bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and Reliability of the Exercise Health Belief Model Scale
Authors: ÇİFTCİ Necmettin , KADIOĞLU Hasibe
Published: November 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Exercise Health Belief Model Scale (EHBMS).Methods: This methodological study was conducted in 2018-2019 academic year with students from two universities located in east and west provinces of Turkey (n= 743). The sociodemographic data and those from the EHBM scale were collected. This five-point likert-type scale consists of 32 items and five factors. Construct and content validities were used to evaluate the validity of the scale, and its reliability was investigated with item-total correlation, internal consistency and test-retest method.Results: The content validity index (CVI) of the scale was 0.98. While the Cronbach Alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.87, the alpha values of the factors were as following: 0.87 for general health value, 0.76 for beliefs about the vulnerability of not exercising, 0.87 for beliefs about the severity of not exercising, 0.87 for beliefs that exercising can reduce threats, and 0.77 for beliefs that the benefits exceed the costs of exercising. The test-retest correlation value was 0.88 (p<0.05) for the whole scale. The model fit indices of the five-factor structure of the scale were found to be good.Conclusion: The Turkish version of the Exercise Health Belief Model Scale was found to be a valid and reliable scale.
Identifying Genital Hygiene Behaviours of Pregnant Women in Rural and Urban Regions: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: ŞEKER Sibel , ÇİTİL CANBAY Funda , FİROUZ Nasim , CESUR Ceylan
Published: November 2020

Objective: The research was done to identify the genital hygiene behaviors pregnant women in rural and urban regions.Methods: This research was done in analytical cross-sectional design at a maternity and children hospital in Aegean Region between April 15-October 2019. 278 pregnant women, who applied for follow-up and accepted to participate in the research, were included in the research. The data were collected through personal information form and Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis test were used in data analysis. Significance was accepted as p <0.05.Results: It was identified that 26.9% of pregnant women in rural regions were primary school graduate and 44.4% were secondary school graduate. It was found that 32.4% of pregnant women living in urban regions were high school graduate and 31.2% had bachelor’s degree. A statistically significant relationship was identified between educational status and genital hygiene behaviors of pregnant women (p<0.05). Depending on their living places, Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory mean score was calculated as 77.98±12.19 those living in rural regions and 81.29±11.22 for those living in urban regions. It was found that Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory levels of pregnant women living in urban regions was higher than those living in rural regions at a statistically significant level (p<0.05).Conclusion: It was identified that living place, educational status, employment status, age status and marriage year affected genital hygiene behavior. it is suggested that health professionals provide genital hygiene training to the pregnant women living in rural regions and with a low level of income through protective and preventive approach.
Effect of midwifery students’ negative clinical experiences on their emotional labor behaviors
Authors: BAYRİ BİNGOL Fadime , DEMİRGÖZ BAL Meltem , AYGÜN Merve , BİLGİÇ Edanur
Published: November 2020

Objectives: Emotional labor is the effort type that organizations expect from their employees or the effort that the individual makes based on his/her mood. Negative clinical experiences in the workplace may have long-term influence on emotional labor behavior. Aim of this study was carried out to determine the effect of midwifery students’ negative experiences in clinical practices on their emotional labor behaviors.Methods: The study is a mixed-methods study. Thematic analysis and descriptive was used. The study was conducted from November to December 2018 with 370 midwifery students in Istanbul. The relevant data were collected via a “Descriptive Information Form” and Emotional Labor Behavior Scale of Nurses (ELBS).Results: The mean age of the students recruited for the research is 21.57±1.51. Eighty-five percent of students (n=314) were identified to have at least one negative clinical experience, which decreased their motivations to be a midwife. “Healthcare professional’s behaviors towards pregnant women during childbirth” rank first (48.1%) among these negative experiences. A little more than the half of the students (51%) react to these negative experiences by “staying away from the setting.” It was identified that ELBS total score mean of students were 96.52±11.92 and also that as students’ fear to vaginal birth management increased, their ELBS scores decreased (p=0,00, r=-0,22). It is determined that clinical negative experiences do not affect students’ emotional labor behavior (p>0,05).Conclusion: The factor affecting a large part of students’ motivation to be midwife negatively is the healthcare professional’s negative behaviors towards pregnant women and students. Within this context, it must be attempted to make healthcare personnel behave in a more humanistic and professional way towards women and students. Therefore, midwifery education programs should be planned and written about the qualifications that students should be knowledgeable and equipped to understand the emotional needs of women.
Does total rotation range of motion asymmetry have an effect on shoulder isometric muscle strength in young swimmers?
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Ferhat , ÖZÇADIRCI Aykut , CİNEMRE Ş. Alpan , KINIKLI Gizem İrem
Published: November 2020

Objective: The total rotational range of motion (TRROM) difference in right-left side shoulder glenohumeral joint and muscle strength imbalance in the dominant-nondominant side have been reported to be associated with injury in swimmers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the shoulder isometric muscle strength of young swimmers with and without TRROM asymmetry.Methods: Assessments of passive TRROM were measured with a goniometer. Hand-held dynamometry was used for the shoulder isometric muscle strength measurements in young swimmers. Thirty-two female swimmers (age: 11.1±1.5 years; body weight: 39.8±9.6 kg) and 42 male swimmers (age: 10.9±1.6 years; body weight 38.1±8.3 kg) were divided into two groups according to TRROM asymmetry in glenohumeral joint.Results: Isometric strength of shoulder muscles (flexion , extension , external rotation (ER) , internal rotation (IR) , Flexion: Extension and External rotation: Internal rotation) were similar between the groups with TRROM asymmetry (n=30) and without TRROM asymmetry (n=44) in both dominant and non-dominant sides (p>0.05). Additionally, while external rotation: internal rotation of dominant side was greater in femal  (p=0.04), other isometric muscle strength and ratio were similar in both gender (p>0.05).Conclusions: TRROM asymmetry is one of the many factors affecting muscle strength in overhead sports (basketball, volleyball) but it is not effective in these ages range in the swimming.
Mobile Observation of Air Temperature and Humidity Distributions under Summer Sea Breezes in the Central Area of Osaka City
Authors: Yoshida Atsumasa , Yasuda Ryusuke , Kinoshita Shinichi
Published: November 2020

Thermal environment of urban areas in the summertime has become harmful to human health due to global warming and the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Mobile observations enable us to obtain the distribution of air temperature at microscale, such as urban blocks, which cannot be captured by the coarse network of meteorological sites. A series of mobile measurements was executed in the central area of Osaka City in Japan, around the Nakanoshima district which lies between two rivers, to investigate the air temperature and humidity distributions in a built-up area under sea breeze conditions. Upper wind and surface temperature of the rivers were also observed using pilot balloons and infrared thermography camera, respectively. The mean air temperature in Nakanoshima was generally lower than that of the surrounding area. Urban geometries such as building density and building height seem to affect the mean air temperature by changing the ventilation efficiency. Humidity was inversely correlated with air temperature distribution but was higher at the confluence of rivers and green parks. The depth of the sea breeze layer was found to be about 1 km. Sea breezes close to the ground surface penetrated the city along the rivers, sandwiching the Nakanoshima district. During the daytime, the surface temperatures of the rivers were lower than the air temperature observed at the nearest stationary observation point, and the difference reached approximately 2 °C.
How to Utilize My App Reviews? A Novel Topics Extraction Machine Learning Schema for Strategic Business Purposes
Authors: Triantafyllou Ioannis , Drivas Ioannis C. , Giannakopoulos Georgios
Published: November 2020

Acquiring knowledge about users’ opinion and what they say regarding specific features within an app, constitutes a solid steppingstone for understanding their needs and concerns. App review utilization helps project management teams to identify threads and opportunities for app software maintenance, optimization and strategic marketing purposes. Nevertheless, app user review classification for identifying valuable gems of information for app software improvement, is a complex and multidimensional issue. It requires foresight and multiple combinations of sophisticated text pre-processing, feature extraction and machine learning methods to efficiently classify app reviews into specific topics. Against this backdrop, we propose a novel feature engineering classification schema that is capable to identify more efficiently and earlier terms-words within reviews that could be classified into specific topics. For this reason, we present a novel feature extraction method, the DEVMAX.DF combined with different machine learning algorithms to propose a solution in app review classification problems. One step further, a simulation of a real case scenario takes place to validate the effectiveness of the proposed classification schema into different apps. After multiple experiments, results indicate that the proposed schema outperforms other term extraction methods such as TF.IDF and χ2 to classify app reviews into topics. To this end, the paper contributes to the knowledge expansion of research and practitioners with the purpose to reinforce their decision-making process within the realm of app reviews utilization.
Maximising Yield and Engine Efficiency Using Optimised Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel
Authors: Razzaq Luqman , Imran Shahid , Anwar Zahid , Farooq Muhammad , Abbas Muhammad Mujtaba , Mehmood Khan Haris , Asif Tahir , Amjad Muhammad , Soudagar Manzoore Elahi M. , Shaukat Nabeel , Rizwanul Fattah I. M. , Rahman S. M. Ashrafur
Published: November 2020

In this study, waste cooking oil (WCO) was used as a feedstock for biodiesel production, where the pretreatment of WCO was performed using mineral acids to reduce the acid value. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to create an interaction for different operating parameters that affect biodiesel yield. The optimised biodiesel yield was 93% at a reaction temperature of 57.50 °C, catalyst concentration 0.25 w/w, methanol to oil ratio 8.50:1, reaction stirring speed 600 rpm, and a reaction time of 3 h. Physicochemical properties, including lower heating value, density, viscosity, cloud point, and flash point of biodiesel blends, were determined using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Biodiesel blends B10, B20, B30, B40, and B50 were tested on a compression ignition engine. Engine performance parameters, including brake torque (BT), brake power (BP), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) were determined using biodiesel blends and compared to that of high-speed diesel. The average BT reduction for biodiesel blends compared to HSD at 3000 rpm were found to be 1.45%, 2%, 2.2%, 3.09%, and 3.5% for B10, B20, B30, B40, and B50, respectively. The average increase in BSFC for biodiesel blends compared to HSD at 3500 rpm were found to be 1.61%, 5.73%, 8.8%, 12.76%, and 18% for B10, B20, B30, B40, and B50, respectively.
Polymers for EOR Application in High Temperature and High Viscosity Oils: Rock–Fluid Behavior
Authors: Castro Rubén H. , Llanos Sebastián , Rodríguez Jenny , Quintero Henderson I. , Manrique Eduardo
Published: November 2020

Viscosity losses and high degradation factors have a drastic impact over hydrolyzed polyacrylamides (HPAM) currently injected, impacting the oil recovery negatively. Previous studies have demonstrated that biopolymers are promising candidates in EOR applications due to high thermochemical stability in harsh environments. However, the dynamic behavior of a biopolymer as scleroglucan through sandstone under specific conditions for a heavy oil field with low salinity and high temperature has not yet been reported. This work presents the rock–fluid evaluation of the scleroglucan (SG at 935 mgL−1) and sulfonated polyacrylamide (ATBS at 2500 mgL−1) to enhance oil recovery in high-temperature for heavy oils (212 °F and total dissolved solid of 3800 mgL−1) in synthetic (0.5 Darcy) and representative rock samples (from 2 to 5 Darcy) for a study case of a Colombian heavy oilfield. Dynamic evaluation at reservoir conditions presents a scenario with stable injectivity after 53.6 PV with a minimal pressure differential (less than 20 psi), inaccessible porous volume (IPV) of 18%, dynamic adsorption of 49 µg/g, and resistance and residual resistance factors of 6.17 and 2.84, respectively. In addition, higher oil displacement efficiency (up to 10%) was obtained with lower concentration (2.7 times) compared to a sulfonated polyacrylamide polymer.
Estimation for Battery State of Charge Based on Temperature Effect and Fractional Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Chang Chengcheng , Zheng Yanping , Yu Yang
Published: November 2020

The electric vehicle has become an important development direction of the automobile industry, and the lithium-ion power battery is the main energy source of electric vehicles. The accuracy of state of charge (SOC) estimation directly affects the performance of the vehicle. In this paper, the first order fractional equivalent circuit model of a lithium iron phosphate battery was established. Battery capacity tests with different charging and discharging rates and open circuit voltage tests were carried out under different ambient temperatures. The conversion coefficient of charging and discharging capacity and the simplified open circuit voltage model considering the hysteresis characteristics of the battery were proposed. The parameters of the first order fractional equivalent circuit model were identified by using a particle swarm optimization algorithm with dynamic inertia weight. Finally, the recursive formula of a fractional extended Kalman filter was derived, and the battery SOC was estimated under continuous Dynamic Stress Test (DST) conditions. The results show that the estimation method has high accuracy and strong robustness.
Improved Gain Scheduling Control and Its Application to Aero-Engine LPV Synthesis
Authors: Liu Jinfu , Ma Yujia , Zhu Linhai , Zhao Hui , Liu Huanpeng , Yu Daren
Published: November 2020

Issues of gain scheduling control for aero-engines are addressed in this paper. An aero-engine is a system with high nonlinearity, and the requirement on controlling performance is high. Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) synthesis is commonly used to satisfy the requirements. However, the designing procedure of an LPV synthesis controller is complex, and may lead to undesirable design results when the variation rate of scheduling parameter is relatively fast. In this paper, an improved gain scheduling design procedure that can guarantee reliable stability and performance is developed. The method allows arbitrary variation of scheduling parameters, and is a modification for conventional LPV synthesis control. Special cases where traditional LPV synthesis control can still work are also discussed. The modified design procedure is evaluated on a small turbofan engine. Simulations show that for conditions where conventional scheduling fail to stabilize the plant, the proposed modification can ensure reliability and achieve desired performance.
Exploring the Determinants of Industry 4.0 Development Using an Extended SWOT Analysis: A Regional Study
Authors: Szum Katarzyna , Nazarko Joanicjusz
Published: November 2020

Researchers and practitioners argue that in the global context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also labelled Industry 4.0, the regional dimension of industrial development remains equally essential. A region that effectively implements the concept of Industry 4.0 can accelerate by enhancing the manufacturing energy efficiency, thus contributing to the goals of the “Green Deal” policy. Therefore, to support the policy-making process, it is necessary to develop analytical tools exploring the determinants of the Industry 4.0 development. This paper presents a methodology of strategic analysis of a region in terms of the Industry 4.0 development potential. The core of the methodology is an extended Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The study identifies regional strengths and weaknesses, external incentives and disincentives, internal opportunities and threats, and external opportunities and threats with regard to the development of Industry 4.0, related technologies and the potential of increasing manufacturing energy efficiency. The research procedure is exemplified by the case of Podlaskie Voivodeship in Poland. The results of this study demonstrate the robustness of the proposed approach. The elaborated methodology can be used by decision-makers in designing strategies for the development of fourth-generation industry at a regional level.
Optimal Detection and Identification of DC Series Arc in Power Distribution System on Shipboards
Authors: Ji Hong-Keun , Wang Guoming , Kil Gyung-Suk
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a series arc was simulated under resistive load and motor load, which are mainly used in small ships, and the arc signal was analyzed using discrete wavelet transform. After calculating the correlation coefficient between the single arc pulse and the wavelet, Biorthogonal (bior) 3.1 was selected as the optimal mother wavelet, and the signal was analyzed using multiresolution analysis. From the results, arc signals were distributed in the detail components D2, D3, D4 and D5, corresponding to a frequency range of 19.5–312.5 kHz, with the optimal arc signal extracted based on these values. In addition, in order to distinguish between arc and normal conditions, signal energy was analyzed. By applying the magnitude and signal energy analysis method, the DC series arc generated in the power distribution system of a shipboard was identified.
Optimisation of Direct Battery Thermal Management for EVs Operating in Low-Temperature Climates
Authors: Jeffs James , Dinh Truong Quang , Widanage Widanalage Dhammika , McGordon Andrew , Picarelli Alessandro
Published: November 2020

Electric vehicles (EVs) experience a range reduction at low temperatures caused by the impact of cabin heating and a reduction in lithium ion performance. Heat pump equipped vehicles have been shown to reduce heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) consumption and improve low ambient temperature range. Heating the electric battery, to improve its low temperature performance, leads to a reduction in heat availability for the cabin. In this paper, dynamic programming is used to find the optimal battery heating trajectory which can optimise the vehicle’s control for either cabin comfort or battery performance and, therefore, range. Using the strategy proposed in this research, a 6.2% increase in range compared to no battery heating and 5.5% increase in thermal comfort compared to full battery heating was achieved at an ambient temperature at −7 °C.
Derivation and Uncertainty Quantification of a Data-Driven Subcooled Boiling Model
Authors: Soibam Jerol , Rabhi Achref , Aslanidou Ioanna , Kyprianidis Konstantinos , Bel Fdhila Rebei
Published: November 2020

Subcooled flow boiling occurs in many industrial applications where enormous heat transfer is needed. Boiling is a complex physical process that involves phase change, two-phase flow, and interactions between heated surfaces and fluids. In general, boiling heat transfer is usually predicted by empirical or semiempirical models, which are horizontal to uncertainty. In this work, a data-driven method based on artificial neural networks has been implemented to study the heat transfer behavior of a subcooled boiling model. The proposed method considers the near local flow behavior to predict wall temperature and void fraction of a subcooled minichannel. The input of the network consists of pressure gradients, momentum convection, energy convection, turbulent viscosity, liquid and gas velocities, and surface information. The outputs of the models are based on the quantities of interest in a boiling system wall temperature and void fraction. To train the network, high-fidelity simulations based on the Eulerian two-fluid approach are carried out for varying heat flux and inlet velocity in the minichannel. Two classes of the deep learning model have been investigated for this work. The first one focuses on predicting the deterministic value of the quantities of interest. The second one focuses on predicting the uncertainty present in the deep learning model while estimating the quantities of interest. Deep ensemble and Monte Carlo Dropout methods are close representatives of maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approach respectively, and they are used to derive the uncertainty present in the model. The results of this study prove that the models used here are capable of predicting the quantities of interest accurately and are capable of estimating the uncertainty present. The models are capable of accurately reproducing the physics on unseen data and show the degree of uncertainty when there is a shift of physics in the boiling regime.
Interleaved Multistage Step-Up Topologies with Voltage Multiplier Cells
Authors: Alzahrani Ahmad , Shamsi Pourya , Ferdowsi Mehdi
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a family of high-voltage-gain step-up dc-dc converters for photovoltaic integration application. The proposed converters are capable of converting the low voltage from input sources to a dc bus. The proposed family is constructed of interleaved single-switch multistage boost converters and voltage multiplier cells (VMC). The proposed converters feature low voltage stress across the components, equal current sharing among all phases, and a smooth input current. Moreover, the proposed family of converters has a modular structure in both the VMC and the boost stage. That is, the VMC can have N number of cells, and the boost stage can have k number of stages. The k can be different in each phase, allowing the designers to integrate two independent renewable energy sources with different output voltages. An example converter was explained, analyzed, and simulated. An 80 W hardware prototype was implemented to confirm the converter’s operation and validate the analysis.
Greenhouse Gases and Circular Economy Issues in Sustainability Reports from the Energy Sector in the European Union
Authors: Janik Agnieszka , Ryszko Adam , Szafraniec Marek
Published: November 2020

The achievement of climate neutrality and eco-economic decoupling requires explicit measures to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and to implement circular economy (CE) principles in practice. The energy sector is of particular importance in meeting these challenges because it exerts a substantial environmental impact. Therefore, it is extremely important to determine how essential GHG and CE issues are for companies operating in the energy sector. This can be reflected in corporate strategies, but it can also be disclosed to the public in sustainability reports. For this reason, this article presents a comprehensive analysis of sustainability reports based on the latest GRI Standards published by companies representing the energy sector in the European Union to determine the existence, quality, and specificity of reporting GHG and CE issues. The research results demonstrate that sustainability reports from the energy sector companies tend to focus more on GHG issues. They rarely point to actions related to CE, including actions enabling a reduction in GHG emissions, as those with high priority. In addition, declarations from the analyzed companies regarding intentions related to GHG and CE issues at the strategic level find a rather poor reflection in the description of specific actions in this area or in demonstrating appropriate indicators at the operational level. Considering the indicators included in the reports, the analyzed companies insufficiently describe the methods they use to gather, compile, and analyze information on the effectiveness of actions taken to address GHG and CE issues. As for the identification of potential determinants of the quality of reporting GHG and CE issues, the research results indicate that it is mostly influenced by external assurance and the report option. Sustainability reports submitted for external assurance and reports with the comprehensive option are significantly more developed than other types of reports. However, the clarity of reports with the core option is higher compared to the comprehensive group. In addition, it was indicated that the clarity of stand-alone reports is higher compared to other types of reports.
Tailoring the Bore Surfaces of Water Hydraulic Axial Piston Machines to Piston Tilt and Deformation
Authors: Ernst Meike , Vacca Andrea , Ivantysynova Monika , Enevoldsen Georg
Published: November 2020

A novel virtual prototyping algorithm has been developed to design one of the most critical lubricating interfaces in axial piston machines of the swash plate type—the piston–cylinder interface—for operation with water as the working fluid. Due to its low viscosity, the use of water as a lubricant can cause solid friction and wear in these machines at challenging operating conditions. The prototyping algorithm compensates for this by tailoring the shape of the bore surface that guides the motion of each piston in this type of positive displacement machine to conform with the piston surface, taking into account both the piston’s tilt and its deformation. Shaping these surfaces in this manner can render the interface more conducive to generating hydrodynamic pressure buildup that raises its load-carrying capacity. The present work first outlines the structure of the proposed algorithm, then presents a case study in which it is employed to design a bore surface shape for use with two prototypes, one virtual and one physical—both modified versions of a 444 cc commercial axial piston pump. Experimental testing of the physical prototype shows it to achieve a significantly higher maximum total efficiency than the stock unit.
Thermo-Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Fire Smoke Dispersion and Control Strategy in Buildings
Authors: Gomez Ricardo S. , Porto Túlio R. N. , Magalhães Hortência L. F. , Santos Antonio C. Q. , Viana Victor H. V. , Gomes Kelly C. , Lima Antonio G. B.
Published: November 2020

Smoke is the main threat of death in fires. For this reason, it becomes extremely important to understand the dispersion of this pollutant and to verify the influence of different control systems on its spread through buildings, in order to avoid or minimize its effects on living beings. Thus, this work aims to perform thermo-fluid dynamic study of smoke dispersion in a closed environment. All numerical analysis was performed using the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) software. Different simulations were carried out to evaluate the influence of the exhaust system (natural or mechanical), the heat release rate (HRR), ventilation and the smoke curtain in the pollutant dispersion. Results of the smoke layer interface height, temperature profile, average exhaust volumetric flow rate, pressure and velocity distribution are presented and discussed. The results indicate that an increase in the natural exhaust area increases the smoke layer interface height, only for the well-ventilated compartment (open windows); an increase in the HRR accelerates the downward vertical displacement of the smoke layer and that the 3 m smoke curtain is efficient in exhausting smoke, only in the case of poorly ventilated compartments (i.e., with closed windows).
Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being among Koreans
Authors: Yoo Jieun
Published: November 2020

This study examined the relationship between gratitude and subjective well-being (life satisfaction, hope, and positive and negative affect) with individual demographic background (i.e., age, education level, perceived economic status, and religious affiliation) in a sample of 761 Korean adults participated from five universities in South Korea. Specifically, gratitude was still an essential element for the subjective well-being of Korean adults, although the meaning of gratitude under Confucian culture implies indebtedness and obligation. The relationship between gratitude and subjective well-being did not differ by gender. Implications for the subjective well-being of Koreans are discussed.
New Cav1.2 Channelopathy with High-Functioning Autism, Affective Disorder, Severe Dental Enamel Defects, a Short QT Interval, and a Novel CACNA1C Loss-of-Function Mutation
Authors: Endres Dominique , Decher Niels , Röhr Isabell , Vowinkel Kirsty , Domschke Katharina , Komlosi Katalin , Tzschach Andreas , Gläser Birgitta , Schiele Miriam A. , Runge Kimon , Süß Patrick , Schuchardt Florian , Nickel Kathrin , Stallmeyer Birgit , Rinné Susanne , Schulze-Bahr Eric , Tebartz van Elst Ludger
Published: November 2020

Complex neuropsychiatric-cardiac syndromes can be genetically determined. For the first time, the authors present a syndromal form of short QT syndrome in a 34-year-old German male patient with extracardiac features with predominant psychiatric manifestation, namely a severe form of secondary high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), along with affective and psychotic exacerbations, and severe dental enamel defects (with rapid wearing off his teeth) due to a heterozygous loss-of-function mutation in the CACNA1C gene (NM_000719.6: c.2399A > C; p.Lys800Thr). This mutation was found only once in control databases; the mutated lysine is located in the Cav1.2 calcium channel, is highly conserved during evolution, and is predicted to affect protein function by most pathogenicity prediction algorithms. L-type Cav1.2 calcium channels are widely expressed in the brain and heart. In the case presented, electrophysiological studies revealed a prominent reduction in the current amplitude without changes in the gating behavior of the Cav1.2 channel, most likely due to a trafficking defect. Due to the demonstrated loss of function, the p.Lys800Thr variant was finally classified as pathogenic (ACMG class 4 variant) and is likely to cause a newly described Cav1.2 channelopathy.
Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-2 in Murine Development, Metabolism, and Disease
Authors: O’Neill Lucas M. , Guo Chang-An , Ding Fang , Phang Yar Xin , Liu Zhaojin , Shamsuzzaman Sohel , Ntambi James M.
Published: November 2020

Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-2 (SCD2) is a member of the Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase (SCD) family of enzymes that catalyze the rate-limiting step in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) synthesis. The MUFAs palmitoleoyl-CoA (16:1n7) and oleoyl-CoA (18:1n9) are the major products of SCD2. Palmitoleoyl-CoA and oleoyl-CoA have various roles, from being a source of energy to signaling molecules. Under normal feeding conditions, SCD2 is ubiquitously expressed and is the predominant SCD isoform in the brain. However, obesogenic diets highly induce SCD2 in adipose tissue, lung, and kidney. Here we provide a comprehensive review of SCD2 in mouse development, metabolism, and various diseases, such as obesity, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer′s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson′s disease. In addition, we show that bone mineral density is decreased in SCD2KO mice under high-fat feeding conditions and that SCD2 is not required for preadipocyte differentiation or the expression of PPARγ in vivo despite being required in vitro.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Virtually Unrecognizable Memory Phenotype CD8+ T cells
Authors: Thiele Daniel , La Gruta Nicole , Nguyen Angela , Hussain Tabinda
Published: November 2020

Virtual memory T (TVM) cells are a recently described population of conventional CD8+ T cells that, in spite of their antigen inexperience, express markers of T cell activation. TVM cells exhibit rapid responsiveness to both antigen-specific and innate stimuli in youth but acquire intrinsic antigen-specific response defects in the elderly. In this article, we review how the identification of TVM cells necessitates a re-evaluation of accepted paradigms for conventional memory T (TMEM) cells, the potential for heterogeneity within the TVM population, and the defining characteristics of TVM cells. Further, we highlight recent literature documenting the development of TVM cells as a distinct CD8+ T cell lineage as well their biological significance in the context of disease.
Polymeric Gelatin Scaffolds Affect Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation and Its Diverse Applications in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wang Chia-Yu , Hong Po-Da , Wang Ding-Han , Cherng Juin-Hong , Chang Shu-Jen , Liu Cheng-Che , Fang Tong-Jing , Wang Yi-Wen
Published: November 2020

Studies using polymeric scaffolds for various biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, implants and medical substitutes, and drug delivery systems, have attempted to identify suitable material for tissue regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the biocompatibility and effectiveness of a gelatin scaffold seeded with human adipose stem cells (hASCs), including physical characteristics, multilineage differentiation in vitro, and osteogenic potential, in a rat model of a calvarial bone defect and to optimize its design. This functionalized scaffold comprised gelatin-hASCs layers to improve their efficacy in various biomedical applications. The gelatin scaffold exhibited excellent biocompatibility in vitro after two weeks of implantation. Furthermore, the gelatin scaffold supported and specifically regulated the proliferation and osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of hASCs, respectively. After 12 weeks of implantation, upon treatment with the gelatin-hASCs scaffold, the calvarial bone harboring the critical defect regenerated better and displayed greater osteogenic potential without any damage to the surrounding tissues compared to the untreated bone defect. These findings suggest that the present gelatin scaffold is a good potential carrier for stem cells in various tissue engineering applications.
Efficacy of Sulforaphane in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Schepici Giovanni , Bramanti Placido , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: November 2020

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a phytocompound belonging to the isothiocyanate family. Although it was also found in seeds and mature plants, SFN is mainly present in sprouts of many cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. SFN is produced by the conversion of glucoraphanin through the enzyme myrosinase, which leads to the formation of this isothiocyanate. SFN is especially characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, and for this reason, it aroused the interest of researchers. The aim of this review is to summarize the experimental studies present on Pubmed that report the efficacy of SFN in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, thanks to its beneficial effects, SFN could be useful as a supplement to counteracting neurodegenerative diseases.
Effect of Embryo Vitrification on the Steroid Biosynthesis of Liver Tissue in Rabbit Offspring
Authors: Marco-Jiménez Francisco , Garcia-Dominguez Ximo , Domínguez-Martínez Marta , Viudes-de-Castro María Pilar , Diretto Gianfranco , Peñaranda David S. , Vicente José S.
Published: November 2020

Preimplantation embryo manipulations during standard assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have significant repercussions on offspring. However, few studies to date have investigated the potential long-term outcomes associated with the vitrification procedure. Here, we performed an experiment to unravel the particular effects related to stress induced by embryo transfer and vitrification techniques on offspring phenotype from the foetal period through to prepuberal age, using a rabbit model. In addition, the focus was extended to the liver function at prepuberal age. We showed that, compared to naturally conceived animals (NC), offspring derived after embryo exposure to the transfer procedure (FT) or cryopreservation-transfer procedure (VT) exhibited variation in growth and body weight from foetal life to prepuberal age. Strikingly, we found a nonlinear relationship between FT and VT stressors, most of which were already present in the FT animals. Furthermore, we displayed evidence of variation in liver function at prepuberal age, most of which occurred in both FT and VT animals. The present major novel finding includes a significant alteration of the steroid biosynthesis profile. In summary, here we provide that embryonic manipulation during the vitrification process is linked with embryo phenotypic adaptation detected from foetal life to prepuberal age and suggests that this phenotypic variation may be associated, to a great extent, with the effect of embryo transfer.
The Role of α-Synuclein Oligomers in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Du Xiao-yu , Xie Xi-xiu , Liu Rui-tian
Published: November 2020

α-synuclein (α-syn) is a protein associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegeneration disease with no effective treatment. However, how α-syn drives the pathology of PD remains elusive. Recent studies suggest that α-syn oligomers are the primary cause of neurotoxicity and play a critical role in PD. In this review, we discuss the process of α-syn oligomers formation and the current understanding of the structures of oligomers. We also describe seed and propagation effects of oligomeric forms of α-syn. Then, we summarize the mechanism by which α-syn oligomers exert neurotoxicity and promote neurodegeneration, including mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, proteostasis dysregulation, synaptic impairment, cell apoptosis and neuroinflammation. Finally, we investigate treatment regimens targeting α-syn oligomers at present. Further research is needed to understand the structure and toxicity mechanism of different types of oligomers, so as to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of PD.
Bactericidal Pectin/Chitosan/Glycerol Films for Food Pack Coatings: A Critical Viewpoint
Authors: Machado Bruno R. , Facchi Suelen P. , de Oliveira Ariel C. , Nunes Cátia S. , Souza Paulo R. , Vilsinski Bruno H. , Popat Ketul C. , Kipper Mathew J. , Muniz Edvani C. , Martins Alessandro F.
Published: November 2020

Pectin and chitosan films containing glycerol (Gly) at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 wt % were prepared in an aqueous HCl solution (0.10 M) by the solvent evaporation method. The unwashed film (UF) containing 40 wt % Gly (UF40) had elongation at break (ε, %) of 19%. Washed films (WFs) had high tensile strength (σ > 46 MPa) and low elongation at break (ε, <5.0%), enabling their use in food packaging applications. The polymers’ self-assembling occurred during the washing, increasing the stiffness. The XPS analysis suggests that some HCl is lost during the drying process, resulting in a low acid content on the UF surfaces. The UF40 (at 5.0 mg/mL) exhibits cytocompatibility toward mammalian cells and antimicrobial and anti-adhesive properties against Escherichia coli. The remaining HCl in the UF40 can be a disadvantage for food packaging applications; the UF40 (∅ = 8.5 mm; 55 μm thickness) releases H3O+/HCl, reducing the pH to approximately 3.0 when kept in 200 mL distilled water for approximately 30 min. Therefore, we propose the use of UF40 to coat commercial food packaging. The UF40 has low permeability to water vapor and oxygen and works as a barrier against ultraviolet light. The UF40 is also colorless and completely transparent. The UF40 maintained tomatoes’ structural integrity for 18 days at room temperature with no oxidation or microorganism contamination. This paper presents a critical viewpoint concerning chitosan-based films with antimicrobial activities.
Alpha-Synuclein in the Gastrointestinal Tract as a Potential Biomarker for Early Detection of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Fricova Dominika , Harsanyiova Jana , Kralova Trancikova Alzbeta
Published: November 2020

The primary pathogenesis associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) occurs in peripheral tissues several years before the onset of typical motor symptoms. Early and reliable diagnosis of PD could provide new treatment options for PD patients and improve their quality of life. At present, however, diagnosis relies mainly on clinical symptoms, and definitive diagnosis is still based on postmortem pathological confirmation of dopaminergic neuronal degeneration. In addition, the similarity of the clinical, cognitive, and neuropathological features of PD with other neurodegenerative diseases calls for new biomarkers, suitable for differential diagnosis. Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a potential PD biomarker, due to its close connection with the pathogenesis of the disease. Here we summarize the currently available information on the possible use of α-Syn as a biomarker of early stages of PD in gastrointestinal (GI) tissues, highlight its potential to distinguish PD and other neurodegenerative diseases, and suggest alternative methods (primarily developed for other tissue analysis) that could improve α-Syn detection procedures or diagnostic methods in general.
Binary Phase Behavior of 1,3-Distearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (SOS) and Trilaurin (LLL)
Authors: Yoshikawa Shinichi , Watanabe Shimpei , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Kaneko Fumitoshi
Published: November 2020

This paper reports the precise analysis of the eutectic mixing behavior of 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (SOS) and trilaurin (LLL), as a typical model case of the mixture of cocoa butter (CB) and cocoa butter substitute (CBS). SOS was mixed with LLL at several mass fractions of LLL (wLLL); the mixtures obtained were analyzed for polymorphic phase behavior using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and synchrotron radiation X-ray diffractometry (SR-XRD). In melt crystallization with constant-rate cooling, SOS and LLL formed eutectics in their metastable polymorphs, allowing the occurrence of a compatible solid solution at wLLL ≥ 0.925. With subsequent heating, the resultant crystals transformed toward more stable polymorphs, then melted in a eutectic manner. For mixtures aged at 25 °C after melt crystallization, eutectics were found in the extended wLLL region, even at wLLL = 0.975. These results indicate that phase separation between SOS and LLL progressed in their solid solution under stabilization. The crystal growth of the separated SOS fraction may cause fat-bloom formation in compound chocolate containing CB and CBS. To solve this problem, the development of retardation techniques against phase separation is expected.
Plant-Derived Natural Products in Cancer Research: Extraction, Mechanism of Action, and Drug Formulation
Authors: Talib Wamidh H. , Alsalahat Izzeddin , Daoud Safa , Abutayeh Reem Fawaz , Mahmod Asma Ismail
Published: November 2020

Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally and considered as a major challenge for the public health system. The high toxicity and the lack of selectivity of conventional anticancer therapies make the search for alternative treatments a priority. In this review, we describe the main plant-derived natural products used as anticancer agents. Natural sources, extraction methods, anticancer mechanisms, clinical studies, and pharmaceutical formulation are discussed in this review. Studies covered by this review should provide a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to enhance basic and clinical research on developing alternative anticancer therapies.
Physicochemical Insight into Coordination Systems Obtained from Copper(II) Bromoacetate and 1,10-Phenanthroline
Authors: Krejner Ewelina , Sierański Tomasz , Świątkowski Marcin , Bogdan Marta , Kruszyński Rafał
Published: November 2020

Two different coordination compounds of copper were synthesized from the same building blocks (1,10-phenanthroline, bromoacetate anions, and copper cations). The synthesis parameters were carefully designed and evaluated to allow the change of the resulting compounds molecular structure, i.e., formation of mononuclear (bromoacetato-O,O’)(bromoacetato-O)aqua(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N’)copper(II) and dinuclear (μ-bromido-1:2κ2)bis(μ-bromoacetato-1κO,2κO’)bis(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N’)dicopper(II) bromoacetate bromoacetic acid solvate. The crystal, molecular and supramolecular structures of the studied compounds were determined and evaluated in Hirshfeld analysis. The UV-Vis-IR absorption and thermal properties were studied and discussed. For the explicit determination of the influence of compounds structure on radiation absorption in UV-Vis range, density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory calculations were performed.
Phytotherapy Perspectives for Treating Fungal Infections, Migraine, Sebhorreic Dermatitis and Hyperpigmentations with the Plants of the Centaureinae Subtribe (Asteraceae)
Authors: Nawrot Joanna , Gornowicz-Porowska Justyna , Nowak Gerard
Published: November 2020

Sesquiterpene lactones, coumarins, phytoecdysones and phenolic compounds are characteristic of the species from the subtribe Centaureinae (Asteraceae). Many of the compounds isolated from plants of the Centaureinae subtribe have strong pharmacological properties. It may be suggested that these compounds’ chemical structure might be an indicator of these pharmacological properties. The aim of the study was to describe recent studies in the field of phytotherapy, focusing on compounds isolated from chosen plants of Centaureinae and the possibilities of using them to treat antifungal infections, inhibit serotonin and ease symptoms of seborrhea dermatitis and hyperpigmentation. The results of these biological studies have shown that in the future, extracts from the above-mentioned plant material may be used as active substances in new safe and effective drugs.