Bio-herbicidal potential of the essential oils from different Rosmarinus Officinalis L. chemotypes in laboratory assays

The current study aimed to assess the allelopathic effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oils (EOs) to define the potent effect against weed species, by exploring distinct chemotypes and their main compounds. The EOs from eight accessions were characterized. Their components were identified by gas chromatography, and four chemotypes were defined; C1 (α-pinene), C2 (camphor), C3 (α-pinene/1,8-cineole), and C4 (α-pinene/1,8-cineole/camphor). Four concentrations of the EOs (400, 800, 1200, and 2400 μL/L) and the main compounds of each chemotype were tested in a laboratory assay against Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Lolium perenne L. in pre-and post-germination. The results showed that the EOs significantly affected all the tested parameters (germination, early growth, and physiological and histological parameters of the weeds under study) in a dose, chemotype, and species dependent manner. A. retroflexus was more sensitive than L. perenne at germination level being significantly inhibited at the lowest dose of all the chemotypes. The latter all exhibited significant effects but with a higher potency of C2 (camphor chemotype) and C3 (α-pinene/1,8-cineole chemotype), as well qualitative differences in the induced damage. Our results thus increase knowledge about the role of the monoterpene composition in bioherbicidal effect, which can help in the development of EO based bio-herbicides

Somatic embryogenesis in Abies nebrodensis, an endangered Sicilian fir

Somatic embryogenesis, as a promising biotechnological tool for many conifer trees, has never been applied for the Abies nebrodensis species. Although all the encouraging results previously obtained by the EU LIFE (European LIFE program) funded projects in over ten years, the critically endangered Sicilian fr remains alarmingly close to extinction. In this study, we reported the first protocol of somatic embryogenesis obtained from mature zygotic embryos of the Abies nebrodensis. Seeds from Abies adult trees with specifc identifcation numbers (IN) were collected and full seeds were identifed by X-ray. Diferent experiments were carried out for callus initiation, from both zygotic immature and mature embryos, testing diferent culture media. The immature embryos did not give embryogenic tissue (ET). Embryogenic callus (EC) was successfully induced from mature embryos with variable frequencies (0–40%). Schenk and Hilderbrandt (SH) was the most suitable initiation medium where the obtained callus initiation rate reached up to 40% for IN7 (frst experiment). 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) showed to be essential to induce EC (second experiment). IN8 presented the highest callus initiation rate (40%) among all tested donor trees, whereas IN13 recorded the lowest rate with 4% (third experiment). ET maturation from each singular embryo of IN7, IN8, IN10 and IN21 was successfully achieved in SH medium containing 37,83 µM abscisic acid (ABA), 8% of polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000) and 4% maltose. The encapsulation technology was assessed on the obtained ET and its proliferation was observed after encapsulation

Relation of Diabetes to Cognitive Function in Hispanics/Latinos of Diverse Backgrounds in the United States

Objectives:To examine the association between diabetes and cognitive function within U.S. Hispanics/Latinos of Central American, Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and South American background. Method: This cross-sectional study included 9,609 men and women (mean age = 56.5 years), who are members of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. We classified participants as having diabetes, prediabetes, or normal glucose regulation. Participants underwent a neurocognitive battery consisting of tests of verbal fluency, delayed recall, and processing speed. Analyses were stratified by Hispanic/Latino subgroup. Results: From fully adjusted linear regression models, compared with having normal glucose regulation, having diabetes was associated with worse processing speed among Cubans (β = −1.99; 95% CI [confidence interval] = [−3.80, −0.19]) and Mexicans (β = −2.26; 95% CI = [−4.02, −0.51]). Compared with having normal glucose regulation, having prediabetes or diabetes was associated with worse delayed recall only among Mexicans (prediabetes: β = −0.34; 95% CI = [−0.63, −0.05] and diabetes: β = −0.41; 95% CI = [−0.79, −0.04]). No associations with verbal fluency. Discussion: The relationship between diabetes and cognitive function varied across Hispanic/Latino subgroup

The cross-sectional association of cognitive stimulation factors and cognitive function among Latino adults in Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Introduction: Higher cognitive stimulation (CS) is associated with improved cognition. Sources of CS among Hispanics/Latinos are understudied. Methods: In the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos 2008 to 2011 (n = 9438), we used finite mixture models to generate latent CS profiles, and multivariate linear regressions to examine associations with cognition in Hispanic/Latino adults (45–74 years). CS included education, occupation, social network, and acculturation. Cognitive measures included the Six-Item Screener, Brief-Spanish English Verbal Learning Test Sum and Recall, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Digit Symbol Substitution, and Global Cognition. Results: Two CS profiles emerged, and were labeled “typical” and “enhanced.” The enhanced CS profile (22%) had more family connections, bicultural engagements, skilled/professional occupations, education, and higher cognitive scores. Discussion: An enhanced CS profile emerged from contextual and culturally relevant factors, and was associated with higher cognitive scores across all measures. This provides initial evidence on how factors coalesce to shape cognitive protection in Hispanics/Latinos

Apolipoprotein E genotypes among diverse middle-aged and older Latinos: Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging results (HCHS/SOL)

The apoE4 isoform is associated with increased cholesterol, cardiovascular risk, and Alzheimer’s Disease risk, however, its distribution is not well-understood among US Latinos. Latinos living in the US are highly Amerindian, European and African admixed, which varies by region and country of origin. However, Latino genetic diversity is understudied and consequently poorly understood, which has significant implications for understanding disease risk in nearly one-fifth of the US population. In this report we describe apoE distributions in a large and representative sample of diverse, genetically determined US Latinos

Association of anxiety and depressive symptoms with C-reactive protein in diverse Latinos: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

BACKGROUND: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a marker of systemic inflammation that has been associated with persistent depressive symptoms. Depression and anxiety are frequently associated with a chronic inflammatory state, yet the nature of this relationship has not been rigorously examined in diverse Hispanic/Latino populations. We aimed to study the association of anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as comorbid presentations, with circulating high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in a large Latino cohort of diverse heritages. We hypothesized a significant positive associations of both anxiety and depressive symptoms and hsCRP levels and potential variations among the heritage groups. METHODS: Depressive symptoms and anxiety were measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), respectively. Serum hsCRP (hsCRP) levels of 15,448 participants (age 18 to 75 years; 52.3% women) from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) were measured and categorized based on the established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reference values (< 1mg/L, low; 1-<3 mg/L, intermediate; ≥ 3mg/L, high). RESULTS: Mean CES-D, STAI scores, and hsCRP levels were 7.0 (SD = 5.9), 17.0 (SD = 5.7), and 3.84 (SD = 7.85), respectively. Generalized linear modeling, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics revealed significant associations between depression (exp(β) = 1.12; p<0.01) and anxiety symptoms (exp(β) = 1.10; p<0.05) with continuous hsCRP levels. For categorical values of hsCRP, one SD increase in CES-D and STAI scores was associated with a 10% and 8% increase in the RRRs of high vs. low hsCRP, respectively. However, these relationships between CES-D or STAI and hsCRP were no longer statistically significant after adjustment for CVD risk factors and medications. CONCLUSION: We found modest associations between anxiety and depressive symptoms and systemic inflammation measured by hsCRP among diverse Hispanics/Latinos that did not appreciably differ between heritage groups

Associations between perceived neighborhood environment and cognitive function among middle-aged and older women and men: Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study

Purpose: To examine cross-sectional associations between perceived neighborhood environment and cognitive function among middle-aged and older Hispanic/Latino women and men. Methods: Data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (2008–2011) and its Sociocultural Ancillary Study (2009–2010) were used. Participants were Hispanic/Latino women (n = 1812) and men (n = 1034) aged 45–74 years. Survey-weighted linear regression models were used to examine associations between self-reported perceived neighborhood environment (i.e., neighborhood social cohesion and problems categorized as quintiles, and neighborhood safety from crime categorized as low, medium, or high) with cognitive function (i.e., global cognition, verbal learning, memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed scores) in women and men. Final model adjusted for age, Hispanic/Latino background, language, field site, household income, education, years lived in neighborhood, and depressive symptoms. Results: Women in the lowest quintile of perceived neighborhood problems (vs. highest quintile) had higher global cognition (β 0.48, 95% CI 0.03, 0.94, p trend 0.229) and memory scores (0.60, 95% CI 0.11, 1.09, p trend: 0.060). Women in the highest quintile of perceived neighborhood social cohesion (vs. lowest quintile) had lower global cognition (β − 0.56, 95% CI − 1.02, − 0.09, p trend 0.004), verbal learning (B − 1.01, 95% CI − 2.00, − 0.03, p trend 0.015), verbal fluency (B − 2.00, 95% CI − 3.83, − 0.16, p trend 0.006), and processing speed (B − 2.11, 95% CI − 3.87, − 0.36, p trend 0.009). There was no association between perceived neighborhood safety from crime and cognition among women, or between any perceived neighborhood environment measure and cognition among men. Conclusions: Middle-aged and older Hispanic/Latina women living in neighborhoods with the lowest perceived problems had higher global cognition and memory. Women living in neighborhoods with the highest perceived social cohesion had lower global cognition, verbal learning, verbal fluency, and processing speed

Diabetes, cognitive decline, and mild cognitive impairment among diverse Hispanics/ Latinos: Study of Latinos–Investigation of neurocognitive aging results (HCHS/SOL)

OBJECTIVE Hispanics/Latinos are the largest ethnic/racial group in the U.S., have the highest prevalence of diabetes, and are at increased risk for neurodegenerative disorders. Currently, little is known about the relationship between diabetes and cognitive decline and disorders among diverse Hispanics/Latinos. The purpose of this study is to clarify these relationships in diverse middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The Study of Latinos–Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (SOL-INCA) is an ancillary study of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). HCHS/ SOL is a multisite (Bronx, NY; Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; and San Diego, CA), probability-sampled (i.e., representative of targeted populations), and prospective cohort study. Between 2016 and 2018, SOL-INCA enrolled diverse Hispanics/Latinos aged ‡50 years (n 5 6,377). Global cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were the primary outcomes. RESULTS Prevalent diabetes at visit 1, but not incident diabetes at visit 2, was associated with significantly steeper global cognitive decline (bGC 5 20.16 [95% CI 20.25; 20.07]; P &lt; 0.001), domain-specific cognitive decline, and higher odds of MCI (odds ratio 1.74 [95% CI 1.34; 2.26]; P &lt; 0.001) compared with no diabetes in age- and sex-adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes was associated with cognitive decline and increased MCI prevalence among diverse Hispanics/Latinos, primarily among those with prevalent diabetes at visit 1. Our findings suggest that significant cognitive decline and MCI may be considered additional disease complications of diabetes among diverse middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos

Improvements of Thermal Resistance and Thermal Stress in Quasi-Monolithic Integration Technology (QMIT) with a New Fabrication Process

Static heat transfer and thermal stress analysis for the new generation quasi-monolithic integration technology (NGQMIT) is presented using a three-dimensional finite element simulator. Effects of different factors and parameters such as the gap between the silicon sidewalls and GaAs-chip (Wg), temperature dependent materials properties, isotropic material properties and backside gold metallization thickness or diamond-filled polyimide are described. It is shown that thermal resistances of 11 °C/W and 8.5 °C/W are possible using 200 µm electroplated gold heat-spreader and diamond-filled polyimide on the backside of the active device, respectively. This promises successful realization of the high frequency circuits containing power active devices using the novel QMIT. In comparison to the earlier fabrication process [1-2], eight times improvement in thermal stress is achieved. This extremely improves lifetime of the packaging. The results of thermal stress simulation are compared with white-light interferomety measurement