bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in Children With Acute Respiratory Distress With Hypoxia in A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit–A Single Center Experience
Authors: Chang Chih-Ching , Lin Yi-Chen , Chen Tzu-Chun , Lin Jainn-Jim , Hsia Shao-Hsuan , Chan Oi-Wa , Lee En-Pei
Published: May 2021

Aim: High-flow nasal cannulas (HFNCs) show potential in the application of positive pressure, improving gas exchange, and decreasing work of breathing in patients with acute respiratory distress. The aims of this study were to elucidate the indications for HFNC therapy in children of all ages and diagnoses, and to evaluate the efficacy and risk factors for failure of HFNC therapy in children with acute respiratory distress with hypoxia in a pediatric intensive care unit.

Methods: We conducted this retrospective cohort study at a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. All children, from 1 month to 18 years of age, with acute respiratory distress with hypoxia and HFNC therapy were eligible. The clinical data were reviewed.

Results: One hundred and two children met the eligibility criteria for the study, of whom 57 (55.9%) were male, and the mean age was 7.00 ± 6.79 years. Seventy-eight (76.5%) of the children had underlying disorders. The most common indications for the use of HFNC therapy were pneumonia (40, 39.2%), sepsis-related respiratory distress (17, 16.7%), and bronchiolitis (16, 15.7%). The failure rate was 15.7% (16 of 102 children). Higher initial and maximum fraction of inspiration O2 levels and lower initial and lowest SpO2/FiO2 (S/F) ratio were early and possible signs of failure requiring escalation of respiratory support.

Conclusion: In our population, we found that HFNC therapy could be initiated as the first-line therapy for various etiologies of acute respiratory distress with hypoxia in a pediatric intensive care unit and for all age groups.
An Entire Process Optimization Strategy for Comprehensive In Vivo Metabolite Profiling of Prucalopride in Rats Based on Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography With Q-Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole–Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zuo Lihua , Liu Liwei , Yang Yantao , Yang Jie , Chen Min , Zhang Huafeng , Kang Jian , Zhang Xiaojian , Wang Jiabo , Sun Zhi
Published: May 2021

Prucalopride was widely used for chronic constipation, which is difficult to be adequately relieved by laxatives in adult patients in clinic. Due to the difficulty in metabolite identification, metabolic process of prucalopride had not been investigated in vivo. In this study, an efficient strategy was proposed for comprehensive metabolite profiling of prucalopride after oral administration in rat plasma, urine, and feces samples. This strategy was composed of five steps. First, the samples at multiple time points after oral administration were collected to increase the representativeness of the samples. Second, different sample preparation methods were investigated to obtain superior extraction efficiency. Third, the raw data of test sample and blank sample were acquired using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with Q-Exactive hybrid quadrupole–orbitrap high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry under the positive and negative full-scan/dd MS2 mode. Fourth, combined mass defect filter with background subtraction model in soft of compound discovery, all peaks were constructed to filter potential metabolites after retention time alignment and ion filtration, which could remove large amounts of interference ions. Besides, it can predict potential biotransformation, promoting to understand how to metabolize the drug. This provides multiple possibilities and prevents us conjecturing the potential metabolites blindly. Finally, the verification procedure was implemented through exporting the structure and MS2 spectrum to the analytical tool of Mass Frontier. The proposed strategy significantly improved the targeted detection and identification for metabolites in vivo. A total of 47 metabolites were tentatively characterized in the plasma, urine, and feces samples after oral administration of prucalopride. This study could provide a valuable reference for systematic metabolite profile of drug in vivo.
CYP2D6 in the Brain: Potential Impact on Adverse Drug Reactions in the Central Nervous System—Results From the ADRED Study
Authors: Just Katja S. , Dormann Harald , Freitag Mathias , Schurig Marlen , Böhme Miriam , Steffens Michael , Scholl Catharina , Seufferlein Thomas , Graeff Ingo , Schwab Matthias , Stingl Julia C.
Published: May 2021

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 is a polymorphic enzyme expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), important in drug metabolism and with a potentially constitutive role in CNS function such as vigilance. This study aimed to analyze variability in CYP2D6 activity linked to vigilance-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the CNS. A dataset of N = 2939 ADR cases of the prospective multicenter observational trial in emergency departments (EDs) (ADRED; trial registration: DRKS-ID: DRKS00008979) was analyzed. Dizziness as the most frequent reported CNS ADR symptom (12.7% of patients, n = 372) related to vigilance was chosen as the outcome. The association of dizziness with CYP2D6 activity markers was analyzed. The number of CYP2D6 substrates taken, a CYP2D6 saturation score (no, moderate, and strong saturation), a CYP2D6 saturation/inhibition score (no, weak, moderate, and strong), and composed CYP2D6 activity using a genotyped subsample (n = 740) calculating additive effects of genotype and CYP2D6 saturation by drug exposure were used as CYP2D6 activity markers. Effects were compared to other frequent nonvigilance-related CNS ADR symptoms (syncope and headache). Secondary analyses were conducted to control for other ADR symptoms frequently associated with dizziness (syncope, nausea, and falls). The majority of all patients (64.5%, n = 1895) took at least one drug metabolized by CYP2D6. Around a third took a CNS drug (32.5%, n = 955). The chance to present with drug-related dizziness to the ED increased with each CYP2D6 substrate taken by OR 1.11 [1.01–1.23]. Presenting with drug-related dizziness was more likely with CYP2D6 saturation and saturation/inhibition (both OR 1.27 [1.00–1.60]). The composed CYP2D6 activity was positively associated with dizziness (p = 0.028), while poorer activity affected patients more often with dizziness as an ADR. In contrast, nonvigilance-related ADR symptoms such as syncope and nausea were not consistently significantly associated with CYP2D6 activity markers. This study shows an association between the number of CYP2D6 substrates, the predicted CYP2D6 activity, and the occurrence of dizziness as a CNS ADR symptom. As dizziness is a vigilance-related CNS symptom, patients with low CYP2D6 activity might be more vulnerable to drug-related dizziness. This study underlines the need for understanding individual drug metabolism activity and individual risks for ADRs.
Phytochemicals as a Complement to Cancer Chemotherapy: Pharmacological Modulation of the Autophagy-Apoptosis Pathway
Authors: Rahman Md. Ataur , Hannan Md. Abdul , Dash Raju , Rahman MD. Hasanur , Islam Rokibul , Uddin Md Jamal , Sohag Abdullah Al Mamun , Rahman Md. Habibur , Rhim Hyewhon
Published: May 2021

Bioactive plant derived compounds are important for a wide range of therapeutic applications, and some display promising anticancer properties. Further evidence suggests that phytochemicals modulate autophagy and apoptosis, the two crucial cellular pathways involved in the underlying pathobiology of cancer development and regulation. Pharmacological targeting of autophagy and apoptosis signaling using phytochemicals therefore offers a promising strategy that is complementary to conventional cancer chemotherapy. In this review, we sought to highlight the molecular basis of the autophagic-apoptotic pathway to understand its implication in the pathobiology of cancer, and explore this fundamental cellular process as a druggable anticancer target. We also aimed to present recent advances and address the limitations faced in the therapeutic development of phytochemical-based anticancer drugs.
Ibudilast Attenuates Folic Acid–Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Blocking Pyroptosis Through TLR4-Mediated NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Li Xue , Zou Yu , Fu Yuan-Yuan , Xing Jia , Wang Kai-Yue , Wan Peng-Zhi , Wang Mo , Zhai Xiao-Yue
Published: May 2021

Folic acid (FA)-induced renal tubule damage, which is characterized by extensive inflammation, is a common model of acute kidney injury (AKI). Pyroptosis, a pro-inflammatory form of cell death due to the activation of inflammatory caspases, is involved in AKI progression. Ibudilast, a TLR4 antagonist, has been used in the clinic to exert an anti-inflammatory effect on asthma. However, researchers have not explored whether ibudilast exerts a protective effect on AKI by inhibiting inflammation. In the present study, ibudilast reversed FA-induced AKI in mice, as indicated by the reduced serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, and improved renal pathology, as well as the downregulation of kidney injury marker-1. In addition, ibudilast significantly increased the production of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 while suppressing the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and macrophage infiltration. Moreover, in the injured kidney, ibudilast reduced the levels of both inflammasome markers (NLRP3) and pyroptosis-related proteins (caspase-1, IL1-β, IL-18, and GSDMD cleavage), and decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells. Further mechanistic studies showed that ibudilast administration inhibited the FA-induced upregulation of TLR4, blocked NF-κB nuclear translocation, and reduced the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκBα, p38, ERK, and JNK. Thus, this study substantiates the protective effect of ibudilast on FA-induced AKI in mice and suggests that protection might be achieved by reducing pyroptosis and inflammation, likely through the inhibition of TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
Falcarindiol Enhances Cisplatin Chemosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Down-Regulating the STAT3-Modulated PTTG1 Pathway
Authors: Hong Han , Jin Zhengkang , Qian Tao , Xu Xiaoyong , Zhu Xiang , Fei Qiang , Yang Jiamei , Sui Chengjun , Xu Minhui
Published: May 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver malignancy globally and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Chemotherapy is one of the main methods in treating HCC, while recent studies have found that the resistance of HCC to chemotherapeutic drugs reduces the efficacy of the chemotherapy. Falcarindiol (FAD) is a cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory polyacetylenic oxylipin found in food plants of the carrot family (Apiaceae), while its role in HCC remains to be explored. Here, HCC cells (Huh7 and LM3) were treated with FAD at different doses. Cell proliferation was tested by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method and colony formation assay, while the apoptosis was monitored by flow cytometry. The profiles of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, bcl2, and Caspase-3), DNA repair proteins (Rad51, BRCA1, and MDC1), and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/Pituitary Tumor Transforming Gene 1 (PTTG1) were verified by western blot (WB) or quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The interaction between STAT3 and PTTG1 was verified by immunoprecipitation (IP). In addition, a xenograft tumor model was constructed in mice to explore the anti-tumor effects of FAD in vivo, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to count the number of Ki67-stained cells. As a result, FAD inhibited HCC cell proliferation and DNA repair, facilitated their apoptosis, and also enhanced cisplatin (DDP) chemosensitivity. The Combination Index (CI) evaluation showed that FAD and DDP had synergistic effects in repressing HCC cell proliferation. Besides, FAD dampened the STAT3/PTTG1 pathway expression. Further studies revealed that inhibiting STAT3 enhanced the inhibitive effect of FAD on HCC cells, whereas overexpressing PTTG1 attenuated the anti-tumor effect of FAD. Overall, our study illustrated that FAD is a potential anticancer drug and strengthens the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to DDP by inhibiting the STAT3/PTTG1 pathway.
Near-Infrared Spatial Self-Phase Modulation in Ultrathin Niobium Carbide Nanosheets
Authors: Xiao Si , He Yi-lin , Dong Yu-lan , Wang Yi-duo , Zhou Li , Zhang Xue-jun , Wang Ying-wei , He Jun
Published: May 2021

Spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) as a purely coherent non-linear optical effect (also known as Kerr effect) can support strong broadband phase modulation, which is essential for all-optical applications. Besides this, the increasing use of two-dimensional (2D) materials opens up new prospects in this field of research. In this work, we report a broadband SSPM response from 2D transition metal carbonitrides (MXenes) and Nb2C, arising in the near-infrared (1,550 nm) range. Based on the SSPM measurements of few-layer Nb2C nanosheets, the third-order non-linear optical parameters of Nb2C, including the non-linear refractive index n2 and susceptibility χ(3), were determined at 400, 800, 1,300, and 1,550 nm. Moreover, the physics mechanism of the dynamic formation process of SSPM diffraction rings was exploited. The formation time of SSPM diffraction rings can be divided into two typical parts which correspond to the polarization and reorientation of 2D Nb2C nanosheets. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the nonreciprocal light propagation at wavelengths of 1,300 and 1,550 nm by constructing an Nb2C/water hybrid structure. Our results reveal strong optical phase modulation of Nb2C in the infrared region, thus showing the great potential of MXene materials for use in passive photonic devices.
Wrist Band Photoplethysmography Autocorrelation Analysis Enables Detection of Atrial Fibrillation Without Pulse Detection
Authors: Väliaho Eemu-Samuli , Kuoppa Pekka , Lipponen Jukka A. , Hartikainen Juha E. K. , Jäntti Helena , Rissanen Tuomas T. , Kolk Indrek , Pohjantähti-Maaroos Hanna , Castrén Maaret , Halonen Jari , Tarvainen Mika P. , Santala Onni E. , Martikainen Tero J.
Published: May 2021

Atrial fibrillation is often asymptomatic and intermittent making its detection challenging. A photoplethysmography (PPG) provides a promising option for atrial fibrillation detection. However, the shapes of pulse waves vary in atrial fibrillation decreasing pulse and atrial fibrillation detection accuracy. This study evaluated ten robust photoplethysmography features for detection of atrial fibrillation. The study was a national multi-center clinical study in Finland and the data were combined from two broader research projects (NCT03721601, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03721601 and NCT03753139, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03753139). A photoplethysmography signal was recorded with a wrist band. Five pulse interval variability, four amplitude features and a novel autocorrelation-based morphology feature were calculated and evaluated independently as predictors of atrial fibrillation. A multivariate predictor model including only the most significant features was established. The models were 10-fold cross-validated. 359 patients were included in the study (atrial fibrillation n = 169, sinus rhythm n = 190). The autocorrelation univariate predictor model detected atrial fibrillation with the highest area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of 0.982 (sensitivity 95.1%, specificity 93.7%). Autocorrelation was also the most significant individual feature (p < 0.00001) in the multivariate predictor model, detecting atrial fibrillation with AUC of 0.993 (sensitivity 96.4%, specificity 96.3%). Our results demonstrated that the autocorrelation independently detects atrial fibrillation reliably without the need of pulse detection. Combining pulse wave morphology-based features such as autocorrelation with information from pulse-interval variability it is possible to detect atrial fibrillation with high accuracy with a commercial wrist band. Photoplethysmography wrist bands accompanied with atrial fibrillation detection algorithms utilizing autocorrelation could provide a computationally very effective and reliable wearable monitoring method in screening of atrial fibrillation.
Gender Difference in Chronic Cough: Are Women More Likely to Cough?
Authors: Bai Haodong , Sha Bingxian , Xu Xianghuai , Yu Li
Published: May 2021

Chronic cough is a common complaint for patients to seek medical cares all over the world. Worldwide, about two thirds of chronic cough patients are females. However, in some regions of China the prevalence of chronic cough between sexes is roughly the same. Estrogen and progesterone can not only have an effect on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel, eosinophils and mast cells, but also influence laryngeal dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease and obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome, which may lead to increased cough sensitivity in women. On the other hand, the quality of life was adversely affected more in female patients with chronic cough. Both hormones possibly cause gender difference in chronic cough.
MicroRNA-Mediated Host-Pathogen Interactions Between Bombyx mori and Viruses
Authors: Awais Mian Muhammad , Shakeel Muhammad , Sun Jingchen
Published: May 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs of about 22 nucleotides, have been reported to regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and are involved in several biological processes such as immunity, development, metabolism, and host-pathogen interactions. Apart from miRNAs encoded by the host, miRNAs produced by pathogens also regulate host genes to facilitate virus replication and evasion of the host defense responses. In recent years, accumulated studies suggest that viral infections alter the host miRNAs expression profile, and both cellular and viral miRNAs may play vital roles in host-pathogen interactions. Bombyx mori, one of the critical lepidopteran model species, is an economically important insect for silk production. The mechanism of interaction between B. mori and its pathogens and their regulation by miRNAs has been extensively studied. Therefore, in this review, we aim to highlight the recent information and understanding of the virus-encoding miRNAs and their functions in modulating viral and host (B. mori) genes. Additionally, the response of B. mori derived miRNAs to viral infection is also discussed. A detailed critical view about miRNAs’ regulatory roles in B. mori-virus interactions will help us understand molecular networks and develop a sustainable antiviral strategy.
Substrate Type Influences the Structure of Epiphyte Communities and the Growth of Posidonia oceanica Seedlings
Authors: De Battisti Davide , Balestri Elena , Pardi Giuseppina , Menicagli Virginia , Lardicci Claudio
Published: May 2021

Epiphytes colonizing adult seagrasses highly contribute to seagrass ecosystem functioning and plant growth. Yet, little information exists on epiphytic communities developing on seagrass seedlings. Moreover, for some species our knowledge about seedling performance is limited to early establishment phases, and the role of substrate type in affecting their growth is still unclear. These are considerable knowledge gaps, as seedlings play an important role in meadow expansion and recovery from disturbance. In this study, seedlings ofPosidonia oceanica, a keystone species of the Mediterranean, were grown in a shallow (1.5 m deep) coastal area along the Tuscany coast (Italy). After five years of growth (July 2009), seedlings were collected and, through multivariate analysis, we examined whether the epiphytic communities of leaves (both internal and external side) and rhizomes, as well as the growth characteristics differed between rock and sand substrate. The epiphytic communities of seedlings largely reflected those found on adult shoots. Epiphyte cover was similar between the two leaf sides, and it was higher on seedlings grown on rock than on sand, with encrusting algae dominating the community. No differences in epiphyte cover and community structure on rhizomes were found between substrates. Seedling growth characteristics did not differ between substrates, apart from the number of standing leaves being higher on rock than on sand. No correlation was found among epiphyte communities and seedling growth variables (i.e., leaf area, maximum leaf length, number of leaves, total number of leaves produced, rhizome length, total biomass, and root to shoot biomass ratio). Results indicate that epiphytes successfully colonizeP. oceanicaseedlings, and the surrounding micro-environment (i.e., substrate type) can influence the leaf epiphytic community. This study provides new valuable insights on the biological interactions occurring in seagrass ecosystems and highlights the need for better understanding the effects of seedling epiphytes and substrate on the formation of new meadows.
Dynamic Analyses of Transcriptome and Metabolic Profiling: Revealing Molecular Insight of Aroma Synthesis of Mango (Mangifera indica L. Var. Tainong)
Authors: Xin Ming , Li Changbao , Khoo Hock Eng , Li Li , He Xuemei , Yi Ping , Tang Yayuan , Sun Jian
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in aromatic components and other chemical properties of Tainong mango during fruit development, ripening, and storage. As the volatiles of Tainong mango and their related molecular mechanisms remain unclear, volatile profile, metabonomics, and transcriptome analyses were applied to investigate the molecular determinants of the synthesis of aroma components in mango during fruit development and storage. Total acids, total sugar, total carotenoids, enzyme activities of the mango pulp samples were also determined. Volatile components of the mango pulp samples were identified using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometric method. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequences of the samples were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that 181 volatiles were isolated and identified in the fruit at seven stages. Compared to the other stages, mango collected on day 8 and day 12 had higher concentrations of 17 volatile components, especially (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, 53384 transcripts were also detected through RNA sequencing. The differentially expressed genes analyses included catalytic activity, transferase activity, adenosine diphosphate binding, transcription factor activity, and oxidoreductase activity. α-Pinene content and expression of the differentially expressed genes involved in terpenoid metabolism and enzyme activities in the terpenoid metabolic pathways gradually increased during the maturity of the fruit, and had maximum values at day 8 of storage. Moreover, the integrative analyses revealed potential molecular insights of mango development and aroma formation in the fruit.
Characterization of a Plant Nuclear Matrix Constituent Protein in Liverwort
Authors: Wang Nan , Karaaslan Ezgi Süheyla , Faiss Natalie , Berendzen Kenneth Wayne , Liu Chang
Published: May 2021

The nuclear lamina (NL) is a complex network of nuclear lamins and lamina-associated nuclear membrane proteins, which scaffold the nucleus to maintain structural integrity. In animals, type V intermediate filaments are the main constituents of NL. Plant genomes do not encode any homologs of these intermediate filaments, yet plant nuclei contain lamina-like structures that are present in their nuclei. In Arabidopsis thaliana, CROWDED NUCLEI (CRWN), which are required for maintaining structural integrity of the nucleus and specific perinuclear chromatin anchoring, are strong candidates for plant lamin proteins. Recent studies revealed additional roles of Arabidopsis Nuclear Matrix Constituent Proteins (NMCPs) in modulating plants’ response to pathogen and abiotic stresses. However, detailed analyses of Arabidopsis NMCP activities are challenging due to the presence of multiple homologs and their functional redundancy. In this study, we investigated the sole NMCP gene in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha (MpNMCP). We found that MpNMCP proteins preferentially were localized to the nuclear periphery. Using CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, we generated an MpNMCP loss-of-function mutant, which displayed reduced growth rate and curly thallus lobes. At an organelle level, MpNMCP mutants did not show any alteration in nuclear morphology. Transcriptome analyses indicated that MpNMCP was involved in regulating biotic and abiotic stress responses. Additionally, a highly repetitive genomic region on the male sex chromosome, which was preferentially tethered at the nuclear periphery in wild-type thalli, decondensed in the MpNMCP mutants and located in the nuclear interior. This perinuclear chromatin anchoring, however, was not directly controlled by MpNMCP. Altogether, our results unveiled that NMCP in plants have conserved functions in modulating stress responses.
The Local-National Gap in Intergroup Attitudes and Far-Right Underperformance in Local Elections
Authors: Bye Hege H. , Bygnes Susanne , Ivarsflaten Elisabeth
Published: May 2021

The far right typically performs worse in local elections than in national ones. We propose that a key reason for this underperformance is the difference in how intergroup attitudes manifest and are informed in local and national settings. We document the existence of a local-national gap in intergroup attitudes through survey experiments and open-ended survey questions that randomly vary whether study-participants are asked about the national or the local setting. In the first experiment, we find a substantial local-national gap, where the influx of refugees during the refugee crisis was seen as instigating changes in the national setting, but rarely locally. In the second experiment, we investigate the perceived amount and nature of public discussions about refugees and immigration. We again find a substantial local-national gap. Compared to discussions in the local setting, there is a perception of more discussion in the national setting, and the nature of those discussions are perceived as more heated, conflictual, and biased than local discussions. We also find a local-national gap in information sources about refugees and immigration in a final study. In local questions, native citizens are more likely to rely on everyday experiences and social networks. In national questions, they are more likely to rely on media representations. These local-national gaps are seen in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Importantly, we also find the gap among respondents who had an asylum seeker center established in their local community recently. The local-national gaps in intergroup attitudes revealed here can account for patterns in far-right electoral performance that so far have remained puzzling, and they deserve further attention in future research both in political science and social psychology.
Why Only Efficiency, and Not Efficacy, Matters in Psychotherapy Practice
Authors: Berg Henrik
Published: May 2021

Evidence-based practice in psychology consists of two quality parameters. One of these quality parameters is efficacy and the other is efficiency. In this article, it is argued that the only relevant parameter for determining quality in clinical care is efficiency. Moreover, emphasising efficacy in psychotherapy practice is symptomatic of a scientocentric ideal in evidence-based practice in psychology. The proper understanding and use of scientific findings entail leaving this scientocentric ideal. In addition, it is crucial that efficiency is related to the ethical aims that constitutes psychotherapy practice.
Cognitive Control and Ruminative Responses to Stress: Understanding the Different Facets of Cognitive Control
Authors: Zareian Bita , Wilson Jessica , LeMoult Joelle
Published: May 2021

Rumination has been linked to the onset and course of depression. Theoretical models and empirical evidence suggest that deficits controlling negative material in working memory underlie rumination. However, we do not know which component of cognitive control (inhibition, shifting, or updating) contributes most to rumination, and whether different components predict the more maladaptive (brooding) versus the more adaptive (reflection) forms of rumination. We aimed to advance theory and research by examining the contribution of different facets of cognitive control to the level and trajectory of brooding and reflection. At baseline, participants completed three cognitive tasks that assessed their inhibition, shifting, and updating biases, respectively. Next, using experience sampling methodology, participants rated their level of rumination and negative affect nine times during the 48 h after their most stressful exam. At each time point, higher levels of brooding, but not reflection, predicted higher levels of negative affect at the next time point. Furthermore, several facets of shifting and inhibition, but not updating, predicted brooding immediately after the exam and its trajectory of change over 48 h. Additionally, difficulty inhibiting neutral words predicted both brooding and reflection. These findings inform theoretical models describing the role of cognitive control in brooding and reflection.
Good Sleep Quality Improves the Relationship Between Pain and Depression Among Individuals With Chronic Pain
Authors: Zambelli Zoe , Halstead Elizabeth J. , Fidalgo Antonio R. , Dimitriou Dagmara
Published: May 2021

Individuals with chronic pain often experience co-existing sleep problems and depression-related states. Chronic pain, sleep problems, and depression interrelate, and have been shown to exacerbate one another, which negatively impacts quality of life. This study explored the relationships between pain severity, pain interference, sleep quality, and depression among individuals with chronic pain. Secondly, we tested whether sleep quality may moderate the relationship between pain and depression. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 1,059 adults with non-malignant chronic pain conditions (Mage 43 years, 88% identified as women) and collected measures related to pain severity, pain interference, sleep quality, and depression. Multiple regression analyses found that pain severity, pain interference, and sleep quality are all significantly associated with depression. Secondly, moderated regression analyses revealed that sleep quality moderates the relationship between pain interference and depression among individuals with chronic pain such that good sleep quality attenuates the effect of pain interference on depression, and poor sleep quality amplifies the effect of pain interference on depression. These findings suggest that sleep quality may be a relevant therapeutic target for individuals with chronic pain and co-existing depression.
Meaningful Learning Experiences in Everyday Life During Pandemics. A Qualitative Study
Authors: González-Ceballos Irene , Palma Montserrat , Serra Josep Maria , Esteban-Guitart Moisès
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the lives of people all over the world. In particular, an unprecedented educational crisis has occurred due to the circumstances of physical distancing and remote learning. This article focuses specifically on the meaningful learning experiences in the everyday lives of adolescents during the pandemic. 72 meaningful learning experiences were identified from 11 participants who recorded their specific learning experiences for a week by a means of a journal recorded by themselves. A content analysis was undertaken in order to identify the ecology (what, how, where, and who with) of the different learning experiences. The results show a prevalence of personal and conceptual learning, a presence of both formal and specifically informal, everyday activities among the meaningful learning experiences detected, the importance of peers, teacher and “learning experiences while alone,” and the use of digital technologies as learning resources; they also reveal the assistance of others in the learning process. The main contribution of this study illustrates how students in everyday life during pandemics are involved in a whole range of different activities both at school and at home.
Autobiographical Memory and Episodic Specificity Across Different Affective States in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Silva Rafael de Assis da , Tancini Marcelo Baggi , Lage Renata , Nascimento Rodrigo L. , Santana Cristina M. T. , Landeira-Fernandez J. , Nardi Antonio Egidio , Cheniaux Elie , Mograbi Daniel C.
Published: May 2021

Autobiographical memory is essential to ground a sense of self-identity, contributing to social functioning and the development of future plans, and being an essential source for the psychiatric interview. Previous studies have suggested loss of autobiographical episodic specificity in unipolar depression, but relatively fewer investigations have been conducted in bipolar disorder (BD) patients, particularly across different mood states. Similarly, there is a scarcity of systematic investigations about mood-congruent and mood-dependent memory in relation to autobiographical memory in BD. Considering this, a total of 74 patients with BD (24 in euthymia, 26 in mania, and 24 in depression) responded with autobiographical memories to cue words belonging to four categories: mania, depression, BD, and neutral. Episodic specificity was scored according to the Autobiographical Interview, with high intra- and inter-rater reliability. Results indicated that patients in mania generally re-experience more episodic details than those in depression. Depressed bipolar patients reported fewer details of perception and less time integration of memories than those in euthymia or mania. Words linked to depression and BD induced greater episodic re-experiencing than neutral words, just as words about BD provided greater episodic re-experiencing and more details of emotion/thoughts than words about mania. Words linked to depression provoked more time details about the recalled episodes than words on BD or neutral themes. No mood-congruent or mood-dependent effects were observed. Current findings may improve the ability of clinicians to conduct psychiatric interviews and the diagnosis of BD, with special attention to how memory details are generated across different mood states of the condition. Additionally, interventions to foster autobiographical recollection in BD may be developed, similar to what has already been done in the context of schizophrenia.
Detecting Depression Through Gait Data: Examining the Contribution of Gait Features in Recognizing Depression
Authors: Wang Yameng , Wang Jingying , Liu Xiaoqian , Zhu Tingshao
Published: May 2021

While depression is one of the most common mental disorders affecting more than 300 million people across the world, it is often left undiagnosed. This paper investigated the association between depression and gait characteristics with the aim to assist in diagnosing depression. Our dataset consisted of 121 healthy people and 126 patients with depression who diagnosed by psychiatrists according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Spatiotemporal, temporal-domain, and frequency-domain features were extracted based on the walking data of 247 participants recorded by Microsoft Kinect (Version 2). Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the variance of spatiotemporal (12.55%), time-domain (58.36%), and frequency-domain features (60.71%) on recognizing depression based on Nagelkerke'sR2measure, respectively. The contributions of the different types of features were further explored by building machine learning models by using support vector machine algorithm. All the combinations of the three types of gait features were used as training data of machine learning models, respectively. The results showed that the model trained using only time- and frequency-domain features demonstrated the same best performance compared to the model trained using all the features (sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.91, and AUC = 0.93). These results indicated that depression could be effectively recognized through gait analysis. This approach is a step forward toward developing low-cost, non-intrusive solutions for real-time depression recognition.
Study of the Characteristics and Comprehensive Fuzzy Assessment of Indoor Air Chemical Contamination in Public Buildings
Authors: Liang Xiguan , Li Zhisheng , Zhang Huagang , Hong Xinru
Published: May 2021

Quality-of-life is improving daily with continuous improvements in urban modernization, which necessitates more stringent requirements for indoor air quality. Fuzzy assessment enables us to obtain the grade of the evaluation object by compound calculation with the help of membership function and weight coefficient, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods applied to develop environmental quality indices. First, this study continuously measured SO2, O3, NO2, NO, CO, CO2, PM10, PM2.5, and other chemical pollutants during the daytime operating hours of a library and a canteen. We analyzed the concentration distributions of the particles in the air were discussed based on 31 different particle diameters. Finally, the experimental data in department store and waiting hall were analyzed by fuzzy evaluation, with the following results. (1) The library and canteen PM10 concentrations peaked at 07:45 in the morning and was elevated during the afternoon (48.9 and 59 μg/m3, respectively). (2) The Pearson correlation coefficient of the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in the library was 0.98. PM10 and SO2 in the canteen were negatively correlated, with a correlation coefficient of −0.65. PM2.5 and PM1 were always highly positively correlated. (3) The high concentration of particles in the library was associated with the small particle size range (0.25~0.45 μm). (4) By applying the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, the library grade evaluation was the highest level, and the waiting hall was the lowest. This study enhances our understanding of the indoor chemical contamination relationships for public buildings and highlights the urgent need for improving indoor air quality.
Handover Control for Human-Robot and Robot-Robot Collaboration
Authors: Costanzo Marco , De Maria Giuseppe , Natale Ciro
Published: May 2021

Modern scenarios in robotics involve human-robot collaboration or robot-robot cooperation in unstructured environments. In human-robot collaboration, the objective is to relieve humans from repetitive and wearing tasks. This is the case of a retail store, where the robot could help a clerk to refill a shelf or an elderly customer to pick an item from an uncomfortable location. In robot-robot cooperation, automated logistics scenarios, such as warehouses, distribution centers and supermarkets, often require repetitive and sequential pick and place tasks that can be executed more efficiently by exchanging objects between robots, provided that they are endowed with object handover ability. Use of a robot for passing objects is justified only if the handover operation is sufficiently intuitive for the involved humans, fluid and natural, with a speed comparable to that typical of a human-human object exchange. The approach proposed in this paper strongly relies on visual and haptic perception combined with suitable algorithms for controlling both robot motion, to allow the robot to adapt to human behavior, and grip force, to ensure a safe handover. The control strategy combines model-based reactive control methods with an event-driven state machine encoding a human-inspired behavior during a handover task, which involves both linear and torsional loads, without requiring explicit learning from human demonstration. Experiments in a supermarket-like environment with humans and robots communicating only through haptic cues demonstrate the relevance of force/tactile feedback in accomplishing handover operations in a collaborative task.
Ionosphere Influenced From Lower-Lying Atmospheric Regions
Authors: Koucká Knížová Petra , Laštovička Jan , Kouba Daniel , Mošna Zbyšek , Podolská Katerina , Potužníková Katerina , Šindelářová Tereza , Chum Jaroslav , Rusz Jan
Published: May 2021

The ionosphere represents part of the upper atmosphere. Its variability is observed on a wide-scale temporal range from minutes, or even shorter, up to scales of the solar cycle and secular variations of solar energy input. Ionosphere behavior is predominantly determined by solar and geomagnetic forcing. However, the lower-lying atmospheric regions can contribute significantly to the resulting energy budget. The energy transfer between distant atmospheric parts happens due to atmospheric waves that propagate from their source region up to ionospheric heights. Experimental observations show the importance of the involvement of the lower atmosphere in ionospheric variability studies in order to accurately capture small-scale features of the upper atmosphere. In the Part I Coupling, we provide a brief overview of the influence of the lower atmosphere on the ionosphere and summarize the current knowledge. In the Part II Coupling Evidences Within Ionospheric Plasma—Experiments in Midlatitudes, we demonstrate experimental evidence from mid-latitudes, particularly those based on observations by instruments operated by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences. The focus will mainly be on coupling by atmospheric waves.
Continuous Volatile Fatty Acid Production From Acid Brewery Spent Grain Leachate in Expanded Granular Sludge Bed Reactors
Authors: Castilla-Archilla Juan , Heiberger Jonas , Mills Simon , Hilbig Julia , Collins Gavin , Lens Piet N. L.
Published: May 2021

The production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors using leachate from thermal diluted acid hydrolysis of brewery spent grain was evaluated. Partial inhibition of the anaerobic digestion process to induce VFA accumulation was achieved by applying a high organic loading rate [from 15.3 to 46.0 gCOD/(L·day)], and using a feed with an inlet concentration of 15 g/L total carbohydrates. Two EGSB reactors were operated under identical conditions, both inoculated with the same granular sludge. However, granular sludge in one reactor (R1) was subsequently disaggregated to flocculent sludge by a pH shock, whereas granules remained intact in the other reactor (R2). The hydraulic retention time (HRT) of both reactors was decreased from 36 to 24, 18 and 12 h. The main fermented compounds were acetic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid and ethanol. Despite fluctuations between these products, their total concentration was quite stable throughout the trial at about 134.2 (±27.8) and 141.1 (±21.7) mmol/L, respectively, for R1 and R2. Methane was detected at the beginning of the trial, and following some periods of instability in the granular sludge reactor (R2). The hydrogen yield increased as the HRT decreased. The highest VFA production was achieved in the granular sludge reactor at a 24 h HRT, corresponding to 120.4 (±15.0) mmol/L of VFAs. This corresponded to an acidification level of 83.4 (±5.9) g COD of VFA per 100 gram of soluble COD.
Mycorrhizal-Bacterial Amelioration of Plant Abiotic and Biotic Stress
Authors: Santoyo Gustavo , Gamalero Elisa , Glick Bernard R.
Published: May 2021

Soil microbiota plays an important role in the sustainable production of the different types of agrosystems. Among the members of the plant microbiota, mycorrhizal fungi (MF) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) interact in rhizospheric environments leading to additive and/or synergistic effects on plant growth and heath. In this manuscript, the main mechanisms used by MF and PGPB to facilitate plant growth are reviewed, including the improvement of nutrient uptake, and the reduction of ethylene levels or biocontrol of potential pathogens, under both normal and stressful conditions due to abiotic or biotic factors. Finally, it is necessary to expand both research and field use of bioinoculants based on these components and take advantage of their beneficial interactions with plants to alleviate plant stress and improve plant growth and production to satisfy the demand for food for an ever-increasing human population.
A Modified Technique of Thulium Laser Enucleation for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia With Non-morcellator Approach
Authors: Jing Yifeng , Sun Qian , Guo Wenhuan , Zhou Dapeng , Zhu Yiping , Zhao Yuyang , Cui Di , Wang Xiaohai , Ruan Yuan , Zhao Fujun , Xia Shujie , Han Bangmin
Published: May 2021

Background: Until recently, most enucleation techniques of the prostate were performed with the application of morcellator. We introduce a modified enucleation technique of thulium laser with non-morcellator approach, which is about incising and vaporizing remaining prostate tissue instead of a morcellator.

Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 223 patients undergoing ThuLEP from January 2014 to December 2015 was performed in our institution. One hundred five of the patients used morcellator while the other 118 used non-morcellator approach. All patients were assessed with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (Qol), ultrasonography, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), maximal urine flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR). We reassessed these parameters at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months after operation. Operative time, perioperative, and postoperative complications were also recorded.

Results: Significant improvement was noted in the IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR in both groups at the 12-month follow-up, and assessment showed no differences in these parameters between the two groups. Comparisons of the total operation time and enucleation time demonstrated no significant differences between the two groups. Our non-morcellator approach needed more time to incise and vaporize the enucleated tissue compared to morcellation when the prostate volume was about 40–80 ml (p < 0.05), while it showed a significant lower rate of superficial bladder injury than using morcellator (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in other complications between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Our modified technique is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of BPH avoiding the potential complications caused by morcellator.