bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Reduce Neuroinflammation, Promote Neural Cell Proliferation and Improve Oligodendrocyte Maturation in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Kaminski Nicole , Köster Christian , Mouloud Yanis , Börger Verena , Felderhoff-Müser Ursula , Bendix Ivo , Giebel Bernd , Herz Josephine
Published: December 2020

Background: Neonatal encephalopathy caused by hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is a major cause of childhood mortality and disability. Stem cell-based regenerative therapies seem promising to prevent long-term neurological deficits. Our previous work in neonatal HI revealed an unexpected interaction between mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and the brains' microenvironment leading to an altered therapeutic efficiency. MSCs are supposed to mediate most of their therapeutic effects in a paracrine mode via extracellular vesicles (EVs), which might be an alternative to cell therapy. In the present study, we investigated the impact of MSC-EVs on neonatal HI-induced brain injury.

Methods: Nine-day-old C57BL/6 mice were exposed to HI through ligation of the right common carotid artery followed by 1 h hypoxia (10% oxygen). MSC-EVs were injected intraperitoneally 1, 3, and 5 days after HI. One week after HI, brain injury was evaluated by regional neuropathological scoring, atrophy measurements and immunohistochemistry to assess effects on neuronal, oligodendrocyte and vessel densities, proliferation, oligodendrocyte maturation, myelination, astro-, and microglia activation. Immunohistochemistry analyses were complemented by mRNA expression analyses for a broad set of M1/M2- and A1/A2-associated molecules and neural growth factors.

Results: While total neuropathological scores and tissue atrophy were not changed, MSC-EVs significantly protected from HI-induced striatal tissue loss and decreased micro- and astroglia activation. MSC-EVs lead to a significant downregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFa, accompanied by a significant upregulation of the M2 marker YM-1 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGFb. MSC-EVs significantly decreased astrocytic expression of the A1 marker C3, concomitant with an increased expression of neural growth factors (i.e., BDNF, VEGF, and EGF). These alterations were associated with an increased neuronal and vessel density, coinciding with a significant increase of proliferating cells in the neurogenic sub-ventricular zone juxtaposed to the striatum. MSC-EV-mediated neuroprotection went along with a significant improvement of oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that MSC-EVs mediate anti-inflammatory effects, promote regenerative responses and improve key developmental processes in the injured neonatal brain. The present results suggest different cellular target mechanisms of MSC-EVs, preventing secondary HI-induced brain injury. MSC-EV treatment may be a promising alternative to risk-associated cell therapies in neonatal brain injury.
Peripersonal Space and Bodily Self-Consciousness: Implications for Psychological Trauma-Related Disorders
Authors: Rabellino Daniela , Frewen Paul A. , McKinnon Margaret C. , Lanius Ruth A.
Published: December 2020

Peripersonal space (PPS) is defined as the space surrounding the body where we can reach or be reached by external entities, including objects or other individuals. PPS is an essential component of bodily self-consciousness that allows us to perform actions in the world (e.g., grasping and manipulating objects) and protect our body while interacting with the surrounding environment. Multisensory processing plays a critical role in PPS representation, facilitating not only to situate ourselves in space but also assisting in the localization of external entities at a close distance from our bodies. Such abilities appear especially crucial when an external entity (a sound, an object, or a person) is approaching us, thereby allowing the assessment of the salience of a potential incoming threat. Accordingly, PPS represents a key aspect of social cognitive processes operational when we interact with other people (for example, in a dynamic dyad). The underpinnings of PPS have been investigated largely in human models and in animals and include the operation of dedicated multimodal neurons (neurons that respond specifically to co-occurring stimuli from different perceptive modalities, e.g., auditory and tactile stimuli) within brain regions involved in sensorimotor processing (ventral intraparietal sulcus, ventral premotor cortex), interoception (insula), and visual recognition (lateral occipital cortex). Although the defensive role of the PPS has been observed in psychopathology (e.g., in phobias) the relation between PPS and altered states of bodily consciousness remains largely unexplored. Specifically, PPS representation in trauma-related disorders, where altered states of consciousness can involve dissociation from the body and its surroundings, have not been investigated. Accordingly, we review here: (1) the behavioral and neurobiological literature surrounding trauma-related disorders and its relevance to PPS; and (2) outline future research directions aimed at examining altered states of bodily self-consciousness in trauma related-disorders.
Forebrain NgR1 Overexpression Impairs DA Release Suggesting Synergy of Local and Global Synaptic Plasticity Mechanisms
Authors: Arvidsson Emma , Gabulya Sarolta , Brodin Alvin Tore , Karlsson Tobias Erik , Olson Lars
Published: December 2020

Structural synaptic reorganizations needed to permanently embed novel memories in the brain involve complex plasticity-enhancing and plasticity-inhibiting systems. Increased neural activity is linked to rapid downregulation of Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1), needed to allow local structural synaptic plasticity. This local regulation of plasticity is thought to be moderated by global systems, such as the ascending cholinergic and monoaminergic systems, adding significance to locally increased neural activity. Here we address the reverse possibility that the global systems may also be influenced by the status of local plasticity. Using NgR1-overexpressing mice, with impaired plasticity and long-term memory, we measured the ability to release dopamine (DA), implicated in regulating plasticity and memory. In vivo chronoamperometric recording with high temporal and spatial resolution revealed severe impairment of potassium chloride (KCl)-induced increase of extracellular DA in the dorsal striatum of mice overexpressing NgR1 in forebrain neurons. A similar, but lesser, impairment of DA release was seen following amphetamine delivery. In contrast, potassium chloride-evoked DA release in NgR1 knockout (KO) mice led to increased levels of extracellular DA. That NgR1 can impair DA signaling, thereby further dampening synaptic plasticity, suggests a new role for NgR1 signaling, acting in synergy with DA signaling to control synaptic plasticity.

Significance Statement:The inverse correlation between local NgR1 levels and magnitude of KCl-inducible amounts of DA release in the striatum reinforces the rule of NgR1 as a regulator of structural synaptic plasticity and suggests synergy between local and global plasticity regulating systems.
Bambara Groundnut: An Underutilized Leguminous Crop for Global Food Security and Nutrition
Authors: Tan Xin Lin , Azam-Ali Susan , Goh Ee Von , Mustafa Maysoun , Chai Hui Hui , Ho Wai Kuan , Mayes Sean , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Azam-Ali Sayed , Massawe Festo
Published: December 2020

Rapid population growth, climate change, intensive monoculture farming, and resource depletion are among the challenges that threaten the increasingly vulnerable global agri-food system. Heavy reliance on a few major crops is also linked to a monotonous diet, poor dietary habits, and micronutrient deficiencies, which are often associated with diet-related diseases. Diversification—of both agricultural production systems and diet—is a practical and sustainable approach to address these challenges and to improve global food and nutritional security. This strategy is aligned with the recommendations from the EAT-Lancet report, which highlighted the urgent need for increased consumption of plant-based foods to sustain population and planetary health. Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.), an underutilized African legume, has the potential to contribute to improved food and nutrition security, while providing solutions for environmental sustainability and equity in food availability and affordability. This paper discusses the potential role of Bambara groundnut in diversifying agri-food systems and contributing to enhanced dietary and planetary sustainability, with emphasis on areas that span the value chain: from genetics, agroecology, nutrition, processing, and utilization, through to its socioeconomic potential. Bambara groundnut is a sustainable, low-cost source of complex carbohydrates, plant-based protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and essential minerals (magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium), especially for those living in arid and semi-arid regions. As a legume, Bambara groundnut fixes atmospheric nitrogen to improve soil fertility. It is resilient to adverse environmental conditions and can yield on poor soil. Despite its impressive nutritional and agroecological profile, the potential of Bambara groundnut in improving the global food system is undermined by several factors, including resource limitation, knowledge gap, social stigma, and lack of policy incentives. Multiple research efforts to address these hurdles have led to a more promising outlook for Bambara groundnut; however, there is an urgent need to continue research to realize its full potential.
Types of Mastectomies and Immediate Reconstructions for Ipsilateral Breast Local Recurrences
Authors: Simon Pauline , Barrou Julien , Cohen Monique , Rua Sandrine , Lambaudie Eric , Houvenaeghel Gilles
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Ipsilateral-breast-local-recurrence (ILBLR) is a rare event with little data on immediate-breast-reconstruction (IBR). We report post-operative results of different types of mastectomy for ILBLR with or without IBR performed during a period of 40 months in order to analyze post-operative complications as main objective.

Methods: We analyzed mastectomies performed for ILBLR after initial breast conservative treatment from January 2016 to April 2019. The characteristics of patients, surgery, complication rate, postoperative hospitalization have been determined.

Results: Of the 207 mastectomies, 32.8% had an IBR: 31 nipple-sparing-mastectomy (NSM) and 37 skin-sparing-mastectomy (SSM) with 37 latissimus-dorsi-flap (LDF) IBR and 31 implant-IBR. Few reconstruction was performed for patients with body-mass-index ≥30 (OR = 0.214), infiltrating ductal carcinomas (OR = 0.272) and ASA-3 patients (OR = 0.254). In multivariate analysis, LDF-IBR was more often realized for NSM and for patients with BMI ≥25. The overall complication rate was 37.4%: 45.6 and 33.1% with and without IBR, respectively (p = 0.056). In multivariate analysis, BMI ≥25 (OR 2.02, p = 0.023), IBR (OR 1.9, p = 0.046) and tobacco (OR 2.17, p = 0.055) were correlated with higher risk of complications. There was no difference for Grade 2–3 complications rates for IBR and no IBR, respectively (14.7%: 10/68 and 9.3%: 13/139). In multivariate analysis, overall survival from date of mastectomy for local recurrence was significantly associated with interval time to local recurrence (OR 6.981).

Conclusion: Salvage mastectomy and IBR is a good choice for ILBLR, particularly using flap reconstruction. NSM can be considered as a good option in selected patients for ILBLR for NSM and/or LDFR.
Progress in the Understanding of the Mechanism of Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Yao Jingwei , Deng Kun , Huang Jialu , Zeng Ruimin , Zuo Jianhong
Published: December 2020

Tamoxifen is a drug commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer, especially for postmenopausal patients. However, its efficacy is limited by the development of drug resistance. Downregulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is an important mechanism of tamoxifen resistance. In recent years, with progress in research into the protective autophagy of drug-resistant cells and cell cycle regulators, major breakthroughs have been made in research on tamoxifen resistance. For a better understanding of the mechanism of tamoxifen resistance, protective autophagy, cell cycle regulators, and some transcription factors and enzymes regulating the expression of the estrogen receptor are summarized in this review. In addition, recent progress in reducing resistance to tamoxifen is reviewed. Finally, we discuss the possible research directions into tamoxifen resistance in the future to provide assistance for the clinical treatment of breast cancer.
New Insights Into Peptide Cannabinoids: Structure, Biosynthesis and Signaling
Authors: Riquelme-Sandoval Agustín , de Sá-Ferreira Caio O. , Miyakoshi Leo M. , Hedin-Pereira Cecilia
Published: December 2020

Classically, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endogenous lipids, of which the best known are anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their enzyme machinery for synthesis and degradation and their specific receptors, cannabinoid receptor one (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor two (CB2). However, endocannabinoids also bind to other groups of receptors. Furthermore, another group of lipids are considered to be endocannabinoids, such as the fatty acid ethanolamides, the fatty acid primary amides and the monoacylglycerol related molecules. Recently, it has been shown that the hemopressin peptide family, derived from α and β chains of hemoglobins, is a new family of cannabinoids. Some studies indicate that hemopressin peptides are expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and act as ligands of these receptors, thus suggesting that they play a physiological role. In this review, we examine new evidence on lipid endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the modulation of their signaling pathways. We focus our discussion on the current knowledge of the pharmacological effects, the biosynthesis of the peptide cannabinoids and the new insights on the activation and modulation of cannabinoid receptors by these peptides. The novel peptide compounds derived from hemoglobin chains and their non-classical activation of cannabinoid receptors are only starting to be uncovered. It will be exciting to follow the ensuing discoveries, not only in reference to what is already known of the classical lipid endocannabinoids revealing more complex aspects of endocannabinoid system, but also as to its possibilities as a future therapeutic tool.
Preparation of a Growth Hormone Receptor/Prolactin Receptor Bispecific Antibody Antagonist Which Exhibited Anti-Cancer Activity
Authors: Chen Xin , Wu Di , Zheng Yan , Liu Xingxing , Wang Jianmeng
Published: December 2020

Prolactin receptor (PRLR) and growth hormone receptor (GHR) are closely related to the occurrence and development of breast cancer, and breast cancer cell endogenously express GHR, PRLR and GHR-PRLR heterodimer. In this case, the combined use of PRLR or GHR inhibitors may produce better anti-breast cancer potential than PRLR or GHR inhibitors alone. In this case, it is necessary to develop the dual-function GHR/PRLR antagonists with anti-breast cancer potential. For this, we used hybridoma technology to generate an anti-idiotypic antibody (termed H53). We then used various techniques, including competitive ELISA, competitive receptor binding analysis, and indirect immunofluorescence assay to identify H53, and the results show that H53 behaves as a typical internal image anti-idiotypic antibody (Ab2β). Further experiments indicate that H53 is a dual-function inhibitor, which not only inhibited PRLR-mediated intracellular signaling, but also blocked GHR-mediated intracellular signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, H53 could inhibit PRL/GH-driven cancer cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro. This study indicates that H53 exhibits potential biological activity against breast tumors, which implies that internal image anti-idiotypic antibodies may be a useful strategy for the development of PRLR/GHR dual-function antagonists for breast cancer therapy.
Active Switching of Toroidal Resonances by Using a Dirac Semimetal for Terahertz Communication
Authors: Sun Yuanbao , Liao Denggao , Xu Jinjin , Wu Yiping , Chen Lin
Published: December 2020

The dynamical switching of a toroidal dipole resonance channel is demonstrated by tuning the Fermi level of a Dirac semimetal film sandwiched between the back substrates. As the Fermi level is increased from 30 to 150 meV, the resonance frequency is switched from 0.283 to 0.201 THz because of the transition from toroidal mode to hybrid mode. The hybrid mode is formed by the interaction between the toroidal mode and the plasmonic mode (induced by a Dirac semimetal film with metallic properties). The influence of the sandwiched dielectric layer (between the toroidal metasurface pattern and the Dirac semimetal film) on the switching effect was also investigated. This active dual-channel terahertz switching may have potential applications in advanced terahertz communication.
Identification of Additive–Epistatic QTLs Conferring Seed Traits in Soybean Using Recombinant Inbred Lines
Authors: Li Meng , Chen Lingling , Zeng Jian , Razzaq Muhammad Khuram , Xu Xianchao , Xu Yufei , Wang Wubin , He Jianbo , Xing Guangnan , Gai Junyi
Published: December 2020

Seed weight and shape are important agronomic traits that affect soybean quality and yield. In the present study, we used image analysis software to evaluate 100-seed weight and seed shape traits (length, width, perimeter, projection area, length/width, and weight/projection area) of 155 novel recombinant inbred soybean lines (NJRISX) generated by crossing “Su88-M21” and “XYXHD”. We examined quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the six traits (except seed weight per projection area), and identified 42 additive QTLs (5–8 QTLs per trait) accounting for 24.9–37.5% of the phenotypic variation (PV). Meanwhile, 2–4 epistatic QTL pairs per trait out of a total of 18 accounted for 2.5–7.2% of the PV; and unmapped minor QTLs accounted for the remaining 35.0–56.7% of the PV. A total of 28 additive and 11 epistatic QTL pairs were concentrated in nine joint QTL segments (JQSs), indicating that QTLs associated with seed weight and shape are closely related and interacted. An interaction was also detected between additive and epistatic QTL pairs and environment, which made significant contributions of 1.4–9.5% and 0.4–0.8% to the PV, respectively. We annotated 18 candidate genes in the nine JQSs, which were important for interpreting the close relationships among the six traits. These findings indicate that examining the interactions between closely related traits rather than only analyzing individual trait provides more useful insight into the genetic system of the interrelated traits for which there has been limited QTL information.
Phosphoglucoisomerase Is an Important Regulatory Enzyme in Partitioning Carbon out of the Calvin-Benson Cycle
Authors: Preiser Alyssa L. , Banerjee Aparajita , Weise Sean E. , Renna Luciana , Brandizzi Federica , Sharkey Thomas D.
Published: December 2020

Phosphoglucoisomerase (PGI) isomerizes fructose 6-phosphate (F6P) and glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) in starch and sucrose biosynthesis. Both plastidic and cytosolic isoforms are found in plant leaves. Using recombinant enzymes and isolated chloroplasts, we have characterized the plastidic and cytosolic isoforms of PGI. We have found that theArabidopsisplastidic PGIKmfor G6P is three-fold greater compared to that for F6P and that erythrose 4-phosphate is a key regulator of PGI activity. Additionally, theKmof spinach plastidic PGI can be dynamically regulated in the dark compared to the light and increases by 200% in the dark. We also found that targetingArabidopsiscytosolic PGI into plastids ofNicotiana tabacumdisrupts starch accumulation and degradation. Our results, in combination with the observation that plastidic PGI is not in equilibrium, indicates that PGI is an important regulatory enzyme that restricts flow and acts as a one-way valve preventing backflow of G6P into the Calvin-Benson cycle. We propose the PGI may be manipulated to improve flow of carbon to desired targets of biotechnology.
Impacts of Arctic Shrubs on Root Traits and Belowground Nutrient Cycles Across a Northern Alaskan Climate Gradient
Authors: Chen Weile , Tape Ken D. , Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Liang Shuang , Matos Adriano , Greenberg Jonathan , Fraterrigo Jennifer M.
Published: December 2020

Deciduous shrubs are expanding across the graminoid-dominated nutrient-poor arctic tundra. Absorptive root traits of shrubs are key determinants of nutrient acquisition strategy from tundra soils, but the variations of shrub root traits within and among common shrub genera across the arctic climatic gradient are not well resolved. Consequently, the impacts of arctic shrub expansion on belowground nutrient cycling remain largely unclear. Here, we collected roots from 170 plots of three commonly distributed shrub genera (Alnus, Betula, and Salix) and a widespread sedge (Eriophorum vaginatum) along a climatic gradient in northern Alaska. Absorptive root traits that are relevant to the strategy of plant nutrient acquisition were determined. The influence of aboveground dominant vegetation cover on the standing root biomass, root productivity, vertical rooting profile, as well as the soil nitrogen (N) pool in the active soil layer was examined. We found consistent root trait variation among arctic plant genera along the sampling transect. Alnus and Betula had relatively thicker and less branched, but more frequently ectomycorrhizal colonized absorptive roots than Salix, suggesting complementarity between root efficiency and ectomycorrhizal dependence among the co-existing shrubs. Shrub-dominated plots tended to have more productive absorptive roots than sedge-dominated plots. At the northern sites, deep absorptive roots (>20 cm depth) were more frequent in birch-dominated plots. We also found shrub roots extensively proliferated into the adjacent sedge-dominated plots. The soil N pool in the active layer generally decreased from south to north but did not vary among plots dominated by different shrub or sedge genera. Our results reveal diverse nutrient acquisition strategies and belowground impacts among different arctic shrubs, suggesting that further identifying the specific shrub genera in the tundra landscape will ultimately provide better predictions of belowground dynamics across the changing arctic.
Fasciclin-Like Arabinogalactan-Protein 16 (FLA16) Is Required for Stem Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Edgar , MacMillan Colleen P. , Shafee Thomas , Ma Yingxuan , Ratcliffe Julian , van de Meene Allison , Bacic Antony , Humphries John , Johnson Kim L.
Published: December 2020

The predominant Fascilin 1 (FAS1)-containing proteins in plants belong to the Fasciclin-Like Arabinogalactan-protein (FLA) family of extracellular glycoproteins. In addition to FAS1 domains, these multi-domain FLA proteins contain glycomotif regions predicted to direct addition of large arabinogalactan (AG) glycans and many contain signal sequences for addition of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor to tether them to the plasma membrane. FLAs are proposed to play both structural and signaling functions by forming a range of interactions in the plant extracellular matrix, similar to FAS1-containing proteins in animals. FLA group B members contain two FAS1 domains and are not predicted to be GPI-anchored. None of the group B members have been functionally characterized or their sub-cellular location resolved, limiting understanding of their function. We investigated the group B FLA16 in Arabidopsis that is predominantly expressed in inflorescence tissues. FLA16 is the most highly expressed FLA in the stem after Group A members FLA11 and FLA12 that are stem specific. A FLA16-YFP fusion protein driven by the endogenous putative FLA16 promoter in wild type background showed expression in cells with secondary cell walls, and FLA16 displayed characteristics of cell wall glycoproteins with moderate glycosylation. Investigation of a fla16 mutant showed loss of FLA16 leads to reduced stem length and altered biomechanical properties, likely as a result of reduced levels of cellulose. Immuno-labeling indicated support for FLA16 location to the plasma-membrane and (apoplastic) cell wall of interfascicular stem fiber cells. Together these results indicate FLA16, a two-FAS1 domain FLAs, plays a role in plant secondary cell wall synthesis and function.
No Association Between the Home Math Environment and Numerical and Patterning Skills in a Large and Diverse Sample of 5- to 6-year-olds
Authors: De Keyser Laure , Bakker Merel , Rathé Sanne , Wijns Nore , Torbeyns Joke , Verschaffel Lieven , De Smedt Bert
Published: December 2020

Selecting a large and diverse sample of 5–6-year-old preschool children (179 boys and 174 girls; Mage = 70.03 months, SDage = 3.43), we aimed to extend previous findings on variability in children’s home math environment (i.e., home math activities, parental expectations, and attitudes) and its association with children’s mathematical skills. We operationalized mathematics in a broader way than in previous studies, by considering not only children’s numerical skills but also their patterning skills as integral components of early mathematical development. We investigated the effects of children’s gender and socioeconomic status (SES) on their home math environment, examined the associations between children’s home math environment and their mathematical skills, and verified whether these associations were moderated by children’s gender and/or SES. Parents of 353 children completed a home math environment questionnaire and all children completed measures of their numerical (e.g., object counting) and patterning skills (e.g., extending repeating patterns). Results indicated no effect of children’s gender on their home math environment. There was no effect of SES on the performed home math activities, but small SES differences existed in parents’ math-related expectations and their attitudes. We found no evidence for associations between children’s home math environment and their mathematical skills. Furthermore, there were no moderating effects of gender or SES on these associations. One explanation for these findings might relate to the characteristics of the general preschool system in the country of the present study (Belgium). Future studies should consider the effect of the preschool learning environment because it might explain differences between studies and countries with regard to the home math environment and its association with mathematical skills.
The Big Three Health Behaviors and Mental Health and Well-Being Among Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Sleep, Exercise, and Diet
Authors: Wickham Shay-Ruby , Amarasekara Natasha A. , Bartonicek Adam , Conner Tamlin S.
Published: December 2020

Background

Sleep, physical activity, and diet have been associated with mental health and well-being individually in young adults. However, which of these “big three” health behaviors most strongly predicts mental health and well-being, and their higher-order relationships in predictive models, is less known. This study investigated the differential and higher-order associations between sleep, physical activity, and dietary factors as predictors of mental health and well-being in young adults.

Method

In a cross-sectional survey design, 1,111 young adults (28.4% men) ages 18–25 from New Zealand and the United States answered an online survey measuring typical sleep quantity and quality; physical activity; and consumption of raw and processed fruit and vegetables, fast food, sweets, and soda, along with extensive covariates (including demographics, socioeconomic status, body mass index, alcohol use, smoking, and health conditions) and the outcome measures of depressive symptoms [measured by the Center for Epidemiological Depression Scale (CES-D)] and well-being (measured by the Flourishing Scale).

Results

Controlling for covariates, sleep quality was the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms and well-being, followed by sleep quantity and physical activity. Only one dietary factor—raw fruit and vegetable consumption—predicted greater well-being but not depressive symptoms when controlling for covariates. There were some higher-order interactions among health behaviors in predicting the outcomes, but these did not survive cross-validation.

Conclusion

Sleep quality is an important predictor of mental health and well-being in young adults, whereas physical activity and diet are secondary but still significant factors. Although strictly correlational, these patterns suggest that future interventions could prioritize sleep quality to maximize mental health and well-being in young adults.
Does an Over-Connected Visual Cortex Undermine Efforts to Stay Sober After Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder?
Authors: Muller Angela M. , Meyerhoff Dieter J.
Published: December 2020

A fine-tuned interplay of highly synchronized activity within and between the brain's communities is a crucial feature of the brain's functional organization. We wanted to investigate in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) the degree to which the interplay of the brain's community-architecture and the extended brain reward system (eBRS) is affected by drinking status (relapse or abstinence). We used Graph Theory Analysis of resting-state fMRI data from treatment seekers at 1 month of abstinence to model the brain's intrinsic community configuration and their follow-up data as abstainers or relapsers 3 months later to quantify the degree of global across-community interaction between the eBRS and the intrinsic communities at both timepoints. After 1 month of abstinence, the ventromedial PFC in particular showed a significantly higher global across-community interaction in the 22 future relapsers when compared to 30 light/non-drinking controls. These differences were no longer present 3 months later when the relapsers had resumed drinking. We found no significant differences between abstainers and controls at either timepoint. Post hoc tests revealed that one eBRS region, the ventromedial PFC, showed a significant global across-community interaction with a community comprising the visual cortex in relapsers at baseline. In contrast, abstainers showed a significant negative association of the ventromedial PFC with the visual cortex. The increased across-community interaction of the ventromedial PFC and the visual cortex in relapsers at timepoint 1 may be an early indicator for treatment failure in a subgroup of AUD patients.
Self-Reported Illicit Drug Use Among Norwegian University and College Students. Associations With Age, Gender, and Geography
Authors: Heradstveit Ove , Skogen Jens Christoffer , Edland-Gryt Marit , Hesse Morten , Vallentin-Holbech Lotte , Lønning Kari-Jussie , Sivertsen Børge
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims: Several studies have pointed to relatively high levels of illicit drug use among students in higher education compared to the general population. The aim of the present study was to provide an updated examination of self-reported illicit drug use among Norwegian University and college students.

Methods: Data stem from the SHoT study (Students' Health and Well-being Study), a nationwide cross-sectional survey for higher education in Norway including Norwegian full-time students aged 18–35. Self-reported illicit drug use across a range of specified drugs comprised the outcome variables. Information on gender, age, and study location (geographical area) was also collected and used as stratification variables. The SHoT-survey from 2018 (N = 50,054) was used for the analyses of associations between demographical variables and illicit drug use, while trends in illicit drug use were estimated by comparing the 2018-results with data from the SHoT-surveys conducted in 2010 and 2014.

Results: The proportion of students reporting having ever tried illicit drugs increased from 2014 to 2018, for both males (30.8 vs. 36.7%) and females (17.5 vs. 24.0%, both p < 0.001), while only minimal changes occurred between 2010 and 2014. The most commonly used illicit drugs during the past 12 months in 2018 were cannabis (15.2%), followed by MDMA (4.0%), cocaine (3.0%), and LSD/psilocybin (2.1%). Illicit drug use showed both linear increase with age, and inverted U-shaped relationships that peaked in the age span from 23 to 28 years of age. Males reported higher illicit drug use compared with females for all drugs. Proportions of illicit drug use varied across geographical areas within the country, with the highest use being reported in the Oslo area (the largest city and capital of Norway).

Conclusions: The present study reports an increase from 2010 to 2018 among Norwegian University and college students in the proportion of those reporting to have tried illicit drugs. Despite varying proportions of use across type of drug, age, gender, and geographical location, the overall high levels of illicit drug use past 12 months confirm the need to address illicit drug use in this population.
The Association Between Vaginal Microbiota Dysbiosis, Bacterial Vaginosis, and Aerobic Vaginitis, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes of Women Living in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Juliana Naomi C. A. , Suiters Meghan J. M. , Al-Nasiry Salwan , Morré Servaas A. , Peters Remco P. H. , Ambrosino Elena
Published: December 2020

Background: Previous studies have described the association between dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota (VMB) and related dysbiotic conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and aerobic vaginitis (AV), and various adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is limited overview of this association from countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which bear a disproportionally high burden of both vaginal dysbiotic conditions and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review assesses the evidence on the association between VMB dysbiosis, BV, and AV, and late adverse pregnancy outcomes in women living in SSA.

Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Statement (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Three databases [PubMed, Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane] were used to retrieve observational and intervention studies conducted in SSA that associated VMB dysbiosis, BV, or AV and preterm birth/labor/delivery, preterm rupture of membranes (PROM), low birthweight, small for gestational age, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine infection, intrauterine (fetal) death, stillbirth, perinatal death, or perinatal mortality.

Results: Twelve studies out of 693 search records from five SSA countries were included. One study identified a positive association between VMB dysbiosis and low birthweight. Despite considerable differences in study design and outcome reporting, studies reported an association between BV and preterm birth (7/9), low birthweight (2/6), PROM (2/4), intrauterine infections (1/1), and small for gestational age (1/1). None of the retrieved studies found an association between BV and pregnancy loss (5/5) or intrauterine growth retardation (1/1). At least two studies support the association between BV and PROM, low birthweight, and preterm birth in Nigerian pregnant women. No reports were identified investigating the association between AV and late adverse pregnancy outcomes in SSA.

Conclusion: Two of the included studies from SSA support the association between BV and PROM. The remaining studies show discrepancies in supporting an association between BV and preterm birth or low birthweight. None of the studies found an association between BV and pregnancy loss. As for the role of VMB dysbiosis, BV, and AV during pregnancy among SSA women, additional research is needed. These results provide useful evidence for prevention efforts to decrease vaginal dysbiosis and its contribution to adverse pregnancy outcomes in SSA.
Healthcare and Physical Education of Children and Youth in Prague 1869–1914
Authors: Waic Marek , Pavlů Dagmar
Published: December 2020

The article focuses on the healthcare and physical education of children and youth in Prague, the capital city of Czech lands, in the period after the Austro-Hungarian compromise of 1867. The legislative framework for children's physical development and healthcare consisted of laws passed by the Imperial Council which were in force throughout the entire region of Cisleithania. Its execution and implementation, however, were the responsibility of the Czech territorial assembly and Prague municipality. The study analyses the environment in which children grew up, the quality of their diet, and their medical care, particularly the activities of school doctors. Further, the text concentrates on the organization and the quality of school physical education. Prague serves as an example of an industrial centre of the Cisleithanian region whose industrial development caused rapid urbanization which limited the possibilities of physical development of children and youth. Until the end of the 19th century, the only possibility of organized exercises was school physical education, and its quality was greatly influenced by the modest spatial conditions of schools. Even at the better-equipped grammar schools, physical education was an optional subject until 1909 and was not taught at most of them at all. As part of the modernization of the empire, the Cisleithanian government supported physical education, also for military reasons. The same was done by the Prague municipality, where care for the physical development and health of children and youth did not become the subject of political disputes.
Simple and Visible Detection of Novel Astroviruses Causing Fatal Gout in Goslings Using One-Step Reverse Transcription Polymerase Spiral Reaction Method
Authors: Ji Jun , Chen Qinxi , Yu Zhengli , Xu Xin , Mu Xinhao , Tian Xiang , Fu Xiaoge , Yao Lunguang , Bi Yingzuo , Xie Qingmei
Published: December 2020

In this study, a one-step isothermal method combining polymerase spiral reaction (PSR) with reverse transcription (RT-PSR) was established for rapid and specific detection of novel astroviruses causing fatal gout in goslings (N-GoAstV). The one-step RT-PSR was accomplished at the optimal temperature of 62°C and time of 40 min and used primers simply designed as conventional PCR primers, and the results of detection were visible to the naked eye. The detection limit of PSR was above 34.7 copies/μL at a 95% probability level according to probit regression analysis. The assay specifically detected N-GoAstV, and no other reference viruses were detected. These results suggest that the newly established RT-PSR assay could, in one step, accomplish reverse-transcription, amplification, and result determination providing a visible, convenient, rapid, and cost-effective test that can be carried out onsite, in order to ensure timely quarantine of N-GoAstV-infected birds, leading to effective disease control.
Dynamic Response of Drill Floor Considering Propagation of Blast Pressure Subsequent to Blowout
Authors: Kim Teak-Keon , Kim Seul-Kee , Lee Jae-Myung
Published: December 2020

Explosions and fire have very critical safety hazard impacts on offshore oil and gas facilities since they are mostly located in remote areas and could induce serious environmental issues. Explosion risk assessment and structure blast analysis are essential for these production facilities, and research studies have been carried out. Explosion due to blowout during drilling operation is also a critical risk for drilling units, and this has not been researched much until the accident of the drilling unit in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. This paper provides the risk and evaluation of explosion and structure under blast pressure during the drilling operation, whereas previous research studies have mainly been interested in process plants. This study suggests weight saving in drilling units through the consideration of the actual behavior of gas explosion. Weight saving is the priority of offshore unit design due to payload. This research also gives guidelines to select the material-grade-appropriate anti-explosion system through the comparison of several materials by design and result.
Improvement of Amorphous Silicon Thin-Film Photovoltaic Cells with Zinc Oxide Nanorods
Authors: Lai Fang-I , Yang Jui-Fu , Hsu Yu-Chao , Kuo Shou-Yi
Published: December 2020

In this study, zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) were produced using a chemical solution method, which was applied to the surfaces of amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film photovoltaic cells as an anti-reflective layer (ARL). ZnO NRs of different lengths were grown on Si substrates by controlling the growth time. They were then analyzed using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV-vis spectrometer, and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), thereby obtaining the optimal growth conditions for ZnO NRs. The optimal growth parameters were applied to the surface of a-Si:H thin-film photovoltaic cells. The results show that the short-circuit current density increased from 6.23 mA/cm2 to 8.05 mA/cm2, and the efficiency increased from 3.49% to 4.51%, an increase of approximately 29%. In addition, ZnO NRs growing on the surfaces of a-Si:H thin-film photovoltaic cells can reduce the hydrophilicity. The experimental results show that ZnO NRs have great application potential, not only for improving the conversion efficiency, but also for protecting the devices from external environmental influences.
Random Matrix Theory Analysis of a Temperature-Related Transformation in Statistics of Fano–Feshbach Resonances in Thulium Atoms
Authors: Davletov Emil T. , Tsyganok Vladislav V. , Khlebnikov Vladimir A. , Pershin Daniil A. , Akimov Alexey V.
Published: December 2020

Recently, the transformation from random to chaotic behavior in the statistics of Fano–Feshbach resonances was observed in thulium atoms with rising ensemble temperature. We performed random matrix theory simulations of such spectra and analyzed the resulting statistics in an attempt to understand the mechanism of the transformation. Our simulations show that, when evaluated in terms of the Brody parameter, resonance statistics do not change or change insignificantly when higher temperature resonances are appended to the statistics. In the experiments evaluated, temperature was changed simultaneously with optical dipole trap depth. Thus, simulations included the Stark shift based on the known polarizability of the free atoms and assuming their polarizability remains the same in the bound state. Somewhat surprisingly, we found that, while including the Stark shift does lead to minor statistical changes, it does not change the resonance statistics and, therefore, is not responsible for the experimentally observed statistic transformation. This observation suggests that either our assumption regarding the polarizability of Feshbach molecules is poor or that an additional mechanism changes the statistics and leads to more chaotic statistical behavior.
The Fundamental Equations of Change in Statistical Ensembles and Biological Populations
Authors: Frank Steven A. , Bruggeman Frank J.
Published: December 2020

A recent article in Nature Physics unified key results from thermodynamics, statistics, and information theory. The unification arose from a general equation for the rate of change in the information content of a system. The general equation describes the change in the moments of an observable quantity over a probability distribution. One term in the equation describes the change in the probability distribution. The other term describes the change in the observable values for a given state. We show the equivalence of this general equation for moment dynamics with the widely known Price equation from evolutionary theory, named after George Price. We introduce the Price equation from its biological roots, review a mathematically abstract form of the equation, and discuss the potential for this equation to unify diverse mathematical theories from different disciplines. The new work in Nature Physics and many applications in biology show that this equation also provides the basis for deriving many novel theoretical results within each discipline.
An Integrated Evaluation Method of the Wind Power Ramp Event Based on Generalized Information of the Source, Grid, and Load
Authors: Wan Jie , Wang Yanjia , Ren Guorui , Liu Jinfu , Wang Wei , Yu Jilai
Published: December 2020

The wind power ramp event includes large fluctuations in wind power within a short period of time. To maintain grid stability, defining, identifying, and predicting the wind power ramp event is inevitable. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment method of wind power ramp events that combines the generalized information of the source, grid, and load sides is proposed. In this method, we put forward a channel self-selected multi-layer coefficient correction model (CSMCC) and wind power ramp threshold, according to the allowable value of a grid frequency change. Additionally, the availability of data-driven modeling methods is verified by performing autocorrelation analysis. Finally, the comprehensive evaluation method, which combines the back propagation (BP) neural network, supports the vector machine and CSMCC model is proved to be effective. This paper has a certain reference significance for basic research on large-scale wind power safety and efficient utilization.
Effect of Water Distribution on Spontaneous Imbibition of Tight Rocks: A Fractal Approach
Authors: Yu Haitang , Li Qi , Li Xiangfang , Feng Dong
Published: December 2020

The original water distribution characteristic plays an important role in the fracturing liquid retention in actual tight reservoirs. In this paper, an analytical model was proposed to characterize the water distribution and its effect on the spontaneous imbibition, based on the capillary tube model and fractal theory. Furthermore, the effect of the water film and the non-piston-like front related to the pore size are included in our model. The proposed model was successfully validated with the experimental results of core imbibition tests. Our work demonstrates that water distribution is influenced by displacement pressure and pore structure. For a small differential pressure, the porous media with richer large pores usually possesses a lower water saturation, and this difference will decrease with the increase of differential pressure. Moreover, compared with previous studies, the proposed imbibition model can not only distinguish the valid pores and invalid pores for imbibition but it can also predict the initial imbibition rate and equilibrium time of tight porous media with different water saturation. The results show that the equilibrium time is controlled by the minimum effective pore radius while the initial imbibition rate is mainly controlled by the large pores. Both of these two parameters will decrease with an increase of water saturation; the former is more sensitive to a low water saturation, while the latter decreases more quickly for a middle-high water saturation.