varieties of special functions, respectively, of operators of (classical and generalized) fractional calculus, and thus, their combinations amount to a large number. As examples, we mentioned only two such operators from thousands of results found by a Google search. Most of the mentioned works use the same formal and standard procedures. Furthermore, in such results, often the originals and the images are special functions of different kinds, or the images are not recognized as known special functions, and thus are not easy to use. In this survey we present a unified approach to fulfill the mentioned task at once in a general setting and in a well visible form: for the operators of generalized fractional calculus (including also the classical operators of fractional calculus); and for all generalized hypergeometric functions such as pΨq and pFq, Fox H- and Meijer G-functions, thus incorporating wide classes of special functions. In this way, a great part of the results in the mentioned publications are well predicted and appear as very special cases of ours. The proposed general scheme is based on a few basic classical results (from the Bateman Project and works by Askey, Lavoie–Osler–Tremblay, etc.) combined with ideas and developments from more than 30 years of author’s research, and reflected in the cited recent works. The main idea is as follows: From one side, the operators considered by other authors are cases of generalized fractional calculus and so, are shown to be (m-times) compositions of weighted Riemann–Lioville, i.e., Erdélyi–Kober operators. On the other side, from each generalized hypergeometric function pΨq or pFq (p≤q or p=q+1) we can reach, from the final number of applications of such operators, one of the simplest cases where the classical results are known, for example: to 0Fq−p (hyper-Bessel functions, in particular trigonometric functions of order (q−p)), 0F0 (exponential function), or 1F0 (beta-distribution of form (1−z)αzβ). The final result, written explicitly, is that any GFC operator (of multiplicity m≥1) transforms a generalized hypergeometric function into the same kind of special function with indices p and q increased by m.
Targeted Isolation of Anti-Trypanosomal Naphthofuran-Quinone Compounds from the Mangrove Plant Avicennia lanata
Authors: Mazlan Noor Wini , Clements Carol , Edrada-Ebel RuAngelie
Published: December 2020

The discovery of new secondary metabolites from natural origins has become more challenging in natural products research. Different approaches have been applied to target the isolation of new bioactive metabolites from plant extracts. In this study, bioactive natural products were isolated from the crude organic extract of the mangrove plant Avicennia lanata collected from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the Setiu Wetlands, Terengganu, using HRESI-LCMS-based metabolomics-guided isolation and fractionation. Isolation work on the crude extract A. lanata used high-throughput chromatographic techniques to give two new naphthofuranquinone derivatives, hydroxyavicenol C (1) and glycosemiquinone (2), along with the known compounds avicenol C (3), avicequinone C (4), glycoquinone (5), taraxerone (6), taraxerol (7), β-sitosterol (8) and stigmasterol (9). The elucidation and identification of the targeted bioactive compounds used 1D and 2D-NMR and mass spectrometry. Except for 6–9, all isolated naphthoquinone compounds (1–5) from the mangrove plant A. lanata showed significant anti-trypanosomal activity on Trypanosoma brucei brucei with MIC values of 3.12–12.5 μM. Preliminary cytotoxicity screening against normal prostate cells (PNT2A) was also performed. All compounds exhibited low cytotoxicity, with compounds 3 and 4 showing moderate cytotoxicity of 78.3% and 68.6% of the control values at 100 μg/mL, respectively.