Recent publications
Physical fitness, particularly cardiorespiratory fitness, has been shown to positively impact sleep quality. However, the relationship between overall physical fitness and sleep‐related problems in adolescents remains underexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the association between overall physical fitness and sleep‐related problems in adolescents. This cross‐sectional study included 812 adolescents (median age: 14 years [interquartile range = 12–17]; 54.9% girls) from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) data. Physical fitness was measured objectively using the Assessing the Levels of PHysical Activity and fitness (ALPHA‐Fit) battery for children and adolescents and a flexibility test, while sleep‐related problems were evaluated using the BEARS sleep screening tool (B = Bedtime problems, E = Excessive daytime sleepiness, A = Awakenings during the night, R = Regularity and duration of sleep, S = Snoring). Generalized linear models were used to examine the association of overall physical fitness with the different components of sleep‐related problems. The odds of experiencing sleep‐related problems decreased significantly with each kilogram increase in handgrip strength (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94–0.99), and with each standard deviation increase in overall physical fitness (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.59–0.99). In contrast, despite not statistically significant, an increase in long jump appeared to reduce the sleep‐related problems (OR = 0.91; 95% CI 0.82–1.02), while a longer time in the 4×10‐m shuttle run test might increase sleep problems (OR = 1.12; 95% CI 0.98–1.28). In conclusion, greater levels of physical fitness, particularly muscular strength, may be key for reducing sleep‐related problems, emphasizing the importance of personalized training programs.
Magnetic nanorings have potential applications in devices based on spintronics concepts. In this work, through micromagnetic simulations, we analyze the impact of changes in the size and position of the ring's hole on magnetization resonant modes in Permalloy eccentric nanorings. Our results show that the magnetization ground state forms a vortex centered either on the hole or on the geometric center of the nanoring, depending on the hole's position. The observed magnetic patterns yield spin wave modes that split when increasing the ring eccentricity. The new resonant frequencies are associated with hybridized radial and azimuthal modes, which form butterfly-like patterns, which are also observed in magnetic field-driven deviations of vortices from the center of nanodots. These findings offer a deeper understanding of the interplay between geometry and magnetization dynamics, which is crucial for designing magnetic nanostructures with specific functional properties.
Background
Exercise is a well‐known strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases; however, the potential additional benefits of hypoxic exercise on cardiovascular function in comparison to normoxic exercise are still unknown. This study aimed to synthesize the hypoxic exercise protocols of application and to comparatively determine the effects of hypoxic versus normoxic exercise on cardiovascular function (i.e. haemoglobin concentrations, arterial oxygen saturation %, maximal heart rate, blood pressure at rest and blood lactate levels) in people without cardiovascular diseases.
Methods
We systematically searched five databases, from inception to September 2023, and selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of chronic hypoxic exercise versus normoxic exercise on cardiovascular function in people without cardiovascular diseases. A random effects meta‐analysis with both the Dersimonian‐Laird and the Hartung‐Knapp‐Sidik‐Jonkman methods was conducted to estimate the pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of the hypoxic exercise effectiveness on each of the included outcomes related to cardiovascular function. We performed meta‐regression models—considering total sample size, age, BMI, length of intervention and FiO 2 percentages—to determine their influence on the estimated effect. Subgroup analyses based on age, gender, type of exercise and health status of participants were conducted.
Results
A total of 31 RCTs involving 910 individuals were included. None of the pooled SMDs comparing hypoxic versus normoxic exercise were statistically significant. Subgroup analyses were only significant for lactate in people under 30 years of age and healthy and/or athletic individuals (.59; 95% CI .11, 1.06).
Conclusions
Our data suggest that there were no additive benefits of performing hypoxic exercise on the cardiovascular function parameters explored for up to 7 weeks when compared to normoxic exercise in people without cardiovascular disease, except for a moderate increase in blood lactate levels in young healthy and/or athletic individuals.
The school environment (SE) plays a crucial role in determining adolescents’ physical activity (PA), including physical education classes, sports spaces and facilities, and active recreation. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the SE and indicators of PA and sitting time (ST), while exploring Brazilian sociodemographic differences. The SE was characterized by PA practices, PA outside regular class hours, running/athletic track condition, use of the courtyard for PA with a professional, participation in inter-school games or physical-sports competitions, and the number of physical education classes per week. PA and ST were assessed via self-report questionnaires, categorizing participants as active or insufficiently active for PA and as having low or excessive ST. The study included a nationally representative sample of 155,019 Brazilian adolescents (50.9% female). Among them, 28.5% were classified as active and 47.3% had adequate ST. Taking two or more physical education classes was positively associated with being active (OR: 1.669; 95% CI: 1.665–1.673) and with having low ST (OR: 1.050; 95% CI: 1.048–1.052). The association between SE characteristics and PA varied by region and school type (rural/urban, public/private), emphasizing that SE impacts PA and ST differently depending on the sociodemographic context of the adolescents.
Objectives
To compare autogenous bone (AB) harvested from the mandibular ramus or a mixture of bovine bone mineral (BBM) with 25% locally harvested autogenous bone chips from the maxilla for maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA).
Material and Methods
Patients requiring bilateral MSFA and implant placement were enrolled in this study. Maxillary sinuses were randomly assigned (1:1) to one of the two groups: MSFA + AB (AB group) or MSFA + AB + BBM (BBM group). AB was harvested from the mandible (AB group) or locally during MSFA (BBM group). Implants were placed after 4–6 months of healing and loaded 4–6 months later. Patients were examined at baseline (1 month post‐loading) and 12 months post‐loading. Outcome measures included clinician‐ and patient‐reported outcomes.
Results
Fifty patients with 198 implants were included (AB = 99, BBM = 99). Twelve implants failed before loading (AB = 6, BBM = 6), and three failed post‐loading (AB = 2, BBM = 1). Implant survival was 92.9% (AB group) and 93.9% (BBM group) at 12 months post‐loading, with no significant differences between the groups (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.28–2.54; p = 0.770). Implant success was 98.8% (AB group) and 97.6% (BBM group), with no significant differences between the groups (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.03–8.05; p = 0.620). No significant differences in marginal bone loss or clinical parameters were found between groups ( p > 0.05). Patient satisfaction significantly improved at follow‐ups compared to screening ( p = 0.005).
Conclusion
Implants placed after MSFA with AB or BBM showed comparable results. This indicates that MSFA can be successfully performed without requiring AB from an additional donor site, potentially reducing patient morbidity.
Trial Registration
This study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register with number NL59578.078.16 on 09‐05‐2017. The study start date was on 21‐08‐2017
Restorative justice is a process, provided for in European criminal law, in which dialogue is facilitated between those affected by crime and those responsible for that crime. While the European Union and Council of Europe’s legal frameworks incorporate rights that relate to restorative justice, there has been very little academic or political consideration of the possibility that access to restorative justice should be a human right in itself. This article draws on conceptual frameworks outlining criteria by which a proposal for a new human right may be assessed, to consider whether restorative justice can rightfully be welcomed into the human rights family. We analyse relevant challenges and complexities inherent in restorative justice to conceptualise it as a human right, before using work by Susi, Alston and others to consider whether restorative justice meets the qualitative criteria for a human right, whether it can be said to derive from existing human rights, and how it can be conceptualised in a sufficiently universal and abstract way to be incorporated into European criminal law as a human right.
Two Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, and motile strains FJAT-53684 T and FJAT-54145 T were isolated from the mangrove sediment. They optimally grew at pH 8.0 and could tolerate NaCl up to 5% (w/v). The optimum temperature for growth of strains FJAT-53684 T and FJAT-54145 T were 35 and 40 ºC, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between FJAT-53684 T and FJAT-54145 T was 97.1%. Both strains showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the Cytobacillus species. Menaquinone-7 was the only respiratory quinone present in both strains. The major fatty acids (≥ 10%) in strain FJAT-53684 T were iso-C14:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, and iso-C19:0, while strain FJAT-54145 T consist of iso-C14:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C19:0, iso-C16:0, and C16:1ω7c alcohol. The polar lipids present in both strains were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified lipid, unidentified phospholipid, and phosphatidylinositol. Their average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values were below the threshold values (95% and 70%, respectively) for species delineation. Based on the above results, strains FJAT-53684 T and FJAT-54145 T represent two novel species of the genus Cytobacillus, for which the names Cytobacillus mangrovibacter sp. nov., and Cytobacillus spartinae sp. nov., are proposed. The type strains are FJAT-53684 T (= JCM 35618 T = GDMCC 1.3071 T), and FJAT-54145 T (= JCM 35621 T = GDMCC 1.3079 T).
Background
Various indicators of neighborhood environmental perceptions are differently associated with physical activity (PA) domains, with notable variations by sex. However, few studies in Latin America have examined these associations across distinct PA domains. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between neighborhood environmental perceptions and PA in the domains of transportation and leisure among Chilean adults.
Methods
This cross-sectional analytical study included 770 participants from the 2014–2016 Latin American Nutrition and Health Survey (ELANS). Perceptions of land use diversity, access to land use, street connectivity, walking and cycling infrastructure, aesthetics, safety from crime, and neighborhood traffic were assessed using the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-Abbreviated (NEWS-A) questionnaire. PA was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form (IPAQ-LF), focusing on the transportation and leisure-time domains. Logistic regression and multiple linear regression models were used for the analysis.
Results
Logistic regression analysis in men showed no association between neighborhood characteristics and PA in the transportation or leisure-time domains. However, for women, greater perception of facilities for walking or cycling was inversely associated with transportation PA (OR: 0.62; 95%CI: 0.42;0.92). In the multiple linear regression analysis, higher perceived traffic safety was associated with greater PA (min/week) for both transportation (β: 0.098; 95%CI: 0.005;0.192) and leisure time (β: 0.160, 95%CI: 0.012;0.309). For men, higher scores for perceived access to land use were inversely associated with leisure-time PA (β: -0.150, 95%CI: -0.266;-0.034).
Conclusions
Different perceived neighborhood characteristics are associated with PA across various domains, with notable gender differences. A better perceived condition of traffic safety would promote urban population to engage in more transportation and leisure-time PA.
Clinical trial number
ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.
Two facultatively aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming, endophytic bacteria, designated SGZ-1009 T and SGZ-1014, were isolated from the plant Pennisetum sp. Strain SGZ-1009 T grew at 5–50 °C, pH 4.5–11.0 and tolerated up to 4.5% NaCl (w/v), while strain SGZ-1014 exhibited growth at a temperature range of 10–50 °C, pH range 4.5–11.0 and tolerated up to 4.5% NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that these two strains belong to the genus Paenibacillus , closely related to the reference type strain of Paenibacillus wenxiniae DSM 100576 T (similarity of 97.0%). The genomic relatedness values for both strains, SGZ-1009 T and SGZ-1014, compared to their closest reference strain P. wenxiniae DSM 100576 T , were 81.6% for average nucleotide identity and 26.0% for digital DNA–DNA hybridization, suggesting strain SGZ-1009 T represents a novel species. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SGZ-1009 T was 46.4%. Both strains shared anteiso-C 15:0 (55.9%) as the predominant fatty acid, menaquinone-7 as the major respiratory quinone and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipids. Based on these results, strains SGZ-1009 T and SGZ-1014 represent a novel species of Paenibacillus , for which the name Paenibacillus campi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SGZ-1009 T (=MCCC 1K08892 T =GDMCC 1.4280 T =KCTC 43677 T =JCM 36670 T ).
The Fukui function and its associated potential serve as essential descriptors of chemical reactivity within the framework of conceptual density functional theory (c-DFT). While c-DFT is well-established for molecular systems, it encounters formal and technical challenges when applied to extended systems. This comprehensive study addresses the complexities involved in calculating the Fukui function and its potential in systems with periodic boundary conditions (PBC). We specifically investigate the introduction of a fictitious potential associated with a compensating background of charge (CBC) in these calculations, examining its implications for the reliability of these reactivity descriptors. To explore this issue, we analyze a diverse range of metallic and semiconductor surfaces, including elemental metals such as Ti and Pt, metal oxides like TiO2, SnO2, and MgO, and transition metal carbides such as TiC and ZrC. By encompassing this varied selection, this work aims to uncover both the limitations and advantages of various computational approaches in accurately capturing the intrinsic chemical reactivity of extended systems. Our findings indicate that while certain methods yield reliable results, others introduce artifacts that can significantly distort interpretations of surface reactivity. We advocate for the calculation of the Fukui function and potential using finite differences with self-consistent potential correction whenever feasible. Interpolation methods may also be employed if delocalization errors are manageable. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a reliable method for computing the Fukui potential, in combination with perturbation theory, can predict the interaction energies of reducing agents such as sodium and oxidants like chlorine with TiO2 surfaces, thus supporting the application of c-DFT in heterogeneous catalysis. This research contributes critical insights to the field, offering practical methodologies to address the inherent challenges in predicting surface reactivity. By elucidating the complexities of the Fukui function under PBC, we not only enhance theoretical frameworks but also equip researchers with robust tools for advancing materials science and surface chemistry.
The keratinase serves as a catalyst with potential application in various industries, including textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnological applications. Previous studies have predominantly focused on fungal keratinase; however, our present work focuses on bacterial keratinase only. The novelty of using bacterial keratinase over fungal keratinase is because of its faster enzymatic activity, broader substrate specificity, increased stability and cost-effective production, making it efficient and adaptable for industrial applications. However, our present research investigates bacterial keratinase through in silico structural (physicochemical properties, primary, secondary, and tertiary structures) as well as functional analyses (protein–protein interaction networks, subcellular localization, and domain/motif presence), coupled with molecular docking against standard anti-acne drugs in use (adapalene, erythromycin, tretinoin, isotretinoin, and benzoyl peroxide). In this study, two bacterial keratinases, one from mesophilic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6FZX) and another from thermophilic Meiothermus taiwanensis WR-220 (5WSL) have been studied to demonstrate comparative structural stability and functional activity. These enzymes are intracellular, facilitating proteolysis with metalloendopeptidase activity. Notably, keratinase exhibited a strong binding affinity for adapalene (binding energies of − 8.5 kcal/mol and − 9.6 kcal/mol for 5WSL and 6FZX, respectively) and lowest affinity to erythromycin (binding energy − 6.4 kcal/mol and − 5.9 kcal/mol for 5WSL and 6FZX respectively) among other studied anti-acne drugs like, tretinoin, isotretinoin, and benzoyl peroxide. In the case of de novo designing of anti-acne compounds, enhanced binding affinities are the key factor for selection of potential components. Our in silico analyses indicate that thermophilic keratinase displays better structural stability and functionality, particularly under high pH and high-temperature conditions, making it a promising candidate for cosmeceutical applications. Thermophilic keratinase may effectively operate in demanding skin environments and may offer advantages over mesophilic keratinase. These insights from comparative computational analysis will pave the way for further wet lab validation and industrial experiments to guide the selection of optimal candidates in antiacne formulations.
Recently, Machine Learning has become a crucial tool in enhancing process quality control in manufacturing plants. However, real-time assessment is often challenging. Soft sensors, which can predict process quality indicators using machine learning, have gained significant attention since 2000 due to their advantages such as process stability, reduced product rejections, and improved energy and fuel efficiency. Initially, industries like oil distillation, polymers, cement, and steel were the primary ones to develop soft sensors for quality indicators. Over time, more industries have adopted these models due to their advantages, such as process stability, reduced product rejections, and improved energy and fuel efficiency. Machine learning algorithms for process soft sensors have evolved from simple linear algorithms to complex deep-learning models, with neural networks, support vector machines, and tree-based models also being widely used. This paper summarizes the methodologies implemented for soft sensor technology in this century so far. As data and computing power increase, deep learning algorithms will be the primary focus of soft sensor research, which will help lower energy consumption, enhance production rates and lower the CO2 footprint.
A Gram-stain-negative, ovoid to rod-shaped, aerobic, non-motile bacterial strain, designated YIM 73028T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from a hot spring in Tibet, China. Phylogenetic analysis (based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences) indicated that strain YIM 73028T belongs to the genus Tabrizicola and showed the highest sequence similarity to the type strain of Tabrizicola aquatica (97.0%). Growth occurred at 30–50 °C (optimum, 37–45 °C) and pH 6.5–8.5 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.5). The respiratory isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified amino lipid and unidentified lipid. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) were C18:1 ω7c, C18:1 ω7c 11-methyl, C16:0 and C18:0. The genomic DNA G + C content was 65.7%. The average nucleotide identity value between strain YIM 73028T and type species of Tabrizicola aquatica was lower than 95–96% threshold recommended for distinguishing novel prokaryotic species. Based on the phenotypic, physiological, chemotaxonomic, genotypic, and phylogenetic data, strain YIM 73028T represents a novel species of the genus Tabrizicola, for which the name Tabrizicola caldifontis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 73028T (= KCTC 52713T = CGMCC 1.16151T).
Background
While there is extensive research on leadership’s role in fostering proactive behavior among, only a few studies have examined the link between inclusive leadership (IL) and followers’ challenge-oriented organizational citizenship behavior (COCB). This relationship remains largely unexplored in the information and technology industry, where the challenges are unprecedented, and creativity is essential for survival.
Objective
The study aims to validate the proposed association between IL and COCB in the context of IT industry. Moreover, this research introduces creative self-efficacy (CSE) as a mediator and organizational innovative climate (IC) as moderator, deepening the understanding of the mechanisms further.
Design/Methodology
Cross-sectional study was conducted on 321 respondents employed in IT industry. To test our hypotheses, SEM analysis was conducted to measure the path coefficients, followed by bootstrapping analysis to assess the indirect impacts of creative self-efficacy at work.
Results
The findings indicate that inclusive leadership promote subordinates’ COCB directly, as well as through enhancing CSE, and these relationship are stronger in organizational IC.
Conclusion
Managers should promote inclusive leadership through HR practices and training, select leaders with inclusive traits, and foster an innovative climate with regular cross-departmental events to boost challenge-oriented OCB and organizational effectiveness.
Previous studies have examined the relationships between some eating distractions and diet quality in the young population. However, to our knowledge, no study has analyzed the associations between multiple eating distractions (e.g., using a mobile phone, watching television [TV], eating while standing) and diet quality, particularly in terms of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) among adolescents. The objective of the current study was to analyze the relationships of eating distractions with UPF consumption and adherence to the MedDiet in a sample of Spanish adolescents. This cross-sectional study used data from 826 adolescents aged 12–17 years from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities study in Spain. The following eating distractions were assessed via a self-report questionnaire: “(1) eating while talking on the phone/sending short message service [SMS]/emails or using social networks”, (2) watching TV while dinner, and (3) eating while standing”. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED) was utilized to evaluate adherence to the MedDiet. A self-administered food frequency questionnaire, previously validated for the Spanish population, was used to assess UPF consumption. The associations of eating distractions with UPF consumption and MedDiet adherence were analyzed via generalized linear models. The models were adjusted for sex, age, socioeconomic status, body mass index, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration. A significant association was found, with a higher eating distraction score corresponding to greater UPF consumption (unstandardized beta coefficient [B] = 71.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 34.69–107.82; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a higher eating distraction score was associated with a lower KIDMED score (B − 0.29; 95% CI − 0.39 to − 0.18; p < 0.001). Individually, for grams of UPFs consumed, a significant association was observed for eating while using a phone or social network, which was linked to higher UPF consumption (B = 120.70; 95% CI 57.83–183.57; p < 0.001). However, the associations for eating while watching TV (B = 49.60; 95% CI − 9.01 to 108.21; p = 0.098) and eating while standing (B = 63.66; 95% CI − 37.92 to 165.25; p = 0.220) did not reach statistical significance. For KIDMED score, all the eating distractions were associated with a significant decrease, with the largest effect observed for phone or social network use (B = − 0.44; 95% CI − 0.62 to − 0.26). Watching TV (B = − 0.18; 95% CI − 0.35 to − 0.01; p = 0.037) and eating while standing (B = − 0.42; 95% CI − 0.71 to − 0.13; p = 0.004) also showed significant negative associations. Although diet quality is influenced by multiple factors, eating distractions may negatively impact adolescents by increasing UPF consumption and reducing adherence to the MedDiet. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the role of the eating environment in shaping healthy dietary habits.
Background/Objectives: In Latin America, yerba mate (YM) is a popular infusion processed from the leaves and stems of Ilex paraguariensis. YM has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in several studies, although the effect of YM on multiple sclerosis (MS) remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of YM on the development of MS, by using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model while also evaluating its effect over infiltration of immune cells into the central nervous system (CNS) and regulatory T cell (Treg) function. Methods: YM or vehicle were administrated to mice daily by oral gavage for seven days prior to EAE induction and during the entire course of the disease. EAE score was recorded daily, and immune cell infiltration into the CNS was measured by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Results: Our results showed that YM administration decreases EAE symptoms and immune cell infiltration into the CNS, along with reducing demyelination, compared to the vehicle treatment. Moreover, an increase in the Treg population, immune cells capable of generating tolerance and decreased inflammation, was observed in mice receiving YM, together with improved Treg suppressive capabilities after YM treatment in vitro. Conclusions: In summary, we showed that YM promotes an immunosuppressive environment by modulating Treg function, reducing EAE symptoms and immune cell infiltration into the brain, and suggesting that YM consumption could be a good cost-effective treatment for MS.
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