bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument for Italian Subjects, NLit-IT: Exploring Validity and Reliability
Authors: Vettori Virginia , Lorini Chiara , Gibbs Heather D. , Sofi Francesco , Lastrucci Vieri , Sartor Gino , Fulvi Ilaria , Giorgetti Duccio , Cavallo Giuseppe , Bonaccorsi Guglielmo
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to test validity and reliability of the adapted version of the Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument (NLit) for Italian people (NLit-IT). An observational cross-sectional study was conducted, involving a convenience sample of adults (n = 74). To explore the validity of the tool, we considered both diet quality as an outcome of NL, and health literacy (HL) as a construct that presents similarities and differences with NL. Diet quality was measured by adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (Med diet) through the validated Mediterranean Diet Literature-based adherence score (MEDI-Lite). The relationship between NL level and adherence to Med diet was assessed by linear regression analysis and computing correlations between NLit-IT and MEDI-Lite scores (Spearman’s Rho). Additionally, we evaluated the correlation between NLit-IT score and the level of HL (Spearman’s Rho). Internal consistency and reliability were measured by Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) respectively. Internal consistency (ρT = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69–0.84) and reliability (ICC = 0.68, 95% CI, 0.46–0.85) were confirmed. In addition, NLit-IT total score was correlated with MEDI-Lite score (Rho = 0.25; p-value = 0.031) and multivariate regression analysis confirmed that NL significantly contributed to MEDI-Lite score (R2 = 0.13; β = 0.13; p-value = 0.008). There was no significant association between the level of HL and NL. In conclusion, NLit-IT showed validity and reliability as a measure of NL for Italian people.
Anthropomorphic Strategies Promote Wildlife Conservation through Empathy: The Moderation Role of the Public Epidemic Situation
Authors: Yue Dan , Tong Zepeng , Tian Jianchi , Li Yang , Zhang Linxiu , Sun Yan
Published: March 2021

The global illegal wildlife trade directly threatens biodiversity and leads to disease outbreaks and epidemics. In order to avoid the loss of endangered species and ensure public health security, it is necessary to intervene in illegal wildlife trade and promote public awareness of the need for wildlife conservation. Anthropomorphism is a basic and common psychological process in humans that plays a crucial role in determining how a person interacts with other non-human agents. Previous research indicates that anthropomorphizing nature entities through metaphors could increase individual behavioral intention of wildlife conservation. However, relatively little is known about the mechanism by which anthropomorphism influences behavioral intention and whether social context affects the effect of anthropomorphism. This research investigated the impact of negative emotions associated with a pandemic situation on the effectiveness of anthropomorphic strategies for wildlife conservation across two experimental studies. Experiment 1 recruited 245 college students online and asked them to read a combination of texts and pictures as anthropomorphic materials. The results indicated that anthropomorphic materials could increase participants’ empathy and decrease their wildlife product consumption intention. Experiment 2 recruited 140 college students online and they were required to read the same materials as experiment 1 after watching a video related to epidemics. The results showed that the effect of wildlife anthropomorphization vanished if participants’ negative emotion was aroused by the video. The present research provides experimental evidence that anthropomorphic strategies would be useful for boosting public support for wildlife conservation. However, policymakers and conservation organizations must be careful about the negative effects of the pandemic context, as the negative emotions produced by it seems to weaken the effectiveness of anthropomorphic strategies.
Monitoring Master Swimmers’ Performance and Active Drag Evolution along a Training Mesocycle
Authors: Neiva Henrique P. , Fernandes Ricardo J. , Cardoso Ricardo , Marinho Daniel A. , Abraldes J. Arturo
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to analyze the effects of a swimming training mesocycle in master swimmers’ performance and active drag. Twenty-two 39.87 ± 6.10 year-old master swimmers performed a 25 m front crawl at maximal intensity before and after a typical four-week training mesocycle. Maximum, mean and minimum speeds, speed decrease and hip horizontal intra-cyclic velocity variation were assessed using an electromechanical speedometer, and the active drag and power to overcome drag were determined using the measuring active drag system. Maximum, mean and minimum front crawl speeds improved from pre- to post-training (mean ± 95% CI: 3.1 ± 2.8%, p = 0.04; 2.9 ± 1.6%, p = 0.01; and 4.6 ± 3.1%, p = 0.01; respectively) and the speed decrease along the 25 m test lowered after the training period (82.5 ± 76.3%, p = 0.01). The training mesocycle caused a reduction in the active drag at speeds corresponding to 70% (5.0 ± 3.9%), 80% (5.6 ± 4.0%), and 90% (5.9 ± 4.0%), but not at 100% (5.9 ± 6.7%), of the swimmers’ maximal exertions in the 25 m test. These results showed that four weeks of predominantly aerobic training could improve master swimmers’ performance and reduce their hydrodynamic drag while swimming mainly at submaximal speeds.
The Coronavirus Pandemic and the Occurrence of Psychosomatic Symptoms: Are They Related?
Authors: Zidkova Radka , Malinakova Klara , van Dijk Jitse P. , Tavel Peter
Published: March 2021

Most studies on the coronavirus pandemic focus on clinical aspects of the COVID-19 disease. However, less attention is paid to other health aspects of the pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the coronavirus pandemic (risk of infection by virus together with associated measures taken to combat it), and the occurrence of a wide range of psychosomatic symptoms and to explore if there is any factor that plays a role in this association. We collected data from a sample of Czech adults (n = 1431) and measured the occurrence of nine health complaints, respondents’ experience during the pandemic and sociodemographic characteristics. The results showed associations between the coronavirus pandemic and increased psychosomatic symptoms and negative emotions. We further found higher risks of increased health complaints in younger people and women. It is also possible that there is higher risk of increased health complaints for respondents with secondary school education, students, and highly spiritual people, but this relationship has to be further investigated. In contrast, respondents with their highest achieved education level being secondary school graduation had a lower risk of increased frequency of stomach-ache. We also found that more negative emotions could increase the frequency of health complaints. Our findings suggest that the coronavirus pandemic and associated government measures could have a significant influence on the prevalence of health complaints and emotional state.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Infection in the Representative COVID-19 Cohort Munich
Authors: Pritsch Michael , Radon Katja , Bakuli Abhishek , Le Gleut Ronan , Olbrich Laura , Guggenbüehl Noller Jessica , Saathoff Elmar , Castelletti Noemi , Garí Mercè , Pütz Peter , Schälte Yannik , Frahnow Turid , Wölfel Roman , Rothe Camilla , Pletschette Michel , Metaxa Dafni , Forster Felix , Thiel Verena , Rieß Friedrich , Diefenbach Maximilian , Fröschl Günter , Bruger Jan , Winter Simon , Frese Jonathan , Puchinger Kerstin , Brand Isabel , Kroidl Inge , Hasenauer Jan , Fuchs Christiane , Wieser Andreas , Hoelscher Michael ,   on behalf of the KoCo19 study group
Published: March 2021

Given the large number of mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 cases, only population-based studies can provide reliable estimates of the magnitude of the pandemic. We therefore aimed to assess the sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the Munich general population after the first wave of the pandemic. For this purpose, we drew a representative sample of 2994 private households and invited household members 14 years and older to complete questionnaires and to provide blood samples. SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was defined as Roche N pan-Ig ≥ 0.4218. We adjusted the prevalence for the sampling design, sensitivity, and specificity. We investigated risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and geospatial transmission patterns by generalized linear mixed models and permutation tests. Seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies was 1.82% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–2.37%) as compared to 0.46% PCR-positive cases officially registered in Munich. Loss of the sense of smell or taste was associated with seropositivity (odds ratio (OR) 47.4; 95% CI 7.2–307.0) and infections clustered within households. By this first population-based study on SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in a large German municipality not affected by a superspreading event, we could show that at least one in four cases in private households was reported and known to the health authorities. These results will help authorities to estimate the true burden of disease in the population and to take evidence-based decisions on public health measures.
Protective Factors in the Use of Electronic Media According to Youth and Their Parents: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Campos Luísa , Veríssimo Lurdes , Nobre Bárbara , Morais Catarina , Dias Pedro
Published: March 2021

The use of electronic media (EM) by youths has been widely described in the literature, indicating the relevance of understanding the factors that can protect against its risks. We aimed to explore the protective role of participating in extracurricular activities (ECAs) and of parental mediation in the use of EM by young people. A total of 1413 people (729 students, aged between 11 and 17 years old, and one of their parents) participated in this study. Youths who engaged in ECAs spent significantly less time per week on EM and perceived that the use of EM devices had less of a negative impact. When parents and their children presented a congruent notion of how much time youth spent on EM, parents perceived EM to have less of a negative impact on their children compared to dyads with discrepant assessments. The hierarchical regression results indicated that regardless of time spent per week on EM, engaging in ECAs was a significant predictor of perceiving a less negative impact, playing a role as a protective factor regarding the use of EM. The ubiquity of EM reinforces the importance of the focus of this study, and its results contribute to creating specific guidelines for parental education and educational policies.
Systematic Review of Human Poisoning and Toxic Exposures in Myanmar
Authors: Cook Meghan A. , Jagpal Pardeep S. , Hnin Pwint Khin , San Lai Lai , Kyaw Thein Saint Saint , Pyone Thidar , Thit Win Moh Moh , Bradberry Sally M. , Collins Samuel
Published: March 2021

The International Health Regulations (2005) promote national capacity in core institutions so that countries can better detect, respond to and recover from public health emergencies. In accordance with the ‘all hazards’ approach to public health risk, this systematic review examines poisoning and toxic exposures in Myanmar. A systematic literature search was undertaken to find articles pertaining to poisoning in Myanmar published between 1998 and 2020. A number of poisoning risks are identified in this review, including snakebites, heavy metals, drugs of abuse, agrochemicals and traditional medicine. Patterns of poisoning presented in the literature diverge from poisoning priorities reported in other lower-middle income countries in the region. The experience of professionals working in a Yangon-based poison treatment unit also indicate that frequently observed poisoning as a result of pharmaceuticals, methanol, and petroleum products was absent from the literature. Other notable gaps in the available research include assessments of the public health burden of poisoning through self-harm, household exposures to chemicals, paediatric risk and women’s occupational risk of poisoning. There is a limited amount of research available on poisoning outcomes and routes of exposure in Myanmar. Further investigation and research are warranted to provide a more complete assessment of poisoning risk and incidence.
A Decision Tree Model for Breast Reconstruction of Women with Breast Cancer: A Mixed Method Approach
Authors: Park Eun Young , Yi Myungsun , Kim Hye Sook , Kim Haejin
Published: March 2021

The number of breast reconstructions following mastectomy has increased significantly during the last decades, but women are experiencing a number of conflicts with breast reconstruction decisions. The aim of this study was to develop a decision tree model of breast reconstruction and to examine its predictability. Mixed method design using ethnographic decision tree modeling was used. In the qualitative stage, data were collected using individual and focus group interviews and analyzed to construct a decision tree model. In the quantitative stage, the questionnaire was developed questions based on the criteria identified in the qualitative stage. A total of 61 women with breast cancer participated in 2017. Five major criteria: recovery of body image; impact on recurrence; recommendations from others; financial resources; and confirmation by physicians. The model also included nine predictive pathways. It turns out that the model predicted 90% of decisions concerning whether or not to have breast reconstruction. The findings indicate that the five criteria play a key role in decision-making about whether or not to have breast reconstruction. Thus, more comprehensive issues, including these five criteria, need to be integrated into an intervention for women with breast cancer to make their best decision on breast reconstruction.
Frailty Status and Polypharmacy Predict All-Cause Mortality in Community Dwelling Older Adults in Europe
Authors: Midão Luís , Brochado Pedro , Almada Marta , Duarte Mafalda , Paúl Constança , Costa Elísio
Published: March 2021

European population ageing is associated with frailty, a complex geriatric syndrome, and polypharmacy, both resulting in adverse health outcomes. In this study we aimed to evaluate the impact of frailty and polypharmacy, on mortality rates, within 30 months, using a cohort of SHARE participants aged 65 years old or more. Frailty was assessed using a version of Fried’s phenotype criteria operationalized to SHARE while polypharmacy was defined as taking five or more drugs per day. We found a prevalence of 40.4% non-frail, 47.3% pre-frail and 12.3% frail participants. Moreover, a prevalence of polypharmacy of 31.3% was observed, being 3 three times more prevalent in frail individuals and two times in pre-frail individuals, when compared with non-frail. Individuals with both conditions had shown higher mortality rates. Comparing with non-polymedicated non-frail individuals all the other conditions are more prone to die within 30 months. Polymedicated older and male participants exhibited also higher mortality rates. This work shows polypharmacy and frailty to be associated with a higher risk of all-cause of mortality and highlights the need to decrease ‘unnecessary’ polypharmacy to reduce drug-related issues and also the need to assess frailty early to prevent avoidable adverse outcomes.
Associations between Parental Stress and Subsequent Changes in Dietary Intake and Quality among Preschool Children Susceptible to Obesity
Authors: Rohde Jeanett Friis , Larsen Sofus Christian , Händel Mina Nicole , Olsen Nanna Julie , Stougaard Maria , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal
Published: March 2021

Background: Cross-sectional studies indicate that parental stress may be a barrier for healthy dietary behaviours among children. However, there is a lack of evidence from longitudinal studies on the association between parental stress and changes in dietary intake among toddlers. The aim of this study was to examine the association between parental stress and changes in dietary intake and quality among preschool children susceptible to obesity. Methods: In the Healthy Start study, parents to 250 preschool children had completed a modified version of the Parental Stress Index and assessed the dietary intake of their children at baseline and after 15 months of follow up. The association between parental stress and changes in dietary intake and quality was examined using multiple linear regression analyses with adjustment for potential confounders. We tested for potential effect modification by group allocation and sex. Results: There were no significant associations between parental stress and subsequent changes in child total energy intake, intake of macronutrients or intake of fruit, vegetables, sugar sweetened beverages, fish or starch, or dietary quality. Conclusion: This study provides no evidence to support an association between parental stress and subsequent change in dietary intake and quality of their children. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Trial number: NCT01583335, Registered: 31 March 2012, retrospectively registered.
The Effect of Acute High-Intensity Interval Training on Executive Function: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ai Jing-Yi , Chen Feng-Tzu , Hsieh Shu-Shih , Kao Shih-Chun , Chen Ai-Guo , Hung Tsung-Min , Chang Yu-Kai
Published: March 2021

Acute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient strategy to improve physical health; however, the effect of acute HIIT on executive function (EF) is unclear. The aim of this study was to systematically review the existing evidence and quantify the effect of acute HIIT on overall EF and the factors affecting the relationship between acute HIIT and EF. Standard databases (i.e., the PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases) were searched for studies that examined the effect of acute HIIT on EF and were published up until January 2021. The overall EF and factors grouped by three categories, namely, EF assessment characteristics, exercise intervention characteristics, and sample and study characteristics, were analyzed by percentage of comparison for positive or null/negative effects. Overall, 35 of 57 outcomes (61%) across 24 studies revealed that acute HIIT has a positive effect on overall EF. In terms of factors, the results indicated that among EF assessment characteristics, groups, inhibition, updating, and the assessment occurring within 30 min may moderate the effect of acute HIIT on EF, while among exercise intervention characteristics, total time within 11 to 30 min may moderate the effect. Finally, among sample characteristics, age under 40 years may moderate the effect. Acute HIIT is generally considered a viable alternative for eliciting EF gains, with factors related to EF components, timing of the assessment, exercise total time, and age potentially moderating the effect of HIIT on EF.
Id2 Represses Aldosterone-Stimulated Cardiac T-Type Calcium Channels Expression
Authors: Ito Jumpei , Minemura Tomomi , Wälchli Sébastien , Niimi Tomoaki , Fujihara Yoshitaka , Kuroda Shun’ichi , Takimoto Koichi , Maturana Andrés D.
Published: March 2021

Aldosterone excess is a cardiovascular risk factor. Aldosterone can directly stimulate an electrical remodeling of cardiomyocytes leading to cardiac arrhythmia and hypertrophy. L-type and T-type voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels expression are increased by aldosterone in cardiomyocytes. To further understand the regulation of these channels expression, we studied the role of a transcriptional repressor, the inhibitor of differentiation/DNA binding protein 2 (Id2). We found that aldosterone inhibited the expression of Id2 in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and in the heart of adult mice. When Id2 was overexpressed in cardiomyocytes, we observed a reduction in the spontaneous action potentials rate and an arrest in aldosterone-stimulated rate increase. Accordingly, Id2 siRNA knockdown increased this rate. We also observed that CaV1.2 (L-type Ca2+ channel) or CaV3.1, and CaV3.2 (T-type Ca2+ channels) mRNA expression levels and Ca2+ currents were affected by Id2 presence. These observations were further corroborated in a heart specific Id2- transgenic mice. Taken together, our results suggest that Id2 functions as a transcriptional repressor for L- and T-type Ca2+ channels, particularly CaV3.1, in cardiomyocytes and its expression is controlled by aldosterone. We propose that Id2 might contributes to a protective mechanism in cardiomyocytes preventing the presence of channels associated with a pathological state.
Biomimetic Chromatographic Studies Combined with the Computational Approach to Investigate the Ability of Triterpenoid Saponins of Plant Origin to Cross the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Stępnik Katarzyna
Published: March 2021

Biomimetic (non-cell based in vitro) and computational (in silico) studies are commonly used as screening tests in laboratory practice in the first stages of an experiment on biologically active compounds (potential drugs) and constitute an important step in the research on the drug design process. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of triterpenoid saponins of plant origin to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) using both computational methods, including QSAR methodology, and biomimetic chromatographic methods, i.e., High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Immobilized Artificial Membrane (IAM) and cholesterol (CHOL) stationary phases, as well as Bio-partitioning Micellar Chromatography (BMC). The tested compounds were as follows: arjunic acid (Terminalia arjuna), akebia saponin D (Akebia quinata), bacoside A (Bacopa monnieri) and platycodin D (Platycodon grandiflorum). The pharmacokinetic BBB parameters calculated in silico show that three of the four substances, i.e., arjunic acid, akebia saponin D, and bacoside A exhibit similar values of brain/plasma equilibration rate expressed as logPSFubrain (the average logPSFubrain: −5.03), whereas the logPSFubrain value for platycodin D is –9.0. Platycodin D also shows the highest value of the unbound fraction in the brain obtained using the examined compounds (0.98). In these studies, it was found out for the first time that the logarithm of the analyte–micelle association constant (logKMA) calculated based on Foley’s equation can describe the passage of substances through the BBB. The most similar logBB values were obtained for hydrophilic platycodin D, applying both biomimetic and computational methods. All of the obtained logBB values and physicochemical parameters of the molecule indicate that platycodin D does not cross the BBB (the average logBB: −1.681), even though the in silico estimated value of the fraction unbound in plasma is relatively high (0.52). As far as it is known, this is the first paper that shows the applicability of biomimetic chromatographic methods in predicting the penetration of triterpenoid saponins through the BBB.
Identification of Candidate Genes for Root Traits Using Genotype–Phenotype Association Analysis of Near-Isogenic Lines in Hexaploid Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Halder Tanushree , Liu Hui , Chen Yinglong , Yan Guijun , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: March 2021

Global wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production is constrained by different biotic and abiotic stresses, which are increasing with climate change. An improved root system is essential for adaptability and sustainable wheat production. In this study, 10 pairs of near-isogenic lines (NILs)—targeting four genomic regions (GRs) on chromosome arms 4BS, 4BL, 4AS, and 7AL of hexaploid wheat—were used to phenotype root traits in a semi-hydroponic system. Seven of the 10 NIL pairs significantly differed between their isolines for 11 root traits. The NIL pairs targeting qDSI.4B.1 GR varied the most, followed by the NIL pair targeting qDT.4A.1 and QHtscc.ksu-7A GRs. For pairs 5–7 targeting qDT.4A.1 GR, pair 6 significantly differed in the most root traits. Of the 4 NIL pairs targeting qDSI.4B.1 GR, pairs 2 and 4 significantly differed in 3 and 4 root traits, respectively. Pairs 9 and 10 targeting QHtscc.ksu-7A GR significantly differed in 1 and 4 root traits, respectively. Using the wheat 90K Illumina iSelect array, we identified 15 putative candidate genes associated with different root traits in the contrasting isolines, in which two UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT)-encoding genes, TraesCS4A02G185300 and TraesCS4A02G442700, and a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase (LRR-RLK)-encoding gene, TraesCS4A02G330900, also showed important functions for root trait control in other crops. This study characterized, for the first time, that these GRs control root traits in wheat, and identified candidate genes, although the candidate genes will need further confirmation and validation for marker-assisted wheat breeding.
Variation in Parasitoid Virulence of Tetrastichus brontispae during the Targeting of Two Host Beetles
Authors: Zhang Hua-Jian , Lin Ya-Ping , Li Hong-Yu , Wang Rui , Fu Lang , Jia Qing-Chen , Hou You-Ming , Tang Bao-Zhen
Published: March 2021

In host-parasitoid interactions, antagonistic relationship drives parasitoids to vary in virulence in facing different hosts, which makes these systems excellent models for stress-induced evolutionary studies. Venom compositions varied between two strains of Tetrastichus brontispae, Tb-Bl and Tb-On. Tb-Bl targets Brontispa longissima pupae as hosts, and Tb-On is a sub-population of Tb-Bl, which has been experimentally adapted to a new host, Octodonta nipae. Aiming to examine variation in parasitoid virulence of the two strains toward two hosts, we used reciprocal injection experiments to compare effect of venom/ovarian fluids from the two strains on cytotoxicity, inhibition of immunity and fat body lysis of the two hosts. We found that Tb-Onvenom was more virulent towards plasmatocyte spreading, granulocyte function and phenoloxidase activity than Tb-Blvenom. Tb-Blovary was able to suppress encapsulation and phagocytosis in both hosts; however, Tb-Onovary inhibition targeted only B. longissima. Our data suggest that the venom undergoes rapid evolution when facing different hosts, and that the wasp has good evolutionary plasticity.
Crosstalk between Renal and Vascular Calcium Signaling: The Link between Nephrolithiasis and Vascular Calcification
Authors: Liu Chan-Jung , Cheng Chia-Wei , Tsai Yau-Sheng , Huang Ho-Shiang
Published: March 2021

Calcium (Ca2+) is an important mediator of multicellular homeostasis and is involved in several diseases. The interplay among the kidney, bone, intestine, and parathyroid gland in Ca2+ homeostasis is strictly modulated by numerous hormones and signaling pathways. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a G protein–coupled receptor, that is expressed in calcitropic tissues such as the parathyroid gland and the kidney, plays a pivotal role in Ca2+ regulation. CaSR is important for renal Ca2+, as a mutation in this receptor leads to hypercalciuria and calcium nephrolithiasis. In addition, CaSR is also widely expressed in the vascular system, including vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and participates in the process of vascular calcification. Aberrant Ca2+ sensing by the kidney and VSMCs, owing to altered CaSR expression or function, is associated with the formation of nephrolithiasis and vascular calcification. Based on emerging epidemiological evidence, patients with nephrolithiasis have a higher risk of vascular calcification, but the exact mechanism linking the two conditions is unclear. However, a dysregulation in Ca2+ homeostasis and dysfunction in CaSR might be the connection between the two. This review summarizes renal calcium handling and calcium signaling in the vascular system, with a special focus on the link between nephrolithiasis and vascular calcification.
Asthma-Associated Long TSLP Inhibits the Production of IgA
Authors: van Heerden Dorianne , van Binnendijk Robert S. , Tromp Samantha A. M. , Savelkoul Huub F. J. , van Neerven R. J. Joost , den Hartog Gerco
Published: March 2021

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) contributes to asthmatic disease. The concentrations of protective IgA may be reduced in the respiratory tract of asthma patients. We investigated how homeostatic short TSLP (shTSLP) and asthma-associated long TSLP (loTSLP) regulate IgA production. B cells from healthy donors were stimulated in the presence or absence of shTSLP or loTSLP; the concentrations of IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgG antibodies were determined in cell culture supernatants; and B cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. LoTSLP, but not shTSLP, suppressed the secretion of IgA but not of IgE. The type 2 cytokine IL-4, which in addition to loTSLP contributes to asthmatic disease, did not affect the production of IgA or the frequency of IgA+ B cells. Instead, IL-4 increased IgG production, especially of the subclasses IgG2 and IgG4. LoTSLP inhibited IgA secretion by sorted memory B cells but not by naïve B cells. Although loTSLP inhibited IgA production, the vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid promoted the secretion of IgA, also in the presence of loTSLP, suggesting that vitamin A may promote IgA production in asthma. Our data demonstrate that asthma-associated loTSLP negatively regulates the secretion of IgA, which may negatively impact the surveillance of mucosal surfaces in asthma.
Methyl-Donors Can Induce Apoptosis and Attenuate Both the Akt and the Erk1/2 Mediated Proliferation Pathways in Breast and Lung Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Kiss Eva , Forika Gertrud , Mohacsi Reka , Nemeth Zsuzsanna , Krenacs Tibor , Dank Magdolna
Published: March 2021

Dietary methyl-donors play important roles in physiological processes catalyzed by B vitamins as coenzymes, and are used for complementary support in oncotherapy. Our hypothesis was that methyl-donors can not only assist in tolerating cancer treatment but may also directly interfere with tumor growth and proliferation. Therefore, we investigated the proposed cancer inhibitory effects of methyl-donors (in a mixture of L-methionine, choline chloride, folic acid, and vitamin B12) on MCF7 and T47D breast cancer as well as A549 and H1650 lung cancer cell lines. Indeed, methyl-donor treatment significantly reduced the proliferation in all cell lines, possibly through the downregulation of MAPK/ERK and AKT signaling. These were accompanied by the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic Bak and Bax, both in MCF7 and H1650 cells, at reduced anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 levels in MCF7 and H1650 cells, respectively. The treatment-induced downregulation of p-p53(Thr55) was likely to contribute to protecting the nuclear localization and apoptosis inducing functions of p53. The presented features are known to improve the sensitivity of cancer therapy. Therefore, these data support the hypothesis, i.e., that methyl-donors may promote apoptotic signaling by protecting p53 functions through downregulating both the MAPK/ERK and the AKT pathways both in breast and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Our results can emphasize the importance and benefits of the appropriate dietary supports in cancer treatments. However, further studies are required to confirm these effects without any adverse outcome in clinical settings.
High Performance NbMoTa–Al2O3 Multilayer Composite Structure Manufacturing by Laser Directed Energy Deposition
Authors: Zhang Hang , Chen Zihao , He Yaoyao , Guo Xin , Li Qingyu , Ji Shaokun , Zhao Yizhen , Li Dichen
Published: March 2021

The conventional method of preparing metal–ceramic composite structures causes delamination and cracking defects due to differences in the composite structures’ properties, such as the coefficient of thermal expansion between metal and ceramic materials. Laser-directed energy deposition (LDED) technology has a unique advantage in that the composition of the materials can be changed during the forming process. This technique can overcome existing problems by forming composite structures. In this study, a multilayer composite structure was prepared using LDED technology, and different materials were deposited with their own appropriate process parameters. A layer of Al2O3 ceramic was deposited first, and then three layers of a NbMoTa multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) were deposited as a single composite structural unit. A specimen of the NbMoTa–Al2O3 multilayer composite structure, composed of multiple composite structural units, was formed on the upper surface of a φ20 mm × 60 mm cylinder. The wear resistance was improved by 55% compared to the NbMoTa. The resistivity was 1.55 × 10−5 Ω × m in the parallel forming direction and 1.29 × 10−7 Ω × m in the vertical forming direction. A new, electrically anisotropic material was successfully obtained, and this study provides experimental methods and data for the preparation of smart materials and new sensors.
Predictive Optimization of Electrical Conductivity of Polycarbonate Composites at Different Concentrations of Carbon Nanotubes: A Valorization of Conductive Nanocomposite Theoretical Models
Authors: Sidi Salah Lakhdar , Ouslimani Nassira , Chouai Mohamed , Danlée Yann , Huynen Isabelle , Aksas Hammouche
Published: March 2021

Polycarbonate—carbon nanotube (PC-CNT) conductive composites containing CNT concentration covering 0.25–4.5 wt.% were prepared by melt blending extrusion. The alternating current (AC) conductivity of the composites has been investigated. The percolation threshold of the PC-CNT composites was theoretically determined using the classical theory of percolation followed by numerical analysis, quantifying the conductivity of PC-CNT at the critical volume CNT concentration. Different theoretical models like Bueche, McCullough and Mamunya have been applied to predict the AC conductivity of the composites using a hyperparameter optimization method. Through multiple series of the hyperparameter optimization process, it was found that McCullough and Mamunya theoretical models for electrical conductivity fit remarkably with our experimental results; the degree of chain branching and the aspect ratio are estimated to be 0.91 and 167 according to these models. The development of a new model based on a modified Sohi model is in good agreement with our data, with a coefficient of determination R2=0.922 for an optimized design model. The conductivity is correlated to the electromagnetic absorption (EM) index showing a fine fit with Steffen–Boltzmann (SB) model, indicating the ultimate CNTs volume concentration for microwave absorption at the studied frequency range.
A Stretchable, Self-Healable Triboelectric Nanogenerator as Electronic Skin for Energy Harvesting and Tactile Sensing
Authors: Han Xi , Jiang Dongjie , Qu Xuecheng , Bai Yuan , Cao Yu , Luo Ruizeng , Li Zhou
Published: March 2021

Electronic skin that is deformable, self-healable, and self-powered has high competitiveness for next-generation energy/sense/robotic applications. Herein, we fabricated a stretchable, self-healable triboelectric nanogenerator (SH-TENG) as electronic skin for energy harvesting and tactile sensing. The elongation of SH-TENG can achieve 800% (uniaxial strain) and the SH-TENG can self-heal within 2.5 min. The SH-TENG is based on the single-electrode mode, which is constructed from ion hydrogels with an area of 2 cm × 3 cm, the output of short-circuit transferred charge (Qsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and short-circuit current (Isc) reaches ~6 nC, ~22 V, and ~400 nA, and the corresponding output power density is ~2.9 μW × cm−2 when the matching resistance was ~140 MΩ. As a biomechanical energy harvesting device, the SH-TENG also can drive red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) bulbs. Meanwhile, SH-TENG has shown good sensitivity to low-frequency human touch and can be used as an artificial electronic skin for touch/pressure sensing. This work provides a suitable candidate for the material selection of the hydrogel-based self-powered electronic skin.
Study on Rheological Properties of Bituminous Binders and Mixtures Containing Waste Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and SBR Compound Modified Bitumen
Authors: Meng Yongjun , Liao Yongjie , Liu Zhirong , Chen Jing , Yang Xiaolong , Rong Hongliu
Published: March 2021

Improper handling of waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) can cause serious pollution to the water and soil environments. In order to explore a new method of recycling waste PCBs, this study investigated the effect of PCBs and butadiene styrene rubber (SBR) on the rheological properties of neat bitumen. The dynamic shear rheological (DSR) test was used to study the effect of different PCB contents on the high-temperature rheological properties of SBR-modified bitumen. Fluorescence microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to study the microstructure change law and modification mechanism of PCB and SBR composite modified bitumen. Finally, the feasibility of the bitumen properties was verified through a test of the bituminous mixture properties. The DSR test results showed that the addition of PCBs improves the elastic recovery modulus, dynamic shear modulus, and rutting factor of SBR-modified bitumen, indicating that the high-temperature properties were improved. Infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that a new absorption peak was generated in the infrared spectrum of the compound bitumen after the addition of PCBs, and the intensity of the original absorption peak also changed, indicating that PCBs and SBR-modified bitumen were mainly physically blended and accompanied by a weak chemical reaction. It was further found that the absorption peak of the unsaturated C=C double bond was significantly enhanced, and the increase in the content of the unsaturated bond C=C in the main chain of the polymer significantly increases the stiffness of the bitumen. Macroscopically, the high-temperature rutting resistance was improved to a certain extent. The fluorescence diagram shows that when PCBs do not exceed 10%, the PCBs can form a homogeneous structure and be dispersed in SBR-modified bitumen. The road test of PCBs and SBR composite modified bituminous mixtures showed that PCBs can significantly improve the rutting resistance and water stability of SBR-modified bitumen at high temperatures at the recommended optimum content. The crack resistance at low temperatures is weakened but still meets actual engineering requirements. The correlation analysis between the properties of bitumen and bituminous mixtures is carried out based on grey correlation theory. The results show that the index of modified bitumen has a very good guiding effect on the bituminous mixture properties. The development of PCBs and SBR composite-modified bitumen provides a new practical method for recycling waste PCBs.
Current Applications of Recycled Aggregates from Construction and Demolition: A Review
Authors: Reis Glaydson Simões dos , Quattrone Marco , Ambrós Weslei Monteiro , Grigore Cazacliu Bogdan , Hoffmann Sampaio Carlos
Published: March 2021

A literature review comprising 163 publications published over a period of 26 years from 1992 to 2018 is presented in this paper. This review discusses the generation and recycling of construction and demolition waste (CDW) as well as its main uses as raw materials for the construction engineering sector. This review pays attention to the use of CDW aggregates for sand, pavements/roads, bricks, ceramics, cementitious materials, and concrete productions, as well its uses as eco-friendly materials for water decontamination. The physical-chemical and mechanical characteristics of recycled aggregates play an important role in their correctly chosen applications. The results found in this literature survey allow us to conclude that recycled aggregates from CDW can be successfully used to produce construction materials with quality comparable to those produced with natural aggregates. We concluded that the use of CDWs as raw materials for manufacturing new construction materials is technically feasible, economical, and constitutes an environmentally friendly approach for a future construction and demolition waste management strategy.
Influence of Residual Stress around Constituent Particles on Recrystallization and Grain Growth in Al-Mn-Based Alloy during Annealing
Authors: Park Sung-Jin , Muraishi Shinji
Published: March 2021

Effect of the residual stress on the recovery and recrystallization behaviors of the cold-rolled AA3003 aluminum alloy was investigated. The evolution of deformed microstructure and dislocation density characterized by TEM and Synchrotron X-ray measurements found that the change in the ratio between low angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and high angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) during annealing is varied depending on the initial dislocation density, where the value of HAGB/LAGBs ratio is amounted to be about 0.8 at maximum. The nucleation and growth rate of the recrystallized grains are strongly dependent on the net driving pressure associated with dislocation density increased by the amount of reduction. EBSD analysis revealed that the deformed zone composed of the fine equi-axed grains with large misorientation angles would be formed in the vicinity of the constituent particles, which is consistent with the region of the large residual stress and total displacement predicted by Eshelby inhomogeneity problem under cold rolling condition.
Thermoelectric Performance of Mechanically Mixed BixSb2-xTe3—ABS Composites
Authors: Viskadourakis Zacharias , Drymiskianaki Argiri , Papadakis Vassilis M. , Ioannou Ioanna , Kyratsi Theodora , Kenanakis George
Published: March 2021

In the current study, polymer-based composites, consisting of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Bismuth Antimony Telluride (BixSb2−xTe3), were produced using mechanical mixing and hot pressing. These composites were investigated regarding their electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient, with respect to Bi doping and BixSb2-xTe3 loading into the composite. Experimental results showed that their thermoelectric performance is comparable—or even superior, in some cases—to reported thermoelectric polymer composites that have been produced using other complex techniques. Consequently, mechanically mixed polymer-based thermoelectric materials could be an efficient method for low-cost and large-scale production of polymer composites for potential thermoelectric applications.
Anti-HBV Activities of Polysaccharides from Thais clavigera (Küster) by In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Tang Fei , Huang Guanghua , Lin Liping , Yin Hong , Shao Lili , Xu Ruian , Cui Xiuling
Published: March 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health problem. It is therefore imperative to develop drugs for anti-hepatitis B with high-efficiency and low toxicity. Attracted by the observations and evidence that the symptoms of some patients from the Southern Fujian, China, suffering from hepatitis B were alleviated after daily eating an edible marine mollusk, Thais clavigera (Küster 1860) (TCK). Water-soluble polysaccharide from TCK (TCKP1) was isolated and characterized. The anti-HBV activity of TCKP1 and its regulatory pathway were investigated on both HepG2.2.15 cell line and HBV transgenic mice. The data obtained from in vitro studies showed that TCKP1 significantly enhanced the production of IFN-α, and reduced the level of HBV antigens and HBV DNA in the supernatants of HepG2.2.15 cells in a dose-dependent manner with low cytotoxicity. The result of the study on the HBV transgenic mice further revealed that TCKP1 significantly decreased the level of transaminases, HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA in the serum, as well as HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, and HBV RNA in the liver of HBV transgenic (HBV-Tg) mice. Furthermore, TCKP1 exhibited equivalent inhibitory effect with the positive control tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) on the markers above except for HBV DNA even in low dosage in a mouse model. However, the TCKP1 high-dose group displayed stronger inhibition of transaminases and liver HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV RNA when compared with those of TAF. Meanwhile, inflammation of the liver was, by pathological observation, relieved in a dose-dependent manner after being treated with TCKP1. In addition, elevated levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon γ (IFN-γ), and reduced level of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the serum were observed, indicating that the anti-HBV effect of TCKP1 was achieved by potentiating immunocyte function and regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy after Nusinersen Therapy: Improved Physiology in Pediatric Patients with No Significant Change in Urine, Serum, and Liquor 1H-NMR Metabolomes in Comparison to an Age-Matched, Healthy Cohort
Authors: Deutsch Leon , Osredkar Damjan , Plavec Janez , Stres Blaž
Published: March 2021

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetically heterogeneous group of rare neuromuscular diseases and was until recently the most common genetic cause of death in children. The effects of 2-month nusinersen therapy on urine, serum, and liquor 1H-NMR metabolomes in SMA males and females were not explored yet, especially not in comparison to the urine 1H-NMR metabolomes of matching male and female cohorts. In this prospective, single-centered study, urine, serum, and liquor samples were collected from 25 male and female pediatric patients with SMA before and after 2 months of nusinersen therapy and urine samples from a matching healthy cohort (n = 125). Nusinersen intrathecal application was the first therapy for the treatment of SMA by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Metabolomes were analyzed using targeted metabolomics utilizing 600 MHz 1H-NMR, parametric and nonparametric multivariate statistical analyses, machine learning, and modeling. Medical assessment before and after nusinersen therapy showed significant improvements of movement, posture, and strength according to various medical tests. No significant differences were found in metabolomes before and after nusinersen therapy in urine, serum, and liquor samples using an ensemble of statistical and machine learning approaches. In comparison to a healthy cohort, 1H-NMR metabolomes of SMA patients contained a reduced number and concentration of urine metabolites and differed significantly between males and females as well. Significantly larger data scatter was observed for SMA patients in comparison to matched healthy controls. Machine learning confirmed urinary creatinine as the most significant, distinguishing SMA patients from the healthy cohort. The positive effects of nusinersen therapy clearly preceded or took place devoid of significant rearrangements in the 1H-NMR metabolomic makeup of serum, urine, and liquor. Urine creatinine was successful at distinguishing SMA patients from the matched healthy cohort, which is a simple systemic novelty linking creatinine and SMA to the physiology of inactivity and diabetes, and it facilitates the monitoring of SMA disease in pediatric patients through non-invasive urine collection.