bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Comparison of Bipolar I and II Subjects With and Without Comorbid Alcohol Dependence From the COGA Dataset
Authors: Preuss Ulrich W. , Hesselbrock M. N. , Hesselbrock V. M.
Published: December 2020

Objective: Comorbidity of alcohol use disorders in bipolar subjects is high as indicated by epidemiological and clinical studies. Though a more severe course of bipolar disorder in subjects with comorbid alcohol dependence has been reported, fewer studies considered the longitudinal course of alcohol dependence in bipolar subjects and the prospective course of comorbid bipolar II subjects. Beside baseline analysis, longitudinal data of the COGA (Collaborative Study on Genetics in Alcoholism) were used to evaluate the course of bipolar I and II disordered subjects with and without comorbid alcohol dependence over more than 5 years of follow-up.

Methods: Characteristics of bipolar disorder, alcohol dependence and comorbid psychiatric disorders were assessed using semi-structured interviews (SSAGA) at baseline and at a 5-year follow-up. Two hundred twenty-eight bipolar I and II patients were subdivided into groups with and without comorbid alcohol dependence.

Results: Of the 152 bipolar I and 76 bipolar II patients, 172 (75, 4%) had a comorbid diagnosis of alcohol dependence. Bipolar I patients with alcohol dependence, in particular women, had a more severe course of bipolar disorder, worse social functioning and more suicidal behavior than all other groups of subjects during the 5-year follow-up. In contrast, alcohol dependence improved significantly in both comorbid bipolar I and II individuals during this time.

Conclusions: A 5-year prospective evaluation of bipolar patients with and without alcohol dependence confirmed previous investigations suggesting a more severe course of bipolar disorder in comorbid bipolar I individuals, whereas bipolar II individuals were less severely impaired by comorbid alcohol use disorder. While severity of alcohol dependence improved during this time in comorbid alcohol-dependent bipolar I patients, the unfavorable outcome for these individuals might be due to the higher comorbidity with personality and other substance use disorders which, together with alcohol dependence, eventually lead to poorer symptomatic and functional clinical outcomes.
Investigating Relationships Between Alcohol and Cannabis Use in an Online Survey of Cannabis Users: A Focus on Cannabinoid Content and Cannabis for Medical Purposes
Authors: Karoly Hollis C. , Mueller Raeghan L. , Andrade Chrysta C. , Hutchison Kent E.
Published: December 2020

Cannabis is commonly used among people who drink alcohol, but findings are mixed regarding the direction of this relationship. The type of cannabis used [high-cannabidiol (CBD) vs. high-delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)] and motives for use (i.e., whether cannabis is used to treat a medical condition) may influence the relationship between cannabis and drinking. Specifically, CBD has shown preclinical promise in reducing alcohol consumption, and medical cannabis users report using cannabis to reduce drinking. This study leverages survey data from cannabis users who drink alcohol (N = 533). Respondents were categorized as using cannabis to treat (CTT) a medical condition or as individuals whose cannabis use is not intended to treat (NCTT) a medical condition and grouped based on the THC/CBD ratio of the flower or edible cannabis they typically use (e.g., “High-THC/CBD,” “Medium-THC/CBD” and “Low-THC/CBD”). The CTT group (n = 412) reported drinking significantly less frequently than the NCTT group (n = 121). Cannabinoid content of flower cannabis was associated with alcohol consumed on cannabis-use days, such that individuals in the High-THC/CBD group drink more on cannabis-use days compared to the Medium-THC/CBD group. Cannabinoid content of edible cannabis was associated with drinks per drinking occasion, such that the High-THC/CBD group consumed the most drinks and the Low-THC/CBD group consumed the fewest. For both edible and flower groupings, higher-THC/CBD cannabis was associated with more frequent co-use than lower-THC/CBD cannabis. Results suggest that whether someone uses cannabis to treat a medical condition may impact their drinking frequency, and the cannabinoid content in flower and edible cannabis impacts alcohol consumption.
Cardiomyopathy Associated With Coronary Arteriosclerosis in Free-Ranging Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx carpathicus)
Authors: Ryser-Degiorgis Marie-Pierre , Robert Nadia , Meier Roman Kaspar , Zürcher-Giovannini Samoa , Pewsner Mirjam , Ryser Andreas , Breitenmoser Urs , Kovacevic Alan , Origgi Francesco C.
Published: December 2020

The Eurasian lynx (subspecies Lynx lynx carpathicus) was reintroduced to Switzerland in the 1970's. Health monitoring of the reintroduced population started in the late 1980's. Since then, six lynx have been found affected by a myocardial disease. The earliest case was an animal that died after a field anesthesia. Two lynx were found dead, two were euthanized/culled because of disease signs, and one was hit by car. Two had a heart murmur at clinical examination. At necropsy, the first animal showed only lung edema but the other five had cardiomegaly associated with myocardial fibrosis. Three had multisystemic effusions. Histological examination of all six lynx showed mild to severe, multifocal, myocardial interstitial and perivascular fibrosis along with multifocal myocyte degeneration and loss, and replacement fibrosis. Moderate to severe multifocal arteriosclerosis with associated luminal stenosis of the small and medium-sized intramural coronary arteries and the presence of Anitschkow cells was also observed. The heart lesions may have led to sudden death in the first case and to a chronic right-sided heart failure in the remaining. None of the lynx showed lesions or signs suggestive of an acute or subacute infection. Given the common geographic origin of these animals and the severe loss of heterozygocity in this population, a genetic origin of the disease is hypothesized.
Transcriptome Profiles of Highly Pathogenic Pure Avian H7N9 Virus-Infected Lungs of BALB/c Mice
Authors: Gong Wenxiao , Huang Kun , Zhang Yufei , He Xinglin , Li Chengfei , Mao Haiying , Wei Yanming , Zou Zhong , Jin Meilin
Published: December 2020

Avian influenza A (H7N9) viruses emerged in China in 2013 and caused a zoonotic disease associated with a high case-fatality ratio of more than 30%. Transcriptional profiles obtained using animal models reveal host responses to the disease, thereby providing insights into disease pathogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the host responses of the H7N9 virus infected-mouse lungs in this study. First, we isolated an avian-originated H7N9 strain, which was shown to be highly pathogenic to both chickens and mice. Genomic analysis results suggested that a 12-nucleotide-insertion was present at the hemagglutinin cleavage site, and both the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes belonged to the Yangtze River Delta lineage. RNA sequencing results revealed 566 differentially expressed genes in the H7N9-infected lungs. Moreover, transcriptome analysis revealed that over-activated antiviral signals and intense interferon-stimulated gene products possibly contributed to the high virulence of the virus in mice. Importantly, lung concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β and interleukin-6, interferon-β, and tumor necrosis factor-α, were upregulated in response to H7N9 virus infection. Overall, the present study provided a comprehensive understanding of H7N9 virus pathogenicity and correlated host immune responses.
The Effect of Climate Change on Linolenic Fatty Acid in Oilseed Rape
Authors: Wójtowicz Marek , Wójtowicz Andrzej
Published: December 2020

Linolenic acid content plays a significant role in the quality of oilseed rape oil. With the use of a model developed to calculate linolenic acid content depending on temperature, we performed simulations focused on the predicted changes of linolenic acid content triggered by expected climate change. The aim of the study was realized with the use of meteorological data recorded at 16 locations, representing 16 provinces in Poland, in the period of 1986–2005, and values obtained after the transformation of the recorded data to reflect temperature changes in four different representative concentration pathway scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, RCP8.5) according to the gfdl_esm2m climate model. The results of the simulations performed under all tested scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, RCP8.5) for all analyzed periods (2020–2039, 2040–2059, 2060–2079, 2080–2099) indicate a reduction of linolenic acid content as an effect of climate change. The comparison of simulation results obtained with and without allowing for the influence of temperature on oilseed rape development revealed the dominant role of direct influence in modifying the linolenic acid content. An analysis of the results also indicated how indirect influence of climate change, as expressed in changes of linolenic acid content generated by the acceleration of oilseed rape maturation, reduces the direct influence of climate change, expressed in changes of linolenic acid content caused by temperature. Additionally, simulation results point to opportunities, triggered by climate change, for a diversity of regions in terms of linolenic acid content in comparison to the years of 1986–2005.
Effect of Rumen Protected Methionine and α-Tocopherol on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Composition of Late Fattening Hanwoo Steer in High-Temperature Seasons
Authors: Park Byung-Ki , Ahn Jun-Sang , Kim Min-Ji , Son Gi-Hwal , Bong Sang-Hun , Gil Deok-Yun , Park Joong-Kook , Lee Chang-Woo , Kwon Eung-Gi , Chang Sun-Sik , Shin Jong-Suh
Published: December 2020

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of rumen-protected methionine and α-tocopherol (RPMT) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat composition of late fattening Hanwoo steers in high-temperature seasons. Fourteen steers were randomly assigned to one of two diets; control (commercial concentrate) and treatment (commercial concentrate + 20 g of RPMT). Average daily gain was 34% higher in the treatment group than in the control group; however, there was no significant difference due to the small number under investigation. Feed conversion ratio was lower in the treatment group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Supplementation of RPMT had little effect on the fatty acid composition of longissimus muscle. Metmyoglobin in the longissimus muscle was significantly lower in treatment group compared to the control group at the ninth day of storage (p < 0.05). The redness of the longissimus muscle was higher in the treatment group than in the control group on day 9 of storage (p < 0.01). Thus, the results suggest that RPMT have positive effects on growth performance, and Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage color stability in the longissimus muscle of late fattening Hanwoo steers in high-temperature seasons.
Automatic Parking Path Planning and Tracking Control Research for Intelligent Vehicles
Authors: Li Chenxu , Jiang Haobin , Ma Shidian , Jiang Shaokang , Li Yue
Published: December 2020

As a key technology for intelligent vehicles, automatic parking is becoming increasingly popular in the area of research. Automatic parking technology is available for safe and quick parking operations without a driver, and improving the driving comfort while greatly reducing the probability of parking accidents. An automatic parking path planning and tracking control method is proposed in this paper to resolve the following issues presented in the existing automatic parking systems, that is, low degree of automation in vehicle control; lack of conformity between segmented path planning and real vehicle motion models; and low success rates of parking due to poor path tracking. To this end, this paper innovatively proposes preview correction which can be applied to parking path planning, and detects the curvature outliers in the parking path through the preview algorithm. In addition, it is also available for correction in advance to optimize the reasonable parking path. Meanwhile, the dual sliding mode variable structure control algorithm is used to formulate path tracking control strategies to improve the path tracking control effect and the vehicle control automation. Based on the above algorithm, an automatic parking system was developed and the real vehicle test was completed, thus exploring a highly intelligent automatic parking technology roadmap. This paper provides two key aspects of system solutions for an automatic parking system, i.e., parking path planning and path tracking control.
Highly Transparent Broadband and Polarization-Insensitive Absorber Based on Metasurface
Authors: Xiao Houdi , Qin Ruiru , Lv Mingyun , Wang Chuanzhi
Published: December 2020

A highly transparent polarization-insensitive metamaterial absorber with wideband microwave absorption is presented. The broadband absorption (6.0~16.7 GHz, absorptance > 85%) is achieved using three patterned resistive metasurfaces. The visible light transmittance of the absorber is as high as 85.7%. The thickness of the absorber is 4.42 mm, which is only 0.088 times of the upper-cutoff wavelength. A prototype sample is fabricated and measured to demonstrate its excellent performance. The experimental results agree well with the simulation results. In view of its wide band absorption, high transmittance, low profile, polarization insensitivity and wide incidence angle stability, the presented absorber has a wide range of potential applications.
Individual Differences and Similarities in the Judgement of Facial Pain: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Glenn Sheila , Poole Helen , Oulton Paula
Published: December 2020

Accurate assessment of pain by health-care professionals is essential to ensure optimal management of pain. An under-researched area is whether personality characteristics affect perception of pain in others. The aims were (a) to determine whether individual differences are associated with participants’ ability to assess pain, and (b) to determine facial cues used in the assessment of pain. One hundred and twenty-eight undergraduate students participated. They completed questionnaire assessments of empathy, pain catastrophizing, sensory sensitivity and emotional intelligence. They then viewed and rated four adult facial images (no, medium, and high pain—12 images total) using a 0–10 numerical rating scale, and noted the reasons for their ratings. (a) Empathy was the only characteristic associated with accuracy of pain assessment. (b) Descriptions of eyes and mouth, and eyes alone were most commonly associated with assessment accuracy. This was the case despite variations in the expression of pain in the four faces. Future studies could evaluate the effect on accuracy of pain assessment of (a) training empathic skills for pain assessment, and (b) emphasizing attention to the eyes, and eyes and mouth.
Predictive Control of District Heating System Using Multi-Stage Nonlinear Approximation with Selective Memory
Authors: Reich Marius , Gottschald Jonas , Riegebauer Philipp , Adam Mario
Published: December 2020

Innovative heating networks with a hybrid generation park can make an important contribution to the energy turnaround. By integrating heat from several heat generators and a high proportion of different renewable energies, they also have a high degree of flexibility. Optimizing the operation of such systems is a complex task due to the diversity of producers, the use of storage systems with stratified charging and continuous changes in system properties. Besides, it is necessary to consider conflicting economic and ecological targets. Operational optimization of district heating systems using nonlinear models is underrepresented in practice and science. Considering ecological and economic targets, the current work focuses on developing a procedure for an operational optimization, which ensures a continuous optimal operation of the heat and power generators of a local heating network. The approach presented uses machine learning methods, including Gaussian process regressions for a repeatedly updated multi-stage approximation of the nonlinear system behavior. For the formation of the approximation models, a selection algorithm is utilized to choose only essential and current process data. By using a global optimization algorithm, a multi-objective optimal setting of the controllable variables of the system can be found in feasible time. Implemented in the control system of a dynamic simulation, significant improvements of the target variables (operating costs, CO2 emissions) can be seen in comparison with a standard control system. The investigation of different scenarios illustrates the high relevance of the presented methodology.
Effect of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on the Properties of Water-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Alvi Muhammad Awais Ashfaq , Belayneh Mesfin , Bandyopadhyay Sulalit , Minde Mona Wetrhus
Published: December 2020

In recent years, several studies have indicated the impact of nanoparticles (NPs) on various properties (such as viscosity and fluid loss) of conventional drilling fluids. Our previous study with commercial iron oxide NPs indicated the potential of using NPs to improve the properties of a laboratory bentonite-based drilling fluid without barite. In the present work, iron oxide NPs have been synthesized using the co-precipitation method. The effect of these hydrophilic NPs has been evaluated in bentonite and KCl-based drilling fluids. Rheological properties at different temperatures, viscoelastic properties, lubricity, and filtrate loss were measured to study the effect of NPs on the base fluid. Also, elemental analysis of the filtrate and microscale analysis of the filter cake was performed. Results for bentonite-based fluid showed that 0.019 wt% (0.1 g) of NPs reduced the coefficient of friction by 47%, and 0.0095 wt% (0.05 g) of NPs reduced the fluid loss by 20%. Moreover, for KCl-based fluids, 0.019 wt% (0.1 g) of additive reduced the coefficient of friction by 45%, while higher concentration of 0.038 wt% (0.2 g) of NPs shows 14% reduction in the filtrate loss. Microscale analysis shows that presence of NPs in the cake structure produces a more compact and less porous structure. This study indicates that very small concentration of NPs can provide better performance for the drilling fluids. Additionally, results from this work indicate the ability of NPs to fine-tune the properties of drilling fluids.
Integrated Algorithm for Selecting the Location and Control of Energy Storage Units to Improve the Voltage Level in Distribution Grids
Authors: Szultka Agata , Szultka Seweryn , Czapp Stanislaw , Lubosny Zbigniew , Malkowski Robert
Published: December 2020

This paper refers to the issue that mainly appears in distribution grids, where renewable energy sources (RES) are widely installed. In such grids, one of the main problems is the coordination of energy production time with demand time, especially if photovoltaic energy sources are present. To face this problem, battery energy storage units (ESU) can be installed. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to optimizing the use of ESU. This paper contains a simple description of available solutions for the application of ESU as well as an original proposal for selecting the optimal location and control of ESU. The ESU selection method is based on the use of a genetic algorithm and the ESU control method utilizes the fuzzy logic. The combination of the aforementioned methods/algorithms of ESU application is named an integrated algorithm. The performance of the proposed algorithm was validated by multivariate computer simulations with the use of the real low-voltage grid model. The DIgSILENT PowerFactory environment was employed to develop the simulation model of the integrated algorithm. The proposal was utilized to improve the voltage level in the distribution grid and to install the optimal number of ESU. Based on daily load variations for selected load profiles, it was shown that after the ESU application the voltage deviations in the analyzed network were significantly limited. Moreover, the analysis proves that both the location of ESU in the grid and the control of their active and reactive power are important from the point of view of reducing overall costs.
Modified Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm under Time-Varying Solar Irradiation
Authors: Yildirim Mehmet Ali , Nowak-Ocłoń Marzena
Published: December 2020

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is one of the most viable renewable energy sources, considered less polluting than fossil energy. However, the average power conversion efficiency of PV systems is between 15% and 20%, and they must operate with high efficiency. Photovoltaic cells have non-linear voltage–current characteristics that are dependent on environmental factors such as solar irradiation and temperature, and have low efficiency. Therefore, it becomes crucial to harvest the maximum power from PV panels. This paper aims to study and analyze the most common and well-known maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, perturb and observe (P&O) and incremental conductance (IncCond). These algorithms were found to be easy to implement, low-cost techniques suitable for large- and medium-sized photovoltaic applications. The algorithms were tested and compared dynamically using MATLAB/Simulink software. In order to overcome the low performance of the P&O and IncCond methods under time-varying and fast-changing solar irradiation, several modifications are proposed. Results show an improvement in the tracking and overall system efficiencies and a shortened response time compared with original techniques. In addition, the proposed algorithms minimize the oscillations around the maximum power point (MPP), and the power converges faster.
MORED: A Moroccan Buildings’ Electricity Consumption Dataset
Authors: Ahajjam Mohamed Aymane , Bonilla Licea Daniel , Essayeh Chaimaa , Ghogho Mounir , Kobbane Abdellatif
Published: December 2020

This paper consists of two parts: an overview of existing open datasets of electricity consumption and a description of the Moroccan Buildings’ Electricity Consumption Dataset, a first of its kind, coined as MORED. The new dataset comprises electricity consumption data of various Moroccan premises. Unlike existing datasets, MORED provides three main data components: whole premises (WP) electricity consumption, individual load (IL) ground-truth consumption, and fully labeled IL signatures, from affluent and disadvantaged neighborhoods. The WP consumption data were acquired at low rates (1/5 or 1/10 samples/s) from 12 households; the IL ground-truth data were acquired at similar rates from five households for extended durations; and IL signature data were acquired at high and low rates (50 k and 4 samples/s) from 37 different residential and industrial loads. In addition, the dataset encompasses non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) metadata.
Energy Dependencies in Li-Ion Cells and Their Influence on the Safety of Electric Motor Vehicles and Other Large Battery Packs
Authors: Erd Andrzej , Stoklosa Jozef
Published: December 2020

For this work, the specific heat value of a Li-ion cell was determined experimentally as if it were a homogeneous body. The heat absorbed in the cell was compared with the amount of energy contained in the charged cell. It was found that a fully charged cell poses a risk of spontaneous combustion in the event of the release of electrical energy. On the basis of literature research, the combustion process of a lithium cell has been described. The formula was derived for the value of the state of charge that does not pose a risk of self-ignition. In view of the existing threats, the currently used protection against cell damage and tests to demonstrate the safety of cells were analyzed. It has been indicated that currently used battery management systems do not guarantee the safety in a state of developing thermal runaway process. A new active way of protecting cells in a battery has been proposed, consisting in sectoral discharge of cells. The use of this solution would be important for the improvement of fire safety in the automotive industry as well as in mining and in the construction of energy storage.
Design and Decomposition Analysis of Mixing Zone Structures on Flame Dynamics for a Swirl Burner
Authors: Yang Yang , Yu Zhijian
Published: December 2020

The recirculation zone and the swirl flame behavior can be influenced by the burner exit shape, and few studies have been made into this structure. Large eddy simulation was carried out on 16 cases to distinguish critical geometry factors. The time series of the heat release rate were decomposed using seasonal-trend decomposition procedure to exclude the effect of short physical time. Dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) was performed to separate flame structures. The frequency characteristics extracted from the DMD modes were compared with those from the flame transfer functions. Results show that the flame cases can be categorized into three types, all of which are controlled by a specific geometric parameter. Except one type of flame, they show nonstationary behavior by the Kwiatkowski–Phillips–Schmidt–Shin test. The frequency bands corresponding to the coherent structures are identified. The flame transfer function indicates that the flame can respond to external excitation in the frequency range 100–300 Hz. The DMD modes capture the detailed flame structures. The higher frequency bands can be interpolated as the streamwise vortices and shedding vortices. The DMD modes, which correspond to the bands of flame transfer functions, can be estimated as streamwise vortices at the edges.
Free and Forced Vibration Analysis of H-type and Hybrid Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines
Authors: Tong Minhui , Zhu Weidong , Zhao Xiang , Yu Meilin , Liu Kan , Li Gang
Published: December 2020

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are compact and efficient and have become increasingly popular for wind energy harvesting. This paper mainly focuses on free and forced vibration analysis of two different types of VAWTs, i.e., an H-type VAWT and a new hybrid VAWT. The H-type VAWT has a lower cost, while the hybrid VAWT has a better self-starting capability at a low wind velocity. Both of them can be used for wind energy harvesting. By using the assumed modes method, the two VAWTs are simplified by a single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) model. By utilizing the method of structural mechanics, a multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) model is developed for the two VAWTs and the turbines in them are reasonably simplified. Natural frequency analyses for the SDOF and MDOF models of the two VAWTs are conducted. A beam element model (BEM) of the two VAWTs is created to calculate their natural frequencies and mode shapes and to verify natural frequency results from the SDOF and MDOF models. By using the BEM of the two VAWTs, their amplitude-frequency responses are obtained from harmonic response analysis. To analyze forced vibrations of the two VAWTs, aerodynamic loads on the two VAWTs are obtained from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. By using solid element models of the two VAWTs, forced transient responses of the two VAWTs are calculated by using the aerodynamic loads from CFD simulation. Steady-state forced response amplitudes of the 1 m-mast hybrid VAWT are 23.8% and 20.5% smaller in X- and Y-directions than those of the 1 m-mast H-type VAWT, respectively. Frequency contents of the aerodynamic loads from CFD simulation are calculated, which confirm that they are periodic, and the power efficiency of the H-type VAWT is about 2.6% higher that of the hybrid VAWT.
‘Bidh mi Cumha mu d’ Dhéibhinn gu Bràth’ [I Shall Grieve for You Forever]: Early Nova Scotian Gaelic Laments
Authors: Rankin Effie
Published: December 2020

Gaelic laments played an integral role in the deathways of the Highland Scots of Nova Scotia. These often passionate outpourings of grief served as lasting obituaries for the dead and epitomized the richness and vigour of the Gaelic language. As sincere emotional responses, they gave a poetic and performative dimension to the deaths of clergy and other noted community members, as well as beloved relatives and victims of sudden, unexpected deaths, such as drowning and even murder. A casual scan of Gaelic printed sources from newspapers and anthologies will immediately impress the reader with the prolific number of extant elegies. It is therefore necessary to confine the scope of this article to the earliest examples in Nova Scotia, focusing primarily on the creations of the better known, established poets. Several works by less familiar bards have also been included in this study.
Home-Based Resistance Training for Older Subjects during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Italy: Preliminary Results of a Six-Months RCT
Authors: Vitale Jacopo Antonino , Bonato Matteo , Borghi Stefano , Messina Carmelo , Albano Domenico , Corbetta Sabrina , Sconfienza Luca Maria , Banfi Giuseppe
Published: December 2020

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a six-month home-based resistance-training program on muscle health and physical performance in healthy older subjects during the unique condition of home confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This was a randomized-controlled study that enrolled older participants that were allocated to either an experimental group performing the six-months exercise prescription (EXE) or a control group (CON). At the beginning (PRE), and after 6 months (POST), participants were assessed for muscle strength, balance, gait assessment and body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging. Normality distribution of data was checked with the D’Agostino and Pearson test and changes between PRE and POST were assessed by paired Student’s t-test while percentage and absolute changes between groups at POST were tested by unpaired t-test. Results. Nine participants were included for the final analysis: EXE, n = 5 (age: 66 ± 4; BMI: 27.5 ± 3.7) and CON, n = 4 (age: 71 ± 9; BMI: 24.2 ± 4.1). Significant PRE-to-POST changes were observed in the EXE group only in the chair-stand test (+19.8%, p = 0.048 and ES:1.0, moderate) and in total fat mass (+5.0%, p = 0.035 and ES:1.4, large) with no between-group differences. Moreover, EXE had significantly higher absolute thigh CSA values than CON at POST (14.138 ± 2977 vs. 9039 ± 1015, p = 0.0178, ES = 1.7). No other within- and between-group differences were detected. Conclusions. The home-based resistance-training program during the lockdown period, caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, determined only within-group improvement in lower limb muscle strength but not in muscle mass and composition in older subjects. Home confinement may partially explain the increase in total body fat due to a reduced daily PA regime and altered diet pattern.
Bullying in Primary School Children: The Relationship between Victimization and Perception of Being a Victim
Authors: Sidera Francesc , Serrat Elisabet , Collell Jordi , Perpiñà Georgina , Ortiz Robinson , Rostan Carles
Published: December 2020

This study aims to investigate victimization of bullying in primary school children, as well as its relationship with children’s perception of being a victim. In a sample of 4646 students from 3rd to 6th grade, we evaluated children’s victimization and cybervictimization behaviors, and children were also asked whether they had been victims of bullying or cyberbullying. From the participants, 36.7% were victims, and 4.4% cybervictims. In addition, 24.2% had a perception of being a victim, and 4.9% a perception of being a cybervictim. On the other hand, 56.9% of victims of traditional bullying had no perception of being a victim. The victimization behaviors of traditional bullying associated with a higher perception of being a victim were threats, while physical and direct verbal aggression implied a lower perception of being a victim. The results suggest the most frequent victimization behaviors may be normalized.
Results of Nurse Case Management in Primary Heath Care: Bibliographic Review
Authors: Doménech-Briz Vicente , Gómez Romero Rosario , de Miguel-Montoya Isabel , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Martínez-Riera José Ramón , Mármol-López María Isabel , Verdeguer-Gómez María Virtudes , Sánchez-Rodríguez Álvaro , Gea-Caballero Vicente
Published: December 2020

Background: The new characteristics of today’s population, together with the presence of chronic diseases in the elderly, require a new approach to care, promoting coordination between different levels of care. In this sense, we find the figure of the nurse case manager (NCM) in primary health care mainly responsible for ensuring continuity of care in complex patients with chronic diseases. Objective: to describe the role of the NCM in care management, determining its effectiveness in addressing chronic disease (health outcomes and quality of life) and its efficiency in the health system. Methods: Bibliographic review of scientific evidence on case management applied to nursing. Between March and April 2020 a bibliographic search was carried out in the Dialnet, Scielo, Scopus and Pubmed databases. Inclusion criteria: articles written in the last 5 years, which analyze how this nursing rol influences the care and health of patients. Results: A total of 16 articles were selected. The NCM reduced the use of the emergency department, hospital admissions, readmissions, and the duration of these in the patients studied. Conclusion: The NCM is effective and efficient for both patients and health institutions, and a common practice model is needed that includes standardized protocols and evidence-based practices.
Coupling Wearable Devices and Decision Theory in the United States Emergency Department Triage Process: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nino Valentina , Claudio David , Schiel Christie , Bellows Brendan
Published: December 2020

This research was motivated by the nurses’ decision-making process in the current emergency department (ED) triage process in the United States. It explores how continuous vital signs monitoring can be integrated into the ED. The article presents four shortcomings on current ED triage systems and proposes a new conceptual clinical decision support model that exploits the benefits of combining wireless wearable devices with Multi-Attribute Utility Theory to address those shortcomings. A literature review was conducted using various engineering and medical research databases, analyzing current practices and identifying potential improvement opportunities. The results from the literature review show that advancements in wireless wearable devices provide opportunities to enhance current ED processes by monitoring patients while they wait after triage and, therefore, reduce the risk of an adverse event. A dynamic mathematical decision support model to prioritize patients is presented, creating a feedback loop in the ED. The coupling of wearable devices (to collect data) with decision theory (to synthesize and organize the information) can assist in reducing sources of uncertainty inherent to ED systems. The authors also address the feasibility of the proposed conceptual model.
The Association between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Stroke: Results from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)
Authors: Yang Yun-Jung , Jung Mi-Hyang , Jeong Seok-Hoo , Hong Yeon-Pyo , Kim Yeong In , An Sang Joon
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with various cardiometabolic diseases. However, the association between NAFLD and stroke is not well known. The purpose of our study is to reveal the relationship between NAFLD and Stroke incidence. (2) Methods: Using data from a Korean prospective cohort study, we excluded participants with heavy alcohol consumption and a history of stroke; hence, 7964 adults aged 40–69 years were included in this study. According to their fatty liver index (FLI), participants were divided into three groups: <30 (n = 4550, non-NAFLD), 30–59.9 (n = 2229, intermediate), and ≥60 (n = 1185, NAFLD). The incidence of stroke according to the degree of FLI was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazard model. (3) Results: During the 12-year follow-up period, 168 strokes occurred. A graded association between NAFLD and stroke incidence was observed, i.e., 1.7% (n = 76), 2.5% (n = 56), and 3.0% (n = 36) for non-NAFLD, intermediate, and NAFLD FLI groups, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables and compared to the risk of stroke in the non-NAFLD group, the risk of stroke in the NAFLD group was the highest (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–3.34), followed by the risk of stroke in the intermediate group (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.94–2.21) (p for trend < 0.001). However, the level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, or gamma-glutamyltransferase alone did not show any significant association with stroke. (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the risk of stroke incidence gradually increased with the degree of FLI. Individuals with NAFLD should be properly counseled and monitored for risk for stroke.
Understanding South Korea’s Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Real-Time Analysis
Authors: Jeong Eunsun , Hagose Munire , Jung Hyungul , Ki Moran , Flahault Antoine
Published: December 2020

This case study focuses on the epidemiological situation of the COVID-19 outbreak, its impacts and the measures South Korea undertook during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the first case was confirmed on 20 January 2020, South Korea has been actively experiencing the COVID-19 outbreak. In the early stage of the pandemic, South Korea was one of the most-affected countries because of a large outbreak related to meetings of a religious movement, namely the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, in a city called Daegu and North Gyeongsang province. However, South Korea was held as a model for many other countries as it appeared to slow the spread of the outbreak with distinctive approaches and interventions. First of all, with drastic and early intervention strategies it conducted massive tracing and testing in a combination of case isolation. These measures were underpinned by transparent risk communication, civil society mobilization, improvement of accessibility and affordability of the treatment and test, the consistent public message on the potential benefit of wearing a mask, and innovation. Innovative measures include the mobile case-tracing application, mobile self-quarantine safety protection application, mobile self-diagnosis application, and drive-thru screening centres. Meanwhile, the epidemic has brought enormous impacts on society economically and socially. Given its relationship with China, where the outbreak originated, the economic impact in South Korea was predicted to be intense and it was already observed since February due to a decline in exports. The pandemic and measures undertaken by the government also have resulted in social conflicts and debates, human-right concerns, and political tension. Moreover, it was believed that the outbreak of COVID-19 and the governmental responses towards it has brought a huge impact on the general election in April. Despite of the large outbreak in late February, the Korean government has flattened the COVID-19 curve successfully and the downward trend in the number of new cases remained continuously as of 30 April. The most distinctive feature of South Korea’s responses is that South Korea conducted proactive case finding, contacts tracing, and isolations of cases instead of taking traditional measures of the containment of the epidemic such as boarder closures and lockdowns.
Background Concentrations of Cultivable, Mesophilic Bacteria and Dust Particles in the Air in Urban, Rural and Mountain Regions
Authors: Haas Doris , Kriso Angela , Fritz Theresa , Galler Herbert , Habib Juliana , Ilieva Mihaela , Kropsch Michael , Ofner-Kopeinig Petra , Stonitsch Martin , Strasser Andreas , Zentner Eduard , Reinthaler Franz F.
Published: December 2020

Particulate air components can be of anthropogenic or natural origin. It is assumed that in different geographical areas varying concentrations of mesophilic bacteria are present in the ambient air. The aim of this study was to determine the background concentrations of airborne culturable mesophilic bacteria and particulate matter in the ambient air. Furthermore, the association between their concentrations and some environmental factors was analysed. In the period from July to October 2019, concentrations of mesophilic bacteria and dust particles were measured in urban, rural and mountain areas using the single-stage air sampler and the particle counter. The concentrations of bacteria and dust particles in the air were counted as number of Colony Forming Units per cubic metre (CFU/m3) and particles per cubic metre (pa/m3). Staphylococcus sp. were identified. The median values of the cultivated mesophilic bacteria at 30 °C and 37 °C were 7.1 × 102 CFU/m3 and 2.3 × 101 CFU/m3 in mountain regions, 1.3 × 102 CFU/m3 and 6.9 × 101 CFU/m3 in rural regions and 2.1 × 102 CFU/m3 and 6.5 × 101 CFU/m3 in urban regions. The median of Staphylococcus sp. was 2.5 × 100 CFU/m3 in alpine areas and 7.5 × 100 CFU/m3 in urban and rural areas. Higher bacterial concentrations were measured in sunshine and in windy weather. A relationship was observed between the concentrations of airborne mesophilic bacteria and the coarse particles in all three areas. The present study determined values between 5.0 × 100 and 4.6 × 102 CFU/m3 as natural background concentrations of airborne mesophilic bacteria and 1.2 × 107 pa/m3 and 6.5 × 104 pa/m3 for fine and coarse particles, respectively. These results can be proposed as baseline for the assessment of the emission sources of mesophilic bacteria for summer and early autumn.
Reducing Young Schoolchildren’s Intake of Sugar-Rich Food and Drinks: Study Protocol and Intervention Design for “Are You Too Sweet?” A Multicomponent 3.5-Month Cluster Randomised Family-Based Intervention Study
Authors: Bestle Sidse Marie Sidenius , Christensen Bodil Just , Trolle Ellen , Biltoft-Jensen Anja Pia , Matthiessen Jeppe , Gibbons Sarah Jegsmark , Ersbøll Bjarne Kjær , Lassen Anne Dahl
Published: December 2020

A high consumption of sugar-rich discretionary food and drinks has several health implications, which have been traced from childhood into adulthood. Parents act as primary mediators shaping children’s dietary habits, and interventions that engage parents have shown to result in positive outcomes. Further, collaboration with local school health nurses and dentists provides an effective structural frame to support behaviour change and anchor new initiatives. The multicomponent 3.5-month cluster randomised family-focused intervention “Are you too Sweet?” aims to evaluate the effectiveness of communicating new Danish guidelines for sugar-rich discretionary food and drinks for school starters (5–7 years). This paper describes the development, outcomes and process evaluation of the intervention that includes three main components: extended dialogue during a school health nurse consultation, a box with home-use materials, and a social media platform to facilitate interaction among participants. Children (n = 160) and their parents were scheduled for a baseline interview at six different schools. The intervention was developed to increase self-efficacy, knowledge about guidelines, observational learning and reduce impediments for behavioural change. The desired primary outcome was a reduction in intake of sugar-rich food measured through a 7-day dietary record. The results contribute to the evidence on effective health promotion strategies.
Susceptibility to Enterocins and Lantibiotic Bacteriocins of Biofilm-Forming Enterococci Isolated from Slovak Fermented Meat Products Available on the Market
Authors: Lauková Andrea , Kandričáková Anna , Bino Eva
Published: December 2020

This study investigated eight types of Slovak dry fermented meat products (salami and sausages) that are available on the market and were produced by three different producers in different regions of Slovakia. The total counts of enterococci in these products ranged from 2.0 up to 6.0 cfu/g (log10). Three species were identified among the 15 selected enterococcal strains; Enterococcus faecium (8 strains), Enterococcus faecalis (3) and Enterococcus hirae (4). They were hemolysis-negative (γ-hemolysis) with a biofilm-forming ability, which was evaluated as low-grade biofilm formation, susceptible to conventional antibiotics and mainly susceptible to lantibiotic bacteriocins, namely, gallidermin and nisin; they even showed a higher susceptibility to gallidermin than to nisin. They were also susceptible to enterocin–durancin, but most strains showed resistance to enterocin A/P. This study indicated that bacteriocins can play a key role in preventing and/or protecting from undesirable bacterial multiplication or contamination in the food industry and that they have great potential for further experimental applications.
Abscisic Acid and Flowering Regulation: Many Targets, Different Places
Authors: Martignago Damiano , Siemiatkowska Beata , Lombardi Alessandra , Conti Lucio
Published: December 2020

Plants can react to drought stress by anticipating flowering, an adaptive strategy for plant survival in dry climates known as drought escape (DE). In Arabidopsis, the study of DE brought to surface the involvement of abscisic acid (ABA) in controlling the floral transition. A central question concerns how and in what spatial context can ABA signals affect the floral network. In the leaf, ABA signaling affects flowering genes responsible for the production of the main florigen FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT). At the shoot apex, FD and FD-like transcription factors interact with FT and FT-like proteins to regulate ABA responses. This knowledge will help separate general and specific roles of ABA signaling with potential benefits to both biology and agriculture.
Origin and Evolution of the Human Bcl2-Associated Athanogene-1 (BAG-1)
Authors: Nguyen Peter , Hess Kyle , Smulders Larissa , Le Dat , Briseno Carolina , Chavez Christina M. , Nikolaidis Nikolas
Published: December 2020

Molecular chaperones, particularly the 70-kDa heat shock proteins (Hsp70s), are key orchestrators of the cellular stress response. To perform their critical functions, Hsp70s require the presence of specific co-chaperones, which include nucleotide exchange factors containing the BCL2-associated athanogene (BAG) domain. BAG-1 is one of these proteins that function in a wide range of cellular processes, including apoptosis, protein refolding, and degradation, as well as tumorigenesis. However, the origin of BAG-1 proteins and their evolution between and within species are mostly uncharacterized. This report investigated the macro- and micro-evolution of BAG-1 using orthologous sequences and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to elucidate the evolution and understand how natural variation affects the cellular stress response. We first collected and analyzed several BAG-1 sequences across animals, plants, and fungi; mapped intron positions and phases; reconstructed phylogeny; and analyzed protein characteristics. These data indicated that BAG-1 originated before the animals, plants, and fungi split, yet most extant fungal species have lost BAG-1. Furthermore, although BAG-1’s structure has remained relatively conserved, kingdom-specific conserved differences exist at sites of known function, suggesting functional specialization within each kingdom. We then analyzed SNPs from the 1000 genomes database to determine the evolutionary patterns within humans. These analyses revealed that the SNP density is unequally distributed within the BAG1 gene, and the ratio of non-synonymous/synonymous SNPs is significantly higher than 1 in the BAG domain region, which is an indication of positive selection. To further explore this notion, we performed several biochemical assays and found that only one out of five mutations tested altered the major co-chaperone properties of BAG-1. These data collectively suggest that although the co-chaperone functions of BAG-1 are highly conserved and can probably tolerate several radical mutations, BAG-1 might have acquired specialized and potentially unexplored functions during the evolutionary process.