bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of Anti-Lipase Components of Artemisia argyi Leaves Based on Spectrum-Effect Relationships and HPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Chang Yaqing , Zhang Dan , Yang Guiya , Zheng Yuguang , Guo Long
Published: May 2021

Pancreatic lipase is a key lipase for triacylglyceride digestion and absorption, which is recognized as a promising target for treatment of metabolic disorders. Natural phytochemicals are hopeful sources for pancreatic lipase inhibitors. The leaves of Artemisia argyi H.Lév. and Vaniot (AL) is commonly used as herbal medicine or food supplement in China and other Asian countries for hundreds of years. AL mainly contains essential oils, phenolic acids, flavonoids and terpenoids, which exhibit many pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgetic, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes and immunomodulatory effects. However, the anti-lipase activity of AL was lack of study and the investigation of anti-lipase ingredients from AL was also insufficient. In the present study, the anti-lipase activity of AL was evaluated in vitro and the potentially pancreatic lipase inhibitors of AL were investigated. High performance liquid chromatography was used to establish fingerprints of AL samples, and fifteen peaks were selected. The anti-lipase activities of AL samples were evaluated by a pancreatic lipase inhibition assay. Then, the spectrum-effect relationships between fingerprints and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities were investigated to identify the anti-lipase constitutes in AL. As the results, four caffeoylquinic acids, which were identified as neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid A by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, were selected as potential pancreatic lipase inhibitors in AL. Moreover, anti-lipase activity assessment and molecular docking study of the four compounds were performed to validate the potential lipase inhibitors in AL. The results revealed that the four caffeoylquinic acids in AL as bioactive compounds displayed with anti-lipase activity. The present research provided evidences for the anti-lipase activity of AL, and suggested that some bioactive compounds in AL could be used as lead compounds for discovering of new pancreatic lipase inhibitors.
PROTAC: An Effective Targeted Protein Degradation Strategy for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Qi Si-Min , Dong Jinyun , Xu Zhi-Yuan , Cheng Xiang-Dong , Zhang Wei-Dong , Qin Jiang-Jiang
Published: May 2021

Proteolysis targeting chimeric (PROTAC) technology is an effective endogenous protein degradation tool developed in recent years that can ubiquitinate the target proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to achieve an effect on tumor growth. A number of literature studies on PROTAC technology have proved an insight into the feasibility of PROTAC technology to degrade target proteins. Additionally, the first oral PROTACs (ARV-110 and ARV-471) have shown encouraging results in clinical trials for prostate and breast cancer treatment, which inspires a greater enthusiasm for PROTAC research. Here we focus on the structures and mechanisms of PROTACs and describe several classes of effective PROTAC degraders based on E3 ligases.
Potential Utility of Electrical Impedance Myography in Evaluating Age-Related Skeletal Muscle Function Deficits
Authors: Clark Brian C. , Rutkove Seward , Lupton Elmer C. , Padilla Carlos J. , Arnold W. David
Published: May 2021

Skeletal muscle function deficits associated with advancing age are due to several physiological and morphological changes including loss of muscle size and quality (conceptualized as a reduction in the intrinsic force-generating capacity of a muscle when adjusted for muscle size). Several factors can contribute to loss of muscle quality, including denervation, excitation-contraction uncoupling, increased fibrosis, and myosteatosis (excessive levels of inter- and intramuscular adipose tissue and intramyocellular lipids). These factors also adversely affect metabolic function. There is a major unmet need for tools to rapidly and easily assess muscle mass and quality in clinical settings with minimal patient and provider burden. Herein, we discuss the potential for electrical impedance myography (EIM) as a tool to evaluate muscle mass and quality in older adults. EIM applies weak, non-detectible (e.g., 400 μA), mutifrequency (e.g., 1 kHz–1 MHz) electrical currents to a muscle (or muscle group) through two excitation electrodes, and resulting voltages are measured via two sense electrodes. Measurements are fast (~5 s/muscle), simple to perform, and unaffected by factors such as hydration that may affect other simple measures of muscle status. After nearly 2 decades of study, EIM has been shown to reflect muscle health status, including the presence of atrophy, fibrosis, and fatty infiltration, in a variety of conditions (e.g., developmental growth and maturation, conditioning/deconditioning, and obesity) and neuromuscular diseases states [e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and muscular dystrophies]. In this article, we describe prior work and current evidence of EIM’s potential utility as a measure of muscle health in aging and geriatric medicine.
Novel Genomic Regions of Fusarium Wilt Resistance in Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.] Discovered in Genome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Li Yanwei , Wang Ying , Wu Xinyi , Wang Jian , Wu Xiaohua , Wang Baogen , Lu Zhongfu , Li Guojing
Published: May 2021

Fusariumwilt (FW) is a typical soil-borne disease that seriously affects the yield and fruit quality of bottle gourd. Thus, to improve resistance to FW in bottle gourd, the genetic mechanism underlying FW resistance needs to be explored. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on 5,330 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 89 bottle gourd accessions. The GWAS results revealed a total of 10 SNPs (P≤ 0.01, −log10P≥ 2.0) significantly associated with FW resistance that were detected in at least two environments (2019DI, 2020DI, and the average across the 2 years); these SNPs were located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) block structure analysis predicted three potential candidate genes for FW resistance. GenesHG_GLEAN_10001030andHG_GLEAN_10001042were within the range of the mean LD block of the marker BGReSe_14202; geneHG_GLEAN_10011803was 280 kb upstream of the marker BGReSe_00818. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed thatHG_GLEAN_10011803was significantly up-regulated in FW-infected plants of YD-4, Yin-10, and Hanbi;HG_GLEAN_10001030andHG_GLEAN_10001042were specifically up-regulated in FW-infected plants of YD-4. Therefore, geneHG_GLEAN_10011803is likely the major effect candidate gene for resistance against FW in bottle gourd. This work provides scientific evidence for the exploration of candidate gene and development of functional markers in FW-resistant bottle gourd breeding programs.
Quality of Democracy Makes a Difference, but Not for Everyone: How Political Interest, Education, and Conceptions of Democracy Condition the Relationship Between Democratic Quality and Political Trust
Authors: Mauk Marlene
Published: May 2021

In light of recent crises, not least the COVID-19 pandemic, citizen trust in the political system has been highlighted as one of the central features ensuring citizen compliance and the functioning of democracy. Given its many desirable consequences, one of the key questions is how to increase political trust among ordinary citizens. This paper investigates the role of democratic quality in determining citizens’ trust in the political system. While we know that citizens’ evaluations of democratic performance are a strong predictor of political trust, previous research has shown that trust is not always higher in political systems with higher democratic quality, indicating that democratic performance evaluations do not always correspond to actual democratic quality. Several moderating factors may account for this disconnect between democratic quality and citizens’ evaluations of democratic performance and, ultimately, political trust. For one, citizens may receive different information about the political system; second, they may process this information in different ways; and third, they may have different standards of what democratic quality ought to be. Using survey data from three rounds of the World Values Survey (2005–2020) and aggregate data on democratic quality and other macro determinants of political trust from the V-Dem project and World Development Indicators for 50 democracies around the world, this contribution empirically investigates the complex relationship between democratic quality, democratic performance evaluations, and political trust in multi-level moderated mediation models. Its findings demonstrate that democratic quality affects political trust indirectly through citizens’ democratic performance evaluations and that this indirect effect is stronger for citizens with higher political interest, higher education, and especially those with more liberal conceptions of democracy.
Interpreting Emotions From Women With Covered Faces: A Comparison Between a Middle Eastern and Western-European Sample
Authors: Kret Mariska E. , Maitner Angela T. , Fischer Agneta H.
Published: May 2021

While new regulations obligate or recommend people to wear medical masks at public places to prevent further spread of the Covid-19 virus, there are still open questions as to what face coverage does to social emotional communication. Previous research on the effects of wearing veils or face-covering niqabs showed that covering of the mouth led to the attribution of negative emotions and to the perception of less intense positive emotions. The current study compares a sample from the Netherlands with a sample from the United Arab Emirates on their perception of emotions from faces covered by a niqab, censoring black bars, or uncovered faces. The results show that covering the mouth area leads to greater anxiety in participants in both countries. Furthermore, although participants did not report greater decoding difficulties for faces that were covered as compared to fully visible, results show that face coverage did influence emotion perception. Specifically, happiness and anger were perceived as being less intense. Further, face coverage by a niqab, as compared to black bars, yielded lower emotional intensity ratings. We conclude that face coverage in particular can modulate the perception of emotions, but that affective contextual cues may play a role as well.
Systematic Review of Psychological and Behavioral Correlates of Recreational Running
Authors: Pereira Hugo Vieira , Palmeira António Labisa , Encantado Jorge , Marques Marta Moreira , Santos Inês , Carraça Eliana Veiga , Teixeira Pedro J.
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The aim of this review was to systematically synthesize the published literature describing the psychological and behavioral correlates of recreational running in adults, defined as running for leisure, with or without a competitive component.

Methods: Quantitative research published in peer-reviewed journals until January 2021 were included. Studies were identified through MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science and were included in this review if they (1) were aimed at recreational running, (2) included general adult samples (18 years or older, without a diagnosed medical condition or metabolic disorder), and (3) assessed psychological or behavioral correlates of recreational running.

Results: Fifty-six articles reporting 58 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. There were 27 cross-sectional studies, 12 longitudinal studies, and 19 trials (8 non-controlled trials, 5 controlled trials, and 6 randomized controlled trials) (n = 37,501, 18–77 years old, 43% women). Twenty-eight studies assessed antecedents of running behavior, and 25 studies used running behavior as treatment or predictor of a given effect or outcome. Four studies examined both predictors and outcomes of running. Thirty-one studies showed poor quality, while 20 had fair and 7 good quality. Motives were the most frequently studied antecedent of running behavior (k = 19), and results suggest that the highest-ranked or more prevalent motives were physical health, psychological motives, and personal achievement. Additionally, perceived control, attitude toward running, intention and subjective norms, self-efficacy, and social support may have also played a role in the adoption of recreational running. Moreover, improvements in mood (k = 10) and well-being (k = 10) were the most frequently reported positive outcomes of running. Reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress were also reported in included studies.

Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review on this topic. The identification of behavioral and psychological correlates of recreational running across populations can contribute to inform and guide a public policy agenda, focused on helping people sustain regular physical activity, through a modality they have chosen and appear to enjoy.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=68954, identifier: CRD42017068954.
Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Depression Self-Management Among Chinese Community Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Shuo , Yang Bing Xiang , Gong Xuan , Chen Jie , Liu Zhongchun , Zhang Jun , Wang Xiao Qin
Published: May 2021

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the current status of depression self-management (DSM), and to identify influencing factors of DSM among Chinese community residents.

Methods: Stratified random sampling methodology was adopted in this cross-sectional survey. Respondents completed a collection of self-administered questionnaires

Results: The majority of participants were female (72.2%), having a mean age of 39 years (SD = 17.3). The total mean score on the DSSM was low (31.63 ± 4.69). Using multiple linear regression analysis, age ranging from 25 to 64 years old (Beta = −0.176, p = 0.008), having personal stigma (Beta = −0.143, p = 0.020) and perceived stigma (Beta = 0.127, p = 0.037), and having a nuclear family structure (Beta = −0.313, p = 0.046), good family function (Beta = 0.278, p < 0.001) and good help-seeking attitude (Beta = 0.159, p = 0.008) were associated with DSSM-knowledge. Older age (≥65 years) (Beta = −0.152, p = 0.034), higher CES-D scores (Beta = −0.162, p = 0.005), having a father with a bachelor's degree or higher level of education (Beta = −0.134, p = 0.047), being female (Beta = 0.147, p = 0.012), indicating a religious preference (Beta = 0.145, p = 0.017) and having good family function (Beta = 0.247, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with DSSM-activities.

Conclusions: Reducing stigma related to depression and enhancing help-seeking attitudes may be potential strategies for managing depressive symptoms among Chinese community residents.
Gut Microbiota Changes in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Treated With Vortioxetine
Authors: Ye Xiaolin , Wang Dong , Zhu Huaqian , Wang Dahai , Li Jing , Tang Yanqing , Wu Jie
Published: May 2021

Vortioxetine hydrobromide is a common clinical medication for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, it remains unclear whether vortioxetine hydrobromide acts by affecting the structure and composition of gut microbiota. Here, we analyzed fecal samples from 28 healthy controls (HCs) and 26 patients with MDD before treatment with vortioxetine hydrobromide, at 4 weeks after treatment, and at 8 weeks after treatment. High-throughput pyrosequencing showed that, according to the Chao1 and Shannon indices, fecal bacterial α-diversity was higher in the patients with MDD than in the HCs (p < 0.05), but no significant differences were observed after vortioxetine hydrobromide treatment (p > 0.05). PCoA results revealed that the gut microbiota composition was significantly different between the MDD groups and HCs. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were strongly increased, whereas Firmicutes were significantly reduced in the MDD group compared with the HCs. After treatment with vortioxetine hydrobromide, Firmicutes were significantly increased, and the proportion of Bacteroidetes decreased. Most notably, Lachnospira, Roseburia, and Faecalibacterium were negatively correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms. Taken together, our data indicate changes in the fecal microbiota composition in MDD patients compared with HCs, and vortioxetine hydrobromide may treat MDD through regulation of the gut microflora.
Acceptability and Usability of Mobile Apps for Smoking Cessation Among Young Adults With Psychotic Disorders and Other Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Gowarty Minda A. , Aschbrenner Kelly A. , Brunette Mary F.
Published: May 2021

Background: Young adults with serious mental illness (SMI) are over twice as likely to smoke cigarettes than those in the general population, but little research has evaluated the efficacy of interventions for this group. While smartphone apps are a promising tool to address this need, their usability should be evaluated among young adults with psychotic disorders, whose symptoms and cognitive impairments may be a barrier to app use.

Methods: We compared usability and acceptability of National Cancer Institute apps (QuitGuide and quitSTART) between young adult smokers with SMI psychotic disorders and other SMI diagnoses. We evaluated objective app usability at the initial study visit and following 2 weeks of independent use via a video-recorded task-completion protocol. Perceptions of usability and acceptability were assessed with semi-structured interviews. Engagement was assessed with backend app use data.

Results: Participants had a mean age of 29 years old (SD = 4). Of the participants without psychotic disorders (n = 10), all were diagnosed with SMI post-traumatic stress disorder (SMI-PTSD). QuitGuide objective task completion rates were high and similar between diagnosis groups, whereas quitSTART task completion was initially lower among users with psychotic disorder compared to users with SMI-PTSD at Visit 1, and improved by Visit 2. Mean app interactions, mean days of use, and median completed notifications were dramatically higher among quitSTART users compared to QuitGuide users. Compared to quitSTART users with SMI-PTSD, quitSTART users with psychotic disorders had similar daily app interactions over the first week of use (mean 3.8 ± 2.4 interactions), and numerically lower mean daily app interactions during the second week (1.9 ± 1.5 vs. 3.4 ± 2.5), whereas completed notifications remained stable among quitSTART users in both diagnosis groups over time. Qualitative comments indicated general acceptability of both apps among both diagnosis groups.

Conclusions: Both QuitGuide and quitSTART were usable and appealing among young adult smokers with psychotic disorders and SMI-PTSD, although quitSTART engendered a dramatically greater level of engagement compared to QuitGuide. Initial coaching to support initiation and app notifications to promote prolonged engagement may be important for young adult smokers with psychotic disorders. Replication and efficacy testing for quitSTART is warranted.
Focus on Over-the-Counter Drugs' Misuse: A Systematic Review on Antihistamines, Cough Medicines, and Decongestants
Authors: Schifano Fabrizio , Chiappini Stefania , Miuli Andrea , Mosca Alessio , Santovito Maria Chiara , Corkery John M. , Guirguis Amira , Pettorruso Mauro , Di Giannantonio Massimo , Martinotti Giovanni
Published: May 2021

Background: Over the past 20 years or so, the drug misuse scenario has seen the emergence of both prescription-only and over-the-counter (OTC) medications being reported as ingested for recreational purposes. OTC drugs such as antihistamines, cough/cold medications, and decongestants are reportedly the most popular in being diverted and misused.

Objective: While the current related knowledge is limited, the aim here was to examine the published clinical data on OTC misuse, focusing on antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, promethazine, chlorpheniramine, and dimenhydrinate), dextromethorphan (DXM)- and codeine-based cough medicines, and the nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine.

Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out with the help of Scopus, Web of Science databases, and the related gray literature. For data gathering purposes, both the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and PROSPERO guidelines were followed (PROSPERO identification code CRD42020209261).

Results: After completion of the selection, eligibility, and screening phases, some 92 articles were here taken into consideration; case reports, surveys, and retrospective case series analyses were included. Findings were organized according to the specific OTC recorded. Most articles focused here on DXM (n = 54) and diphenhydramine (n = 12). When specified, dosages, route(s) of administration, toxicity symptoms (including both physical and psychiatric ones), and outcomes were here reported.

Conclusion: Results from the systematic review showed that the OTC misusing issues are both widespread worldwide and popular; vulnerable categories include adolescents and young adults, although real prevalence figures remain unknown, due to a lack of appropriate monitoring systems. Considering the potential, and at times serious, adverse effects associated with OTC misusing issues, healthcare professionals should be vigilant, and ad hoc preventative actions should be designed and implemented.
Glymphatic Dysfunction: A Bridge Between Sleep Disturbance and Mood Disorders
Authors: Yan Tao , Qiu Yuefeng , Yu Xinfeng , Yang Linglin
Published: May 2021

Mounting evidence demonstrates a close relationship between sleep disturbance and mood disorders, including major depression disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). According to the classical two-process model of sleep regulation, circadian rhythms driven by the light–dark cycle, and sleep homeostasis modulated by the sleep–wake cycle are disrupted in mood disorders. However, the exact mechanism of interaction between sleep and mood disorders remains unclear. Recent discovery of the glymphatic system and its dynamic fluctuation with sleep provide a plausible explanation. The diurnal variation of the glymphatic circulation is dependent on the astrocytic activity and polarization of water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Both animal and human studies have reported suppressed glymphatic transport, abnormal astrocytes, and depolarized AQP4 in mood disorders. In this study, the “glymphatic dysfunction” hypothesis which suggests that the dysfunctional glymphatic pathway serves as a bridge between sleep disturbance and mood disorders is proposed.
Assessment of Need for Recovery and Its Relationship With Work Characteristics and Health in a Sample of Chinese Doctors: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Sun Tao , Shi Yu , Yin Dong , Zhang Shu'e , Wang Xiaohe
Published: May 2021

Background: China is launching an unprecedented health care system reform. However, the long-term interests of doctors seem to have been ignored during this process especially considering that the work environment and work-life balance for doctors have severely deteriorated over the past decade.Their well-being and health are facing substantial threats due to heavy workloads and inadequate recovery opportunities. This study aimed to investigate the extent of need for recovery (NFR) among Chinese doctors and to examine their work-related fatigue. The study also examines the relationship of NFR with workplace satisfaction and health outcomes among Chinese doctors.

Methods: A total of 2,617 doctors from 30 administrative regions in China participated in this study to assess the need for recovery and its relationship with work characteristics and health. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the Chinese version of the Need for Recovery Scale (NFRS). Participants were invited to complete an anonymous online survey during May 2016. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, reliability analysis, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Results: Significant differences in NFR scores were found across demographic characteristics such as age, service years, hospital levels, educational attainment, professional positions, work shifts, and working time. Regardless of any illnesses they might be experiencing, about 70.0% of participants remained at their job even though many doctors (22.1%) must continue working under the policies of the organization, which led to more pronounced NFR (P < 0.001). Further, a higher NFR was negatively related to workplace well-being and self-reported health outcomes of participants.

Conclusions: Work-induced fatigue is a growing threat to doctors in China and their recovery opportunities are extremely limited in the workplace. High NFR exerts a considerable effect on their workplace well-being and health. China's hospital managers should pay close attention to the fact that doctors have little chance of recovery, and should offer doctors' positive encouragement and support to enhance well-being. To improve doctors' working conditions, targeted prevention policies must be introduced by policymakers to control this spreading crisis.
Without Assumptions: Development of a Socio-Emotional Learning Framework That Reflects Community Values in Cameroon
Authors: Anziom Brigitte , Strader Sarah , Sanou Anselme Simeon , Chew Philip
Published: May 2021

Socioemotional learning (SEL) skills are the competencies that children need to be successful and accepted members of society. In this study, we built a SEL framework and a SEL measurement tool from the ground up that assess children's development of skills with communities of the Baka ethnic group in Cameroon. We conducted a participatory and interactive study to develop a SEL framework and measurement tool that is specific to the context of indigenous Baka communities in Cameroon. Using a quick ethnography methodology and an emic approach, a researcher team comprised mainly of Baka community members engaged parents, teachers, and others in iterative cycles of data collection, analysis, and reflection to develop the framework and assessments. The resulting Baka SEL framework includes skills and domains distinct from predominant SEL frameworks, underscoring the importance of drawing SEL priorities from communities themselves. Shared foundational constructs underlying the Baka SEL framework and other frameworks indicate possible universal human expectations for emotional and relational skills. Two SEL measurement tools were produced: a caregiver tool and a teacher tool, each using storytelling to elicit specific, honest, and detailed information about child behavior. These tools allow us to capture child behavior in the school and the home, and to collect data on all participating children within a specific time period. The described approach is a simple, practical, and culturally appropriate strategy for collaborating with rural communities to articulate their understanding of SEL. The resulting framework and tools illustrate the importance of rooting SEL in local culture, while the approach to developing them serves as a model for other early childhood care and education organizations and programs.
COVID-19: Heterogeneous Excess Mortality and “Burden of Disease” in Germany and Italy and Their States and Regions, January–June 2020
Authors: Morfeld Peter , Timmermann Barbara , Groß J. Valérie , Lewis Philip , Cocco Pierluigi , Erren Thomas C.
Published: May 2021

Total mortality and “burden of disease” in Germany and Italy and their states and regions were explored during the first COVID-19 wave by using publicly available data for 16 German states and 20 Italian regions from January 2016 to June 2020. Based on expectations from 2016 to 2019, simplified Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) for deaths occurring in the first half of 2020 and the effect of changed excess mortality in terms of “burden of disease” were assessed. Moreover, whether two German states and 19 Italian cities appropriately represent the countries within the European monitoring of excess mortality for public health action (EuroMOMO) network was explored. Significantly elevated SMRs were observed (Germany: week 14–18, Italy: week 11–18) with SMR peaks in week 15 in Germany (1.15, 95%-CI: 1.09–1.21) and in week 13 in Italy (1.79, 95%-CI: 1.75–1.83). Overall, SMRs were 1.00 (95%-CI: 0.97–1.04) in Germany and 1.06 (95%-CI: 1.03–1.10) in Italy. Significant SMR heterogeneity was found within both countries. Age and sex were strong modifiers. Loss of life expectancy was 0.34 days (1.66 days in men) for Germany and 5.3 days (6.3 days in men) for Italy [with upper limits of 3 and 6 weeks among elderly populations (≥65 years) after maximum potential bias adjustments]. Restricted data used within EuroMOMO neither represents mortality in the countries as a whole nor in their states and regions adequately. Mortality analyses with high spatial and temporal resolution are needed to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic's course.
Catalytic Role of Refractory Interstellar Grain Analogs on H2 Formation
Authors: Suhasaria Tushar , Mennella Vito
Published: May 2021

Refractory dust grains have an important role to play in the chemistry of star and planet-forming regions. Their surfaces interact with interstellar gas and act as a catalyst for the formation of simple and complex molecules in space. Several mechanisms have been invoked to explain how molecular hydrogen is formed in reactions on dust grain surfaces in different regions of space. In this article, we give an overview of our understanding of the laboratory experiments, conducted over the last 20 years, that deal with H2 formation on interstellar grain analogs in space simulated conditions.
Acoustic Feedback in Gait Rehabilitation—Pre-Post Effects in Patients With Unilateral Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Reh Julia , Schmitz Gerd , Hwang Tong-Hun , Effenberg Alfred O.
Published: May 2021

It is known that patients after unilateral hip arthroplasty still suffer from a deficient gait pattern compared to healthy individuals one year after surgery. Through the method of gait sonification, it may be possible to achieve a more efficient training and a more physiological gait pattern. Increased loads on the musculoskeletal system could thus be reduced and rehabilitation times shortened. In a previous investigation with this patient group, we found immediate gait pattern changes during training with dual mode acoustic feedback [real-time feedback (RTF) and instructive model sequences (IMS)]. To determine whether an effect persists without the immediate use of acoustic feedback, we analyze data from four times of testing. Following unilateral hip arthroplasty 22 patients participated in an intervention of ten gait training sessions of 20 min each. During gait training the sonification group (SG) (n = 11) received an acoustic feedback consisting of RTF and IMS compared to a control group (CG) (n = 11). Pre-test, intermediate test, post-test, and re-test were conducted using an inertial sensor-based motion analysis system. We found significant effects (α = 0.05) regarding step length and range of motion (RoM) of the hip joint. Step length of the affected leg increased in the SG from intermediate test to post-test but decreased in the CG [intermediate test: (SG) 0.63 m ± 0.12 m, (CG) 0.63 m ± 0.09 m; post-test: (SG) 0.66 m ± 0.11 m, (CG) 0.60 m ± 0.09 m]. However, from the post-test to the re-test a reverse development was observed [re-test: (SG) 0.63 m ± 0.10 m, (CG) 0.65 m ± 0.09 m]. Also, from post-test to re-test a decrease in the RoM of the unaffected hip for the SG but an increase for the CG could be observed [post-test: (SG) 44.10° ± 7.86°, (CG) 37.05° ± 7.21°; re-test: (SG) 41.73° ± 7.38°, (CG) 40.85° ± 9.28°]. Regarding further parameters, significant interactions in step duration as well as increases in stride length, gait speed, cadence, and a decrease in ground contact time from pre-test to re-test were observed for both groups.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.drks.de/drks_web/, identifier DRKS00022570.
Effect of High-Flow Nasal Cannula for Hypoxemia Following Sun's Procedure in Acute Aortic Dissection Type a Patients
Authors: Yan ChaoJun , Zhang Jianrong , Wu Yi , Yao Jie , Li Jun , Zhang Xianpu , Cheng Yongbo , Liu Xin , Yi Jianguang , Lin Deqin , Yu Sanjiu , Guo Mei , Lu Liuhong , Cheng Wei , He Ping
Published: May 2021

Background: Patients with acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) often have hypoxemia (partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2]/fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2] <300 mmHg) before weaning in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study compared the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) with that of conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in patients with AADA following Sun's procedure.

Methods: The medical records of 87 adult patients with AADA who underwent Sun's procedure and met the inclusion criteria (PaO2/FiO2 <300 mmHg before weaning) were retrospectively analyzed. After surgery, 41 patients were treated with HFNC and 46 were treated with COT. The oxygenation level, FiO2, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, heart rate, respiratory rate, subjective discomfort, and reintubation rate were recorded. The difference in lung volume loss between the HFNC and COT groups was assessed using the radiological atelectasis score (chest radiograph) or calculated from three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images.

Results: From day 1 to day 5 after weaning, there was no significant difference in PaO2/FiO2 between the HFNC and COT groups, although the FiO2 was significantly lower in the HFNC group than in the COT group (P < 0.05). Further studies indicated that the percentage of lung volume loss (pleural effusion and/or pulmonary atelectasis) by 3D reconstruction of CT images at 4–8 days post-operation was significantly lower in the HFNC group (P < 0.05). The subjective experience of breathing discomfort, reintubation rate, and length of stay in the ICU were significantly reduced in the HFNC group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in readmission to the ICU and in-hospital mortality between the two groups.

Conclusions: HFNC can be used as an effective oxygen therapy for AADA patients with hypoxemia after Sun's procedure.
Lessons Learned From the Battlefield and Applicability to Veterinary Medicine – Part 2: Transfusion Advances
Authors: Edwards Thomas H. , Pusateri Anthony E. , Mays Erin Long , Bynum James A. , Cap Andrew P.
Published: May 2021

Since the inception of recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, transfusion practices in human military medicine have advanced considerably. Today, US military physicians recognize the need to replace the functionality of lost blood in traumatic hemorrhagic shock and whole blood is now the trauma resuscitation product of choice on the battlefield. Building on wartime experiences, military medicine is now one of the country's strongest advocates for the principle of hemostatic resuscitation using whole blood or balanced blood components as the primary means of resuscitation as early as possibly following severe trauma. Based on strong evidence to support this practice in human combat casualties and in civilian trauma care, military veterinarians strive to practice similar hemostatic resuscitation for injured Military Working Dogs. To this end, canine whole blood has become increasingly available in forward environments, and non-traditional storage options for canine blood and blood components are being explored for use in canine trauma. Blood products with improved shelf-life and ease of use are not only useful for military applications, but may also enable civilian general and specialty practices to more easily incorporate hemostatic resuscitation approaches to canine trauma care.
Genetic Characterization of Feline Parvovirus Isolate Fe–P2 in Korean Cat and Serological Evidence on Its Infection in Wild Leopard Cat and Asian Badger
Authors: Kim Young Ji , Yoon Sun-Woo , Jang Jin Ho , Jeong Dae Gwin , Lee Beom Jun , Kim Hye Kwon
Published: May 2021

Feline parvovirus (FPV) is a small, non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus that infects cats. We recently isolated a feline parvovirus Fe–P2 strain from a dead stray cat in Iksan, 2017. Its partial genomic sequence (4,643 bases) was obtained, and phylogenetic analysis based on the VP2 nucleotide sequence showed that the FPV Fe-P2 strain was closely related to the FPV isolate Gigucheon in cat, 2017 (MN400978). In addition, we performed a serum neutralization (SN) test with the FPV isolates in various mammalian sera. These were from raccoon dog, water deer, Eurasian otter, Korean hare, leopard cat, and Asian badger, which were kindly provided by Chungnam Wild Animal Rescue Center. Notably, serological evidence of its infection was found in Asian badger, Meles leucurus (2/2) and leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis (5/8) through SN tests, whereas there was no evidence in raccoon dog, water deer, Eurasian otter, and Korean hare based on the collected sera in this study. These findings might provide partial evidence for the possible circulation of FPV or its related viruses among wild leopard cat and Asian badger in Korea. There should be additional study to confirm this through direct detection of FPVs in the related animal samples.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Intensity of Health Services Use in General Practice: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rachamin Yael , Senn Oliver , Streit Sven , Dubois Julie , Deml Michael J. , Jungo Katharina Tabea
Published: May 2021

Objectives: We aimed to explore the impact of the Swiss shutdown in spring 2020 on the intensity of health services use in general practice.

Methods: Based on an electronic medical records database, we built one patient cohort each for January-June 2019 (control, 173,523 patients) and 2020 (179,086 patients). We used linear regression to model weekly consultation counts and blood pressure (BP) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement counts per 100 patients and predicted non-shutdown values. Analyses were repeated for selected at-risk groups and different age groups.

Results: During the shutdown, weekly consultation counts were lower than predicted by −17.2% (total population), −16.5% (patients with hypertension), −17.5% (diabetes), −17.6% (cardiovascular disease), −15.7% (patients aged <60 years), −20.4% (60–80 years), and −14.5% (>80 years). Weekly BP counts were reduced by −35.3% (total population) and −35.0% (hypertension), and HbA1c counts by −33.2% (total population) and −29.8% (diabetes). p-values <0.001 for all reported estimates.

Conclusion: Our results document consequential decreases in consultation counts and chronic disease monitoring during the shutdown. It is crucial that health systems remain able to meet non-COVID-19-related health care needs.
Unus mundus. Człowiek i natura w języku prozy Olgi Tokarczuk
Authors: Sławkowa Ewa
Published: May 2021

The author attempts a polemic against the thesis on the anthropocentric
nature of language, which has been established in linguistics. To this end,
she proposes reading Olga Tokarczuk’s prose in the categories of post- and
transhumanism to show that the writer’s works encompass the vision of the
world which challenges the thesis on anthropocentrism of language adopted
in linguistics. The object of the analysis is the linguistic phenomena (coming
from various language layers: mainly lexical, syntactic, and orthographic ones)
expressing the writer’s conviction of the unity of the human and non-human
worlds and her clearly environmentally friendly attitude, which can be found in
individual works by the Nobel Prize winner, and thus questioning the order of
the reality based on human dominance and control over the nature.
Keywords: posthumanism – anthropocentrism of language – metaphor – poetic
definition
Melatonin Treatment of Apricot Trees Leads to Maintenance of Fruit Quality Attributes during Storage at Chilling and Non-Chilling Temperatures
Authors: Medina-Santamarina Jorge , Zapata Pedro Javier , Valverde Juan Miguel , Valero Daniel , Serrano María , Guillén Fabián
Published: May 2021

The effects of preharvest melatonin treatment on apricot crop yield and fruit quality properties at harvest and during storage have not yet been investigated. Apricot trees, of the ‘Colorado’ and ‘Mikado’ cultivars, were sprayed with 0.1 mM melatonin at three key points of fruit development. Fruit were harvested at commercial ripening stage and yield was higher in melatonin treated trees than in the controls. Fruit were stored at 1 and 8 °C for 21 and 28 days, respectively. Samples were taken weekly and left at 20 °C for 1 day. Weight losses, as well as reduction in firmness and acidity, were delayed in fruits from melatonin treated trees, showing an effect of treatment on delaying the postharvest ripening process, which was attributed to a reduced ethylene production in both cultivars and at both storage temperatures. In addition, chilling injury symptoms were observed in apricots stored at 1 °C, which were reduced by preharvest melatonin treatment. Moreover, apricot from melatonin-treated fruit retained higher total phenolic content than the controls after 14 days of storage, although the phenolic profile was not affected by treatment. Thus, melatonin could be a useful tool for practical purposes to improve apricot crop yield and maintain fruit quality properties during storage.
Conservation Strategy for Palm Groves: Optimal Chemical Control Model for Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Authors: Solano-Rojas Y. , Gámez M. , López I. , Garay J. , Varga Z. , Cabello T.
Published: May 2021

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) is an invasive pest species that constitutes one of the most important problems around the Mediterranean region and has been responsible for the loss of over 100,000 palm trees with an estimated annual cost of EUR several hundred million since its introduction into Europe. Methodological approaches of conservation ecology, such as multidisciplinary modelling, also apply in the management of cultural landscapes concerning ornamental plants, such as palm trees of the area. In this paper, we propose a dynamic model for the control of the red palm weevil, contributing in this way to the sustainability of an existing cultural landscape. The primary data set collected is a sample from the density-time function of a two-cohort pest population. This data set suggests a bimodal analytic description. If, from this data set, we calculate a sample from the accumulated density-time function (the integral of the density-time function), it displays a double sigmoid function (with two inflections). A good candidate for the analytical description of the latter is the sum of two logistic functions. As for the dynamic description of the process, a two-dimensional system of differential equations can be obtained, where the solution’s second component provides the analytical description of the original density-time function for the two-cohort population. Since the two-cohort waves appear in all three cycle stages, this reasoning applies to the subpopulations of larvae, pupae and adults. The model fitting is always performed using the SimFit package. On this basis, a mathematical model is proposed, which is sufficiently versatile to be of help in the control of this pest species in other geographical areas.
Effect of Spraying Algae Extract and Potassium Nitrate on the Yield and Fruit Quality of Barhee Date Palms
Authors: Alebidi Abdullah , Almutairi Khalid , Merwad Mohamed , Mostafa Essam , Saleh Mohamed , Ashour Nagah , Al-Obeed Rashid , Elsabagh Ahmed
Published: May 2021

The effect of foliar spray with algae extract and/or potassium nitrate on the quantity and quality of Barhee date palm yields was investigated during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Inflorescences of Barhee date palms were sprayed twice, after pollination (1st April of each season) and one month later, with algae extract at concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0% and with potassium nitrate at concentrations of 1% and 2% applied individually or in combinations. The obtained results showed that all of the sprayed treatments enhanced the yield and fruit properties when compared to the controls. Spraying inflorescences of Barhee date palms with algae extract and/or potassium nitrate had a significant effect on the yield and on the physical and chemical properties of the fruit when compared with the untreated palms. The increase in yield and qualitative properties was associated with increasing concentrations of both materials (algae extract and potassium nitrate). The best results were detected with spray containing high rates of combined treatment (1% algae extract + 2% potassium nitrate) applied twice in both seasons studied because this treatment resulted in the highest value of fruit and bunch weight, increased the yield per palm compared to the control by about 60.2%, and improved the fruit physical properties (fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit shape index, flesh weight, and seed weight) and fruit chemical properties (total soluble solids (TSS); acidity; TSS/acid ratio; tannins; and reducing, nonreducing, and total sugars) of the Barhee date palm given the experimental conditions.
Rhodomyrtone Accumulates in Bacterial Cell Wall and Cell Membrane and Inhibits the Synthesis of Multiple Cellular Macromolecules in Epidemic Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Nwabor Ozioma F. , Leejae Sukanlaya , Voravuthikunchai Supayang P.
Published: May 2021

As the burden of antibacterial resistance worsens and treatment options become narrower, rhodomyrtone—a novel natural antibiotic agent with a new antibacterial mechanism—could replace existing antibiotics for the treatment of infections caused by multi-drug resistant Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, rhodomyrtone was detected within the cell by means of an easy an inexpensive method. The antibacterial effects of rhodomyrtone were investigated on epidemic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Thin-layer chromatography demonstrated the entrapment and accumulation of rhodomyrtone within the bacterial cell wall and cell membrane. The incorporation of radiolabelled precursors revealed that rhodomyrtone inhibited the synthesis of macromolecules including DNA, RNA, proteins, the cell wall, and lipids. Following the treatment with rhodomyrtone at MIC (0.5–1 µg/mL), the synthesis of all macromolecules was significantly inhibited (p ≤ 0.05) after 4 h. Inhibition of macromolecule synthesis was demonstrated after 30 min at a higher concentration of rhodomyrtone (4× MIC), comparable to standard inhibitor compounds. In contrast, rhodomyrtone did not affect lipase activity in staphylococci—both epidemic methicillin-resistant S. aureus and S. aureus ATCC 29213. Interfering with the synthesis of multiple macromolecules is thought to be one of the antibacterial mechanisms of rhodomyrtone.