bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adoption and the Role of Fertilizer Trees and Shrubs as a Climate Smart Agriculture Practice: The Case of Salima District in Malawi
Authors: Musa Frank B. , Kamoto Judith F. M. , Jumbe Charles B. L. , Zulu Leo C.
Published: November 2018

Fertilizer trees and shrubs can improve degraded soil and avert the impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers in Malawi. This paper analyses the roles of fertilizer trees and shrubs and factors that determine adoption, as well as the intensity of use of fertilizer on trees and shrubs in maize-based farming systems using the Tobit model. A household survey involving 250 smallholder farmers was conducted in Salima district, Malawi. The analysis shows that adopters of fertilizer trees and shrubs considered fertility improvement, shade, source of food and erosion control as main roles of fertilizer trees and shrubs. The Tobit model shows that households with relatively more land are more likely to adopt fertilizer trees and shrubs than those with small land sizes. Adoption is higher among farmers who had been exposed to fertilizer trees and shrubs for longer periods than others had. Land tenure, education and availability of labor also influence the adoption of fertilizer trees and shrubs. Results further show that household and farm characteristics and availability of extension services explain the current adoption rates of tree-fertilizer technologies. Our findings can guide effective targeting of farmers to ensure higher adoption and sustainability of fertilizer-tree and shrub technology for climate-smart agriculture among the smallholder farmers.
Assessment and Monitoring Protocols to Guarantee the Maintenance of Biodiversity in Certified Forests: A Case Study for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Forests in Southwestern Spain
Authors: Sánchez-Almendro Antonio J. , Hidalgo Pablo J. , Galán Rosario , Carrasco José M. , López-Tirado Javier
Published: November 2018

(1) Biodiversity, sustainable development and nature conservation are fundamental issues nowadays. All companies, administrations, governments and international organisations take these issues into consideration. Sustainable forest management always requires a compromise between profitability and conservation and in this fragile equilibrium, forest certification plays a key scheme. This sustainable management is of great importance in the European Union (EU), with the Forest Stewardship Council playing a fundamental role in forest certification. This certification forms the basis of the ecosystem conservation and improvement strategy in Ence, Energía y Celulosa, the leading company dedicated to the production of eucalyptus in Spain; (2) A three-phase protocol (identification of High Conservation Values, assessment of conservation areas and monitoring program), has been developed, providing clear, objective criteria, particularly concerning FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Principle 9, the primary goal being the development and application of these objective criteria in the Ence conservation areas in the province of Huelva (Spain). One of the main criteria for habitat classification was correspondence with the habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive. The compatibility between forest exploitation management and conservation proposed by the Natura 2000 network encouraged us to use this methodology for the identification, classification and assessment of High Conservation Values considered in FSC forest certification: Principle 9; (3) The study encompasses 183 forest management units covering 52,022 ha, with a total of 11,847.45 ha being identified as High Conservation Value Areas. Through the identification and assessment of the conservation areas, the described methodology played a crucial role in demonstrating the positive impact of Ence’s certified forest management on the conservation of biological diversity; (4) This study demonstrates that an objective and reliable identification, assessment and monitoring methodology, with a proven high degree of accuracy in the location and characterisation of interesting and representative habitats in the region, can be implemented. Due to its objectivity, this strategy can be easily applied to other European sustainable forest management sites and possibly to other countries outside the EU.
Contribution of Chemical Modifications and Conformational Epitopes to IgE Binding by Ara h 3
Authors: Dyer Scott , Nesbit Jacqueline B. , Cabanillas Beatriz , Cheng Hsiaopo , Hurlburt Barry K. , Maleki Soheila J.
Published: November 2018

Roasting is known to change the allergenic properties of peanuts. To study these observations at a molecular level, the relationship of IgE binding to the structure of Ara h 3 from raw and roasted peanuts was assessed. Ara h 3 (A3) was purified from raw (R), light roast (LR) and dark roast (DR) peanuts, the purity was assessed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and the secondary structures were compared with circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. In order to understand the contribution of structure to IgE binding, the R A3 was partially denatured (PD) by heat treatment (65 °C for 2 h), subjected to CD spectroscopy and IgE spot blot analysis with sera from peanut- allergic individuals. While we observed that the secondary structure of purified A3 from R and LR peanut in solution was affected by the reduction of disulfide bonds and heat treatment when purified from the peanut following the roasting process, only small alterations were seen in the secondary structure. The purified LR A3 bound higher levels of IgE than the RA3. CD spectroscopy of PD A3 revealed a reduction in the percentage of alpha helices, and serum IgE binding. Therefore, while A3 purified from roasted peanuts did not show significant changes in secondary structure, it showed higher IgE binding than R A3. Therefore, the higher IgE binding to LR A3 was more likely to be due to chemical modifications than structural changes. However, a decrease in the IgE binding was seen if R A3 was deliberately unfolded, indicating that the structure played an important role in IgE binding to A3.
The Shields that Guard the Realms of Men: Heraldry in Game of Thrones
Authors: Hardy Mat
Published: November 2018

The vast popularity of the Game of Thrones franchise has drawn a new and diverse audience to the fantasy genre. Within the pseudo-medieval world created by G.R.R. Martin, a great deal of detail has gone into establishing coats of arms for the characters and families that are depicted. These arms fulfill an extremely important role, both within the arc of the story and as part of the marketing collateral of this very successful series. This article examines the role of arms in the Game of Thrones universe and explores how the heraldic system transcends the usual genealogical display and functions more as a type of familial branding. An exploration of some of the practices and idiosyncrasies of heraldry in the franchise shows that whilst Martin sets his foundation firmly in the traditional, he then extends this into the fanciful; in much the same manner as he does with other faux-historical aspects of his work. This study is valuable because Game of Thrones has brought heraldry from being a niche interest to something that is now consumed by a global audience of hundreds of millions of people. Several of the fantasy blazons in the series are now arguably the most recognisable coats of arms in history.
Root-Specific Expression of a Jacalin Lectin Family Protein Gene Requires a Transposable Element Sequence in the Promoter
Authors: Wu Qiong , Smith Neil A. , Zhang Daai , Zhou Changyong , Wang Ming-Bo
Published: November 2018

Transposable elements (TEs) are widespread in the plant genome and can impact on the expression of neighbouring genes. Our previous studies have identified a number of DNA demethylase-regulated defence-related genes that contain TE sequences in the promoter and show tissue-specific expression in Arabidopsis. In this study we investigated the role of the promoter TE insertions in the root-specific expression of a DNA demethylase-regulated gene, AT5G38550, encoding a Jacalin lectin family protein. Using a promoter:GUS fusion reporter gene approach, we first demonstrated that the full-length promoter fragment, carrying four TE sequences, contained the essential regulatory information required for root-specific expression and DNA demethylase regulation in Arabidopsis. By successive deletion of the four TE sequences, we showed that one of the four TE insertions, a 201-bp TE fragment of the hAT DNA transposon family, was required for root-specific expression: Deletion of this TE, but not the first two TE sequences, converted the root-specific expression pattern to a constitutive expression pattern in Arabidopsis plants. Our study provides an example indicating an important role of TE insertions in tissue-specific expression of plant defence-related genes.
Evaluating Remote Sensing Model Specification Methods for Estimating Water Quality in Optically Diverse Lakes throughout the Growing Season
Authors: Hansen Carly Hyatt , Williams Gustavious Paul
Published: November 2018

Spectral images from remote sensing platforms are extensively used to estimate chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentrations for water quality studies. Empirical models used for estimation are often based on physical principles related to light absorption and emission properties of chl-a and generally relying on spectral bands in the green, blue, and near-infrared bands. Because the physical characteristics, constituents, and algae populations vary widely from lake to lake, it can be difficult to estimate coefficients for these models. Many studies select a model form that is a function of these bands, determine model coefficients by correlating remotely-measured surface reflectance data and coincidentally measured in-situ chl-a concentrations, and then apply the model to estimate chl-a concentrations for the entire water body. Recent work has demonstrated an alternative approach using simple statistical learning methods (Multiple Linear Stepwise Regression (MLSR)) which uses historical, non-coincident field data to develop sub-seasonal remote sensing chl-a models. We extend this previous work by comparing this method against models from literature, and explore model performance for a region of lakes in Central Utah with varying optical complexity, including two relatively clear intermountain reservoirs (Deer Creek and Jordanelle) and a highly turbid, shallow lake (Utah Lake). This study evaluates the suitability of these different methods for model parameterization for this area and whether a sub-seasonal approach improves performance of standard model forms from literature. We found that while some of the common spectral bands used in literature are selected by the data-driven MLSR method for the lakes in the study region, there are also other spectral bands and band interactions that are often more significant for these lakes. Comparison of model fit shows an improvement in model fit using the data-driven parameterization method over the more traditional physics-based modeling approaches from literature. This suggests that the sub-seasonal approach and exploitation of information contained in other bands helps account for lake-specific optical characteristics, such as suspended solids and other constituents contributing to water color, as well as unique (and season-specific) algae populations, which contribute to the spectral signature of the lake surface, rather than only relying on a generalized optical signature of chl-a. Consideration of these other bands is important for development of models for long-term and entire growing season applications in optically diverse water bodies.
Quantitative Ultrasound Imaging Pixel Analysis of the Intrinsic Plantar Muscle Tissue between Hemiparesis and Contralateral Feet in Post-Stroke Patients
Authors: Calvo-Lobo Cesar , Useros-Olmo Ana Isabel , Almazán-Polo Jaime , Martín-Sevilla Miriam , Romero-Morales Carlos , Sanz-Corbalán Irene , Rodríguez-Sanz David , López-López Daniel
Published: November 2018

Quantitative ultrasound imaging of the muscle tissue may be applied in the neurology field, due to B-mode grayscale pixels values could be used as potential biomarkers for disease progression and intervention effects in poststroke patients. Thus, the study aim was to compare and analyze the ultrasound imaging B-mode pixels differences between the intrinsic plantar muscles cross-sectional area (CSA) in hemiparetic and contralateral feet from poststroke patients by means of the Image J software. A case-control design and a convenience sampling method were used in order to recruit 22 feet from 11 poststroke patients. This total sample was divided into 11 hemiparetic feet and 11 contralateral feet. The Image J software was used in order to evaluate the interface distance, CSA as well as measure the pixels mean, standard deviation (SD) and count from all offline images in the flexor digitorum brevis, abductor hallucis (AbH), and flexor hallucis brevis muscles. Statistically significant differences (p = 0.003) were only shown for the pixels count in the AbH muscle. The rest of outcome measurements did not show any statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Therefore, B-mode ultrasound imaging Image J software differences for the pixels count reduction were shown in the AbH muscle between hemiparetic and contralateral feet from poststroke patients. Further studies are necessary in order to apply our findings as potential biomarkers during the stroke disease course.
Clinical Outcomes of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns with CAD/CAM Technology. A 1-Year Follow-Up Prospective Clinical Study of 65 Patients
Authors: Konstantinidis Ioannis , Trikka Dimitra , Gasparatos Spyridon , Mitsias Miltiadis E.
Published: November 2018

Aim/Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to examine the clinical performance of posterior monolithic single crowns in terms of failure or complications and the secondary aim was to assess the quality of these restorations according to the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Methods: Ιn a private dental clinic, 65 patients with need of posterior crowns were restored with monolithic zirconia crowns. All the restorations were evaluated 6 and 12 months after their cementation. The modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria and periodontal parameters were applied for the clinical evaluation of the crowns. Restorations with Alpha or Bravo rating were considered a success. Results: Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Sixty-five patients (mean age: 49.52) were restored with 65 monolithic zirconia crowns. No fracture of the restorations was recorded. The overall success rate was 98.5%. The clinical quality of all crowns was acceptable except for the marginal discoloration of one crown at the 6- and 12-month follow-up examination. Conclusions: In this study, no fracture of single-tooth monolithic crowns occurred and the success rate was high. Monolithic zirconia restorations fabricated is a viable option for the restoration of single posterior teeth.
Alien Species and Human Health: Austrian Stakeholder Perspective on Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Schindler Stefan , Rabitsch Wolfgang , Essl Franz , Wallner Peter , Lemmerer Kathrin , Follak Swen , Hutter Hans-Peter
Published: November 2018

No saturation in the introduction, acceleration of spread and the increasing impacts of alien species are a characteristic feature of the Anthropocene. Concomitantly, alien species affecting human health are supposed to increase, mainly due to increasing global trade and climate change. In this study, we assess challenges and solutions posed by such species to the public health sector in Austria over the next few decades. We did so using an online questionnaire circulated to 131 experts and stakeholders working on human health and biological invasions, supplemented by in-depth interviews with eleven selected experts. Results from the online survey and in-depth interviews largely support and complement each other. Experts and stakeholders suggest that (i) the allergenic Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed), the photodermatoxic Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed), and vectors of diseases such as Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) are considered the alien species posing the most severe challenges; (ii) challenges are expected to increase in the next few decades and awareness in the public health sector is not sufficient; (iii) effective and efficient solutions are mainly related to prevention. Specific solutions include pathway management of introduction and spread by monitoring and controlling established populations of ragweed, hogweed and mosquitos.
Intake of Saturated Fatty Acids Affects Atherogenic Blood Properties in Young, Caucasian, Overweight Women Even without Influencing Blood Cholesterol
Authors: Hamułka Jadwiga , Głąbska Dominika , Guzek Dominika , Białkowska Agnieszka , Sulich Agnieszka
Published: November 2018

Despite a general relation between fat intake and cardiovascular risk factors, the association is often not observed in studies conducted in heterogenic populations, as for population groups, it may differ. The aim of the study was to analyze the associations between dietary fat intake and lipoprotein cholesterol fractions, as well as atherogenic blood properties, in young and middle-aged overweight Caucasian women. In a group of 138 overweight women, the three-day dietary records were assessed, under-reporters were excluded, and lipoprotein cholesterol fractions were analyzed. For the included 24 young (aged 20–40) and 42 middle-age women (aged 40–60), the intakes of fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and cholesterol, as well as the PUFA/SFA ratio, were assessed. Afterwards, the analysis of associations with blood levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride, as well as the TC/HDL ratio, HDL/LDL, ratio and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), were conducted. It was stated that the influence of the dietary fat level on lipoprotein cholesterol fractions as well as atherogenic blood properties in overweight Caucasian women is age dependent. For young, overweight, Caucasian women, the influence of the dietary fat level on the lipoprotein cholesterol fractions was not observed; however, SFA intake influenced atherogenic blood properties. For middle-aged, overweight, Caucasian women, the PUFA intake had an especially important influence in increasing the HDL cholesterol level. For overweight Caucasian women, not only should lipoprotein cholesterol fractions be controlled, but also the AIP calculated—especially for younger women.
Could Robots Help Older People with Age-Related Nutritional Problems? Opinions of Potential Users
Authors: Łukasik Sylwia , Tobis Sławomir , Wieczorowska-Tobis Katarzyna , Suwalska Aleksandra
Published: November 2018

Background: The rapid development of new technologies has recently raised interest in the use of assistive robots in the care of older people. The success or failure of robots’ implementation is mediated by their acceptance by users. The aim of the study was to answer the question of how both older people and caregivers perceive the possibility of using an assistive robot for nutritional support. Methods: Opinions of 252 respondents (126 older—aged 65 and above; 126 younger ones—aged below 65) from five European countries were collected using the Users’ Needs, Requirements, and Abilities Questionnaire. Results: The majority of participants positively assessed the possibility of using a robot to improve the diet of older people by giving advice on healthy eating or monitoring the amount of food consumed by the owner. An age-related difference was observed, as older people less frequently accepted the reminding of meal times or drinking liquids than younger participants. Four key categories related to the robot’s role in the diet of older people were identified: matching the needs, robot’s characteristics, ethical issues and technical/financial issues. Conclusions: Our preliminary research has shown a positive approach to robots in the context of their nutrition-related aspects. An indication has been made of the need to include older people and other stakeholders in the process of designing these functionalities and modeling human–robot interactions based on communication theories.
Management of Chronic Disease and Hospitalization Due to Diabetes among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Korea: Using the National Sample Cohort Data 2002–2013
Authors: Lee Sang Ah , Kim Woorim , Oh Sarah Soyeon , Yang Jieun , Jang Jieun , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: November 2018

To prevent negative outcomes for diabetes patients, developing self-management skills is imperative. This study aimed to examine the association between management of chronic disease (MCD), which mainly involves educating patients about their chronic diseases for obtaining self-management skills and hospitalization due to diabetes among type 2 diabetes patients in Korea. Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort data from 2002 to 2013 were used. A total of 54,031 type 2 diabetes patients were included in the study. If patients received the MCD within 1 year from the onset of diabetes, we categorized them as “MCD received patients” We reclassified these groups into five groups: “non-receiving”, “1–3 times”, “4–6 times”, “7–9 times” and “10–12 times” The dependent variable of this study was hospitalization due to diabetes. Cox proportional hazard regression was used. Of the patients, 86.2% (n = 46,571) did not received the MCD within the 1 year from the onset of diabetes. The number of MCDs received increased and the hazard ratio (HR) for hospitalization due to diabetes decreased; particularly, patients who received MCD 10–12 times per annum showed the lowest HR for hospitalization due to diabetes compared to patients in the MCD non-received group (1–3 times per annum: HR: 0.81, p = 0.0001; 4–6 times per annum: HR: 0.82, p = 0.0248; 7–9 times per annum: HR: 0.75, p = 0.0054; 10–12 times per annum: HR: 0.61, p < 0.0001). Considering the importance of raising self-managing diabetes skills, the findings can aid in determining the outcomes of the MCD program.
Effects of an Empowerment-Based Health-Promotion School Intervention on Physical Activity and Sedentary Time among Adolescents in a Multicultural Area
Authors: Fröberg Andreas , Jonsson Linus , Berg Christina , Lindgren Eva-Carin , Korp Peter , Lindwall Magnus , Raustorp Anders , Larsson Christel
Published: November 2018

Physical activity (PA) decreases with age, and interventions are needed to promote PA during adolescence, especially, among those in low-socioeconomic status (SES) areas. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a two-year, empowerment-based health-promotion school intervention had any effects on changes in (a) moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), (b) sedentary time (SED), (c) exercise training (ET) frequency, and (d) ET duration, among adolescents. Participants (aged 12–13 years at baseline) from one intervention school and two control schools, were recruited from a multicultural area of Sweden, characterized by low-SES. During the course of the two-year intervention, a total of 135 participants (43% boys) were included in the study. The intervention was developed and implemented as a result of cooperation and shared decision-making among the researchers and the participants. MVPA and SED were measured with accelerometers, and ET frequency and duration was self-reported at the beginning of the seventh, eighth, and ninth grade, respectively. There were no significant effects of the two-year, empowerment-based health-promotion school intervention on changes in the accelerometer-measured MVPA and SED, or the self-reported ET frequency and duration, among the adolescents. Overall, the intervention was unsuccessful at promoting PA and reducing SED. Several possible explanations for the intervention’s lack of effects are discussed.
Factors Associated with Satisfaction of Hospital Physicians: A Systematic Review on European Data
Authors: Domagała Alicja , Bała Małgorzata M. , Storman Dawid , Peña-Sánchez Juan Nicolás , Świerz Mateusz J. , Kaczmarczyk Mateusz , Storman Monika
Published: November 2018

Background: Physician satisfaction is a multidimensional concept related to many factors. Despite the wide range of research regarding factors affecting physician satisfaction in different European countries, there is a lack of literature reviews analyzing and summarizing current evidence. The aim of the article is to synthetize the literature studying the factors associated with physician satisfaction. Methods: We searched: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to January 2017. The eligibility criteria included: (1) target population: physicians working in European hospitals; (2) quantitative research aimed at assessing physician satisfaction and associated factors; (3) use of validated tools. We performed a narrative synthesis. Results: After screening 8585 records, 368 full text articles were independently checked and finally 24 studies were included for qualitative analysis. The included studies surveyed 20,000 doctors from 12 European countries. The tools and scales used in the analyzed research to measure physician satisfaction varied to a large extent. We extracted all pre-specified factors, reported as statistically significant/non-significant. Analyzed factors were divided into three groups: personal, intrinsic and contextual factors. The majority of factors are modifiable and positively associated with characteristics of contextual factors, such as work-place setting/work environment. In the group of work-place related factors, quality of management/leadership, opportunity for professional development and colleague support have been deemed statistically significant in numerous studies. Conclusions: We identified more studies appraising the effect of contextual factors (such as work environment, work-place characteristics), highlighting a positive association between those factors and physician satisfaction, compared with personal and intrinsic factors. Numerous studies confirmed statistically significant associations between physician satisfaction and quality of management, professional development and colleague support/team climate. Due to the health workforce crisis, knowledge regarding physician satisfaction and associated factors is essential to healthcare managers and policy makers for more stable human resources management.
The Mediating Role of Family and Food-Related Life Satisfaction in the Relationships between Family Support, Parent Work-Life Balance and Adolescent Life Satisfaction in Dual-Earner Families
Authors: Schnettler Berta , Miranda-Zapata Edgardo , Lobos Germán , Saracostti Mahia , Denegri Marianela , Lapo María , Hueche Clementina
Published: November 2018

This study explored the associations between family support and satisfaction with life, food-related life and family life. It also assessed the associations between both parents’ work-life balance and satisfaction with life, food-related life and family life among adolescent children from dual-earner families. Questionnaires were administered to 303 dual-earner families with one child between 10 and 17 years in Temuco, Chile. Adolescents answered the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Satisfaction with Food-related Life scale (SWFoL), Satisfaction with Family Life scale (SWFaL) and the Family subscale of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Both parents answered the Work-life Balance (WLB) scale. Using structural equation modelling and having controlled for adolescents’ gender, age and socioeconomic status, we confirmed that adolescent life satisfaction is associated with satisfaction with family life and food-related life. Food-related life satisfaction and family life satisfaction had complete mediating roles between perceived family support and adolescents’ life satisfaction. Satisfaction with food-related life also had a complete mediating role between both parents’ WLB and adolescents’ life satisfaction. Satisfaction with family life had a complete mediating role between mothers’ WLB and adolescents’ life satisfaction. In addition, mothers’ WLB was positively associated with perceived family support among adolescents. These findings suggest the need to improve family support and work-life balance among mothers in order to enhance adolescents’ satisfaction with different domains of life in dual-earner families.
Norovirus Outbreak Associated with Swimming in a Recreational Lake Not Influenced by External Human Fecal Sources in The Netherlands, August 2012
Authors: Schets Franciska M. , Van den Berg Harold H. J. L. , Vennema Harry , Pelgrim Manon T. M. , Collé Cees , Rutjes Saskia A. , Lodder Willemijn J.
Published: November 2018

Swimming in fecally contaminated recreational water may lead to gastrointestinal illness. A recreational water-associated outbreak of norovirus (NoV) infections affecting at least 100 people in The Netherlands occurred in August 2012. Questionnaire responses from patients indicated swimming in recreational lake Zeumeren as the most likely cause of illness. Most patients visited the lake during the weekend of 18–19 August, during which the weather was exceptionally warm (maximum temperatures 32–33 °C), and visitor numbers elevated. Patients, mostly children, became ill with gastroenteritis 1–6 days (median 2 days) after exposure. Four stool samples from patients were NoV GI positive. Subsurface sandy soil from one of the beaches where most patients swam was NoV GI positive; the water sample was negative. The epidemiological curve and the timeline of investigation based on reported symptoms demonstrate the difficulty in discovering the source in recreational water outbreaks. A NoV outbreak in a recreational lake that is not subjected to external fecal contamination sources shows the need for active communication about human shedding of viruses during and after diarrheal episodes and the advice to refrain from swimming, even a few weeks after the symptoms have resolved.
Screening for Depressive Mood During Acute Chikungunya Infection in Primary Healthcare Settings
Authors: Murillo-Zamora Efrén , Mendoza-Cano Oliver , Trujillo-Hernández Benjamín , Trujillo Xóchitl , Huerta Miguel , Guzmán-Esquivel José , Higareda-Almaraz Martha Alicia , Lugo-Radillo Agustin , Moreno-Gutiérrez Ignacio , Higareda-Almaraz Enrique , Ríos-Silva Mónica
Published: November 2018

Background: We aimed to screen for depressive mood experienced during acute chikungunya (CHIKV) infection, and to evaluate the association of several exposures with the risk of depressive symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of a multicenter cohort study took place and data from 354 adult individuals with confirmed CHIKV infection were analyzed. Participants were recruited in primary health care settings and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) was used. Prevalence odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated by means of logistic models were used. Results: Depressive mood (PHQ-2 score 3 or higher) was reported by 44.1% of individuals. Subjects with articular effusion (OR = 3.37, 95% CI 1.77–8.11), gastrointestinal manifestations (diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain, OR = 1.97, 95 CI 1.21–3.19), and higher length of severe arthralgia (reference ≤ 14 days: 15–30 days, OR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.78–6.41; ≥ 30 days, OR = 1.69, 95% CI 0.95–3.01) were more likely to self-report depressive mood. Increasing age (≥ 40 years old, OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.95) and rash (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.30–0.98) were associated with a decreased risk of depressive mood. Conclusions: Depressive mood seemed to be a frequent event among analyzed individuals, and markers associated with its risk were identified.
Correlates of Transitions in Tobacco Product Use by U.S. Adult Tobacco Users between 2013–2014 and 2014–2015: Findings from the PATH Study Wave 1 and Wave 2
Authors: Kasza Karin A. , Coleman Blair , Sharma Eva , Conway Kevin P. , Cummings K. Michael , Goniewicz Maciej L. , Niaura Raymond S. , Lambert Elizabeth Y. , Schneller Liane M. , Feirman Shari P. , Donaldson Elisabeth A. , Cheng Yu-Ching , Murphy Iilun , Pearson Jennifer L. , Trinidad Dennis R. , Bansal-Travers Maansi , Elton-Marshall Tara , Gundersen Daniel A. , Stanton Cassandra A. , Abrams David B. , Fong Geoffrey T. , Borek Nicolette , Compton Wilson M. , Hyland Andrew J.
Published: November 2018

More than half of adult tobacco users in the United States (U.S.) transitioned in tobacco product use between 2013–2014 and 2014–2015. We examine how characteristics of adult tobacco users in the U.S. relate to transitions in tobacco product use. Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study data were analyzed from 12,862 adult current tobacco users who participated in Wave 1 (W1, 2013–2014) and Wave 2 (W2, 2014–2015). Three types of transitions were examined—(1) adding tobacco product(s); (2) switching to non-cigarette tobacco product(s); and (3) discontinuing all tobacco use—among those currently using: (1) any tobacco product; (2) cigarettes only (i.e., exclusive cigarette); and (3) cigarettes plus another tobacco product(s) (i.e., poly-cigarette). Multinomial logistic regression analyses determined relative risk of type of transition versus no transition as a function of demographic and tobacco use characteristics. Transitions in tobacco product use among adult tobacco users were common overall, but varied among different demographic groups, including by age, sex, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and poverty level. Further, cigarette smokers with higher dependence scores were more likely to add product(s) and less likely to discontinue tobacco use compared to those with low dependence scores. That high nicotine dependence is a barrier to discontinuing tobacco use adds evidence to support policy to lower nicotine content of cigarettes and to evaluate new products for their potential to reduce cigarette use.
Oral Intake of Collagen Peptide Attenuates Ultraviolet B Irradiation-Induced Skin Dehydration In Vivo by Regulating Hyaluronic Acid Synthesis
Authors: Kang Min Cheol , Yumnam Silvia , Kim Sun Yeou
Published: November 2018

Collagen peptide (CP) has beneficial effects on functions of the skin, such as skin barrier function and skin elasticity, in vivo. However, there are few studies investigating the mechanism underlying the potential effects of CP in skin epidermal moisturization after ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. In this study, we examined whether orally-administered CP affects the loss of skin hydration induced by UVB irradiation in hairless mice. SKH-1 hairless mice were orally administered CP at two doses (500 and 1000 mg/kg) for nine weeks, and the dorsal skin was exposed to UVB. The potential effects of CP were evaluated by measuring the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, wrinkle formation, and hyaluronic acid expression in the dorsal mice skin. We found that oral administration of CP increased skin hydration and decreased wrinkle formation compared to the UVB-irradiated group. Treatment of CP increased the mRNA and protein expression of hyaluronic acid synthases (HAS-1 and -2) concomitant with an increased hyaluronic acid production in skin tissue. The expression of hyaluronidase (HYAL-1 and 2) mRNA was downregulated in the CP-treated group. In addition, the protein expression of skin-hydrating factors, filaggrin and involucrin, was upregulated via oral administration of CP. In summary, these results show that oral administration of CP increases hyaluronic acid levels, which decreases during UVB photoaging. Therefore, we suggest that CP can be used as a nutricosmetic ingredient with potential effects on UVB-induced skin dehydration and moisture loss in addition to wrinkle formation.
Hypothalamic AMPK as a Mediator of Hormonal Regulation of Energy Balance
Authors: Wang Baile , Cheng Kenneth King-Yip
Published: November 2018

As a cellular energy sensor and regulator, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of energy homeostasis in both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral organs. Activation of hypothalamic AMPK maintains energy balance by inducing appetite to increase food intake and diminishing adaptive thermogenesis in adipose tissues to reduce energy expenditure in response to food deprivation. Numerous metabolic hormones, such as leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin and insulin, exert their energy regulatory effects through hypothalamic AMPK via integration with the neural circuits. Although activation of AMPK in peripheral tissues is able to promote fatty acid oxidation and insulin sensitivity, its chronic activation in the hypothalamus causes obesity by inducing hyperphagia in both humans and rodents. In this review, we discuss the role of hypothalamic AMPK in mediating hormonal regulation of feeding and adaptive thermogenesis, and summarize the diverse underlying mechanisms by which central AMPK maintains energy homeostasis.
Tolerance to Drought, Low pH and Al Combined Stress in Tibetan Wild Barley Is Associated with Improvement of ATPase and Modulation of Antioxidant Defense System
Authors: Ahmed Imrul Mosaddek , Nadira Umme Aktari , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Cao Fangbin , Zhang Guoping , Holford Paul , Wu Feibo
Published: November 2018

Aluminum (Al) toxicity and drought are two major constraints on plant growth in acidic soils, negatively affecting crop performance and yield. Genotypic differences in the effects of Al/low pH and polyethyleneglycol (PEG) induced drought stress, applied either individually or in combination, were studied in Tibetan wild (XZ5, drought-tolerant; XZ29, Al-tolerant) and cultivated barley (Al-tolerant Dayton; drought-tolerant Tadmor). Tibetan wild barley XZ5 and XZ29 had significantly higher H+-ATPase, Ca2+Mg2+-ATPase, and Na+K+-ATPase activities at pH 4.0+Al+PEG than Dayton and Tadmor. Moreover, XZ5 and XZ29 possessed increased levels in reduced ascorbate and glutathione under these conditions, and antioxidant enzyme activities were largely stimulated by exposure to pH 4.0+PEG, pH 4.0+Al, and pH 4.0+Al+PEG, compared to a control and to Dayton and Tadmor. The activity of methylglyoxal (MG) was negatively correlated with increased levels of glyoxalase (Gly) I and Gly II in wild barley. Microscopic imaging of each genotype revealed DNA damage and obvious ultrastructural alterations in leaf cells treated with drought or Al alone, and combined pH 4.0+Al+PEG stress; however, XZ29 and XZ5 were less affected than Dayton and Tadmor. Collectively, the authors findings indicated that the higher tolerance of the wild barley to combined pH 4.0+Al+PEG stress is associated with improved ATPase activities, increased glyoxalase activities, reduced MG, and lower reactive oxygen species levels (like O2− and H2O2) due to increased antioxidant enzyme activities. These results offer a broad comprehension of the mechanisms implicated in barley’s tolerance to the combined stress of Al/low pH and drought, and may provide novel insights into the potential utilization of genetic resources, thereby facilitating the development of barley varieties tolerant to drought and Al/low pH stress.
Special Issue on Mechanisms of Mesothelioma Heterogeneity: Highlights and Open Questions
Authors: Felley-Bosco Emanuela
Published: November 2018

This editorial aims to synthesize the eleven papers that have contributed to this special issue, where the mechanisms of mesothelioma heterogeneity have been tackled from different angles.
Main Olfactory and Vomeronasal Epithelium Are Differently Affected in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1
Authors: Witt Martin , Thiemer René , Meyer Anja , Schmitt Oliver , Wree Andreas
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Olfactory impairment is one of the earliest symptoms in neurodegenerative disorders that has also been documented in Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1). NPC1 is a very rare, neurovisceral lipid storage disorder, characterized by a deficiency of Npc1 gene function that leads to progressive neurodegeneration. Here, we compared the pathologic effect of defective Npc1 gene on the vomeronasal neuroepithelium (VNE) with that of the olfactory epithelium (OE) in an NPC1 mouse model. Methods: Proliferation in the VNE and OE was assessed by applying a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) protocol. We further compared the immunoreactivities of anti-olfactory marker protein (OMP), and the lysosomal marker cathepsin-D in both epithelia. To investigate if degenerative effects of both olfactory systems can be prevented or reversed, some animals were treated with a combination of miglustat/allopregnanolone/2-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), or a monotherapy with HPβCD alone. Results: Using BrdU to label dividing cells of the VNE, we detected a proliferation increase of 215% ± 12% in Npc1−/− mice, and 270% ± 10% in combination- treated Npc1−/− animals. The monotherapy with HPβCD led to an increase of 261% ± 10.5% compared to sham-treated Npc1−/− mice. Similar to the OE, we assessed the high regenerative potential of vomeronasal progenitor cells. OMP reactivity in the VNE of Npc1−/− mice was not affected, in contrast to that observed in the OE. Concomitantly, cathepsin-D reactivity in the VNE was virtually absent. Conclusion: Vomeronasal receptor neurons are less susceptible against NPC1 pathology than olfactory receptor neurons. Compared to control mice, however, the VNE of Npc1−/− mice displays an increased neuroregenerative potential, indicating compensatory cell renewal.
Regulation of Leptin Methylation Not via Apoptosis by Melatonin in the Rescue of Chronic Programming Liver Steatosis
Authors: Tsai Ching-Chou , Lin Yu-Ju , Yu Hong-Ren , Sheen Jiunn-Ming , Lin I-Chun , Lai Yun-Ju , Tain You-Lin , Huang Li-Tung , Tiao Mao-Meng
Published: November 2018

We examined the mechanisms of chronic liver steatosis after prenatal dexamethasone exposure and whether melatonin rescues adult offspring with liver steatosis. Melatonin rescued prenatal dexamethasone-exposed livers with steatosis in young rats. Sprague-Dawley rats pregnant at gestational day 14–21 were administered with intraperitoneal dexamethasone (DEX) or prenatal dexamethasone and melatonin between gestational day 14 and postnatal day ~120 (DEX+MEL). Chronic programming effects in the liver were assessed at day ~120. Liver steatosis increased in the DEX compared with that in the vehicle group and decreased in the DEX+MEL group (p < 0.05), with no changes in cellular apoptosis. Expression of leptin and its receptor decreased in the DEX (p < 0.05) and increased in the DEX+MEL group (p < 0.05), as revealed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 expression increased in the DEX group compared with that in the vehicle group and decreased in the DEX+MEL group (p < 0.05). Liver DNA methyltransferase activity and leptin methylation increased in the DEX group (p < 0.05) and decreased in the DEX+MEL group (p < 0.05), with no changes in HDAC activity. Thus, prenatal dexamethasone induces liver steatosis at ~120 days via altered leptin expression and liver inflammation without leptin resistance. Melatonin reverses leptin methylation and expression and decreases inflammation and chronic liver steatosis not via apoptosis or histone deacetylation (HDAC).
Impact of Machine Perfusion on Biliary Complications after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Schlegel Andrea , Dutkowski Philipp
Published: November 2018

We describe in this review the different types of injuries caused to the biliary tree after liver transplantation. Furthermore, we explain underlying mechanisms and why oxygenated perfusion concepts could not only protect livers, but also repair high-risk grafts to prevent severe biliary complications and graft loss. Accordingly, we summarize experimental studies and clinical applications of machine liver perfusion with a focus on biliary complications after liver transplantation. Key points: (1) Acute inflammation with subsequent chronic ongoing liver inflammation and injury are the main triggers for cholangiocyte injury and biliary tree transformation, including non-anastomotic strictures; (2) Hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) protects livers from initial oxidative injury at normothermic reperfusion after liver transplantation. This is a unique feature of a cold oxygenation approach, which is effective also end-ischemically, e.g., after cold storage, due to mitochondrial repair mechanisms. In contrast, normothermic oxygenated perfusion concepts protect by reducing cold ischemia, and are therefore most beneficial when applied instead of cold storage; (3) Due to less downstream activation of cholangiocytes, hypothermic oxygenated perfusion also significantly reduces the development of biliary strictures after liver transplantation.
Effects of Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Cardiac STAT3
Authors: Pipicz Márton , Demján Virág , Sárközy Márta , Csont Tamás
Published: November 2018

Nuclear, mitochondrial and cytoplasmic signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) regulates many cellular processes, e.g., the transcription or opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore, and its activity depends on the phosphorylation of Tyr705 and/or Ser727 sites. In the heterogeneous network of cardiac cells, STAT3 promotes cardiac muscle differentiation, vascular element formation and extracellular matrix homeostasis. Overwhelming evidence suggests that STAT3 is beneficial for the heart, plays a role in the prevention of age-related and postpartum heart failure, protects the heart against cardiotoxic doxorubicin or ischaemia/reperfusion injury, and is involved in many cardioprotective strategies (e.g., ischaemic preconditioning, perconditioning, postconditioning, remote or pharmacological conditioning). Ischaemic heart disease is still the leading cause of death worldwide, and many cardiovascular risk factors contribute to the development of the disease. This review focuses on the effects of various cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, aging, obesity, smoking, alcohol, depression, gender, comedications) on cardiac STAT3 under non-ischaemic baseline conditions, and in settings of ischaemia/reperfusion injury with or without cardioprotective strategies.
Clinically Relevant Radiation Exposure Differentially Impacts Forms of Cell Death in Human Cells of the Innate and Adaptive Immune System
Authors: Falcke Sylvia E. , Rühle Paul F. , Deloch Lisa , Fietkau Rainer , Frey Benjamin , Gaipl Udo S.
Published: November 2018

In cancer treatments, especially high-dose radiotherapy (HDRT) is applied. Patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases benefit from low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT), but exposure to very low radiation doses can still steadily increase for diagnostic purposes. Yet, little is known about how radiation impacts on forms of cell death in human immune cells. In this study, the radiosensitivity of human immune cells of the peripheral blood was examined in a dose range from 0.01 to 60 Gy with regard to induction of apoptosis, primary necrosis, and secondary necrosis. Results showed that immune cells differed in their radiosensitivity, with monocytes being the most radioresistant. T cells mainly died by necrosis and were moderately radiosensitive. This was followed by B and natural killer (NK) cells, which died mainly by apoptosis. X-radiation had no impact on cell death in immune cells at very low doses (≤0.1 Gy). Radiation doses of LDRT (0.3–0.7 Gy) impacted on the more radiosensitive NK and B cells, which might contribute to attenuation of inflammation. Even single doses applied during RT of tumors did not erase the immune cells completely. These in vitro studies can be considered as the basis to optimize individual radiation therapy schemes in multimodal settings and to define suited time points for further inclusion of immunotherapies.