bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquatic Exposure to Abscisic Acid Transstadially Enhances Anopheles stephensi Resistance to Malaria Parasite Infection
Authors: Taylor Dean M. , Haney Reagan S. , Luckhart Shirley
Published: November 2020

The ancient stress signaling molecule abscisic acid (ABA) is ubiquitous in animals and plants but is perhaps most well-known from its early discovery as a plant hormone. ABA can be released into water by plants and is found in nectar, but is also present in mammalian blood, three key contexts for mosquito biology. We previously established that addition of ABA to Anopheles stephensi larval rearing water altered immature development and life history traits of females derived from treated larvae, while addition of ABA to an infected bloodmeal increased resistance of adult female A. stephensi to human malaria parasite infection. Here we sought to determine whether larval treatment with ABA could similarly impact resistance to parasite infection in females derived from treated larvae and, if so, whether resistance could be extended to another parasite species. We examined nutrient levels and gene expression to demonstrate that ABA can transstadially alter resistance to a rodent malaria parasite with hallmarks of previously observed mechanisms of resistance following provision of ABA in blood to A. stephensi.
Population Health Screening after Environmental Pollution
Authors: Stewart Alex G. , Wilkinson Ewan
Published: November 2020

Following environmental pollution exposure, calls to screen the population for disease or disease markers are often made. Population screening is a cross-sectional review of a population to find latent cases or biomarkers of disease that indicate the possibility of disease development; it differs from environmental screening or an epidemiological survey. Recognized standard approaches have been developed over 60 years to ensure quality and effectiveness in complex programs. We surveyed the literature for papers on health screening following environmental exposures and checked them for reference to accepted criteria such as those of Wilson and Jungner. We applied these criteria to three situations covering source/hazard (arsenic contaminated land), pathway/exposure (radiation release), and receptor/disease (lead poisoning). We identified 36 relevant papers. Although across the papers the whole range of criteria were addressed, no paper or program utilized recognized criteria. Issues and gaps identified included limited strategic approaches, lack of treatment, environmental prevention being seen as the screening outcome instead of treatment of identified individuals, and programs which did not fit the World Health Organization screening description. Robust discussion in the literature is needed to consider the organization and role of health screening following environmental exposures.
Maternal Coronavirus Infections and Neonates Born to Mothers with SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review
Authors: Amaral Waldemar Naves do , Moraes Carolina Leão de , Rodrigues Ana Paula dos Santos , Noll Matias , Arruda Jalsi Tacon , Mendonça Carolina Rodrigues
Published: November 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is continuously affecting the lives of all people. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy in terms of morbidity, mortality, and perinatal maternal and fetal outcomes is essential to propose strategies for prevention and infection control. Here, we conducted a systematic review to investigate pregnant women infected with COVID-19 in terms of signs and symptoms, type of delivery, comorbidities, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and the possibility of vertical transmission. A search on Embase and PubMed databases was performed on 31 October 2020. Observational studies and case reports on pregnant women infected with COVID-19 were included without language restrictions. The 70 selected studies included a total of 1457 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. The most common signs and symptoms were fever, cough, and nausea. The most frequent comorbidities were obesity, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes. Among maternal and fetal outcomes, premature birth (n = 64), maternal death (n = 15), intrauterine fetal death or neonatal death (n = 16), cases of intrauterine fetal distress (n = 28), miscarriage (n = 7), decreased fetal movements (n = 19), and severe neonatal asphyxia (n = 5) were the most frequent. Thirty-nine newborns tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA was detected in the placenta (n = 13) and breast milk (n = 6). This review indicates that COVID-19 during pregnancy can result in maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 viral exposure of neonates during pregnancy and delivery cannot be ruled out. Thus, we highlight the need for long-term follow-up of newborns from mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 to establish the full implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection in these children.
Eating Experiences of People with Disabilities: A Qualitative Study in Spain
Authors: Cipriano-Crespo Carmen , Rodríguez-Hernández Marta , Cantero-Garlito Pablo , Mariano-Juárez Lorenzo
Published: November 2020

Background: Disability causes changes in the eating process, which is central to the definition of each individual’s social and psychological spaces. Methods: This is a qualitative study based on grounded theory. Interviews were carried out in clinical hospital settings and headquarters of several disability organisations. The study included 27 individuals, aged between 18–75 years. All participants had a disability that caused a functional deficiency in the occupational aspects of the eating process. Results: The respondents’ narratives were analysed through observations made in different contexts, allowing us to describe and understand the significance attributed by the participants to their reality and experiences. Three key themes emerged from the analysis: (1) waning bodies (assumption of a diminished corporality); (2) redefinition of food-related social spaces; and (3) perceived burdensomeness, shame, and loneliness. Conclusions: Assisted feeding tends to prioritise the nutritional component of food ingestion. However, cultural, social, and contextual factors have a critical impact on an individual’s well-being and quality of life. This study stresses the importance of re-addressing intervention models affecting differently-abled people and incorporating approaches that take into account the contextual aspects of occupational therapy.
Healthcare Utilisation of Moluccans in the Netherlands: Equal Care for Equal Need after 60 Years of Residence in the Host Country?
Authors: Bodewes Adee , Agyemang Charles , Stronks Karien , Kunst Anton E.
Published: November 2020

Background: In many countries, recent migrants have difficulties using healthcare to the same extent as host populations. It is uncertain whether these differences persist for long-settled migrants. This study examined healthcare utilisation of Moluccans in 2012, more than 60 years after they migrated from Indonesia to the Netherlands. Methods: A survey was held among 715 Moluccans and 3417 Dutch persons. Differences in healthcare utilisation were assessed using regression analyses adjusting for age, gender, indicators of health, religious affiliation, and education. Results: Moluccans had lower rates of healthcare use, including visits to the general practitioner (odds ratio (OR) = 0.67), outpatient medical specialist (OR = 0.50), dentist (OR = 0.65), and physiotherapist (OR = 0.56), as well as the use of paid housekeeping services (OR = 0.37). Among those who visited a healthcare service, no difference was found between Moluccans and Dutch in the frequency of visits, except for physiotherapist visits (rate ratio (RR) = 0.51). For the risk of hospitalisation, no difference was found; however, of those admitted to the hospital, the frequency of admission was lower among Moluccans than Dutch (RR = 0.74). Conclusions: Despite their long residence in the host country, equal utilisation of healthcare services has not been achieved for Moluccans in the Netherlands. Demand-based factors (e.g., family networks, health beliefs, and use of traditional medicine) may contribute to the persistence of such differences and require further investigation.
The Genetic Basis of Primary Myelofibrosis and Its Clinical Relevance
Authors: Rumi Elisa , Trotti Chiara , Vanni Daniele , Casetti Ilaria Carola , Pietra Daniela , Sant’Antonio Emanuela
Published: November 2020

Among classical BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is the most aggressive subtype from a clinical standpoint, posing a great challenge to clinicians. Whilst the biological consequences of the three MPN driver gene mutations (JAK2, CALR, and MPL) have been well described, recent data has shed light on the complex and dynamic structure of PMF, that involves competing disease subclones, sequentially acquired genomic events, mostly in genes that are recurrently mutated in several myeloid neoplasms and in clonal hematopoiesis, and biological interactions between clonal hematopoietic stem cells and abnormal bone marrow niches. These observations may contribute to explain the wide heterogeneity in patients’ clinical presentation and prognosis, and support the recent effort to include molecular information in prognostic scoring systems used for therapeutic decision-making, leading to promising clinical translation. In this review, we aim to address the topic of PMF molecular genetics, focusing on four questions: (1) what is the role of mutations on disease pathogenesis? (2) what is their impact on patients’ clinical phenotype? (3) how do we integrate gene mutations in the risk stratification process? (4) how do we take advantage of molecular genetics when it comes to treatment decisions?
The Osteoporosis/Microbiota Linkage: The Role of miRNA
Authors: De Martinis Massimo , Ginaldi Lia , Allegra Alessandro , Sirufo Maria Maddalena , Pioggia Giovanni , Tonacci Alessandro , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: November 2020

Hundreds of trillions of bacteria are present in the human body in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with the host. A stable dynamic equilibrium exists in healthy individuals between the microbiota, host organism, and environment. Imbalances of the intestinal microbiota contribute to the determinism of various diseases. Recent research suggests that the microbiota is also involved in the regulation of the bone metabolism, and its alteration may induce osteoporosis. Due to modern molecular biotechnology, various mechanisms regulating the relationship between bone and microbiota are emerging. Understanding the role of microbiota imbalances in the development of osteoporosis is essential for the development of potential osteoporosis prevention and treatment strategies through microbiota targeting. A relevant complementary mechanism could be also constituted by the permanent relationships occurring between microbiota and microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are a set of small non-coding RNAs able to regulate gene expression. In this review, we recapitulate the physiological and pathological meanings of the microbiota on osteoporosis onset by governing miRNA production. An improved comprehension of the relations between microbiota and miRNAs could furnish novel markers for the identification and monitoring of osteoporosis, and this appears to be an encouraging method for antagomir-guided tactics as therapeutic agents.
Autophagy and Its Regulators in Response to Stress in Plants
Authors: Su Wanlong , Bao Yu , Yu Xiaoqian , Xia Xinli , Liu Chao , Yin Weilun
Published: November 2020

To survive in stressful conditions, plants have developed multiple strategies to relieve damage. One of the strategies is to clear the damaged protein and organelles. Autophagy is a highly conservative degradation process, which refers to the recycling of damaged protein and organelles. Over the past decades, increasing evidence has revealed the important roles of autophagy in response to stress conditions, and many factors have been revealed involved in the sophisticated regulation of the autophagy signaling pathway. However, the accurate regulation pathway of the autophagy pathway is largely unknown. The current review proposes how stress-response factors respond to stress conditions involved in regulating the autophagy signaling pathway. In short, clarifying the regulating pathway of autophagy in response to stress conditions is beneficial to plant breeding.
The Role of Histone Acetylation-/Methylation-Mediated Apoptotic Gene Regulation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Rajan Pradeep Kumar , Udoh Utibe-Abasi , Sanabria Juan D. , Banerjee Moumita , Smith Gary , Schade Mathew Steven , Sanabria Jacqueline , Sodhi Komal , Pierre Sandrine , Xie Zijian , Shapiro Joseph I. , Sanabria Juan
Published: November 2020

Epigenetics, an inheritable phenomenon, which influences the expression of gene without altering the DNA sequence, offers a new perspective on the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is projected to account for a significant share of HCC incidence due to the growing prevalence of various metabolic disorders. One of the major molecular mechanisms involved in epigenetic regulation, post-translational histone modification seems to coordinate various aspects of NASH which will further progress to HCC. Mounting evidence suggests that the orchestrated events of cellular and nuclear changes during apoptosis can be regulated by histone modifications. This review focuses on the current advances in the study of acetylation-/methylation-mediated histone modification in apoptosis and the implication of these epigenetic regulations in HCC. The reversibility of epigenetic alterations and the agents that can target these alterations offers novel therapeutic approaches and strategies for drug development. Further molecular mechanistic studies are required to enhance information governing these epigenetic modulators, which will facilitate the design of more effective diagnosis and treatment options.
Metagenomic Insights into Rhizospheric Microbiome Profiling in Lentil Cultivars Unveils Differential Microbial Nitrogen and Phosphorus Metabolism under Rice-Fallow Ecology
Authors: Pramanik Krishnendu , Das Arpita , Banerjee Joydeep , Das Anupam , Chatterjee Shayree , Sharma Rishu , Kumar Shiv , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: November 2020

The plant rhizosphere interfaces an array of microbiomes related to plant growth and development. Cultivar-specific soil microbial communities with respect to their taxonomic structure and specific function have not been investigated explicitly in improving the adaptation of lentil cultivars under rice-fallow ecology. The present study was carried out to decipher the rhizosphere microbiome assembly of two lentil cultivars under rice-fallow ecology for discerning the diversity of microbial communities and for predicting the function of microbiome genes related to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling processes deploying high-throughput whole (meta) genome sequencing. The metagenome profile of two cultivars detected variable microbiome composition with discrete metabolic activity. Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Thaumarchaeota were abundant phyla in the “Farmer-2” rhizosphere, whereas Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, Planctomycetes, Chloroflexi, and some incompletely described procaryotes of the “Candidatus” category were found to be robustly enriched the rhizosphere of “Moitree”. Functional prediction profiles of the microbial metagenomes between two cultivars revealed mostly house keeping genes with general metabolism. Additionally, the rhizosphere of “Moitree” had a high abundance of genes related to denitrification processes. Significant difference was observed regarding P cycling genes between the cultivars. “Moitree” with a profuse root system exhibited better N fixation and translocation ability due to a good “foraging strategy” for improving acquisition of native P under the nutrient depleted rice-fallow ecology. However, “Farmer-2” revealed a better “mining strategy” for enhancing P solubilization and further transportation to sinks. This study warrants comprehensive research for explaining the role of microbiome diversity and cultivar–microbe interactions towards stimulating microbiome-derived soil reactions regarding nutrient availability under rice-fallow ecology.
Epidural Stimulation Combined with Triple Gene Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
Authors: Islamov Rustem , Bashirov Farid , Fadeev Filip , Shevchenko Roman , Izmailov Andrei , Markosyan Vage , Sokolov Mikhail , Kuznetsov Maksim , Davleeva Maria , Garifulin Ravil , Salafutdinov Ilnur , Nurullin Leniz , Chelyshev Yuriy , Lavrov Igor
Published: November 2020

The translation of new therapies for spinal cord injury to clinical trials can be facilitated with large animal models close in morpho-physiological scale to humans. Here, we report functional restoration and morphological reorganization after spinal contusion in pigs, following a combined treatment of locomotor training facilitated with epidural electrical stimulation (EES) and cell-mediated triple gene therapy with umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells overexpressing recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor, glial-derived neurotrophic factor, and neural cell adhesion molecule. Preliminary results obtained on a small sample of pigs 2 months after spinal contusion revealed the difference in post-traumatic spinal cord outcomes in control and treated animals. In treated pigs, motor performance was enabled by EES and the corresponding morpho-functional changes in hind limb skeletal muscles were accompanied by the reorganization of the glial cell, the reaction of stress cell, and synaptic proteins. Our data demonstrate effects of combined EES-facilitated motor training and cell-mediated triple gene therapy after spinal contusion in large animals, informing a background for further animal studies and clinical translation.
A Budding Relationship: Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles in the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: Haas-Neill Sandor , Forsythe Paul
Published: November 2020

The discovery of the microbiota-gut-brain axis has revolutionized our understanding of systemic influences on brain function and may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to neurodevelopmental and mood disorders. A parallel revolution has occurred in the field of intercellular communication, with the realization that endosomes, and other extracellular vesicles, rival the endocrine system as regulators of distant tissues. These two paradigms shifting developments come together in recent observations that bacterial membrane vesicles contribute to inter-kingdom signaling and may be an integral component of gut microbe communication with the brain. In this short review we address the current understanding of the biogenesis of bacterial membrane vesicles and the roles they play in the survival of microbes and in intra and inter-kingdom communication. We identify recent observations indicating that bacterial membrane vesicles, particularly those derived from probiotic organisms, regulate brain function. We discuss mechanisms by which bacterial membrane vesicles may influence the brain including interaction with the peripheral nervous system, and modulation of immune activity. We also review evidence suggesting that, unlike the parent organism, gut bacteria derived membrane vesicles are able to deliver cargo, including neurotransmitters, directly to the central nervous system and may thus constitute key components of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
New Frontiers about the Role of Human Microbiota in Immunotherapy: The Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and CAR T-Cell Therapy Era
Authors: Innao Vanessa , Allegra Andrea Gaetano , Musolino Caterina , Allegra Alessandro
Published: November 2020

Microbiota is considered an independent organ with the capability to modulate tumor growth and response to therapies. In the chemo-free era, the use of new immunotherapies, more selective and effective and less toxic, led to the extension of overall survival of patients, subject to their ability to not stop treatment. This has focused scientists’ attention to optimize responses by understanding and changing microbiota composition. While we have obtained abundant data from studies in oncologic and hematologic patients receiving conventional chemotherapy, we have less data about alterations in intestinal flora in those undergoing immunotherapy, especially based on Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells. Actually, we know that the efficacy of Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1), PD-1 ligand, and Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) is improved by probiotics rich in Bifidobacterium spp., while compounds of Bacteroidales and Burkholderiales protect from the development of the anti-CTLA-4-induced colitis in mouse models. CAR T-cell therapy seems to not be interfering with microbiota; however, the numerous previous therapies may have caused permanent damage, thus obscuring the data we might have obtained. Therefore, this review opens a new chapter to transfer known acquisitions to a typology of patients destined to grow.
A Cell for the Ages: Human γδ T Cells across the Lifespan
Authors: Clark Brandi L. , Thomas Paul G.
Published: November 2020

The complexity of the human immune system is exacerbated by age-related changes to immune cell functionality. Many of these age-related effects remain undescribed or driven by mechanisms that are poorly understood. γδ T cells, while considered an adaptive subset based on immunological ontogeny, retain both innate-like and adaptive-like characteristics. This T cell population is small but mighty, and has been implicated in both homeostatic and disease-induced immunity within tissues and throughout the periphery. In this review, we outline what is known about the effect of age on human peripheral γδ T cells, and call attention to areas of the field where further research is needed.
Matrilin-3-Primed Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Spheroids Prevent Mesenchymal Stromal-Cell-Derived Chondrocyte Hypertrophy
Authors: Muttigi Manjunatha S. , Kim Byoung Ju , Choi Bogyu , Han Inbo , Park Hansoo , Lee Soo-Hong
Published: November 2020

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (Ad-MSCs) are a promising tool for articular cartilage repair and regeneration. However, the terminal hypertrophic differentiation of Ad-MSC-derived cartilage is a critical barrier during hyaline cartilage regeneration. In this study, we investigated the role of matrilin-3 in preventing Ad-MSC-derived chondrocyte hypertrophy in vitro and in an osteoarthritis (OA) destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model. Methacrylated hyaluron (MAHA) (1%) was used to encapsulate and make scaffolds containing Ad-MSCs and matrilin-3. Subsequently, the encapsulated cells in the scaffolds were differentiated in chondrogenic medium (TGF-β, 1–14 days) and thyroid hormone hypertrophic medium (T3, 15–28 days). The presence of matrilin-3 with Ad-MSCs in the MAHA scaffold significantly increased the chondrogenic marker and decreased the hypertrophy marker mRNA and protein expression. Furthermore, matrilin-3 significantly modified the expression of TGF-β2, BMP-2, and BMP-4. Next, we prepared the OA model and transplanted Ad-MSCs primed with matrilin-3, either as a single-cell suspension or in spheroid form. Safranin-O staining and the OA score suggested that the regenerated cartilage morphology in the matrilin-3-primed Ad-MSC spheroids was similar to the positive control. Furthermore, matrilin-3-primed Ad-MSC spheroids prevented subchondral bone sclerosis in the mouse model. Here, we show that matrilin-3 plays a major role in modulating Ad-MSCs’ therapeutic effect on cartilage regeneration and hypertrophy suppression.
The Association between Tear Film Thickness as Measured with OCT and Symptoms and Signs of Dry Eye Disease: A Pooled Analysis of 6 Clinical Trials
Authors: Garhöfer Gerhard , Dos Santos Valentin Aranha , Stegmann Hannes , Schmidl Doreen , Adzhemian Narine , Werkmeister René M. , Schmetterer Leopold
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To determine the association between tear film thickness (TFT) as measured with ultra-high resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) and signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). Methods: A total of 450 eyes from 225 patients with DED from six different randomized clinical trials were included in this pooled analysis. In all subjects, TFT was measured with a custom-built UHR-OCT system. Symptoms of DED were quantified using a standardized Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSD)I questionnaire and clinical signs including tear film break up time (TFBUT) and Schirmer I test were assessed. Associations of the average TFT with OSDI, TFBUT, and Schirmer I test were calculated using a linear regression analysis. Results: The average TFT of the included sample (mean age, 45.0 ± 13.3 years; 65% female) was 4.2 ± 0.5 µm and the OSDI 36.2 ± 10.4. A significant negative correlation was found between TFT and OSDI (r = −0.36 to −0.31; p < 0.001). Tear break up time and Schirmer I test were not correlated with OSDI. Significant albeit weak correlations were found between TFT and TFBUT (r = 0.17 to 0.25; p < 0.01) as well as Schirmer I (r = 0.36 to 0.37; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the correlation was stronger in the subjects with abnormal Schirmer I (<15 mm; r = 0.50 to 0.54; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study demonstrates an objective measurement of TFT using a novel OCT approach for DED that correlates with symptoms and signs of DED. Our data are consistent with the idea that TFT represents the aqueous-deficient component of DED.
Pathogenetic Mechanisms Implicated in Sjögren’s Syndrome Lymphomagenesis: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Stergiou Ioanna E. , Poulaki Aikaterini , Voulgarelis Michael
Published: November 2020

Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by focal mononuclear cell infiltrates that surround the ducts of the exocrine glands, impairing the function of their secretory units. Compared to other autoimmune disorders, SS is associated with a notably high incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and more frequently mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates. High risk features of lymphoma development include systemic extraepithelial manifestations, low serum levels of complement component C4 and mixed type II cryoglobulinemia. The discrimination between reactive and neoplastic lymphoepithelial lesion (LEL) is challenging, probably reflecting a continuum in the evolution from purely inflammatory lymphoid infiltration to the clonal neoplastic evolution. Early lesions display a predominance of activated T cells, while B cells prevail in severe histologic lesions. This strong B cell infiltration is not only a morphologic phenomenon, but it is also progressively associated with the presence of ectopic germinal centers (GCs). Ectopic formation of GCs in SS represents a complex process regulated by an array of cytokines, adhesion molecules and chemokines. Chronic antigenic stimulation is the major driver of specific B cell proliferation and increases the frequency of their transformation in the ectopic GCs and marginal zone (MZ) equivalents. B cells expressing cell surface rheumatoid factor (RF) are frequently detected in the salivary glands, suggesting that clonal expansion might arise from antigen selection of RF-expressing B cells. Abnormal stimulation and incomplete control mechanisms within ectopic lymphoid structures predispose RF MZ like cells to lymphoma development. Immunoglobulin recombination, somatic mutation and isotype switching during B cell development are events that may increase the translocation of oncogenes to immunoglobulin loci or tumor suppressor gene inactivation, leading to monoclonal B cell proliferation and lymphoma development. Concerning chronic antigenic stimulation, conclusive data is so far lacking. However immune complexes containing DNA or RNA are the most likely candidates. Whether additional molecular oncogenic events contribute to the malignant overgrowth remains to be proved.
Excessive Gestational Weight Gain: Long-Term Consequences for the Child
Authors: Baran Joanna , Weres Aneta , Czenczek-Lewandowska Ewelina , Leszczak Justyna , Kalandyk-Osinko Katarzyna , Łuszczki Edyta , Sobek Grzegorz , Mazur Artur
Published: November 2020

Background: The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of mothers’ gestational weight gain (GWG) and age at birth on the long-term risk of overweight and obesity in preschool and school-aged children. Methods: The study involved 749 mothers and children at ages between four and 15 years old. Each child was assessed for height and body weight, and then, the body mass category was determined based on the body mass index (BMI) percentile according to the sex and age of the subjects. Information on the perinatal risk factors for overweight and obesity came from the child’s health card or mother’s maternity card. They contained information about the mother’s age at the time of childbirth and the mother’s gestational weight gain during pregnancy. Results: In the group of 7–11-year-olds, the maternal weight gain during pregnancy was higher in obese children than in children with normal weight (18.8 kg vs. 14.3 kg; p = 0.002). This relationship was shown analogously in the group of 7–11-years-olds boys (20.6 kg vs. 15.1 kg; p = 0.005). Positive correlations were also shown between mother’s gestational weight gain and the BMI percentage of the whole group (p = 0.004). In the case of the mother’s age, no statistically significant relationship was found with the child’s weight category. Conclusions: Mothers’ weight gain during pregnancy is a factor that promotes overweightness and obesity in the child. Maternal age at birth does not appear to lead to any propensity toward overweightness and obesity in the later life of a child.
Low Levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Endothelial Function in Subjects without Lipid-Lowering Therapy
Authors: Takaeko Yuji , Kajikawa Masato , Kishimoto Shinji , Yamaji Takayuki , Harada Takahiro , Han Yiming , Kihara Yasuki , Hida Eisuke , Chayama Kazuaki , Goto Chikara , Aibara Yoshiki , Yusoff Farina Mohamad , Maruhashi Tatsuya , Nakashima Ayumu , Higashi Yukihito
Published: November 2020

An elevation of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels has been associated with endothelial dysfunction in statin naïve subjects. However, there is no information on endothelial function in subjects with extremely low levels of LDL-C. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship of LDL-C levels, especially low levels of LDL-C, with endothelial function. Endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) measurement and LDL-C levels were evaluated in 7120 subjects without lipid-lowering therapy. We divided the subjects into five groups by LDL-C levels: <70 mg/dL, 70–99 mg/dL, 100–119 md/dL, 120–139 mg/dL, and ≥140 mg/dL. FMD values were significantly smaller in subjects with LDL-C levels of ≥140 mg/dL than in those with LDL-C levels of 70–99 mg/dL and 100–119 mg/dL (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The FMD values in the LDL-C of <70 mg/dL group were not significantly different from those in the other groups. To evaluate the relationship of extremely low LDL-C levels with endothelial function, we divided the subjects with LDL-C of <70 mg/dL into those with LDL-C levels of <50 mg/dL and 50–69 mg/dL. FMD values were similar in the LDL-C <50 mg/dL group and ≥50 mg/dL group in the propensity score-matched population (p = 0.570). A significant benefit was not found in subjects with low LDL-C levels from the aspect of endothelial function.
Effects of Spirituality, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward Anxiety Regarding COVID-19 among the General Population in INDONESIA: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rias Yohanes Andy , Rosyad Yafi Sabila , Chipojola Roselyn , Wiratama Bayu Satria , Safitri Cikra Ikhda , Weng Shuen Fu , Yang Chyn Yng , Tsai Hsiu Ting
Published: November 2020

Background: Currently, the determinants of anxiety and its related factors in the general population affected by COVID-19 are poorly understood. We examined the effects of spirituality, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on anxiety regarding COVID-19. Methods: Online cross-sectional data (n = 1082) covered 17 provinces. The assessment included the Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and the KAP-COVID-19 questionnaire. Results: Multiple linear regression revealed that individuals who had low levels of spirituality had increased anxiety compared to those with higher levels of spirituality. Individuals had correct knowledge of early symptoms and supportive treatment (K3), and that individuals with chronic diseases and those who were obese or elderly were more likely to be severe cases (K4). However, participants who chose incorrect concerns about there being no need for children and young adults to take measures to prevent COVID-19 (K9) had significantly lower anxiety compared to those who responded with the correct choice. Participants who disagreed about whether society would win the battle against COVID-19 (A1) and successfully control it (A2) were associated with higher anxiety. Those with the practice of attending crowded places (P1) had significantly higher anxiety. Conclusions: Spirituality, knowledge, attitudes, and practice were significantly correlated with anxiety regarding COVID-19 in the general population.
Local and Systemic Alterations of the L-Arginine/Nitric Oxide Pathway in Sputum, Blood, and Urine of Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Effects of Antibiotic Treatment
Authors: Hanusch Beatrice , Brinkmann Folke , Mayorandan Sebene , Chobanyan-Jürgens Kristine , Wiemers Anna , Jansen Kathrin , Ballmann Manfred , Schmidt-Choudhury Anjona , Bollenbach Alexander , Derichs Nico , Tsikas Dimitrios , Lücke Thomas
Published: November 2020

Alterations in the L-arginine (Arg)/nitric oxide (NO) pathway have been reported in cystic fibrosis (CF; OMIM 219700) as the result of various factors including systemic and local inflammatory activity in the airways. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Arg/NO metabolism in pediatric CF patients with special emphasis on lung impairment and antibiotic treatment. Seventy CF patients and 78 healthy controls were included in the study. CF patients (43% male, median age 11.8 years) showed moderately impaired lung functions (FEV1 90.5 ± 19.1% (mean ± SD); 21 (30%) had a chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) infection, and 24 (33%) had an acute exacerbation). Plasma, urinary, and sputum concentrations of the main Arg/NO metabolites, nitrate, nitrite, Arg, homoarginine (hArg), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were determined in pediatric CF patients and in healthy age-matched controls. Clinical parameters in CF patients included lung function and infection with PSA. Additionally, the Arg/NO pathway in sputum samples of five CF patients was analyzed before and after routine antibiotic therapy. CF patients with low fractionally exhaled NO (FENO) showed lower plasma Arg and nitrate concentrations. During acute exacerbation, sputum Arg and hArg levels were high and dropped after antibiotic treatment: Arg: pre-antibiotics: 4.14 nmol/25 mg sputum vs. post-antibiotics: 2.33 nmol/25 mg sputum, p = 0.008; hArg: pre-antibiotics: 0.042 nmol/25 mg sputum vs. post-antibiotics: 0.029 nmol/25 mg sputum, p = 0.035. The activated Arg/NO metabolism in stable CF patients may be a result of chronic inflammation. PSA infection did not play a major role regarding these differences. Exacerbation increased and antibiotic therapy decreased sputum Arg concentrations.
Small Jellyfish as a Supplementary Autumnal Food Source for Juvenile Chaetognaths in Sanya Bay, China
Authors: Wang Lingli , Guo Minglan , Li Tao , Huang Hui , Liu Sheng , Hu Simin
Published: November 2020

Information on the in situ diet of juvenile chaetognaths is critical for understanding the population recruitment of chaetognaths and their functional roles in marine food web. In this study, a molecular method based on PCR amplification targeted on 18S rDNA was applied to investigate the diet composition of juvenile Flaccisagitta enflata collected in summer and autumn in Sanya Bay, China. Diverse diet species were detected in the gut contents of juvenile F. enflata, including copepods, small jellyfish, anthozoa, polychaetes, echinoderms, diatoms and dinoflagellates. The diet composition showed obvious differences between summer and autumn. Copepod, such as Temora turbinata, Canthocalanus pauper and Subeucalanus crassus, dominated the diet in summer, representing up to 61% of the total prey items. However, small jellyfish, mainly consisting of Bougainvillia fulva, Solmissus marshalli and Pleurobrachia globosa, was the main food group (72.9%) in autumn. Environmental parameters showed no significant difference between summer and autumn. The mean abundance of juvenile chaetognaths in autumn was about eight times higher than that in summer, while the abundance of potential food prey was similar in both seasons. Our results suggested that juveniles chaetognaths might consume small jellyfish as a supplementary food source under enhanced feeding competition in autumn.
Framework for Development of an Economic Analysis Tool for Floating Concrete Offshore Wind Platforms
Authors: Cordal-Iglesias David , Filgueira-Vizoso Almudena , Baita-Saavedra Eugenio , Graña-López Manuel Ángel , Castro-Santos Laura
Published: November 2020

The objective of this work is to establish a framework for the development of an economic analysis tool for floating offshore wind platforms built in concrete. The operation and usefulness of the beta version of a software, called Arcwind, is explained. It calculates the main economic aspects of offshore wind platforms built in concrete considering different locations in the European Atlantic Arc. This software allows the user to select different input parameters such as: the type of platform, the installation area of the farm, its specific location and in this way create different analysis scenarios. This paper analyzes the case study to install TELWIND® offshore concrete floating platforms in the Canary Islands, in Spain. The software provides data on the main economic parameters of the farm, such as Levelized Cost Of Energy (LCOE), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Pay-Back Period (PBP), as well as the main costs: cost of conception and definition, cost of design and development, cost of manufacturing, cost of installation, cost of operation and cost of dismantling. Using these parameters, a first analysis of the viability of this type of floating technology built on concrete is shown.
Stable C and N Isotope Composition of Suspended Particulate Organic Matter in the Neva Estuary: The Role of Abiotic Factors, Productivity, and Phytoplankton Taxonomic Composition
Authors: Golubkov Mikhail S. , Nikulina Vera N. , Tiunov Alexei V. , Golubkov Sergey M.
Published: November 2020

Knowledge of carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios in organic matter and their changes is important when studying nutrient cycles in aquatic ecosystems. Relationships between δ13C and δ15N values of suspended particulate organic matter (POM), water temperature, salinity, pH, redox potential, chlorophyll a concentration, primary production, and biomasses of different taxonomic groups of phytoplankton in the Neva Estuary were statistically analyzed. We tested the hypothesis that the studied physicochemical and biogeochemical characteristics, as well as the species composition of phytoplankton and its productivity, can be significant predictors of changes in the isotopic ratios of suspended particulate organic matter in estuaries. In the Neva Estuary, δ13CPOM (−16.8–−27.6‰) and δ15NPOM (2.3–7.3‰) changed synchronously. Statistical analysis showed that for both isotopes, the photosynthetic activity and taxonomic composition of phytoplankton are important. For 13CPOM, the second most important factor was water salinity, which was apparently associated with the transition of algae from CO2 to HCO3 consumption during photosynthesis in estuarine waters. For 15NPOM changes, the most important abiotic factor was pH. The study showed that the dependences of POM isotopic ratios on environmental variables obtained for continental and oceanic waters are also valid in transitional zones such as the Neva Estuary.
Land Reform in the Era of Global Warming—Can Land Reforms Help Agriculture Be Climate-Smart?
Authors: Rampa Alexis , Gadanakis Yiorgos , Rose Gillian
Published: November 2020

In an era of global warming, long-standing challenges for rural populations, including land inequality, poverty and food insecurity, risk being exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Innovative and effective approaches, such as Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), are required to alleviate these environmental pressures without hampering efficiency. In countries with unequal distribution of land, where issues of access to and use of land rank high on the policy agenda, policymakers are confronted with the challenge of implementing interventions such as land reforms, whilst endeavouring to ensure that sustainable agriculture approaches be adopted by farm-households. The aim of this study is to investigate how land reforms can provide an opportunity for policymakers, particularly in lower-income countries, to enhance not only equity and efficiency but also environmental sustainability. In particular, this study builds on an extensive review of the theoretical and empirical literature and employs a conceptual framework analysis method to develop and describe a framework that explores how land reforms can be associated with the CSA approach. The resultant “Climate Smart Land Reform” (CSLR) framework contains four driving pillars, namely land redistribution, tenure reform, rural advisory services and markets and infrastructure. The framework disentangles relevant channels through which land reform, via its four pillars, can foster CSA adoption and thus contribute to the attainment of sustainable increases in agricultural productivity, climate change adaptation and climate change mitigation. The framework also includes relevant channels through which more ‘traditional’ objectives of land reformers, including economic, social and political objectives, can be achieved. In turn, the (partial) attainment of such objectives would lead to improvements in agroecological and socioeconomic conditions of rural areas and populations. These improvements are considered within the framework as the ‘ultimate’ objective of land reformers. The CSLR framework represents an innovative way of conceptualising how land reforms can generate beneficial effects not only in terms of equity and efficiency but also of environmental sustainability.
Agri-Food Land Transformations and Immigrant Farm Workers in Peri-Urban Areas of Spain and the Mediterranean
Authors: Zimmerer Karl S. , Jiménez-Olivencia Yolanda , Ruiz-Ruiz Alejandro , Porcel-Rodríguez Laura
Published: November 2020

Spain is a global hotspot of transformations of agri-food land systems due to changing production intensity, diets, urbanization, market integration, and climate change. Characteristic of the Mediterranean, these expanding intersections with the migration, livelihoods, and food security strategies of immigrant farm workers urge new research into the “who,” “how,” and “why” questions of the transformation of agri-food land systems. Addressing this gap, we communicate preliminary results from field research in the Granada and Madrid areas. We use a novel conceptual framework of linkages among distinct agri-food land systems and the roles and agency of immigrant farm workers. Preliminary results integrating a combined land- and labor-centric approach address: (1) how the recent and ongoing transformations of specific agri-food land systems are indicative of close links to inexpensive, flexible labor of immigrant farm workers; (2) how the connectivity among transformations of multiple distinct agri-food land systems can be related to the geographic mobility of immigrant farm workers and livelihoods (non-farm work, gendered employment, peri-urban residential location, labor recruitment); and (3) how the struggles for food and nutrition security among immigrant farm workers are indicative of links to local sites and networked agrobiodiversity. This study can help advance the nexus of migration-land research with expanding ethical, justice, and policy concerns of land system sciences in relation to the new suite of agri-food interest and initiatives.
The Effect of Silence and Distance: Evidence from Recomplementation in US Heritage Spanish
Authors: Frank Joshua
Published: November 2020

The present study investigates the architecture of heritage language grammars, as well as divergence from the baseline, by offering novel data. Recomplementation is defined as a left-dislocated phrase sandwiched between a primary (C1) and an optional secondary (C2) complementizer, e.g., He said that1later in the afternoon that2he would clean his room. While formal syntactic-theoretical accounts align on the grammaticality of recomplementation, experimental findings suggest that the overt C2 option is associated with a decrement in acceptability. An aural acceptability judgment task and a forced-choice preference task were administered in Spanish to 15 advanced US heritage speakers of Spanish (HS) and 12 members of a Colombian Spanish baseline group. Results show that HSs do not rate the overt C2 construction with a decrement in acceptability when compared to the null one. This behavior, along with a higher proportion of overt C2 preference, diverges from the baseline. In line with the Model of Divergent Attainment, we argue that the complexity associated with silent elements and dependency distance combined with processing burden leads to a reanalysis of the linguistic phenomenon. We introduce a multiple representations proposal that accurately describes the data in question and is faithful to current syntactic-theoretical accounts.