bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Promising Tool in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Diseases
Authors: Torres-Torrillas Marta , Rubio Monica , Damia Elena , Cuervo Belen , del Romero Ayla , Peláez Pau , Chicharro Deborah , Miguel Laura , Sopena Joaquin
Published: June 2019

Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is one of the most common medical complaints worldwide and musculoskeletal injuries have an enormous social and economical impact. Current pharmacological and surgical treatments aim to relief pain and restore function; however, unsatiscactory outcomes are commonly reported. In order to find an accurate treatment to such pathologies, over the last years, there has been a significantly increasing interest in cellular therapies, such as adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs). These cells represent a relatively new strategy in regenerative medicine, with many potential applications, especially regarding MSK disorders, and preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated their efficacy in muscle, tendon, bone and cartilage regeneration. Nevertheless, several worries about their safety and side effects at long-term remain unsolved. This article aims to review the current state of AMSCs therapy in the treatment of several MSK diseases and their clinical applications in veterinary and human medicine.
Approaches to CNS Drug Delivery with a Focus on Transporter-Mediated Transcytosis
Authors: Abdul Razzak Rana , Florence Gordon J. , Gunn-Moore Frank J.
Published: June 2019

Drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) conferred by brain barriers is a major obstacle in the development of effective neurotherapeutics. In this review, a classification of current approaches of clinical or investigational importance for the delivery of therapeutics to the CNS is presented. This classification includes the use of formulations administered systemically that can elicit transcytosis-mediated transport by interacting with transporters expressed by transvascular endothelial cells. Neurotherapeutics can also be delivered to the CNS by means of surgical intervention using specialized catheters or implantable reservoirs. Strategies for delivering drugs to the CNS have evolved tremendously during the last two decades, yet, some factors can affect the quality of data generated in preclinical investigation, which can hamper the extension of the applications of these strategies into clinically useful tools. Here, we disclose some of these factors and propose some solutions that may prove valuable at bridging the gap between preclinical findings and clinical trials.
Targeting Quorum Sensing: High-Throughput Screening to Identify Novel LsrK Inhibitors
Authors: Gatta Viviana , Ilina Polina , Porter Alison , McElroy Stuart , Tammela Päivi
Published: June 2019

Since quorum sensing (QS) is linked to the establishment of bacterial infection, its inactivation represents one of the newest strategies to fight bacterial pathogens. LsrK is a kinase playing a key role in the processing of autoinducer-2 (AI-2), a quorum-sensing mediator in gut enteric bacteria. Inhibition of LsrK might thus impair the quorum-sensing cascade and consequently reduce bacterial pathogenicity. Aiming for the development of a target-based assay for the discovery of LsrK inhibitors, we evaluated different assay set-ups based on ATP detection and optimized an automation-compatible method for the high-throughput screening of chemical libraries. The assay was then used to perform the screening of a 2000-compound library, which provided 12 active compounds with an IC50 ≤ 10 µM confirming the effectiveness and sensitivity of our assay. Follow-up studies on the positive hits led to the identification of two compounds, harpagoside and rosolic acid, active in a cell-based AI-2 QS interference assay, which are at the moment the most promising candidates for the development of a new class of antivirulence agents based on LsrK inhibition.
Loss of XBP1 Leads to Early-Onset Retinal Neurodegeneration in a Mouse Model of Type I Diabetes
Authors: McLaughlin Todd , Siddiqi Manhal , Wang Joshua J. , Zhang Sarah X.
Published: June 2019

Retinal neuronal injury and degeneration is one of the primary manifestations of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss in working age adults. In pathological conditions, including diabetes and some physiological conditions such as aging, protein homeostasis can become disrupted, leading to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Severe or unmitigated ER stress can lead to cell death, which in retinal neurons results in irreversible loss of visual function. X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is a major transcription factor responsible for the adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR) to maintain protein homeostasis in cells undergoing ER stress. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of XBP1-mediated UPR in retinal neuronal survival and function in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes. Using a conditional retina-specific XBP1 knockout mouse line, we demonstrate that depletion of XBP1 in retinal neurons results in early onset retinal function decline, loss of retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors, disrupted photoreceptor ribbon synapses, and Müller cell activation after induction of diabetes. Our findings suggest an important role of XBP1-mediated adaptive UPR in retinal neuronal survival and function in diabetes.
Pregnant Women’s Risk Perception of the Teratogenic Effects of Alcohol Consumption in Pregnancy
Authors: Corrales-Gutierrez Isabel , Mendoza Ramon , Gomez-Baya Diego , Leon-Larios Fatima
Published: June 2019

There is ample evidence of the teratogenic effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, with long-term consequences throughout the entire life cycle. Nevertheless, research on risk perception of alcohol consumption among pregnant women is scarce. In order to analyze risk perception of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, a cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 426 pregnant women (in their 20th week of gestation) receiving care at the outpatient clinics of a public university hospital in the southern European city of Seville (Spain). Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews conducted by trained health professionals using a customized questionnaire. Data analysis included structural equation modeling. Only 48.1% of the sample indicated that the sequelae from alcohol consumption during pregnancy were life-long. The structural equation model showed that a lower risk perception about beer and wine consumption, and a lower educational level, were related to more frequent alcohol consumption. Younger participants showed lower risk perception concerning beer consumption. Higher levels of education were related to a greater risk perception of beer. Healthcare institutions should articulate programs that facilitate health advice regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy, particularly when providing care for women with low educational levels.
Multidisciplinary Management of Neuroendocrine Neoplasia: A Real-World Experience from a Referral Center
Authors: Magi Ludovica , Mazzuca Federica , Rinzivillo Maria , Arrivi Giulia , Pilozzi Emanuela , Prosperi Daniela , Iannicelli Elsa , Mercantini Paolo , Rossi Michele , Pizzichini Patrizia , Laghi Andrea , Signore Alberto , Marchetti Paolo , Annibale Bruno , Panzuto Francesco
Published: June 2019

Purpose: Multidisciplinary approach is widely advised for an effective care of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN). Since data on efficacy of multidisciplinary management of NENs patients in referral centers are scanty, this study aimed at analyzing the modality of presentation and clinical outcome of patients with NENs managed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team. Methods. In this prospective observational study, we included all consecutive new patients visiting the Sant’Andrea Hospital in Rome (ENETS—Center of Excellence) between January 2014 and June 2018. Results. A total of 195 patients were evaluated. The most frequent sites were pancreas (38.5%), small bowel (22%), and lung (9.7%). Median Ki67 was 3%. After the first visit at the center, additional radiological and/or nuclear medicine procedures were requested in 163 patients (83.6%), whereas histological data revision was advised in 84 patients (43.1%) (revision of histological slides: 27.7%, new bioptic sampling: 15.4%). After that, disease imaging staging and grading was modified in 30.7% and 17.9% of patients, respectively. Overall, a change in therapeutic management was proposed in 98 patients (50.3%). Conclusions. Multidisciplinary approach in a dedicated team may lead to change of disease imaging staging and grading in a significant proportion of patients. Enhancing referral routes to dedicated-NEN center should be promoted, since it may improve patients’ clinical outcome.
Avoiding Starvation in Tribocontact Through Active Lubricant Transport in Laser Textured Surfaces
Authors: Stark Tobias , Kiedrowski Thomas , Marschall Holger , Lasagni Andrés Fabián
Published: June 2019

Laser texturing is a viable tool to enhance the tribological performance of surfaces. Especially textures created with Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) show outstanding improvement in terms of reduction of coefficient of friction (COF) as well as the extension of oil film lifetime. However, since DLIP textures have a limited depth, they can be quickly damaged, especially within the tribocontact area, where wear occurs. This study aims at elucidating the fluid dynamical behavior of the lubricant in the surroundings of the tribocontact where channel-like surface textures are left after the abrasion wear inside the tribocontact area. In a first step, numerical investigations of lubricant wetting phenomena are performed applying OpenFOAM®. The results show that narrow channels (width of 10 μ m ) allow higher spreading than wide channels (width of 30 μ m ). In a second step, fluid transport inside DLIP textures is investigated experimentally. The results show an anisotropic spreading with the spreading velocity dependent on the period and depth of the laser textures. A mechanism is introduced for how lubricant can be transported out of the channels into the tribocontact. The main conclusion of this study is that active lubricant transport in laser textured surfaces can avoid starvation in the tribocontact.
Development and Characterization of Glass-Ceramics from Combinations of Slag, Fly Ash, and Glass Cullet without Adding Nucleating Agents
Authors: Ayala Valderrama Diana M. , Gómez Cuaspud Jairo A. , Roether Judith A. , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: June 2019

Developments in the field of materials science are contributing to providing solutions for the recycling of industrial residues to develop new materials. Such approaches generate new products and provide optimal alternatives to the final disposal of different types of industrial wastes. This research focused on identifying and characterizing slag, fly ash, and glass cullet from the Boyacá region in Colombia as raw materials for producing glass-ceramics, with the innovative aspect of the use of these three residues without the addition of nucleating agents to produce the glass-ceramics. To characterize the starting materials, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques were used. The results were used to evaluate the best conditions to produce mixtures of the three waste components and to determine the specific compositions of glass-ceramics to achieve products with attractive technical properties for potential industrial applications. The proposed mixtures were based on three compositions: Mixture 1, 2, and 3. The materials were obtained through thermal treatment at 1200 °C in a tubular furnace in accordance with the results of a comprehensive characterization using thermal analysis. The microstructure, thermal stability, and structural characteristics of the samples were examined through SEM, differential thermal analysis (DTA), and XRD analyses, which showed that the main crystalline phases were diopside and anorthite, with a small amount of enstatite and gehlenite. The obtained glass-ceramics showed properties of technical significance for structural applications.
Rational Design of Alginate Lyase from Microbulbifer sp. Q7 to Improve Thermal Stability
Authors: Yang Min , Yang Su-Xiao , Liu Zhe-Min , Li Nan-Nan , Li Li , Mou Hai-Jin
Published: June 2019

Alginate lyase degrades alginate by the β-elimination mechanism to produce oligosaccharides with special bioactivities. The low thermal stability of alginate lyase limits its industrial application. In this study, introducing the disulfide bonds while using the rational design methodology enhanced the thermal stability of alginate lyase cAlyM from Microbulbifer sp. Q7. Enzyme catalytic sites, secondary structure, spatial configuration, and molecular dynamic simulation were comprehensively analyzed. When compared with cAlyM, the mutants D102C-A300C and G103C-T113C showed an increase by 2.25 and 1.16 h, respectively, in half-life time at 45 °C, in addition to increases by 1.7 °C and 0.4 °C in the melting temperature, respectively. The enzyme-specific activity and kcat/Km values of D102C-A300C were 1.8- and 1.5-times higher than those of cAlyM, respectively. The rational design strategy that was used in this study provides a valuable method for improving the thermal stability of the alginate lyase.
A New Meroterpene, A New Benzofuran Derivative and Other Constituents from Cultures of the Marine Sponge-Associated Fungus Acremonium persicinum KUFA 1007 and Their Anticholinesterase Activities
Authors: Alves Ana J. S. , Pereira José A. , Dethoup Tida , Cravo Sara , Mistry Sharad , Silva Artur M. S. , Pinto Madalena M. M. , Kijjoa Anake
Published: June 2019

Previously unreported meroterpene, acremine S (1), and benzopyran derivative, acremine T (2), were isolated, together with lumichrome (3), ergosterol (4) and ergosterol 5,8-endoperoxide, from cultures of the marine sponge-associated fungus Acremonium persicinum KUF1007. The structure of the previously unreported compounds was established based on an extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra as well as HRMS data. The absolute configurations of the stereogenic centers of 1 were established, unambiguously, based on NOESY correlations and comparison of calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1–3 were tested for their in vitro acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities.
Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of β-Type Ti–Nb–Sn Biomedical Alloys with Low Elastic Modulus
Authors: Li Peiyou , Ma Xindi , Wang Duo , Zhang Hui
Published: June 2019

The microstructural and mechanical properties of β-type Ti85-xNb10+xSn5 (x = 0, 3, 6, 10 at.%) alloys with low elastic modulus were investigated. The experimental results show that the Ti85Nb10Sn5 and Ti75Nb20Sn5 alloys are composed of simple α and β phases, respectively; the Ti82Nb13Sn5 and Ti79Nb16Sn5 alloys are composed of β and α″ phases. The content of martensite phase decreases with the increase of Nb content. The Ti82Nb13Sn5 and Ti79Nb16Sn5 alloys show an inverse martensitic phase transition during heating. The Ti85Nb10Sn5 and Ti82Nb13Sn5 alloys with the small residual strain exhibit the good superelastic properties in 10-time cyclic loading. The reduced elastic modulus (Er) of the Ti75Nb20Sn5 alloy (61 GPa) measured by using the nanoindentation technique is 2–6 times of that of human bone (10–30 GPa), and is smaller than that of commercial Ti-6Al-4V biomedical alloy (120 GPa). The Ti75Nb20Sn5 alloy can be considered as a novel biomedical alloy. The wear resistance (H/Er) and anti-wear capability (H3/Er2) values of the four alloys are higher than those of the CP–Ti alloy (0.0238), which indicates that the present alloys have good wear resistance and anti-wear capability.
Controlling Nitrogen Dose Amount in Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Jet Nitriding
Authors: Ichiki Ryuta , Kono Masayuki , Kanbara Yuka , Okada Takeru , Onomoto Tatsuro , Tachibana Kosuke , Furuki Takashi , Kanazawa Seiji
Published: June 2019

A unique nitriding technique with the use of an atmospheric-pressure pulsed-arc plasma jet has been developed to offer a non-vacuum, easy-to-operate process of nitrogen doping to metal surfaces. This technique, however, suffered from a problem of excess nitrogen supply due to the high pressure results in undesirable formation of voids and iron nitrides in the treated metal surface. To overcome this problem, we have first established a method to control the nitrogen dose amount supplied to the steel surface in the relevant nitriding technique. When the hydrogen fraction in the operating gas of nitrogen/hydrogen gas mixture increased from 1% up to 5%, the nitrogen density of the treated steel surface drastically decreased. As a result, the formation of voids were suppressed successfully. The controllability of the nitrogen dose amount is likely attributable to the density of NH radicals existing in the plume of the pulsed-arc plasma jet.
Metabolomic Variability of Different Genotypes of Cashew by LC-Ms and Correlation with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool for Fast Phenotyping
Authors: Alves Filho Elenilson , Silva Lorena Mara , Lima Ynayara , Ribeiro Paulo , Silva Ebenézer , Zocolo Guilherme , Canuto Kirley , Morais Selene , Castro Ana Cecília , de Brito Edy
Published: June 2019

The objective of the present work was to develop an advanced fast phenotyping tool to explore the cashew apple compositions from different genotypes, based on a portable near-infrared (MicroNIR) spectroscopy. This will be in addition to associating the variability of the respective cashew apple pulps with the genotypes by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The NIR analysis is a non-destructive, low-cost procedure that provides prompt results, while considering the morphology of different cashew apples (shape, size, and color). The UPLC-HRMS analysis is characterized by specific bioactive compounds, such as the derivatives of hydroxybutanoic acid, galloyl, and flavonoids. Furthermore, both techniques allowed the identification of a group of accessions, which presented similarities among the chemical profiling. However, to improve the understanding of cashew chemical and physical variability, further variables related to the cashew apple composition, such as edaphoclimatic conditions, should be considered for future studies. These approaches lead to the conclusion that these two tools are useful for the maintenance of BAG-Caju (Cashew Germplasm Bank) and for the cashew-breeding program.
Design and Investigation of the High Performance Doping-Less TFET with Ge/Si0.6Ge0.4/Si Heterojunction
Authors: Han Tao , Liu Hongxia , Chen Shupeng , Wang Shulong , Li Wei
Published: June 2019

A high performance doping-less tunneling field effect transistor with Ge/Si0.6Ge0.4/Si heterojunction (H-DLTFET) is proposed in this paper. Compared to the conventional doping-less tunneling field effect transistor (DLTFET), the source and channel regions of H-DLTFET respectively use the germanium and Si0.6Ge0.4 materials to get the steeper energy band, which can also increase the electric field of source/channel tunneling junction. Meanwhile, the double-gate process is used to improve the gate-to-channel control. In addition, the effects of Ge content, electrode work functions, and device structure parameters on the performance of H-DLTFET are researched in detail, and then the above optimal device structure parameters can be obtained. Compared to the DLTFET, the simulation results show that the maximum on-state current, trans-conductance, and output current of H-DLTFET are all increased by one order of magnitude, whereas the off-state current is reduced by two orders of magnitude, so the switching ratio increase by three orders of magnitude. At the same time, the cut-off frequency and gain bandwidth product of H-DLTFET increase from 1.75 GHz and 0.23 GHz to 23.6 GHz and 4.69 GHz, respectively. Therefore, the H-DLTFET is more suitable for the ultra-low power integrated circuits.
Effect of Anti-Clouding Agent on the Fate of 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-Diol Esters and Glycidyl Esters in Palm Olein during Repeated Frying
Authors: Ahmad Tarmizi Azmil Haizam , Abd Razak Raznim Arni , Abdul Hammid Abdul Niefaizal , Kuntom Ainie
Published: June 2019

Issues on 3-monochloropropane-diol-1,2-diol (MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters in refined oil have gained much attention when these heat-induced contaminants are associated with health implications. Oil that undergoes the frying process could influence the fates of 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters, especially with the addition of an anti-clouding agent. In this study, we investigated the effect of polyglycerol fatty acid esters (PGE) on the transients of 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters in palm olein (POo) during intermittent frying. Thermal resistance of POo fortified with PGE (0.1% to 0.4%) was assessed for 8 h of daily frying operations at 180 °C across five consecutive days. The addition of PGE decelerated the reduction of 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters with the progression of frying. The presence of these compounds coincided with the amount of oil taken up by the fried product. The inclusion of PGE in POo also induced higher augmentation of polar compound fractions, i.e., oxidised triacylglycerols (OxTAG) and polymerised triacylglycerols (PTAG), but gave comparable free fatty acid (FFA), p-anisidine value (AnV), total chloride and fatty acid composition (FAC) with control oil (POo). The results also showed that the presence of chloride in POo did not onset further formation of 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters throughout the frying period. As the behaviours of 3-MCPD esters and glycidyl esters were affected by PGE, only a sufficient amount should be added into POo to ensure oil clarity at a realistic period.
Modeling of Solid–Liquid Equilibria in Deep Eutectic Solvents: A Parameter Study
Authors: Alhadid Ahmad , Mokrushina Liudmila , Minceva Mirjana
Published: June 2019

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are potential alternatives to many conventional solvents in process applications. Knowledge and understanding of solid–liquid equilibria (SLE) are essential to characterize, design, and select a DES for a specific application. The present study highlights the main aspects that should be taken into account to yield better modeling, prediction, and understanding of SLE in DESs. The work is a comprehensive study of the parameters required for thermodynamic modeling of SLE—i.e., the melting properties of pure DES constituents and their activity coefficients in the liquid phase. The study is carried out for a hypothetical binary mixture as well as for selected real DESs. It was found that the deepest eutectic temperature is possible for components with low melting enthalpies and strong negative deviations from ideality in the liquid phase. In fact, changing the melting enthalpy value of a component means a change in the difference between solid and liquid reference state chemical potentials which results in different values of activity coefficients, leading to different interpretations and even misinterpretations of interactions in the liquid phase. Therefore, along with reliable modeling of liquid phase non-ideality in DESs, accurate estimation of the melting properties of their pure constituents is of clear significance in understanding their SLE behavior and for designing new DES systems.
Duodenoscope-Associated Infections beyond the Elevator Channel: Alternative Causes for Difficult Reprocessing
Authors: Balan Gheorghe G. , Rosca Irina , Ursu Elena-Laura , Fifere Adrian , Varganici Cristian-Dragos , Doroftei Florica , Turin-Moleavin Ioana-Andreea , Sandru Vasile , Constantinescu Gabriel , Timofte Daniel , Stefanescu Gabriela , Trifan Anca , Sfarti Catalin Victor
Published: June 2019

Objectives: Duodenoscopes have been widely used for both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures, but recently, numerous outbreaks of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) infections have been reported which has led to extensive research for their possible causes. Consequently, the aim of this study is to search for possible duodenoscope surface damages that could provide an alternative and plausible source of infections. Materials and Methods: In order to assess both outer and inner surfaces, a duodenoscope was dismantled and samples were taken from the outer resin polymer and from the air/water, elevator, and working (biopsy) channels that were characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA, AFM, SEM techniques and the antimicrobial activity were tested. Results: Alterations were noticed on both the coating and working channel polymers, with external alterations increasing progressively from the proximal sample to the distal sample near the tip of the scope. However, the results showed that the coating surface was still efficient against bacterial adhesion. Changes in surface texture and also morphological changes were shown. Conclusions: The study describes the impact of routine procedural use and reprocessing cycles on the duodenoscope, showing that these may possibly make it susceptible to bacterial contamination and MDRO biofilm formation due to difficult reprocessing of the altered surfaces.
Metal Slot Color Filter Based on Thin Air Slots on Silver Block Array
Authors: Kim Youngsoo , Moon Kihwan , Lee Young Jin , Hong Seokhyeon , Kwon Soon-Hong
Published: June 2019

The human eye perceives the color of visible light depending on the spectrum of the incident light. Hence, the ability of color expression is very important in display devices. For practical applications, the transmitted color filter requires high transmittance and vivid colors, covering full standard default color spaces (sRGB). In this paper, we propose a color filter with a silver block array on a silica substrate structure with nanoscale air slots where strong transmission is observed through the slots between silver blocks. We investigated the transmitted color by simulating the transmission spectra as functions of various structure parameters. The proposed structure with an extremely small pixel size of less than 300 nm covers 90% of sRGB color depending on the structure and has a narrow angular distribution of transmitted light.
Acute Caffeine Ingestion did not Enhance Punch Performance in Professional Mixed-Martial Arts Athletes
Authors: de Azevedo Arthur , Guerra Mauro , Caldas Leonardo , Guimarães-Ferreira Lucas
Published: June 2019

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport where competitors utilize strikes (punches, kicks, knees, and elbows) and submission techniques to defeat opponents in a cage or ring. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute caffeine ingestion on punching performance by professional MMA athletes. The study used a double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover design. Eleven professional MMA competitors (27.6 ± 4.3 years and 83.5 ± 7.8 kg of body weight) ingested a dose of caffeine (5 mg·kg−1) or placebo 60 min prior to three sets of punching. Each set consisted of 15 s, at which participants were asked to perform straight punches with maximum strength and frequency with his dominant arm. After each set, a 45 s recovery time was applied. Using a force transducer attached to a cushioned plate, the punch frequency, and mean and maximal punch force was measured. The readiness to invest in both physical (RTIPE) and mental (RTIME) effort was assessed prior to the protocol, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after. Caffeine ingestion did not result in increased punching frequency, mean and maximum punch force, RTIPE, RTIME, and RPE when compared to the placebo condition. Based on these results, acute caffeine ingestion did not improve punching performance in professional MMA athletes.
Mixed Spices at Culinary Doses Have Prebiotic Effects in Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lu Qing-Yi , Rasmussen Anna M. , Yang Jieping , Lee Ru-Po , Huang Jianjun , Shao Paul , Carpenter Catherine L. , Gilbuena Irene , Thames Gail , Henning Susanne M. , Heber David , Li Zhaoping
Published: June 2019

Spices were used as food preservatives prior to the advent of refrigeration, suggesting the possibility of effects on microbiota. Previous studies have shown prebiotic activities in animals and in vitro, but there has not been a demonstration of prebiotic or postbiotic effects at culinary doses in humans. In this randomized placebo-controlled study, we determined in twenty-nine healthy adults the effects on the gut microbiota of the consumption daily of capsules containing 5 g of mixed spices at culinary doses by comparison to a matched control group consuming a maltodextrin placebo capsule. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing data were used for microbial characterization. Spice consumption resulted in a significant reduction in Firmicutes abundance (p < 0.033) and a trend of enrichment in Bacteroidetes (p < 0.097) compared to placebo group. Twenty-six operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were different between the spice and placebo groups after intervention. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between fecal short-chain fatty acid propionate concentration and Firmicutes abundance in spice intervention group (p < 0.04). The production of individual fecal short-chain fatty acid was not significantly changed by spice consumption in this study. Mixed spices consumption significantly modified gut microbiota, suggesting a prebiotic effect of spice consumption at culinary doses.
Health Biomarkers in Adults Are More Closely Linked to Diet Quality Attributes Than to Plant-Based Diet Categorization
Authors: Mayra Selicia , Ugarte Noel , Johnston Carol S.
Published: June 2019

Although plant-based diets are promoted for healthy outcomes, these diets are not synonymous with high-quality diets. Plant-based diets can include highly processed, less healthful foods, including savory snacks, pastries, and sugary fruit drinks. This cross-sectional study examined the diet quality of vegetarian and omnivorous adults, matched for gender, age, and adiposity, and related diet quality to standard health biomarkers. Diet quality was assessed using the Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Participants Short Version questionnaire. Participants (17 vegetarians and 16 omnivores; 28.2 ± 8.9 years; 22.5 ± 2.7 kg/m2) were non-smokers and healthy by self-report. The median duration of adherence to the vegetarian diet was 27 months. Physical activity level and diet quality did not differ significantly between diet groups. Moreover, health biomarkers did not differ by diet groups. When participants were regrouped by low versus high diet quality, health biomarkers differed significantly between groups for fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, triglyceride (TG)/HDL ratio, and blood folate, with more favorable levels in the group with high diet quality. These data suggest that health biomarkers more closely align with diet quality attributes than with plant-based diet categorization. Thus, messaging focused on healthy diet attributes may lead to better health outcomes than the simple promotion of plant-based diets.
No Interaction between Polymorphisms Related to Vitamin A Metabolism and Vitamin A Intake in Relation to Colorectal Cancer in a Prospective Danish Cohort
Authors: Andersen Vibeke , Halekoh Ulrich , Bohn Torsten , Tjønneland Anne , Vogel Ulla , Kopp Tine Iskov
Published: June 2019

Although vitamin A is essential for gut immune cell trafficking (paramount for the intestinal immune system), epidemiological studies on the role of vitamin A in colorectal cancer (CRC) aetiology are conflicting. By using functional polymorphisms, gene–environment (GxE) interaction analyses may identify the biological effects (or “mechanism of action”) of environmental factors on CRC aetiology. Potential interactions between dietary or supplemental vitamin A intake and genetic variation in the vitamin A metabolic pathway genes related to risk of CRC were studied. We used a nested case-cohort design within the Danish “Diet, Cancer and Health” cohort, with prospectively collected lifestyle information from 57,053 participants, and the Cox proportional hazard models and likelihood ratio test. No statistically significant associations between the selected polymorphisms and CRC, and no statistically significant interactions between vitamin A intake and the polymorphisms were found. In conclusion, no support of an involvement of vitamin A in CRC aetiology was found.
Dietary Glycemic Index and Load and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Assessment of Causal Relations
Authors: Livesey Geoffrey , Taylor Richard , Livesey Helen F. , Buyken Anette E. , Jenkins David J. A. , Augustin Livia S. A. , Sievenpiper John L. , Barclay Alan W. , Liu Simin , Wolever Thomas M. S. , Willett Walter C. , Brighenti Furio , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Björck Inger , Rizkalla Salwa W. , Riccardi Gabriele , Vecchia Carlo La , Ceriello Antonio , Trichopoulou Antonia , Poli Andrea , Astrup Arne , Kendall Cyril W. C. , Ha Marie-Ann , Baer-Sinnott Sara , Brand-Miller Jennie C.
Published: June 2019

While dietary factors are important modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D), the causal role of carbohydrate quality in nutrition remains controversial. Dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) have been examined in relation to the risk of T2D in multiple prospective cohort studies. Previous meta-analyses indicate significant relations but consideration of causality has been minimal. Here, the results of our recent meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies of 4 to 26-y follow-up are interpreted in the context of the nine Bradford-Hill criteria for causality, that is: (1) Strength of Association, (2) Consistency, (3) Specificity, (4) Temporality, (5) Biological Gradient, (6) Plausibility, (7) Experimental evidence, (8) Analogy, and (9) Coherence. These criteria necessitated referral to a body of literature wider than prospective cohort studies alone, especially in criteria 6 to 9. In this analysis, all nine of the Hill’s criteria were met for GI and GL indicating that we can be confident of a role for GI and GL as causal factors contributing to incident T2D. In addition, neither dietary fiber nor cereal fiber nor wholegrain were found to be reliable or effective surrogate measures of GI or GL. Finally, our cost–benefit analysis suggests food and nutrition advice favors lower GI or GL and would produce significant potential cost savings in national healthcare budgets. The high confidence in causal associations for incident T2D is sufficient to consider inclusion of GI and GL in food and nutrient-based recommendations.
The Yes and No of the Ethylene Involvement in Abscission
Authors: Botton Alessandro , Ruperti Benedetto
Published: June 2019

Abscission has significant implications in agriculture and several efforts have been addressed by researchers to understand its regulatory steps in both model and crop species. Among the main players in abscission, ethylene has exhibited some fascinating features, in that it was shown to be involved at different stages of abscission induction and, in some cases, with interesting roles also within the abscising organ at the very early stages of the process. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role of ethylene both at the level of the abscission zone and within the shedding organ, pointing out the missing pieces of the very complicated puzzle of the abscission process in the different species.
Looking for Black Religions in 20th Century Comics, 1931–1993
Authors: Chireau Yvonne
Published: June 2019

Relationships between religion and comics are generally unexplored in the academic literature. This article provides a brief history of Black religions in comic books, cartoons, animation, and newspaper strips, looking at African American Christianity, Islam, Africana (African diaspora) religions, and folk traditions such as Hoodoo and Conjure in the 20th century. Even though the treatment of Black religions in the comics was informed by stereotypical depictions of race and religion in United States (US) popular culture, African American comics creators contested these by offering alternatives in their treatment of Black religion themes.
Multi-Temporal Investigation of the Boulder Clay Glacier and Northern Foothills (Victoria Land, Antarctica) by Integrated Surveying Techniques
Authors: Urbini Stefano , Bianchi-Fasani Gianluca , Mazzanti Paolo , Rocca Alfredo , Vittuari Luca , Zanutta Antonio , Girelli Valentina Alena , Serafini Michelina , Zirizzotti Achille , Frezzotti Massimo
Published: June 2019

The paper aims to detect the main changes that occurred in the area surrounding the Mario Zucchelli Station (MZS) through analysis of multi-temporal remote sensing integrated by geophysical measurements. Specific attention was directed at realizing an integrated geomorphological study of the Boulder Clay Glacier, a partially debris-covered glacier belonging to the Northern Foothills (Victoria Land, Antarctica). This area was recently chosen as the location for the construction of a new semi-permanent gravel runway for MZS logistical airfreight operations. Photogrammetric analysis was performed by comparing three historical aerial photogrammetric surveys (carried out in 1956, 1985, and 1993) and Very High Resolution (VHR) GeoEye-1 satellite stereo-image coverage acquired in 2012. The comparison of geo-referenced orthophoto-mosaics allowed the main changes occurring in some particular areas along the coast nearby MZS to be established. Concerning the study of the Boulder Clay Glacier, it has to be considered that glaciers and moraines are not steady-state systems by definition. Several remote sensing and geophysical investigations were carried out with the main aim of determining the general assessment of this glacier: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR); Geodetic Global Positioning System (GPS) network; multi-temporal satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry. The analysis of Boulder Clay Glacier moraine pointed out a deformation of less than 74 mm y−1 in a time span of 56 years, value that agrees with velocity and deformation data observed by GPS and InSAR methods. The presence of unexpected brine ponds at the ice/bedrock interface and the deformation pattern observed in the central part of the moraine has to be monitored and studied, especially under the long-term maintenance of the future runway.
Synergy of ICESat-2 and Landsat for Mapping Forest Aboveground Biomass with Deep Learning
Authors: Narine Lana L. , Popescu Sorin C. , Malambo Lonesome
Published: June 2019

Spatially continuous estimates of forest aboveground biomass (AGB) are essential to supporting the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and providing invaluable information for quantifying and monitoring terrestrial carbon stocks. The launch of the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) on September 15th, 2018 offers an unparalleled opportunity to assess AGB at large scales using along-track samples that will be provided during its three-year mission. The main goal of this study was to investigate deep learning (DL) neural networks for mapping AGB with ICESat-2, using simulated photon-counting lidar (PCL)-estimated AGB for daytime, nighttime, and no noise scenarios, Landsat imagery, canopy cover, and land cover maps. The study was carried out in Sam Houston National Forest located in south-east Texas, using a simulated PCL-estimated AGB along two years of planned ICESat-2 profiles. The primary tasks were to investigate and determine neural network architecture, examine the hyper-parameter settings, and subsequently generate wall-to-wall AGB maps. A first set of models were developed using vegetation indices calculated from single-date Landsat imagery, canopy cover, and land cover, and a second set of models were generated using metrics from one year of Landsat imagery with canopy cover and land cover maps. To compare the effectiveness of final models, comparisons with Random Forests (RF) models were made. The deep neural network (DNN) models achieved R2 values of 0.42, 0.49, and 0.50 for the daytime, nighttime, and no noise scenarios respectively. With the extended dataset containing metrics calculated from Landsat images acquired on different dates, substantial improvements in model performance for all data scenarios were noted. The R2 values increased to 0.64, 0.66, and 0.67 for the daytime, nighttime, and no noise scenarios. Comparisons with Random forest (RF) prediction models highlighted similar results, with the same R2 and root mean square error (RMSE) range (15–16 Mg/ha) for daytime and nighttime scenarios. Findings suggest that there is potential for mapping AGB using a combinatory approach with ICESat-2 and Landsat-derived products with DL.
#Globalcitizen: An Explorative Twitter Analysis of Global Identity and Sustainability Communication
Authors: Merle Marie , Reese Gerhard , Drews Stefan
Published: June 2019

(1) Background: global citizenship is often associated with pro-social and pro-environmental attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Much of this research relies on questionnaire studies, whereas studies drawing on naturally occurring daily communications are under-used. In this paper, we analyse the content that users publish on Twitter related to the issue of global identity and citizenship. (2) Methods: we assessed word frequencies and associated hashtags of 35,237 tweets marked with the hashtag #globalcitizen. A sentiment analysis was conducted to investigate the moods and emotions of the tweets. (3) Results: in line with expectations derived from social identity theory, we found that associated words and hashtags were more often linked to themes of common good/disadvantaged groups than they were to the topic of nature and environment. Providing evidence for an empowerment function of global citizenship, the sentiment analysis suggests that global citizenship is related to rather positive emotions. (4) Conclusion: these findings reveal how identity constructions in social media predict associated contents and possibly pathways to social change.
Evaluation of Extracurricular Sports Activities as an Educational Element for Sustainable Development in Educational Institutions
Authors: Pérez-Ordás Raquel , Aznar Cebamanos Mónica , Nuviala Román , Nuviala Alberto
Published: June 2019

Education that instills healthy habits has acquired much attention in recent years due to concerns related to obesity and the sedentary lifestyle of the scholastic population. Extracurricular sports activities can contribute to the creation of healthy habits and can promote active lifestyles. These positive habits provide social benefits and are a facilitator of sustainable development. Thisstudy had two objectives: To assess the quality and value of extracurricular sports activities offered by schools, as well as the satisfaction of the participants and their future intentions to participate; and to assess the relationship between these constructs, with the aim of identifying factors that encourage schoolchildren to be active. Information was gathered from 1080 children in secondary education in Spain (n = 1080) (65.90% boys, 13.76 ± 1.39 years). The instruments used were the Scale of Perception of Sports Organizations (EPOD2) and a future intentions scale. The evaluation of satisfaction, quality, and value, as well as the intentions expressed by the young athletes to continue participating in extracurricular sports activities were positive, with average values close to the maximum. The best-rated quality variables were human resources. A significant association was identified between communication and loyalty, and response capacity and sports spaces. Likewise, perceived satisfaction and value were related to loyalty and price. In short, student perceptions establish a clear relationship between evaluations of activities and the intention to continue practicing sports in schools.
Forest Investment Framework as a Support Tool for the Sustainable Management of Planted Forests
Authors: Yao Richard , Palmer David , Hock Barbara , Harrison Duncan , Payn Tim , Monge Juan
Published: June 2019

Planted forest ecosystems provide a wide range of goods and services such as timber, carbon sequestration, and avoided erosion. However, only ecosystem services with market values (e.g., timber) are usually represented in decision making while those with non-market values (e.g., avoided erosion) that are difficult to quantify are often ignored. A spatial economic tool, the Forest Investment Framework (FIF), integrates data from forest growth models with spatial, biophysical, and economic data, to quantify the broader value of planted forests and to represent non-market values in sustainable forest management. In this paper, we have tested the applicability of FIF in three types of case studies: assessment of afforestation feasibility, regional economic analyses, and ecosystem service assessment. This study provides evidence that a spatial economic tool that quantifies the economic, environmental, and social values of the planted forest ecosystem is valuable in informing land management decisions for maintaining and enhancing the provision of market and non-market ecosystem services to society.
Return Strategies and Online Product Customization in a Dual-Channel Supply Chain
Authors: Zhang Rong , Li Jiatong , Huang Zongsheng , Liu Bin
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates in a dual-channel supply chain which return strategy is better for the manufacturer that considers the consumers’ utility. We find that a manufacturer prefers offering a Money-Back Guarantee (MBG) as long as the net salvage value of the returned product is positive in a channel. However, the return strategy of the retailer is more affected by the return policy of another channel than the net salvage value. In order to reduce online returns, we propose the online product customization channel, and then, we examine the choice of return policy and the manufacturer’s channel selection. We show that the demand and profit of the manufacturer will increase to a certain extent when opening an online customization channel. However, compared to the case where both channels provide an MBG, the implementation of online customization may hurt the manufacturer’s profits with the increase in consumer satisfaction in indirect channels.
Study of the Structural and Robustness Characteristics of Madrid Metro Network
Authors: Frutos Bernal Elisa , Martín del Rey Angel
Published: June 2019

A transportation service must be sustainable, respectful of the environment, and socially and economically responsible. These requirements make metro networks the ideal candidate as the most efficient mean of transport in our society. Now, a correct management of this type of infrastructures entails the analysis of the structure and robustness of these networks. This allows us to detect malfunctions and, above all, to design in the most appropriate way the expansion of subway networks. This is one of the major challenges facing the study of transport networks in sustainable smart cities. In this sense, the complex network analysis provides us with the necessary scientific tools to perform both quantitative and qualitative analysis of metro networks. This work deals with Madrid metro network, which is the largest in Spain. The main structural and topological characteristics, and robustness features of Madrid metro network were studied. The results obtained were analyzed and some conclusions were derived.