bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Biological, Textural, and Physicochemical Parameters of Panela Cheese Added with Probiotics
Authors: Parra-Ocampo Karina A. , Martín-del-Campo Sandra T. , Montejano-Gaitán José G. , Zárraga-Alcántar Rubén , Cardador-Martínez Anaberta
Published: October 2020

Biological, physicochemical and textural parameters of a Panela cheese with and without probiotics (LSB-c and C-c) were analyzed during 15 days of storage at 4 °C. Changes in cohesiveness, hardness, springiness, and chewiness were measured by texture profile analysis. Additionally, moisture, pH, nitrogenous fractions (nitrogen soluble in pH 4.6, non-protein nitrogen, 70% ethanol-soluble nitrogen, and water-soluble extract) were evaluated. The peptide profile of nitrogenous fractions was also analyzed. Finally, biological activity was evaluated by ABTS (2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), as well as the Inhibition of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for most of the evaluated parameters. By principal component analysis (PCA), two groups were separated, one corresponding to LSB-c and the other corresponding to C-c. The separation was given mostly by hardness, chewiness, and ABTS of all nitrogenous fractions. LSB-c showed higher biological activities than C-c.
Crosslinked Recombinant-Ara h 1 Catalyzed by Microbial Transglutaminase: Preparation, Structural Characterization and Allergic Assessment
Authors: Tian Yang , Liu Chenglong , Xue Wentong , Wang Zhongfu
Published: October 2020

As the one of the major allergens in peanut, the allergenicity of Ara h 1 is influenced by its intrinsic structure, which can be modified by different processing. However, molecular information in this modification has not been clarified to date. Here, we detected the influence of microbial transglutaminase (MTG) catalyzed cross-linking on the recombinant peanut protein Ara h 1 (rAra h 1). Electrophoresis and spectroscopic methods were used to analysis the structural changes. The immunoreactivity alterations were characterized by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting and degranulation test. Structural features of cross-linked rAra h 1 varied at different reaction stages. Hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds were the main molecular forces in polymers induced by heating and reducing. In MTG-catalyzed cross-linking, ε-(γ-glutamyl) lysine isopeptide bonds were formed, thus inducing a relatively stable structure in polymers. MTG catalyzed cross-linking could modestly but significantly reduce the immunoreactivity of rAra h 1. Decreased content of conserved secondary structures led to a loss of protection of linear epitopes. Besides, the reduced surface hydrophobic index and increased steric hindrance of rAra h 1 made it more difficult to bind with antibodies, thus hindering the subsequent allergic reaction.
Supporting the Sensory Panel to Grade Virgin Olive Oils: An In-House-Validated Screening Tool by Volatile Fingerprinting and Chemometrics
Authors: Quintanilla-Casas Beatriz , Marin Marco , Guardiola Francesc , García-González Diego Luis , Barbieri Sara , Bendini Alessandra , Gallina Toschi Tullia , Vichi Stefania , Tres Alba
Published: October 2020

The commercial category of virgin olive oil is currently assigned on the basis of chemical-physical and sensory parameters following official methods. Considering the limited number of samples that can be analysed daily by a sensory panel, an instrumental screening tool could be supportive by reducing the assessors’ workload and improving their performance. The present work aims to in-house validate a screening strategy consisting of two sequential binary partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models that was suggested to be successful in a proof-of-concept study. This approach is based on the volatile fraction fingerprint obtained by HS-SPME–GC–MS from more than 300 virgin olive oils from two crop seasons graded by six different sensory panels into extra virgin, virgin or lampante categories. Uncertainty ranges were set for the binary classification models according to sensitivity and specificity by means of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, aiming to identify boundary samples. Thereby, performing the screening approach, only the virgin olive oils classified as uncertain (23.3%) would be assessed by a sensory panel, while the rest would be directly classified into a given commercial category (78.9% of correct classification). The sensory panel’s workload would be reduced to less than one-third of the samples. A highly reliable classification of samples would be achieved (84.0%) by combining the proposed screening tool with the reference method (panel test) for the assessment of uncertain samples.
Gastrointestinal In Vitro Digests of Infant Biscuits Formulated with Bovine Milk Proteins Positively Affect In Vitro Differentiation of Human Osteoblast-Like Cells
Authors: Bottani Michela , Cattaneo Stefano , Pica Valentina , Stuknytė Milda , Gomarasca Marta , Lombardi Giovanni , Banfi Giuseppe , Noni Ivano , Ferraretto Anita
Published: October 2020

Infant biscuits (IBs) are part of complementary feeding from weaning up to the age of five years. They normally contain bovine milk proteins, which can influence bone development. This potential effect was investigated using experimental baked IBs, which were prepared from doughs containing different type of dairy proteins: milk protein concentrate (IB1), whey protein isolate (IB2), and skimmed milk powder (IB3). Dairy protein-free (IB0) and gluten-free (IB4) biscuits were also formulated. The in vitro gastrointestinal digests of IBs (IBDs) were tested on a co-culture of Caco-2/HT-29 70/30 cells as an in vitro model of human small intestine. None of the IBDs influenced cell viability and monolayer integrity, while IBD0 and IBD4 increased Peptide-YY production. The basolateral contents of Transwell plates seeded with Caco-2/HT-29 70/30 co-culture, mimicking metabolized IBDs (MIBDs), were tested on Saos-2 cells, an in vitro model of human osteoblast-like cells. After incubation, MIBD0, lacking dairy proteins, decreased the cell viability, while MIBD2, containing whey protein isolate, increased both the viability and the number of cells. MIBD2 and MIBD4, the latter containing both casein and whey proteins, increased alkaline phosphatase activity, a bone differentiation marker. These results highlight that IBs containing dairy proteins positively affect bone development.
Ultrasound-Combined Sterilization Technology: An Effective Sterilization Technique Ensuring the Microbial Safety of Grape Juice and Significantly Improving Its Quality
Authors: Ma Tingting , Wang Jiaqi , Wang Lukai , Yang Yanhao , Yang Wanyi , Wang Haoli , Lan Tian , Zhang Qianwen , Sun Xiangyu
Published: October 2020

: The effects of ultrasound (US), thermosonication (TS), ultrasound combined with nisin (USN), TS combined with nisin (TSN), and conventional thermal sterilization (CTS) treatments on the inactivation of microorganisms in grape juice were evaluated. TS, TSN, and CTS treatments provided the desirable bactericidal and enzyme inactivation, and nisin had a synergistic lethal effect on aerobic bacteria in grape juice while not having any obvious effect on the mold and yeast. Compared with CTS, the sensory characteristics of grape juice treated with TS and TSN are closer to that of fresh juice, its microbial safety is ensured, and the physicochemical properties are basically unchanged. More importantly, the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of juice treated with TS and TSN were significantly increased, and the total anthocyanin and flavonoid contents were largely retained. Taken together, these findings suggest that TS and TSN has great potential application value and that it can ensure microbial safety and improve the quality of grape juice.
Compositional Features of the “Kweli” Red Raspberry and Its Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Vara Ana Luísa , Pinela José , Dias Maria Inês , Petrović Jovana , Nogueira António , Soković Marina , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Barros Lillian
Published: October 2020

Red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) are increasingly popular foods in contemporary diets due to their freshness, nutritional value and health claims. Among the existing cultivars, “Kweli” is one of the most productive and widely cultivated. In this study, the nutritional value and chemical composition of “Kweli” red raspberry were characterized by the official method of food analysis and chromatographic techniques, and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were tested against biological/biochemical oxidizable substrates and foodborne bacteria and fungi strains, respectively. Carbohydrates (including fructose and glucose, 14.3 and 12.6 g/100 g dw, respectively), proteins (6.8 g/100 g dw), and ashes (3.90 g/100 g dw) were major constituents. The fat content was quite low and constituted mainly by unsaturated fatty acids (58.3%), with a predominance of oleic acid. Fresh red raspberry also contained high levels of citric (2.7 g/100 g) and ascorbic (17 mg/100 g) acids. The anthocyanins (4.51 mg/g extract) cyanidin-O-hexoside and mostly cyanidin-O-sophoroside were identified in the red raspberry hydroethanolic extract, which was able to inhibit thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation (EC50 of 122 µg/mL), oxidative hemolysis (IC50 of 298 µg/mL), and β-carotene bleaching (EC50 of 18.7 µg/mL). In turn, the extract was more effective than the food additive E224 against Bacillus cereus. All these results highlighted the nutritional quality of “Kweli” red raspberry and showed some compositional differences in relation to other cultivars. Therefore, its inclusion in a daily diet can be helpful to obtain nutrients and antioxidants and bring health benefits.
Relationship between Seed Morphological Traits and Ash and Mineral Distribution along the Kernel Using Debranning in Durum Wheats from Different Geographic Sites
Authors: Ficco Donatella B.M. , Beleggia Romina , Pecorella Ivano , Giovanniello Valentina , Frenda Alfonso S. , Vita Pasquale De
Published: October 2020

Debranning was applied to durum wheat to the study the relationship between kernel shape and size, and ash and mineral distribution having implications for semolina yield. To this aim four durum wheat genotypes carried out over three environments were selected to determine the morphological and yield traits as well as the distribution along the kernel of the ash, macro- (Na, K, P, Ca, and Mg), and micro-elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mo). A descendent ash gradient within the kernel reflects the decreases in the minerals that occurred during debranning. Perciasacchi with high seed weight (TKW) and greater thickness followed by Cappelli showed a more uniform distribution of ash content along the kernels. High r Pearson coefficient (p < 0.01) showed an inverse relationship between thickness and ash decay. Since thickness was strongly affected by the genotype, it could represent a useful trait for breeding programs to predict the milling quality.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Legumes as Food Ingredient: Characterization, Processing, and Applications
Authors: Clemente Alfonso , Jimenez-Lopez Jose C.
Published: October 2020

Legumes are major ingredients in the Mediterranean diet, playing an essential role in developing countries. Grain legumes, such as lentil, chickpea, pea, lupin and beans, among others, are recognized as good sources of proteins, starch, fiber, vitamins and minerals for human nutrition, being an essential food crop for people worldwide. Due to their nutritional and techno-functional properties, legumes are widely used by the food industry as ingredients in a wide range of products for general and specific groups of the population, including vegetarians, diabetics or celiac patients. The Special Issue “Legumes as Food Ingredients: Characterization, Processing, and Applications” covers key aspects regarding the nutritional quality of legume flours and their derived products, as well as the health benefits of some of their bioactive components. The amounts of antinutritional components, such as certain allergens that might pose risks to sensitized consumers, are reported to be reduced by processing. Several pretreatments, including fermentation with lactic bacteria and yeasts, are used to improve the nutritional and sensory profile of the legume-derived products, increasing their acceptance by consumers.
Thermal Activation of Digested Sewage Sludges for Carbon Dioxide Removal from Biogas
Authors: Tinnirello Mirko , Papurello Davide , Santarelli Massimo , Fiorilli Sonia
Published: October 2020

Anaerobically digested sewage sludges were used as feedstock in the production of activated carbons through physical activation. These char samples were experimentally tested as adsorbents for the removal of CO2 from a simulated biogas mixture. The CO2 concentration level allowed in biomethane was fixed from the European Standards EN 16723-1 and EN 16723-2. The char yield and the subsequent adsorption capacity values were studied, considering the operating parameters of the process. A physical activation process was considered with the following parameters: the temperature, the dwell time, the activating agent, the heating rate, the flow rate, and the method. Among the adsorption tests, the activating temperature and the agent employed affected the CO2 removal. The maximum adsorption capacity was achieved with nitrogen as an activating agent at 600 °C, with 2 h of dwell time (102.5 mg/g).
Imprint of Pressure on Characteristic Dark Matter Profiles: The Case of ESO0140040
Authors: Boshkayev Kuantay , Konysbayev Talgar , Kurmanov Ergali , Luongo Orlando , Muccino Marco
Published: October 2020

We investigate the dark matter distribution in the spiral galaxy ESO0140040, employing the most widely used density profiles: the pseudo-isothermal, exponential sphere, Burkert, Navarro-Frenk-White, Moore and Einasto profiles. We infer the model parameters and estimate the total dark matter content from the rotation curve data. For simplicity, we assume that dark matter distribution is spherically symmetric without accounting for the complex structure of the galaxy. Our predictions are compared with previous results and the fitted parameters are statistically confronted for each profile. We thus show that although one does not include the galaxy structure it is possible to account for the same dynamics assuming that dark matter provides a non-zero pressure in the Newtonian approximation. In this respect, we solve the hydrostatic equilibrium equation and construct the dark matter pressure as a function for each profile. Consequently, we discuss the dark matter equation of state and calculate the speed of sound in dark matter. Furthermore, we interpret our results in view of our approach and we discuss the role of the refractive index as an observational signature to discriminate between our approach and the standard one.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel CLCN7 Variant Associated with Osteopetrosis
Authors: Bug Dmitrii S. , Barkhatov Ildar M. , Gudozhnikova Yana V. , Tishkov Artem V. , Zhulin Igor B. , Petukhova Natalia V.
Published: October 2020

Osteopetrosis is a group of rare inheritable disorders of the skeleton characterized by increased bone density. The disease is remarkably heterogeneous in clinical presentation and often misdiagnosed. Therefore, genetic testing and molecular pathogenicity analysis are essential for precise diagnosis and new targets for preventive pharmacotherapy. Mutations in the CLCN7 gene give rise to the complete spectrum of osteopetrosis phenotypes and are responsible for about 75% of cases of autosomal dominant osteopetrosis. In this study, we report the identification of a novel variant in the CLCN7 gene in a patient diagnosed with osteopetrosis and provide evidence for its significance (likely deleterious) based on extensive comparative genomics, protein sequence and structure analysis. A set of automated bioinformatics tools used to predict consequences of this variant identified it as deleterious or pathogenic. Structure analysis revealed that the variant is located at the same “hot spot” as the most common CLCN7 mutations causing osteopetrosis. Deep phylogenetic reconstruction showed that not only Leu614Arg, but any non-aliphatic substitutions in this position are evolutionarily intolerant, further supporting the deleterious nature of the variant. The present study provides further evidence that reconstructing a precise evolutionary history of a gene helps in predicting phenotypical consequences of variants of uncertain significance.
Butyrate Levels in the Transition from an Infant- to an Adult-Like Gut Microbiota Correlate with Bacterial Networks Associated with Eubacterium Rectale and Ruminococcus Gnavus
Authors: Nilsen Morten , Madelen Saunders Carina , Leena Angell Inga , Arntzen Magnus Ø. , Lødrup Carlsen Karin C. , Carlsen Kai-Håkon , Haugen Guttorm , Heldal Hagen Live , Carlsen Monica H. , Hedlin Gunilla , Monceyron Jonassen Christine , Nordlund Björn , Maria Rehbinder Eva , Skjerven Håvard O. , Snipen Lars , Cathrine Staff Anne , Vettukattil Riyas , Rudi Knut
Published: October 2020

Relatively little is known about the ecological forces shaping the gut microbiota composition during infancy. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to identify the nutrient utilization- and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production potential of gut microbes in infants during the first year of life. Stool samples were obtained from mothers at 18 weeks of pregnancy and from infants at birth (first stool) at 3, 6, and 12-months of age from the general population-based PreventADALL cohort. We identified the taxonomic and SCFA composition in 100 mother-child pairs. The SCFA production and substrate utilization potential of gut microbes were observed by multiomics (shotgun sequencing and proteomics) on six infants. We found a four-fold increase in relative butyrate levels from 6 to 12 months of infant age. The increase was correlated to Eubacterium rectale and its bacterial network, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii relative abundance, while low butyrate at 12 months was correlated to Ruminococcus gnavus and its associated network of bacteria. Both E. rectale and F. prausnitzii expressed enzymes needed for butyrate production and enzymes related to dietary fiber degradation, while R. gnavus expressed mucus-, fucose, and human milk oligosaccharides (HMO)-related degradation enzymes. Therefore, we believe that the presence of E. rectale, its network, and F. prausnitzii are key bacteria in the transition from an infant- to an adult-like gut microbiota with respect to butyrate production. Our results indicate that the transition from an infant- to an adult-like gut microbiota with respect to butyrate producing bacteria, occurs between 6 and 12 months of infant age. The bacteria associated with the increased butyrate ratio/levels were E. rectale and F. prausnitzii, which potentially utilize a variety of dietary fibers based on the glycoside hydrolases (GHs) expressed. R. gnavus with a negative association to butyrate potentially utilizes mucin, fucose, and HMO components. This knowledge could have future importance in understanding how microbial metabolites can impact infant health and development.
Stress, Burnout, and Low Self-Efficacy of Nursing Professionals: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Dos Santos Luis Miguel
Published: October 2020

Nursing professionals face a high level of stress and burnout due to overloaded responsibilities, which may cause a low level of self-efficacy. From the perspective of nursing professionals, the research aims to understand what are the sources of stress and burnout which would reduce the self-efficacy and the unbalanced patient ratio and how would nursing professionals describe their experiences, sources of stress and burnout, and self-efficacy. Based on the snowball sampling strategy, 60 nursing professionals were invited for qualitative research data collection. Based on the lens of the self-efficacy approach, the results indicated that the environmental factors, including workplace bullying, family stress, misunderstanding of public members, and personal development and career enhancement took important roles in increasing their stress and burnout and in reducing their self-efficacy. The outcomes of this study discovered the social status and discrimination toward nursing professionals. Government leaders, policymakers, and researchers should take this research as an opportunity to reform their policy for human resource management and education for the respectfulness of medical and nursing professionals in the public health system.
State of Fragility Fractures Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tarantino Umberto , Cariati Ida , Tancredi Virginia , Casamassima Donato , Piccirilli Eleonora , Iundusi Riccardo , Gasbarra Elena
Published: October 2020

Osteoporosis is a public health concern all over the world. As a chronic condition, it generally requires prolonged medical interventions to limit the risks of further bone loss, impaired skeletal integrity and the onset of fractures. This problem is further complicated by the fact that the abrupt cessation of some therapies may be associated with an increased risk of harm. It is in this context that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented disruption to the provision of healthcare worldwide, exceeding our worst expectations in terms of the number of lives lost and the rapidity at which consolidated economies and healthcare systems are being significantly damaged. In this review, we assessed the challenges and strategies used in the management of osteoporosis and fragility fracture care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examined the available evidence and provided clinical recommendations that will require reassessment as the worldwide response to COVID-19 evolves.
Conceptualization of Roma in Policy Documents Related to Social Inclusion and Health in the Czech Republic
Authors: Slepickova Lenka , Bobakova Daniela Filakovska
Published: October 2020

In the Czech Republic, a number of strategy papers and policy documents are guiding the direction of Roma inclusion, including in the area of health. The conceptualization of Roma and how mainstream political and public discourse operate with the term “Roma” contribute to a mistakenly homogenous and harmful image of Roma that conforms to negative stereotypes. The aim of our study was to examine the conceptualization of Roma in policy documents related to social inclusion and health in the Czech Republic. Relevant political, strategic and project documents were selected for analysis. Emphasis is placed in them on individual responsibility in relation to health, while structural conditions and discrimination are mentioned less often. Roma are described in relation to health primarily as people who should be educated. More emphasis is placed on the economic benefits of eliminating health inequalities than on citizens’ rights and the importance of inclusion. When “participation” or “empowerment” is mentioned, it is done vaguely, usually in addition to references to completely non-participatory practices. The majority is the primary actor in the field of eliminating health inequalities, as it defines the “path” that Roma need to be shown or determines what is needed to “stimulate” citizens. Although the political discourse concerning Roma has shifted more towards human rights, equity and combating discrimination in the Czech Republic, subtle forms of anti-Gypsyism still seem to be present.
The Association between Alcohol Drinking Patterns and Health-Related Quality of Life in the Korean Adult Population: Effects of Misclassification Error on Estimation of Association
Authors: Lee Eun Sook , Kim Boyoung
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between drinking patterns and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the Korean general population and to validate the estimation of the association of alcohol use on HRQoL when former drinkers are separated from never drinkers and low-risk drinkers depending on gender. Data were collected from 23,055 adults (over 19 years old) who completed the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2010–2013). Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between drinking patterns and HRQoL. When former drinkers were separated from never drinkers and low-risk drinkers to control for misclassification bias, there were gender differences in the associations between alcohol use and HRQoL. Although the estimation of the association of alcohol use was not valid in men, the estimation of association was valid in women, as low-risk women drinkers showed better HRQoL than nondrinkers. Therefore, when conducting research related to alcohol and health, analyses should correct for the various confounding variables and minimize the misclassification bias of drinking patterns. It is also necessary to consider gender characteristics when intervening to improve HRQoL related to drinking.
Relationship Between Prolonged Second Stage of Labor and Short-Term Neonatal Morbidity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Infante-Torres Nuria , Molina-Alarcón Milagros , Arias-Arias Angel , Rodríguez-Almagro Julián , Hernández-Martínez Antonio
Published: October 2020

To evaluate the association between prolonged second stage of labor and the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes with a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE were searched using the search strategy “Labor Stage, Second” AND (length OR duration OR prolonged OR abnormal OR excessive). Observational studies that examine the relationship between prolonged second stage of labor and neonatal outcomes were selected. Prolonged second stage of labor was defined as 4 h or more in nulliparous women and 3 h or more in multiparous women. The main neonatal outcomes were 5 min Apgar score <7, admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, neonatal sepsis and neonatal death. Data collection and quality assessment were carried out independently by the three reviewers. Twelve studies were selected including 266,479 women. In nulliparous women, a second stage duration greater than 4 h increased the risk of 5 min Apgar score <7, admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and neonatal sepsis and intubation. In multiparous women, a second stage of labor greater than 3 h was related to 5 min Apgar score <7, admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, meconium staining and composite neonatal morbidity. Prolonged second stage of labor increased the risk of 5 min Apgar score <7 and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in nulliparous and multiparous women, without increasing the risk of neonatal death. This review demonstrates that prolonged second stage of labor increases the risk of neonatal complications in nulliparous and multiparous women.
Supports Used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women for Their Health, including Smoking Cessation, and a Baby’s Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Gould Gillian S. , Holder Carl , Oldmeadow Christopher , Gruppetta Maree
Published: October 2020

This study explored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s use of supports for their general health, for smoking cessation, and the health of babies or children, and analyzed the women’s predictors for seeking types of support. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were recruited for a cross-sectional survey in two regions of NSW N = 132. The 19-item survey questioned the likelihood that the participant would use the various supports for their health, to quit smoking, and for a baby or child’s health. Logistic regression analyses were performed on N = 98 with complete data. Older participants were less likely to use Facebook or the internet for their health, or the health of a child, but were more likely to consult with health professionals. Women who had quit smoking were less likely to use an app for their health compared to smokers. Women who had a child living in their household were less likely to use the internet for a child’s health. This community-based study revealed age-related differences for access to health services and differences according to smoking status. Patterns of internet and app use warrant further consideration when planning strategies to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children’s health.
Internal vs. External Corporate Social Responsibility at U.S. Banks
Authors: Bolton Brian
Published: October 2020

This study analyzes the effect that banks’ investments in corporate social responsibility (CSR) have on bank performance. I find that banks’ investments in CSR have a positive impact on financial performance, measured in terms of both accounting performance and stock market value. However, not all CSR investments are the same. I distinguish between internal CSR and external CSR. This distinction is based on which constituents are most directly affected by the CSR initiatives. Separating bank CSR activities into internally focused and externally focused ones provides evidence on how different constituents value bank CSR activities. I find that CSR-related value creation is primarily a result of banks’ external investments and not a result of their internal investments. I also consider how internal and external CSR activities influence bank risk. I find that banks with higher CSR scores are less risky. This is driven by their external CSR investments and not by their internal CSR investments. Banks with a larger gap between internal and external CSR investments have worse performance, lower valuations, and greater risk than banks with a more balanced distribution between internal and external CSR investments. Banks which are committed to long-term structural CSR investments that benefit a broad community of stakeholders are rewarded by the financial markets. Moreover, from a regulatory policy perspective, these same banks are less risky and less likely to contribute to systemic macroeconomic risk.
Workflow of Digital Field Mapping and Drone-Aided Survey for the Identification and Characterization of Capable Faults: The Case of a Normal Fault System in the Monte Nerone Area (Northern Apennines, Italy)
Authors: De Donatis Mauro , Alberti Mauro , Cipicchia Mattia , Guerrero Nelson Muñoz , Pappafico Giulio F. , Susini Sara
Published: October 2020

Field work on the search and characterization of ground effects of a historical earthquake (i.e., the Cagli earthquake in 1781) was carried out using terrestrial and aerial digital tools. The method of capturing, organizing, storing, and elaborating digital data is described herein, proposing a possible workflow starting from pre-field project organization, through reiteration of field and intermediate laboratory work, to final interpretation and synthesis. The case of one of the most important seismic events in the area of the northern Umbria–Marche Apennines provided the opportunity to test the method with both postgraduate students and researchers. The main result of this work was the mapping of a capable normal fault system with a great number of observations, as well as a large amount of data, from difficult outcrop areas. A GIS map and a three-dimensional (3D) model, with the integration of subsurface data (i.e., seismic profiles and recent earthquake distribution information), allowed for a new interpretation of an extensional tectonic regime of this Apennines sector, similar to one of the southernmost areas of central Italy where recent earthquakes occurred on 2016.
Perspective: Quality Versus Quantity; Is It Important to Assess the Role of Enhancers in Complex Disease from an In Vivo Perspective?
Authors: McEwan Andrew R. , MacKenzie Alasdair
Published: October 2020

Sequencing of the human genome has permitted the development of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to analyze the genetics of a number of complex disorders such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Thanks to their ability to analyze huge cohort sizes, these studies have successfully identified thousands of loci associated with a broad spectrum of complex diseases. Disconcertingly, the majority of these GWAS hits occur in non-coding regions of the genome, much of which controls the cell-type-specific expression of genes essential to health. In contrast to gene coding sequences, it is a challenge to understand the function of this non-coding regulatory genome using conventional biochemical techniques in cell lines. The current commentary scrutinizes the field of complex genetics from the standpoint of the large-scale whole-genome functional analysis of the promoters and cis-regulatory elements using chromatin markers. We contrast these large scale quantitative techniques against comparative genomics and in vivo analyses including CRISPR/CAS9 genome editing to determine the functional characteristics of these elements and to understand how polymorphic variation and epigenetic changes within these elements might contribute to complex disease and drug response. Most importantly, we suggest that, although the role of chromatin markers will continue to be important in identifying and characterizing enhancers, more emphasis must be placed on their analysis in relevant in-vivo models that take account of the appropriate cell-type-specific roles of these elements. It is hoped that offering these insights might refocus progress in analyzing the data tsunami of non-coding GWAS and whole-genome sequencing “hits” that threatens to overwhelm progress in the field.
Occurrence and Analysis of Thermophilic Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)-Degrading Microorganisms in Temperate Zone Soils
Authors: Šerá Jana , Kadlečková Markéta , Fayyazbakhsh Ahmad , Kučabová Veronika , Koutný Marek
Published: October 2020

The ubiquity and character of thermophilic poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-degrading microorganisms in soils were investigated and compared to the process in an industrial composting plant. PBAT degraders were sought in 41 temperate zone soils. No mesophilic degraders were found by the employed method, but roughly 102 colony-forming units (CFUs) of thermophilic degraders per gram of soil were found in nine soils, and after an enrichment procedure, the PBAT-degrading consortia were isolated from 30 out of 41 soils. Thermophilic actinomycetes, Thermobispora bispora in particular, together with bacilli proved to be the key constituents of the isolated and characterized PBAT-degrading consortia, with bacilli comprising from about 30% to over 90% of the retrieved sequences. It was also shown that only consortia containing both constituents were able to decompose PBAT. For comparison, a PBAT film together with two types of PBAT/starch films were subjected to biodegradation in compost and the degrading microorganisms were analyzed. Bacilli and actinobacteria were again the most common species identified on pure PBAT film, especially at the beginning of biodegradation. Later, the composition of the consortia on all three tested materials became very similar and more diverse. Since waste containing PBAT-based materials is often intended to end up in composting plants, this study increases our confidence that thermophilic PBAT degraders are rather broadly present in the environment and the degradation of the material during the composting process should not be limited by the absence of specific microorganisms.
Elevated CLOCK and BMAL1 Contribute to the Impairment of Aerobic Glycolysis from Astrocytes in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yoo Ik Dong , Park Min Woo , Cha Hyeon Woo , Yoon Sunmi , Boonpraman Napissara , Yi Sun Shin , Moon Jong-Seok
Published: October 2020

Altered glucose metabolism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aerobic glycolysis from astrocytes is a critical metabolic pathway for brain energy metabolism. Disturbances of circadian rhythm have been associated with AD. While the role of circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) and brain muscle ARNT-like1 (BMAL1), the major components in the regulation of circadian rhythm, has been identified in the brain, the mechanism by which CLOCK and BMAL1 regulates the dysfunction of astrocytes in AD remains unclear. Here, we show that the protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 are significantly elevated in impaired astrocytes of cerebral cortex from patients with AD. We demonstrate that the over-expression of CLOCK and BMAL1 significantly suppresses aerobic glycolysis and lactate production by the reduction in hexokinase 1 (HK1) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) protein levels in human astrocytes. Moreover, the elevation of CLOCK and BMAL1 induces functional impairment by the suppression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive filaments in human astrocytes. Furthermore, the elevation of CLOCK and BMAL1 promotes cytotoxicity by the activation of caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in human astrocytes. These results suggest that the elevation of CLOCK and BMAL1 contributes to the impairment of astrocytes by inhibition of aerobic glycolysis in AD.
The Temperature Prediction of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines Based on Proximal Policy Optimization
Authors: Cen Yuefeng , Zhang Chenguang , Cen Gang , Zhang Yulai , Zhao Cheng
Published: October 2020

Accurate temperature prediction plays an important role in the thermal protection of permanent magnet synchronous motors. A temperature prediction method of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) based on proximal policy optimization is proposed. In the proposed method, the actor-critic framework of reinforcement learning is introduced to model the effective temperature prediction mechanism, and the correlations between the input features are then analyzed to select the appropriate input features. Finally, the simplified proximal policy optimization algorithm is introduced to optimize the value of the prediction temperature of PMSMs. Experimental results reveal the high accuracy and reliability of the proposed method compared with an exponential weighted moving average method (EWMA), a recurrent neural network (RNN), and long short-term memory (LSTM).
A Credibility Score Algorithm for Malicious Data Detection in Urban Vehicular Networks
Authors: Płaczek Bartłomiej , Bernas Marcin , Cholewa Marcin
Published: October 2020

This paper introduces a method to detect malicious data in urban vehicular networks, where vehicles report their locations to road-side units controlling traffic signals at intersections. The malicious data can be injected by a selfish vehicle approaching a signalized intersection to get the green light immediately. Another source of malicious data are vehicles with malfunctioning sensors. Detection of the malicious data is conducted using a traffic model based on cellular automata, which determines intervals representing possible positions of vehicles. A credibility score algorithm is introduced to decide if positions reported by particular vehicles are reliable and should be taken into account for controlling traffic signals. Extensive simulation experiments were conducted to verify effectiveness of the proposed approach in realistic scenarios. The experimental results show that the proposed method detects the malicious data with higher accuracy than compared state-of-the-art methods. The improved accuracy of detecting malicious data has enabled mitigation of their negative impact on the performance of traffic signal control.
Debugging: Strategies and Considerations for Efficient RNAi-Mediated Control of the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Shelby Emily A. , Moss Jeanette B. , Andreason Sharon A. , Simmons Alvin M. , Moore Allen J. , Moore Patricia J.
Published: October 2020

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a globally important pest that is difficult to control through insecticides, transgenic crops, and natural enemies. Post-transcriptional gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi) has shown potential as a pest management strategy against B. tabaci. While genomic data and other resources are available to create highly effective customizable pest management strategies with RNAi, current applications do not capitalize on species-specific biology. This lack of specificity has the potential to have substantial ecological impacts. Here, we discuss both short- and long-term considerations for sustainable RNAi pest management strategies for B. tabaci, focusing on the need for species specificity incorporating both life history and population genetic considerations. We provide a conceptual framework for selecting sublethal target genes based on their involvement in physiological pathways, which has the greatest potential to ameliorate unintended negative consequences. We suggest that these considerations allow an integrated pest management approach, with fewer negative ecological impacts and reduced likelihood of the evolution of resistant populations.
Diamondback Moth Larvae Trigger Host Plant Volatiles that Lure Its Adult Females for Oviposition
Authors: Hussain Mubasher , Gao Jing , Bano Summyya , Wang Liande , Lin Yongwen , Arthurs Steve , Qasim Muhammad , Mao Runqian
Published: October 2020

The diamondback moth (DBM) is a destructive pest of crucifer crops. In this study, DBM larvae shown to herbivore induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) that were attractive to adult females exposed in a Y-tube olfactometer. Our results showed that olfactory responses of adult females to HIPVs induced by third instar larvae feeding on Barbarea vulgaris were significantly higher (20.40 ± 1.78; mean moths (%) ± SD) than those induced by first instar larvae (14.80 ± 1.86; mean moths (%) ± SD). Meanwhile, a significant concentration of Sulphur-containing isothiocyanate, 3-methylsulfinylpropyl isothiocyanate, and 4-methylsulfinyl-3-butenyl isothiocyanate were detected in HIPVs released by third instar larvae compared to those released by first instar larvae while feeding on B. vulgaris. When the DBM females were exposed to synthetic chemicals, singly and in blend form, a similar response was observed as to natural HIPVs. Our study demonstrated that the relationship between isothiocyanates acting as plant defense compounds, host plant cues emission and regulation of the DBM adult female behavior due to key volatile triggered by the DBM larvae feeding on B. vulgaris.
Stressful Life Events and the Clinical Expression of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD): An Exploratory Study
Authors: Kracker Imthon André , Antônio Caldart César , do Rosário Maria Conceição , Fontenelle Leonardo F. , Constantino Miguel Euripedes , Arzeno Ferrão Ygor
Published: October 2020

Background: In obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), symptom content and severity appear to fluctuate over the course of the life cycle in accordance with stressful life events. The objective of this paper was to compare OCD patients with and without reported stressful life events (SLEs) in terms of the sociodemographics of patients and the clinical characteristics of OCD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 1001 patients with OCD. Data concerning SLEs were collected via the Yale OCD Natural History Questionnaire, while for OCD symptoms, the Dimensional Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale was used. Results: Of the 1001 OCD patients, 605 (60.5%) reported experiencing at least one SLE in their lifetime. Self-declared nonwhite skin color (odds ratio (OR) = 1.51), the presence of a sensory phenomenon (OR = 1.47), and comorbidity with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (OR = 2.38) were some of the logistic regression variables related to the reported SLEs with relevant statistical significance and risk (i.e., OR) values. Conclusions: Our results indicate that SLEs may make Brazilian OCD patients vulnerable to the onset or exacerbation of obsessive–compulsive symptoms. The positive association of the occurrence of SLEs and sensory phenomena in this population could corroborate that environmental influences impact the neurobiology associated with OCD, and likely with other psychiatric disorders as well.
Sequential Approach for a Critical-View COlectomy (SACCO): A Laparoscopic Technique to Reduce Operative Time and Complications in IBD Acute Severe Colitis
Authors: Sampietro Gianluca Matteo , Colombo Francesco , Corsi Fabio
Published: October 2020

Acute severe colitis is the major indication for surgery in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and in particular, in ulcerative colitis (UC). A laparoscopic approach for abdominal colectomy is recommended, due to better perioperative and long-term outcomes. However, costs, time-spending, and outcomes are still a topic of improvement. We designed a standardized 10-steps, sequential approach to laparoscopic colectomy, based on the philosophy of the “critical view of safety”, with the aim to improve perioperative outcomes (operative duration, estimated blood loss, complications, readmissions, reoperations, and length of postoperative stay). We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from a prospectively maintained clinical database. We included all the consecutive, unselected patients undergoing laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (SCo) for IBD between 2008 and 2019 in a tertiary IBD Italian Centre. Starting from 2015, we regularly adopted the novel Sequential Approach for a Critical-View Colectomy (SACCo) technique. We included 59 (40.6%) patients treated with different laparoscopic approaches, and 86 patients (59.4%) operated on by the SACCo procedure. The mean operating time was significantly shorter for the SACCo group (144 vs. 224 min; p < 0.0001). The SACCo technique presented a trend to fewer major complications (6.8% vs. 8.3%), less readmissions (2.3% vs. 13.5%; p = 0.01), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (7.2 vs. 8.8 days; p = 0.003). Laparoscopic SACCo-technique is a safe and reproducible surgical approach for acute severe colitis and may improve the outcomes of this demanding procedure.
Somatic Variant Analysis Identifies Targets for Tailored Therapies in Patients with Vascular Malformations
Authors: Paolacci Stefano , Mattassi Raul Ettore , Marceddu Giuseppe , Manara Elena , Zulian Alessandra , Guerri Giulia , De Antoni Luca , Arduino Carlo , Cavalca Daniela , Bertelli Matteo
Published: October 2020

Vascular malformations include various disorders characterized by morphological, structural and/or functional alterations of blood and lymph vessels. Most are sporadic, due to somatic mutations. Here, we report a cohort of patients with sporadic and/or unifocal vascular malformations, in whom we carried out next generation sequencing analysis of a panel of genes associated with vascular malformations. The 115 patients analyzed were from different clinical centres. In 37 patients (32%), we found pathogenic mutations: most of these were gain–of–function mutations in PIK3CA (18%, 21/115) and TEK (13/115, 11%). We also found mutations in GNAQ, CCM2 and PTEN. Identifying pathogenic variants in patients with vascular malformations can help improve management, particularly in cases with activating mutations that cause an increase in cell proliferation. Personalized pharmacological treatment, if possible, is now considered preferable to surgery and can help prevent recurrences, i.e., long–term complications of residual malformation or regrowth of tumors. For instance, rapamycin is currently being investigated for the treatment of various vascular malformations associated with hyperactivation of the phosphoinositide 3–kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway.