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Background and aim: Litter and soil characteristics influence the abundance and activities of decomposers and detritivores, thereby affecting C accumulation. The relationship between the chemical composition of soil organic matter and soil organisms is still unclear. The study aims to investigate how the quality and quantity of litter and soil organic matter influence C accumulation and the relationships between organic matter quality and bacteria, fungi and microarthropods in litter and soil. Materials and methods: Litters and soils from 24 sites were analysed for the abiotic (pH, water content, total C and N content and the chemical composition of soluble C: carbohydrate, alkyl, O-alkyl, aromatic and carboxyl groups) and the biotic characteristics (bacterial and fungal abundances, urease and β-glucosidase, microbial respiration, microarthropod community). Results: Litter had a high carbohydrate and low C contents, whereas soil had higher content of recalcitrant compounds (aromatic and carboxylic groups) and C. Whitin substrate types, higher C content was found in litter from shrubs and in soil under sclerophyllous evergreens. Bacterial abundances were lower in litter than in soil, whereas microbial respiration, enzymatic activities, microarthropod densities and predator abundances were higher in litter than in soil. Microbial abundances and activities were strongly related to total C and N concentrations in both litter and soil, while the microarthropod community was positively correlated with soluble C recalcitrant compounds in soil. Conclusions: Soils showed a high capacity for C accumulation due to the high content of recalcitrant compounds. In soil, the microarthropod community, more than bacteria and fungi, was positively correlated with the quality of organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advances in prevention and treatment, the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus remains a significant problem in the United States, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). Alcohol use can promote risky sexual decisions, and alcohol expectancies may influence the role of alcohol in decision making. The present secondary analysis tests the moderating role of sexual alcohol expectancies (SAEs) in the relation between daily alcohol intoxication and sexual behavior in a sample of 248 moderate- to heavy-drinking MSM. SAEs were assessed with the Sexual Alcohol Expectancies Questionnaire at baseline, followed by two 23-day bursts of ecological momentary assessment including self-initiated morning assessments of sexual behavior and the prior night's perceived intoxication, as well as nine daily random alcohol assessments. Multilevel modeling showed that SAEs moderated a curvilinear association between intoxication and anal intercourse with a condom such that the relation between daily intoxication and anal intercourse with a condom is a more pronounced inverted u-shape among individuals with strong SAEs, and this moderation effect was not seen for condomless anal intercourse (CAI). While SAEs do appear to influence the association between intoxication and sexual behavior in MSM, they do not appear to moderate the association between alcohol intoxication and CAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Nowadays, secondary raw materials (SRM) obtained from plant matrices are of great interest for circular economy, suitable for sustainable measures to reduce environmental impact. This work focused on the extraction, characterization and quantification of compounds obtained from leaves and fruits of the Sicilian sumac, Rhus coriaria L. and their application as natural dyes on textile fibres. Extractions were performed with Extractor Naviglio®, maceration and ultrasound assisted methods and food-grade solvents (aqueous and hydroalcoholic) to evaluate the yields for dye compounds. The presence of colouring molecules was evaluated by UV–Vis spectrophotometer, and the extracts selected for colouring were quantified and characterized by LC–MS. The results showed that Extractor Naviglio® achieved the best extraction yield, and the ethanol–water mixture extracts had a higher amount of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and a higher content of total colouring compounds (TCC). These extracts were selected for subsequent applications as dyes for linen, cotton and wool. The chemical profile of selected extracts was rich in compounds such as gallotannin and anthocyanin class. Fibre dyeing was verified by recording CIELAB colouring coordinates. The results suggest that the dyes obtained from R. coriaria can be of great interest for artisanal and industrial processes, in accordance with environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous contextual factors contribute to risky sexual decision-making among men who have sex with men (MSM), with experimental laboratory-based studies suggesting that alcohol consumption, sexual arousal, and partner familiarity have the potential to impact condom negotiations during sexual encounters. The purpose of the current study was to extend this line of inquiry outside of the laboratory and into the everyday lives of MSM. We collected six weeks of daily data on alcohol consumption and sexual behaviors from 257 moderate- and heavy-drinking MSM to examine the within- and between-subjects effects of alcohol consumption, average daily sexual arousal, and partner familiarity on condom negotiation processes during sexual encounters. We hypothesized that alcohol consumption, higher levels of average daily sexual arousal, and greater partner familiarity would all contribute to a reduced likelihood of condom negotiation prior to sexual activity, and that they would also affect the difficulty of negotiations. Contrary to hypotheses, none of these three predictors had significant within-subjects effects on condom negotiation outcomes. However, partner familiarity and average daily sexual arousal did exert significant between-subjects effects on the incidence of negotiation and negotiation difficulty. These findings have important implications for risk-reduction strategies in this population. They also highlight the challenges of reconciling results from experimental laboratory research and experience sampling conducted outside of the laboratory on sexual risk behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the production of customised and sophisticated components; Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a widely used and cost-effective AM technique. Nevertheless, the use of FFF for aerospace and aeronautical applications is often impeded by the inadequate surface finish it imparts to the produced components. This work aims to demonstrate that, with careful calibration of process parameters and build orientation, FFF can produce aerospace components with low surface roughness. This could enable FFF to be used in aeronautics, allowing the benefits of lightweighting structures using metal replacement thermoplastics and variable infill to be exploited. In this study, rudder sections of a UAV tailplane were produced using FFF and lightened through variable internal infills, thin thicknesses, and a polymer for metal replacement. By setting different printing processes, such as infill percentage and orientation, a configuration with 10% of linear infill which results in a 97.5 g component was identified that exhibits suitable surface roughness for aerospace applications and a weight saving of approximately 50% compared to an equivalent metal volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the use of plastic mulch in agriculture has largely increased to meet the growing demand for food. Despite their potential benefits, it is still unknown the long-term impact of mulches on soil microbiome. In this study, we compared at a mesocosm level the effects of polyethylene (Plastic) and Mater-bi® (Bioplastic) mulches on the soil physico-chemical (i.e., pH, soil water content, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection-FTIR), microbiological, and biochemical (i.e., microbial respiration, enzymatic activities, abundances and composition of bacterial, fungal and microarthropod communities) properties after 6 and 12 months. The analysis of the microbiome revealed an increase in bacterial richness and diversity in the 12-month-treated bioplastic soils. Members of Solirubrobacterales, Vicinamibacterales, Nitrososphaerales, Crenarchaeota, and Clostridiales were the most abundant following the bioplastic treatment. While the fungal and microarthropod communities varied over time, neither of them was affected by the type of mulching. Further longer-term research is needed to clarify the impact of bioplastic and plastic mulches on the soil microbiome, including microarthropods, and its dynamics over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of internal dosimetry is usually proposed for investigational purposes in patients treated by RLT, even if its application is not yet the standard method in clinical practice. This limited use is partially justified by several concomitant factors that make calculations a complex process. Therefore, simplified dosimetry protocols are required. Methods: In our study, dosimetric evaluations were performed in thirty patients with NENs who underwent RLT with [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE. The reference method (M0) calculated the cumulative absorbed dose performing dosimetry after each of the four cycles. Obtained data were employed to assess the feasibility of simplified protocols: defining the dosimetry only after the first cycle (M1) and after the first and last one (M2). Results: The mean differences of the cumulative absorbed doses between M1 and M0 were – 10% for kidney, – 5% for spleen, + 34% for liver, + 13% for red marrow, and + 37% for tumor lesions. Conversely, differences lower than ± 10% were measured between M2 and M0. Conclusion: Cumulative absorbed doses obtained with the M2 protocol resembled the doses calculated by M0, while the M1 protocol overestimated the absorbed doses in all organs at risk, except for the spleen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helping people with HIV (PWH) and without HIV (PWoH) understand the relationship between physical symptoms and alcohol use might help motivate them to decrease use. In surveys collected in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study from 2002 to 2018, PWH and PWoH were asked about 20 common symptoms and whether they thought any were caused by alcohol use. Analyses were restricted to current alcohol users (AUDIT-C > 0). We applied generalized estimating equations. The outcome was having any Symptoms Attributed to Alcohol use (SxAA). Primary independent variables were each of the 20 symptoms and HIV status. Compared to PWoH, PWH had increased odds of SxAA (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.27, 1.88). Increased AUDIT-C score was also associated with SxAA (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.28, 1.36), as were trouble remembering, anxiety, and weight loss/wasting. Evidence that specific symptoms are attributed to alcohol use may help motive people with and without HIV decrease their alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol consumption is one of the strongest predictors of suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), however, there is little research that has investigated both within- and between-person associations of alcohol consumption and ART adherence at the event-level. In this secondary data-analysis, (N = 22) HIV-positive MSM prospectively reported daily alcohol consumption and ART adherence for 42-days. Multilevel models demonstrated (1) days in which participants reported consuming any alcohol was associated with 2.48 increased odds of ART non-adherence, compared to days in which participants reported no alcohol consumption, and (2) there was a non-significant trend indicating days in which participants reported consuming greater than their own average levels of alcohol was associated with increased odds of ART non-adherence. Findings highlight the importance of combining intervention efforts that address alcohol consumption and suboptimal ART adherence, and indicate a need for future research to investigate the mechanisms by which alcohol influences ART adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use among people living with HIV (PWH) has been increasingly recognized as an important component of HIV care. Transdiagnostic treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), that target core processes common to multiple mental health and substance-related problems, may be ideal in HIV treatment settings where psychological and behavioral health comorbidities are high. In advance of a randomized clinical trial (RCT), the overall objective of this study was to systematically adapt an ACT-based intervention originally developed for smoking cessation, into an ACT intervention for PWH who drink at hazardous levels. Consistent with the ADAPT-ITT model, the adaptation progressed systematically in several phases, which included structured team meetings, three focus group discussions with PWH (N = 13), and in-depth interviews with HIV providers (N = 10), and development of standardized operating procedures for interventionist training, supervision, and eventual RCT implementation. The procedures described here offer a template for transparent reporting on early phase behavioral RCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with HIV (PWH) frequently engage in unhealthy alcohol use, which can adversely affect antiretroviral adherence and HIV disease progression. Brief interventions based on Motivational Interviewing (MI), including the Brief Negotiated Interview (BNI), can help to reduce drinking. This study examines MI processes observed during a single 15–20 min BNI session delivered by social workers to PWH with unhealthy alcohol use (N = 59) in the context of a stepped care intervention to reduce alcohol consumption. BNI sessions were coded for technical and relational processes encouraged in MI, such as autonomy support, instructive language, and self-exploration. Multiple regression analyses explored the relationship between: (1) Participants' pre-intervention drinking behaviors (weekly drinks and heavy drinking days) and these MI processes, and (2) MI processes and intervention outcomes. Results indicated that PWH who reported more weekly drinks at baseline engaged in less self-exploration, while social workers delivering the BNI used less instructive language for those who reported more heavy drinking days. PWH who engaged in more self-exploration and received more autonomy support had fewer heavy drinking days 6 months after the intervention. These findings suggest the value of providing more opportunities within BNIs to encourage self-exploration, as it may help to enhance intervention efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Alcohol-induced executive function deficits may underlie associations between alcohol, self-regulation, and hazardous behaviors. Studies examining the effects of alcohol administration on working memory, an important executive functioning component, have produced mixed findings. Acute alcohol effects on working memory remain unclear. Objectives: We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of acute alcohol administration on working memory outcomes in studies of healthy adults. Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO from inception to June 2021. Studies were included if they met criteria, including healthy participants and administration of quantified alcohol doses against comparative controls. Data extracted included primary working memory outcomes, alcohol doses, and study characteristics. Study quality was assessed using an established validity measure. Working memory task type, alcohol dose, control condition type, and sex/gender composition were explored as moderators using mixed-effects models and meta-regressions. Results: Thirty-two studies (1629 participants) provided sufficient data for 54 comparisons between alcohol and control conditions. Random-effects meta-analysis indicated that alcohol administration produced significant, small- to medium-sized working memory decrements (g [95% CI] = − 0.300 [− 0.390 to − 0.211], p < 0.001). Moderation analyses suggested that these effects differed as a function of task type, dose, control condition type, and sex/gender composition. The average quality rating across studies was good. Conclusions: Alcohol administration significantly impaired working memory performance, particularly when executive-related manipulation processes were involved. Future research is needed to investigate how alcohol-induced working memory impairments relate to compromised self-regulation, hazardous behavior, and negative drinking consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timeline followback (TLFB) takes more resources to collect than the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C). We assessed agreement of TLFB and AUDIT-C with the biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth) and compared changes in TLFB and PEth among persons with HIV (PWH) using secondary data from randomized trials. We calculated operating characteristics and agreement between TLFB (> 1 and > 2 average drinks/day), AUDIT-C ≥ 4 and PEth ≥ 20 among 275 men with HIV. Median age was 57 years, 80% were African-American; and 17% white. Sixty-eight percent had PEth ≥ 20, 46% reported > 2 average drinks/day on TLFB, 61% reported > 1 average drinks/day on TLFB, and 72% had an AUDIT-C ≥ 4. Relative to PEth, sensitivity for AUDIT-C ≥ 4 was 84% (kappa = 0.36), and for TLFB > 1 average drink/day was 76% (kappa = 0.44). Change in alcohol use appeared greater using TLFB measures than PEth. Strategies to robustly assess alcohol use in PWH may require both self-report and biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol-using Black MSM (Men who have sex with men) are disproportionately impacted by HIV in the U.S.—particularly in the southern U.S.—despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The purpose of this study was to summarize the current evidence on alcohol use and ART adherence among Black MSM in the U.S. and in the South and to identify future research needs. A systematic review was conducted using eight databases to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles published between January 2010 and April 2021. The authors also snowballed remaining studies and hand-searched for additional studies. Including both quantitative and qualitative studies, five published studies examined alcohol and ART adherence among Black MSM in the U.S. The search identified 240 articles, the study team reviewed 114 in full-text and determined that only five met the inclusion criteria. Three of the five included studies identified alcohol use as a barrier to ART adherence. In conclusions, the general lack of literature on HIV disparities among alcohol-using Black MSM in the U.S. (specifically in the South) indicates a critical need for research on this population's unique risks and needs to inform the development of tailored interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief introduction to and description of the contents of this special issue of AIDS and Behavior. The article begins with a description of the rationale for the special issue and the origin of its compilation. This background information is followed by a brief description of the main articles that are included in the special issue, which is structured by Gaist and Stirrat's [4] definitions of types of behavioral and social science research for HIV-AIDS research. The "bookend" article to this introduction is by Robert Freeman and identifies future directions for research and clinical practice that the special issue articles' content suggests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate-specific membrane antigen is overexpressed in prostate cancer and it is considered a good target for positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging of primary cancer and recurrent/metastatic disease, as well as for radioligand therapy. Different PSMA-analogues labeled with [68Ga]gallium have been investigated, showing excellent imaging properties; however, only small amounts can be produced for each radiolabeling. Recently, a [18F]fluoride labeled PSMA-inhibitor, [18F]PSMA-1007, has been introduced, and it has ensured large-scale productions, overcoming this limitation of [68Ga]PSMAs. In this study, PSMA-1007 has been labeled with low (A), medium (B) and high (C) starting activities of [18F]fluoride, in order to verify if radiochemical yield, radiochemical purity and stability of [18F]PSMA-1007 were affected. These parameters have been measured in sixty-five consecutive batches. In addition, the estimation of [18F]PSMA-1007 production costs is provided. Results: The radiochemical yield for low and medium activities of [18F]fluoride was 52%, while for the high one it decreased to 40%. The radiochemical purity was 99% for all three activities. [18F]PSMA-1007 did not show radiolysis up to 8 h after the end of synthesis, confirming that the radiopharmaceutical is stable and suitable to perform diagnostic studies in humans for a long period of time after the end of radiolabeling. Furthermore, radiochemical stability was demonstrated in fetal bovine serum at 4 °C and 37 °C for 120′. Conclusions: A starting activity of [18F]fluoride of 90 GBq (B) seems to be the best option enabling a final amount of about of 50 GBq of [18F]PSMA-1007, which is promising as it allows to: (a) perform a large number of scans, and/or (b) supply the radiopharmaceutical to any peripheral diagnostic centers in need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of alcohol intoxication and its interaction with contextual or situation (partner familiarity) and individual differences variables (effortful control, urgency, and whether taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication) on sexual behaviors in men who have sex with men (MSM), a subgroup for whom HIV continues to be a major public health problem in the U.S. The participants were 236 men recruited from two northeastern U.S. cities and aged 21–50 years, M = 27.8). These men participated in a 6-week (two 3-week sampling bursts) experience sampling method (ESM) study. The ESM data were collected via use of software installed on the participant's own or study-provided mobile phone. Individual differences variables were measured by participants' completing questionnaires measuring effortful control and urgency, and the participant's self-report of whether he was currently taking PrEP. The ESM data pertained to sexual behavior as well as situation variables of familiarity of relevant sexual partners and number of standard alcohol drinks consumed. The results generally were consistent with hypotheses, as alcohol intoxication showed a curvilinear relation to the occurrence of condomless anal intercourse. Furthermore, the likelihood of occurrence of condomless anal sex increased with increased familiarity of the sexual partner. Similarly, taking PrEP increased the likelihood of occurrence of condomless anal sex. At the same time, alcohol's effects were moderated by all three individual differences variables as expected, but the prediction that partner familiarity would moderate alcohol's effects on the occurrence of condomless sex was not supported. Clinical implications of the findings center on the application of the data to HIV prevention programs toward inclusion of more empirically supported, nuanced information on the relation between acute alcohol intoxication and sexual behavior. Directions for further research address the need for additional testing and refinement of a person × situation approach to alcohol and sexual behavior. Furthermore, it is argued that it is important to refine further the concept of sexual risk in the context of taking PrEP and to conduct more detailed, multivariate studies of the relation between taking PrEP and patterns of sexual behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the nephroprotective and the molecular mechanisms effects of Liza aurata protein hydrolysates (LAPHs) against paracetamol induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Oxidative stress as evident by increased malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, advanced oxidation protein product, protein carbonyl, with significant decrease in non protein thiol and glutathione contents, as well as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase activities. Paracetamol triggered inflammatory response by inducing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), with the increased expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2). Paracetamol also increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate deshydrogenase (LDH) activities, along with an increase in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total bilirubin levels. LAPHs were found to decrease leakage of LDH and ALP activity and attenuate the increase in biochemical parameters resulted in a subsequent recovery towards normalization. The biochemical parameters and histopathological observation were correlated by regulation of Cox-2, and TNF-α expression. PH-LA, which presented the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, was fractionated by G-25 chromatography into five fractions. F2 and F4 which exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, respectively, were further fractionated by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography. Our findings claimed that PH-LA can be used in preventing and treating many health problems without any side effects and can be applied in the field of nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Data on the decomposition of fine roots are scarce for the Mediterranean basin. This work aims to compare chemical traits, decomposition rate, and temperature sensitivity (Q10) for root and leaf litter of 43 Mediterranean species. Methods: We carried out a two-years litterbag decomposition experiment using 43 fine roots litter and leaf litter types incubated in laboratory conditions at three different temperatures, i.e. 4 °C, 14 °C, and 24 °C. Litter was characterized for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), lignin and cellulose concentration, C/N, and lignin/N ratios. Results: Fine root litter had lower N content but higher lignin concentration, lignin/N, and C/N ratios compared to leaf litter. The decay rate of fine root litter was slower than leaf litter. For both tissues, the decay rate was negatively associated with lignin concentration, lignin/N, and C/N ratios but positively with N concentration. Q10 was higher for fine root than leaf litter, with a positive correlation with lignin while negative with N concentration. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate a higher Q10 accompanied by a slower decomposition rate of fine root litter compared to leaf litter in Mediterranean ecosystems. These results must be considered in modeling organic C at the ecosystem scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal behavior is highly structured. Yet, structured behavioral patterns—or "statistical ethograms"—are not immediately apparent from the full spatiotemporal data that behavioral scientists usually collect. Here, we introduce a framework to quantitatively characterize rodent behavior during spatial (e.g., maze) navigation, in terms of movement building blocks or motor primitives. The hypothesis that we pursue is that rodent behavior is characterized by a small number of motor primitives, which are combined over time to produce open-ended movements. We assume motor primitives to be organized in terms of two sparsity principles: each movement is controlled using a limited subset of motor primitives (sparse superposition) and each primitive is active only for time-limited, time-contiguous portions of movements (sparse activity). We formalize this hypothesis using a sparse dictionary learning method, which we use to extract motor primitives from rodent position and velocity data collected during spatial navigation, and successively to reconstruct past trajectories and predict novel ones. Three main results validate our approach. First, rodent behavioral trajectories are robustly reconstructed from incomplete data, performing better than approaches based on standard dimensionality reduction methods, such as principal component analysis, or single sparsity. Second, the motor primitives extracted during one experimental session generalize and afford the accurate reconstruction of rodent behavior across successive experimental sessions in the same or in modified mazes. Third, in our approach the number of motor primitives associated with each maze correlates with independent measures of maze complexity, hence showing that our formalism is sensitive to essential aspects of task structure. The framework introduced here can be used by behavioral scientists and neuroscientists as an aid for behavioral and neural data analysis. Indeed, the extracted motor primitives enable the quantitative characterization of the complexity and similarity between different mazes and behavioral patterns across multiple trials (i.e., habit formation). We provide example uses of this computational framework, showing how it can be used to identify behavioural effects of maze complexity, analyze stereotyped behavior, classify behavioral choices and predict place and grid cell displacement in novel environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a high-risk population for HIV infection and this risk is increased for those who consume alcohol. Condomless anal intercourse (CAI) is the central transmission risk factor for this population. This study examined whether individual differences in working memory moderated the association between intentions to use condoms and the frequency of CAI among MSM who engaged in anal intercourse over a subsequent 6-week period. Moderate- and heavy-drinking MSM (n = 207) completed questionnaires regarding alcohol use and condom use intentions and an operation span task to assess working memory at baseline. Participants then completed 6 weeks of morning surveys via a mobile phone app to assess anal intercourse frequency with and without condoms. Negative binomial regression analyses showed that the association between intentions to use condoms and episodes of CAI during the monitoring period was moderated by working memory such that intentions predicted CAI for those high in working memory but not those low in working memory. These results support the view that self-reported intentions may be less-likely to translate into health behaviors among those with poorer executive functioning skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Experimental findings have shown that pain increased alcohol urge and intention to use alcohol, and that this relation was mediated by pain-induced negative affect. We sought to extend this research by examining (a) whether dispositional mindfulness moderates the indirect effect of experimental pain induction on alcohol use proxies via negative affect and (b) whether the five mindfulness facets, tested independently, differentially moderate the mediation model. Methods: Secondary data analysis of a repeated measures experimental study was conducted using moderated mediation analyses. Participants included 61 undergraduate students (Mage = 18.7, SD = 0.82; 50.8% male) who endorsed risky drinking. Results: Results showed that the index of moderated mediation was significant for the mindfulness facets of observing, describing, and non-reactivity. Specifically, pain increased alcohol use proxies via increased negative affect for participants who were either low in non-reactivity or high in the observing or describing mindfulness facets. Conversely, negative affect was less important in the pain-alcohol relation for individuals high in non-reactivity or low in observing or describing mindfulness facets. There were no significant moderating effects of overall mindfulness or the awareness and non-judging facets. Conclusions: The differential relations of mindfulness facets found in this study highlight the need to consider the multifaceted nature of mindfulness when exploring the physical pain and alcohol relation. Further research should confirm whether lower levels of non-reactivity and higher levels of observing or describing may be indicators that an individual suffering from pain-related alcohol use will benefit from pain treatment that targets pain-related negative affect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies suggest that different types of milk-derived proteins or peptides might be active as antihypertensive, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial agents. Nonetheless, the research of an alternative source of bioactive peptides to avoid the different types of allergy and intolerance, caused by milk protein, could be hypothesised. Controne bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. ecotype Controne) is a typical legume variety from Campania region (Controne Municipality, Salerno, Italy), characterised, on average, by a protein content of 22%. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of protein extracts (PEs) from different bean cultivars, such as Controne, Spanish White and Cannellini, to verify some peculiar biological properties, such as antiradical, anti α-amylase and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities, as well as to test in vitro the potential influence of PEs on intestinal permeability. The most promising results were provided by Controne cultivar; in particular: antiradical effect, 80%; lactulose/mannitol ratio, LMR, 0.198; α-amylase inhibition, 70%; ACE inhibition, 62%. These results suggest that Controne bean PE may be of interest for potential nutraceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral interventions remain the preferred strategy for reducing HIV-related risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM), one of the populations most affected by HIV. To improve intervention efforts, research is needed to identify cognitive-motivational factors that may play a role in sexual risk behaviors among MSM. This study sought to replicate and extend previous work from a heterosexual population that identified a serial mediation effect of perceived intoxication and subjective sexual arousal in the relationship between alcohol consumption and determinants of sexual risk in a population of MSM. Exploratory moderated mediation analyses tested subjective sexual arousal as a moderator of the indirect effect of alcohol consumption on determinants of sexual risk via perceived intoxication. Participants (N = 117 MSM, ages 21–50) were randomly assigned to one of six experimental conditions based on two manipulations: beverage condition (alcohol, placebo, or control) and sexual arousal (low or high). Dependent measures were likelihood to engage in risky sex and condom negotiation skills. Results did not support the serial mediation effect but showed some support for the moderated mediation model in the prediction of behavioral skills. Implications for alcohol and arousal myopia theories of risky behavior and HIV prevention efforts are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Litter decomposition is of great concern as it plays a key role in regulating global carbon cycle and nutrient budgets, especially in tropical forests where it is very fast. Therefore, we studied the decomposition and subsequent changes in element concentrations and amounts of 11 tropical leaf litter.Methods: Fresh litters were characterized in terms of elemental, proximate features, as well as organic carbon compositions by 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Controlled litterbag decomposition was carried out for 180 days in the laboratory, bags were retrieved at three dates and analyzed for mass loss and concentration of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), sodium (Na), carbon (C), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), and percentage of ash, extractives, cellulose and lignin.Results: Terminalia arjuna showed highest mass loss, while the lowest was observed in Shorea robusta showing significant positive correlation with litter initial K, Mg, Fe and di-O-alkyl C, O-alkyl C, while significant negative correlation with Mn, lignin and Methoxyl C, Alkyl C. Trajectories shows that Fe, Mg, K, Mn, Zn and Na concentrations increased in most of the litter types, except Terminalia arjuna and Toona ciliata, where Fe, Mg, K concentrations decreased during decomposition. Surprisingly, in most of the species with the exception of Terminalia arjuna, N concentrations decreased at a faster rate than C concentrations, resulting in an increase in C/N ratios. Expectedly, lignin progressively increased, while cellulose decreased.Conclusions: Observed differences in decomposition rate and dynamics of chemical changes among litters were strongly affected by the litter type, decomposition time and their interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of this research were: i) to compare Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb concentrations in Quercus ilex L. leaves collected at urban/industrial and urban areas; ii) to investigate the main pathway of leaf metal accumulation; iii) to evaluate probable differences in traits of leaves at the investigated area typologies; iv) to relate leaf metal concentrations and to leaf traits.Methods: Leaves and soils were collected at six sites (three of urban area and three of urban/industrial area). Length, width, area, extract pH, relative water content, specific area and petiole length were evaluated in the leaves; besides, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb concentrations were measured in unwashed and chloroform washed leaves, and in soils.Results: The comparison between leaves collected at the urban and urban/industrial area showed that higher Cr, Ni and Pb concentrations were measured at the urban/industrial area, greater leaves and longer petiole were observed at the urban area, whereas higher leaf extract pH were observed at the urban/industrial one. Air uptake seemed to be the main pathway of leaf metal accumulation, as soils were not metal contaminated.Conclusions: Q. ilex leaves highlighted a diffuse and conspicuous air metal pollution in both urban/industrial and urban areas, although differences between the site typologies were observed. In fact, leaves of the urban/industrial area showed higher inner concentrations of all the investigated metals, with the exception of Cu. A direct leaf uptake by the air can be supposed, as the soils were scarcely metal contaminated. Greater leaves and longer petiole, among the investigated leaf traits, appeared the main leaf responses to metal accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides a full description of the responses of the crop energy plant Zea mays to stress induced by Cd and Pb, in view of a possible extensive use in phytoattenuation of metal-polluted soils. In this perspective, (i) the uptake capability in root and shoot, (ii) the changes in growth pattern and cytological traits, and (iii) the photosynthetic efficiency based on photochemistry and the level of key proteins were investigated in hydroponic cultures. Both metals were uptaken by maize, with a translocation factor higher for Cd than Pb, but only Cd-treated plants showed a reduced growth compared to control (i.e., a lower leaf number and a reduced plant height), with a biomass loss up to 40%, at the highest concentration of metal (10−3 M). The observation of cytological traits highlighted ultrastructural damages in the chloroplasts of Cd-treated plants. A decline of Rubisco and D1 was observed in plants under Cd stress, while a relevant increase of the same proteins was found in Pb-treated plants, along with an increase of chlorophyll content. Fluorescent emission measurements indicated that both metals induced an increase of NPQ, but only Cd at the highest concentration determined a significant decline of Fv/Fm. These results indicate a different response of Z. mays to individual metals, with Pb triggering a compensative response and Cd inducing severe morpho-physiological alterations at all investigated levels. Therefore, Z. mays could be successfully exploited in phytoattenuation of Pb-polluted soil, but only at very low concentrations of Cd to avoid severe plant damages and biomass loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 71% of HIV-infected individuals live in sub-Saharan Africa. Alcohol use increases unprotected sex, which can lead to HIV transmission. Little research examines risky sex among HIV-infected individuals in East Africa who are not sex workers. The study purpose was to examine associations with unprotected sex in a high-risk sample of 507 HIV-infected sexually active drinkers in western Kenya. They were enrolled in a trial to reduce alcohol use. Past-month baseline alcohol use and sexual behavior were assessed using the Timeline Followback. A zero-inflated negative binomial model examined associations with occurrence and frequency of unprotected sex. Results showed heavy drinking days were significantly associated with unprotected sex occurrence across gender, and with unprotected sex frequency among women. Among women, transactional sex, alcohol-related sexual expectations, condom use self-efficacy, drinking-and-protected-sex days and age were associated with unprotected sex occurrence while alcohol-related sexual expectations, depressive symptoms and condom use self-efficacy were associated with unprotected sex frequency. Among men, alcohol-related sexual expectations, condom use self-efficacy, and age were associated with unprotected sex occurrence, while drinking-and-protected-sex days were associated with unprotected sex occurrence and frequency. Findings suggest robust relationships between heavy drinking and unprotected sex. Further research is needed elucidating the temporal relationships between drinking and unprotected sex in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested the effects of alcohol intoxication and physiological arousal on cognitive biases toward erotic stimuli and condoms. Ninety-seven heterosexual men were randomized to 1 of 6 independent conditions in a 2 (high arousal or control) × 3 (alcohol target BAC = 0.08, placebo, or juice control) design and then completed a variant of the Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT). The AAT assessed reaction times toward approaching and avoiding erotic stimuli and condoms with a joystick. Consistent with hypotheses, the alcohol condition exhibited an approach bias toward erotic stimuli, whereas the control and placebo groups exhibited an approach bias toward condom stimuli. Similarly, the participants in the high arousal condition exhibited an approach bias toward erotic stimuli and the low arousal control condition exhibited an approach bias toward condoms. The results suggest that acute changes in intoxication and physiological arousal independently foster biased responding toward sexual stimuli and these biases are associated with sexual risk intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants of the urban environment are exposed to a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals. This research studies in situ the eco-physiological and antioxidant responses of holm oak ( Q. ilex) leaves to Pb and Cd to assess the mechanisms of metal tolerance in this species, widely used as biomonitor. Leaves of plants grown at parks and roadsides were analyzed for photosynthetic activity, Pb and Cd concentration in tissues and cell-free extracts, thiol groups, D1 and Rubisco protein content, ascorbic acid (AsA) amount, and catalase (CAT) activity. The main results evidenced that Cd concentration was higher in leaves collected at the park out from the downtown; whereas Pb was most abundant in leaves sampled at the roadside nearby the highway. Pb in cell-free extracts was higher in park than in roadside leaves. Although Cd in the leaf tissues was twofold lower than Pb, it was more abundant than Pb in cellular extracts deprived of all particulate matter. Leaves responded to different concentration of Cd and Pb modulating some eco-physiological and biochemical traits, roadside leaves showed reduced leaf lamina, higher content of photosynthetic pigments, hydrogen peroxide, and AsA, as well as higher CAT activity compared to park leaves. In the roadside leaves, a stress condition for photosynthetic apparatus can be hypothesized on the basis of the decline of photochemical activity, the increase of NPQ, and the reduction of Rubisco and D1 protein content. The elevated presence of thiol groups in these leaves suggests a possible role of Pb and Cd in activation of antioxidant responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Victimization from physical and sexual violence presents global health challenges. Partner violence is higher in Kenya than Africa. Violence against drinkers and HIV-infected individuals is typically elevated, so dual vulnerabilities may further augment risk. Understanding violence risks can improve interventions. Participants were 614 HIV-infected outpatient drinkers in western Kenya enrolled in a randomized trial to reduce alcohol use. At baseline, past 90-day partner physical and sexual violence were examined descriptively and in gender-stratified regression models. We hypothesized higher reported violence against women than men, and positive violence association with HIV stigma and alcohol use across gender. Women reported significantly more current sexual (26.3 vs. 5.7%) and physical (38.9 vs. 24.8%) victimization than men. Rates were generally higher than Kenyan lifetime national averages. In both regression models, HIV stigma and alcohol-related sexual expectations were significantly associated with violence while alcohol use was not. For women, higher violence risk was also conferred by childhood violence, past-year transactional sex, and younger age. HIV-infected Kenyan drinkers, particularly women, endorse high current violence due to multiple risk factors. Findings have implications for HIV interventions. Longitudinal research is needed to understand development of risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in cloud computing has steadily increased in the last few years, with new services continuously being introduced into the IT market by cloud vendors. Research efforts have been made to understand how business requirements can be mapped to cloud services, in order to support and ease the development of new cloud based applications, starting from business definitions expressed in standard formats, such as the business process model and notation. In most cases, business models greatly differ in structure and in the applied semantics, even when describing the very same objectives and scopes: this reflects the different points of view of the process designers. Such a situation can only make the mapping to cloud resources more complicated, since there is no clear correspondence between business tasks and cloud services. The use of Patterns for the description of both business processes and cloud applications can represent an efficient solution to such an issue, as they can help to systematize the huge variety of possible business and cloud definitions and to assess a set of pre-defined mappings which can be used as a basis for cloud deployment. In this paper we focus on the definition of a semantic based model for the representation of business process patterns, with an example of the mapping to cloud resources of such patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of four heavy metals (HMs) (Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb) and four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (fluoranthene, phenanthrene, chrysene, benzo[a]pyrene) in Quercus ilex L. leaves collected at the Campania Region (Southern Italy) in previous air biomonitoring studies were employed to (1) test the correspondence with an a priori site subdivision (remote, periurban, and urban) and (2) evaluate long temporal trends of HM (approximately 20 years) and PAH (approximately 10 years) air contaminations. Overall, Q. ilex leaf HM and PAH concentrations resulted along the gradient: remote < periurban < urban sites, reflecting the a priori subdivision based on human management. Over a long time, although a clear decrease of leaf Pb, chrysene, fluoranthene, and phenanthrene concentrations occurred at the urban sites, a high contamination level persists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep disturbance is a significant problem for adults presenting to primary care. Though it is recommended that primary care providers screen for sleep problems, a brief, effective screening tool is not available.Objective: The aim of this preliminary study was to test the utility of item three of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9-item (PHQ-9) as a self-report screening test for sleep disturbance in primary care.Design: This was a cross-sectional survey of male VA primary care patients in Syracuse and Rochester, NY. Sensitivity and specificity statistics were calculated as well as positive and negative predictive value to determine both whether the PHQ-9 item-3 can be used as an effective sleep screen in primary care and at what PHQ item-3 cut score patients should be further assessed for sleep disturbance.Participants: One hundred and eleven male, VA primary care patients over the age of 18 and without gross neurological impairment participated in this one-session, in-person study.Measures: During the research session, patients completed several questionnaires, including a basic demographic questionnaire, the PHQ-9, and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).Key Results: PHQ-9 item 3 significantly correlated with the total score on the ISI (r = 0.75, p < 0.0001). A cut score of 1 on the PHQ-9 item 3, indicating sleep disturbance at least several days in the last two weeks, showed the best balance of sensitivity (82.5%) and specificity (84.5%) as well as positive (78.4%) and negative (91%) predictive value.Conclusions: Item 3 of the PHQ-9 shows promise as a screener for sleep problems in primary care. Using this one-item of a popular screening measure for depression in primary care allows providers to easily screen for two important issues without unnecessarily adding significant burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contains 10% of the world's population and 60% of all people living with AIDS. Consequently, research investigating risk factors associated with HIV acquisition is a public health priority and one such risk factor is alcohol consumption. This article is a review of empirical studies on the association of alcohol and high-risk sexual behavior in SSA, with a focus on measurable outcomes generated from quantitative data. A critique of the literature is provided, with attention to methodological concerns. Empirically based theoretical orientations were used to interpret the reviewed research and to stimulate discussion about how to improve the state of the current literature. Based on this discussion, a model of alcohol and high-risk sexual behavior in an African context is proposed in order to integrate the existing literature and highlight areas in need of continued research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of HIV and its treatment on the effects of alcohol remain unclear. Blood alcohol concentrations have been noted to be higher in HIV infected individuals prior to antiretroviral initiation. Our goal was to compare number of drinks to “feel a buzz or high” among HIV infected and uninfected men, stratified by viral load (VL) suppression. Data includes 1478 HIV infected and 1170 uninfected men in the veterans aging cohort study who endorsed current drinking. Mean (SD) number of drinks to feel a buzz was 3.1 (1.7) overall. In multivariable analyses, HIV infected men reported a lower mean number of drinks to feel a buzz compared to uninfected men (coef = −14 for VL < 500; −34 for VL ≥ 500; p ≤ .05). Men with HIV, especially those with a detectable VL, reported fewer drinks to feel a buzz. Future research on the relationship between alcohol and HIV should consider the role of VL suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study which aims at evaluating post-intervention effects of alcohol care management (ACM) on drinking outcomes. It mentions that (ACM) is model of embedding a behavioral health provider (BHP) into primary care clinics. It states that BHP provided manualized counseling and encouraged alcohol reduction and adherence to naltrexone-based pharmacotherapy.

The purpose of this paper was to describe and appraise the research evidence on the effects of acute alcohol intoxication and sexual arousal on sexual risk behaviors in men who have sex with men (MSM) and to examine its implications for design of HIV prevention interventions that target MSM. Toward that end, the paper begins with a discussion of research on sexual arousal in men and alcohol and their acute effects on sexual behaviors. This is followed by a review of empirical evidence on the combined acute effects of alcohol and sexual arousal in heterosexual men (the large majority of studies) and then in MSM. The empirical evidence and related theoretical developments then are integrated to derive implications for developing effective HIV prevention interventions that target MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African American adults are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States, underscoring the need for additional research on barriers to condom use. Guided by the theory of gender and power, this experimental study used a series of vignettes to test causal hypotheses regarding the influence of event-level alcohol use (present and absent), partner type (serious and casual), and relationship power (low and equal) on perceived difficulty implementing condom use. A total of 299 (151 women and 148 men) heterosexual African American adults indicated how 'difficult' it would be to use a condom after reading 8 hypothetical sexual encounters, presented in a random order. A 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of covariance with one between subjects factor (gender) and one covariate (condom use self-efficacy) was used to estimate the effects of these variables on an index of perceived difficulty. The women in the study reported significantly higher ratings of difficulty implementing condom use in vignettes characterized by low relationship power ( p < .001) and presence of alcohol use ( p < .001); the manipulated independent variables did not produce any main effects for men. Both men and women's ratings of perceived difficulty decreased as condom use self-efficacy increased ( p < .001). This is the first study to use an experimental methodology to test hypotheses about barriers to condom use among a community-based sample of African American adults. These data can be used to enhance existing HIV prevention interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]