bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Social Media “Magic”: Virtually Engaging Visitors during COVID-19 Temporary Closures
Authors: Ryder Brittany , Zhang Tingting , Hua Nan
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore what types of digital content cultural institutions implemented during COVID-19 temporary closures and their effects on social media engagement. Existing research identified the role of digital content and social media in cultural institutions, but only in times of normal operations. This study adds to the existing literature by exploring the types of digital content implemented, impacts on social media engagement, measures of social media engagement, and future implications in regard to COVID-19 temporary closures. This study recruited 66 cultural institutions from across the United States to take part in in-depth semi-structured phone interviews to fulfill the research goals. Museums, zoos, aquariums, performing arts organizations, heritage foundations, and historical societies were represented. A qualitative approach was adopted, and content analysis on the interview transcripts indicated that cultural institutions implemented digital content to build communities through live and serialized content, partnerships, fundraising, increased transparency, and increased accessibility during temporary closures. Using primarily Instagram and Facebook with their digital content, cultural institutions increased social media engagement during this time. Although there was no consensus on best practices in measuring social media engagement, many institutions highlighted tracking active engagement such as likes, comments, and shares. As a result of the success of the digital content, cultural institutions planned continued digital content campaigns such as videos, blogs, partnerships, and paid educational content in times of normal operations.
Distribution of Flumequine in Intestinal Contents and Colon Tissue in Pigs after Its Therapeutic Use in the Drinking Water
Authors: Rodríguez Jose M. , Diez M. Jose , Sierra Matilde , Garcia Juan J. , Fernandez Nelida , Diez Raquel , Sahagun Ana M.
Published: May 2021

Flumequine concentrations in plasma, colon tissue and intestinal contents were evaluated in 12 healthy pigs after oral administration (12 mg/kg every 24 h for 5 consecutive days in drinking water). Plasma, colon tissue and intestinal content samples were collected from animals sacrificed on days 3, 6 and 7. Concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography after having validated the method, following the European Medicines Agency (EMA) requirements. The drug was not detected in any plasma sample. In colon tissue, concentrations were higher on day 3 (0.230 ± 0.033 µg/g, descending colon; 0.156 ± 0.093 µg/g, ascending colon) than on day 6 (0.187 ± 0.123 µg/g, descending colon; 0.107 ± 0.007 µg/g, ascending colon). Concentrations were considerably higher in intestinal contents, again on day 3 (1.349 ± 1.401 µg/g, descending colon; 0.591 ± 0.209 µg/g, ascending colon) than on days 6 (0.979 ± 0.346 µg/g, descending colon; 0.595 ± 0.075 µg/g, ascending colon) and 7 (0.247 ± 0.172 µg/g, descending colon; 0.172 ± 0.086 µg/g, ascending colon). Measured concentrations were lower than those effective against the most common intestinal pathogenic microorganisms in swine and, more specifically, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae.
Modulation of Bovine Endometrial Cell Receptors and Signaling Pathways as a Nanotherapeutic Exploration against Dairy Cow Postpartum Endometritis
Authors: Oladejo Ayodele Olaolu , Li Yajuan , Wu Xiaohu , Imam Bereket Habte , Yang Jie , Ma Xiaoyu , Yan Zuoting , Wang Shengyi
Published: May 2021

In order to control and prevent bovine endometritis, there is a need to understand the molecular pathogenesis of the infectious disease. Bovine endometrium is usually invaded by a massive mobilization of microorganisms, especially bacteria, during postpartum dairy cows. Several reports have implicated the Gram-negative bacteria in the pathogenesis of bovine endometritis, with information dearth on the potentials of Gram-positive bacteria and their endotoxins. The invasive bacteria and their ligands pass through cellular receptors such as TLRs, NLRs, and biomolecular proteins of cells activate the specific receptors, which spontaneously stimulates cellular signaling pathways like MAPK, NF-kB and sequentially triggers upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The cascade of inflammatory induction involves a dual signaling pathway; the transcription factor NF-κB is released from its inhibitory molecule and can bind to various inflammatory genes promoter. The MAPK pathways are concomitantly activated, leading to specific phosphorylation of the NF-κB. The provision of detailed information on the molecular pathomechanism of bovine endometritis with the interaction between host endometrial cells and invasive bacteria in this review would widen the gap of exploring the potential of receptors and signal transduction pathways in nanotechnology-based drug delivery system. The nanotherapeutic discovery of endometrial cell receptors, signal transduction pathway, and cell biomolecules inhibitors could be developed for strategic inhibition of infectious signals at the various cell receptors and signal transduction levels, interfering on transcription factors activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines and genes expression, which may significantly protect endometrium against postpartum microbial invasion.
The Effect of the Size of the Litter in Which the Sow Was Born on Her Lifetime Productivity
Authors: Warda Agnieszka , Rekiel Anna , Blicharski Tadeusz , Batorska Martyna , Sońta Marcin , Więcek Justyna
Published: May 2021

Improvement of lowly heritable traits is difficult, efforts must be made to take full advantage of the available information sources to improve them. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of the size of the litter in which the sow was born on her lifetime reproductive performance. Data on 22,683 litters were used to analyse the lifetime reproductive performance of 5623 Polish Large White sows. The sows from small litters (≤9) were on average the oldest at first farrowing, had the shortest herd life, the smallest number of litters, and the smallest sized litters (p ≤ 0.01). A positive relationship was established between the mean number of offspring born per litter and size of the litter in which the sow was born (p ≤ 0.01). For a sow to produce at least seven piglets per 100 days of reproduction, gilts from litters of at least 12 piglets should be selected for breeding.
Salmonella Infection in Turtles: A Risk for Staff Involved in Wildlife Management?
Authors: Casalino Gaia , Bellati Adriana , Pugliese Nicola , Camarda Antonio , Faleo Simona , Lombardi Roberto , Occhiochiuso Gilda , D’Onghia Francesco , Circella Elena
Published: May 2021

Monitoring of infections that may be transmitted to humans by animals in wildlife rescue centres is very important in order to protect the staff engaged in rehabilitation practices. Salmonella may be a natural inhabitant of the intestinal tract of turtles, rarely causing disease. This may represent a potential risk for humans, increasing the sanitary risk for operators in wildlife rescue centres. In this paper, the occurrence of non-typhoidal Salmonella among terrestrial turtles housed in a wildlife rescue centre in Southern Italy was investigated, in order to assess the serovars more frequently carried by turtles and identify those that may represent a risk for operators involved in wildlife management. Sixty-nine adult turtles (Testudo hermanni hermanni, T. h. boettgeri, T. graeca, and T. marginata) were tested. Detection and serotyping of Salmonella strains were performed according to ISO 6579-1 and ISO/TR 6579-3:2013, respectively. The distribution of Salmonella spp. was significantly higher in T. hermanni hermanni than in other species, independent of the age and gender of the animals. Two different Salmonella species, S. enterica and S. bongori, three S. enterica subspecies (enterica, diarizonae, salamae), and five different serovars (Hermannswerder, Abony, Ferruch, Richmond, Vancouver) within the group S. enterica subspecies enterica were identified. Different combinations of Salmonella types were simultaneously found in specimens of T. h. hermanni. Most of detected Salmonella types may represent a potential risk for public health. Adopting correct animal husbandry procedures and informing on potential sanitary risks may be useful for minimising the risk of transmission of Salmonella to workers involved in wildlife management.
Preparation and Properties of Biobased, Cationic, Waterborne Polyurethanes Dispersions from Castor Oil and Poly (Caprolactone) Diol
Authors: Li Ying , Chen Sichong , Shen Jun , Zhang Siqi , Liu Ming , Lv Ruixue , Xu Wang
Published: May 2021

Biobased cationic waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) were prepared using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), N-methyl diethanolamine (N-MDEA), polycaprolactone (PCL) diol, hydrochlotic acid (HCl), and 1,4-butanediol (BDO). To improve the mechanical performance and adhesive strength of the waterborne polyurethane films, different amounts of castor oil (CO) acting as a cross-linking agent were incorporated in the polyurethane structure. The structures of the waterborne polyurethanes were assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The combination of CO had a positive effect on the dispersion and stability properties of WPUs. WPUs containing higher content of CO demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in homogeneity among particles. The stable aqueous dispersion was obtained even when N-MDEA loading was as low as 3.2 wt%; a bonus of this low hydrophilic moiety was the excellent adhesive strength, whose T-peel strength could reach up to 36.8 N/25 mm, about 114% higher than that of WPU (17.2 N/25 mm) without any CO content. The elongation at break of CO7.40%-WPU was 391%. In addition, the fracture mechanism of the waterborne polyurethane films transformed from the brittle failure to the ductile fracture. The experiment results showed the CO-modified WPUs displayed excellent film-forming property, flexibility, and adhesion, which can be employed for constructing the eco-friendly, biodegradable, cationic, waterborne polyurethanes.
Foliar Potassium Sulfate Application Improved Photosynthetic Characteristics, Water Relations and Seedling Growth of Drought-Stressed Maize
Authors: Wasaya Allah , Affan Muhammad , Ahmad Yasir Tauqeer , Atique-ur-Rehman  , Mubeen Khuram , Rehman Haseeb ur , Ali Muqarrab , Nawaz Farukh , Galal Ahmed , Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Islam Mohammad Sohidul , El-Sharnouby Mohamed , Rahman Muhammad Habib ur , EL Sabagh Ayman
Published: May 2021

Changing climates and frequent spells of drought have increased the risk of crop failure, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, thus multiplying the vulnerability of food-insecure populations. The exogenous application of potassium (K) can potentially ameliorate the adverse effects of drought in maize by maintaining cell osmotic potential and turgidity, provided its optimum doses are applied. The present experiment comprised two maize cultivars, viz. Islamabad Gold (drought tolerant) and Azam (drought susceptible), grown under well-watered (80% water-holding capacity (WHC)), mild drought (60% WHC) and severe drought (40% WHC) conditions. Different doses of K, viz. 0%, 1% and 2%, were also tested to screen out the most superior concentration. Drought stress markedly reduced root and shoot lengths (25% and 16%, respectively) along with their dry weights (20% and 10%, respectively). Moreover, a substantial reduction in leaf relative water content (RWC) (24%), stomatal conductance, transpiration and photosynthesis rates, chlorophyll pigments a, b and total chlorophyll contents (31%) were recorded, compared with well-watered conditions. However, foliar application of K2SO4 at 2% concentration outperformed other doses by improving growth attributes, RWC (10%), total chlorophyll (9%) and proline (12%) under severe drought conditions. Our findings confirmed the effectiveness of foliage-applied K2SO4 in ameliorating drought effects in rainfed maize; however, more doses and sources of K could be tested for developing it as a potent source to cope with water stress.
Applying Transformer Insulation Using Weibull Extended Distribution Based on Progressive Censoring Scheme
Authors: Almongy Hisham M. , Alshenawy Fatma Y. , Almetwally Ehab M. , Abdo Doaa A.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the Weibull extension distribution parameters are estimated under a progressive type-II censoring scheme with random removal. The parameters of the model are estimated using the maximum likelihood method, maximum product spacing, and Bayesian estimation methods. In classical estimation (maximum likelihood method and maximum product spacing), we did use the Newton–Raphson algorithm. The Bayesian estimation is done using the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm based on the square error loss function. The proposed estimation methods are compared using Monte Carlo simulations under a progressive type-II censoring scheme. An empirical study using a real data set of transformer insulation and a simulation study is performed to validate the introduced methods of inference. Based on the result of our study, it can be concluded that the Bayesian method outperforms the maximum likelihood and maximum product-spacing methods for estimating the Weibull extension parameters under a progressive type-II censoring scheme in both simulation and empirical studies.
Oenological Potential of Autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast Strains from the Greek Varieties of Agiorgitiko and Moschofilero
Authors: Kontogiannatos Dimitrios , Troianou Vicky , Dimopoulou Maria , Hatzopoulos Polydefkis , Kotseridis Yorgos
Published: May 2021

Nemea and Mantinia are famous wine regions in Greece known for two indigenous grape varieties, Agiorgitiko and Moschofilero, which produce high quality PDO wines. In the present study, indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains were isolated and identified from spontaneous alcoholic fermentation of Agiorgitiko and Moschofilero musts in order to evaluate their oenological potential. Random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) recovered the presence of five distinct profiles from a total of 430 yeast isolates. The five obtained strains were evaluated at microvinifications trials and tested for basic oenological and biochemical parameters including sulphur dioxide and ethanol tolerance as well as H2S production in sterile grape must. The selected autochthonous yeast strains named, Soi2 (Agiorgitiko wine) and L2M (Moschofilero wine), were evaluated also in industrial (4000L) fermentations to assess their sensorial and oenological characteristics. The volatile compounds of the produced wines were determined by GC-FID. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of using Soi2 and L2M strains in industrial fermentations for Agiorgitiko and Moschofilero grape musts, respectively.
Seasonal Variations of Rosmarinic Acid and Its Glucoside and Expression of Genes Related to Their Biosynthesis in Two Medicinal and Aromatic Species of Salvia subg. Perovskia
Authors: Stafiniak Marta , Ślusarczyk Sylwester , Pencakowski Bartosz , Matkowski Adam , Rahimmalek Mehdi , Bielecka Monika
Published: May 2021

Salvia abrotanoides Kar. and Salvia yangii B.T. Drew are medicinal and aromatic plants belonging to the subgenus Perovskia and used as herbal medicines in Asia. Derivatives of caffeic acid, mainly rosmarinic acid (RA), are the major phenolic compounds identified in these plants. Understanding the factors and molecular mechanisms regulating the accumulation of pharmacologically and ecologically relevant phenolic metabolites is essential for future biotechnological and medical applications. Up to date, no studies of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway at the transcriptional level has been performed in the Perovskia subgenus. Using a combined qRT-PCR transcriptional activity analysis with LC-MS based metabolic profiling of roots and leaves at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of vegetation season, we have identified the following gene candidates with properties correlating to phenolic acid biosynthesis in S. abrotanoides and S. yangii: PAL, C4H, 4CL, TAT, HPPR, RAS1, RAS2 and Cyp98A14. A comparison of phenolic acid profiles with gene transcript levels revealed the transcriptional regulation of RA biosynthesis in the roots but not the leaves of the studied species. Additionally, RAS1 and Cyp98A14 were identified as rate-limiting steps regulating phenylpropanoid biosynthesis on a transcription level. In the future, this will facilitate the gene-based metabolic enhancement of phenolic compounds production in these promising medicinal herbs.
Bone Diagenesis in Short Timescales: Insights from an Exploratory Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Procopio Noemi , Mein Caley A. , Starace Sefora , Bonicelli Andrea , Williams Anna
Published: May 2021

The evaluation of bone diagenetic phenomena in archaeological timescales has a long history; however, little is known about the origins of the microbes driving bone diagenesis, nor about the extent of bone diagenesis in short timeframes—such as in forensic contexts. Previously, the analysis of non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) through bottom-up proteomics revealed the presence of potential biomarkers useful in estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI). However, there is still a great need for enhancing the understanding of the diagenetic processes taking place in forensic timeframes, and to clarify whether proteomic analyses can help to develop better models for estimating PMI reliably. To address these knowledge gaps, we designed an experiment based on whole rat carcasses, defleshed long rat bones, and excised but still-fleshed rat limbs, which were either buried in soil or exposed on a clean plastic surface, left to decompose for 28 weeks, and retrieved at different time intervals. This study aimed to assess differences in bone protein relative abundances for the various deposition modalities and intervals. We further evaluated the effects that extrinsic factors, autolysis, and gut and soil bacteria had on bone diagenesis via bottom-up proteomics. Results showed six proteins whose abundance was significantly different between samples subjected to either microbial decomposition (gut or soil bacteria) or to environmental factors. In particular, muscle- and calcium-binding proteins were found to be more prone to degradation by bacterial attack, whereas plasma and bone marrow proteins were more susceptible to exposure to extrinsic agents. Our results suggest that both gut and soil bacteria play key roles in bone diagenesis and protein decay in relatively short timescales, and that bone proteomics is a proficient resource with which to identify microbially-driven versus extrinsically-driven diagenesis.
Using Unstated Cases to Correct for COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak and Its Impact on Easing the Intervention for Qatar
Authors: Sallahi Narjiss , Park Heesoo , El Mellouhi Fedwa , Rachdi Mustapha , Ouassou Idir , Belhaouari Samir , Arredouani Abdelilah , Bensmail Halima
Published: May 2021

Epidemiological Modeling supports the evaluation of various disease management activities. The value of epidemiological models lies in their ability to study various scenarios and to provide governments with a priori knowledge of the consequence of disease incursions and the impact of preventive strategies. A prevalent method of modeling the spread of pandemics is to categorize individuals in the population as belonging to one of several distinct compartments, which represents their health status with regard to the pandemic. In this work, a modified SIR epidemic model is proposed and analyzed with respect to the identification of its parameters and initial values based on stated or recorded case data from public health sources to estimate the unreported cases and the effectiveness of public health policies such as social distancing in slowing the spread of the epidemic. The analysis aims to highlight the importance of unreported cases for correcting the underestimated basic reproduction number. In many epidemic outbreaks, the number of reported infections is likely much lower than the actual number of infections which can be calculated from the model’s parameters derived from reported case data. The analysis is applied to the COVID-19 pandemic for several countries in the Gulf region and Europe.
Equivalent Efficacy but Different Safety Profiles of Gemcitabine Plus Nab-Paclitaxel and FOLFIRINOX in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Rapposelli Ilario Giovanni , Casadei-Gardini Andrea , Vivaldi Caterina , Bartolini Giulia , Bernardini Laura , Passardi Alessandro , Frassineti Giovanni Luca , Massa Valentina , Cucchetti Alessandro
Published: May 2021

FOLFIRINOX (FFX) and gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel (GN) are the most common chemotherapy regimens in first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC). They have not been compared each other in a prospective trial, but only in retrospective studies, which can thus be affected by several biases. In order to overcome these biases, we took advantage of matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC), that allows an indirect comparison by reducing cross-trial differences, and compared data from 268 patients treated with GN in a real-world setting with data from the 171 patients included in the FFX arm of the PRODIGE trial. Survival outcomes did not differ between the two populations. Overall survival was 11.1 months for both treatments (hazard ratio (HR) of FFX 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–1.49; p = 0.527). Progression-free survival was 6.0 months with GN and 6.4 months with FFX (HR of FFX 1.11, 95% CI 0.82–1.50; p = 0.520). On the other hand, we observed a difference in the toxicity profiles: grade 3/4 anemia was more frequent with GN, whereas a higher occurrence of grade 3/4 vomiting and diarrhea was reported with FFX. FFX and GN show an equivalent efficacy but different safety profiles in the first-line therapy of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Searching for reliable predictive biomarkers is advised in order to improve therapeutic strategy in metastatic PC.
Five Tetramic Acid Derivatives Isolated from the Iranian Fungus Colpoma quercinum CCTU A372
Authors: Primahana Gian , Narmani Abolfazl , Surup Frank , Teponno Rémy Bertrand , Arzanlou Mahdi , Stadler Marc
Published: May 2021

Submerged mycelial cultures of the ascomycete Colpoma quercinum CCTU A372 were found to produce five previously undescribed tetramic acids, for which we propose the trivial names colposetins A–C (1–3) and colpomenoic acids A and B (4 and 5), along with the known compounds penicillide (6) and monodictyphenone (7). The planar structures of 1–5 were determined by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS) and extensive 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Their absolute configurations were determined by the combination of electronic circular dischroism (ECD) analysis, J-based configurational analysis, and a rotating-frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) experiment. Colposetin B displayed weak antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Mucor hiemalis (MIC 67 µg/mL).
Attacking COVID-19 Progression Using Multi-Drug Therapy for Synergetic Target Engagement
Authors: Coban Mathew A. , Morrison Juliet , Maharjan Sushila , Hernandez Medina David Hyram , Li Wanlu , Zhang Yu Shrike , Freeman William D. , Radisky Evette S. , Le Roch Karine G. , Weisend Carla M. , Ebihara Hideki , Caulfield Thomas R.
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 is a devastating respiratory and inflammatory illness caused by a new coronavirus that is rapidly spreading throughout the human population. Over the past 12 months, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, has already infected over 160 million (>20% located in United States) and killed more than 3.3 million people around the world (>20% deaths in USA). As we face one of the most challenging times in our recent history, there is an urgent need to identify drug candidates that can attack SARS-CoV-2 on multiple fronts. We have therefore initiated a computational dynamics drug pipeline using molecular modeling, structure simulation, docking and machine learning models to predict the inhibitory activity of several million compounds against two essential SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins and their host protein interactors—S/Ace2, Tmprss2, Cathepsins L and K, and Mpro—to prevent binding, membrane fusion and replication of the virus, respectively. All together, we generated an ensemble of structural conformations that increase high-quality docking outcomes to screen over >6 million compounds including all FDA-approved drugs, drugs under clinical trial (>3000) and an additional >30 million selected chemotypes from fragment libraries. Our results yielded an initial set of 350 high-value compounds from both new and FDA-approved compounds that can now be tested experimentally in appropriate biological model systems. We anticipate that our results will initiate screening campaigns and accelerate the discovery of COVID-19 treatments.
Involvement of mTOR Pathways in Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury by Modulation of Autophagy and Immune Response
Authors: Vargova Ingrid , Machova Urdzikova Lucia , Karova Kristyna , Smejkalova Barbora , Sursal Tolga , Cimermanova Veronika , Turnovcova Karolina , Gandhi Chirag D. , Jhanwar-Uniyal Meena , Jendelova Pavla
Published: May 2021

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is untreatable and remains the leading cause of disability. Neuroprotection and recovery after SCI can be partially achieved by rapamycin (RAPA) treatment, an inhibitor of mTORC1, complex 1 of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. However, mechanisms regulated by the mTOR pathway are not only controlled by mTORC1, but also by a second mTOR complex (mTORC2). Second-generation inhibitor, pp242, inhibits both mTORC1 and mtORC2, which led us to explore its therapeutic potential after SCI and compare it to RAPA treatment. In a rat balloon-compression model of SCI, the effect of daily RAPA (5 mg/kg; IP) and pp242 (5 mg/kg; IP) treatment on inflammatory responses and autophagy was observed. We demonstrated inhibition of the mTOR pathway after SCI through analysis of p-S6, p-Akt, and p-4E-BP1 levels. Several proinflammatory cytokines were elevated in pp242-treated rats, while RAPA treatment led to a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines. Both RAPA and pp242 treatments caused an upregulation of LC3B and led to improved functional and structural recovery in acute SCI compared to the controls, however, a greater axonal sprouting was seen following RAPA treatment. These results suggest that dual mTOR inhibition by pp242 after SCI induces distinct mechanisms and leads to recovery somewhat inferior to that following RAPA treatment.
Preparing to React: A Behavioral Study on the Interplay between Proactive and Reactive Action Inhibition
Authors: Ficarella Stefania C. , Desantis Andrea , Zénon Alexandre , Burle Boris
Published: May 2021

Motor preparation, based on one’s goals and expectations, allows for prompt reactions to stimulations from the environment. Proactive and reactive inhibitory mechanisms modulate this preparation and interact to allow a flexible control of responses. In this study, we investigate these two control mechanisms with an ad hoc cued Go/NoGo Simon paradigm in a within-subjects design, and by measuring subliminal motor activities through electromyographic recordings. Go cues instructed participants to prepare a response and wait for target onset to execute it (Go target) or inhibit it (NoGo target). Proactive inhibition keeps the prepared response in check, hence preventing false alarms. Preparing the cue-coherent effector in advance speeded up responses, even when it turned out to be the incorrect effector and reactive inhibition was needed to perform the action with the contralateral one. These results suggest that informative cues allow for the investigation of the interaction between proactive and reactive action inhibition. Partial errors’ analysis suggests that their appearance in compatible conflict-free trials depends on cue type and prior preparatory motor activity. Motor preparation plays a key role in determining whether proactive inhibition is needed to flexibly control behavior, and it should be considered when investigating proactive/reactive inhibition.
Current Intervention Treatments for Food Addiction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Leary Mark , Pursey Kirrilly M. , Verdejo-Garcia Antonio , Burrows Tracy L.
Published: May 2021

Research on the concept of food addiction (FA) has steadily grown and, based on a widely used self-report, FA is estimated to affect between 16–20% of the adult population. However, there are few interventions available for people with self-reported FA, and their efficacy is unclear. The primary aim of the review was to examine the efficacy of different interventions, including behavioural/lifestyle, medication and surgical approaches, for reducing symptoms and/or changing diagnosis of FA among adolescents and adults. A secondary aim was to examine the influence of sex as a moderator of intervention effects. A systematic search was performed from 2008–2020 to identify studies that used the YFAS to assess the effectiveness of interventions on FA. Nine studies were identified (n = 7 adults, n = 2 adolescents) including a total of 812 participants (range 22–256) with an average of 69% females per study. The types of interventions included medications (n = 3), lifestyle modification (n = 3), surgical (n = 2) and behavioural (n = 1), with FA being assessed as a secondary outcome in all studies. Five studies in adults reported a significant reduction in FA symptoms or diagnosis from pre to post-intervention, two when compared to a control group and three in the intervention group only. Efficacious interventions included: medication (combination of naltrexone and bupropion, as well as pexacerfont), bariatric surgery and lifestyle modification. No significant changes in FA were reported in adolescent studies. Given few studies were identified by the review, there is insufficient evidence to provide clear recommendations for practice; however, some interventions show potential for reducing self-reported FA outcomes in adults. Future research should explore the longer-term efficacy of interventions and the effectiveness of treatments with sufficient sample sizes.
Barriers to Adopting Lean Construction in the Construction Industry—The Case of Jordan
Authors: Al Balkhy Wassim , Sweis Rateb , Lafhaj Zoubeir
Published: May 2021

During the last few decades, there has been a greater understanding of the role of lean construction (LC) in achieving better management of construction projects and enabling the application of the fourth industrial revolution in the construction industry (Construction 4.0), which in turn, has the potential to improve the practices and outcomes in the construction industry. This paper aims to identify the barriers to adopt LC practices by taking a case of the Kingdom of Jordan. A questionnaire that included 30 barriers that were resulted from a comprehensive literature review was distributed and filled by 326 respondents from the Jordanian construction industry. The findings showed that the absence of support from the top management, low awareness toward LC, lack of training, and the absence of transparency are amongst the most serious factors that hinder the adoption of LC. The findings in this paper might be helpful to improve the knowledge about LC and support the adoption of new techniques that might improve the performance in the construction industry.
Modeling and Analysis of a Glass Façade Robot
Authors: Parween Rizuwana , Elara Mohan Rajesh , Saldi Zaki Saptari , Ng Thomas , Rayguru Madan Mohan
Published: May 2021

For glass façade cleaning, we developed a reconfigurable robot, Mantis-mini, with a dry cleaning mechanism and linear actuator based transitioning mechanism. It consists of three suction modules, connected by a support structure and each suction module has individual differential drive wheels with independent steering capability. This paper focuses on the detailed design of the platform, static structural analysis for and kinematic formulation. The adhesion performance of the suction module is evaluated using experiments, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, and analytically formulated estimation. The suction pressure magnitude predicted from the simulations increases with suction impeller speed and agrees well with measurements and analytical calculation in terms of order of magnitude and qualitative trend. An adaptive proportional-integral (PI) controller is designed and implemented for regulating suction pressure and motion controller of the platform. The suction performance of the platform is validated through real-time experiments of the platform on the glass surface.
Progress for Immunotherapy in Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Emerging Barriers to Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Koch Regina M. , Principe Daniel R. , Cataneo Jose L. , Rana Ajay
Published: May 2021

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of breast cancer that carries a particularly poor prognosis. Despite the efficacy of immunotherapy in other difficult to treat forms of breast cancer, progress for immunotherapy in IBC has been difficult. Though immunotherapy has been under clinical investigation in IBC since the 1970s, few approaches have shown significant therapeutic efficacy, and no immunotherapy regimens are currently used in the treatment of IBC. Here, we provide a comprehensive summary of what is known about the immune composition of IBC tumors, clinical and basic science evidence describing the role for immune checkpoints such as PD-L1 in IBC pathobiology, as well as past and present attempts to advance ICIs in the treatment of IBC.
Near Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Intraperitoneal Ovarian Tumors in Mice Using Erythrocyte-Derived Optical Nanoparticles and Spatially-Modulated Illumination
Authors: Burns Joshua M. , Shafer Elise , Vankayala Raviraj , Kundra Vikas , Anvari Bahman
Published: May 2021

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer. Cytoreductive surgery to remove primary and intraperitoneal tumor deposits remains as the standard therapeutic approach. However, lack of an intraoperative image-guided approach to enable the visualization of all tumors can result in incomplete cytoreduction and recurrence. We engineered nano-sized particles derived from erythrocytes that encapsulate the near infrared (NIR) fluorochrome, indocyanine green, as potential imaging probes for tumor visualization during cytoreductive surgery. Herein, we present the first demonstration of the use of these nanoparticles in conjunction with spatially-modulated illumination (SMI), at spatial frequencies in the range of 0–0.5 mm−1, to fluorescently image intraperitoneal ovarian tumors in mice. Results of our animal studies suggest that the nanoparticles accumulated at higher levels within tumors 24 h post-intraperitoneal injection as compared to various other organs. We demonstrate that, under the imaging specifications reported here, use of these nanoparticles in conjunction with SMI enhances the fluorescence image contrast between intraperitoneal tumors and liver, and between intraperitoneal tumors and spleen by nearly 2.1, and 3.0 times, respectively, at the spatial frequency of 0.2 mm−1 as compared to the contrast values at spatially-uniform (non-modulated) illumination. These results suggest that the combination of erythrocyte-derived NIR nanoparticles and structured illumination provides a promising approach for intraoperative fluorescence imaging of ovarian tumor nodules at enhanced contrast.
CSF1/CSF1R Axis Blockade Limits Mesothelioma and Enhances Efficiency of Anti-PDL1 Immunotherapy
Authors: Magkouta Sophia Fotiou , Vaitsi Photene Christou , Pappas Apostolos Georgiou , Iliopoulou Marianthi , Kosti Chrysavgi Nikolaou , Psarra Katherina , Kalomenidis Ioannis Theodorou
Published: May 2021

Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 (CSF1)/Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor 1 (CSF1R) signaling orchestrates tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) recruitment and polarization towards a pro-tumor M2 phenotype, the dominant phenotype of TAMs infiltrating mesothelioma tumors. We hypothesized that CSF1/CSF1R inhibition would halt mesothelioma growth by targeting immunosuppressive M2 macrophages and unleashing efficient T cell responses. We also hypothesized that CSF1/CSF1R blockade would enhance the efficacy of a PDL1 inhibitor which directly activates CD8+ cells. We tested a clinically relevant CSF1R inhibitor (BLZ945) in mesothelioma treatment using syngeneic murine models. We evaluated the role of CSF1/CSF1R axis blockade in tumor-infiltrating immune subsets. We examined the effect of combined anti-CSF1R and anti-PDL1 treatment in mesothelioma progression. CSF1R inhibition impedes mesothelioma progression, abrogates infiltration of TAMs, facilitates an M1 anti-tumor phenotype and activates tumor dendritic and CD8+ T cells. CSF1R inhibition triggers a compensatory PD-1/PDL1 upregulation in tumor and immune cells. Combined CSF1R inhibitor with an anti-PDL1 agent was more effective in retarding mesothelioma growth compared to each monotherapy. In experimental mesotheliomas, CSF1R inhibition abrogates tumor progression by limiting suppressive myeloid populations and enhancing CD8+ cell activation and acts synergistically with anti-PDL1.
BRCA Genetic Test and Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: State-of-the-Art
Authors: Sekine Masayuki , Nishino Koji , Enomoto Takayuki
Published: May 2021

In the field of gynecology, the approval of the PARP inhibitors (PARPi) has been changing the treatment of ovarian cancer patients. The BRCA genetic test and the HRD test are being used as a companion diagnosis before starting PARPi treatment. BRACAnalysis CDx® and Myriad myChoice® HRD test are widely used as a BRCA genetic test and HRD test, respectively. In addition, FoundationOne®CDx is sometimes used as a tumor BRCA test and HRD test. In clinical practice, gynecologists treating ovarian cancer are faced with making decisions such as whether to recommend the gBRCA test to all ovarian cancer patients, whether to perform the gBRCA test first or HRD test first, and so on. Regarding the judgment result of the HRD test, the cutoff value differs depending on the clinical trial, and the prevalence of gBRCA pathogenic variant rate is different in each histological type and country. A prospective cohort study showed that RRSO reduced all-cause mortality in both pre- and postmenopausal women; however, RRSO significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer for BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers, but not for BRCA1 pathogenic variant carriers. Moreover, salpingectomy alone is said to not decrease the risk of developing ovarian or breast cancer, so further discussion is evidently required. We discuss the current situation and problems in doing BRCA genetic test and RRSO in this review article.
Mathematical Modelling Based on In Vivo Imaging Suggests CD137-Stimulated Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Exert Superior Tumour Control Due to an Enhanced Antimitotic Effect on Tumour Cells
Authors: Beck Richard J. , Weigelin Bettina , Beltman Joost B.
Published: May 2021

Several immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer are under development. Two prominent strategies are adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of CTLs and modulation of CTL function with immune checkpoint inhibitors or with costimulatory antibodies. Despite some success with these approaches, there remains a lack of detailed and quantitative descriptions of the events following CTL transfer and the impact of immunomodulation. Here, we have applied ordinary differential equation models to two photon imaging data derived from a B16F10 murine melanoma. Models were parameterised with data from two different treatment conditions: either ACT-only, or ACT with intratumoural costimulation using a CD137 targeted antibody. Model dynamics and best fitting parameters were compared, in order to assess the mode of action of the CTLs and examine how the CD137 antibody influenced their activities. We found that the cytolytic activity of the transferred CTLs was minimal without CD137 costimulation, and that the CD137 targeted antibody did not enhance the per-capita killing ability of the transferred CTLs. Instead, the results of our modelling study suggest that an antiproliferative effect of CTLs exerted upon the tumour likely accounted for the majority of the reduction in tumour growth after CTL transfer. Moreover, we found that CD137 most likely improved tumour control via enhancement of this antiproliferative effect, as well as prolonging the period in which CTLs were inside the tumour, leading to a sustained duration of their antitumour effects following CD137 stimulation.
Anxiety during Radiation Therapy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating a Specific One-on-One Procedure Announcement Provided by a Radiation Therapist
Authors: Antoni Delphine , Vigneron Céline , Clavier Jean-Baptiste , Guihard Sébastien , Velten Michel , Noel Georges
Published: May 2021

Background: Anxiety impacts patient outcomes and quality of life in response to cancer diagnosis. A prospective phase 3 trial randomizing 126 patients was conducted to determine whether a specific one-on-one procedure announcement provided by a radiation therapist before CT scan simulation decreases anxiety for patients with breast cancer requiring radiotherapy. Material and Methods: Anxiety was measured using the STAI form, and the QLQ-C30 and BR-23 questionnaires were used to evaluate quality of life. Results: Mean trait or state anxiety scores before CT scan simulation, before the first and second sessions, and at the end of radiation treatment were not significantly different. We observed a decrease in the level of anxiety with time; however, no significant difference in mean state anxiety scores at any of the time intervals was detected. Factors, such as anxiety trait score, professional and marital status, age, and use of alternative therapy, did not significantly influence the evolution of anxiety status over time or the mean value. Anxiety was significantly influenced by the level of fatigue. Patients who benefited from the radiation therapists’ advice felt significantly better informed. Conclusions: The one-on-one program announcement occurring before CT scan simulation led to patients being more informed and greater satisfaction but did not decrease anxiety.
Alkali-Activated Materials as Catalysts for Water Purification
Authors: Heponiemi Anne , Pesonen Janne , Hu Tao , Lassi Ulla
Published: May 2021

In this study, novel and cost-effective alkali-activated materials (AAMs) for catalytic applications were developed by using an industrial side stream, i.e., blast furnace slag (BFS). AAMs can be prepared from aluminosilicate precursors under mild conditions (room temperature using non-hazardous chemicals). AAMs were synthesized by mixing BFS and a 50 wt % sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution at different BFS/NaOH ratios. The pastes were poured into molds, followed by consolidation at 20 or 60 °C. As the active metal, Fe was impregnated into the prepared AAMs by ion exchange. The prepared materials were examined as catalysts for the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of a bisphenol A (BPA) aqueous solution. As-prepared AAMs exhibited a moderate surface area and mesoporous structure, and they exhibited moderate activity for the CWPO of BPA, while the iron ion-exchanged, BFS-based catalyst (Fe/BFS30-60) exhibited the maximum removal of BPA (50%) during 3 h of oxidation at pH 3.5 at 70 °C. Therefore, these new, inexpensive, AAM-based catalysts could be interesting alternatives for catalytic wastewater treatment applications.
Catalytic Decomposition of N2O and NO
Authors: Obalová Lucie
Published: May 2021

As generally known, nitrogen oxides NOx (NO, NO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are significant pollutants [...]
Lignocellulosic Waste Pretreatment Solely via Biocatalysis as a Partial Simultaneous Lignino-Holocellulolysis Process
Authors: Angadam Justine Oma , Ntwampe Seteno Karabo Obed , Chidi Boredi Silas , Lim Jun Wei , Okudoh Vincent Ifeanyi
Published: May 2021

Human endeavors generate a significant quantity of bio-waste, even lignocellulosic waste, due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, and can cause pollution to aquatic ecosystems, and contribute to detrimental animal and human health because of the toxicity of consequent hydrolysis products. This paper contributes to a new understanding of the lignocellulosic waste bio-pretreatment process from a literature review, which can provide better biorefinery operational outcomes. The simultaneous partial biological lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose lysis, i.e., simultaneous semi-lignino-holocellulolysis, is aimed at suggesting that when ligninolysis ensues, holocellulolysis is simultaneously performed for milled lignocellulosic waste instead of having a sequential process of initial ligninolysis and subsequent holocellulolysis as is currently the norm. It is presumed that such a process can be solely performed by digestive enzyme cocktails from the monkey cups of species such as Nepenthes, white and brown rot fungi, and some plant exudates. From the literature review, it was evident that the pretreatment of milled lignocellulosic waste is largely incomplete, and ligninolysis including holocellulolysis ensues simultaneously when the waste is milled. It is further proposed that lignocellulosic waste pretreatment can be facilitated using an environmentally friendly approach solely using biological means. For such a process to be understood and applied on an industrial scale, an interdisciplinary approach using process engineering and microbiology techniques is required.
Effect of Differences in the Microbiome of Cyp17a1-Deficient Mice on Atherosclerotic Background
Authors: Künstner Axel , Aherrahrou Redouane , Hirose Misa , Bruse Petra , Ibrahim Saleh Mohamed , Busch Hauke , Erdmann Jeanette , Aherrahrou Zouhair
Published: May 2021

CYP17A1 is a cytochrome P450 enzyme that has 17-alpha-hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase activities. Cyp17a11 deficiency is associated with high body mass and visceral fat deposition in atherosclerotic female ApoE knockout (KO, d/d or −/−) mice. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of diet and Cyp17a1 genotype on the gut microbiome. Female Cyp17a1 (d/d) × ApoE (d/d) (DKO) and ApoE (d/d) (controls) were fed either standard chow or a Western-type diet (WTD), and we demonstrated the effects of genetics and diet on the body mass of the mice and composition of their gut microbiome. We found a significantly lower alpha diversity after accounting for the ecological network structure in DKO mice and WTD-fed mice compared with chow-fed ApoE(d/d). Furthermore, we found a strong significant positive association of the Firmicutes vs. Bacteroidota ratio with body mass and the circulating total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations of the mice when feeding the WTD, independent of the Cyp17a1 genotype. Further pathway enrichment and network analyses revealed a substantial effect of Cyp17a1 genotype on associated cardiovascular and obesity-related pathways involving aspartate and L-arginine. Future studies are required to validate these findings and further investigate the role of aspartate/L-arginine pathways in the obesity and body fat distribution in our mouse model.