bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental Health and the Association between Asthma and E-cigarette Use among Young Adults in The United States: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Alanazi Abdullah M. M. , Alqahtani Mohammed M. , Pavela Gregory , Ford Eric W. , Leventhal Adam M. , Hendricks Peter S.
Published: November 2020

Background: Asthma is associated with a greater likelihood of e-cigarette use among young adults, which may increase the risk of pulmonary complications. Because substance use trajectories emerge in early adulthood, it is important to identify factors that may be important in addressing this new public health threat. One such factor may be poor mental health. Methods: Data were extracted from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Current and former asthma status was measured by self-reported lifetime and current asthma status; mental health functioning was measured by the number of self-reported bad mental health days during the past 30 days; e-cigarette use was measured by self-reported current e-cigarette use. We tested the hypothesis that mental health mediates the association between asthma status and e-cigarette use among young adults using structural equation modeling. Results: The prevalence of e-cigarette use was significantly higher among young adults with current (9.90%) or former asthma (13.09%) than those without asthma (9.58%). Furthermore, the number of bad mental health days in the past 30 days was significantly greater among young adults with current or former asthma than among those without asthma (Mean (Standard Deviation): 6.85 (0.42), 4.18 (0.85) versus 3.83 (0.17)), respectively. Finally, we found a statistically significant indirect effect of asthma on the likelihood of e-cigarette use through mental health such that the higher prevalence of e-cigarette use among those with current or former asthma was statistically accounted for by a greater number of bad mental health days in the past 30 days. Conclusions: Consistent with mediation, poorer mental health accounted for the higher prevalence of e-cigarette use among those with asthma. However, longitudinal studies are needed to interrogate causal relationships, including the effects of e-cigarette use on mental health. Mental health services may play an important role in improving health and wellbeing in this vulnerable population.
Surgical Treatment of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Choi Na Rae , Lee Jung Han , Park Jin Young , Hwang Dae Seok
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to confirm the success rate of surgical treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in patients at a single institution (Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (AAOMS) stages 1, 2, or 3), and to identify the factors that influence treatment outcomes. As a result of analyzing the outcomes of treatment, surgical “success” was achieved in 93.97% (109) of cases, and “failure” was observed at 6.03% (7) cases. Analysis of patient factors that potentially affect treatment outcomes showed that zoledronate dose (p = 0.005) and the IV (intravenous) injection of drugs (p = 0.044) had significant negative impacts.
Exploring the Relationship between Walking and Emotional Health in China
Authors: Zhu Zhenjun , Chen Hongsheng , Ma Jianxiao , He Yudong , Chen Junlan , Sun Jingrui
Published: November 2020

Walking has a positive impact on people’s emotional health. However, in the case of serious air pollution, it is controversial whether walking exercise can still improve individuals’ emotional health. Using data from the 2014 wave of the China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey, this study explored the relationship between walking and emotional health with different levels of environmental pollution. The results indicated that respondents who took regular walks had better emotional health than those who did not walk regularly. For those whose main mode of physical exercise was walking, the average number of walks per week was significantly and positively correlated with their emotional health; however, the average duration of the walk had no significant impact on their emotional health. Moreover, for those whose main mode of physical exercise was walking and who lived in neighborhoods with a polluted environment, regular walking still had a positive impact on their emotional health. This suggests that even if environmental pollution is serious, walking still plays an important role in regulating individuals’ mental health. We propose that in order to promote the emotional health of residents, it is necessary to create more public spaces for outdoor activities and simultaneously increase efforts to control environmental pollution.
Level and Determinants of Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures in the First Stage of the Outbreak in Uganda
Authors: Amodan Bob O. , Bulage Lilian , Katana Elizabeth , Ario Alex R. , Fodjo Joseph N. Siewe , Colebunders Robert , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: November 2020

We conducted an online survey in the first two months of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in Uganda to assess the level and determinants of adherence to and satisfaction with the COVID-19 preventive measures recommended by the government. We generated Likert scales for adherence and satisfaction outcome variables and measured them with four preventive measures, including handwashing, wearing face masks, physical distancing, and coughing/sneezing hygiene. Of 1726 respondents (mean age: 36 years; range: 12–72), 59% were males, 495 (29%) were adherent to, and 545 (32%) were extremely satisfied with all four preventive measures. Adherence to all four measures was associated with living in Kampala City Centre (AOR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6) and receiving COVID-19 information from health workers (AOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.01–1.5) or village leaders (AOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.02–1.9). Persons who lived with younger siblings had reduced odds of adherence to all four measures (AOR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61–0.93). Extreme satisfaction with all four measures was associated with being female (AOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6) and health worker (AOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.5). Experiencing violence at home (AOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09–0.67) was associated with lower satisfaction. Following reported poor adherence and satisfaction with preventive measures, behavior change programs using health workers should be expanded throughout, with emphasis on men.
Effects of the Amount and Frequency of Fluid Intake on Cognitive Performance and Mood among Young Adults in Baoding, Hebei, China: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: He Hairong , Zhang Jianfen , Zhang Na , Du Songming , Liu Shufang , Ma Guansheng
Published: November 2020

Water is a critical nutrient that is important for the maintenance of the physiological function of the human body. This article aimed to investigate the effects of the amount and frequency of fluid intake on cognitive performance and mood. A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was designed and implemented on college students aged 18–23 years in Baoding, China. Participants were randomly assigned into one of three groups: the recommended behavior group (RB group) who drank 200 mL of water every 2 h, the half amount group (HA group) who drank 100 mL of water every 2 h, and the high frequency group (HF group) who drank 110 mL of water every 1 h. The intervention lasted 2 days. Urine osmolality, cognitive performance, and mood of participants in each group were compared using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A total of 92 participants (46 females, 46 males) completed this study with a completion rate of 95.8%. The urine osmolality of the HA group was higher than that of the RB group and the HF group at two time points (p < 0.05). At time point 1, the scores in the portrait memory test and vigor were statistically different (F = 20.45, p < 0.001; F = 5.46, p = 0.006). It was found that the scores for the portrait memory test in the RB group were lower than those in the HA group and the HF group (p = 0.007; p < 0.001), while the scores of the HF group were higher than those of the HA group (p < 0.001). The scores for vigor in the RB group were significantly higher than those of the HA group (p = 0.006), and they were also significantly higher than those of the HF group (p = 0.004). At time point 2, only the scores for vigor were statistically different (F = 3.80, p = 0.026). It was found that the scores for vigor in the RB group were higher than those in the HA group and HF group (p = 0.018; p = 0.019). Both the amount and frequency of fluid intake may affect urine osmolality and vigor, but these factors have limited impacts on cognitive performance. Rational fluid intake behavior may be beneficial to improve the hydration status and mood of young adults. More research is needed, especially experimental research, to allow causal conclusions to be drawn.
Motility in Frail Older Adults: Operationalization of a New Framework and First Insights into Its Relationship with Physical Activity and Life-Space Mobility: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Seinsche Julia , Zijlstra Wiebren , Giannouli Eleftheria
Published: November 2020

In order to design effective interventions to prevent age-related mobility loss, it is important to identify influencing factors. The concept of “motility” by Kaufmann et al. subdivides such factors into three categories: “access”, “skills”, and “appropriation”. The aim of this study was to assemble appropriate quantitative assessment tools for the assessment of these factors in frail older adults and to get first insights into their relative contribution for life-space and physical activity-related mobility. This is an exploratory cross-sectional study conducted with twenty-eight at least prefrail, retired participants aged 61–94. Life-space mobility was assessed using the “University of Alabama at Birmingham Life-space Assessment” (LSA) and physical activity using the “German Physical Activity Questionnaire” (PAQ50+). Factors from the category “appropriation”, followed by factors from the category “skills” showed the strongest associations with the LSA. Factors from the category “access” best explained the variance for PAQ50+. This study’s findings indicate the importance of accounting for and examining comprehensive models of mobility. The proposed assessment tools need to be explored in more depth in longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes in order to yield more conclusive results about the appropriateness of the motility concept for such purposes.
Influence of Players’ Maximum Running Speed on the Team’s Ranking Position at the End of the Spanish LaLiga
Authors: Del Coso Juan , Brito de Souza Diego , Moreno-Perez Víctor , Buldú Javier M. , Nevado Fabio , Resta Ricardo , López-Del Campo Roberto
Published: November 2020

The maximum running speed that a football player can attain during match play has become one of the most popular variables to assess a player’s physical talent. However, the influence of a player’s maximum running speed on football performance has not yet been properly investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of a player’s peak/maximum running speed on the team’s ranking position at the end of a national league. A second aim was to investigate differences in maximum running speed among playing positions. To fulfil this aim, the peak/maximum running speeds of 475 male professional football players were recorded for 38 fixtures of the Spanish first-division league (LaLiga) from the 2017–2018 season (7838 data points). Players’ peak running speeds in each match were assessed with a validated multicamera tracking system and associated software (Mediacoach®). Players’ maximum running speed was established as the fastest running speed they attained during the entire season. Most players (53.5% of the total) had a maximum running speed in the range of 32.0–33.9 km/h, with only three players (0.6%) with a maximum running speed of over 35.0 km/h. Overall, forwards were faster than defenders and both types of players were faster than midfielders (33.03 ± 1.35 > 32.72 ± 1.32 > 32.08 ± 1.63 km/h; p < 0.001). There was no association between teams’ maximum running speed and ranking position at the end of the league (r = −0.356, p = 0.135). The correlations between teams’ maximum speeds and ranking position were low for defenders (r = −0.334, p = 0.163), midfielders (r = 0.125, p = 0.610), and forwards (r = −0.065, p = 0.791). As a result, the variance in the ranking position at the end of the season explained by a team’s maximum speed was of only 7.5%. Finally, as an average for all teams, players’ peak running speeds remained stable at ~30.7 ± 0.6 km/h throughout the whole season. These results suggest that successful and less successful football teams have squads with players able to obtain similar maximum running speeds during match play throughout the season. Hence, players’ maximum running speeds have a poor association with the team’s ranking position at the end of the Spanish professional national league.
Understanding the Associations between Smoking-Related Risk Perception, Interest in Quitting Smoking, and Interest in Lung Cancer Screening among Homeless Adult Smokers
Authors: Agrawal Pooja , Taing Matthew , Chen Tzu-An , Reuven Sean , Businelle Michael , Kendzor Darla , Bernicker Eric , Reitzel Lorraine
Published: November 2020

Individuals experiencing homelessness smoke cigarettes at high rates, suffer a disproportionate incidence of lung cancer, but are unlikely to be screened to enhance early detection. Understanding correlates of lung cancer screening (LCS) interest within this vulnerable group may lend insight into prevention and treatment efforts and reduce their smoking-related morbidity and mortality. This study sought to understand how risk perception and interest in quitting smoking relate to LCS interest among homeless adults. Participants comprised a convenience sample of CO-verified current smokers (N = 310; 72.6% men, Mage = 43 + 11.7) from a homeless shelter in Dallas, TX. Participants self-reported risk perception, interest in quitting smoking, and interest in LCS. The average risk perception was 6.7 + 3.2 (range 0–10), 74.8% (n = 232) agreed or strongly agreed with interest in LCS, and 65.8% (n = 204) were interested in quitting smoking. Greater interest in quitting smoking, but not greater risk perception, was associated with greater interest in LCS (adjusted OR: 1.968, (95% CI: 1.213, 3.191), p = 0.006). Risk perception and interest in quitting smoking did not interact in their association with interest in LCS. Results suggest that homeless smokers with an interest in quitting may be receptive to LCS: a diagnostic tool by which cancers can be caught at earlier stages and prior to metastasis. However, few in the current sample would be eligible for LCS based on current guidelines; results have implications for altered screening practices among chronic smokers experiencing homelessness.
The Retail Food Sector and Indigenous Peoples in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Kenny Tiff-Annie , Little Matthew , Lemieux Tad , Griffin P. Joshua , Wesche Sonia D. , Ota Yoshitaka , Batal Malek , Chan Hing Man , Lemire Melanie
Published: November 2020

Indigenous Peoples in high-income countries experience higher burdens of food insecurity, obesity, and diet-related health conditions compared to national averages. The objective of this systematic scoping review is to synthesize information from the published literature on the methods/approaches, findings, and scope for research and interventions on the retail food sector servicing Indigenous Peoples in high-income countries. A structured literature search in two major international databases yielded 139 relevant peer-reviewed articles from nine countries. Most research was conducted in Oceania and North America, and in rural and remote regions. Several convergent issues were identified across global regions including limited grocery store availability/access, heightened exposure to unhealthy food environments, inadequate market food supplies (i.e., high prices, limited availability, and poor quality), and common underlying structural factors including socio-economic inequality and colonialism. A list of actions that can modify the nature and structure of retailing systems to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of healthful foods is identified. While continuing to (re)align research with community priorities, international collaboration may foster enhanced opportunities to strengthen the evidence base for policy and practice and contribute to the amelioration of diet quality and health at the population level.
Acetaminophen-Induced Rat Hepatotoxicity Based on M1/M2-Macrophage Polarization, in Possible Relation to Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns and Autophagy
Authors: Tsuji Yuka , Kuramochi Mizuki , Golbar Hossain M. , Izawa Takeshi , Kuwamura Mitsuru , Yamate Jyoji
Published: November 2020

Overdose of acetaminophen (APAP), an antipyretic drug, is an important cause of liver injury. However, the mechanism in the rat model remains undetermined. We analyzed APAP-induced hepatotoxicity using rats based on M1/M2-macrophage functions in relation to damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and autophagy. Liver samples from six-week-old rats injected with APAP (1000 mg/kg BW, ip, once) after 15 h fasting were collected at hour 10, and on days 1, 2, 3, and 5. Liver lesions consisting of coagulation necrosis and inflammation were seen in the affected centrilobular area on days 1 and 2, and then, recovered with reparative fibrosis by day 5. Liver exudative enzymes increased transiently on day 1. CD68+ M1-macrophages increased significantly on days 1 and 2 with increased mRNAs of M1-related cytokines such as IFN-g and TNF-α, whereas CD163+ M2-macrophages appeared later on days 2 and 3. Macrophages reacting to MHC class II and Iba1 showed M1-type polarization, and CD204+ macrophages tended to be polarized toward M2-type. At hour 10, interestingly, HMGB1 (representative DAMPs) and its related signals, TLR-9 and MyD88, as well as LC3B+ autophagosomes began to increase. Collectively, the pathogenesis of rat APAP hepatotoxicity, which is the first, detailed report for a rat model, might be influenced by macrophage functions of M1 type for tissue injury/inflammation and M2-type for anti-inflammatory/fibrosis; particularly, M1-type may function in relation to DAMPs and autophagy. Understanding the interplayed mechanisms would provide new insight into hepato-pathogenesis and contribute to the possible development of therapeutic strategies.
Current Status of Cell-Based Therapy in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Jaluvka Frantisek , Ihnat Peter , Madaric Juraj , Vrtkova Adela , Janosek Jaroslav , Prochazka Vaclav
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: The treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is focused on improving perfusion and oxygenation in the affected limb. Standard revascularization methods include bypass surgery, endovascular interventional procedures, or hybrid revascularization. Cell-based therapy can be an alternative strategy for patients with no-option critical limb ischemia who are not eligible for endovascular or surgical procedures. (2) Aims: The aim of this narrative review was to provide an up-to-date critical overview of the knowledge and evidence-based medicine data on the position of cell therapy in the treatment of PAD. The current evidence on the cell-based therapy is summarized and future perspectives outlined, emphasizing the potential of exosomal cell-free approaches in patients with critical limb ischemia. (3) Methods: Cochrane and PubMed databases were searched for keywords “critical limb ischemia and cell therapy”. In total, 589 papers were identified, 11 of which were reviews and 11 were meta-analyses. These were used as the primary source of information, using cross-referencing for identification of additional papers. (4) Results: Meta-analyses focusing on cell therapy in PAD treatment confirm significantly greater odds of limb salvage in the first year after the cell therapy administration. Reported odds ratio estimates of preventing amputation being mostly in the region 1.6–3, although with a prolonged observation period, it seems that the odds ratio can grow even further. The odds of wound healing were at least two times higher when compared with the standard conservative therapy. Secondary endpoints of the available meta-analyses are also included in this review. Improvement of perfusion and oxygenation parameters in the affected limb, pain regression, and claudication interval prolongation are discussed. (5) Conclusions: The available evidence-based medicine data show that this technique is safe, associated with minimum complications or adverse events, and effective.
In Vitro Cytological Responses against Laser Photobiomodulation for Periodontal Regeneration
Authors: Ohsugi Yujin , Niimi Hiromi , Shimohira Tsuyoshi , Hatasa Masahiro , Katagiri Sayaka , Aoki Akira , Iwata Takanori
Published: November 2020

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by periodontal bacteria. Recently, periodontal phototherapy, treatment using various types of lasers, has attracted attention. Photobiomodulation, the biological effect of low-power laser irradiation, has been widely studied. Although many types of lasers are applied in periodontal phototherapy, molecular biological effects of laser irradiation on cells in periodontal tissues are unclear. Here, we have summarized the molecular biological effects of diode, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG, and CO2 lasers irradiation on cells in periodontal tissues. Photobiomodulation by laser irradiation enhanced cell proliferation and calcification in osteoblasts with altering gene expression. Positive effects were observed in fibroblasts on the proliferation, migration, and secretion of chemokines/cytokines. Laser irradiation suppressed gene expression related to inflammation in osteoblasts, fibroblasts, human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs), and endothelial cells. Furthermore, recent studies have revealed that laser irradiation affects cell differentiation in hPDLCs and stem cells. Additionally, some studies have also investigated the effects of laser irradiation on endothelial cells, cementoblasts, epithelial cells, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. The appropriate irradiation power was different for each laser apparatus and targeted cells. Thus, through this review, we tried to shed light on basic research that would ultimately lead to clinical application of periodontal phototherapy in the future.
Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy: A Progressive Consequence of Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes and Related Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Bakkar Nour-Mounira Z. , Dwaib Haneen S. , Fares Souha , Eid Ali H. , Al-Dhaheri Yusra , El-Yazbi Ahmed F.
Published: November 2020

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is one of the earliest complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D), presenting a silent cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent research relates the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in T2D to an ensuing chronic, low-grade proinflammatory and pro-oxidative environment, being the hallmark of the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic inflammation emerges as adipose tissue inflammatory changes extending systemically, on the advent of hyperglycemia, to reach central regions of the brain. In light of changes in glucose and insulin homeostasis, dysbiosis or alteration of the gut microbiome (GM) emerges, further contributing to inflammatory processes through increased gut and blood–brain barrier permeability. Interestingly, studies reveal that the determinants of oxidative stress and inflammation progression exist at the crossroad of CAN manifestations, dictating their evolution along the natural course of T2D development. Indeed, sympathetic and parasympathetic deterioration was shown to correlate with markers of adipose, vascular, and systemic inflammation. Additionally, evidence points out that dysbiosis could promote a sympatho-excitatory state through differentially affecting the secretion of hormones and neuromodulators, such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and γ-aminobutyric acid, and acting along the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone axis. Emerging neuronal inflammation and concomitant autophagic defects in brainstem nuclei were described as possible underlying mechanisms of CAN in experimental models of metabolic syndrome and T2D. Drugs with anti-inflammatory characteristics provide potential avenues for targeting pathways involved in CAN initiation and progression. The aim of this review is to delineate the etiology of CAN in the context of a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated oxidative and inflammatory load.
Mutations Causing Mild or No Structural Damage in Interfaces of Multimerization of the Fibrinogen γ-Module More Likely Confer Negative Dominant Behaviors
Authors: Bellacchio Emanuele
Published: November 2020

Different pathogenic variants in the same protein or even within the same domain of a protein may differ in their patterns of disease inheritance, with some of the variants behaving as negative dominant and others as autosomal recessive mutations. Here is presented a structural analysis and comparison of the molecular characteristics of the sites in fibrinogen γ-module, a fibrinogen component critical in multimerization processes, targeted by pathogenic variants (HGMD database) and by variants found in the healthy population (gnomAD database). The main result of this study is the identification of the molecular pathogenic mechanisms defining which pattern of disease inheritance is selected by mutations at the crossroad of autosomal recessive and negative dominant modalities. The observations in this analysis also warn about the possibility that several variants reported in the non-pathogenic gnomAD database might indeed be a hidden source of diseases with autosomal recessive inheritance or requiring a combination with other disease-causing mutations. Disease presentation might remain mostly unrevealed simply because the very low variant frequency rarely results in biallelic pathogenic mutations or the coupling with mutations in other genes contributing to the same disease. The results here presented provide hints for a deeper search of pathogenic mechanisms and modalities of disease inheritance for protein mutants participating in multimerization phenomena.
New Formulation of a Methylseleno-Aspirin Analog with Anticancer Activity Towards Colon Cancer
Authors: Ruberte Ana Carolina , González-Gaitano Gustavo , Sharma Arun K. , Aydillo Carlos , Encío Ignacio , Sanmartín Carmen , Plano Daniel
Published: November 2020

Aspirin (ASA) has attracted wide interest of numerous scientists worldwide thanks to its chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC). Incorporation of selenium (Se) atom into ASA has greatly increased their anti-tumoral efficacy in CRC compared with the organic counterparts without the Se functionality, such as the promising antitumoral methylseleno-ASA analog (1a). Nevertheless, the efficacy of compound 1a in cancer cells is compromised due to its poor solubility and volatile nature. Thus, 1a has been formulated with native α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrin (CD), a modified β-CD (hydroxypropyl β-CD, HP-β-CD) and Pluronic F127, all of them non-toxic, biodegradable and FDA approved. Water solubility of 1a is enhanced with β- and HP- β-CDs and Pluronic F127. Compound 1a forms inclusion complexes with the CDs and was incorporated in the hydrophobic core of the F127 micelles. Herein, we evaluated the cytotoxic potential of 1a, alone or formulated with β- and HP- β-CDs or Pluronic F127, against CRC cells. Remarkably, 1a formulations demonstrated more sustained antitumoral activity toward CRC cells. Hence, β-CD, HP-β-CD and Pluronic F127 might be excellent vehicles to improve pharmacological properties of organoselenium compounds with solubility issues and volatile nature.
Adaptation Strategies of Halophytic Barley Hordeum marinum ssp. marinum to High Salinity and Osmotic Stress
Authors: Isayenkov Stanislav , Hilo Alexander , Rizzo Paride , Tandron Moya Yudelsy Antonia , Rolletschek Hardy , Borisjuk Ljudmilla , Radchuk Volodymyr
Published: November 2020

The adaptation strategies of halophytic seaside barley Hordeum marinum to high salinity and osmotic stress were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, as well as ionomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic approaches. When compared with cultivated barley, seaside barley exhibited a better plant growth rate, higher relative plant water content, lower osmotic pressure, and sustained photosynthetic activity under high salinity, but not under osmotic stress. As seaside barley is capable of controlling Na+ and Cl− concentrations in leaves at high salinity, the roots appear to play the central role in salinity adaptation, ensured by the development of thinner and likely lignified roots, as well as fine-tuning of membrane transport for effective management of restriction of ion entry and sequestration, accumulation of osmolytes, and minimization of energy costs. By contrast, more resources and energy are required to overcome the consequences of osmotic stress, particularly the severity of reactive oxygen species production and nutritional disbalance which affect plant growth. Our results have identified specific mechanisms for adaptation to salinity in seaside barley which differ from those activated in response to osmotic stress. Increased knowledge around salt tolerance in halophytic wild relatives will provide a basis for improved breeding of salt-tolerant crops.
E2F1 Promotes Progression of Bladder Cancer by Modulating RAD54L Involved in Homologous Recombination Repair
Authors: Mun Jeong-Yeon , Baek Seung-Woo , Park Won Young , Kim Won-Tae , Kim Seon-Kyu , Roh Yun-Gil , Jeong Mi-So , Yang Gi-Eun , Lee Jong-Ho , Chung Jin Woong , Choi Yung Hyun , Chu In-Sun , Leem Sun-Hee
Published: November 2020

DNA repair defects are important factors in cancer development. High DNA repair activity can affect cancer progression and chemoresistance. DNA double-strand breaks in cancer cells caused by anticancer agents can be restored by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination repair (HRR). Our previous study has identified E2F1 as a key gene in bladder cancer progression. In this study, DNA repair genes related to E2F1 were analyzed, and RAD54L involved in HRR was identified. In gene expression analysis of bladder cancer patients, the survival of patients with high RAD54L expression was shorter with cancer progression than in patients with low RAD54L expression. This study also revealed that E2F1 directly binds to the promoter region of RAD54L and regulates the transcription of RAD54L related to the HRR pathway. This study also confirmed that DNA breaks are repaired by RAD54L induced by E2F1 in bladder cancer cells treated with MMC. In summary, RAD54L was identified as a new target directly regulated by E2F1. Our results suggest that, E2F1 and RAD54L could be used as diagnostic markers for bladder cancer progression and represent potential therapeutic targets.
Strand Displacement Activity of PrimPol
Authors: Boldinova Elizaveta O. , Belousova Ekaterina A. , Gagarinskaya Diana I. , Maltseva Ekaterina A. , Khodyreva Svetlana N. , Lavrik Olga I. , Makarova Alena V.
Published: November 2020

Human PrimPol is a unique enzyme possessing DNA/RNA primase and DNA polymerase activities. In this work, we demonstrated that PrimPol efficiently fills a 5-nt gap and possesses the conditional strand displacement activity stimulated by Mn2+ ions and accessory replicative proteins RPA and PolDIP2. The DNA displacement activity of PrimPol was found to be more efficient than the RNA displacement activity and FEN1 processed the 5′-DNA flaps generated by PrimPol in vitro.
A Tool for Better Land Management
Authors: Carvalhinho Bernardo , Silva Rodrigo Rocha , Bernardino Jorge
Published: November 2020

The ability of keeping a record of geospatial information, knowing how it changed over time, is crucial for landscape analysis and territorial government. Land management is still a problem. Many governmental databases are incomplete, and there is a lack of reliable information. Good land management implies having a tool that can keep track of all the information available about a certain property and its changes over time. In this paper, we propose a land management tool where managers access all the information on a certain parcel of land—its boundaries, the land registration, a map which verifies the landcover, and the historic of updates of territorial limits. With the proposed tool, it is possible to edit the information of any property, whether it is active or not—that is, to also edit properties that no longer exist today, but that the user wants to add information to, for legal or other reasons. Keeping track of data properties’ revision history is groundbreaking due to the fact it is not well developed in existing tools. We will look at Brazil as a use case, where land management is a critical problem.
Combined Effects of Mating Disruption, Insecticides, and the Sterile Insect Technique on Cydia pomonella in New Zealand
Authors: Horner Rachael M. , Lo Peter L. , Rogers David J. , Walker James T. S. , Suckling David Maxwell
Published: November 2020

Codling moth was introduced into New Zealand, and remains a critical pest for the apple industry. Apples exported to some markets require strict phytosanitary measures to eliminate the risk of larval infestation. Mating disruption and insecticide applications are the principal means of suppression in New Zealand. We tested the potential for the sterile insect technique (SIT) to supplement these measures to achieve local eradication or suppression of this pest. SIT was trialed in an isolated group of six integrated fruit production (IFP) orchards and one organic orchard (total 391 ha), using sterilized insects imported from Canada, with release by unmanned aerial vehicle and from the ground. Eradication was not achieved across the region, but a very high level of codling moth suppression was achieved at individual orchards after the introduction of sterile moths in combination with mating disruption and larvicides. After six years of releases, catches of wild codling moths at three IFP orchards (224 ha) were 90–99% lower than in 2013–2014, the year before releases began. Catches at three other IFP orchards (129 ha) decreased by 67–97% from the year before releases began (2015–2016), from lower initial levels. At a certified organic orchard with a higher initial population under only organic larvicides and mating disruption, by 2019–2020, there was an 81% reduction in wild moths capture from 2016–2017, the year before releases began.
An Ethereum Blockchain-Based Prototype for Data Security of Regulated Electricity Market
Authors: Ullah Aasim , Siddiquee S M Shahnewaz , Hossain Md Akbar , Ray Sayan Kumar
Published: November 2020

Data security of present-day power systems, such as the electricity market, has spurred global interest in both industry and academia. The electricity market can either be regulated (state-controlled entrance, policies, and pricing) or deregulated (open for competitors). While the security threats in a deregulated electricity market are commonly known and have been investigated for years, those in a regulated market still have scope for extensive research. Our current work focuses on exploring the data security of the regulated electricity market, and the regulated New Zealand Electricity Market (NZEM) has been considered for this research. Although the chances of cyberattacks on state-controlled regulated electricity market are relatively less, different layers of the current SCADA systems do pose some threats. In this context, we propose a decentralized Ethereum Blockchain-based end-to-end security prototype for a regulated electricity market such as the NZEM. This prototype aims to enhance data security between the different layers of the current SCADA systems. The detailed operation process and features of this prototype are presented in this work. The proposed prototype has prospects of offering improved data security solutions for the regulated electricity market.
Low Testosterone and Semen Parameters in Male Partners of Infertile Couples Undergoing IVF with a Total Sperm Count Greater than 5 Million
Authors: Di Guardo Federica , Vloeberghs Veerle , Bardhi Erlisa , Blockeel Christophe , Verheyen Greta , Tournaye Herman , Drakopoulos Panagiotis
Published: November 2020

Low serum testosterone is found in approximately 15% of subfertile men. Although testosterone is essential in spermatogenesis, it is unclear whether low testosterone levels may have a negative impact on the semen parameters of men belonging to infertile couples with a total sperm count greater than 5 million. Furthermore, it is debatable whether the initial evaluation of the subfertile male should include an endocrine assessment. This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study conducted at a tertiary fertility clinic. Male partners of infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), with a total sperm count greater than 5 million, were included. All men provided morning blood samples, and none had been on exogenous testosterone or other relevant medications. Low total testosterone (TT) was defined as <264 ng/dL. Free T was calculated using TT and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels (nmol/L) by a constant albumin concentration of 43 g/L. In total, 853 patients were included: 116 had low TT (<264 ng/dL) and 737 had normal TT (≥264 ng/dL). Semen volume, sperm cell count, progressive (A + B) motility and morphology (≥4% strict Kruger) were lower in the low TT group but not significantly different between low and normal TT groups (3.2 ± 1.79 vs. 3.23 ± 1.64, p = 0.87; 76.82 ± 83.18 vs. 67.55 ± 57.70, p = 0.7; 54.89 ± 19.45 vs. 56.25 ± 19.03, p = 0.6; 5.77 ± 3.23 vs. 6.89 ± 3.94, p = 0.23). The percentage of patients with below-reference sperm volume (<1.5 mL), cell count (<15 × 106/mL), motility (A + B) (<32%) and morphology (<4%) was higher in the low TT group but not statistically different compared to the normal TT group. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that low TT and free T levels had no significant effect on the aforementioned semen parameters (coefficient: 3.94, 0.88, 1.37, 0.39; p = 0.53, 0.8, 0.3, 0.2; coefficient: 0.001, 0.06, 0.007, 0.0002; p = 0.73, 0.52, 0.85, 0.98). Despite our robust methodological approach, the presence of biases related to retrospective design cannot be excluded. Our findings highlighted the lack of association between low TT levels and semen parameter alterations in male partners of infertile couples undergoing IVF, with a total sperm count greater than 5 million. However, it is important to emphasize that more patients in the low TT group had subnormal semen parameters, albeit the difference was not statistically significant. Larger, prospective studies are warranted in order to validate these findings, as well as to investigate the existence of a TT threshold below which semen parameters might be negatively affected.
Precision Medicine in House Dust Mite-Driven Allergic Asthma
Authors: Eguiluz-Gracia Ibon , Palomares Francisca , Salas Maria , Testera-Montes Almudena , Ariza Adriana , Davila Ignacio , Bartra Joan , Mayorga Cristobalina , Torres Maria Jose , Rondon Carmen
Published: November 2020

House dust mites (HDMs) are the allergenic sources most frequently involved in airway allergy. Nevertheless, not every sensitized patient develops respiratory symptoms upon exposure to HDM, and there is a clinical need to differentiate allergic asthmatics (AAs) from atopic non-allergic asthmatics with HDM sensitization. This differentiation sometimes requires in vivo provocations like the bronchial allergen challenge (BAC). Interestingly, recent data demonstrate that non-atopic patients with asthma can also develop positive BAC results. This novel phenotype has been termed local allergic asthma (LAA). The interest in identifying the allergic triggers of asthma resides in the possibility of administering allergen immunotherapy (AIT). AIT is a disease-modifying intervention, the clinical benefit of which persists after therapy discontinuation. Recently, new modalities of sublingual tablets of HDM immunotherapy registered as pharmaceutical products (HDM-SLIT tablets) have become commercially available. HDM-SLIT tablets have demonstrated a robust effect over critical asthma parameters (dose of inhaled corticosteroids, exacerbations, and safety), thus being recommended by international guidelines for patients with HDM-driven AA. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the phenotype and endotype of HDM-driven AA, and LAA, address the difficulties for BAC implementation in the clinic, and discuss the effects of AIT in AA and LAA.
Revision Surgery for Postoperative Spondylodiscitis at Cage Level after Posterior Instrumented Fusion in the Lumbar Spine—Anterior Approach Is Not Absolutely Indicated
Authors: Liao Jen-Chung , Chen Wen-Jer
Published: November 2020

Spondylodiscitis at the cage level is rare but remains a challenge for spine surgeons. In this study, the safety and efficacy of revision surgery by a posterior approach to spondylodiscitis developed at the cage level were evaluated, and these data were compared to those of patients treated with revision surgeries using the traditional anterior plus posterior approach for their infections. Twenty-eight patients with postoperative spondylodiscitis underwent revision surgeries to salvage their infections, including 15 patients in the study group (posterior only) and 13 patients in the control group (combined anterior and posterior). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen in both groups. L4-L5 was the most common infection site in both groups. The operation time (229.5 vs. 449.5 min, p < 0.001) and blood loss (427.7 vs. 1106.9 mL, p < 0.001) were the only two data points that were statistically significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, a single posterior approach with ipsilateral or contralateral transforaminal lumbar interbody debridement and fusion plus extending instrumentation was safe and effective for spondylodiscitis developed at the cage level. This strategy can decrease the operation time and blood loss.
Elevated Procalcitonin as a Risk Factor for Postoperative Delirium in the Elderly after Cardiac Surgery—A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kupiec Anna , Adamik Barbara , Kozera Natalia , Gozdzik Waldemar
Published: November 2020

One of the most common complications after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) is delirium. The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the risk of developing postoperative delirium in a group of elderly patients using a multivariate assessment of preoperative and intraoperative risk factors. A total of 149 elderly patients were included. Thirty patients (20%) developed post-operative delirium. Preoperative procalcitonin (PCT) above the reference range (>0.05 ng/mL) was recorded more often in patients who postoperatively developed delirium than in the non-delirium group (50% vs. 27%, p = 0.019). After surgery, PCT was significantly higher in the delirium than the non-delirium group: ICU admission after surgery: 0.08 ng/mL vs. 0.05 ng/mL p = 0.011), and for consecutive days (day 1: 0.59 ng/mL vs. 0.25 ng/mL, p = 0.003; day 2: 1.21 ng/mL vs. 0.36 ng/mL, p = 0.006; day 3: 0.76 ng/mL vs. 0.34 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Patients with delirium were older (74 vs. 69 years, p = 0.038), more often had impaired daily functioning (47% vs. 28%, p = 0.041), depressive symptoms (40% vs. 17%, p = 0.005), and anemia (43% vs. 19%, p = 0.006). In a multivariable logistic regression model, preoperative procalcitonin (odds ratio (OR) = 3.05), depressive symptoms (OR = 5.02), age (OR = 1.14), impaired daily functioning (OR = 0.76) along with CPB time (OR = 1.04) were significant predictors of postoperative delirium.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Overall Diagnostic and Therapeutic Process for Patients of Emergency Department and Those with Acute Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Chang Hansol , Yu Jae Yong , Yoon Sun Young , Hwang Sung Yeon , Yoon Hee , Cha Won Chul , Sim Min Seob , Jo Ik Joon , Kim Taerim
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: During a pandemic, patients and processes in the emergency department (ED) change. These circumstances affect the length of stay (LOS) or degree of crowding in the ED. The processes for patients with acute critical illness, such as cerebrovascular disease (CVD), can be also delayed. Using the process mining (PM) method, this study aimed to evaluate LOS, ED processes for CVD, and delayed processes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (2) Methods: Data were collected from the Clinical Data Warehouse of a medical center. Phase 1 included patients who visited the ED before the COVID-19 outbreak. In Phase 2, post-COVID-19 ED patients were divided into the COVID-19 tested group (CTG) and COVID-19 not tested group (CNTG) according to whether polymerase chain reaction test was performed. We analyzed patients’ ED processes before and after COVID-19 using the PM method. We analyzed patients with acute CVD separately to determine whether the process and LOS of patients with acute critical illness were changed or delayed. (3) Results: After the COVID-19 outbreak, the overall LOS was delayed and all processes in CTG patients were delayed. Registration to triage and triage were delayed in both CTG and CNTG patients. The brain imaging process for CTG patients with acute CVD was also delayed. (4) Conclusion: After a pandemic, some processes were changed, new processes were developed, and processes for patients with acute CVD who needed proper time management were not exempted.
Clinical and Molecular Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk
Authors: Kubota Naoto , Fujiwara Naoto , Hoshida Yujin
Published: November 2020

Prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk becomes increasingly important with recently emerging HCC-predisposing conditions, namely non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cured hepatitis C virus infection. These etiologies are accompanied with a relatively low HCC incidence rate (~1% per year or less), while affecting a large patient population. Hepatitis B virus infection remains a major HCC risk factor, but a majority of the patients are now on antiviral therapy, which substantially lowers, but does not eliminate, HCC risk. Thus, it is critically important to identify a small subset of patients who have elevated likelihood of developing HCC, to optimize the allocation of limited HCC screening resources to those who need it most and enable cost-effective early HCC diagnosis to prolong patient survival. To date, numerous clinical-variable-based HCC risk scores have been developed for specific clinical contexts defined by liver disease etiology, severity, and other factors. In parallel, various molecular features have been reported as potential HCC risk biomarkers, utilizing both tissue and body-fluid specimens. Deep-learning-based risk modeling is an emerging strategy. Although none of them has been widely incorporated in clinical care of liver disease patients yet, some have been undergoing the process of validation and clinical development. In this review, these risk scores and biomarker candidates are overviewed, and strategic issues in their validation and clinical translation are discussed.