bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets after Enamel Conditioning with Acid Etching and Hydroabrasion
Authors: Tepedino Michele , Iancu Potrubacz Maciej , Arrizza Lorenzo , Russo Manuela , Cavarra Francesco , Cordaro Massimo , Chimenti Claudio
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index ARI) of orthodontic brackets following enamel conditioning with acid etching, hydroabrasion, and with both procedures. Thirty extracted human premolars were divided into three groups and received either acid etching, hydroabrasion or both procedures. Orthodontic brackets were bonded with composite resin. Shear bond strength was tested with a tensile machine, then the teeth were observed under a stereomicroscope to evaluate ARI scores. The enamel morphology after each conditioning method was evaluated with scanning electron microscope imaging. A one-way ANOVA and a Kruskal−Wallis H test were used to compare the bond strength and the ARI scores among the three groups. Hydroabrasion alone produced shear bond strength values below clinical acceptability, while the combination of acid etching and hydroabrasion produced the highest values. The ARI scores in the hydroabrasion group were significantly different from the other groups. Hydroabrasion followed by acid etching was effective in increasing the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm the cost and benefits of this technique.
A Review on Communications Perspective of Flying Ad-Hoc Networks: Key Enabling Wireless Technologies, Applications, Challenges and Open Research Topics
Authors: Noor Fazal , Khan Muhammad Asghar , Al-Zahrani Ali , Ullah Insaf , Al-Dhlan Kawther A.
Published: September 2020

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, once centric to military applications, are presently finding their way in many civilian and commercial applications. If national legislations permit UAVs to operate autonomously, one will see the skies become populated with many small UAVs, each one performing various tasks such as mail and package delivery, traffic monitoring, event filming, surveillance, search and rescue, and other applications. Thus, advancing to multiple small UAVs from a single large UAV has resulted in a new clan of networks known as flying ad-hoc networks (FANETs). Such networks provide reliability, ease of deployment, and relatively low operating costs by offering a robust communication network among the UAVs and base stations (BS). Although FANETs offer many benefits, there also exist a number of challenges that need to be addressed; the most significant of these being the communication one. Therefore, the article aims to provide insights into the key enabling communication technologies through the investigation of data rate, spectrum type, coverage, and latency. Moreover, application scenarios along with the feasibility of key enabling technologies are also examined. Finally, challenges and open research topics are discussed to further hone the research work.
Atmospheric Effects on OFDM Wireless Links Operating in the Millimeter Wave Regime
Authors: Golovachev Yosef , Pinhasi Gad A. , Pinhasi Yosef
Published: September 2020

The development of millimeter wave communication links and the allocation of bands within the Extremely High Frequency (EHF) range for the next generation cellular network present significant challenges due to the unique propagation effects emerging in this regime of frequencies. This includes susceptibility to amplitude and phase distortions caused by weather conditions. In the current paper, the widely used Orthogonal Division Frequency Multiplexing (OFDM) transmission scheme is tested for resilience against weather-induced attenuation and phase shifts, focusing on the effect of rainfall rates. Operating frequency bands, channel bandwidth, and other modulation parameters were selected according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification. The performance and the quality of the wireless link is analyzed via constellation diagram and BER (Bit Error Rate) performance chart. Simulation results indicate that OFDM channel performance can be significantly improved by consideration of the local atmospheric conditions while decoding the information by the receiver demodulator. It is also demonstrated that monitoring the weather conditions and employing a corresponding phase compensation assist in the correction of signal distortions caused by the atmospheric dispersion, and consequently leads to a lower bit error rate.
Cooperative Admission Control with Network Coding in 5G Underlying D2D-Satellite Communication
Authors: Awan Asfandyar , Qi Zhao , Hu Shan , Chen Lijiang
Published: September 2020

Cooperative communication supported by device to device (D2D)-LEO earthed satellite increases the performance of the resilient network and offloads base station. Additionally, network coding in a packet-based cooperative framework provides diversity and speedy recovery of lost packets. Cooperative communication advantages are subject to effective joint admission control strengthened by network coding for multiple interfaces. Joint admission control with network coding involves multiple constraints in terms of user selection, mode assignment, power allocation, and interface-based network codewords, which is challenging to solve collectively. Sub-problematization and its heuristic solution lead to a less complex solution. First, the adaptive terrestrial satellite power sentient network (ATSPSN) algorithm is proposed based on low complex convex linearization of mix integer non-linear problem (MINLP), NP-hard. ATSPSN provides optimum power allocation, mode assignment, and user selection based on joint channel conditions. Second, a multiple access network coding algorithm (MANC) is developed underlying the D2D-satellite network, which provides novel multiple interface random linear network codewords. At the end, the bi-directional matching algorithm aiming for joint admission control with network coding, named JAMANC-stream and JAMANC-batch communication, is proposed. JAMANC algorithm leads to a less complex solution and provides improved results in terms of capacity, power efficiency, and packet completion time. The theoretical lower and upper bounds are also derived for comparative study.
Assessment of the Vulnerability to Agricultural Nitrate in Two Highly Diversified Environmental Settings
Authors: Vigliotti Marco , Busico Gianluigi , Ruberti Daniela
Published: September 2020

A significant rise of groundwater pollution has been registered worldwide, where nitrate has been recognized as the most widespread pollutant. In this context, the groundwater vulnerability assessment and more specifically the delineation of “Nitrate Vulnerable Zones” represents a reliable cost-effective tool for groundwater management. In this study, the Agricultural Nitrate Hazard Index (ANHI) method was applied to two case histories in southern Italy: the Lete River catchment and the eastern sector of the Campania Plain. The first area is characterized by agricultural activities and a low anthropic influence while the eastern part of the Campania Plain, around Caserta city, is strongly urbanized and developed on an extensive alluvial plain filled with volcaniclastic deposits. The parametric method applied suggests moderate hazard for the more natural setting highlighting how the intensive crop farming and livestock activities that characterized the area negatively influenced the results. For the eastern part of the Campania Plain, where a strong urbanization and widespread industrial crops are dominant, a low to very low hazard has been identified. The groundwater quality value, in contrast with the methodology results underlines the importance of further risk evaluations based on accurate aquifer characterization. A multiple year assessment based on land use change and climate variation could further highlights the difference between the study areas.
Soil Disturbance Induced by Silvicultural Treatment in Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Coppice and Post-Disturbance Recovery
Authors: Venanzi Rachele , Picchio Rodolfo , Grigolato Stefano , Spinelli Raffaele
Published: September 2020

Chestnut forests represent an important environmental and landscape element in Europe, especially in the hill regions of southern Europe. In Italy, the total surface amount of chestnut forests is slightly expanded with 788,408 hectares, but orchards show a dramatic reduction (147,586 hectares or 20% of the total) and timber-producing stands a comparable expansion (605,888 hectares or 80%). The coppice management actually applied is considered one of the oldest forms of sustainable forest management. Over the years, coppice highlighted its versatility, resilience and multifunctionality. In this management system, in consideration of the “frequent” cutting cycles, special attention must be paid to forestry operations, because tree damage and soil compaction can trigger fungal disease and soil erosion. Frequent and repeated machine traffic increases the risk for soil degradation derived from compaction, topsoil removal and general disturbance. This study covered different forest areas and mechanization levels, in order to evaluate if the extent, type and severity of soil disturbance changed with site characteristics and logging technique. Furthermore, the study sought to obtain a better knowledge about the recovery time required for restoring the original soil properties after a disturbance has occurred. The findings showed that physical, chemical, and biological soil features were only partially disturbed by the coppicing and again that a high level of specialized mechanization does not generate heavier soil impact compared with the smaller and lighter machines deployed under the traditional and intermediate mechanization scenarios. Soil recovery in the impacted areas is already measurable one year after harvest and may be complete within the eight year—that is halfway through the standard rotation applied in the region to chestnut coppice.
Public Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Invasive Forest Pest Prevention Programs in Urban Areas
Authors: Adams Damian C. , Soto José R. , Lai John , Escobedo Francisco J. , Alvarez Sergio , Kibria Abu S.M.G.
Published: September 2020

Invasive forest pests can cause environmental and economic damage amounting to billions of dollars (US) in lost revenues, restoration and response costs, and the loss of ecosystem services nationwide. Unfortunately, these forest pests do not stay confined to wildland forest areas and can spread into suburban and urban areas, imposing significant costs on local governments, homeowners, and management agencies. In this study, a contingent valuation experiment is used to estimate Florida residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) a monthly utility fee that would protect urban forests from invasive pests by implementing a monitoring and prevention program for their early detection and eradication. On average, the respondents are WTP US $5.44 per month to implement the surveillance program, revealing an aggregate WTP in the order of US $540 million per year. The results also reveal that respondents are sensitive to the scope of the program, with higher rates of participation and higher WTP for a program that is more effective at preventing forest pest invasions.
Dissemination of an American Indian Culturally Centered Community-Based Participatory Research Family Listening Program: Implications for Global Indigenous Well-Being
Authors: Belone Lorenda , Rae Rebecca , Hirchak Katherine A. , Cohoe-Belone Benelda , Orosco Ardena , Shendo Kevin , Wallerstein Nina
Published: September 2020

We introduce a culture-centered indigenous program called the Family Listening Program (FLP), which was developed through a long-standing community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership involving tribal research teams (TRTs) from three American Indian communities (Apache, Navajo, and Pueblo) with the University of New Mexico’s Center for Participatory Research (UNM-CPR). This paper provides background information on the TRT/UNM-CPR multi-generational FLP intervention funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and how it is poised to take the next steps of dissemination and implementation (D&I). In preparing for the next steps, the TRT/UNM-CPR team piloted two FLP dissemination activities, first at the state-level and then nationally; this paper describes these activities. Based on the learnings from the pilot dissemination, the TRT/UNM-CPR team developed an innovative D&I model by integrating a community-based participatory research culture-centered science (CBPR-CCS) approach with the Interactive Systems Framework (ISF) to examine the uptake, cultural acceptance, and sustainability of the FLP as an evidence-based indigenous family program.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Chemosensory Protein Genes (CSPs) Family in Fig Wasps (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea)
Authors: Xin Zhaozhe , Huang Dawei , Zhao Dan , Li Jiaxing , Wei Xianqin , Xiao Jinhua
Published: September 2020

Chemosensory proteins (CSP) are a class of acidic soluble proteins which have various functions in chemoreception, resistance and immunity, but we still have very little knowledge on this gene family in fig wasps, a peculiar insects group (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) that shelter in the fig syconia of Ficus trees. Here, we made the first comprehensive analysis of CSP gene family in the 11 fig wasps at whole-genome level. We manually annotated 104 CSP genes in the genomes of the 11 fig wasps, comprehensively analyzed them in gene characteristics, conserved cysteine patterns, motif orders, phylogeny, genome distribution, gene tandem duplication, and expansion and contraction patterns of the gene family. We also approximately predicted the gene expression by codon adaptation index analysis. Our study shows that the CSP gene family is conserved in the 11 fig wasps; the CSP gene numbers in pollinating fig wasps are less than in non-pollinating fig wasps, which may be due to their longer history of adaptation to fig syconia; the expansion of CSP gene in two non-pollinating fig wasps, Philotrypesis tridentata and Sycophaga agraensis, may be a species-specific phenomenon. These results provide us with useful information for understanding the evolution of the CSP gene family of insects in diverse living environments.
Characteristics of the IVF Cycle that Contribute to the Incidence of Mosaicism
Authors: Rodrigo Lorena , Clemente-Císcar Mónica , Campos-Galindo Inmaculada , Peinado Vanessa , Simón Carlos , Rubio Carmen
Published: September 2020

Highly sensitive next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms applied to preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) allow the classification of mosaicism in trophectoderm biopsies. However, the incidence of mosaicism reported by these tests can be affected by a wide number of analytical, biological, and clinical factors. With the use of a proprietary algorithm for automated diagnosis of aneuploidy and mosaicism, we retrospectively analyzed a large series of 115,368 trophectoderm biopsies from 27,436 PGT-A cycles to determine whether certain biological factors and in vitro fertilization (IVF) practices influence the incidence of overall aneuploidy, whole uniform aneuploidy, mosaicism, and TE biopsies with only segmental aneuploidy. Older female and male patients showed higher rates of high-mosaic degree and whole uniform aneuploidies and severe oligozoospermic patients had higher rates of mosaicism and only segmental aneuploidies. Logistic regression analysis identified a positive effect of female age but a negative effect of embryo vitrification on the incidence of overall aneuploid embryos. Female age increased whole uniform aneuploidy rates but decreased only segmental aneuploidy and mosaicism, mainly low-mosaics. Conversely, higher ovarian response decreased whole uniform aneuploidy rates but increased only segmental aneuploidies. Finally, embryo vitrification decreased whole uniform aneuploidy rates but increased mosaicism, mainly low-mosaics, compared to PGT-A cycles with fresh oocytes. These results could be useful for clinician’s management of the IVF cycles.
A Single Nucleotide ADA Genetic Variant Is Associated to Central Inflammation and Clinical Presentation in MS: Implications for Cladribine Treatment
Authors: Stampanoni Bassi Mario , Buttari Fabio , Simonelli Ilaria , Gilio Luana , Furlan Roberto , Finardi Annamaria , Marfia Girolama Alessandra , Visconti Andrea , Paolillo Andrea , Storto Marianna , Gambardella Stefano , Ferese Rosangela , Salvetti Marco , Uccelli Antonio , Matarese Giuseppe , Centonze Diego , De Vito Francesca
Published: September 2020

In multiple sclerosis (MS), activated T and B lymphocytes and microglial cells release various proinflammatory cytokines, promoting neuroinflammation and negatively affecting the course of the disease. The immune response homeostasis is crucially regulated by the activity of the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA), as evidenced in patients with genetic ADA deficiency and in those treated with cladribine tablets. We investigated in a group of patients with MS the associations of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of ADA gene with disease characteristics and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflammation. The SNP rs244072 of the ADA gene was determined in 561 patients with MS. Disease characteristics were assessed at the time of diagnosis; furthermore, in 258 patients, proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules were measured in the CSF. We found a significant association between rs244072 and both clinical characteristics and central inflammation. In C-carriers, significantly enhanced disability and increased CSF levels of TNF, IL-5 and RANTES was observed. In addition, lower CSF levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were found. Finally, the presence of the C allele was associated with a tendency of increased lymphocyte count. In MS patients, ADA SNP rs244072 is associated with CSF inflammation and disability. The selective targeting of the ADA pathway through cladribine tablet therapy could be effective in MS by acting on a pathogenically relevant biological mechanism.
F-Box Genes in the Wheat Genome and Expression Profiling in Wheat at Different Developmental Stages
Authors: Hong Min Jeong , Kim Jin-Baek , Seo Yong Weon , Kim Dae Yeon
Published: September 2020

Genes of the F-box family play specific roles in protein degradation by post-translational modification in several biological processes, including flowering, the regulation of circadian rhythms, photomorphogenesis, seed development, leaf senescence, and hormone signaling. F-box genes have not been previously investigated on a genome-wide scale; however, the establishment of the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) reference genome sequence enabled a genome-based examination of the F-box genes to be conducted in the present study. In total, 1796 F-box genes were detected in the wheat genome and classified into various subgroups based on their functional C-terminal domain. The F-box genes were distributed among 21 chromosomes and most showed high sequence homology with F-box genes located on the homoeologous chromosomes because of allohexaploidy in the wheat genome. Additionally, a synteny analysis of wheat F-box genes was conducted in rice and Brachypodium distachyon. Transcriptome analysis during various wheat developmental stages and expression analysis by quantitative real-time PCR revealed that some F-box genes were specifically expressed in the vegetative and/or seed developmental stages. A genome-based examination and classification of F-box genes provide an opportunity to elucidate the biological functions of F-box genes in wheat.
Title Assessing Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Seniors: Differences between American Geriatrics Society and STOPP Criteria, and Preventing Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: Thomas Roger E. , Nguyen Leonard T.
Published: September 2020

Key problems for seniors are their exposure to “potentially inappropriate medications” and “potential medication omissions”, which place them at risk for moderate, severe, or fatal adverse drug reactions. This study of 82,935 first admissions to acute care hospitals in Calgary during 2013–2018 identified 294,160 Screening Tool of Older People’s Prescriptions (STOPP) potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) (3.55/patient), 226,970 American Geriatric Society (AGS) Beers PIMs (2.74/patient), 59,396 START potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) (0.72/patient), and 85,288 STOPP PPOs (1.03/patient) for which a new prescription corrected the omission. This represents an overwhelming workload to prevent inappropriate prescriptions continuing during the hospitalisation and then deprescribe them judiciously. Limiting scrutiny to the most frequent PIMs and PPOs will identify many moderate, severe, or fatal risks of causing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) but to identify all PIMs or PPO involving moderate or severe risks of ADRs also involves searching lower in the frequency list of patients. Deciding whether to use the STOPP or AGS Beers PIM lists is an important issue in searching for ADRs, because the Pearson correlation coefficient for agreement between the STOPP and AGS Beers PIM totals in this study was 0.7051 (95% CI 0.7016 to 0.7085; p < 0.001). The combined lists include 289 individual PIM medications but STOPP and AGS have only 159 (55%) in common. The AGS Beers lists include medications used in the US and STOPP/START those used in Europe. The AGS authors recommend using both criteria. The ideal solution to the problem is to implement carefully constructed Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) as in the SENATOR trial, then for an experienced pharmacist to focus on the key PIMs and PPOs likely to lead to moderate, severe, or fatal ADRs. The pharmacist and key decision makers on the services need to establish a collegial relationship to discuss frequently changing the medications that place the patients at risk. Then, the remaining PIMs and PPOs that relate to chronic disease management can be discussed by phone with the family physician using the discharge summary, which lists the medications for potential deprescribing.
Effects of Elastic Band Exercise on Functional Fitness and Blood Pressure Response in the Healthy Elderly
Authors: Choi Hyun-Min , Hurr Chansol , Kim Sukwon
Published: September 2020

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of moderate intensity elastic band exercise (EBE) on functional fitness and blood pressure parameters in the elderly. Methods: 27 healthy older adults were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n = 15, age: 75.1 ± 1.4 years) and a control group (n = 12, age: 72.3 ± 1.4 years). Participants performed EBE for 60 min, three times a week, over the course of three months. The EBE consisted of incremental resistance and aerobic exercises designed to improve whole body fitness. Functional fitness and resting cardiovascular parameters were assessed before and after the exercise training program. Results: Grip strength, sit and reach, and one-leg stance improved significantly in the exercise group, while no significant improvements were found in chair stand and timed up and go (p < 0.05). Cardiovascular parameters including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure significantly decreased in the exercise group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Findings of the present study suggest that safe, inexpensive, and easily accessible EBE program with circuit training components play a significant role in improving upper and lower body fitness, as well as cardiovascular fitness, in the elderly.
Optimal Time of Thermotherapy for Reducing Pain, Anxiety, and Side Effects in Arteriovenous Fistula Puncture Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Back Yangok , Lee Yoonyoung
Published: September 2020

Chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis complain of moderate pain from repeated punctures of the arteriovenous fistula. This study examined the optimal application time of thermotherapy for reducing pain, anxiety, and side effects during arteriovenous fistula puncture. This study was conducted as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The participants were arteriovenous fistula puncture patients with chronic renal failure who were divided into two thermotherapy groups and one control group. This study was approved by the institutional review board and registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0003768). Differences between groups regarding pain, anxiety, and side effects were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, the χ2 test, and the Scheffé test. A significant difference was observed between the 10-min and 20-min thermotherapy groups and the control group in terms of the pain they experienced. Additionally, more side effects were encountered in the 20-min thermotherapy group than in the 10-min group. The 10-min application of thermotherapy for an arteriovenous fistula puncture showed the same pain-reducing effect as the conventional 20-min application. The study confirmed a 10-min application of thermotherapy to be an effective nursing intervention for pain relief without side effects.
Epidemiology of and Risk Factors for COVID-19 Infection among Health Care Workers: A Multi-Centre Comparative Study
Authors: Wei Jia-Te , Liu Zhi-Dong , Fan Zheng-Wei , Zhao Lin , Cao Wu-Chun
Published: September 2020

Healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide are putting themselves at high risks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by treating a large number of patients while lacking protective equipment. We aim to provide a scientific basis for preventing and controlling the COVID-19 infection among HCWs. We used data on COVID-19 cases in the city of Wuhan to compare epidemiological characteristics between HCWs and non-HCWs and explored the risk factors for infection and deterioration among HCWs based on hospital settings. The attack rate (AR) of HCWs in the hospital can reach up to 11.9% in Wuhan. The time interval from symptom onset to diagnosis in HCWs and non-HCWs dropped rapidly over time. From mid-January, the median time interval of HCW cases was significantly shorter than in non-HCW cases. Cases of HCWs and non-HCWs both clustered in northwestern urban districts rather than in rural districts. HCWs working in county-level hospitals in high-risk areas were more vulnerable to COVID-19. HCW cases working in general, ophthalmology, and respiratory departments were prone to deteriorate compared with cases working in the infection department. The AR of COVID-19 in HCWs are higher than in non-HCWs. Multiple factors in hospital settings may play important roles in the transmission of COVID-19. Effective measures should be enhanced to prevent HCWs from COVID-19 infection.
Validity and Reliability of International Physical Activity Questionnaires for Adults across EU Countries: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
Authors: Sember Vedrana , Meh Kaja , Sorić Maroje , Starc Gregor , Rocha Paulo , Jurak Gregor
Published: September 2020

This review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020138845) critically evaluates test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and criterion validity of different physical activity (PA) levels of three most commonly used international PA questionnaires (PAQs) in official language versions of European Union (EU): International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), and European Health Interview Survey-Physical Activity Questionnaire (EHIS-PAQ). In total, 1749 abstracts were screened, 287 full-text articles were identified as relevant to the study objectives, and 20 studies were included. The studies’ results and quality were evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaires checklist. Results indicate that only ten EU countries validated official language versions of selected PAQs. A meta-analysis revealed that assessment of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) is the most relevant PA level outcome, since no publication bias in any of measurement properties was detected while test-retest reliability was moderately high (rw = 0.74), moderate for the criterion (rw = 0.41) and moderately-high for concurrent validity (rw = 0.72). Reporting of methods and results of the studies was poor, with an overall moderate risk of bias with a total score of 0.43. In conclusion, where only self-reporting of PA is feasible, assessment of MVPA with selected PAQs in EU adult populations is recommended.
Encouraging and Enabling Lifestyles and Behaviours to Simultaneously Promote Environmental Sustainability, Health and Equity: Key Policy Messages from INHERIT
Authors: Stegeman Ingrid , Godfrey Alba , Romeo-Velilla Maria , Bell Ruth , Staatsen Brigit , van der Vliet Nina , Kruize Hanneke , Morris George , Taylor Timothy , Strube Rosa , Anthun Kirsti , Lillefjell Monica , Zvěřinová Iva , Ščasný Milan , Máca Vojtěch , Costongs Caroline
Published: September 2020

Human consumption and activity are damaging the global ecosystem and the resources on which we rely for health, well-being and survival. The COVID-19 crisis is yet another manifestation of the urgent need to transition to more sustainable societies, further exposing the weaknesses in health systems and the injustice in our societies. It also underlines that many of the factors leading to environmental degradation, ill health and social and health inequities are interlinked. The current situation provides an unprecedented opportunity to invest in initiatives that address these common factors and encourage people to live more healthily and sustainably. Such initiatives can generate the positive feedback loops needed to change the systems and structures that shape our lives. INHERIT (January 2016–December 2019), an ambitious, multisectoral and transnational research project that involved 18 organisations across Europe, funded by the European Commission, explored such solutions. It identified, defined and analysed promising inter-sectoral policies, practices and approaches to simultaneously promote environmental sustainability, protect and promote health and contribute to health equity (the INHERIT “triple-win”) and that can encourage and enable people to live, move and consume more healthfully and sustainably. It also explored the facilitators and barriers to working across sectors and in public private cooperation. The insights were brought together in guidelines setting out how policy makers can help instigate and support local “triple-win” initiatives that influence behaviours as an approach to contributing to the change that is so urgently needed to stem environmental degradation and the interlinked threats to health and wellbeing. This article sets out this guidance, providing timely insights on how to “build back better” in the post pandemic era.
Assessing the Accessibility of Home-Based Healthcare Services for the Elderly: A Case from Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Di Xiaodong , Wang Lijian , Dai Xiuliang , Yang Liu
Published: September 2020

With the rapid increase of the elderly population in China, healthcare services for the elderly have gradually become an important welfare resource. However, the healthcare service for the elderly still has problems such as mismatched supply and demand and unbalanced resources. In order to effectively eliminate the path barriers to match supply and demand, and improve the accessibility of healthcare services, this paper introduces the sustainability of the healthcare service based on the accessibility theory, and constructs an index system from the three dimensions of potential accessibility, realized accessibility, and sustainable accessibility of healthcare services for the elderly. Then, the paper makes a practice application of the index system based on survey data of healthcare services from Shaanxi province, China. Finally, the paper finds that the total accessibility and sustainable accessibility of healthcare services for the elderly in Shaanxi Province are at an average level. The score of potential accessibility is high, indicating that elderly people have greater opportunities to use healthcare services. The realized accessibility score is low, which indicates that the actual use of healthcare services for the elderly presents low satisfaction.
Seasonal Changes in Anthropometry, Body Composition, and Physical Fitness and the Relationships with Sporting Success in Young Sub-Elite Judo Athletes: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Prieske Olaf , Chaabene Helmi , Gäbler Martijn , Herz Michael , Helm Norman , Markov Adrian , Granacher Urs
Published: September 2020

This exploratory study aimed to monitor long-term seasonal developments in measures of anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness in young judo athletes, and to compute associations between these measures and sporting success. Forty-four young judoka (20 females, 24 males) volunteered to participate. Tests for the assessment of anthropometry (e.g., body height/mass), body-composition (e.g., lean body mass), muscle strength (isometric handgrip strength), vertical jumping (e.g., countermovement-jump (CMJ) height), and dynamic balance (Y-balance test) were conducted at the beginning and end of a 10-month training season. Additionally, sporting success at the end of the season was recorded for each athlete. Analyses revealed significant time × sex interaction effects for lean-body-mass, isometric handgrip strength, and CMJ height (0.7 ≤ d ≤ 1.6). Post-hoc analyses showed larger gains for all measures in young males (1.9 ≤ d ≤6.0) compared with females (d = 2.4) across the season. Additionally, significant increases in body height and mass as well as Y-balance test scores were found from pre-to-post-test (1.2 ≤ d ≤4.3), irrespective of sex. Further, non-significant small-to-moderate-sized correlations were identified between changes in anthropometry/body composition/physical fitness and sporting success (p > 0.05; −0.34 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.32). Regression analysis confirmed that no model significantly predicted sporting success. Ten months of judo training and/or growth/maturation contributed to significant changes in anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness, particularly in young male judo athletes.
The Relationship between Leisure-Time Sedentary Behaviors and Metabolic Risks in Middle-Aged Chinese Women
Authors: Fan Jing , Ding Caicui , Gong Weiyan , Yuan Fan , Ma Yanning , Feng Ganyu , Song Chao , Liu Ailing
Published: September 2020

The prevalence of metabolic diseases has increased over the past few decades, and epidemiological studies suggest that metabolic diseases may be associated with lifestyle. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between leisure-time sedentary behaviors (LTSBs) and metabolic risks in middle-aged women in China. Data came from the China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance (CNNHS) in 2010–2012. A total of 2643 women aged 46 to 53 years were involved. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association of leisure-time sedentary duration (LTSD) with total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI). Restrictive cubic splines (RCS) were used to plot the curves between LTSD and the risk of metabolic diseases. Region, education, income, alcohol consumption, exercise, daily energy intake, and fat energy ratio were adjusted for all models. After adjusting for potential influencing factors, the results of multiple linear regression showed that for each additional hour increase in LTSD, TC and TG increased by 0.03 mmol/L and 0.04 mmol/L, respectively. The results of RCS curves showed that the risks of MetS (p for trend = 0.0276), obesity (p for trend = 0.0369), hypertension (p for trend = 0.0062), and hypercholesteremia (p for trend = 0.0033) increased with the increase in LTSD. LTSB was associated with the risks of MetS, obesity, hypertension, and hypercholesteremia in middle-aged women. Reducing LTSD may be an effective way of preventing metabolic diseases in middle-aged women.
Examining Land Use/Land Cover Change and the Summertime Surface Urban Heat Island Effect in Fast-Growing Greater Hefei, China: Implications for Sustainable Land Development
Authors: Li Ying-ying , Liu Yu , Ranagalage Manjula , Zhang Hao , Zhou Rui
Published: September 2020

In this study, a retrospective analysis of the relationship between the land use/land cover (LULC) change and associated surface urban heat island (SUHI) effect in fast-growing Greater Hefei between 1995 and 2016 was performed. Our results reveal the heterogeneous patterns of LULC change. The concentric buffer-based urban–rural gradient analysis reveals that most of the newly emerging developed land occurred within downtown Hefei. In contrast, in three suburban municipality/county jurisdictions, the overall area change in the non-developed land was much lower, but the net increase in developed land is remarkable. Meanwhile, the spatiotemporal patterns of SUHI are in good agreement with that of the developed land, as evidenced by the notable increase in SUHI intensity (SUHII) levels and SUHI spatial extent (SUHISE) in response to the rapid urban expansion, particularly along transportation corridors. In addition, partial least square regression (PLSR) models indicate that the buffer-based predictors/independent variables are significantly related to the responses (SUHII and SUHISE), explaining approximately 61.3% of the variance in the SUHII and 79.8% of the variance in the SUHISE, respectively. Furthermore, the relative strength of the independent variables in determining the relationship was quantitatively examined. The findings of this study provide clear evidence for decision making for sustainable land development and mitigation of the SUHI effect.
Rainfall-Induced Shallow Landslide Susceptibility Mapping at Two Adjacent Catchments Using Advanced Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Pradhan Ananta Man Singh , Kim Yun-Tae
Published: September 2020

Landslides impact on human activities and socio-economic development, especially in mountainous areas. This study focuses on the comparison of the prediction capability of advanced machine learning techniques for the rainfall-induced shallow landslide susceptibility of Deokjeokri catchment and Karisanri catchment in South Korea. The influencing factors for landslides, i.e., topographic, hydrologic, soil, forest, and geologic factors, are prepared from various sources based on availability, and a multicollinearity test is also performed to select relevant causative factors. The landslide inventory maps of both catchments are obtained from historical information, aerial photographs and performed field surveys. In this study, Deokjeokri catchment is considered as a training area and Karisanri catchment as a testing area. The landslide inventories contain 748 landslide points in training and 219 points in testing areas. Three landslide susceptibility maps using machine learning models, i.e., Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Deep Neural Network (DNN), are prepared and compared. The outcomes of the analyses are validated using the landslide inventory data. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) method is used to verify the results of the models. The results of this study show that the training accuracy of RF is 0.756 and the testing accuracy is 0.703. Similarly, the training accuracy of XGBoost is 0.757 and testing accuracy is 0.74. The prediction of DNN revealed acceptable agreement between the susceptibility map and the existing landslides, with a training accuracy of 0.855 and testing accuracy of 0.802. The results showed that the DNN model achieved lower prediction error and higher accuracy results than other models for shallow landslide modeling in the study area.
Correction: Perazzoni, F.; Bacelar-Nicolau, P.; Painho, M. Geointelligence against Illegal Deforestation and Timber Laundering in the Brazilian Amazon. ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2020, 9, 398
Authors: Perazzoni Franco , Bacelar-Nicolau Paula , Painho Marco
Published: September 2020

The authors have identified errors in the percentages and frequency of occurrences informed in the article [...]
Analysis of Serum miRNA in Glioblastoma Patients: CD44-Based Enrichment of Extracellular Vesicles Enhances Specificity for the Prognostic Signature
Authors: Tzaridis Theophilos , Reiners Katrin S , Weller Johannes , Bachurski Daniel , Schäfer Niklas , Schaub Christina , Hallek Michael , Scheffler Björn , Glas Martin , Herrlinger Ulrich , Wild Stefan , Coch Christoph , Hartmann Gunther
Published: September 2020

Glioblastoma is a devastating disease, for which biomarkers allowing a prediction of prognosis are urgently needed. microRNAs have been described as potentially valuable biomarkers in cancer. Here, we studied a panel of microRNAs in extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the serum of glioblastoma patients and evaluated their correlation with the prognosis of these patients. The levels of 15 microRNAs in EVs that were separated by size-exclusion chromatography were studied by quantitative real-time PCR, followed by CD44 immunoprecipitation (SEC + CD44), and compared with those from the total serum of glioblastoma patients (n = 55) and healthy volunteers (n = 10). Compared to total serum, we found evidence for the enrichment of miR-21-3p and miR-106a-5p and, conversely, lower levels of miR-15b-3p, in SEC + CD44 EVs. miR-15b-3p and miR-21-3p were upregulated in glioblastoma patients compared to healthy subjects. A significant correlation with survival of the patients was found for levels of miR-15b-3p in total serum and miR-15b-3p, miR-21-3p, miR-106a-5p, and miR-328-3p in SEC + CD44 EVs. Combining miR-15b-3p in serum or miR-106a-5p in SEC + CD44 EVs with any one of the other three microRNAs in SEC + CD44 EVs allowed for a prognostic stratification of glioblastoma patients. We have thus identified four microRNAs in glioblastoma patients whose levels, in combination, can predict the prognosis for these patients.
The Role of miR-342 in Vascular Health. Study in Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Mononuclear Cells, Plasma, Inflammatory Cytokines and PANX2
Authors: Ray Sabina L. , Coulson David J. , Yeoh Megan Li Yuen , Tamara Alice , Latief Jevi Septyani , Bakhashab Sherin , Weaver Jolanta U.
Published: September 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) correlates with inflammation and a reduction in circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs). Recently, CVD was shown to be the main cause of mortality in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). In animals, miR-342 was shown to exert an anti-inflammatory effect in CVD. Hypothesis: miR-342-3p/-5p are downregulated in subclinical CVD (T1DM), whereas inflammatory cytokines are upregulated. We studied miR -342 -3p/5p in plasma/peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in 29 T1DM and 20 controls (HC). Vascular health was measured by fibronectin adhesion assay (FAA), cEPCs (CD45dimCD34+133+ cells) and by assessing inflammation and tissue inhibition of metalloproteases (TIMP-1). In T1DM IL-7, IL-8, TNFα and VEGF-C were increased in plasma. MiR-342-3p/-5p were downregulated in PBMCs in T1DM, but not in plasma. PANX2, chemokine receptors CXCR1/2 mRNAs, were increased in PBMCs in T1DM. MiR-342-3p was negatively correlated with TIMP-1, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, HbA1c and CXCR2, whilst miR-342-5p was negatively correlated with TIMP-1, IL-6, IL-8 and HbA1c. There was a positive correlation among miR-342-3p, FAA and cEPCs, and between miR-342-5p and cEPCs. ROC curve analyses showed significant downregulation of miR-342-3p/-5p at HbA1c > 46.45 mmol/mol, indicating their potential as biomarkers for subclinical CVD. Our findings validated animal studies and confirmed the proangiogenic properties of miR-342-3p/-5p. MiR-342-3p/-5p-based intervention or monitoring may prove to be beneficial in managing CVD.
Activation of Adenosine A3 Receptor Inhibits Microglia Reactivity Elicited by Elevated Pressure
Authors: Ferreira-Silva Joana , Aires Inês D. , Boia Raquel , Ambrósio António Francisco , Santiago Ana Raquel
Published: September 2020

Glaucoma is a progressive chronic retinal degenerative disease and a leading cause of global irreversible blindness, characterized by optic nerve damage and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a main risk factor of glaucoma. Neuroinflammation plays an important role in glaucoma. We have been demonstrating that elevated pressure triggers microglia reactivity that contribute to the loss of RGCs. Adenosine, acting on adenosine receptors, is a crucial modulator of microglia phenotype. Microglia express all adenosine receptors. Previously, we demonstrated that the activation of adenosine A3 receptor (A3R) affords protection to the retina, including RGCs, unveiling the possibility for a new strategy for glaucoma treatment. Since microglial cells express A3R, we now studied the ability of a selective A3R agonist (2-Cl-IB-MECA) in controlling microglia reactivity induced by elevated hydrostatic pressure (EHP), used to mimic elevated IOP. The activation of A3R reduced EHP-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, microglia migration and phagocytosis in BV-2 cells. In retinal microglia, proliferation and phagocytosis elicited by EHP were also decreased by A3R activation. This work demonstrates that 2-Cl-IB-MECA, the selective agonist of A3R, is able to hinder microglia reactivity, suggesting that A3R agonists could afford protection against glaucomatous degeneration through the control of neuroinflammation.
Natural Catalytic IgGs Hydrolyzing Histones in Schizophrenia: Are They the Link between Humoral Immunity and Inflammation?
Authors: Ermakov Evgeny A. , Parshukova Daria A. , Nevinsky Georgy A. , Buneva Valentina N.
Published: September 2020

Schizophrenia is known to be accompanied not only with an imbalance in the neurotransmitter systems but also with immune system dysregulation and chronic low-grade inflammation. Extracellular histones and nucleosomes as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) trigger systemic inflammatory and toxic reactions by activating Toll-like receptors. In this work, we obtained the first evidence that polyclonal IgGs of patients with schizophrenia effectively hydrolyze five histones (H1, H2a, H2b, H3, and H4). Several strict criteria were used to demonstrate that histone-hydrolyzing activity is a property of the analyzed IgGs. The IgGs histone-hydrolyzing activity level, depending on the type of histone (H1–H4), was statistically significantly 6.1–20.2 times higher than that of conditionally healthy donors. The investigated biochemical properties (pH and metal ion dependences, kinetic characteristics) of these natural catalytic IgGs differed markedly from canonical proteases. It was previously established that the generation of natural catalytic antibodies is an early and clear sign of impaired humoral immunity. One cannot, however, exclude that histone-hydrolyzing antibodies may play a positive role in schizophrenia pathogenesis because histone removal from circulation or the inflamed area minimizes the inflammatory responses. Thus, it can be assumed that histone-hydrolyzing antibodies are a link between humoral immunity and inflammatory responses in schizophrenia.