bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of Monosaccharide Transporter Genes Associated with High Harvest Index Values in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Zhang Liyuan , Zhang Chao , Yang Bo , Xiao Zhongchun , Ma Jinqi , Liu Jingsen , Jian Hongju , Qu Cunmin , Lu Kun , Li Jiana
Published: June 2020

Sugars are important throughout a plant’s lifecycle. Monosaccharide transporters (MST) are essential sugar transporters that have been identified in many plants, but little is known about the evolution or functions of MST genes in rapeseed (Brassica napus). In this study, we identified 175 MST genes in B. napus, 87 in Brassica oleracea, and 83 in Brassica rapa. These genes were separated into the sugar transport protein (STP), polyol transporter (PLT), vacuolar glucose transporter (VGT), tonoplast monosaccharide transporter (TMT), inositol transporter (INT), plastidic glucose transporter (pGlcT), and ERD6-like subfamilies, respectively. Phylogenetic and syntenic analysis indicated that gene redundancy and gene elimination have commonly occurred in Brassica species during polyploidization. Changes in exon-intron structures during evolution likely resulted in the differences in coding regions, expression patterns, and functions seen among BnMST genes. In total, 31 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through RNA-seq among materials with high and low harvest index (HI) values, which were divided into two categories based on the qRT-PCR results, expressed more highly in source or sink organs. We finally identified four genes, including BnSTP5, BnSTP13, BnPLT5, and BnERD6-like14, which might be involved in monosaccharide uptake or unloading and further affect the HI of rapeseed. These findings provide fundamental information about MST genes in Brassica and reveal the importance of BnMST genes to high HI in B. napus.
Clustering of Long-Period Earthquakes Beneath Gorely Volcano (Kamchatka) during a Degassing Episode in 2013
Authors: Abramenkov Sergei , Shapiro Nikolaï M. , Koulakov Ivan , Abkadyrov Ilyas
Published: June 2020

Gorely is one of the most active volcanoes in Kamchatka with a rich magmatic and eruptive history reflected in its composite structure. In 2013–2014, a temporary network of 20 seismic stations was installed on Gorely for one year. During the four months of its high degassing rate, seismic activity was mostly expressed in the form of a long-period (LP) seismic tremor. In this study, we have developed a workflow based on the combination of back-projection (BP), cluster analysis, and matched-filter (MF) methods. By applying it to continuous seismic records for the study period, we were able to identify discrete LP events within the tremor sequence automatically and individually investigate their properties. A catalog obtained using the BP detection algorithm consist of 1741 high-energy events. Cluster analysis revealed that the entire variety of LP earthquakes in this catalog could be grouped into five families, which are sequentially organized in time. Utilizing templates of these families in the MF search resulted in the complementary catalog of 80,615 low-energy events. The long-term occurrence of highly repetitive LP events in the same location may correspond to resonating conduits behaving in response to the high-pressure gases flowing from the decompressed magma chamber up to the volcano’s crater.
A Computer Aided Approach for River Styles—Inspired Characterization of Large Basins: A Structured Procedure and Support Tools
Authors: Nardini Andrea , Yépez Santiago , Bejarano Maria Dolores
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a systematic procedure for developing a characterization and classification of river reaches inspired by the River Styles Framework, through which insight can be gained about the understanding of river behavior. Our procedure takes advantage of several computer based “tools”, i.e., algorithms implemented in software packages of various types, from “simple” Excel sheets to sophisticated algorithms in Python language, in general all supported by Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The main potentially useful, existing tools for this specific aim are discussed here, revealing their strengths and weaknesses. New, complementary or alternative tools that have been developed in the project feeding this paper are presented, which can contribute to the scientific community and stakeholders of the topic. The main result of our research is a structured and practical guide (a ToolBox Manual) that can support practitioners and researchers wishing to characterize and classify large rivers, based on the River Styles Framework. The main contribution is that this set of ideas, solutions, and tools, makes this type of exercise significantly more transparent and at the same time much less subjective. Moreover, the procedure is applicable to large systems and does not require more information than that generally available also in developing or emerging countries.
Cerebral Blood Flow Is Reduced in Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients During Mild Orthostatic Stress Testing: An Exploratory Study at 20 Degrees of Head-Up Tilt Testing
Authors: van Campen C (Linda) M.C. , Rowe Peter C. , Visser Frans C.
Published: June 2020

Introduction: In a study of 429 adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), we demonstrated that 86% had symptoms of orthostatic intolerance in daily life. Using extracranial Doppler measurements of the internal carotid and vertebral arteries during a 30-min head-up tilt to 70 degrees, 90% had an abnormal reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF). A standard head-up tilt test of this duration might not be tolerated by the most severely affected bed-ridden ME/CFS patients. This study examined whether a shorter 15-min test at a lower 20 degree tilt angle would be sufficient to provoke reductions in cerebral blood flow in severe ME/CFS patients. Methods and results: Nineteen severe ME/CFS patients with orthostatic intolerance complaints in daily life were studied: 18 females. The mean (SD) age was 35(14) years, body surface area (BSA) was 1.8(0.2) m2 and BMI was 24.0(5.4) kg/m2. The median disease duration was 14 (IQR 5–18) years. Heart rate increased, and stroke volume index and end-tidal CO2 decreased significantly during the test (p ranging from <0.001 to <0.0001). The cardiac index decreased by 26(7)%: p < 0.0001. CBF decreased from 617(72) to 452(63) mL/min, a 27(5)% decline. All 19 severely affected ME/CFS patients met the criteria for an abnormal CBF reduction. Conclusions: Using a less demanding 20 degree tilt test for 15 min in severe ME/CFS patients resulted in a mean CBF decline of 27%. This is comparable to the mean 26% decline previously noted in less severely affected patients studied during a 30-min 70 degree head-up tilt. These observations have implications for the evaluation and treatment of severely affected individuals with ME/CFS.
Assessing Community Empowerment for an Innovative Epidemiologic Approach
Authors: Melo Pedro , Neves-Amado João , Pereira Alexandra , Maciel Cândida , Vieira Pinto Tiago , Cardoso Teresa
Published: June 2020

Community empowerment can be a process, but also the result of nursing care. To analyze it as a result there is an instrument that allows to quantify its level in nine domains. According to Melo (2020), health centers can be considered communities, becoming the potential target of community and public health nurses care, especially in the public health unit. One of the main functions of a public health unit is the epidemiological surveillance of the population’s health state. However, traditional epidemiological surveillance is focused on diseases and Melo (2020) proposes a new approach for epidemiology focused on people in what concerns nursing diagnosis. The aim of this research is to identify the level of empowerment of four Portuguese primary healthcare structures, named as ACeS, so as to improve the epidemiological surveillance of nursing diagnoses. As methodology, we developed four focus group with all nursing leaders from all primary care units of the four ACeS, using the Portuguese version of the empowerment assessment rating scale. The results present the level of community empowerment of each ACeS according to the nine domains of the scale. The needs of intervention to improve the ACeS empowerment were also identified in order to develop the epidemiological surveillance of nursing diagnoses.
Regional Climatological Drought: An Assessment Using High-Resolution Data
Authors: Shrestha Alen , Rahaman Md Mafuzur , Kalra Ajay , Thakur Balbhadra , Lamb Kenneth W. , Maheshwari Pankaj
Published: June 2020

Regional assessments of droughts are limited, and meticulous assessments over larger spatial scales are generally not substantial. Understanding drought variability on a regional scale is crucial for enhancing the resiliency and adaptive ability of water supply and distribution systems. Moreover, it can be essential for appraising the dynamics and projection of droughts based on regional climate across various spatial and temporal scales. This work focuses on drought analysis using a high-resolution dataset for three drought-prone regions of India between 1950 and 2016. This study also uses monthly values of the self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI), incorporating Penman–Monteith approximation, which is physically based on potential evapotranspiration. Climate data are statistically downscaled and formulated to form a timeline for characterizing major drought events. The downscaled climate data hold a good statistical agreement with station data with correlation coefficients (R) ranging from 0.91 to 0.96. Drought analysis indicates and identifies several major incidences over the analysis time period considered in this work, which truly adheres to the droughts recorded in reports of various literatures for those regions.
Self-Regulation in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders “SR-MRehab: Un Colegio Emocionante”: A Protocol Study
Authors: Romero-Ayuso Dulce , Alcántara-Vázquez Pablo , Almenara-García Ana , Nuñez-Camarero Irene , Triviño-Juárez José Matías , Ariza-Vega Patrocinio , Molina José-Pascual , González Pascual
Published: June 2020

Self-regulation refers to the ability to control and modulate behavior, and it can include both emotional and cognitive modulation. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders may show difficulties in self-regulation. The main objective of this study is to improve self-regulation skills in children between 6 and 11 years of age with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted with the use of “SR-MRehab: Un colegio emocionante”, based on a non-immersive virtual reality system where virtual objects can be managed by children in a natural way using their hands. Children will be recruited from several schools of Granada (Spain) and they will be randomly allocated to two groups. An assessment will be conducted before and after the intervention and 24 weeks after the end of the intervention process. The experimental group will receive the intervention using virtual reality. The control group will receive a standard self-regulation program. Both interventions will be performed once a week for a total of 10 sessions. Changes in self-regulation, as well as the acceptability of technology with the use of SR-MRehab, will be evaluated. The results will be published and will provide evidence regarding the use of this type of intervention in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Trial registration: Registered with code NCT04418921.
Application of Wastewater Reuse with Photocatalyst Prepared by Sol-Gel Method and Its Kinetics on the Decomposition of Low Molecular Weight Pollutants
Authors: Chung Jinwook , Chung Seungjoon , Lee Gyuyoung , Lee Yong-Woo
Published: June 2020

The development of immobilized photocatalyst as a strategy for problematic electronics wastewater reuse is described in this study. The strategy was to perform separate rinsing, mostly consisting of low molecular weight compounds, and to decompose them with a simple process, based on the advanced oxidation process (AOP). Extensive studies were performed on the preparation conditions of immobilized photocatalysts by sol-gel method under various amount of precursor and support, water to precursor ratio, pH, aging time, and calcination conditions. The optimized preparation conditions were chosen by measuring removal efficiencies of isopropyl alcohol as a representative target compound with supportive SEM and XRD analyses. Removal efficiencies with photocatalyst and UV irradiation in synthetic wastewater simulating electronics wastewater were evaluated over time. Removal efficiencies of alcohol, acetone, ethanol, and acetaldehyde reached 97.2%, 71.2%, 99.0%, and 99.0%, respectively, in 2 h. Reaction constants of each compound were determined by fitting experimental data to the first order kinetic equation and the trial and error method with consecutive reaction pathway. As analysis results of reaction constants, UV with prepared photocatalyst was found to be effective and the decomposition of acetone was found to be the rate-determining step. The immobilized photocatalyst developed in this study would be useful for application of wastewater reuse with high removal efficiencies, mild preparation conditions, and mechanical stability.
Sex Differences in Factors Affecting Depressive Symptoms in Older People in the Prefrailty Phase
Authors: Lim Eun Ju
Published: June 2020

Depressive symptoms experienced late in life have considerable effects on the prevalence of comorbidity with physical and cognitive disabilities. By identifying and intervening on modifiable indicators for depression in prefrail older individuals, progression to the frailty phase can be delayed, and physical, psychosocial, and cognitive health problems of older people can be reduced and prevented. This study assessed sex differences in factors affecting depressive symptoms in older people in the prefrailty phase in Korea. Data from the 2014 National Survey of Older Koreans revealed 1706 women and 662 men in the early stages of old age. Regression analysis showed that economic status, number of medications, social support, nutritional status, and fear of falling collectively accounted for 39.0% of the variance among older men. Using the same analysis method, economic status, number of chronic diseases, number of medications, chewing discomfort, regular exercise, social support, mobility, nutritional status, and fear of falling collectively accounted for 37.5% of the variance among older women. Based on differences in characteristics with respect to the sex of older people in the prefrailty phase, public health workers in the community should consider sex differences when planning a frailty management program.
The Socioeconomic Inequality in Increment of Caries and Growth among Chinese Children
Authors: Shen Anqi , Bernabé Eduardo , Sabbah Wael
Published: June 2020

Background: This study aimed at assessing socioeconomic inequalities in the increment of dental caries and growth among preschool Chinese children, and to assess the best predictor of socioeconomic inequality for each of these conditions. Methods: This is a longitudinal population-based study. The sample data included preschool children living in three cities of the Liaoning Province, China. At baseline, 15 kindergartens with 1111 participants were included and dropped to 772 with a response rate of 70% at follow-up. Mean ages at baseline and follow-up were 50.82 and 60.55 months, respectively. Median follow-up time was 10.12 months. Data were collected through structured questionnaire, oral examination and anthropometric measurement. The questionnaire collected information on sex, age, family income, mother’s education and children’s dietary habits. The numbers of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) was used to indicate dental caries. Weight- and height-for-age z-scores were calculated using the WHO Growth Standard. Multilevel analysis was used to assess the association between baseline socioeconomic position and each of dental caries and child’s growth. Results: Mother’s education was negatively associated with increments of DMFT. Family income was not significantly associated with DMFT in the fully adjusted model. The association persisted after accounting for other socioeconomic and dietary factors. Higher income was positively related to an increase in the weight-for-age z-score. The relationship between income and changes in the height-for-age z-score was positive and significant in the second highest income group. Conclusions: Mother’s education appeared to be the strongest predictor of increments of dental caries. Only income was significantly associated with an increase in children’s weight and height.
Validation of the Spanish Version of Newcastle Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Measure (NEWSQOL)
Authors: Soto-Vidal Concepción , Pacheco-da-Costa Soraya , Calvo-Fuente Victoria , Fernández-Guinea Sara , González-Alted Carlos , Gallego-Izquierdo Tomás
Published: June 2020

Background: Stroke causes a wide variety of clinical manifestations that may have a negative impact on quality of life. Therefore, it is very important to use specific instruments for measuring quality of life in individuals who suffered a stroke. The aim of this study was to develop a psychometrically validated Spanish version of the Newcastle stroke-specific quality of life measure (NEWSQOL). Methods: A psychometric validation of the Spanish version of the NEWSQOL questionnaire was carried out in 159 patients. The reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient), validity (factorial analysis and Spearman’s coefficient), feasibility (response rate), and the ceiling and floor effects were calculated. Results: Internal consistency showed that Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.93. The test–retest reliability was high or excellent for all domains (range 0.71–0.97 p < 0.001). The response rate of the questionnaire was 100% and the average administration time was 20.5 (±7.2) min. No ceiling effect was detected and two domains (pain and vision) may have a significant potential for floor effect. Construct validity showed that all the variables are important enough to keep them all in the questionnaire. Concerning convergent construct validity, a high correlation was found with the Nottingham Health Profile, the Barthel Index, and the Modified Rankin Scale. Conclusion: The Spanish version of the NEWSQOL questionnaire is reliable, valid, and feasible to evaluate quality of life in the Spanish population.
Lethal Outcome of Leptospirosis in Southern Russia: Characterization of Leptospira Interrogans Isolated from a Deceased Teenager
Authors: Samoilov Andrei , Stoyanova Nataliya , Tokarevich Nikolai , Evengard Birgitta , Zueva Elena , Panferova Yulia , Ostankova Yulia , Zueva Elena , Valutite Diana , Kovalev Evgeniy , Litovko Anna , Goncharov Alexey , Semenov Alexandr , Khafizov Kamil , Dedkov Vladimir
Published: June 2020

This article describes a lethal case of leptospirosis that occurred in Southern Russia. The Leptospira strain was isolated and characterized using a microscopic agglutination test, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, targeted PCR, and high-throughput sequencing. We show that molecular and mass-spectrometry methods can be an alternative to conventional methods of leptospirosis diagnostics and Leptospira study, which require highly qualified staff and can be performed only at specialized laboratories. We also report the first whole genome of L. interrogans isolated in Russia.
Social Frailty Is Independently Associated with Mood, Nutrition, Physical Performance, and Physical Activity: Insights from a Theory-Guided Approach
Authors: Pek Kalene , Chew Justin , Lim Jun Pei , Yew Suzanne , Tan Cai Ning , Yeo Audrey , Ding Yew Yoong , Lim Wee Shiong
Published: June 2020

Notwithstanding the increasing body of evidence that links social determinants to health outcomes, social frailty is arguably the least explored among the various dimensions of frailty. Using available items from previous studies to derive a social frailty scale as guided by the Bunt social frailty theoretical framework, we aimed to examine the association of social frailty, independently of physical frailty, with salient outcomes of mood, nutrition, physical performance, physical activity, and life–space mobility. We studied 229 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 67.22 years; 72.6% females) who were non-frail (defined by the FRAIL criteria). Using exploratory factor analysis, the resultant 8-item Social Frailty Scale (SFS-8) yielded a three-factor structure comprising social resources, social activities and financial resource, and social need fulfilment (score range: 0–8 points). Social non-frailty (SNF), social pre-frailty (SPF), and social frailty (SF) were defined based on optimal cutoffs, with corresponding prevalence of 63.8%, 28.8%, and 7.4%, respectively. In logistic regression adjusted for significant covariates and physical frailty (Modified Fried criteria), there is an association of SPF with poor physical performance and low physical activity (odds ratio, OR range: 3.10 to 6.22), and SF with depressive symptoms, malnutrition risk, poor physical performance, and low physical activity (OR range: 3.58 to 13.97) compared to SNF. There was no significant association of SPF or SF with life–space mobility. In summary, through a theory-guided approach, our study demonstrates the independent association of social frailty with a comprehensive range of intermediary health outcomes in more robust older adults. A holistic preventative approach to frailty should include upstream interventions that target social frailty to address social gradient and inequalities.
Quality of Life and Social Support of People on Peritoneal Dialysis: Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Sitjar-Suñer Miquel , Suñer-Soler Rosa , Masià-Plana Afra , Chirveches-Pérez Emilia , Bertran-Noguer Carme , Fuentes-Pumarola Concepció
Published: June 2020

Although some study has been made into quality of life in patients with peritoneal dialysis, little is known about how this relates to social support. The aim of this paper was to study health-related quality of life, perceived social support and the experiences of people receiving peritoneal dialysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, between June 2015 and March 2017. Fifty-five patients receiving peritoneal dialysis were studied. The most affected quality of life dimensions were the effects of the disease, the burden of the disease, occupational status, sleep and satisfaction. The physical component of the quality of life questionnaire was negatively associated with the number of hospital admissions over the previous year (p = 0.027) and positively associated with social support (p = 0.002). With regard to the mental component, age (p = 0.010) and social support (p = 0.041) were associated with a better quality of life. Peritoneal dialysis, while not a panacea, is experienced as being less aggressive than hemodialysis, allowing greater autonomy and improved perceived health. Greater symptomology corresponded to worse quality of life and to perceiving the disease as a burden. Patients had to adapt to the new situation despite their expectations. Social support was observed to be a key factor in perceived quality of life.
The Effect of Physical Activity and the Use of Active Video Games: Exergames in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramírez-Granizo Irwin Andrés , Ubago-Jiménez José Luis , González-Valero Gabriel , Puertas-Molero Pilar , San Román-Mata Silvia
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study is to develop a systematic review on the relationship between the use of active video games “exergames” and the practice of physical activity. The Web of Science (WOS) repository was used as the main search engine, using as criteria the selection of longitudinal and experimental studies published in the last five years. A total of eight research papers were obtained, in which intervention programs based on the use of exergames were applied to improve different parameters, such as adherence to Physical Activity practice or improvement on a psychological level. As the main findings, it was possible to observe the need to include these types of devices in the classroom since they can work transversally across much content, and the resources are so accessible that they allow improvements at academic level. Likewise, they favor motivation to physical exercise since with adequate volume and intensity parameters, they are related to healthier lifestyles, and the areas of motor skills and logical thinking benefited the most.
Discrepancies between Expected and Actual Implementation: The Process Evaluation of PERS Integration in Nursing Homes
Authors: Chang Fangyuan , Eriksson Andrea , Östlund Britt
Published: June 2020

Recent studies prove that when implementing new technology technology-driven and one-size-fits-all approaches are problematic. This study focuses on the process of implementing personal emergency response system (PERS) at nursing homes. The aim is to understand why the implementation of PERS has not met initial expectations. Multiple methods were used in two Swedish nursing homes, including document analysis, questionnaires (n = 42), participant observation (67 h), and individual interviews (n = 12). A logic model was used to ascertain the discrepancies that emerged between expected and actual implementation, and the domestication theory was used to discuss the underlying meanings of the discrepancies. The discrepancies primarily focused on staff competence, system readiness, work routines, and implementation duration. Corresponding reasons were largely relevant to management issues regarding training, the procurement systems, individual and collective responsibilities as well as invisible work. The uptake of technology in daily practice is far more nuanced than a technology implementation plan might imply. We point out the importance of preparing for implementation, adjusting to new practices, and leaving space and time for facilitating implementation. The findings will be of use to implementers, service providers, and organizational managers to evaluate various measures in the implementation process, enabling them to perform technology implementation faster and more efficiently.
Environmental Impact of Phosphogypsum-Derived Building Materials
Authors: Romero-Hermida M. I. , Flores-Alés V. , Hurtado-Bermúdez S. J. , Santos A. , Esquivias L.
Published: June 2020

The aim of the present work was to characterize the products obtained from the treatment of phosphogypsum residue by means of two recovery routes, and also to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals and radionuclides in the materials obtained and their leachates. In this way, it is possible to determine how the most hazardous components of phosphogypsum behave during procedures until their stabilization through CO2 fixation. This study provides an initial estimate of the possibilities of reusing the resulting products from a health and safety risk standpoint and their potential polluting capacity. The phases resulting from the transformations were controlled, and the behaviour of standard mortars manufactured from the resulting paste lime was studied. In all cases, an additional control of the leachate products was performed.
Variation in Chin and Mandibular Symphysis Size and Shape in Males and Females: A CT-Based Study
Authors: Sella Tunis Tatiana , Hershkovitz Israel , May Hila , Vardimon Alexander Dan , Sarig Rachel , Shpack Nir
Published: June 2020

The chin is a unique anatomical landmark of modern humans. Its size and shape play an important role from the esthetic perspective. However, disagreement exists in the dental and anthropological literature regarding the sex differences in chin and symphysis morphometrics. The “sexual selection” theory is presented as a possible reason for chin formation in our species; however, many other contradictory theories also exist. This study’s aims were therefore to determine how chin and symphysis size and shape vary with sex, and to discuss “sexual selection” theory as a reason for its formation. Head and neck computed tomography (CT) scans of 419 adults were utilized to measure chin and symphysis sizes and shapes. The chin and symphysis measures were compared between the sexes using an independent-samples t-test, a Mann–Whitney test, and the F-statistic. The chin width was significantly greater in males than in females (p < 0.001), whereas the chin height, area, and size index were significantly greater in females (p < 0.001). Symphysis measures did not differ significantly between the sexes. Size accounted for 2–14% of the chin variance and between 24–33% of the symphysis variance. Overall, the chin was found to be a more heterogeneous anatomical structure than the symphysis, as well as more sexually dimorphic.
A New Technological Advancement of the Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) Procedure: The “All in One Glance” Strategy
Authors: Arigliani Michele , Toraldo Domenico M. , Montevecchi Filippo , Conte Luana , Galasso Lorenzo , De Rosa Filippo , Lattante Caterina , Ciavolino Enrico , Arigliani Caterina , Palumbo Antonio , De Benedetto Michele , Vicini Claudio
Published: June 2020

To illustrate a new technological advance in the standard drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) model, a new machine was used, the Experimental 5 Video Stream System (5VsEs), which is capable of simultaneously visualizing all the decisional parameters on a single monitor, and recording and storing them in a single uneditable video. The DISE procedure was performed on 48 obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or snoring patients. The parameters simultaneously recorded on a single monitor are (1) the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol (through the target controlled infusion (TCI) pump monitor), (2) the endoscopic upper airway view, (3) the polygraphic pattern, and (4) the level of sedation (through the bispectral index (BIS) value). In parallel to the BIS recording, the middle latency auditory evoked potential (MLAEP) was also recorded and provided. Recorded videos from the 5VsEs machine were re-evaluated six months later by the same clinician and a second clinician to evaluate the concordance of the therapeutic indications between the two. After the six-month period, the same operator confirmed all their clinical decisions for 45 out of 48 videos. Three videos were no longer evaluable for technical reasons, so were excluded from further analysis. The comparison between the two operators showed a complete adherence in 98% of cases. The 5VsEs machine provides a multiparametric evaluation setting, defined as an “all in one glance” strategy, which allows a faster and more effective interpretation of all the simultaneous parameters during the DISE procedure, improving the diagnostic accuracy, and providing a more accurate post-analysis, as well as legal and research advantages.
Association between Lack of Social Support from Partner or Others and Postpartum Depression among Japanese Mothers: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yamada Akito , Isumi Aya , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: June 2020

Lack of social support is a known risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD). However, the association between lack of social support from a partner or others and PPD remains unknown. We examined this association among Japanese mothers. We distributed an original questionnaire to mothers participating in a three- or four-month health check-up program over October to November 2012 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Of the 9707 eligible mothers, 6590 responded to the questionnaire (response rate: 68%). Social support from a partner or others was assessed based on whether the mother can consult with her partner or others (i.e., parents, relatives, and friends who are close by or far) on childcare. PPD was assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis for four categories: no social support from either a partner/others, social support from a partner only, social support from others only, and social support from both, adjusted for possible covariates. Mothers who have no social support from either a partner/others, have social support from a partner only, and have social support from others only were 7.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76–29.6), 2.34 (95% CI, 1.37–3.98), and 3.13 (95% CI, 2.11–4.63) times more likely to show PPD, respectively, in comparison with mothers who have social support from both, after adjustment of possible covariates. Mothers with no social support from a partner, but have social support from others, showed significant risk for PPD, which may be invisible. Further prevention effort is needed to detect PPD cases, with a focus on mothers without support from their partner.
The Potential Importance of Social Capital and Job Crafting for Work Engagement and Job Satisfaction among Health-Care Employees
Authors: Jutengren Göran , Jaldestad Ellen , Dellve Lotta , Eriksson Andrea
Published: June 2020

(1) Background: Both employees and organizations benefit from a work environment characterized by work engagement and job satisfaction. This study examines the influence of work-group social capital on individuals’ work engagement, job satisfaction, and job crafting. In addition, the mediating effect of job crafting between social capital on the one side and job satisfaction and work engagement on the other side was analyzed. (2) Methods: This study used data from 250 health-care employees in Sweden who had completed a questionnaire at two time points (six to eight months apart). Analyses of separate cross-lagged panel designs were conducted using structural regression modeling with manifest variables. (3) Results: Social capital was predictive of both job satisfaction and work engagement over time. The results also indicated that higher degrees of social capital was predictive of more cognitive and relational, but not task-related job crafting over time. There was no clear evidence for a mediating effect of job crafting for social capital to work engagement or job satisfaction. (4) Conclusion: It would be beneficial for the health-care sector to consider setting up the organizations to promote social capital within work groups. Individual workers would gain in well-being and the organization is likely to gain in efficiency and lower turnover rates.
Demographic and Health Indicators in Correlation to Interstate Variability of Incidence, Confirmation, Hospitalization, and Lethality in Mexico: Preliminary Analysis from Imported and Community Acquired Cases during COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Mendez-Dominguez Nina , Alvarez-Baeza Alberto , Carrillo Genny
Published: June 2020

This study’s objective is to analyze the incidence, lethality, hospitalization, and confirmation of COVID-19 cases in Mexico. Sentinel surveillance for COVID-19 cases in Mexico began after the confirmation of the first patient with community transmission. Methods: This epidemiologic, cross-sectional study includes all clinically suspected, and laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide from the beginning of the outbreak to 21 April 2020. State-cluster demographic data and health indicators were analyzed in reference to epidemiologic measures, with logistic regressions for the dependent variables of incidence, confirmation, and lethality. Results: The national incidence was 13.89/100,000 inhabitants with a 6.52% overall lethality and a confirmed-case mortality of 11.1%. The incidence variation significantly correlated with migration, but not urbanization. Pediatric patients were less prone to be tested (OR = −3.92), while geriatric individuals were a priority. State lethality positively correlated with the proportion of the population assisted at public hospitals and correlated inversely to the number of hospitals and clinics in the state. Conclusions: Migration strongly correlated with incidence; elderly patients had lower odds of being hospitalized but were likely to die. Patients aged <15 were less prone to be laboratory-confirmed. Case confirmation was not performed in all hospitalized patients, but 72.15% of hospitalized patients had favorable outcomes to date.
Mining Subsidence Prediction by Combining Support Vector Machine Regression and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar Data
Authors: Sui Lichun , Ma Fei , Chen Nan
Published: June 2020

Mining subsidence is time-dependent and highly nonlinear, especially in the Loess Plateau region in Northwestern China. As a consequence, and mainly in building agglomerations, the structures can be damaged severely during or after underground extraction, with risks to human life. In this paper, we propose an approach based on a combination of a differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) technique and a support vector machine (SVM) regression algorithm optimized by grid search (GS-SVR) to predict mining subsidence in a timely and cost-efficient manner. We consider five Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS)/Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) images encompassing the Dafosi coal mine area in Binxian and Changwu counties, Shaanxi Province. The results show that the subsidence predicted by the proposed InSAR and GS-SVR approach is consistent with the Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements. The maximum absolute errors are less than 3.1 cm and the maximum relative errors are less than 14%. The proposed approach combining DInSAR with GS-SVR technology can predict mining subsidence on the Loess Plateau of China with a high level of accuracy. This research may also help to provide disaster warnings.
Porphyromonas gingivalis HmuY and Streptococcus gordonii GAPDH—Novel Heme Acquisition Strategy in the Oral Microbiome
Authors: Ślęzak Paulina , Śmiga Michał , Smalley John W. , Siemińska Klaudia , Olczak Teresa
Published: June 2020

The oral cavity of healthy individuals is inhabited by commensals, with species of Streptococcus being the most abundant and prevalent in sites not affected by periodontal diseases. The development of chronic periodontitis is linked with the environmental shift in the oral microbiome, leading to the domination of periodontopathogens. Structure-function studies showed that Streptococcus gordonii employs a “moonlighting” protein glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (SgGAPDH) to bind heme, thus forming a heme reservoir for exchange with other proteins. Secreted or surface-associated SgGAPDH coordinates Fe(III)heme using His43. Hemophore-like heme-binding proteins of Porphyromonas gingivalis (HmuY), Prevotella intermedia (PinO) and Tannerella forsythia (Tfo) sequester heme complexed to SgGAPDH. Co-culturing of P. gingivalis with S. gordonii results in increased hmuY gene expression, indicating that HmuY might be required for efficient inter-bacterial interactions. In contrast to the ΔhmuY mutant strain, the wild type strain acquires heme and forms deeper biofilm structures on blood agar plates pre-grown with S. gordonii. Therefore, our novel paradigm of heme acquisition used by P. gingivalis appears to extend to co-infections with other oral bacteria and offers a mechanism for the ability of periodontopathogens to obtain sufficient heme in the host environment. Importantly, P. gingivalis is advantaged in terms of acquiring heme, which is vital for its growth survival and virulence.
The Impact of Photoperiod on the Leptin Sensitivity and Course of Inflammation in the Anterior Pituitary
Authors: Wójcik Maciej , Herman Andrzej Przemysław , Zieba Dorota Anna , Krawczyńska Agata
Published: June 2020

Leptin has a modulatory impact on the course of inflammation, affecting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors. Pathophysiological leptin resistance identified in humans occurs typically in sheep during the long-day photoperiod. This study aimed to determine the effect of the photoperiod with relation to the leptin-modulating action on the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors in the anterior pituitary under physiological or acute inflammation. Two in vivo experiments were conducted on 24 blackface sheep per experiment in different photoperiods. The real-time PCR analysis for the expression of the genes IL1B, IL1R1, IL1R2, IL6, IL6R, IL6ST, TNF, TNFR1, and TNFR2 was performed. Expression of all examined genes, except IL1β and IL1R2, was higher during short days. The leptin injection increased the expression of all examined genes during short days. In short days the synergistic effect of lipopolysaccharide and leptin increased the expression of IL1B, IL1R1, IL1R2, IL6, TNF, and TNFR2, and decreased expression of IL6ST. This mechanism was inhibited during long days for the expression of IL1R1, IL6, IL6ST, and TNFR1. The obtained results suggest the occurrence of leptin resistance during long days and suggest that leptin modulates the course of inflammation in a photoperiod-dependent manner in the anterior pituitary.
The Promising Role of Probiotics in Managing the Altered Gut in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Abdellatif Basma , McVeigh Clare , Bendriss Ghizlane , Chaari Ali
Published: June 2020

Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) have been reported repeatedly in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and studies have reported interesting correlations between severity of behavioral and gastrointestinal symptoms. Growing evidence indicates that the gut microbiota in ASD is altered with various shifts described at different taxonomic levels, pointing to the importance of considering the gut–brain axis in treatment of these disorders. Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that are ingested as food or customized pills. These beneficial bacteria, when added in sufficient amounts, can correct the dysbiosis. Because probiotics have shown success in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is plausible to investigate whether they can induce alleviation of behavioral symptoms as well. Probiotics show, in some clinical studies, their potential benefits (1) in improving gastrointestinal dysfunction, (2) in correcting dysbiosis, (3) in consequently reducing the severity of ASD symptoms. This review compiles data from selected studies that investigate these benefits and the mechanisms that mediate these effects, which include the production of metabolites, hormones, and neurotransmitters and the regulation of pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines. Future research based on more randomized, controlled studies with a larger population size and standardized use of strains, concentration of probiotics, duration of treatments, and methods of DNA extraction is still needed in this area, which may lead to more robust results.
Novel Polymorphisms and Genetic Characteristics of the Prion Protein Gene (PRNP) in Dogs—A Resistant Animal of Prion Disease
Authors: Kim Dong-Ju , Kim Yong-Chan , Kim An-Dang , Jeong Byung-Hoon
Published: June 2020

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) have been reported in a wide range of species. However, TSE infection in natural cases has never been reported in dogs. Previous studies have reported that polymorphisms of the prion protein gene (PRNP) have a direct impact on the susceptibility of TSE. However, studies on polymorphisms of the canine PRNP gene are very rare in dogs. We examined the genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies of canine PRNP in 204 dogs using direct sequencing and analyzed linkage disequilibrium (LD) using Haploview version 4.2. In addition, to evaluate the impact of nonsynonymous polymorphisms on the function of prion protein (PrP), we carried out in silico analysis using PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, and PANTHER. Furthermore, we analyzed the structure of PrP and hydrogen bonds according to alleles of nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using the Swiss-Pdb Viewer program. Finally, we predicted the impact of the polymorphisms on the aggregation propensity of dog PrP using AMYCO. We identified a total of eight polymorphisms, including five novel SNPs and one insertion/deletion polymorphism, and found strong LDs and six major haplotypes among eight polymorphisms. In addition, we identified significantly different distribution of haplotypes among eight dog breeds, however, the kinds of identified polymorphisms were different among each dog breed. We predicted that p.64_71del HGGGWGQP, Asp182Gly, and Asp182Glu polymorphisms can impact the function and/or structure of dog PrP. Furthermore, the number of hydrogen bonds of dog PrP with the Glu182 and Gly182 alleles were predicted to be less than those with the Asp182 allele. Finally, Asp163Glu and Asp182Gly showed more aggregation propensity than wild-type dog PrP. These results suggest that nonsynonymous SNPs, Asp182Glu and Asp182Gly, can influence the stability of dog PrP and confer the possibility of TSE infection in dogs.
Ectopic Expression of OsPYL/RCAR7, an ABA Receptor Having Low Signaling Activity, Improves Drought Tolerance without Growth Defects in Rice
Authors: Bhatnagar Nikita , Kim Rigyeong , Han Seungsu , Song Jaeeun , Lee Gang Seob , Lee Sangho , Min Myung Ki , Kim Beom-Gi
Published: June 2020

Overexpression of abscisic acid (ABA) receptors has been reported to enhance drought tolerance, but also to cause stunted growth and decreased crop yield. Here, we constructed transgenic rice for all monomeric ABA receptors and observed that only transgenic rice over-expressing OsPYL/RCAR7 showed similar phenotype with wild type, without total yield loss when grown under normal growth condition in a paddy field. Even though transgenic rice over-expressing OsPYL/RCAR7 showed neither an ABA-sensitivity nor an osmotic stress tolerance in plate assay, it showed drought tolerance. We investigated the ABA-dependent interaction with OsPP2CAs and ABA signaling induction by OsPYL/RCAR7. In yeast two hybrid assay, OsPYL/RCAR7 required critically higher ABA concentrations to interact with OsPP2CAs than other ABA receptors, and co-immunoprecipitation assay showed strong interaction under ABA treatment. When ABA-responsive signaling activity was monitored using a transient expression system in rice protoplasts, OsPYL/RCAR7 had the lowest ABA-responsive signaling activity as compared with other ABA receptors. OsPYL/RCAR7 also showed weak suppression of phosphatase activity as compared with other ABA receptors in vitro. Transcriptome analysis of transgenic rice over-expressing OsPYL/RCAR7 suggested that only a few genes were induced similar to control under without exogenous ABA, but a large number of genes was induced under ABA treatment compared with control. We conclude that OsPYL/RCAR7 is a novel functional ABA receptor that has low ABA signaling activity and exhibits high ABA dependence. These results lay the foundation for a new strategy to improve drought stress tolerance without compromising crop growth.
Septoria Leaf Blotch and Reduced Nitrogen Availability Alter WRKY Transcription Factor Expression in a Codependent Manner
Authors: Poll Alistair A. , Lee Jack , Sanderson Roy A. , Byrne Ed , Gatehouse John A. , Sadanandom Ari , Gatehouse Angharad M. R. , Edwards Martin G.
Published: June 2020

A major cause of yield loss in wheat worldwide is the fungal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici, a hemibiotrophic fungus which causes Septoria leaf blotch, the most destructive wheat disease in Europe. Resistance in commercial wheat varieties is poor, however, a link between reduced nitrogen availability and increased Septoria tolerance has been observed. We have shown that Septoria load is not affected by nitrogen, whilst the fungus is in its first, symptomless stage of growth. This suggests that a link between nitrogen and Septoria is only present during the necrotrophic phase of Septoria infection. Quantitative real-time PCR data demonstrated that WRKYs, a superfamily of plant-specific transcription factors, are differentially expressed in response to both reduced nitrogen and Septoria. WRKY39 was downregulated over 30-fold in response to necrotrophic stage Septoria, whilst changes in the expression of WRKY68a during the late biotrophic phase were dependent on the concentration of nitrogen under which wheat is grown. WRKY68a may therefore mediate a link between nitrogen and Septoria. The potential remains to identify key regulators in the link between nitrogen and Septoria, and as such, elucidate molecular markers for wheat breeding, or targets for molecular-based breeding approaches.