bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition Exon 14 Skipping Mutation and Amplification in 5,008 Patients With Lung Cancer
Authors: Song Yaolin , Li Guangqi , Ju Kun , Ran Wenwen , Zhao Han , Liu Xianglan , Hou Mingyu , He Yulu , Chen Yang , Zang Guoliang , Xing Xiaoming
Published: September 2021

Background

Lung cancer is a major health concern worldwide because of its increasing incidence and mortality. This study aimed to clarify the association between mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) genomic alterations and clinical characteristics of lung cancer.

Method

We collected data from 5,008 patients with lung cancer diagnosed and treated between January 2017 and July 2021 at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. Genomic alterations in the MET gene, including the exon 14 skipping mutation and amplification, were detected using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (2,057 cases) and next-generation sequencing (2,951 cases). Clinical characteristics such as age, sex, tumor location, tumor stage, smoking, pleural invasion, and histology were statistically analyzed for MET exon 14 skipping mutation and amplification. The DNA splicing sites causing the MET exon 14 skipping mutation at the mRNA level were also investigated.

Results

The incidence of the MET exon 14 skipping mutation was 0.90% (41/4,564) in adenocarcinoma, 1.02% (3/294) in squamous cell carcinoma, and 8.33% (1/12) in sarcomatoid carcinoma specimens. It was more frequently observed in patients over 60 years of age than the MET exon 14 skipping mutation wildtype. The MET exon 14 skipping mutation co-occurred with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) L858R, EGFR 19-Del, and BRAF V600E mutations. At the DNA level, single nucleotide mutation and small fragment deletion (1–38 base pairs) upstream and downstream of MET exon 14 led to MET exon 14 skipping mutation at the mRNA level. MET amplification occurred in 0.78% (21/2,676) adenocarcinoma and 1.07% (2/187) squamous cell carcinoma specimens and was significantly associated with advanced tumor stages (III + IV) compared to the MET amplification wildtype. MET amplification primarily co-occurred with the EGFR mutation.

Conclusions

Our study found that MET genomic alterations were statistically related to age and tumor stage and co-existed with mutations of other oncogenic driver genes, such as EGFR and BRAF. Moreover, various splicing site changes at the DNA level led to the exon 14 skipping mutation at the mRNA level. Further studies are required to clarify the association between MET genomic alterations and prognosis.
The Mechanism Action of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) in the Treatment of Eczema: Based on Dose–Effect Weight Coefficient Network Pharmacology
Authors: Wang Wenfei , Wang Yichun , Zou Junbo , Jia Yanzhuo , Wang Yao , Li Jia , Wang Changli , Sun Jing , Guo Dongyan , Wang Fang , Wu Zhenfeng , Yang Ming , Wu Lei , Zhang Xiaofei , Shi Yajun
Published: September 2021

To determine the active ingredients in German chamomile volatile oil and the mechanism of action in the treatment of eczema, this study used two parameters (ingredient content and oil–water partition coefficient) and established a new network pharmacology method based on the dose–effect weight coefficient. Through the new network pharmacology method, we found that German chamomile volatile oil regulated T-cell lymphatic subpopulations to inhibit the Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathway. This resulted in a reduction of interleukin 17 (IL-17), thereby inhibiting the activation of the nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) and MAPK pathways, decreasing the secretion of the pro-inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)), and reducing inflammation. In this study, a new dose–effect relationship synergistic network pharmacology method was established to provide a new method for the screening of effective ingredients and pathways of drugs, and to provide a basis for the follow-up studies of German chamomile volatile oil in the treatment of eczema.
Observations of a Quickly Flapping Interplanetary Magnetic Reconnection Exhaust
Authors: Wang Jiemin , Zhao Yan
Published: September 2021

On the basis of the Petschek reconnection model and the characteristics of reconnection, hundreds of reconnection exhausts were reported in the solar wind. Many multi-spacecraft observations also indicated that interplanetary magnetic reconnection is a quasi–steady-state plasma process and the reconnection X-line can extend hundreds of Earth radii. In this study, we report an interplanetary flapping reconnection exhaust observed by Wind on April 1, 2003 at one AU. The magnetic reconnection event has two adjacent accelerated flows. We compared the plasma and magnetic characteristics of the two accelerated flows and found that the second accelerated flow was due to the back-and-forth movement of the reconnection exhaust. Our observations reveal that not all interplanetary reconnections operate in a quasi–steady-state manner; some reconnection current sheets can move rapidly back and forth.
Optical Frequency Down-Conversion With Bandwidth Compression Based on Counter-Propagating Phase Matching
Authors: Guo Dong-Jie , Yang Ran , Liu Yi-Chen , Duan Jia-Chen , Xie Zhenda , Gong Yan-Xiao , Zhu Shi-Ning
Published: September 2021

Optical quantum network plays an important role in large scale quantum communication. However, different components for photon generation, transmission, storage and manipulation in network usually cannot interact directly due to the wavelength and bandwidth differences, and thus interfaces are needed to overcome such problems. We propose an optical interface for frequency down-conversion and bandwidth compression based on the counter-propagating quasi-phase-matching difference frequency generation process in the periodically-poled lithium niobate on insulator waveguide. We prove that a separable spectral transfer function can be obtained only by choosing proper pump bandwidth, thus relaxing the limitation of material, dispersion, and working wavelength as a result of the counter-propagation phase-matching configuration. With numerical simulations, we show that our design results in a nearly separable transfer function with the Schmidt number very close to 1. With proper pump bandwidth, an photon at central wavelength of 550 nm with a bandwidth ranging from 50 GHz to 5 THz can be converted to a photon at central wavelength of 1,545 nm with a much narrower bandwidth of 33 GHz.
The Impact of Citizenship Pressure on Organizational Citizenship Performance: A Three-Way Interactive Model
Authors: Liu Yazhen , Fu Jingtao , Pervaiz Sabeeh , He Qi
Published: September 2021

Citizenship pressure has recently been a hot topic in organizational citizenship behavior research since it aids in understanding the driving mechanism of organizational citizenship behavior. However, previous research has revealed discrepancies in the connection. This article develops a theoretical model of the impact of citizenship pressure on organizational citizenship performance based on expectancy theory. A leader–employee paired questionnaire was used to evaluate the hypotheses. The results indicate that organizational citizenship performance is positively influenced by citizenship pressure. The connection between organizational citizenship performance and citizenship pressure is positively moderated by transformational leadership. The better the transformational leadership, the greater the influence of citizenship pressure on organizational citizenship performance. Furthermore, the impact of transformational leadership on the link between citizenship pressure and organizational citizenship performance is dependent on the political skill of employees. When individuals with strong political skill encounter transformational leadership, the relationship between citizenship pressure and organizational citizenship performance is minimal. On the contrary, this relationship is enhanced when personnel with limited political skill are confronted with transformational leadership.
Effects of Self-Concept on Narcissism: Mediational Role of Perceived Parenting
Authors: Farzand Maryam , Cerkez Yagmur , Baysen Engin
Published: September 2021

An increase in narcissism has been reported by experts over the years. Narcissists bring a lot of negative consequences to themselves and to the people around them. This study investigates that perceived parenting leads to the development of inflated, unstable self-concept. The inflated self-concept lays the framework for the development of narcissistic traits among individuals; perceived parenting affects this relationship. A sample of 628 adults was taken from North Cyprus through purposive sampling. Scales for perceived parenting, self-concept, and narcissism were administered. Results showed that the statistically significant variance in the self-concept is explained by perceived parenting. Both mothers and fathers contributed significantly to the development of inflated self-concept. Moreover, multiple linear regression results showed a higher significant variance in narcissistic traits due to self-concept compared with perceived parenting. Mediational tests also showed that high levels of narcissistic traits were indirectly related to self-concept through perceived parenting. The study findings have challenged the notion of only mothers being responsible for narcissistic traits among their children. The study results also suggest that targeting self-concept in individuals with narcissistic traits may be a good directive for therapeutic interventions.
Processing Verb Meanings and the Declarative/Procedural Model: A Developmental Study
Authors: Stefaniak Nicolas , Baltazart Véronique , Declercq Christelle
Published: September 2021

According to the Declarative/Procedural Model, the lexicon depends on declarative memory while grammar relies on procedural memory. Furthermore, procedural memory underlies the sequential processing of language. Thus, this system is important for predicting the next item in a sentence. Verb processing represents a good candidate to test this assumption. Semantic representations of verbs include information about the protagonists in the situations they refer to. This semantic knowledge is acquired implicitly and used during verb processing, such that the processing of a verb preactivates its typical patients (e.g., the window for break). Thus, determining how the patient typicality effect appears during children’s cognitive development could provide evidence about the memory system that is dedicated to this effect. Two studies are presented in which French children aged 6–10 and adults made grammaticality judgments on 80 auditorily presented sentences. In Experiment 1, the verb was followed by a typical patient or by a less typical patient. In Experiment 2, grammatical sentences were constructed such that the verb was followed either by a typical patient or by a noun that could not be a patient of that verb. The typicality effect occurs in younger children and is interpreted in terms of developmental invariance. We suggest that this effect may depend on procedural memory, in line with studies that showed that meaning is necessary to allow procedural memory to learn the sequence of words in a sentence.
Wondering Awe as a Perceptive Aspect of Spirituality and Its Relation to Indicators of Wellbeing: Frequency of Perception and Underlying Triggers
Authors: Büssing Arndt
Published: September 2021

Background: Spirituality is a multidimensional construct which includes religious, existentialistic, and relational issues and has different layers such as faith as the core, related attitudes and conviction, and subsequent behaviors and practices. The perceptive aspects of spirituality such as wondering awe are of relevance for both, religious and non-religious persons. These perceptions were related to perceiving the Sacred in life, mindful awareness of nature, others and self, to compassion, meaning in life, and emotional wellbeing. As awe perceptions are foremost a matter of state, it was the aim (1) to empirically analyze the frequency of wondering awe perceptions (i.e., with respect to gender, age cohorts, religious or non-religious persons) and (2) to qualitatively analyze a range of triggers of awe perceptions.

Methods: Data from 7,928 participants were analyzed with respect to the frequency of Awe/Gratitude perceptions (GrAw-7 scale), while for the second part of the study responses of a heterogeneous group of 82 persons what caused them to perceive moments of wondering awe were analyzed with qualitative content analysis techniques.

Results: Persons who experience Awe/Gratitude to a low extend were the youngest and had lowest wellbeing and lowest meditation/praying engagement, while those with high GrAw-7 scores were the oldest, had the highest wellbeing, and were more often meditating or praying (p<0.001). Gender had a significant effect on these perceptions, too (Cohen’s d=0.32). In the qualitative part, the triggers can be attributed to four main categories, Nature, Persons, Unique Moments, and Aesthetics, Beauty, and Devotion. Some of these triggers and related perceptions might be more a matter of admiration than wondering awe, while other perceptions could have more profound effects and may thus result in changes of a person’s attitudes and behaviors.

Conclusion: Emotionally touching experiences of wondering awe may result in feelings of interconnectedness, prosocial behavior, mindful awareness, and contribute to a person’s meaning in life and wellbeing and can also be a health-relevant resource. These perceptions can be seen as a perceptive aspect of spirituality, which is not exclusively experienced by religious people but also by non-religious persons.
The Predictability of Chinese English as a Foreign Language Students’ Willingness to Communicate Through Teachers’ Immediacy and Teacher–Student Rapport
Authors: Cai Manyuan
Published: September 2021

The teacher–learner relationship is not just a simple action and reaction on both sides of the relationship but a complete exchange that takes shape in the context of the factors that affect it. To understand the factors affecting this relationship, the present study investigated the predictability of Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ willingness to communicate (WTC) through teachers’ immediacy and teacher–student rapport. To conduct the study, 858 EFL students from Xinyang Normal University in Henan province of China were invited to participate in the study. To collect the required data, the researcher employed the Willingness to Communicate Questionnaire, Verbal and Nonverbal Immediacy Questionnaire, and Professor–Student Rapport Scale. Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that there was a strong positive relationship between teacher immediacy and teacher–student rapport and learners’ willingness to communicate. The findings also demonstrated that teachers’ immediacy and teacher–student rapport were positive predictors of learners’ willingness to communicate. The paper argues that teachers need to enhance their interpersonal relations with their students to make them willing to communicate in their classes.
Improving Antioxidant Capacity in Children With Autism: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study With Cysteine-Rich Whey Protein
Authors: Castejon Ana Maria , Spaw Jordan Ashley , Rozenfeld Irina , Sheinberg Nurit , Kabot Susan , Shaw Alexander , Hardigan Patrick , Faillace Rogerio , Packer Edward E.
Published: September 2021

Previous studies indicate that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower levels of glutathione. Nutritional interventions aim to increase glutathione levels suggest a positive effect on ASD behaviors, but findings are mixed or non-significant. A commercially available nutritional supplement comprising a cysteine-rich whey protein isolate (CRWP), a potent precursor of glutathione, was previously found to be safe and effective at raising glutathione in several conditions associated with low antioxidant capacity. Therefore, we investigated the effectiveness of a 90-day CRWP intervention in children with ASD and examined whether intracellular reduced and oxidized glutathione improvements correlated with behavioral changes. We enrolled 46 (of 81 screened) 3–5-year-old preschool children with confirmed ASD. Using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design, we evaluated the effectiveness of daily CRWP (powder form: 0.5 g/kg for children <20 kg or a 10-g dose for those >20 kg), compared with placebo (rice protein mimicking the protein load in the intervention group), on glutathione levels and ASD behaviors assessed using different behavioral scales such as Childhood Autism Rated Scale, Preschool Language Scale, Social Communication Questionnaire, Childhood Behavioral Checklist and the parent-rated Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, 2nd edition (VABS-II). Forty children (CRWP, 21; placebo, 19) completed the 90-day treatment period. Improvements observed in some behavioral scales were comparable. However, the VABS-II behavioral assessment, demonstrated significant changes only in children receiving CRWP compared to those observed in the placebo group in the composite score (effect size 0.98; 95% confidence intervals 1.42–4.02;p= 0.03). Further, several VABS-II domain scores such as adaptive behavior (p= 0.03), socialization (p= 0.03), maladaptive behavior (p= 0.04) and internalizing behavior (p= 0.02) also indicated significant changes. Children assigned to the CRWP group showed significant increases in glutathione levels (p= 0.04) compared to those in the placebo group. A subanalysis of the VABS-II scale results comparing responders (>1 SD change from baseline to follow up) and non-responders in the CRWP group identified older age and higher levels of total and reduced glutathione as factors associated with a response. CRWP nutritional intervention in children with ASD significantly improved both glutathione levels and some behaviors associated with ASD. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01366859, identifier: NCT01366859.
Risk of PTSD Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Patients in Opioid Substitution Treatment
Authors: Fuchs-Leitner Isabella , Yazdi Kurosch , Gerstgrasser Nikolas W. , Tholen Matthias G. , Graffius Sophie-Therés , Schorb Alexander , Rosenleitner Jan
Published: September 2021

Background: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of patients suffering from addictive disorders is of major concern. This study aimed to explore the presence and potential increase in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, and anxiety since the beginning of the pandemic for patients in opioid substitution therapy (OST).

Methods: This cross-sectional survey study evaluated a clinical sample of patients in OST (N = 123). Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed by an adapted version of the impact of event scale (IES-R), resulting in two subgroups of low and high risk for PTSD. The depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) was applied to collect data on the respective symptoms, and changes since the onset of the pandemic were reported on separate scales. Sociodemographic and COVID-19 related factors, as well as data on craving, consumption patterns, concomitant use, and the drug market were further assessed.

Results: A binary logistic regression analysis confirmed the impact of self-perceived higher burden by psychological and economic factors on the elevated risk for PTSD due to the pandemic. The high-risk PTSD group also showed higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress, as well as a more pronounced deterioration in these symptoms since the pandemic. While reported levels of craving did not differ between the two groups, the high-risk PTSD group indicated a significantly higher increase in craving since the crisis, when compared to the low-risk group.

Discussion: Our findings demonstrate elevated levels of clinical symptoms among patients in OST, with more than a quarter of patients found at risk for PTSD due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, about 30–50% of our patients reported concerning levels of depression, anxiety, or stress. Special attention should be drawn to these findings, and potential deterioration of the situation should be addressed by health care facilities. Particularly, psychological, and financial burden due to the crisis were identified as factors increasing the risk for PTSD. These factors can easily be evaluated during routine anamneses, and might be a valuable source of information, when special attention is needed.
Network Analysis of Depressive Symptoms Among Residents of Wuhan in the Later Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhao Na , Li Wen , Zhang Shu-Fang , Yang Bing Xiang , Sha Sha , Cheung Teris , Jackson Todd , Zang Yu-Feng , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: September 2021

Background: Depression has been a common mental health problem during the COVID-19 epidemic. From a network perspective, depression can be conceptualized as the result of mutual interactions among individual symptoms, an approach that may elucidate the structure and mechanisms underlying this disorder. This study aimed to examine the structure of depression among residents in Wuhan, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, in the later stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A total of 2,515 participants were recruited from the community via snowball sampling. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to assess self-reported depressive symptoms with the QuestionnaireStar program. The network structure and relevant centrality indices of depression were examined in this sample.

Results: Network analysis revealed Fatigue, Sad mood, Guilt and Motor disturbances as the most central symptoms, while Suicide and Sleep problems had the lowest centrality. No significant differences were found between women and men regarding network structure (maximum difference = 0.11, p = 0.44) and global strength (global strength difference = 0.04; female vs. male: 3.78 vs. 3.83, p = 0.51), a finding that suggests there are no gender differences in the structure or centrality of depressive symptoms.

Limitations: Due to the cross-sectional study design, causal relationships between these depressive symptoms or dynamic changes in networks over time could not be established.

Conclusions: Fatigue, Sad mood, Guilt, and Motor disturbances should be prioritized as targets in interventions and prevention efforts to reduce depression among residents in Wuhan, in the later stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prevalence of Maternal Postnatal Anxiety and Its Association With Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors: A Multicentre Study in Italy
Authors: Cena Loredana , Gigantesco Antonella , Mirabella Fiorino , Palumbo Gabriella , Trainini Alice , Stefana Alberto
Published: September 2021

Anxiety is a common perinatal disorder that can cause severe adverse consequences. This study (a) assesses the prevalence of maternal postnatal anxious symptomatology, and (b) analyses its association with demographic and socioeconomic variables as well as obstetric and other psychosocial variables. The assessment included 307 mothers aged ≥18 years with a biological baby aged ≤ 52 weeks and from seven Italian healthcare centres, evaluated using a Psychosocial and Clinical Assessment Form (also covering demographic and socioeconomic factors), and the state scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. We found an overall prevalence of self-reported postnatal anxious symptoms of 34.2%. More specifically, the prevalence was 34.5% at 1–24 weeks postpartum, and 30.8% at >24 weeks postpartum. No associations between postnatal anxious symptoms and demographic or socioeconomic variables were observed. As regards the other variables, the findings indicated antenatal depression or anxiety, parity, and current psychological support from the partner as having the strongest relationships.
The Psychological Effect of Internet-Based Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Survivors of Breast Cancer During the COVID-19
Authors: Kang Chuanyuan , Sun Shufang , Yang Zhuangqing , Fan Xinxin , Yuan Jing , Xu Li , Wei Yujun , Tong Huiqi , Yang Jianzhong
Published: September 2021

Objective: To examine the efficacy and the role of engagement of an internet-based Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (iMBSR) for survivors of breast cancer (BC) during the COVID-19 period from January to March in 2020 in China.

Methods: 48 survivors of BC were divided into the absentees group and the iMBSR groups according to their attending to the standardized, group-based, 8-week iMBSR. Based on practice time, survivors of BC in the iMBSR were categorized into three subgroups: group 1 (<30 min/day), group 2 (30–60 min/day), and group 3 (>60 min/day). In addition, participants were classified as partial attendees (<4 sessions) and completers (more than 4 sessions) of the iMBSR groups. All participants were evaluated for symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention.

Results: After an 8-week iMBSR practice, at mid-intervention and post-intervention, participants in iMBSR group had significant improvement in scores and reduction rates of depression, anxiety, and insomnia compared to absentees. Scores of depression and insomnia, reduction rates of depression at post-intervention, scores of anxiety, reduction rates of anxiety and insomnia at mid-intervention and post-intervention, had significant differences among subgroups of practice time. Daily practice time was positively related to reduction rates of depression, anxiety and insomnia at post-intervention in the iMBSR group.

Conclusion: Internet-based MBSR showed efficacy in reducing psychological symptoms among survivors of BC. For survivors of BC, iMBSR practice has a potential dose–response efficacy, with a threshold of >30 min daily practice for most optimal symptoms reduction.

Trial Registration: Registration number is [ChiCTR2100044309].
Association Between Peripheral Blood Levels of Vitamin A and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Ni , Zhao Yuqian , Gao Junwei
Published: September 2021

Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble micronutrient that plays important roles in a surprisingly wide variety of biological processes from early growth and development to brain maintenance. Numerous clinical studies have been conducted to explore the relationship between peripheral vitamin A levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the results of these studies are controversial. Therefore, we assessed the association between peripheral vitamin A levels and ASD in the present meta-analysis. Relevant records were retrieved through the Embase, Web of Knowledge and PubMed databases up to 13 November 2020. Reference lists were also searched and analyzed. Hedges' g with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the association between peripheral vitamin A levels and ASD. A fixed or random effects model was selected according to a heterogeneity test in overall and subgroup analyses. Five records (six studies) with 935 ASD children and 516 healthy children were included in the present study. Significantly decreased peripheral vitamin A concentrations were observed in ASD children compared with healthy children (Hedges' g = −0.600, 95% CI −1.153 to −0.048, P = 0.033). A similar result was also obtained after removing the studies identified by Galbraith plots. In addition, no obvious publication bias was found in the meta-analysis. The findings of our meta-analysis suggested decreased peripheral vitamin A levels in ASD children compared with healthy children. Further investigations into the effects of vitamin A on the development of ASD are warranted.
Sequential Portal Vein Embolization and Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Future Liver Remnant Growth: A Minimally Invasive Alternative to ALPPS Stage-1 in Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Qiang , Ji Yujun , Brismar Torkel B. , Chen Shu , Li Changfeng , Jiang Jiayun , Mu Wei , Zhang Leida , Sparrelid Ernesto , Ma Kuansheng
Published: September 2021

Background: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of sequential portal vein embolization (PVE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (PVE+RFA) as a minimally invasive variant for associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) stage-1 in treatment of cirrhosis-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: For HCC patients with insufficient FLR, right-sided PVE was first performed, followed by percutaneous RFA to the tumor as a means to trigger FLR growth. When the FLR reached a safe level (at least 40%) and the blood biochemistry tests were in good condition, the hepatectomy was performed. FLR dynamic changes and serum biochemical tests were evaluated. Postoperative complications, mortality, intraoperative data and long-term oncological outcome were also recorded.

Results: Seven patients underwent PVE+RFA for FLR growth between March 2016 and December 2019. The median baseline of FLR was 353 ml (28%), which increased to 539 (44%) ml after 8 (7–18) days of this strategy (p < 0.05). The increase of FLR ranged from 40% to 140% (median 47%). Five patients completed hepatectomy. The median interval between PVE+RFA and hepatectomy was 19 (15–27) days. No major morbidity ≥ III of Clavien-Dindo classification or in-hospital mortality occurred. One patient who did not proceed to surgery died within 90 days after discharge. After a median follow-up of 18 (range 3–50) months, five patients were alive.

Conclusion: Sequential PVE+RFA is a feasible and effective strategy for FLR growth prior to extended hepatectomy and may provide a minimally invasive alternative for ALPPS stage-1 for treatment of patients with cirrhosis-related HCC.
The Ability of an Algoclay-Based Mycotoxin Decontaminant to Decrease the Serum Levels of Zearalenone and Its Metabolites in Lactating Sows
Authors: Benthem de Grave Xandra , Saltzmann Janine , Laurain Julia , Rodriguez Maria A. , Molist Francesc , Dänicke Sven , Santos Regiane R.
Published: September 2021

This study evaluated the effect of an algoclay-based mycotoxin decontaminant on the levels of ZEN, DON, and their derivatives in the colostrum, milk, and serum of sows, as well as in the serum of weaned piglets after maternal mycotoxin exposure during the last week of gestation and during lactation of sows (26 days). For this, sows (n = 5) were fed diets artificially contaminated with 100 (LoZEN) or 300 (HiZEN) ppb ZEN, with or without an algoclay-based mycotoxin decontaminant in the highly contaminated diet. All diets contained 250 ppb deoxynivalenol (DON). Dietary treatments did not affect the performance of the sows and piglets. Only α-ZEL was significantly increased in the colostrum of sows fed the HiZEN diet, and this increase was even higher in the colostrum of the sows fed the HiZEN diet supplemented with the test decontaminant. However, no differences in milk mycotoxin levels were observed at weaning. The highest levels of ZEN, α-ZEL, and β-ZEL were observed in the serum of sows fed the HiZEN diet. When the HiZEN diet was supplemented with the tested algoclay-based mycotoxin decontaminant the levels of ZEN and its metabolites were significantly decreased in the serum of sows. Although all sows were fed the same levels of DON, the serum level of de-epoxy-DON was increased only in the serum of piglets from the sows fed a diet with the non-supplemented HiZEN diet. In conclusion, the tested algoclay-based mycotoxin decontaminant can decrease the levels of ZEN and its metabolites in the serum of sows and the level of de-DON in the serum of piglets.
Supplemental Dietary Selenohomolanthionine Improve Antioxidant Activity and Immune Function in Weaned Beagle Puppies
Authors: Shao Chunyan , Zheng Moufeng , Yu Ziwei , Jiang Sheng , Zhou Bin , Song Quanjiang , Ma Tianning , Zhou Yingshan , Dong Wanyu , Li Ding , Gu Yao , Wang Xiaodu , Song Houhui
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary Selenohomolanthionine (SeHLan) on antioxidant status and immune response in canine parvovirus (CPV) vaccinated puppies. In this study, 30 weaned puppies were randomly divided into six groups: control group (–Se/–Vacc), immunization group (–Se/+Vacc), supplementation of sodium selenite group (SS/+Vacc, 0.35 mg/kg DM), low-dose SeHLan group (SeHLan-L/+Vacc, 0.35 mg/kg DM), mid-dose SeHLan group (SeHLan-M/+Vacc, 1.0 mg/kg DM), and high-dose SeHLan group (SeHLan-H/+Vacc, 2.0 mg/kg DM). The puppies were fed for 42 days and vaccinated with Vanguard Plus 5 on day 0 and day 21. Blood samples were collected on 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 days post-immunization (PI) for determination of antioxidant indicators, lymphocyte proliferation index, serum cytokine concentration (IL-2, IL-4), canine polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) phagocytic function, and the level of CPV antibody titers. The results showed that SeHLan supplementation raised the serum Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). It also increased the activity of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content, especially in SeHLan-M/+Vacc group (1.0 mg/kg DM) (P < 0.01). SeHLan supplementation significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2, and IL-4 levels in canine serum, and enhanced phagocytosis of PMN in vaccinated puppies (P < 0.05). Moreover, SeHLan supplementation shortened the CPV antibody production time and increased the CPV antibody titers (P < 0.05). Of note, the beneficial effects of SeHLan were superior to those of SS. In conclusion, dietary SeHLan supplementation improved antioxidant activity, increased CPV antibody titers, and enhanced immune function in puppies after weaning. An appropriate dosage of SeHLan (1~2 mg/kg DM) may confer nutritional benefits in puppies.
Constrained Path Planning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in 3D Terrain Using Modified Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Xia Shuang , Zhang Xiangyin
Published: September 2021

This paper considered the constrained unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning problem as the multi-objective optimization problem, in which both costs and constraints are treated as the objective functions. A novel multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm based on the Gaussian distribution and the Q-Learning technique (GMOPSO-QL) is proposed and applied to determine the feasible and optimal path for UAV. In GMOPSO-QL, the Gaussian distribution based updating operator is adopted to generate new particles, and the exploration and exploitation modes are introduced to enhance population diversity and convergence speed, respectively. Moreover, the Q-Learning based mode selection logic is introduced to balance the global search with the local search in the evolution process. Simulation results indicate that our proposed GMOPSO-QL can deal with the constrained UAV path planning problem and is superior to existing optimization algorithms in terms of efficiency and robustness.
On the Static Pull-In of Tilting Actuation in Electromagnetically Levitating Hybrid Micro-Actuator: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Poletkin Kirill
Published: September 2021

This work presents the results of the experimental and theoretical study of the static pull-in of tilting actuation executed by a hybrid levitation micro-actuator (HLMA) based on the combination of inductive levitation and electrostatic actuation. A semi-analytical model to study such a pull-in phenomenon is developed, for the first time, as a result of using the qualitative technique based on the Lagrangian approach to analyze inductive contactless suspensions and a recent progress in the calculation of mutual inductance and force between two circular filaments. The obtained non-linear model, accounting for two degrees of freedom of the actuator, allows us to predict accurately the static pull-in displacement and voltage. The results of modeling were verified experimentally and agree well with measurements.
A Comparative Study of Four Parametric Hysteresis Models for Magnetorheological Dampers
Authors: Lv Hongzhan , Sun Qi , Zhang W. J.
Published: September 2021

The dynamics of the magnetorheological damper is complex, including the inherent hysteresis characteristics and nonlinear creep behavior in the low-velocity region. Mathematical models for these complex dynamics are very important to the function of the damper. In this paper, a comparative study of the four parametric dynamic models, which are the hysteresis bi–viscous model, viscoelastic-plastic model, Bouc–Wen model, and improved Bouc–Wen model, is performed. The study includes the building of a common test apparatus and the parameter identification for the four models. The comparison of the four models concludes that (1) all four models are comparative and that (2) the improved Bouc–Wen model has the highest accuracy.
Subsoil Melioration with Organic Material—Principle, Technology and Yield Effects
Authors: Schmittmann Oliver , Christ Andreas , Schulze Lammers Peter
Published: September 2021

An increasing challenge for agriculture in times of climate change is to sustainably ensure or increase the yield capacity of crop production. Low-yielding sites are particularly at risk in this respect. One strategy to counteract is to promote the use of the subsoil. This article describes the technical procedure and development of an implement for stripe-wise subsoil melioration with application of compost in a layer of 30–60 cm. These stripes are each 30 cm wide and 70 cm apart. A technology has been developed for process, which allows the described procedure to be used over a large area. The melioration is carried out in one pass by an implement in an arrangement of 3 rows resulting in a working width of 3 m. A hopper on top of the implements frame includes an embedded hydraulic system to feed compost into the injection coulter. Results from 4-year field trials with standard crop rotations verify yield increases of up to 20% still 5 years after melioration. An overview of these trials and results will also be presented.
A Preliminary Investigation on Bacterial Diversity and Fermentation Quality of High-Moisture Alfalfa Silage Prepared with Biochar
Authors: Guo Xiang , Zheng Mingyang , Wu Shuo , Zou Xuan , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhang Qing , Wang Mingya
Published: September 2021

The fermentation quality of alfalfa silage is poor but can be improved with additives. This study investigates the effects of biochar on the fermentation quality and bacterial diversity of high-moisture alfalfa silage. Alfalfa was treated with: (i) control without additive (CK); (ii) 1% biochar (1% carbon C); (iii) 2% biochar (2% C), and fermented for 15 or 30 d. Mixing alfalfa with biochar significantly decreased (p < 0.05) pH, the number of coliform bacteria, nonprotein nitrogen content, and ammonia–nitrogen content, and significantly increased the contents of dry matter, lactic acid, and true protein. The addition of biochar also influenced bacterial community distribution. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Enterococcus increased while the abundance of Pantoea decreased with biochar treatment. In conclusion, alfalfa silage’s fermentation quality and microbial community structure are improved by adding biochar from the pyrolysis of waste furniture.
Low Tunnels inside Mediterranean Greenhouses: Effects on Air/Soil Temperature and Humidity
Authors: López-Martínez Alejandro , Molina-Aiz Francisco , Moreno-Teruel María , Peña-Fernández Araceli , Baptista Fátima , Valera-Martínez Diego
Published: September 2021

The main objective of this work was to analyze the microclimate generated inside a low tunnel (floating row cover) installed in an Almería-type greenhouse. Low tunnels are commonly used in the open field to protect plants against insect attack and to improve the production of muskmelon and strawberry. Floating row covers can also be used inside greenhouses during the first few weeks after the transplantation of muskmelon and watermelon crops in spring-summer cycles. This work was carried out during the first weeks of a watermelon culture (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) growing with a polyethylene row cover inside an Almería-type greenhouse (2115 m2). Air temperature and humidity, plant temperature and soil temperature and humidity were measured in the greenhouse inside and outside the row covers. During the three days of measurement, all greenhouse vent openings were closed. The use of the low tunnels increased average air temperature around plants from 24.0 ± 9.0 °C to 26.9 ± 9.7 °C. A maximum difference in air temperature of about 5.9 °C was observed at noon. The average daily temperature of the crop was 28.2 ± 11.8 °C inside the row cover and 24.6 ± 8.9 °C without it. Similarly, the absolute humidity of air was clearly higher inside the low tunnel (0.0201 ± 0.0098 g/g) than around the plant rows without floating cover (0.0131 ± 0.0048 g/g). The soil temperature was also higher inside the low tunnel compared to the area without this second plastic cover. The effect of the tunnel decreased with depth, with average temperature differences of 1.2 ± 0.5 °C on the soil surface and 0.6 ± 0.5 °C at 20 cm depth.
Assessing the Adaptive Mechanisms of Two Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes to Salinity Stress
Authors: Ibrahimova Ulkar , Suleymanova Zarifa , Brestic Marian , Mammadov Alamdar , Ali Omar M. , Abdel Latef Arafat Abdel Hamed , Hossain Akbar
Published: September 2021

This work deals with the assessment of physiological and biochemical responses to salt stress, as well as the regulation of the expression of the K+/Na+ transporter gene-TaHKT1;5 of two Triticum aestivum L. genotypes with contrasting tolerance. According to the observations, salinity stress caused lipid peroxidation; accumulation of soluble sugars and proline; decreased osmotic potential, Fv/Fm value, and K+/Na+ ratio; and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in both genotypes. In the salt-tolerant genotype, the activity of enzymes, the amounts of soluble sugars and proline were higher, the osmotic potential and the lipid peroxidation were lower than in the sensitive one, and the Fv/Fm value remained unchanged. A comparison of the accumulation of Na+ and K+ ions in the roots and leaves showed that the Na+ content in the leaves is lower. The selective transport of K+ ions from roots to leaves was more efficient in the salt-tolerant genotype Mirbashir-128; consequently, the K+/Na+ ratio in the leaves and roots of this genotype was higher compared with the sensitive Fatima genotype. The semi-quantitative RT-PCR expression experiments on TaHKT1;5 indicated that this gene was not expressed in the leaf of the wheat genotypes. Under salt stress, the expression level of the TaHKT1;5 gene increased in the root tissues of the salt-sensitive genotype, while it decreased in the salt-tolerant wheat genotype. The results obtained suggest that the ion status and salt tolerance of the wheat genotypes are related to the TaHKT1;5 gene activity.
The Effect of Night Low Temperature on Agronomical Traits of Thirty-Nine Pepper Accessions (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Rajametov Sherzod Nigmatullayevich , Lee Kwanuk , Jeong Hyo-Bong , Cho Myeong-Cheoul , Nam Chun-Woo , Yang Eun-Young
Published: September 2021

Pepper plants are subject to complex environmental factors including abiotic and biotic stresses in fields, as well as the significant effects of climate changes, including low and high temperatures. Low temperature stress in the growth and development of pepper plants is one of the most critical issues, and directly impacts the crop yield and productivity of pepper plants. Therefore, it is essential to select and breed low temperature-(LT) tolerant pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars. This research was conducted to assess the agronomical traits of 39 pepper accessions belonging to the chili and bell fruit varieties which were cultivated under two different night temperature set-points: at 15 °C for a suboptimal temperature (CT) and at 10 °C for a low temperature (LT). The plant heights (PH) of most pepper accessions in a LT were significantly decreased compared to those in a CT. The stem diameter (SD) and the length of main axis (LMA) varied depending on the genotypes under LT. Moreover, the number of flowers (NFL), total number of fruits (NFR), fruit yield (FY), fruit fresh weight (FFW), fruit length (FL), fruit diameter (FD), and number of seeds in a fruit (NSF) remarkably declined in a LT compared to in a CT. The evaluated agronomical traits between LT and CT were further applied for the correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis. Notably, the FY trait was correlated with other reproductive traits including NFR, FFW, FD, and FL on the positive directions and thirty-nine LT-treated pepper accessions were clustered into seven groups by the hierarchical clustering analysis. The selected accessions were primarily involved in the positive trends with the reproductive index including NFR, FL, FD, and FFW traits and could be used for pepper breeding programs to develop LT-tolerant cultivars.
Imipenem Resistance Mediated by blaOXA-913 Gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Moon Dong-Chan , Mechesso Abraham Fikru , Kang Hee-Young , Kim Su-Jeong , Choi Ji-Hyun , Song Hyun-Ju , Yoon Soon-Seek , Lim Suk-Kyung
Published: September 2021

Treatment of infectious diseases caused by carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is becoming a greater challenge. This study aimed to identify the imipenem resistance mechanism in P. aeruginosa isolated from a dog. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined by the broth microdilution method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommendations. We performed polymerase chain reaction and whole-genome sequencing to detect carbapenem resistance genes. Genomic DNA of P. aeruginosa K19PSE24 was sequenced via the combined analysis of 20-kb PacBio SMRTbell and PacBio RS II. Peptide-Peptide Nucleic Acid conjugates (P-PNAs) targeting the translation initiation region of blaOXA-913 were synthesized. The isolate (K19PSE24) was resistant to imipenem and piperacillin/tazobactam yet was susceptible to most of the tested antimicrobials. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the K19PSE24 genome comprised a single contig amounting to 6,815,777 base pairs, with 65 tRNA and 12 rRNA genes. K19PSE24 belonged to sequence type 313 and carried the genes aph(3)-IIb, fosA, catB7, crpP, and blaOXA-913 (an allele deposited in GenBank but not described in the literature). K19PSE24 also carried genes encoding for virulence factors (exoenzyme T, exotoxin A, and elastase B) that are associated with adhesion, invasion, and tissue lysis. Nevertheless, we did not detect any of the previously reported carbapenem resistance genes. This is the first report of the blaOXA-913 gene in imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa in the literature. Notably, no viable colonies were found after co-treatment with imipenem (2 µg/mL) and either of the P-PNAs (12.5 µM or 25 µM). The imipenem resistance in K19PSE24 was primarily due to blaOXA-913 gene carriage.