bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Perceptions of Household IoT Smart Water “Event” Meters in the UK—Implications for Urban Water Governance
Authors: Goulas Athanasios , Goodwin Daniel , Shannon Caitriona , Jeffrey Paul , Smith Heather M.
Published: February 2022

Cities around the world are facing water availability challenges, intensified by increasing populations and climate change. Technology, such as household smart meters measuring domestic water consumption, can play a role in demand management, yet a deeper understanding of public expectations and the practicalities of city-wide implementation is required. This article explores public perceptions of smart water meters that use Internet of Things (IoT) technology and machine learning to profile household water use “events” and anomalies. By leveraging insights from an online survey implemented in the UK (n = 558), this article explores factors influencing the likelihood of citizens choosing to have this type of meter installed along with potential societal barriers and opportunities. Nearly half of the participants said they would choose to have such a meter installed and logistic regression showed predictive variables were younger ages, being male, those with existing water meters and those with other smart devices. The likelihood of choosing this type of water meter was also associated with preferences to have control over data privacy, whether the meter would reduce water bills and whether it was provided free of charge. We locate these results within other contemporary experiences of smart meters and water grids in urban contexts to discuss practical challenges of using real-time environmental data for urban water governance. Policymakers and water resources planners should continue to monitor public perceptions, implement urban experiments and cost-benefit analyses to better interpret the wider benefits of such technology for behavioral and educational interventions within a more digitized and increasingly data-centric water grid.
How Voice Analysis Can Help Solve Crimes
Authors: Gully Amelia , Harrison Philip , Hughes Vincent , Rhodes Richard , Wormald Jessica
Published: February 2022

Imagine you are a police officer investigating a crime in which somebody has made a threatening phone call. There may not be any physical evidence like DNA or fingerprints, but the person’s voice is captured on a recording. Experts can analyze the voice recording and compare it with the voice of a known suspect to find out how likely it is that they are the same person. This method is called forensic voice comparison. It works because people’s voices contain lots of information about them. Your voice tells a story about where you grew up and learned to speak, and your voice also depends on your individual biological make-up. In this article, we explain how this information is used to compare recordings of voices in criminal cases.
Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (Starr) in the Treatment of Obstructed Defecation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ripamonti Lorenzo , Guttadauro Angelo , Lo Bianco Giulia , Rennis Maria , Maternini Matteo , Cioffi Gerardo , Chiarelli Marco , De Simone Matilde , Cioffi Ugo , Gabrielli Francesco
Published: February 2022

Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is a form of constipation that influences the quality of life in most patients and is an important health care issue. In 2004 Longo introduced a minimal invasive trans-anal approach known as Stapled Trans-Anal Rectal Resection (STARR) in order to correct mechanical disorders such as rectocele or rectal intussusception, two conditions present in more than 90% of patients with ODS. Considering the lack of a common view around ODS and STARR procedure. the aim of our study is to review the literature about preoperative assessment, operative features and outcomes of the STARR technique for the treatment of ODS. We performed a systematic search of literature, between January 2008 and December 2020 and 24 studies were included in this review. The total number of patients treated with STARR procedure was 4,464. In conclusion STARR surgical procedure has been proven to be safe and effective in treating symptoms of ODS and improving patients Quality of Life (QoL) and should be taken in consideration in the context of a holistic and multi modal approach to this complex condition. International guidelines are needed in order to optimize the diagnostic and therapeutic process and to improve outcomes.
Reconstruction of Complex Soft Tissue Defects of the Heel With Versatile Double Skin Paddle Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flaps: An Innovative Way to Restore Heel Shape
Authors: He Jiqiang , Guliyeva Gunel , Wu Panfeng , Yu Fang , Qing Liming , Tang Juyu
Published: February 2022

Background

Complex heel defects constitute a significant challenge for plastic surgeons.

Objectives

In this study, versatilities of free double skin paddle ALT flaps in the reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of heels were explored.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2019, 16 patients (13 male and 3 females) aged 16–74 years underwent double skin paddle ALT flap reconstruction in our department. All the patients had large defects located at the heel, and 5 had a dead space. Underlying structures such as vessels, bones, and tendons were exposed in all cases.

Results

Flap survival rate was 100% after the reconstruction. Eleven double skin paddle ALT flaps and 5 vastus lateralis muscle-chimeric double skin paddle ALT flaps were used. The size of the skin flap ranged from 9.5 × 4.5 cm2 to 22 × 10 cm2, and the size of a muscle segment ranged from 6 × 3 × 1 cm3 to 10 × 3 × 2 cm3. The mean follow-up was 22.6 months (range: 10–81 months). The wounds healed well, providing reliable soft tissue coverage and good heel contour. All the patients ambulated independently during the follow-up period. Most of them regained protective sensation. The average two-point discrimination was 32.7 mm (range: 27–37 mm).

Conclusion

Double skin paddle ALT flaps are a feasible option for the reconstruction of complex heel defects, with good functional and aesthetic results. Nonetheless, further studies comparing double skin paddle ALT flaps to other flap techniques are needed.
Skin Microbiota Was Altered in Crocodile Lizards (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) With Skin Ulcer
Authors: Jiang Haiying , Luo Shuyi , Zhou Jiabin , Huang Wenzhong , Li Linmiao , Zhang Xiujuan , He Jiasong , Chen Jinping
Published: February 2022

Skin diseases commonly affect reptiles, but their relationships to the closely related skin microbiome are not well-understood. In recent years, both the wild and captive populations of the crocodile lizard, a Class I protected endangered animal in China, have suffered serious skin diseases that hamper the rescue and release projects for their conservation. This study conducted a detailed prevalence investigation of a major dermatosis characterized by foot skin ulcer in crocodile lizards. It should be noticed that skin ulcer has been prevalent in both captive and wild populations. There was positive correlation between skin ulcer and temperature, while no significant relationship between skin ulcer and humidity, sex, and age. We further studied the relationship between skin ulcer and the skin microbiota using meta-taxonomics. Results showed that the skin microbiota of crocodile lizards was significantly different from those of the environmental microbial communities, and that skin microbiota had a significant relationship with skin ulcer despite the impact of environment. Both bacterial and fungal communities on the ulcerated skin were significantly changed, which was characterized by lower community diversity and different dominant microbes. Our findings provide an insight into the relationship between skin microbiota and skin disease in reptile, serving as a reference for dermatological etiology in wildlife conservation.
Hepatolithiasis After Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Pediatric Patients: Mechanism, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis
Authors: Sanada Yukihiro , Sakuma Yasunaru , Onishi Yasuharu , Okada Noriki , Hirata Yuta , Horiuchi Toshio , Omameuda Takahiko , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Sata Naohiro
Published: February 2022

There is little information about the outcomes of pediatric patients with hepatolithiasis after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We retrospectively reviewed hepatolithiasis after pediatric LDLT. Between May 2001 and December 2020, 310 pediatric patients underwent LDLT with hepaticojejunostomy. Treatment for 57 patients (18%) with post-transplant biliary strictures included interventions through double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in 100 times, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in 43, surgical re-anastomosis in 4, and repeat liver transplantation in 3. The median age and interval at treatment were 12.3 years old and 2.4 years after LDLT, respectively. At the time of treatments, 23 patients (7%) had developed hepatolithiasis of whom 12 (52%) were diagnosed by computed tomography before treatment. Treatment for hepatolithiasis included intervention through DBE performed 34 times and PTBD 6, including lithotripsy by catheter 23 times, removal of plastic stent in 8, natural exclusion after balloon dilatation in 7, and impossibility of removal in 2. The incidence of recurrent hepatolithiasis was 30%. The 15-years graft survival rates in patients with and without hepatolithiasis were 91% and 89%, respectively (p = 0.860). Although hepatolithiasis after pediatric LDLT can be treated using interventions through DBE or PTBD and its long-term prognosis is good, the recurrence rate is somewhat high.
The Antecedents of Transparency of Italian Public Entities: An Empirical Analysis in Universities and Public Research Institutes
Authors: Rella Angela , Marrone Arcangelo , Raimo Nicola , Vitolla Filippo
Published: February 2022

Transparency within universities and public research institutes is an element of significant relevance in the Italian context. Over the years, the need for greater transparency has prompted the legislator to regulate transparency obligations in order to ensure a minimum level of information disclosure. Despite the normative obligation, Italian universities and public research institutes provide different levels of information. This circumstance requires an empirical analysis aimed at understanding the different levels of transparency of Italian universities and public research institutes, and the factors that can influence the amount of information disclosed. The results show a positive impact of the size and the internationalization on the level of the transparency of these institutions.
Effects of a Nutritional Supplement (DìRelaxTM) on Anxiety in Dogs in a Randomized Control Trial Design
Authors: Scandurra Anna , Mastellone Vincenzo , Pero Maria Elena , Musco Nadia , Iommelli Piera , Di Lucrezia Alfredo , Malgeri Andrea , Tudisco Raffaella , D’Aniello Biagio , Cortese Laura , Lombardi Pietro
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of DìRelaxTM, a nutraceutical formulated to reduce anxiety in dogs, using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. The C-BARQ questionnaire, some clinical investigations, and the impossible task test were performed in dogs before and after treatment. The C-BARQ questionnaire is particularly useful for assessing the frequency and severity of problematic behaviors. The impossible task paradigm provides insight into the decision-making processes in the realm of expectancy frustration. Results showed an ameliorative effect on the performances of treated dogs during the solvable phases, with a significant decrease in the time needed to solve the task. No behavioral difference was found between treated and untreated anxious dogs during the unsolvable phase. According to the results from the C-BARQ questionnaire, some of the behaviors appeared to improve. Clinical investigations, including a complete blood cell count and blood chemistry, showed no difference between groups, thus suggesting the safety of the product. In general, this study suggests that DìRelaxTM can be safely administered with no adverse effects and can exercise a beneficial effect on anxious dogs by enhancing their cognitive abilities, but further studies should investigate the best method of administration.
Variation in the Performance of Different Batches of Two Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis Antibody ELISAs Used for Pooled Milk Samples
Authors: Köhler Heike , Wichert Annika , Donat Karsten
Published: February 2022

Regionally, the monitoring of paratuberculosis at the herd level is performed by the detection of specific antibodies in pooled milk samples by ELISA. The negative/positive cut-off S/P values applied for pooled milk samples are low and particularly vulnerable to variation in the test performance. In this study, a batch variation in the test performance of two ELISA tests was assessed to identify consequences for sample classification. A total of 72 pooled milk samples (50 from MAP-infected herds, 22 from one MAP-non-infected herd) were analyzed using three different batches, each of two different MAP antibody ELISA tests (A and B). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed, with the results of each batch, S/P values of the samples and optical density (OD) readings of the negative and positive control samples included in the kits being compared between the batches of one test. ROC analysis revealed a considerable variation in the test performance of the batches of the two individual tests, caused by differences in the S/P values of the samples and resulting in different sensitivities at a specificity of 100%. Major sources of variation originate from the manufacturing processes of test batches. These sources have to be better controlled, and the test performance has to be revisited regularly.
Genetic Diversity of Creole Sheep Managed by Indigenous Communities of the Central Region of Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Castillo-Rodríguez Ruth Guadalupe , Segura-León Obdulia Lourdes , Hernández-Rodríguez Martha , Serna-Lagunes Ricardo , Salinas-Ruiz Josafhat , Salazar-Ortiz Juan
Published: February 2022

In the indigenous communities of central Veracruz, herds of creole sheep have been established and managed through traditional practices of crossing, but their genetic characteristics have never been examined in order to evaluate their state of endogamy, and to help the management programs to protect this genetic resource. The objective of the present study was to characterize the genetic diversity of three populations of creole sheep managed by indigenous communities in the central region of Veracruz, Mexico. Indigenous family producers of creole sheep were located and blood samples taken from 90 individual sheep from the municipalities of Tehuipango, Astacinga and Tlaquilpa, Veracruz. In the laboratory, the genomic DNA was extracted and genetic diversity characterized using four microsatellites (ILSTS11, ILSTS5, SRCRSP9 and OarFCB128) amplified by PCR and visualized on polyacrylamide gels. The four microsatellites were highly informative (PIC = 85%) and presented values of 0.6 to 0.81 of heterozygosity, with an average number of 16 alleles. According to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium model, three of the loci were not significant (p < 0.05), presumably this means that they do not deviate significantly from H–W predictions and there was slight genetic differentiation (FST = 0.025), along with a slight decrease in homozygotes (FIS = −0.021). According to the analysis of variance, 99% of the total variation was hosted at the individual level. It is concluded that the three creole sheep populations still present genetic diversity at the four loci and non-random pairings have occurred.
Hydrological Characteristics and Trophic Status as Dominant Drivers of Rotifer Community Composition in Artificially Created Riverine Wetlands
Authors: Kim Seong-Ki , Yun Jong-Hak , Joo Gea-Jae , Choi Jong-Yun
Published: February 2022

Hydrological characteristics of freshwater ecosystems are powerful determinants of the distribution of biological communities and changes in environmental factors. This study identified relationships between the wetland environment, rotifer community, and hydrological factors for 48 wetlands, to determine their impact on wetland conservation and management. Different hydrological factors produced different wetland environments, which influenced the rotifer community composition. The wetlands with “poor” “in/outflow function” and “shore stability” levels showed high conductivity, turbidity, depth, and concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a. In contrast, the dissolved oxygen levels and velocity were the highest in wetlands with “good” in/outflow function and shore stability variables. The nutritional status of each wetland affected the composition of the rotifer community. Some genera (Keratella, Brachionus, Anuraeopsis, Trichocerca, and Philodina) were found in wetlands with high concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a, and high turbidity and depth. In contrast, Ascomorpha and Ploesoma were found in wetlands with high dissolved oxygen levels and flow velocity. High densities of Lepadella, Lecane, and Testudinella were found in wetlands completely covered by macrophytes. The rotifer community distribution can be used to understand the trophic, current functional, and environmental status of wetlands.
First Long-Time Airborne Fungal Spores Study in Dublin, Ireland (1978–1980)
Authors: Martínez-Bracero Moisés , Markey Emma , Clancy Jerry Hourihane , Sodeau John , O’Connor David J.
Published: February 2022

Ambient fungal spores within the atmosphere can contribute to a range of negative human, animal and plant health conditions and diseases. However, trends in fungal spore seasonality, species prevalence, and geographical origin have been significantly understudied in Ireland. Previously unpublished data from the late 1970s have recently been collected and analysed to establish historical fungal spore trends/characteristics for Dublin. Historical spore concentrations were largely dominated by Alternaria, Ascospores, Basidiospores, Botrytis, Cladosporium, Erysiphe and Rusts. The main fungal spore season for Dublin commenced in April with the fructification of Scopulariopsis and Ganoderma. However, the vast majority of other spore types did not reach peak spore release until late summer. The correlation between ambient spore concentration, and meteorological parameters was examined using Multivariable Regression Tree (MRT) analysis. The notable correlations found for fungal spore concentrations tended to involve temperature-based parameters. The use of a non-parametric wind regression was also employed to determine the potential geographical origin of ambient fungal spores. The impact of wind direction, and high windspeed on fungal spores was established, ultimately highlighting the importance of studying and monitoring fungal spores within Ireland, rather than attempting to rely on data from other regions, as most fungal spores collected in Dublin appeared to originate from within the island.
Review of tDCS Configurations for Stimulation of the Lower-Limb Area of Motor Cortex and Cerebellum
Authors: Quiles Vicente , Ferrero Laura , Iáñez Eduardo , Ortiz Mario , Azorín José M.
Published: February 2022

This article presents an exhaustive analysis of the works present in the literature pertaining to transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS) applications. The aim of this work is to analyze the specific characteristics of lower-limb stimulation, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of these works and framing them with the current knowledge of tDCS. The ultimate goal of this work is to propose areas of improvement to create more effective stimulation therapies with less variability.
The Development of a Multi-Modality Emotion Recognition Test Presented via a Mobile Application
Authors: Yu Rwei-Ling , Poon Shu-Fai , Yi Hsin-Jou , Chien Chia-Yi , Hsu Pei-Hsuan
Published: February 2022

Emotion recognition ability is the basis of interpersonal communication and detection of brain alterations. Existing tools for assessing emotion recognition ability are mostly single modality, paper-and-pencil test format, and using only Western stimuli. However, various modalities and cultural factors greatly influence emotion recognition ability. We aimed to develop a multi-modality emotion recognition mobile application (MMER app). A total of 169 healthy adults were recruited as participants. The MMER app’s materials were extracted from a published database, and tablets were used as the interface. The Rasch, factor analysis, and related psychometric analyses were performed. The Cronbach alpha was 0.94, and the test–retest reliability was 0.85. Factor analyses identified three factors. In addition, an adjusted score formula was provided for clinical use. The MMER app has good psychometric properties, and its further possible applications and investigations are discussed.
Effectiveness of ACTH in Patients with Infantile Spasms
Authors: Paprocka Justyna , Malkiewicz Jakub , Palazzo-Michalska Veronica , Nowacka Barbara , Kuźniak Mikołaj , Kopyta Ilona
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: West syndrome is a severe, refractory, epileptic syndrome that usually appears in infancy or early childhood. ACTH is one of the more effective drugs for treating this condition. (2) Aim of the study and methods: The objective of our study was to examine short-term efficacy (during treatment schedule) and long-term outcome of intramuscular 0.02 mg/kg/day ACTH (tetracosactide) depot, used concomitantly with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with infantile spasms who did not achieve seizure cessation or relapse when taking only the AEDs. The drug efficacy was evaluated in retrospective and prospective analyses of 50 patients diagnosed with infantile spasms. (3) Results: Complete cessation of spasms was achieved in 42 cases (84%). EEG improvement was seen in 41 (82%) patients who responded to ACTH therapy. Information on the clinical course of 28 patients was obtained duringlong-term follow-up. In 17 (60.7%) cases, seizures were still present. Normal or near-normal development was observed in 11 out of 28 children (39%). ACTH used concomitantly with other AEDis a highly effective treatment with acceptable side effects. (4) Conclusion: Randomized controlled clinical trialswith long-term follow-up are needed to compare the effectiveness of ACTH in polytherapy and monotherapy. Dyskinesias as a potential side effect observed in our study group should be investigated in the following studies.
Integrating a New Online Platform in Primary Care for Early Detection, Referral, and Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The First Italian Pivotal Project
Authors: Colombo Paola , Buo Noemi , Busti Ceccarelli Silvia , Molteni Massimo
Published: February 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by deficits in social communication and a repetitive pattern of behavior, with recent Italian prevalence estimates of 1 in 77. Although the core behavioral features of ASD appear to emerge within the first two years of life, clinical diagnosis is often not received before the third birthday. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that primary care physicians routinely screen for ASD at the 18- and 24-month visits. In Italy, the Guidelines of the Italian National Institute for Health (ISS) recommend the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) as a screening tool for ASD, which compares parent responses with a semistructured observation by a healthcare provider. In the Italian National Health System, pediatricians have regular visits with all children; however, there is wide variability in following screening guidelines, and some barriers have been detected. For these reasons, other studies have highlighted the advantages of using telemedicine with the potential for enhancing ASD screening practices. The current study is an examination of the implementation of the first Italian online web-based screening tool (Web Italian Network for Autism Spectrum DisorderWIN4ASD), an innovative web app for pediatricians. We present the data obtained from the screening activity through the platform by a small group of pediatricians. The results of this study show that the implemented web-based platform appears to be an effective, efficient, and sustainable way to integrate screening services into primary care.
Time-Dependent Efficacy of Checkpoint Inhibitor Nivolumab: Results from a Pilot Study in Patients with Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Karaboué Abdoulaye , Collon Thierry , Pavese Ida , Bodiguel Viviane , Cucherousset Joel , Zakine Elda , Innominato Pasquale F. , Bouchahda Mohamed , Adam René , Lévi Francis
Published: February 2022

Hypothesis: Prior experimental and human studies have demonstrated the circadian organization of immune cells’ proliferation, trafficking, and antigen recognition and destruction. Nivolumab targets T(CD8) cells, the functions, and trafficking of which are regulated by circadian clocks, hence suggesting possible daily changes in nivolumab’s efficacy. Worse progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were reported for malignant melanoma patients receiving more than 20% of their immune checkpoint inhibitor infusions after 16:30 as compared to earlier in the day. Methods: Consecutive metastatic non-small-cell cancer (NSCLC) patients received nivolumab (240 mg iv q 2 weeks) at a daily time that was ‘randomly’ allocated for each course on a logistical basis by the day-hospital coordinators. The median time of all nivolumab administrations was computed for each patient. The study population was split into two timing groups based upon the median value of the median treatment times of all patients. CTCAE-toxicity rates, iRECIST-tumor responses, PFS and OS were computed according to nivolumab timing. PFS and OS curves were compared and hazard ratios (HR) were computed for all major categories of characteristics. Multivariable and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Results: The study accrued 95 stage-IV NSCLC patients (PS 0–1, 96%), aged 41–83 years. The majority of nivolumab administrations occurred between 9:27 and 12:54 for 48 patients (‘morning’ group) and between 12:55 and 17:14 for the other 47 (‘afternoon’ group). Median PFS (95% CL) was 11.3 months (5.5–17.1) for the ‘morning’ group and 3.1 months (1.5–4.6) for the ‘afternoon’ one (p < 0.001). Median OS was 34.2 months (15.1–53.3) and 9.6 months (4.9–14.4) for the ‘morning’ group and the ‘afternoon’ one, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariable analyses identified ‘morning’ timing as a significant predictor of longer PFS and OS, with respective HR values of 0.26 (0.11–0.58) and 0.17 (0.08–0.37). The timing effect was consistent across all patient subgroups tested. Conclusions: Nivolumab was nearly four times as effective following ‘morning’ as compared to ‘afternoon’ dosing in this cohort of NSCLC patients. Prospective timing-studies are needed to minimize the risk of resistance and to maximize the benefits from immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Precision Medicine for BRCA/PALB2-Mutated Pancreatic Cancer and Emerging Strategies to Improve Therapeutic Responses to PARP Inhibition
Authors: Principe Daniel
Published: February 2022

Pancreatic cancer is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030. As patients typically present with advanced disease and show poor responses to broad-spectrum chemotherapy, overall survival remains a dismal 10%. This underscores an urgent clinical need to identify new therapeutic approaches for PDAC patients. Precision medicine is now the standard of care for several difficult-to-treat cancer histologies. Such approaches involve the identification of a clinically actionable molecular feature, which is matched to an appropriate targeted therapy. Selective poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors such as Niraparib, Olaparib, Talazoparib, Rucaparib, and Veliparib are now approved for several cancers with loss of high-fidelity double-strand break homologous recombination (HR), namely those with deleterious mutations to BRCA1/2, PALB2, and other functionally related genes. Recent evidence suggests that the presence of such mutations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common and lethal pancreatic cancer histotype, significantly alters drug responses both with respect to first-line chemotherapy and maintenance therapy. In this review, we discuss the current treatment paradigm for PDAC tumors with confirmed deficits in double-strand break HR, as well as emerging strategies to both improve responses to PARP inhibition in HR-deficient PDAC and confer sensitivity to tumors proficient in HR repair.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and Its Minor Compounds Influence Apoptosis in Experimental Mammary Tumors and Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Garcia-Guasch Maite , Medrano Mireia , Costa Irmgard , Vela Elena , Grau Marta , Escrich Eduard , Moral Raquel
Published: February 2022

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Modifiable factors such as nutrition have a role in its etiology. In experimental tumors, we have observed the differential influence of high-fat diets in metabolic pathways, suggesting a different balance in proliferation/apoptosis. In this work, we analyzed the effects of a diet high in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and a diet high in extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) on the histopathological features and different cell death pathways in the dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced breast cancer model. The diet high in n-6 PUFA had a stimulating effect on the morphological aggressiveness of tumors and their proliferation, while no significant differences were found in groups fed the EVOO-enriched diet in comparison to a low-fat control group. The high-EVOO diet induced modifications in proteins involved in several cell death pathways. In vitro analysis in different human breast cancer cell lines showed an effect of EVOO minor compounds (especially hydroxytyrosol), but not of fatty acids, decreasing viability while increasing apoptosis. The results suggest an effect of dietary lipids on tumor molecular contexts that result in the modulation of different pathways, highlighting the importance of apoptosis in the interplay of survival processes and how dietary habits may have an impact on breast cancer risk.
Role of Brachytherapy in the Postoperative Management of Endometrial Cancer: Decision-Making Analysis among Experienced European Radiation Oncologists
Authors: Glatzer Markus , Tanderup Kari , Rovirosa Angeles , Fokdal Lars , Ordeanu Claudia , Tagliaferri Luca , Chargari Cyrus , Strnad Vratislav , Dimopoulos Johannes Athanasios , Šegedin Barbara , Cooper Rachel , Nakken Esten Søndrol , Petric Primoz , van der Steen-Banasik Elzbieta , Lössl Kristina , Jürgenliemk-Schulz Ina M. , Niehoff Peter , Hermansson Ruth S. , Nout Remi A. , Putora Paul Martin , Plasswilm Ludwig , Tselis Nikolaos
Published: February 2022

Background: There are various society-specific guidelines addressing adjuvant brachytherapy (BT) after surgery for endometrial cancer (EC). However, these recommendations are not uniform. Against this background, clinicians need to make decisions despite gaps between best scientific evidence and clinical practice. We explored factors influencing decision-making for adjuvant BT in clinical routine among experienced European radiation oncologists in the field of gynaecological radiotherapy (RT). We also investigated the dose and technique of BT. Methods: Nineteen European experts for gynaecological BT selected by the Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie and the European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology provided their decision criteria and technique for postoperative RT in EC. The decision criteria were captured and converted into decision trees, and consensus and dissent were evaluated based on the objective consensus methodology. Results: The decision criteria used by the experts were tumour extension, grading, nodal status, lymphovascular invasion, and cervical stroma/vaginal invasion (yes/no). No expert recommended adjuvant BT for pT1a G1-2 EC without substantial LVSI. Eighty-four percent of experts recommended BT for pT1a G3 EC without substantial LVSI. Up to 74% of experts used adjuvant BT for pT1b LVSI-negative and pT2 G1–2 LVSI-negative disease. For 74–84% of experts, EBRT + BT was the treatment of choice for nodal-positive pT2 disease and for pT3 EC with cervical/vaginal invasion. For all other tumour stages, there was no clear consensus for adjuvant treatment. Four experts already used molecular markers for decision-making. Sixty-five percent of experts recommended fractionation regimens of 3 × 7 Gy or 4 × 5 Gy for BT as monotherapy and 2 × 5 Gy for combination with EBRT. The most commonly used applicator for BT was a vaginal cylinder; 82% recommended image-guided BT. Conclusions: There was a clear trend towards adjuvant BT for stage IA G3, stage IB, and stage II G1–2 LVSI-negative EC. Likewise, there was a non-uniform pattern for BT dose prescription but a clear trend towards 3D image-based BT. Finally, molecular characteristics were already used in daily decision-making by some experts under the pretext that upcoming trials will bring more clarity to this topic.
The Impact of Estrogens and Their Receptors on Immunity and Inflammation during Infection
Authors: Harding Alfred T. , Heaton Nicholas S.
Published: February 2022

Sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, are steroid compounds with well-characterized effects on the coordination and development of vertebrate reproductive systems. Since their discovery, however, it has become clear that these “sex hormones” also regulate/influence a broad range of biological functions. In this review, we will summarize some current findings on how estrogens interact with and regulate inflammation and immunity. Specifically, we will focus on describing the mechanisms by which estrogens alter immune pathway activation, the impact of these changes during infection and the development of long-term immunity, and how different types of estrogens and their respective concentrations mediate these outcomes.
Prognosis Stratification Tools in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer: Could We Improve Their Accuracy?
Authors: Ramon-Patino Jorge Luis , Ruz-Caracuel Ignacio , Heredia-Soto Victoria , Garcia de la Calle Luis Eduardo , Zagidullin Bulat , Wang Yinyin , Berjon Alberto , Lopez-Janeiro Alvaro , Miguel Maria , Escudero Javier , Gallego Alejandro , Castelo Beatriz , Yebenes Laura , Hernandez Alicia , Feliu Jaime , Pelaez-García Alberto , Tang Jing , Hardisson David , Mendiola Marta , Redondo Andres
Published: February 2022

There are three prognostic stratification tools used for endometrial cancer: ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO 2016, ProMisE, and ESGO-ESTRO-ESP 2020. However, these methods are not sufficiently accurate to address prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the integration of molecular classification and other biomarkers could be used to improve the prognosis stratification in early-stage endometrial cancer. Relapse-free and overall survival of each classifier were analyzed, and the c-index was employed to assess accuracy. Other biomarkers were explored to improve the precision of risk classifiers. We analyzed 293 patients. A comparison between the three classifiers showed an improved accuracy in ESGO-ESTRO-ESP 2020 when RFS was evaluated (c-index = 0.78), although we did not find broad differences between intermediate prognostic groups. Prognosis of these patients was better stratified with the incorporation of CTNNB1 status to the 2020 classifier (c-index 0.81), with statistically significant and clinically relevant differences in 5-year RFS: 93.9% for low risk, 79.1% for intermediate merged group/CTNNB1 wild type, and 42.7% for high risk (including patients with CTNNB1 mutation). The incorporation of molecular classification in risk stratification resulted in better discriminatory capability, which could be improved even further with the addition of CTNNB1 mutational evaluation.
Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Poon Darren M. C. , Wu Stephen , Ho Leon , Cheung Kin Yin , Yu Ben
Published: February 2022

The dosimetric advantages of proton therapy (PT) treatment plans are demonstrably superior to photon-based external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for localized prostate cancer, but the reported clinical outcomes are similar. This may be due to inadequate dose prescription, especially in high-risk disease, as indicated by the ASCENDE-RT trial. Alternatively, the lack of clinical benefits with PT may be attributable to improper dose delivery, mainly due to geometric and dosimetric uncertainties during treatment planning, as well as delivery procedures that compromise the dose conformity of treatments. Advanced high-precision PT technologies, and treatment planning and beam delivery techniques are being developed to address these uncertainties. For instance, external magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided patient setup rooms are being developed to improve the accuracy of patient positioning for treatment. In-room MRI-guided patient positioning systems are also being investigated to improve the geometric accuracy of PT. Soon, high-dose rate beam delivery systems will shorten beam delivery time to within one breath hold, minimizing the effects of organ motion and patient movements. Dual-energy photon-counting computed tomography and high-resolution Monte Carlo-based treatment planning systems are available to minimize uncertainties in dose planning calculations. Advanced in-room treatment verification tools such as prompt gamma detector systems will be used to verify the depth of PT. Clinical implementation of these new technologies is expected to improve the accuracy and dose conformity of PT in the treatment of localized prostate cancers, and lead to better clinical outcomes. Improvement in dose conformity may also facilitate dose escalation, improving local control and implementation of hypofractionation treatment schemes to improve patient throughput and make PT more cost effective.
Birds of a Feather—Asymmetric Organocatalysis Meets Asymmetric Transition Metal Catalysis
Authors: Gridnev Ilya D.
Published: February 2022

The results of recent studies on the mechanism of stereoinduction in asymmetric hydrogenation catalyzed by transition metal complexes suggest that hydrogen activation by metal atoms and the generation of enantioselectivity by organic ligands proceed independently. Hence, these reactions can be considered as variants of a cooperative organocatalytic reaction. This conclusion opens a broader view on rational catalyst design, suggesting that the structural ideas from different fields can be exploited reciprocally.
Regulation of Eye Determination and Regionalization in the Spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Authors: Baudouin-Gonzalez Luis , Harper Amber , McGregor Alistair P. , Sumner-Rooney Lauren
Published: February 2022

Animal visual systems are enormously diverse, but their development appears to be controlled by a set of conserved retinal determination genes (RDGs). Spiders are particular masters of visual system innovation, and offer an excellent opportunity to study the evolution of animal eyes. Several RDGs have been identified in spider eye primordia, but their interactions and regulation remain unclear. From our knowledge of RDG network regulation in Drosophila melanogaster, we hypothesize that orthologs of Pax6, eyegone, Wnt genes, hh, dpp, and atonal could play important roles in controlling eye development in spiders. We analyzed the expression of these genes in developing embryos of the spider Parasteatodatepidariorum, both independently and in relation to the eye primordia, marked using probes for the RDG sine oculis. Our results support conserved roles for Wnt genes in restricting the size and position of the eye field, as well as for atonal initiating photoreceptor differentiation. However, we found no strong evidence for an upstream role of Pax6 in eye development, despite its label as a master regulator of animal eye development; nor do eyg, hh or dpp compensate for the absence of Pax6. Conversely, our results indicate that hh may work with Wnt signaling to restrict eye growth, a role similar to that of Sonichedgehog (Shh) in vertebrates.
Angiogenesis Driven by the CEBPD–hsa-miR-429–VEGFA Signaling Axis Promotes Urothelial Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Chan Ti-Chun , Hsing Chung-Hsi , Shiue Yow-Ling , Huang Steven K. , Hsieh Kun-Lin , Kuo Yu-Hsuan , Li Chien-Feng
Published: February 2022

Background and Purpose: This research aimed to excavate the alternative mechanism of CEBPD on tumor growth and explore the biological significance of the CEBPD/hsa-miR-429/VEGFA axis on angiogenesis in urothelial carcinoma (UC). Methods: Quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting assay and tube formation examined the effect of hsa-miR-429 mimic or/and inhibitor on VEGFA expression and angiogenesis in CEBPD-overexpressing UC-derived cells. The association between CEBPD, hsa-miR-429, VEGFA and microvascular density (MVD) and clinical outcome were evaluated in 296 patients with UBUC and 340 patients with UTUC, respectively. Results: The increase in the transcript and protein of VEGFA as well as HUVECs tube formation was diminished upon the treatment of hsa-miR-429 mimic in CEBPD-overexpressing BFTC909 and TCCSUP. Nevertheless, the inhibited regulation of hsa-miR-429 mimic on the expression of VEGFA and ability of HUVECs tube formation was rescued by the combined incubation with hsa-miR-429 inhibitor in these two UC-derived cell lines. Furthermore, the clinical correlations showed that the higher level of VEGFA or MVD has a positive correlation with the expression of CEBPD and a negative relation to hsa-miR-429 and leads to tumor aggressiveness with worse disease-specific, metastasis-free survival in UBUC and UTUC cohorts. Conclusions: We decipher the oncogenic mechanism of CEBPD on angiogenesis through the hsa-miR-429 inhibition to stabilize the expression of VEGFA in UC. The novel research unveiled the modulation of the CEBPD/hsa-miR-429/VEGFA axis on the progression of UC and could be accessible to theranostic biomarkers.
Assessment and Management of Pain in Preterm Infants: A Practice Update
Authors: Campbell-Yeo Marsha , Eriksson Mats , Benoit Britney
Published: February 2022

Infants born preterm are at a high risk for repeated pain exposure in early life. Despite valid tools to assess pain in non-verbal infants and effective interventions to reduce pain associated with medical procedures required as part of their care, many infants receive little to no pain-relieving interventions. Moreover, parents remain significantly underutilized in provision of pain-relieving interventions, despite the known benefit of their involvement. This narrative review provides an overview of the consequences of early exposure to untreated pain in preterm infants, recommendations for a standardized approach to pain assessment in preterm infants, effectiveness of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic pain-relieving interventions, and suggestions for greater active engagement of parents in the pain care for their preterm infant.
Curtobacterium spp. and Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens: Phylogeny, Genomics-Based Taxonomy, Pathogenicity, and Diagnostics
Authors: Evseev Peter , Lukianova Anna , Tarakanov Rashit , Tokmakova Anna , Shneider Mikhail , Ignatov Alexander , Miroshnikov Konstantin
Published: February 2022

The genus of Curtobacterium, belonging to the Microbacteriaceae family of the Actinomycetales order, includes economically significant pathogenic bacteria of soybeans and other agricultural crops. Thorough phylogenetic and full-genome analysis using the latest genomic data has demonstrated a complex and contradictory taxonomic picture within the group of organisms classified as the Curtobacterium species. Based on these data, it is possible to delineate about 50 new species and to reclassify a substantial part of the Curtobacterium strains. It is suggested that 53 strains, including most of the Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pathovars, can compose a monophyletic group classified as C. flaccumfaciens. A genomic analysis using the most recent inventory of bacterial chromosomal and plasmid genomes deposited to GenBank confirmed the possible role of Microbacteriaceae plasmids in pathogenicity and demonstrated the existence of a group of related plasmids carrying virulence factors and possessing a gene distantly related to DNA polymerase found in bacteriophages and archaeal and eukaryotic viruses. A PCR diagnostic assay specific to the genus Curtobacterium was developed and tested. The presented results assist in the understanding of the evolutionary relations within the genus and can lay the foundation for further taxonomic updates.
Enhanced Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction of Bismuth Nanosheets with Introducing Surface Bismuth Subcarbonate
Authors: Liu Shiyuan , Hu Botao , Zhao Junkai , Jiang Wenjun , Feng Deqiang , Zhang Ce , Yao Wei
Published: February 2022

The electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) into hydrocarbon products is one of the most promising approaches for CO2 utilization in modern society. However, the application of CO2RR requires optimizing state-of-the-art catalysts as well as elucidating the catalytic interface formation mechanism. In this study, a flower-like nano-structured Bi catalyst is prepared by a facile pulse current electrodeposition method wherein the morphologies could be accurately controlled. Interestingly, nano-structured Bi is inclined to generate Bi2O2CO3 in the air and form a stable Bi2O2CO3@Bi interface, which could enhance the CO2 adsorption and conversion. In-situ Raman spectroscopy analysis also proves the existence of Bi2O2CO3 on the electrode surface. In a practical CO2 reduction test by a flow-cell reactor, the Bi2O2CO3@Bi electrode delivers a high faradaic efficiency of the CO2 to formate/formic acid (~90%) at −1.07 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) with no obvious decay during more than a 10 h continuous test. The introducing surface Bi2O2CO3 in nano-structured Bi supports a promising strategy as well as facile access to prepare improved CO2RR electrocatalysts.
A Theoretical Investigation about Photoswitching of Azobenzene Adsorbed on Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Jin , Ding Zongling , Yu Yuanqin , Xie Chuanmei
Published: February 2022

The optical properties of hybrid systems composed of silver nanoparticles (NPs) and azobenzene molecules were systematically investigated by combining the real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT) approach with the classical electrodynamics finite difference time domain (FDTD) technique for the solution of Maxwell’s equations. In order to reflect the chemical interaction between azobenzene and metal more exactly, except for adsorbed molecules, a Ag cluster separated from NP was also dealt, using RT-TDDFT. We studied the different factors affecting the surface-enhanced absorption spectra. It was found that the electric field amplified by plasmon resonance of Ag NPs can have an overall enhancement to the molecular light absorption throughout the whole energy range. The resonance between the electron and the plasmon excitation results in a larger percentage of enhancement in the absorption spectrum the closer the resonance peak is. The enhancement ratio of the resonance peak is the largest. The plasmon–exciton coupling and the optical properties of different isolate isomers influence the line shape of the absorption spectra. The dipole interaction and electronic transfer between azobenzene molecules and Ag NPs also change the shape of spectroscopy from the absorption enhancement ratio and the location of the peak. Physical and chemical factors lead to photoswitching in these hybrid systems together.