bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Exploratory Study on Sleep Procrastination: Bedtime vs. While-in-Bed Procrastination
Authors: Magalhães Paula , Cruz Vânia , Teixeira Sara , Fuentes Sónia , Rosário Pedro
Published: August 2020

Sleep Procrastination literature has focused on the behaviors individuals engage in before going to bed (Bedtime Procrastination) but not on the behaviors individuals engage in after going to bed (While-in-Bed Procrastination). The main goal of this study is to explore whether this While-in-Bed procrastination is a novel phenomenon that adds to the Sleep Procrastination literature. The study was conducted online with 400 high school students (Mage = 16.56; 139 males) recruited through personal contacts and social media. The Bedtime procrastination scale was adapted and validated for this sample, whereas the While-in-Bed Procrastination scale was developed for this study. Data show a low correlation (r = 0.158 **) between Bedtime and While-in-Bed Procrastination scales, suggesting that Sleep Procrastination may be composed of the two facets. Additionally, results showed that more Bedtime Procrastination was related to later waking time and later dinnertime hours, whereas more While-in-Bed Procrastination was linked to being male, later desired time to sleep, and earlier dinnertime hour. Findings indicate that solely assessing Bedtime Procrastination as representing the procrastination of Sleep is limited and overlooks a significant part of this behavior. This exploratory study adds a new perspective to the literature by stressing the role of While-in-Bed Procrastination, thus opening new research pathways.
Sexual and Life Satisfaction of Pregnant Women
Authors: Branecka-Woźniak Dorota , Wójcik Anna , Błażejewska-Jaśkowiak Joanna , Kurzawa Rafał
Published: August 2020

The awareness of one’s own sexuality and its expression depend on the stage of an individual’s life. Pregnancy is a period of many, also psychosexual, changes. The sexual needs of pregnant women are rarely discussed, and intercourse during this period seems to be a taboo. The aim of this study was to assess the sexual and life satisfaction of pregnant women. The study involved 181 pregnant women and was conducted from July to November 2018. The participants were patients of the pregnancy pathology ward, Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 2 in Szczecin, and participants of antenatal classes. The research project was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin (KB-0012/74/18). This survey-based study was performed using the self-developed questionnaire and standardized tools: the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS Statistics 24.0 statistical package. The tests used were the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, the Shapiro–Wilk test, and Pearson’s test. The statistical significance of the results was assumed as (p < 0.05), the correlations (p < 0.01), and probability (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated a high level of life satisfaction, a medium level of overall sexual satisfaction, and a high level of satisfaction with sex. A higher level of satisfaction with life was associated with higher levels of sexual satisfaction in every dimension. There is a need for comprehensive perinatal care and professional sexual counseling.
Evaluation of Gross Motor Coordination and Physical Fitness in Children: Comparison between Soccer and Multisport Activities
Authors: Popović Boris , Gušić Marko , Radanović Danilo , Andrašić Slobodan , Madić Dejan M. , Mačak Draženka , Stupar Dušan , Đukić Goran , Grujičić Dragan , Trajković Nebojša
Published: August 2020

The early detection and continuous monitoring of children’s motor competence levels and physical fitness is very important. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in motor coordination of children enrolled in soccer and multisport activities. The participants of this study included 147 boys and girls (mean age 7.60 ± 0.85 years). The total sample of subjects was composed of two subgroups: children who were enrolled in organized exercise programs—multisports (n = 77), and children who were engaged in soccer training (n = 70). Motor coordination was evaluated with the Kiphard–Schilling body coordination test (KTK). Physical fitness was assessed with a 20 m shuttle run test, 4 × 10 m shuttle run test, standing long jump, and handgrip strength. The ANCOVA showed significant differences (p < 0.05) with large effect size between groups for tests hopping for height (d = 0.93), total motor quotient (d = 1.31), jumping sideways (d = 1.32), and moving sideways (d = 1.59), after adjusting for age and gender. There were no significant differences between groups in the physical fitness tests. It can be concluded that children enrolled in multisport activities have higher levels of motor coordination than children who are enrolled only in soccer. Therefore, multiple sport training programs should be considered and encouraged by parents, educators, and other training professionals.
Cross-Sectional Study on Relationships Among FoMO, Social Influence, Positive Outcome Expectancy, Refusal Self-Efficacy and SNS Usage
Authors: Lee Kun-Hua , Lin Chia-Yu , Tsao Jing , Hsieh Lien Fang
Published: August 2020

Objectives: Use of social networking sites (SNS; i.e., Facebook or Instagram) is common, and people use SNS to communicate and share information. Literature indicates the extent of SNS usage could be influenced by fear of missing out (FoMO). FoMO means a process of appraisal and psychological need for SNS use. This study proposes a model that integrates three determinants of social cognitive theory (SCT) to explain the impact of FoMO on SNS usage. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 259 participants recruited from a website. Main Outcome Measures: The analysis focused on FoMO, social influence, positive outcome expectancy, refusal self-efficacy, and SNS-related behavior cloud-based sites. Data are examined using descriptive analysis and structural equation modeling. Results: The proposed model reported proper goodness of fit. FoMO did not directly or indirectly impact SNS usage through the determinants of SCT. However, social influence and refusal self-efficacy had a direct effect. Conclusions: The roles of the three determinants of SCT vary by stage of SNS usage. FoMO and refusal self-efficacy are more strongly related with SNS addiction. Further research, particularly longitudinal and intervention studies, is needed to examine the effects of specific factors on SNS addiction.
Profiling Malnutrition Prevalence among Australian Rural In-Patients Using a Retrospective Census of Electronic Medical Files over a 12-Month Period
Authors: Alston Laura , Green Megan , Versace Vincent L , A. Bolton Kristy , Widdicombe Kay , Buccheri Alison , Imran Didir , Allender Steven , Orellana Liliana , Nichols Melanie
Published: August 2020

In-patient malnutrition leads to poor outcomes and mortality, and it is largely uninvestigated in non-urban populations. This study sought to: (1) retrospectively estimate the prevalence of malnutrition as diagnosed by dietetics in the rural Australian setting; (2) establish the proportion of all patients at “nutritional risk”; and (3) explore associations between demographic and clinical factors with malnutrition diagnosis and nutritional risk. A retrospective census was undertaken of medical files of all patients aged ≥18 years admitted to a rural hospital setting over a 12-month period. Logistic regression was used to explore associations between malnutrition diagnosis, nutritional risk and patient-related factors. In total, 711 admissions were screened during the 12-month period comprising 567 patients. Among the 125 patients seen by dietitians, 70.4% were diagnosed with malnutrition. Across the total sample, 77.0% had high levels of nutrition related symptoms warranting a need for further assessment by dietitians. Malnutrition diagnosis by dietitians was associated with being over the age of 65 years, and patients had higher odds of being admitted to a residential aged care facility following discharge. In this rural sample, the diagnosis rate of malnutrition appeared to be high, indicating that rural in-patients may be at a high risk of malnutrition. There was also a high proportion of patients who had documentation in their files that indicated they may have benefited from dietetic assessment and intervention, beyond current resourcing.
Can Active Aerobic Exercise Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Prehypertensive Elderly Women by Improving HDL Cholesterol and Inflammatory Markers?
Authors: Ahn Nayoung , Kim Kijin
Published: August 2020

This study aims to verify the efficacy of exercise programs designed to prevent and treat hypertension-induced cardiovascular disease (CVD) by analyzing the effects of a 6-month active aerobic exercise program, administered to prehypertensive elderly women, on reducing the risk of developing CVD by enhancing their physical fitness level and improving the detailed markers of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and inflammatory markers. We assigned the elderly women (≥65 years) recruited into normal blood pressure (120–129/80–84; NBP, n = 18) and high-normal blood pressure (130–139/85–89; HNBP, n = 12) groups according to the European guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. The exercise program was made up of combined workouts of elastic band resistance exercise and aerobics with dance music. The program took place three times a week for six months, with each session lasting 60 min. We measured pre- and post-intervention body composition, blood pressure, physical fitness level, blood lipids profile, HDL-C, SAA, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, IL-15, CRP, and HSP70 and calculated the Framingham risk scores for comparison. A significant post-intervention reduction in the mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was observed in the HNBP group (p < 0.001), with significant increase in HDL-C (p < 0.01) and significant decrease in serum amyloid A (SAA) concentration (p < 0.01). A significant improvement in physical fitness factors such as physical efficiency index (PEI) was also observed in the HNBP group (p < 0.05). The post-intervention TNF-α, IL-6, and SAA concentrations were more significantly lower in the HNBP than in the NBP group (p < 0.05). Compared to the baseline values, a significant decrease in SAA concentration (p < 0.01) and significant increase in HSP70 concentration (p < 0.001) were observed in the HNBP group. The HNBP group’s 10-year CVD risk was also significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The pre–post differences in SBP and DBP were significantly correlated with those in the anti-inflammatory markers IL-4 and IL-15 (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the 6-month active aerobic exercise program of moderate intensity administered to prehypertensive elderly women (≥65 years) had the effect of reducing the 10-year CVD risk through a substantial reduction in SBP, overall physical fitness improvement, increase in HDL-C, decrease in SAA concentration, and substantial decrease in inflammatory biomarkers. It was also confirmed that an increase in anti-inflammatory markers, which showed a small range of increase with respect to the decrease in blood pressure, may have a major effect.
Space-Time Patterns, Change, and Propagation of COVID-19 Risk Relative to the Intervention Scenarios in Bangladesh
Authors: Masrur Arif , Yu Manzhu , Luo Wei , Dewan Ashraf
Published: August 2020

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a significant public health threat worldwide, particularly in densely populated countries such as Bangladesh with inadequate health care facilities. While early detection and isolation were identified as important non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) measures for containing the disease spread, this may not have been pragmatically implementable in developing countries due to social and economic reasons (i.e., poor education, less public awareness, massive unemployment). Hence, to elucidate COVID-19 transmission dynamics with respect to the NPI status—e.g., social distancing—this study conducted spatio-temporal analysis using the prospective scanning statistic at district and sub-district levels in Bangladesh and its capital, Dhaka city, respectively. Dhaka megacity has remained the highest-risk “active” cluster since early April. Lately, the central and south eastern regions in Bangladesh have been exhibiting a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. The detected space-time progression of COVID-19 infection suggests that Bangladesh has experienced a community-level transmission at the early phase (i.e., March, 2020), primarily introduced by Bangladeshi citizens returning from coronavirus epicenters in Europe and the Middle East. Potential linkages exist between the violation of NPIs and the emergence of new higher-risk clusters over the post-incubation periods around Bangladesh. Novel insights into the COVID-19 transmission dynamics derived in this study on Bangladesh provide important policy guidelines for early preparations and pragmatic NPI measures to effectively deal with infectious diseases in resource-scarce countries worldwide.
Proposal of New Health Risk Assessment Method for Deficient Essential Elements in Drinking Water—Case Study of the Slovak Republic
Authors: Rapant Stanislav , Cvečková Veronika , Hiller Edgar , Jurkovičová Dana , Kožíšek František , Stehlíková Beáta
Published: August 2020

The US EPA health risk assessment method is currently widely used to assess human health risks for many environmental constituents. It is used for risk assessment from the exposure to various contaminants exceeding tolerable or safe reference doses, determined e.g., for drinking water, soil, air and food. It accepts widely that excess contents of non-essential elements (e.g., As, Pb or Sb) in environmental compartments represent a general risk to human health. However, contrary to toxic trace elements, deficient contents of essential (biogenic) elements e.g., F, I, Se, Zn, Fe, Ca or Mg may represent even higher health risk. Therefore, we propose to extend the human health risk assessment by calculating the health risk for deficient content and intake of essential elements, and to introduce the terms Average Daily Missing Dose (ADMD), Average Daily Required Dose (ADRD) and Average Daily Accepted Dose (ADAD). We propose the following equation to calculate the Hazard Quotient (HQ) of health risk from deficient elements: HQd = ADRD/ADAD. At present, there are no reference concentrations or doses of essential elements in each environmental compartment in world databases (Integrated Risk Information System IRIS, The Risk Assessment Information System RAIS). ADRD and ADMD can be derived from different regulatory standards or guidelines (if they exist) or calculated from actual regional data on the state of population health and content of essential elements in the environment, e.g., in groundwater or soil. This methodology was elaborated and tested on inhabitants of the Slovak Republic supplied with soft drinking water with an average Mg content of 5.66 mg·L−1. The calculated ADMD of Mg for these inhabitants is 0.314 mg·kg−1·day−1 and HQd is equal to 2.94, indicating medium risk of chronic diseases. This method extending traditional health risk assessment is the first attempt to quantify deficient content of essential elements in drinking water. It still has some limitations but also has potential to be further developed and refined through its testing in other countries.
Interactive Low Back Pain Intervention Module Based on the Back School Program: A Cluster-Randomized Experimental Study Evaluating Its Effectiveness among Nurses in Public Hospitals
Authors: Ibrahim Mohd Ismail , Zubair Izani Uzair , Shafei Mohd Nazri , Ahmad Mohd Izmi , Yaacob Najib Majdi
Published: August 2020

The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among nurses is high. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive LBP module based on the Back School Program in improving Oswestry Disability Scores (ODSs) among nurses in government hospitals in Penang, Malaysia. A cluster-randomized experimental study was conducted within four public hospitals. These hospitals were randomized to intervention and control groups. A total of 284 nurses from the selected hospitals were randomly selected (142 in each group). An interactive LBP intervention module based on the Back School Program was designed and prescribed. Both the intervention and control groups were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire at baseline and at the end of the third and sixth weeks. Out of 284 participants, 281 completed this study. A between-group comparison revealed that ODSs were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at the ends of the third (p = 0.006) and sixth weeks (p < 0.001). Within-group changes revealed a significant reduction in ODSs within the intervention group from baseline to the third (p < 0.001) and sixth weeks (p < 0.001) of the intervention. This simple interactive LBP module was effective in reducing symptoms of LBP among nurses as early as three weeks, and this effect was sustained until the sixth week of the intervention.
The Contagion of Sentiments during the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis: The Case of Isolation in Spain
Authors: Iglesias-Sánchez Patricia P. , Vaccaro Witt Gustavo Fabián , Cabrera Francisco E. , Jambrino-Maldonado Carmen
Published: August 2020

This study examines how confinement measures established during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis affected the emotions of the population. For this purpose, public sentiment on social media and digital ecosystems in Spain is analyzed. We identified affective tones towards media and citizens published on social media focusing on six basic emotions: anger, fear, joy, sadness, disgust and uncertainty. The main contribution of this work is the evidence of contagious sentiments and, consequently, the possibility of using this new dimension of social media as a form of a “collective therapy”. This paper contributes to understanding the impact of confinement measures in a pandemic from the point of view of emotional health. This analysis provides a set of practical implications that can guide conceptual and empirical work in health crisis management with an alternative approach, especially useful for decision-making processes facing emergency responses and health crises, even in an unprecedented global health crisis such as the traumatic events caused by the COVID-19 disease.
Health and Nutritional Beliefs and Practices among Rural Elderly Population: An Ethnographic Study in Western Spain
Authors: Rivero-Jiménez Borja , Conde-Caballero David , Mariano-Juárez Lorenzo
Published: August 2020

Background: Demographic transition is causing an increasingly aged society, which has a significant impact on public health strategies. Increases in the size of the elderly cohort create a wider stratification and pose specific challenges. Nutrition and diet are one key issue. This study aims to describe food-related practices, beliefs, and representations of non-institutionalized older adults in rural communities in Extremadura (Western Spain). Method: The ethnographic-based fieldwork was conducted from January to July 2019. Empirical material was collected through different research relationships (semi-structured interviews and informal conversations) and direct observation in various locations in Extremadura―involving a variety of agents associated with different aspects of the nutritional process. Results: Data analysis revealed four major themes: (1) Limitations on choice and quality of food available; (2) food preferences and cooking methods; (3) the role of nostalgia in the construction of taste preferences; and (4) perceptions of what “healthy” food is and how respondents relate to the advice provided by health professionals. Conclusions: Nutritional choices among the group studied presented significant differences from medical advice―which was seen as a series of “bans” that did not carry enough authority to alter the symbolic value attached to their traditions.
Provincial Dietary Intake Study (PDIS): Micronutrient Intakes of Children in a Representative/Random Sample of 1- to <10-Year-Old Children in Two Economically Active and Urbanized Provinces in South Africa
Authors: Senekal Marjanne , Nel Johanna , Malczyk Sonia , Drummond Linda , Steyn Nelia P.
Published: August 2020

In 1999, the National Food Consumption Survey found serious risk of dietary deficiency for a number of micronutrients in 1- to 9-year-old children in South Africa. To address these shortfalls, fortification with vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, iron and zinc of maize meal and bread flour was made mandatory in 2003. The aim of this study was to examine micronutrient intakes of 1- to <10-year-old children after nearly 20 years of fortification in two of the most urbanized and economically active provinces, Gauteng (GTG) and the Western Cape (WC). A multistage stratified cluster random sampling design and methodology was used. Households were visited by fieldworkers who interviewed caregivers and obtained dietary intake data by means of a multiple-pass 24-h recall. Two additional 24-h recalls were completed among a nested sample of 146 participants to adjust the single 24-h recall data of the total sample using the National Cancer Institute Method. Results show that median intake of all the fortification nutrients were above the estimated average requirement (EAR), with the only concern being folate in the WC. Between a quarter and a third of children in the WC, where maize porridge intake was significantly lower than in GTG, had a folate intake below the EAR. Nutrients that are not included in the fortification mix that remain a serious concern are calcium and vitamin D, with intake of dairy and vitamin D sources being very limited in both provinces. The improvement in micronutrient intakes of children is encouraging, however the outstanding nutrient deficiency risks need attention.
Factors Associated with Participation in Physical Activity Among Canadian School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Bremer Emily , Martin Ginis Kathleen A. , Bassett-Gunter Rebecca L. , Arbour-Nicitopoulos Kelly P.
Published: August 2020

We have a limited understanding of the socioenvironmental factors associated with participation in physical activity among school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly regarding how the school environment may influence their participation. Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a framework, this study examined the effect of body functions and structure, activity, and personal factors on in-school physical activity; and whether in-school physical activity, considered a socioenvironmental factor, is associated with out-of-school physical activity (i.e., participation) among elementary school-aged children (6–13 years of age) with ASD. Parents of 202 children with ASD (78.2% boys; Mage = 9.4 years) completed an online survey, as part of a larger study, to assess their child’s functioning and physical activity in- and out-of-school. Results indicated that the majority of children (85.1%) did not meet physical activity guidelines. In-school physical activities significantly predicted out-of-school physical activities including leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (R2 = 0.27, F(10,154) = 5.67, p < 0.001) and meeting the physical activity guidelines (R2 = 0.23, Χ2 (10) = 31.9, p < 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of supporting children with ASD to be physically active in school, which may impact physical activity levels out-of-school.
Cellular Stress in the Pathogenesis of Muscular Disorders—From Cause to Consequence
Authors: Mensch Alexander , Zierz Stephan
Published: August 2020

Cellular stress has been considered a relevant pathogenetic factor in a variety of human diseases. Due to its primary functions by means of contractility, metabolism, and protein synthesis, the muscle cell is faced with continuous changes of cellular homeostasis that require rapid and coordinated adaptive mechanisms. Hence, a prone susceptibility to cellular stress in muscle is immanent. However, studies focusing on the cellular stress response in muscular disorders are limited. While in recent years there have been emerging indications regarding a relevant role of cellular stress in the pathophysiology of several muscular disorders, the underlying mechanisms are to a great extent incompletely understood. This review aimed to summarize the available evidence regarding a deregulation of the cellular stress response in individual muscle diseases. Potential mechanisms, as well as involved pathways are critically discussed, and respective disease models are addressed. Furthermore, relevant therapeutic approaches that aim to abrogate defects of cellular stress response in muscular disorders are outlined.
Exosomes in Angiogenesis and Anti-angiogenic Therapy in Cancers
Authors: Olejarz Wioletta , Kubiak-Tomaszewska Grażyna , Chrzanowska Alicja , Lorenc Tomasz
Published: August 2020

Angiogenesis is the process through which new blood vessels are formed from pre-existing ones. Exosomes are involved in angiogenesis in cancer progression by transporting numerous pro-angiogenic biomolecules like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and microRNAs. Exosomes promote angiogenesis by suppressing expression of factor-inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Uptake of tumor-derived exosomes (TEX) by normal endothelial cells activates angiogenic signaling pathways in endothelial cells and stimulates new vessel formation. TEX-driven cross-talk of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with immune cells blocks their anti-tumor activity. Effective inhibition of tumor angiogenesis may arrest tumor progression. Bevacizumab, a VEGF-specific antibody, was the first antiangiogenic agent to enter the clinic. The most important clinical problem associated with cancer therapy using VEGF- or VEFGR-targeting agents is drug resistance. Combined strategies based on angiogenesis inhibitors and immunotherapy effectively enhances therapies in various cancers, but effective treatment requires further research.
Propofol Affects Cortico-Hippocampal Interactions via β3 Subunit-Containing GABAA Receptors
Authors: Kreuzer Matthias , Butovas Sergejus , García Paul S , Schneider Gerhard , Schwarz Cornelius , Rudolph Uwe , Antkowiak Bernd , Drexler Berthold
Published: August 2020

Background: General anesthetics depress neuronal activity. The depression and uncoupling of cortico-hippocampal activity may contribute to anesthetic-induced amnesia. However, the molecular targets involved in this process are not fully characterized. GABAA receptors, especially the type with β3 subunits, represent a main molecular target of propofol. We therefore hypothesized that GABAA receptors with β3 subunits mediate the propofol-induced disturbance of cortico-hippocampal interactions. Methods: We used local field potential (LFP) recordings from chronically implanted cortical and hippocampal electrodes in wild-type and β3(N265M) knock-in mice. In the β3(N265M) mice, the action of propofol via β3subunit containing GABAA receptors is strongly attenuated. The analytical approach contained spectral power, phase locking, and mutual information analyses in the 2–16 Hz range to investigate propofol-induced effects on cortico-hippocampal interactions. Results: Propofol caused a significant increase in spectral power between 14 and 16 Hz in the cortex and hippocampus of wild-type mice. This increase was absent in the β3(N265M) mutant. Propofol strongly decreased phase locking of 6–12 Hz oscillations in wild-type mice. This decrease was attenuated in the β3(N265M) mutant. Finally, propofol reduced the mutual information between 6–16 Hz in wild-type mice, but only between 6 and 8 Hz in the β3(N265M) mutant. Conclusions: GABAA receptors containing β3 subunits contribute to frequency-specific perturbation of cortico-hippocampal interactions. This likely explains some of the amnestic actions of propofol.
NME/NM23/NDPK and Histidine Phosphorylation
Authors: Adam Kevin , Ning Jia , Reina Jeffrey , Hunter Tony
Published: August 2020

The NME (Non-metastatic) family members, also known as NDPKs (nucleoside diphosphate kinases), were originally identified and studied for their nucleoside diphosphate kinase activities. This family of kinases is extremely well conserved through evolution, being found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, but also diverges enough to create a range of complexity, with homologous members having distinct functions in cells. In addition to nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity, some family members are reported to possess protein-histidine kinase activity, which, because of the lability of phosphohistidine, has been difficult to study due to the experimental challenges and lack of molecular tools. However, over the past few years, new methods to investigate this unstable modification and histidine kinase activity have been reported and scientific interest in this area is growing rapidly. This review presents a global overview of our current knowledge of the NME family and histidine phosphorylation, highlighting the underappreciated protein-histidine kinase activity of NME family members, specifically in human cells. In parallel, information about the structural and functional aspects of the NME family, and the knowns and unknowns of histidine kinase involvement in cell signaling are summarized.
Association between Acrylamide Metabolites and Cardiovascular Risk in Children With Early Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hsu Chien-Ning , Hou Chih-Yao , Lu Pei-Chen , Chang-Chien Guo-Ping , Lin Sufan , Tain You-Lin
Published: August 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) begins early in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability has been associated with increased CVD in CKD patients. Children tend to have more exposure to acrylamide, one of the most common toxins in food. We aimed to determine whether urinary levels of acrylamide metabolites N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-cysteine (AAMA) and N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-cysteine (GAMA) are associated with CV risk markers in children with CKD. Data on 112 children and adolescents ages three to 18 years old with CKD stage G1–G4 are reported. We observed that 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) abnormalities were greater, and left ventricular (LV) mass and ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) were higher in children with CKD stage G2–G4 versus G1. Patients with CKD stage G2–G4 had a lower urinary acrylamide level, but a higher AAMA-to-GAMA ratio than those with CKD stage G1. Urinary acrylamide level was negatively associated with high systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) load on 24 h ABPM. Lower urinary levels of acrylamide, AAMA, and GAMA were correlated with LV mass. Additionally, GAMA are superior to AAMA related to NO-related parameters, namely citrulline and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA). This study suggests that determinations of urinary acrylamide level and its metabolites in the early stages of pediatric CKD may identify patients at risk of CVD. Further studies should clarify mechanisms underlying acrylamide exposure to define the treatment for protection against CVD.
Second Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of 4-Styrylpyridines Axially Coordinated to A4 ZnII Porphyrins: A Comparative Experimental and Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Tessore Francesca , Di Carlo Gabriele , Forni Alessandra , Righetto Stefania , Limosani Francesca , Orbelli Biroli Alessio
Published: August 2020

In this research, two 4-styrylpyridines carrying an acceptor –NO2 (L1) or a donor –NMe2 group (L2) were axially coordinated to A4 ZnII porphyrins displaying in 5,10,15,20 meso position aryl moieties with remarkable electron withdrawing properties (pentafluorophenyl (TFP)), and with moderate to strong electron donor properties (phenyl (TPP) < 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl (TBP) < bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)aniline) (TNP)). The second order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the resulting complexes were measured in CHCl3 solution by the Electric-Field-Induced Second Harmonic generation technique, and the quadratic hyperpolarizabilities βλ were compared to the Density Functional Theory (DFT)-calculated scalar quantities β||. Our combined experimental and theoretical approach shows that different interactions are involved in the NLO response of L1- and L2-substituted A4 ZnII porphyrins, suggesting a role of backdonation-type mechanisms in the determination of the negative sign of Electric-Field-Induced Second Harmonic generation (EFISH) βλ, and a not negligible third order contribution for L1-carrying complexes.
From Diverse Origins to Specific Targets: Role of Microorganisms in Indirect Pest Biological Control
Authors: Francis Frédéric , Jacquemyn Hans , Delvigne Frank , Lievens Bart
Published: August 2020

Integrated pest management (IPM) is today a widely accepted pest management strategy to select and use the most efficient control tactics and at the same time reduce over-dependence on chemical insecticides and their potentially negative environmental effects. One of the main pillars of IPM is biological control. While biological control programs of pest insects commonly rely on natural enemies such as predatory insects, parasitoids and microbial pathogens, there is increasing evidence that plant, soil and insect microbiomes can also be exploited to enhance plant defense against herbivores. In this mini-review, we illustrate how microorganisms from diverse origins can contribute to plant fitness, functional traits and indirect defense responses against pest insects, and therefore be indirectly used to improve biological pest control practices. Microorganisms in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere and endosphere have not only been shown to enhance plant growth and plant strength, but also promote plant defense against herbivores both above- and belowground by providing feeding deterrence or antibiosis. Also, herbivore associated molecular patterns may be induced by microorganisms that come from oral phytophagous insect secretions and elicit plant-specific responses to herbivore attacks. Furthermore, microorganisms that inhabit floral nectar and insect honeydew produce volatile organic compounds that attract beneficial insects like natural enemies, thereby providing indirect pest control. Given the multiple benefits of microorganisms to plants, we argue that future IPMs should consider and exploit the whole range of possibilities that microorganisms offer to enhance plant defense and increase attraction, fecundity and performance of natural enemies.
Characterization of the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Drabescus ineffectus and Roxasellana stellata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Drabescini) and Their Phylogenetic Implications
Authors: Xu Deliang , Yu Tinghao , Zhang Yalin
Published: August 2020

To explore the mitogenome characteristics and shed light on the phylogenetic relationships and molecular evolution of Drabescini species, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of two species including Drabescus ineffectus and Roxasellana stellata. The complete mitogenomes of D. ineffectus and R. stellata are circular, closed and double-stranded molecules with a total length of 15744 bp and 15361 bp, respectively. These two newly sequenced mitogenomes contain the typical 37 genes. Most protein-coding genes (PCGs) began with the start codon ATN and terminated with the terminal codon TAA or TAG, with an exception of a special initiation codon of ND5, which started with TTG, and an incomplete stop codon T-- was found in the Cytb, COX2, ND1 and ND4. All tRNAs could be folded into the canonical cloverleaf secondary structure except for the trnS1, which lacks the DHU arm and is replaced by a simple loop. The multiple tandem repeat units were found in A + T-control region. The sliding window, Ka/Ks and genetic distance analyses indicated that the ATP8 presents a high variability and fast evolutionary rate compared to other PCGs. Phylogenetic analyses based on three different datasets (PCG123, PCG12R and AA) using both Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods showed strong support for the monophyly of Drabescini.
Advances in Platelet Function Testing—Light Transmission Aggregometry and Beyond
Authors: Le Blanc Jessica , Mullier François , Vayne Caroline , Lordkipanidzé Marie
Published: August 2020

Platelet function testing is essential for the diagnosis of hemostasis disorders. While there are many methods used to test platelet function for research purposes, standardization is often lacking, limiting their use in clinical practice. Light transmission aggregometry has been the gold standard for over 60 years, with inherent challenges of working with live dynamic cells in specialized laboratories with independent protocols. In recent years, standardization efforts have brought forward fully automated systems that could lead to more widespread use. Additionally, new technical approaches appear promising for the future of specialized hematology laboratories. This review presents developments in platelet function testing for clinical applications.
Long-Term Outcomes of Switching from Fixed-Dose to As-Needed Regimen for Treating Submacular Hemorrhage Secondary to Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Kim Jae Hui , Kim Jong Woo , Kim Chul Gu , Lee Dong Won
Published: August 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients with submacular hemorrhage secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) after switching treatment from a fixed-dose to an as-needed regimen. Methods: This retrospective study included 19 patients with submacular hemorrhage secondary to PCV who were treated with fixed-dose intravitreal aflibercept during the first 56 weeks. After 56 weeks, the treatment regimen was switched to an as-needed regimen. The incidence and timing of lesion reactivation during the as-needed phase were evaluated. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline (beginning of the regimen) and the final follow-up were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with lesion reactivation. Results: During the mean follow-up period of 27 ± 7.3 months, lesion reactivation was noted in 10 patients (52.6%; mean time period: 12.2 ± 9.1 months) in the as-needed phase. Reactivations were treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections (mean, 4.1 ± 2.6). The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA was 0.26 ± 0.34 at baseline and 0.31 ± 0.38 at final follow-up (p = 0.212). Deterioration of ≥0.2 logMAR BCVA was noted in two patients (10.5%). In multivariate analysis, large lesion size was closely associated with a high risk of lesion reactivation (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Visual acuity was relatively stable after switching from a fixed-dose to an as-needed regimen, with no definite visual deterioration in the majority of patients. We conclude that patients with large lesions should be carefully monitored when switching to an as-needed regimen.
The Clinical Significance of RAS, PIK3CA, and PTEN Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Cell-Free DNA
Authors: Chang Won Jin , Sung Jae Sook , Lee Sung Yong , Kang Eun Joo , Kwon Nak-Jung , Kim Hae Mi , Shin Sang Won , Choi Jung Yoon , Choi Yoon Ji , Kim Ju Won , Park Kyong Hwa , Kim Yeul Hong
Published: August 2020

Mutations in the EGFR gene downstream signaling pathways may cause receptor-independent pathway activation, making tumors unresponsive to EGFR inhibitors. However, the clinical significance of RAS, PIK3CA or PTEN mutations in NSCLC is unclear. In this study, patients who were initially diagnosed with NSCLC or experienced recurrence after surgical resection were enrolled, and blood samples was collected. Ultra-deep sequencing analysis of cfDNA using Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 with Proton platforms was conducted. RAS/PIK3CA/PTEN mutations were frequently detected in cfDNA in stage IV NSCLC (58.1%), and a high proportion of the patients (47.8%) with mutations had bone metastases at diagnosis. The frequency of RAS/PIK3CA/PTEN mutations in patients with activating EGFR mutation was 61.7%. The median PFS for EGFR-TKIs was 15.1 months in patients without RAS/PIK3CA/PTEN mutations, and 19.9 months in patients with mutations (p = 0.549). For patients with activating EGFR mutations, the overall survival was longer in patients without RAS/PIK3CA/PTEN mutations (53.8 months vs. 27.4 months). For the multivariate analysis, RAS/PIK3CA/PTEN mutations were independent predictors of poor prognosis in patients with activating EGFR mutations. In conclusion, RAS, PIK3CA and PTEN mutations do not hamper EGFR-TKI treatment outcome; however, they predict a poor OS when activating EGFR mutations coexist.
Gene Expression of Transient Receptor Potential Channels in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
Authors: Morita Taku , Mitsuyama Keiichi , Yamasaki Hiroshi , Mori Atsushi , Yoshimura Tetsuhiro , Araki Toshihiro , Morita Masaru , Tsuruta Kozo , Yamasaki Sayo , Kuwaki Kotaro , Yoshioka Shinichiro , Takedatsu Hidetoshi , Torimura Takuji
Published: August 2020

We examined the expression profile of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PBMCs were obtained from 41 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, 34 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, and 30 normal subjects. mRNA levels of TRP channels were measured using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and correlation tests with disease ranking, as well as laboratory parameters, were performed. Compared with controls, TRPV2 and TRPC1 mRNA expression was lower, while that of TRPM2, was higher in PBMCs of UC and CD patients. Moreover, TRPV3 mRNA expression was lower, while that of TRPV4 was higher in CD patients. TRPC6 mRNA expression was higher in patients with CD than in patients with UC. There was also a tendency for the expression of TRPV2 mRNA to be negatively correlated with disease activity in patients with UC and CD, while that of TRPM4 mRNA was negatively correlated with disease activity only in patients with UC. PBMCs from patients with IBD exhibited varying mRNA expression levels of TRP channel members, which may play an important role in the progression of IBD.
Retinal Response of Low Myopes during Orthokeratology Treatment
Authors: Queirós António , Pereira-da-Mota Ana F. , Costa Jéssica , Amorim-de-Sousa Ana , Fernandes Paulo R. B. , González-Méijome José M.
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in retinal activity during orthokeratology (OK) treatment in 20 myopic eyes. Pattern electroretinography (PERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) were assessed with the RETI-port/scan21 (Roland Consult, Wiesbaden, Germany). Measurements were taken at baseline (BL) and 1 night (1N), 15 nights (15N), 30 nights (30N), and 60 nights (60N) of OK lens wear. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Friedman test were used. Twenty eyes (23.20 ± 3.46 years, 70% female) with visual acuity ≤ 0.00 logMAR in post-treatment showed that despite a slight increase in retinal and cortical response amplitude, observed with both PERG and VEP, respectively, immediately after the initial treatment, these differences found were not statistically significant during the 60 days of OK treatment, despite a statistically significant increase in N95 response with PERG. This shows that retinal and cortical visual-related electrical activity is maintained or slightly increased during OK treatment.
Recent Progress in the Study of Thermal Properties and Tribological Behaviors of Hexagonal Boron Nitride-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Khalaj Maryam , Zarabi Golkhatmi Sanaz , Alem Sayed Ali Ahmad , Baghchesaraee Kahila , Hasanzadeh Azar Mahdi , Angizi Shayan
Published: August 2020

Ever-increasing significance of composite materials with high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion coefficient and high optical bandgap over the last decade, have proved their indispensable roles in a wide range of applications. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), a layered material having a high thermal conductivity along the planes and the band gap of 5.9 eV, has always been a promising candidate to provide superior heat transfer with minimal phonon scattering through the system. Hence, extensive researches have been devoted to improving the thermal conductivity of different matrices by using h-BN fillers. Apart from that, lubrication property of h-BN has also been extensively researched, demonstrating the effectivity of this layered structure in reduction of friction coefficient, increasing wear resistance and cost-effectivity of the process. Herein, an in-depth discussion of thermal and tribological properties of the reinforced composite by h-BN will be provided, focusing on the recent progress and future trends.
Electrospun Scaffolds Containing Silver-Doped Hydroxyapatite with Antimicrobial Properties for Applications in Orthopedic and Dental Bone Surgery
Authors: Paterson Thomas E. , Shi Rui , Tian Jingjing , Harrison Caroline J. , De Sousa Mendes Mailys , Hatton Paul V. , Li Zhou , Ortega Ilida
Published: August 2020

Preventing the development of osteomyelitis while enhancing bone regeneration is challenging, with relatively little progress to date in translating promising technologies to the clinic. Nanoscale hydroxyapatite (nHA) has been employed as a bone graft substitute, and recent work has shown that it may be modified with silver to introduce antimicrobial activity against known pathogens. The aim of this study was to incorporate silver-doped nHA into electrospun scaffolds for applications in bone repair. Silver-doped nHA was produced using a modified, rapid mixing, wet precipitation method at 2, 5, 10 mol.% silver. The silver-doped nHA was added at 20 wt.% to a polycaprolactone solution for electrospinning. Bacteria studies demonstrated reduced bacterial presence, with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus undetectable after 96 h of exposure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used to study both toxicity and osteogenicity of the scaffolds using PrestoBlue® and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays. Innovative silver nHA scaffolds significantly reduced E. coli and S. aureus bacterial populations while maintaining cytocompatibility with mammalian cells and enhancing the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts. It was concluded that silver-doped nHA containing scaffolds have the potential to act as an antimicrobial device while supporting bone tissue healing for applications in orthopedic and dental bone surgery.
Regularized Latent Class Analysis for Polytomous Item Responses: An Application to SPM-LS Data
Authors: Robitzsch Alexander
Published: August 2020

The last series of Raven’s standard progressive matrices (SPM-LS) test was studied with respect to its psychometric properties in a series of recent papers. In this paper, the SPM-LS dataset is analyzed with regularized latent class models (RLCMs). For dichotomous item response data, an alternative estimation approach based on fused regularization for RLCMs is proposed. For polytomous item responses, different alternative fused regularization penalties are presented. The usefulness of the proposed methods is demonstrated in a simulated data illustration and for the SPM-LS dataset. For the SPM-LS dataset, it turned out the regularized latent class model resulted in five partially ordered latent classes. In total, three out of five latent classes are ordered for all items. For the remaining two classes, violations for two and three items were found, respectively, which can be interpreted as a kind of latent differential item functioning.