bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People With Epilepsy. An Italian Survey and a Global Perspective
Authors: Mostacci Barbara , Licchetta Laura , Cacciavillani Carlotta , Di Vito Lidia , Ferri Lorenzo , Menghi Veronica , Stipa Carlotta , Avoni Patrizia , Provini Federica , Muccioli Lorenzo , Vignatelli Luca , Mazzoni Stefania , Tinuper Paolo , Bisulli Francesca
Published: December 2020

Objectives: We explored the impact of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) emergency on the health of people with epilepsy (PwE). We also investigated their attitude toward telemedicine.

Methods: The PubMed database up to September 10, 2020 was searched for questionnaire-based studies conducted in PwE during the COVID-19 emergency, and the literature retrieved was reviewed. In addition, all patients who had a telephone consultation with our center between May 7 and July 31, 2020 were invited to fill in a 57-item online questionnaire focusing on epilepsy and comorbidities, any changes in lifestyle or clinical conditions and any emergency-related problems arising during the COVID-19 emergency, and their views on telemedicine. Associations between variables were detected through X2 test and Fisher's exact test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the effects of different factors on clinical conditions.

Results: Twelve studies met the literature search criteria. They showed that the rate of seizure worsening during the emergency ranged from 4 to 35% and was mainly correlated with epilepsy severity, sleep disturbances and COVID-19-related issues. Our questionnaire was filled in by 222 PwE or caregivers. One hundred (76.6%) reported unchanged clinical conditions, 25 (11.3%) an improvement, and 27 (12%) a deterioration. Reported clinical worsening was associated with a psychiatric condition and/or medication (OR = 12.59, p < 0.001), sleep disorders (OR = 8.41, p = 0.001), limited access to healthcare (OR = 4.71, p = 0.016), and experiencing seizures during the emergency (OR = 4.51, p = 0.007). Telemedicine was considered acceptable by 116 subjects (52.3%).

Conclusions: Most PwE did not experience a significant change in their clinical conditions during the COVID-19 emergency. However, severity of epilepsy, concomitant disability, comorbid psychiatric conditions, sleep disorders and limited access to healthcare may affect their health.
Prefrontal Asymmetry BCI Neurofeedback Datasets
Authors: Charles Fred , De Castro Martins Caio , Cavazza Marc
Published: December 2020

Prefrontal cortex (PFC) asymmetry is an important marker in affective neuroscience and has attracted significant interest, having been associated with studies of motivation, eating behavior, empathy, risk propensity, and clinical depression. The data presented in this paper are the result of three different experiments using PFC asymmetry neurofeedback (NF) as a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) paradigm, rather than a therapeutic mechanism aiming at long-term effects, using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) which is known to be particularly well-suited to the study of PFC asymmetry and is less sensitive to artifacts. From an experimental perspective the BCI context brings more emphasis on individual subjects' baselines, successful and sustained activation during epochs, and minimal training. The subject pool is also drawn from the general population, with less bias toward specific behavioral patterns, and no inclusion of any patient data. We accompany our datasets with a detailed description of data formats, experiment and protocol designs, as well as analysis of the individualized metrics for definitions of success scores based on baseline thresholds as well as reference tasks. The work presented in this paper is the result of several experiments in the domain of BCI where participants are interacting with continuous visual feedback following a real-time NF paradigm, arising from our long-standing research in the field of affective computing. We offer the community access to our fNIRS datasets from these experiments. We specifically provide data drawn from our empirical studies in the field of affective interactions with computer-generated narratives as well as interfacing with algorithms, such as heuristic search, which all provide a mechanism to improve the ability of the participants to engage in active BCI due to their realistic visual feedback. Beyond providing details of the methodologies used where participants received real-time NF of left-asymmetric increase in activation in their dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), we re-establish the need for carefully designing protocols to ensure the benefits of NF paradigm in BCI are enhanced by the ability of the real-time visual feedback to adapt to the individual responses of the participants. Individualized feedback is paramount to the success of NF in BCIs.
Case Report: Denys–Drash Syndrome With WT1 Causative Variant Presenting as Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Chen Lizhi , Wen Sijia , Lin Zhilang , Jiang Xiaoyun
Published: December 2020

The WT1 variant is confirmed to be pathogenic for Denys–Drash syndrome (DDS), a rare disorder characterized by early-onset nephrotic syndrome and renal failure, pseudo-hermaphroditism, and a high risk of Wilms' tumor. Several cases of DDS presenting with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) have been reported. Here we report the case of a 2-year-old child who was diagnosed with WT1 missense variant, associated with DDS and initial presentation of aHUS. Complement factor H autoantibodies were negative. Complement regulatory system-related gene variants were not found, but a de novo heterozygous c.754G>A missense variant in exon 9 of WT1 gene was detected, resulting in a p. Asp252Asn substitution, by next-generation sequencing. The patient was a female morphologically but proved to be a genetic male because of karyotype 46, XY with normally developed female external genitalia. Bilateral nephrectomy and renal transplantation were performed 1 year later, and there was no recurrence of aHUS at 10 months after transplantation.
Bictegravir Plus Tenofovir Alafenamide Nanoformulation as a Long-Acting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Regimen: Application of Modeling to Design Non-Human Primate Pharmacokinetic Experiments
Authors: Perazzolo Simone , Mandal Subhra , Prathipati Pavan K. , Destache Christopher J.
Published: December 2020

Bictegravir (BIC) and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF), two potent anti-HIV drugs, had been nanoformulated (nBIC-TAF) to achieve once-a-month PrEP coverage. In-vivo mouse experiments for nBIC-TAF exhibited favorable subcutaneous (SC) pharmacokinetics. To probe the clinical suitability of the nBIC-TAF, as the next step, we intend to study nBIC-TAF in non-human primates (NHP), as the best preclinical model to foster clinical trials. Before entering an expensive NHP study, however, we seek to improve our a priori understanding about nBIC-TAF in higher species, having just mouse data. The mechanism-based pharmacokinetic modeling (MBPK) has been used as an appropriate method for pharmacokinetic modeling and interspecies scaling for nanoformulations. Via the use of MBPK, in this work, we created a model for nBIC-TAF able to predict plasma concentration-time curves in NHP. BIKTARVY is a daily oral combination of BIC, TAF, and emtricitabine (Gilead Science, CA), approved for HIV therapy. Using BIKTARVY equivalent dosages (from their NHP studies), we predicted that, following just one SC dose of nBIC-TAF in NHP, both BIC and tenofovir will have detectable and above in vitro efficacy levels for 28 days. Furthermore, the MBPK was able to provide a mechanistic explanation regarding the long-acting mechanism characterizing nBIC-TAF: nanoparticles stores in the SC space from which drugs slowly dissociate. Dissociated drugs in the SC space then buffer the plasma pool over time, yielding an extended-release effect in the plasma. Overall, we predicted for nBIC-TAF a promising long-acting pharmacokinetic in NHP, potentially usable as monthly PrEP. These results will help investigators to gain confidence for facing regulatory submissions at early stages.
Acacetin Protects Against High Glucose-Induced Endothelial Cells Injury by Preserving Mitochondrial Function via Activating Sirt1/Sirt3/AMPK Signals
Authors: Han Wei-Min , Chen Xu-Chang , Li Gui-Rong , Wang Yan
Published: December 2020

The strategy of decreasing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disorder is imperative for reducing premature death and improving quality of life in patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the natural flavone acacetin could protect against endothelial injury induced by high glucose and attenuate diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis in streptozotocin-(STZ) induced diabetic ApoE−/− mice model. It was found that in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured with normal 5.5 mM or high 33 mM glucose, acacetin (0.3–3 μM) exerted strong cytoprotective effects by reversing high glucose-induced viability reduction and reducing apoptosis and excess production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde in a concentration-dependent manner. Acacetin countered high glucose-induced depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and reduction of ATP product and mitoBcl-2/mitoBax ratio. Silencing Sirt3 abolished the beneficial effects of acacetin. Further analysis revealed that these effects of acacetin rely on Sirt1 activation by increasing NAD+ followed by increasing Sirt3, pAMPK and PGC-1α. In STZ-diabetic mice, acacetin significantly upregulated the decreased signaling molecules (i.e. SOD, Bcl-2, PGC-1α, pAMPK, Sirt3 and Sirt1) in aorta tissue and attenuated atherosclerosis. These results indicate that vascular endothelial protection of acacetin by activating Sirt1/Sirt3/AMPK signals is likely involved in alleviating diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis by preserving mitochondrial function, which suggests that acacetin may be a drug candidate for treating cardiovascular disorder in patients with diabetes.
Use of Cardiovascular Drugs for Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Among Rural-Dwelling Older Chinese Adults
Authors: Cong Lin , Ren Yifei , Hou Tingting , Han Xiaolei , Dong Yi , Wang Yongxiang , Zhang Qinghua , Liu Rui , Xu Shan , Wang Lidan , Du Yifeng , Qiu Chengxuan
Published: December 2020

Cardiovascular risk factors and related disorders are common among older adults, and use of various classes of cardiovascular (CV) drugs could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, data are sparse with regard to the use of CV drugs among rural-dwelling older adults in China. Therefore, this population-based study aimed to describe use of CV drugs among older adults living in the rural communities in China, while taking into account the use of CV drugs for primary and secondary prevention of CVDs. This study included 5,246 participants (age ≥65 years; 57.17% women; 40.68% illiteracy) in the baseline examination of the MIND-China study. In March-September 2018, data on health-related factors, CVDs (ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke), and CV drug use were collected via face-to-face survey, clinical examination, and laboratory tests. We classified CV drugs according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system for western medications and specific cardiovascular effects for the products of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). We conducted descriptive analysis. The overall prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors ranged from 14.30% in diabetes and 23.81% in dyslipidemia to 66.70% in hypertension, and CVDs affected 35.07% of all participants (36.28% in women vs. 33.47% in men, p = 0.035). In the total sample, calcium channel blockers (C08) were most commonly used (10.39%), followed by TCM products (7.64%), hypoglycemic agents (A10, 4.73%), renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-acting agents (C09, 4.61%), and lipid-lowering agents (C10, 4.17%). The proportions of CV drugs for primary prevention (i.e., use of CV drugs among people without CVD) were 3.14% for antithrombotic agents (mainly aspirin), 1.38% for lipid-lowering agents, and 3.11% for RAS-acting agents; the corresponding figures for secondary prevention (i.e., use of CV drugs among people with CVD) were 13.97%, 9.35%, and 7.39%. In conclusion, despite highly prevalent cardiovascular risk factors and CVDs, a fairly low proportion of the rural-dwelling older adults take CV medications for primary and secondary prevention. Notably, TCM products are among the most commonly used CV drugs. These results call for additional efforts to promote implementation of the evidence-based recommendations for prevention of CVDs in the primary care settings.
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Benefits Its Thrips Vector by Modulating Metabolic and Plant Defense Pathways in Tomato
Authors: Nachappa Punya , Challacombe Jean , Margolies David C. , Nechols James R. , Whitfield Anna E. , Rotenberg Dorith
Published: December 2020

Several plant viruses modulate vector fitness and behavior in ways that may enhance virus transmission. Previous studies have documented indirect, plant-mediated effects of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) infection on the fecundity, growth and survival of its principal thrips vector, Frankliniella occidentalis, the western flower thrips. We conducted thrips performance and preference experiments combined with plant gene expression, phytohormone and total free amino acid analyses to determine if systemically-infected tomato plants modulate primary metabolic and defense-related pathways to culminate into a more favorable environment for the vector. In a greenhouse setting, we documented a significant increase in the number of offspring produced by F. occidentalis on TSWV-infected tomato plants compared to mock-inoculated plants, and in choice test assays, females exhibited enhanced settling on TSWV-infected leaves. Microarray analysis combined with phytohormone signaling pathway analysis revealed reciprocal modulation of key phytohormone pathways under dual attack, possibly indicating a coordinated and dampening defense against the vector on infected plants. TSWV infection, alone or in combination with thrips, suppressed genes associated with photosynthesis and chloroplast function thereby significantly impacting primary metabolism of the host plant, and hierarchical cluster and network analyses revealed that many of these genes were co-regulated with phytohormone defense signaling genes. TSWV infection increased expression of genes related to protein synthesis and degradation which was reflected in the increased total free amino acid content in virus-infected plants that harbored higher thrips populations. These results suggest coordinated gene networks that regulate plant primary metabolism and defense responses rendering virus-infected plants more conducive for vector colonization, an outcome that is potentially beneficial to the vector and the virus when considered within the context of the complex transmission biology of TSWV. To our knowledge this is the first study to identify global transcriptional networks that underlie the TSWV-thrips interaction as compared to a single mechanistic approach. Findings of this study increase our fundamental knowledge of host plant-virus-vector interactions and identifies underlying mechanisms of induced host susceptibility to the insect vector.
The Mediating Effect of Physical Function Decline on the Association Between Social Activity and Cognitive Function in Middle and Older Korean Adults: Analyzing Ten Years of Data Through Multivariate Latent Growth Modeling
Authors: Bae Sung Man
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the long-term association between social activity, physical function decline and cognitive function, as well as verify the long-term mediating effect of physical function decline on the relationship between social activity and cognitive function.

Methods

Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) that was collected over 10 years was analyzed. The sample included 10,240 adults aged 45–93 years (Mean age = 61.66 [SD = 11.061]). Multivariate latent growth modeling (LGM) was applied to verify the long-term effect of social activity and physical function on cognitive function.

Results

The results revealed that social activity had a positive impact on cognitive function and negative impact on physical function decline after controlling for age and education level. Additionally, physical function decline negatively influenced cognitive function. Finally, social activity indirectly affected cognitive function through physical function decline.

Conclusion

The contribution of this study was to test the long-term effect social activity on physical and cognitive function.
Work-Related Flow: The Development of a Theoretical Framework Based on the High Involvement HRM Practices With Mediating Role of Affective Commitment and Moderating Effect of Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Shaheryar
Published: December 2020

The long-term success of organizations is mainly attributable to employees’ psychological health. Organizations focusing on promoting and managing the flow (an optimal experience and optimal functioning state) may enhance employees’ well-being and performance to an optimum level. Surprisingly, the literature representing the role of HRM practices for their effect on work-related flow (i.e., intrinsic motivation, absorption, and work enjoyment) is very sparse. Accordingly, by drawing primarily on the job demands-resources model and HRM specific attribution theory, this paper develops a theoretical framework that unravels the effectiveness of specific organizational level High Involvement HRM (HIHRM) practices (i.e., recognition, empowerment, information sharing, fair rewards, and competence development) in activating the individual level work-related flow with beneficial effect and mediating role of affective commitment. In addition to highlighting the underlying mechanisms that may cause HIHRM practices to be regarded as resources and sometimes as demands, this paper especially proposes that these practices implemented with a focus to promote employee well-being are perceived as job resources and may positively influence affective commitment and flow, whereas these practices used as a demand to increase performance are perceived as job demands and may hinder affective commitment and flow. It is further significant to understand the possible moderating effects of emotional intelligence on the relationships among HIHRM practices, affective commitment, and flow. The paper augments the knowledge and understanding of the impact process of HIHRM practices, in particular how the HIHRM effect is sensed by the workers and thus, influences their succeeding job attitude and work experience. Finally, this work, as the first paper to link HIHRM practices with work-related flow, promotes the concept of positive psychology in the workplace.
Muscular and Physical Response to an Agility and Repeated Sprint Tests According to the Level of Competition in Futsal Players
Authors: García-Unanue Jorge , Felipe José Luis , Bishop David , Colino Enrique , Ubago-Guisado Esther , López-Fernández Jorge , Hernando Enrique , Gallardo Leonor , Sánchez-Sánchez Javier
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuromuscular response to an agility and repeated sprint ability (RSA) test according to the level of competition in futsal players. A total of 33 players from two elite teams and one amateur team participated in the study. The participants completed an agility t-test, a 30 m-speed test, and a RSA test. A countermovement jump (CMJ) test and a tensiomyography test of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) of both legs were carried out before and after the tests. RSA test revealed better sprint times in elite players compared to amateurs in the seven bouts, as well as in the 30 m sprint and in the agility test (p < 0.05). Before the tests, elite players showed higher sustain time (Ts) in RF (+31.03 ms; ES: 0.76) and BF (+28.73 ms; ES: 0.73), higher half-relaxation time (Tr) in BF (+20.79 ms; ES: 0.94), and lower delay time (Td) in BF (−2 ms; ES: 1.19) compared to amateur players. However, post-test values did not present any significant differences (p > 0.05). In conclusion, elite players showed greater performance in the RSA test, in the 30 m tests and in the agility test compared to amateur players. The contractile properties were not a key factor in the RSA performance of the futsal players.
The Importance of Alexithymia in Post-surgery. Differences on Body Image and Psychological Adjustment in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Gutiérrez Hermoso Lorena , Velasco Furlong Lilian , Sánchez-Román Sofía , Salas Costumero Lorena
Published: December 2020

Breast cancer is a disease that is difficult to face and that often hinders body acceptance. Body changes due to surgery can be very emotionally challenging for those who experience them. The aim of this study is to explore the differences on body image and psychological adjustment on women with breast cancer with high and low alexithymia according to the type of surgery. In this cross-sectional study, 119 women diagnosed with breast cancer (stages I, II, and III) were evaluated with different self-report questionnaires. Afterward, patients were divided into two groups (high and low levels of alexithymia) to analyze dependent variables (body image and psychological adjustment) according to the type of surgery (radical mastectomy or breast conserving therapy). The results of the General Linear Model suggest that when patients show high alexithymia combined with having undergone a radical mastectomy, they show higher levels of Hopelessness. Furthermore, in patients with high alexithymia, higher scores of maladaptive coping styles and greater distortion of body image were found. Alexithymia seems to play an important role in the way in which women cope with their disease, especially in those with radical mastectomy.
Monitoring Changes in Depression Severity Using Wearable and Mobile Sensors
Authors: Pedrelli Paola , Fedor Szymon , Ghandeharioun Asma , Howe Esther , Ionescu Dawn F. , Bhathena Darian , Fisher Lauren B. , Cusin Cristina , Nyer Maren , Yeung Albert , Sangermano Lisa , Mischoulon David , Alpert Johnathan E. , Picard Rosalind W.
Published: December 2020

Background: While preliminary evidence suggests that sensors may be employed to detect presence of low mood it is still unclear whether they can be leveraged for measuring depression symptom severity. This study evaluates the feasibility and performance of assessing depressive symptom severity by using behavioral and physiological features obtained from wristband and smartphone sensors.

Method: Participants were thirty-one individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The protocol included 8 weeks of behavioral and physiological monitoring through smartphone and wristband sensors and six in-person clinical interviews during which depression was assessed with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17).

Results: Participants wore the right and left wrist sensors 92 and 94% of the time respectively. Three machine-learning models estimating depressive symptom severity were developed–one combining features from smartphone and wearable sensors, one including only features from the smartphones, and one including features from wrist sensors–and evaluated in two different scenarios. Correlations between the models' estimate of HDRS scores and clinician-rated HDRS ranged from moderate to high (0.46 [CI: 0.42, 0.74] to 0.7 [CI: 0.66, 0.74]) and had moderate accuracy with Mean Absolute Error ranging between 3.88 ± 0.18 and 4.74 ± 1.24. The time-split scenario of the model including only features from the smartphones performed the best. The ten most predictive features in the model combining physiological and mobile features were related to mobile phone engagement, activity level, skin conductance, and heart rate variability.

Conclusion: Monitoring of MDD patients through smartphones and wrist sensors following a clinician-rated HDRS assessment is feasible and may provide an estimate of changes in depressive symptom severity. Future studies should further examine the best features to estimate depressive symptoms and strategies to further enhance accuracy.
Variability of Gravity Wave Effects on the Zonal Mean Circulation and Migrating Terdiurnal Tide as Studied With the Middle and Upper Atmosphere Model (MUAM2019) Using a Nonlinear Gravity Wave Scheme
Authors: Lilienthal Friederike , Yiğit Erdal , Samtleben Nadja , Jacobi Christoph
Published: December 2020

Implementing a nonlinear gravity wave (GW) parameterization into a mechanistic middle and upper atmosphere model, which extends to the lower thermosphere (160 km), we study the response of the atmosphere in terms of the circulation patterns, temperature distribution, and migrating terdiurnal solar tide activity to the upward propagating small-scale internal GWs originating in the lower atmosphere. We perform three test simulations for the Northern Hemisphere winter conditions in order to assess the effects of variations in the initial GW spectrum on the climatology and tidal patterns of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. We find that the overall strength of the source level momentum flux has a relatively small impact on the zonal mean climatology. The tails of the GW source level spectrum, however, are crucial for the lower thermosphere climatology. With respect to the terdiurnal tide, we find a strong dependence of tidal amplitude on the induced GW drag, generally being larger when GW drag is increased.
Case Report: Management of Multiple Deep-Tissue Cellulitis Without Sling Removal After an Anti-incontinence Procedure in a Female With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jiang Hai-Hong , Hu Sheng-Ping , Bano Yasmeen , Ji Ling-Xiao , Zhang Peng-Fei , Zhou Kai
Published: December 2020

The transobturator suburethral tape procedure is emerging as a preferred surgical option in the management of stress urinary incontinence. This procedure, also called tension-free vaginal tape transobturator (TVT-O) procedure, has fewer risks of injury to the bladder, similar effectiveness, and shorter surgery duration compared with the older tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. In this study, we report the case of a female patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus who developed emergency ketoacidosis and severe cellulitis after a TVT-O procedure, which was successfully managed without sling removal and open drainage of abscesses after multi-point puncture drainage, guided by ultrasound and appropriate antibiotic administration. The patient showed appropriate urinary continence with controlled diabetes mellitus 24 months after treatment. In conclusion, cellulitis from the pelvic floor to the associated thigh after TVT-O procedure in a diabetic patient can be managed conservatively if no sling exposure is confirmed. However, these patients should be closely observed and followed up during the perioperative period, especially for synthetic sling use.
Resection of Large Urological Tumors With or Without Inferior Vena Cava Extension in Jehova's Witnesses
Authors: Ciancio Gaetano , Gonzalez Javier
Published: December 2020

Background: Renal and adrenal tumors with/without tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava (IVC) pose a challenge to the surgeon due to the potential for massive hemorrhage and tumor thromboemboli. The situation would be more critical for Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients which refuse blood transfusion. A transplant-based (TB) approach to these tumors in JWs would result a safe surgical method, providing limited blood loss and perioperative complications. We report our experience using a TB surgical approach in JW harboring large adrenal/renal tumors with/without tumor thrombus trying to determine its usefulness in this setting.

Patients and Methods: From 2003 to 2011, 7 patients underwent resection of renal/adrenal tumors with/without tumor thrombus in the IVC by means of a TB approach. Thrombus level was renal (n = 2), retrohepatic (n = 1), and suprahepatic (n = 1). The remaining 3 patients did not present thrombus. No pre-operative optimization or cell-saver were used. Estimated blood loss, perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo and cause), hemoglobin/hematocrit loss, and length of stay were considered main outcomes.

Results: The intervention was successfully completed without transfusion in all cases. Operative time and blood loss were 2.5 h (range: 1.83–5.75) and 150 cc (range: 100–750), respectively. No major post-operative complications were registered. However, minor complications were detected in 57% of the patients included. Median hemoglobin loss was 1.13 mg/dL, which translated a median hematocrit loss of 2.3%. Patients were discharged in a median of 7 days (range 5–20).

Conclusions: A TB-surgical approach provides enhanced retroperitoneal exposure and optimal vascular control, thus limiting operative blood loss or major complication development, thus resulting useful in JWs.
Influence of Recurrent Rolling/Crimping on Cover Crop Termination, Soil Strength and Yield in No-Till Cotton
Authors: Kornecki Ted S.
Published: December 2020

Rollers/crimpers have been used to terminate cover crops typically with supplemental herbicide application to speed-up termination. Due to environmental concerns, there is a need to reduce herbicide use. In the Southern USA, the cash crop is typically planted three weeks after a rolled cover crop reaches more than 90% kill rate which eliminates competition with the cash crop for water and nutrients. A three-year replicated field experiment was initiated in the fall of 2014 to determine the effects of recurring rolling by experimental rollers/crimpers in terminating a cereal rye cover crop in central Alabama and how multiple rolling affected soil strength. Experimental 2-stage (one smooth drum and one crimping drum), 4-stage (one smooth drum and three crimping drums), spiral, and smooth rollers were tested to roll rye 1, 2, and 3 times (conducted at the same day). A smooth roller with mounted spray boom applying glyphosate rolling once was also evaluated, and untreated rye was the control. Rye was terminated at the milk growth stage and was evaluated one, two and three weeks after rolling. At one week after rolling, the highest rye kill rate was obtained with rolling three times by the 4-stage (96%), 2-stage (92%), spiral roller (81%); rolling once by the smooth roller with glyphosate (94%) compared to the untreated rye at 37%. At two weeks after rolling no differences among rollers were found (91% to 98%); the untreated rye was 54%. Similarly, at three weeks after rolling no differences were detected among rollers (99% to 100%); the untreated rye was 86%. Rolling 2 or 3 times compared with rolling one time did not cause soil compaction. However, at the 15 cm depth cone index (CI) did exceed 2 MPa (a critical value of root penetration restriction); although this CI increase was solely related to decrease in gravimetric soil moisture content (GMC). In addition, over three growing seasons, the seed cotton yield was not affected by rolling treatments with the average yield of 3601 kg ha−1 (1512 kg ha−1 of cotton lint).
Prospects of Observing Ionic Coulomb Blockade in Artificial Ion Confinements
Authors: Chernev Andrey , Marion Sanjin , Radenovic Aleksandra
Published: December 2020

Nanofluidics encompasses a wide range of advanced approaches to study charge and mass transport at the nanoscale. Modern technologies allow us to develop and improve artificial nanofluidic platforms that confine ions in a way similar to single-ion channels in living cells. Therefore, nanofluidic platforms show great potential to act as a test field for theoretical models. This review aims to highlight ionic Coulomb blockade (ICB)—an effect that is proposed to be the key player of ion channel selectivity, which is based upon electrostatic exclusion limiting ion transport. Thus, in this perspective, we focus on the most promising approaches that have been reported on the subject. We consider ion confinements of various dimensionalities and highlight the most recent advancements in the field. Furthermore, we concentrate on the most critical obstacles associated with these studies and suggest possible solutions to advance the field further.
Generalised Geometric Brownian Motion: Theory and Applications to Option Pricing
Authors: Stojkoski Viktor , Sandev Trifce , Basnarkov Lasko , Kocarev Ljupco , Metzler Ralf
Published: December 2020

Classical option pricing schemes assume that the value of a financial asset follows a geometric Brownian motion (GBM). However, a growing body of studies suggest that a simple GBM trajectory is not an adequate representation for asset dynamics, due to irregularities found when comparing its properties with empirical distributions. As a solution, we investigate a generalisation of GBM where the introduction of a memory kernel critically determines the behaviour of the stochastic process. We find the general expressions for the moments, log-moments, and the expectation of the periodic log returns, and then obtain the corresponding probability density functions using the subordination approach. Particularly, we consider subdiffusive GBM (sGBM), tempered sGBM, a mix of GBM and sGBM, and a mix of sGBMs. We utilise the resulting generalised GBM (gGBM) in order to examine the empirical performance of a selected group of kernels in the pricing of European call options. Our results indicate that the performance of a kernel ultimately depends on the maturity of the option and its moneyness.
Design of Small LNG Supply Chain by Multi-Period Optimization
Authors: Bittante Alice , Saxén Henrik
Published: December 2020

A mathematical model for the design of small-scale supply chains for liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been developed. It considers the maritime delivery of LNG from supply ports to satellite terminals and land-based transports from the terminals to consumers on or off the coast. Both tactical and strategic aspects in the supply chain design are addressed by optimizing the maritime routing of a heterogeneous fleet of ships, truck connections, and the locations of the satellite terminals. The objective is to minimize the overall cost, including operation and investment costs for the selected time horizon. The model is expressed as a mixed-integer linear programming problem, applying a multi-period formulation to determine optimal storage sizes and inventory at the satellite terminals. Two case studies illustrate the model, where optimal LNG supply chains for a region with sparsely distributed island (without land transports) and a coastal region at a gulf (with both sea and land transports) are designed. The model is demonstrated to be a flexible tool suited for the initial design and feasibility analysis of small-scale LNG supply chains.
Sex Differences in Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome in the Korean Population
Authors: Yi Yunjeong , An Jiyeon
Published: December 2020

With an increase in the obese population, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing in Korea. This study aimed to identify sex- and age-specific risk factors for metabolic syndrome. A secondary data analysis was performed using the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. Participants comprised 6144 adults aged 20–79 years. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was high in the middle- and old-aged men (31.9% and 34.5%, respectively) and in old-aged women (39.1%). Risk factors for metabolic syndrome showed different patterns for men and women. In men, alcohol drinking was identified as the main risk factor for hypertension (odds ratio (OR); young = 3.3 vs. middle age = 2.0), high triglycerides (young = 2.4 vs. middle age = 2.2), and high fasting blood sugar (middle age = 1.6). In women, the main risk factors were household income and education level, showing different patterns in different age groups. In conclusion, the vulnerable groups at high risk of metabolic syndrome are those of middle-aged men and women. The pattern of risk factors is sex-specific.
Mental Health of Parents of Special Needs Children in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chen Sui-Qing , Chen Shu-Dan , Li Xing-Kai , Ren Jie
Published: December 2020

We assessed the mental health of parents (N = 1450, Mage = 40.76) of special needs children during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted an online survey comprising items on demographic data; two self-designed questionnaires (children’s behavioral problems/psychological demand of parents during COVID-19); and four standardized questionnaires, including the General Health Questionnaire, Perceived Social Support, Parenting Stress Index, and Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Five Factor Inventory. The results showed that there were significant differences among parents of children with different challenges. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder were more likely to have mental health problems compared to parents whose children had an intellectual disability or a visual or hearing impairment. Behavioral problems of children and psychological demands of parents were common factors predicting the mental health of all parents. Parent–child dysfunctional interactions and parenting distress were associated with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Family support, having a difficult child, and parenting distress were associated with having children with an intellectual disability. It is necessary to pay attention to the parents’ mental health, provide more social and family support, and reduce parenting pressures.
Extracellular Vesicles: Messengers of p53 in Tumor–Stroma Communication and Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Pavlakis Evangelos , Neumann Michelle , Stiewe Thorsten
Published: December 2020

Tumor progression to a metastatic and ultimately lethal stage relies on a tumor-supporting microenvironment that is generated by reciprocal communication between tumor and stromal host cells. The tumor–stroma crosstalk is instructed by the genetic alterations of the tumor cells—the most frequent being mutations in the gene Tumor protein p53 (TP53) that are clinically correlated with metastasis, drug resistance and poor patient survival. The crucial mediators of tumor–stroma communication are tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), in particular exosomes, which operate both locally within the primary tumor and in distant organs, at pre-metastatic niches as the future sites of metastasis. Here, we review how wild-type and mutant p53 proteins control the secretion, size, and especially the RNA and protein cargo of tumor-derived EVs. We highlight how EVs extend the cell-autonomous tumor suppressive activity of wild-type p53 into the tumor microenvironment (TME), and how mutant p53 proteins switch EVs into oncogenic messengers that reprogram tumor–host communication within the entire organism so as to promote metastatic tumor cell dissemination.
A Recent Insight Regarding the Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil
Authors: Lombrea Adelina , Antal Diana , Ardelean Florina , Avram Stefana , Pavel Ioana Zinuca , Vlaia Lavinia , Mut Ana-Maria , Diaconeasa Zorita , Dehelean Cristina Adriana , Soica Codruta , Danciu Corina
Published: December 2020

Origanum vulgare L. is a widely used aromatic plant, especially due to its content in essential oil, mainly rich in carvacrol and thymol. The ethnopharmacological uses of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (OEO) comprise digestive, respiratory, or dermatological disorders. The review focuses on the increasing number of recent studies investigating several biological activities of OEO. The bioactivities are in tight relation to the phytochemical profile of the essential oil, and also depend on taxonomic, climatic, and geographical characteristics of the plant material. The antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, skin disorders beneficial effects, next to antihyperglycemic and anti-Alzheimer activities were reported and confirmed in multiple studies. Moreover, recent studies indicate a positive impact on skin disorders of OEO formulated as nanocarrier systems in order to improve its bioavailability and, thus, enhancing its therapeutic benefits. The review brings an up to date regarding the phytochemistry and bioactivity of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil, underlining also the most successful pharmaceutical formulation used for skin disorders.
Evaluating the Utility of Combined Bladder Cancer Biomarkers, the Molecular Prognostication of Tumor Subtypes, or What Else Is Needed to Illuminate Our Vision?
Authors: Ecke Thorsten H. , Otto Thomas , Le Calvez-Kelm Florence
Published: December 2020

In the last few years, we published two special issues devoted to highlighting important scientific results in the field of bladder cancer research and clinical implications [...]
Targeting Fat Oxidation in Mouse Prostate Cancer Decreases Tumor Growth and Stimulates Anti-Cancer Immunity
Authors: Guth Amanda , Monk Emily , Agarwal Rajesh , Bergman Bryan C. , Zemski-Berry Karin A. , Minic Angela , Jordan Kimberly , Schlaepfer Isabel R.
Published: December 2020

Lipid catabolism represents an Achilles heel in prostate cancer (PCa) that can be exploited for therapy. CPT1A regulates the entry of fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation and its inhibition has been shown to decrease PCa growth. In this study, we examined the pharmacological blockade of lipid oxidation with ranolazine in TRAMPC1 PCa models. Oral administration of ranolazine (100 mg/Kg for 21 days) resulted in decreased tumor CD8+ T-cells Tim3 content, increased macrophages, and decreased blood myeloid immunosuppressive monocytes. Using multispectral staining, drug treatments increased infiltration of CD8+ T-cells and dendritic cells compared to vehicle. Functional studies with spleen cells of drug-treated tumors co-cultured with TRAMPC1 cells showed increased ex vivo T-cell cytotoxic activity, suggesting an anti-tumoral response. Lastly, a decrease in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells expressing PD1 was observed when exhausted spleen cells were incubated with TRAMPC1 Cpt1a-KD compared to the control cells. These data indicated that genetically blocking the ability of the tumor cells to oxidize lipid can change the activation status of the neighboring T-cells. This study provides new knowledge of the role of lipid catabolism in the intercommunication of tumor and immune cells, which can be extrapolated to other cancers with high CPT1A expression.
Oxo-Titanium(IV) Complex/Polymer Composites—Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity Test
Authors: Piszczek Piotr , Kubiak Barbara , Golińska Patrycja , Radtke Aleksandra
Published: December 2020

The emergence of a large number of bacterial strains resistant to many drugs or disinfectants currently used contributed to the search of new, more effective antimicrobial agents. In the presented paper, we assessed the microbiocidal activity of tri- and tetranuclear oxo-titanium(IV) complexes (TOCs), which were dispersed in the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The TOCs were synthesized in reaction to Ti(OR)4 (R = iPr, iBu) and HO2CR’ (R’ = 4-PhNH2 and 4-PhOH) in a 4:1 molar ratio at room temperature and in Ar atmosphere. The structure of isolated oxo-complexes was confirmed by IR and Raman spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of the produced composites (PMMA + TOCs) was estimated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and S. aureus ATCC 25923) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and E. coli ATCC 25922) bacteria and yeasts of Candida albicans ATCC 10231. All produced composites showed biocidal activity against the bacteria. Composites containing {Ti4O2} cores and the {Ti3O} core stabilized by the 4-hydroxybenzoic ligand showed also high activity against yeasts. The results of investigations carried out suggest that produced (PMMA + TOCs) composites, due to their microbiocidal activity, could find an application in the elimination of microbial contaminations in various fields of our lives.
Functional Characterization of BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT 1 in Panax Ginseng (PgBZR1) and Brassinosteroid Response during Storage Root Formation
Authors: Hwang Hyeona , Lee Hwa-Yong , Ryu Hojin , Cho Hyunwoo
Published: December 2020

Brassinosteroids (BRs) play crucial roles in the physiology and development of plants. In the model plant Arabidopsis, BR signaling is initiated at the level of membrane receptors, BRASSINOSTEROIDS INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1) and BRI1-ASSOCIATED RECEPTOR KINASE 1 (BAK1) complex, thus activating the transcription factors (TFs) BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT 1/BRI1-EMS-SUPPRESSOR 1 (BZR1/BES1) to coordinate BR responsive genes. BRASSINOSTEROIDS INSENSITIVE 2 (BIN2), glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) like-kinase, negatively regulates BZR1/BES1 transcriptional activity through phosphorylation-dependent cytosolic retention and shuttling. However, it is still unknown whether this mechanism is conserved in Panax ginseng C. A. Mayer, a member of the Araliaceae family, which is a shade-tolerant perennial root crop. Despite its pharmacological and agricultural importance, the role of BR signaling in the development of P. ginseng and characterization of BR signaling components are still elusive. In this study, by utilizing the Arabidopsisbri1 mutant, we found that ectopic expression of the gain of function form of PgBZR1 (Pgbzr1-1D) restores BR deficiency. In detail, ectopic expression of Pgbzr1-1D rescues dwarfism, defects of floral organ development, and hypocotyl elongation of bri1-5, implying the functional conservation of PgBZR1 in P. ginseng. Interestingly, brassinolide (BL) and BRs biosynthesis inhibitor treatment in two-year-old P. ginseng storage root interferes with and promotes, respectively, secondary growth in terms of xylem formation. Altogether, our results provide new insight into the functional conservation and potential diversification of BR signaling and response in P. ginseng.
Conformational Changes of Anoplin, W-MreB1–9, and (KFF)3K Peptides near the Membranes
Authors: Wojciechowska Monika , Miszkiewicz Joanna , Trylska Joanna
Published: December 2020

Many peptides interact with biological membranes, but elucidating these interactions is challenging because cellular membranes are complex and peptides are structurally flexible. To contribute to understanding how the membrane-active peptides behave near the membranes, we investigated peptide structural changes in different lipid surroundings. We focused on two antimicrobial peptides, anoplin and W-MreB1–9, and one cell-penetrating peptide, (KFF)3K. Firstly, by using circular dichroism spectroscopy, we determined the secondary structures of these peptides when interacting with micelles, liposomes, E. coli lipopolysaccharides, and live E. coli bacteria. The peptides were disordered in the buffer, but anoplin and W-MreB1–9 displayed lipid-induced helicity. Yet, structural changes of the peptide depended on the composition and concentration of the membranes. Secondly, we quantified the destructive activity of peptides against liposomes by monitoring the release of a fluorescent dye (calcein) from the liposomes treated with peptides. We observed that only for anoplin and W-MreB1–9 calcein leakage from liposomes depended on the peptide concentration. Thirdly, bacterial growth inhibition assays showed that peptide conformational changes, evoked by the lipid environments, do not directly correlate with the antimicrobial activity of the peptides. However, understanding the relation between peptide structural properties, mechanisms of membrane disruption, and their biological activities can guide the design of membrane-active peptides.