bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lesion Genotype Modifies High-Fat Diet Effects on Endometriosis Development in Mice
Authors: Heard-Lipsmeyer Melissa E. , Alhallak Iad , Simmen Frank A. , Melnyk Stepan B. , Simmen Rosalia C. M.
Published: September 2021

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent gynecologic disorder that affects reproductive-aged women and to a lesser extent, post-menopausal women on hormone therapy. The condition is associated with systemic and local immune dysfunctions. While its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, endometriosis has a genetic component and propensity for the disease is subject to environmental, nutritional, and lifestyle influences. Previously, we showed that high-fat diet (HFD) increased ectopic lesion numbers, concurrent with systemic and peritoneal changes in inflammatory and oxidative stress status, in immunocompetent recipient mice ip administered with endometrial fragments null for Krüppel-like factor 9 gene. Herein, we determined whether HFD modifies lesion parameters, when recipient peritoneal environment is challenged with ectopic wild-type (WT) endometrial fragments, the latter simulating retrograde menstruation common in women during the menstrual period. WT endometrium-recipient mice fed HFD (45% kcal from fat) showed reduced lesion incidence, numbers, and volumes, in the absence of changes in systemic ovarian steroid hormone and insulin levels, relative to those fed the control diet (CD, 17% kcal from fat). Lesions from HFD- and CD-fed recipients demonstrated comparable gene expression for steroid hormone receptors (Esr and Pgr) and cytokines (Il-6, Il-8, and CxCL4) and similar levels of DNA oxidative biomarkers. HFD moderately altered serum (3-nitrotyrosine and methionine/homocysteine) and peritoneal (reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione) pro-oxidative status but had no effect on peritoneal inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor α and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1) mediators. Results indicate that lesion genotype modifies dietary effects on disease establishment and/or progression and if translated, could be important for provision of nutritional guidelines to women with predisposition to, or affected by endometriosis.
Mechanisms of Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Stiffening in Mice Revealed by a Functional Genetics Assay of Structural, Functional, and Transcriptomic Data
Authors: Manning Edward P. , Ramachandra Abhay B. , Schupp Jonas C. , Cavinato Cristina , Raredon Micha Sam Brickman , Bärnthaler Thomas , Cosme Carlos , Singh Inderjit , Tellides George , Kaminski Naftali , Humphrey Jay D.
Published: September 2021

Hypoxia adversely affects the pulmonary circulation of mammals, including vasoconstriction leading to elevated pulmonary arterial pressures. The clinical importance of changes in the structure and function of the large, elastic pulmonary arteries is gaining increased attention, particularly regarding impact in multiple chronic cardiopulmonary conditions. We establish a multi-disciplinary workflow to understand better transcriptional, microstructural, and functional changes of the pulmonary artery in response to sustained hypoxia and how these changes inter-relate. We exposed adult male C57BL/6J mice to normoxic or hypoxic (FiO2 10%) conditions. Excised pulmonary arteries were profiled transcriptionally using single cell RNA sequencing, imaged with multiphoton microscopy to determine microstructural features under in vivo relevant multiaxial loading, and phenotyped biomechanically to quantify associated changes in material stiffness and vasoactive capacity. Pulmonary arteries of hypoxic mice exhibited an increased material stiffness that was likely due to collagen remodeling rather than excessive deposition (fibrosis), a change in smooth muscle cell phenotype reflected by decreased contractility and altered orientation aligning these cells in the same direction as the remodeled collagen fibers, endothelial proliferation likely representing endothelial-to-mesenchymal transitioning, and a network of cell-type specific transcriptomic changes that drove these changes. These many changes resulted in a system-level increase in pulmonary arterial pulse wave velocity, which may drive a positive feedback loop exacerbating all changes. These findings demonstrate the power of a multi-scale genetic-functional assay. They also highlight the need for systems-level analyses to determine which of the many changes are clinically significant and may be potential therapeutic targets.
Thyroxine Induces Acute Relaxation of Rat Skeletal Muscle Arteries via Integrin αvβ3, ERK1/2 and Integrin-Linked Kinase
Authors: Selivanova Ekaterina K. , Gaynullina Dina K. , Tarasova Olga S.
Published: September 2021

Aim: Hyperthyroidism is associated with a decreased peripheral vascular resistance, which could be caused by the vasodilator genomic or non-genomic effects of thyroid hormones (TH). Non-genomic, or acute, effects develop within several minutes and involve a wide tissue-specific spectrum of molecular pathways poorly studied in vasculature. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms of acute effects of TH on rat skeletal muscle arteries.

Methods: Sural arteries from male Wistar rats were used for isometric force recording (wire myography) and phosphorylated protein content measurement (Western blotting).

Results: Both triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) reduced contractile response of sural arteries to α1-adrenoceptor agonist methoxamine. The effect of T4 was more prominent than T3 and not affected by iopanoic acid, an inhibitor of deiodinase 2. Endothelium denudation abolished the effect of T3, but not T4. Integrin αvβ3 inhibitor tetrac abolished the effect of T4 in endothelium-denuded arteries. T4 weakened methoxamine-induced elevation of phospho-MLC2 (Ser19) content in arterial samples. The effect of T4 in endothelium-denuded arteries was abolished by inhibiting ERK1/2 activation with U0126 as well as by ILK inhibitor Cpd22 but persisted in the presence of Src- or Rho-kinase inhibitors (PP2 and Y27632, respectively).

Conclusion: Acute non-genomic relaxation of sural arteries induced by T3 is endothelium-dependent and that induced by T4 is endothelium-independent. The effect of T4 on α1-adrenergic contraction is stronger compared to T3 and involves the suppression of extracellular matrix signaling via integrin αvβ3, ERK1/2 and ILK with subsequent decrease of MLC2 (Ser19) phosphorylation.
Effects of a Single Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching Exercise With and Without Post-stretching Activation on the Muscle Function and Mechanical Properties of the Plantar Flexor Muscles
Authors: Reiner Marina , Tilp Markus , Guilhem Gaël , Morales-Artacho Antonio , Nakamura Masatoshi , Konrad Andreas
Published: September 2021

A single proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercise can increase the range of motion (ROM) of a joint but can lead to a decrease in performance immediately after the stretching exercise. Post-stretching activation (PSA) exercises are known as a possible way to counteract such a drop in performance following a single stretching exercise. However, to date, no study has investigated the combination of PNF stretching with PSA. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of a PNF stretching exercise with and without PSA on the muscle function (e.g., ROM) and mechanical properties of the plantar flexor muscles. Eighteen physically active males volunteered in the study, which had a crossover design and a random order. The passive shear modulus of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) was measured in a neutral position with shear wave elastography, both pre- and post-intervention. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) peak torque, maximum voluntary dynamic contraction peak torque, dorsiflexion ROM, and passive resistive torque (PRT) were also measured with a dynamometer. The interventions were 4×30s of PNF stretching (5s of contraction) and two sets of three exercises with 20 or 40 fast ground contacts (PNF stretching+PSA) and PNF stretching only. ROM was found to have increased in both groups (+4%). In addition, the PNF stretching+PSA group showed a decrease in PRT at a given angle (−7%) and a decrease in GM and mean shear modulus (GM+GL; −6%). Moreover, the MVIC peak torque decreased (−4%) only in the PNF stretching group (without PSA). Therefore, we conclude that, if PNF stretching is used as a warm-up exercise, target-muscle-specific PSA should follow to keep the performance output at the same level while maintaining the benefit of a greater ROM.
Electrical Impedance Myography in Health and Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Cebrián-Ponce Álex , Irurtia Alfredo , Carrasco-Marginet Marta , Saco-Ledo Gonzalo , Girabent-Farrés Montserrat , Castizo-Olier Jorge
Published: September 2021

Background: Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a non-invasive method that provides information about muscle health and changes that occur within it. EIM is based on the analysis of three impedance variables: resistance, reactance, and the phase angle. This systematic review of the literature provides a deeper insight into the scope and range of applications of EIM in health and physical exercise. The main goal of this work was to systematically review the studies on the applications of EIM in health and physical exercise in order to summarize the current knowledge on this method and outline future perspectives in this growing area, including a proposal for a research agenda. Furthermore, some basic assessment principles are provided.

Methods: Systematic literature searches on PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science up to September 2020 were conducted on any empirical investigations using localized bioimpedance devices to perform EIM within health and physical exercise contexts. The search included healthy individuals, elite soccer players with skeletal muscle injury, and subjects with primary sarcopenia. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was used to develop the systematic review protocol. The quality and risk of bias of the studies included were assessed with the AQUA tool.

Results: Nineteen eligible original articles were included in this review, which were separated into three tables according to the nature of the study. The first table includes six studies on the bioelectrical characterization of muscle. The second table includes five studies analyzing muscle changes in injured elite soccer players. The third table includes studies on the short-, medium-, and long-term bioelectrical adaptations to physical exercise.

Conclusions: EIM has been used for the evaluation of the muscle condition in the clinical field over the last few years, especially in different neuromuscular diseases. It can also play an important role in other contexts as an alternative to complex and expensive methods such as magnetic resonance imaging. However, further research is needed. The main step in establishing EIM as a valid tool in the scientific field is to standardize the protocol for performing impedance assessments.
Transcription Factor GmWRKY46 Enhanced Phosphate Starvation Tolerance and Root Development in Transgenic Plants
Authors: Li Cheng , Li Kangning , Liu Xinyi , Ruan Hui , Zheng Mingming , Yu Zhijie , Gai Junyi , Yang Shouping
Published: September 2021

Phosphorus (P) is one of the essential macronutrients, whose deficiency limits the growth and development of plants. In this study, we investigated the possible role of GmWRKY46 in the phosphate (Pi) starvation stress tolerance of soybean. GmWRKY46 belonged to the group III subfamily of the WRKY transcription factor family, which was localized in the nucleus and had transcriptional activator activity. GmWRKY46 could be strongly induced by Pi starvation, especially in soybean roots. Overexpression of GmWRKY46 significantly enhanced tolerance to Pi starvation and lateral root development in transgenic Arabidopsis. RNA-seq analysis showed that overexpression of GmWRKY46 led to change in many genes related to energy metabolisms, stress responses, and plant hormone signal transduction in transgenic Arabidopsis. Among these differential expression genes, we found that overexpression of AtAED1 alone could enhance the tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis to Pi starvation. Y1H and ChIP-qPCR analyses showed that GmWRKY46 could directly bind to the W-box motif of the AtAED1 promoter in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, results from intact soybean composite plants with GmWRKY46 overexpression showed that GmWRKY46 was involved in hairy roots development and subsequently affected plant growth and Pi uptake. These results provide a basis for the molecular genetic breeding of soybean tolerant to Pi starvation.
Regulatory Focus, Boundaryless Mindset, and Creativity Among Chinese College Students: A Trait Activation Perspective
Authors: Luo Nan , Xin Xun , Li Haihong , Yu Xuan
Published: September 2021

We explored the impact of two types of regulatory focus on creativity among 330 college students in China, along with the mediating role of boundaryless mindset and moderating role of stressful life events. A three-wave survey showed that both promotion focus and prevention focus positively predicted the creativity in college students, but the positive effect of promotion focus on the creativity in college students was greater than that of prevention focus; boundaryless mindset mediated the relationship between regulatory focus and creativity; stressful life events moderated the direct effect that promotion focus has on boundaryless mindset, and it also moderated the indirect effect that promotion focus has on creativityviaboundaryless mindset. These results extend the existing research on creativity and establish a new mediating mechanism and boundary conditions between regulatory focus and creativity in college students. Finally, we hope to provide a reference for innovation education.
Dreams and Trauma Changes in the Manifest Dreams in Psychoanalytic Treatments – A Psychoanalytic Outcome Measure
Authors: Fischmann Tamara , Ambresin Gilles , Leuzinger-Bohleber Marianne
Published: September 2021

Although psychoanalysts are interested in symptom reduction as an outcome, they are looking for instruments to measure sustaining changes in the unconscious mental functioning. In this article it is discussed that conceptually well-founded transformation of manifest dreams analyzed with precise empirical methods could be considered as a promising indicator for such therapeutic changes. We are summarizing a dream generation model by Moser and von Zeppelin which has integrated a large interdisciplinary knowledge base of contemporary dream and sleep research. Based on this model the authors have developed a valid and reliable coding system for analyzing manifest dreams, the Zurich Dream Process Coding System (ZDPCS). One exemplary dream from the beginning and one from the third year of a severely traumatized, chronic depressed patient from the LAC Depression Study collected in psychoanalytic sessions as well as in the sleep laboratory have been analyzed applying the ZDPCS. Authors hypothesize that transformation in dreams as measured with the ZDPCS is the result of memory processes of traumatic embodied memories in the state of dreaming.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Home Quarantine Strategy Implementation Among Chinese Residents During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Li Liqing , Shen Xin , Zhou Xiaogang , Cao Hui , Feng Jing , Lei Zihui , Tian Kunming , Liang Jiarui , Wang Yuan , Lu Zuxun , Gan Yong
Published: September 2021

Background: Home quarantine is an important strategy to contain the mass spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, there are a dearth of studies on the prevalence and risk factors of home quarantine strategy implementation among residents. This study aims to assess the state of home quarantine strategy implementation among Chinese residents, which could provide a reference for quarantine policymakers around the world during the pandemic.

Method: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 3,398 residents in China by adopting a convenience sampling strategy. We measured the prevalence and risk factors of home quarantine strategy implementation with the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 10), and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). A multivariable model was used to determine the factors associated with home quarantine strategy implementation.

Results: A total of 2,936 (86.4%) respondents carried out home quarantine. There were some factors significantly associated with home quarantine strategy implementation among Chinese residents during the COVID-19 outbreak. Respondents who were male, lived in western and central China, were aware of the primary symptoms of COVID-19, were willing to accept recommendations on relevant protective measures, understood local quarantine measures, had better resilience, and had better social support were more likely to engage in home quarantine. Respondents who were married, were employed, were healthy, and had high depression scores were more likely to refuse to follow home quarantine guidance.

Conclusions: Gender, region, marital status, employment status, health status, awareness of the primary symptoms of COVID-19, willingness to accept recommendations on relevant protective measures, understanding of local quarantine measures, depression, psychological resilience, and perceived social support were the main factors affecting the implementation of residents' home quarantine strategy. Health service policymakers should adopt relevant measures to improve the prevalence of home quarantine strategy implementation among residents during the pandemic.
Relationship Between Chinese Adolescents’ Sleep Status and Problem Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Mental Health
Authors: Li Ying , Zhao Shuhang , Li Weidong , Liu Hongyan
Published: September 2021

Adolescents’ problem behaviors constitute a critical indicator of crime, and they play an important role in the growth and development of adolescents and social stability. Using the 2014–2015 school year follow-up data from the China Education Panel Survey, this study investigated the relationship between sleep time, sleep disorders, and adolescents’ problem behaviors. Further, we analyzed the mediating effect of mental health status, a key factor influencing adolescent growth and development. The results showed that the frequency of problem behaviors among adolescents was significantly and positively associated with sleep disorders and short sleep time. In addition, mental health status is a channel through which sleep time and sleep disorders affect adolescents’ problem behaviors.
VR Health Experience: A Virtual Space for Arts and Psychomotor Therapy
Authors: Haeyen Suzanne , Jans Nathalie , Glas Marleen , Kolijn Joep
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Mental health and well-being are under pressure because of the corona pandemic. Arts and psychomotor therapists said that they had almost no experience with working online, but despite the fact that they felt incapable, they were positive towards it.

Method: This qualitative action research was aimed at how arts and psychomotor therapists can become more skilled in offering online arts and psychomotor therapy and how they can methodically enlist the VR Health Experience (a virtual arts and psychomotor therapy space) in therapy. It is envisaged that the arts and psychomotor therapist could be telepresent in order to offer arts and psychomotor therapy remotely. In online training that made use of the Lean Startup Method, participants (n = 5) integrated their working knowledge with the VR Health Experience. The interventions were immediately tested by the participants and in practice. Participants were interviewed retrospectively and their experiences were thematically analysed.

Results: The VR Health Experience came forward as an innovative addition to the usual arts and psychomotor therapy. Often, clients were encouraged to play and experiment, and the VR world offered several options. The VR Health Experience lowered the threshold, expanded the training areas and held a great attraction for play.

Discussion: This project offered an innovative quality boost for arts and psychomotor therapy. Arts and psychomotor therapy have proven to be possible remotely via telepresence of the therapist. The therapist is present together with the client in the VR Health Experience, the virtual arts and psychomotor therapy space, where connectedness can be felt and new experiences can be gained. VR also offers further possibilities in arts and psychomotor therapy.
The Influence of Health Beliefs, of Resources, of Vaccination History, and of Health Anxiety on Intention to Accept COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Ştefănuţ Adelina Mihaela , Vintilă Mona , Tomiţă Mihaela , Treglia Eugenia , Lungu Monica Alina , Tomassoni Rosella
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate whether Health Belief Model constructs, personal resources, vaccination history and health anxiety exert an influence on vaccination intention. To achieve this end, we carried out a cross-sectional study of 432 people drawn from a convenience sample who answered an online questionnaire. Multiple logistical regressions showed that perception of the severity of the disease, of the benefits of being vaccinated, of barriers, and of cues to action, along with the freeness and accessibility of the vaccine and general vaccination history, are significant predictors regarding vaccination intention.
Brexanolone, a GABAA Modulator, in the Treatment of Postpartum Depression in Adults: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Edinoff Amber N. , Odisho Amira S. , Lewis Kendall , Kaskas Amir , Hunt Grace , Cornett Elyse M. , Kaye Alan D. , Kaye Adam , Morgan John , Barrilleaux P. Scott , Lewis David , Viswanath Omar , Urits Ivan
Published: September 2021

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the three major categories on the spectrum of postpartum psychiatric syndromes. Postpartum psychiatric syndromes are classified as either postpartum blues, postpartum depression, or postpartum psychosis. Postpartum depression is important to recognize clinically because of the effect it can have on the mother-child bond. The neurosteroid allopregnanolone, a progesterone derivative, is important for its role in positively modulating GABAA receptors. GABA-mediated signaling has been previously implicated in major depressive disorder. Allopregnanolone-mediated signaling has been identified as an important therapeutic target. Treatment with an allopregnanolone-analog, brexanolone, has been shown to improve depression scores in trials for the treatment of PPD. Brexanolone is a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA and is the first drug approved by the FDA to treat postpartum depression. Brexanolone enhances the inhibitory effects of GABAA, restores dysfunctional GABAA transmembrane channels, and mimics a naturally produced progesterone metabolite that fluctuates during pregnancy and postpartum. One open-label study and two phase two studies have some significant reduction in HAM-D scores after treatment and that the effect was still there 30 days post-treatment. Per the data reported, intravenous infusion of brexanolone could be efficacious and safe for the treatment of women suffering from postpartum depression.
Basic Reproduction Number of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease in the Major Endemic Areas of China: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Xu Honglv , Zhang Yi , Yuan Min , Ma Liya , Liu Meng , Gan Hong , Liu Wenwen , Lum Gillian Gianna Anne , Tao Fangbiao
Published: September 2021

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the latent class of basic reproduction number (R0) trends of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the major endemic areas of China.

Methods: The provinces that reported more than 500 cases of COVID-19 till February 18, 2020 were selected as the major endemic areas. The Verhulst model was used to fit the growth rate of cumulative confirmed cases. The R0 of COVID-19 was calculated using the parameters of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and COVID-19. The latent class of R0 was analyzed using the latent profile analysis (LPA) model.

Results: The median R0 calculated from the SARS and COVID-19 parameters were 1.84–3.18 and 1.74–2.91, respectively. The R0 calculated from the SARS parameters was greater than that calculated from the COVID-19 parameters (Z = −4.782 to −4.623, p < 0.01). Both R0 can be divided into three latent classes. The initial value of R0 in class 1 (Shandong Province, Sichuan Province, and Chongqing Municipality) was relatively low and decreased slowly. The initial value of R0 in class 2 (Anhui Province, Hunan Province, Jiangxi Province, Henan Province, Zhejiang Province, Guangdong Province, and Jiangsu Province) was relatively high and decreased rapidly. Moreover, the initial R0 value of class 3 (Hubei Province) was in the range between that of classes 1 and 2, but the higher R0 level lasted longer and decreased slowly.

Conclusion: The results indicated that the overall R0 trend is decreased with the strengthening of comprehensive prevention and control measures of China for COVID-19, however, there are regional differences.
Psychological Distress and Happiness of Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender People During the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic: Is There a Need for Public Health Policy Intervention?
Authors: Septarini Ni Wayan , Hendriks Jacqueline , Maycock Bruce , Burns Sharyn
Published: September 2021

Since the global onset of COVID-19 in early 2020, the disease has significantly impacted mental health. This impact is likely to be further exacerbated for groups who were already marginalized. This paper shares results from a broader study of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people in Bali, Indonesia and includes a focus on psychological distress and happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic; applying sociodemographic and epidemiological characteristics as potential mediators. Psychological distress and the level of happiness were measured by The Kessler Psychological Distress (K10) and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to September 2020. Of the 416 participants, complete data were available for 363 participants. The majority of participants were aged 26–40 years, currently single, were born outside Bali, were currently living in an urban area, and over one-third were living with HIV. While all were MSM, the majority identified as homosexual/tend to be homosexual (71.3%), however 54 (14.9%) identified themselves as heterosexual. The majority (251, 69.1%) reported moderate to very high psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The binary logistic regression analysis identified five factors to be significantly associated with higher psychological distress: being a student, reporting higher levels of stigma, had ever experienced discrimination, felt better prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and less happy than the average person. When homosexual were compared with heterosexual participants, those who identified themselves as being homosexual reported significantly lower psychological distress compared to those identified themselves as heterosexual, which may be associated with these participants not disclosing their status as MSM and the stigma around MSM. Those who considered themselves to be less happy than the average person (316, 87.1%) were more likely to live with a partner and to report moderate to very high psychological distress. Based on the findings, interventions should focus on strategies to reduce stigma, provide non-discriminatory services, and improve access to essential health services.
Let Me Take Over: Variable Autonomy for Meaningful Human Control
Authors: Methnani Leila , Aler Tubella Andrea , Dignum Virginia , Theodorou Andreas
Published: September 2021

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to expand its reach, the demand for human control and the development of AI systems that adhere to our legal, ethical, and social values also grows. Many (international and national) institutions have taken steps in this direction and published guidelines for the development and deployment of responsible AI systems. These guidelines, however, rely heavily on high-level statements that provide no clear criteria for system assessment, making the effective control over systems a challenge. “Human oversight” is one of the requirements being put forward as a means to support human autonomy and agency. In this paper, we argue that human presence alone does not meet this requirement and that such a misconception may limit the use of automation where it can otherwise provide so much benefit across industries. We therefore propose the development of systems with variable autonomy—dynamically adjustable levels of autonomy—as a means of ensuring meaningful human control over an artefact by satisfying all three core values commonly advocated in ethical guidelines: accountability, responsibility, and transparency.
Critically Examining the Person–Environment Relationship and Implications of Intersectionality for Participation in Children's Rehabilitation Services
Authors: Reitzel Meaghan , Letts Lori , Di Rezze Briano , Phoenix Michelle
Published: September 2021

Participation of children in rehabilitation services is associated with positive functional and developmental outcomes for children with disabilities. Participation in therapy is at risk when the personal and environmental contexts of a child create barriers to accessing services. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a framework for conceptualizing the personal and environmental factors linked to a child. However, it does not facilitate critical examination of the person–environment relationship and its impact on participation in children's rehabilitation. This perspective study proposes the use of intersectionality theory as a critical framework in complement with the ICF to examine the impact of systemic inequities on the participation in therapy for children with disabilities. Clinicians are called to be critical allies working alongside children and families to advocate for inclusive participation in children's rehabilitation by identifying and transforming systemic inequities in service delivery.
Challenging the Neo-Anthropocentric Relational Approach to Robot Rights
Authors: Sætra Henrik Skaug
Published: September 2021

When will it make sense to consider robots candidates for moral standing? Major disagreements exist between those who find that question important and those who do not, and also between those united in their willingness to pursue the question. I narrow in on the approach to robot rights called relationalism, and ask: if we provide robots moral standing based on how humans relate to them, are we moving past human chauvinism, or are we merely putting a new dress on it? The background for the article is the clash between those who argue that robot rights are possible and those who see a fight for robot rights as ludicrous, unthinkable, or just outright harmful and disruptive for humans. The latter group are by some branded human chauvinists and anthropocentric, and they are criticized and portrayed as backward, unjust, and ignorant of history. Relationalism, in contrast, purportedly opens the door for considering robot rights and moving past anthropocentrism. However, I argue that relationalism is, quite to the contrary, a form of neo-anthropocentrism that recenters human beings and their unique ontological properties, perceptions, and values. I do so by raising three objections: 1) relationalism centers human values and perspectives, 2) it is indirectly a type of properties-based approach, and 3) edge cases reveal potentially absurd implications in practice.
BepiColombo’s Cruise Phase: Unique Opportunity for Synergistic Observations
Authors: Hadid L. Z. , Génot V. , Aizawa S. , Milillo A. , Zender J. , Murakami G. , Benkhoff J. , Zouganelis I. , Alberti T. , André N. , Bebesi Z. , Califano F. , Dimmock A. P. , Dosa M. , Escoubet C. P. , Griton L. , Ho G. C. , Horbury T. S. , Iwai K. , Janvier M. , Kilpua E. , Lavraud B. , Madar A. , Miyoshi Y. , Müller D. , Pinto R. F. , Rouillard A. P. , Raines J. M. , Raouafi N. , Sahraoui F. , Sánchez-Cano B. , Shiota D. , Vainio R. , Walsh A.
Published: September 2021

The investigation of multi-spacecraft coordinated observations during the cruise phase of BepiColombo (ESA/JAXA) are reported, with a particular emphasis on the recently launched missions, Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) and Parker Solar Probe (NASA). Despite some payload constraints, many instruments onboard BepiColombo are operating during its cruise phase simultaneously covering a wide range of heliocentric distances (0.28 AU–0.5 AU). Hence, the various spacecraft configurations and the combined in-situ and remote sensing measurements from the different spacecraft, offer unique opportunities for BepiColombo to be part of these unprecedented multipoint synergistic observations and for potential scientific studies in the inner heliosphere, even before its orbit insertion around Mercury in December 2025. The main goal of this report is to present the coordinated observation opportunities during the cruise phase of BepiColombo (excluding the planetary flybys). We summarize the identified science topics, the operational instruments, the method we have used to identify the windows of opportunity and discuss the planning of joint observations in the future.
Achieving Food System Resilience Requires Challenging Dominant Land Property Regimes
Authors: Calo Adam , McKee Annie , Perrin Coline , Gasselin Pierre , McGreevy Steven , Sippel Sarah Ruth , Desmarais Annette Aurélie , Shields Kirsteen , Baysse-Lainé Adrien , Magnan André , Beingessner Naomi , Kobayashi Mai
Published: September 2021

Although evidence continues to indicate an urgent need to transition food systems away from industrialized monocultures and toward agroecological production, there is little sign of significant policy commitment toward food system transformation in global North geographies. The authors, a consortium of researchers studying the land-food nexus in global North geographies, argue that a key lock-in explaining the lack of reform arises from how most food system interventions work through dominant logics of property to achieve their goals of agroecological production. Doing so fails to recognize how land tenure systems, codified by law and performed by society, construct agricultural land use outcomes. In this perspective, the authors argue that achieving food system “resilience” requires urgent attention to the underlying property norms that drive land access regimes, especially where norms of property appear hegemonic. This paper first reviews research from political ecology, critical property law, and human geography to show how entrenched property relations in the global North frustrate the advancement of alternative models like food sovereignty and agroecology, and work to mediate acceptable forms of “sustainable agriculture.” Drawing on emerging cases of land tenure reform from the authors' collective experience working in Scotland, France, Australia, Canada, and Japan, we next observe how contesting dominant logics of property creates space to forge deep and equitable food system transformation. Equally, these cases demonstrate how powerful actors in the food system attempt to leverage legal and cultural norms of property to legitimize their control over the resources that drive agricultural production. Our formulation suggests that visions for food system “resilience” must embrace the reform of property relations as much as it does diversified farming practices. This work calls for a joint cultural and legal reimagination of our relation to land in places where property functions as an epistemic and apex entitlement.
Individual Monitoring of Behavior to Enhance Productivity and Welfare of Animals in Small-Scale Intensive Cattle Grazing Systems
Authors: Anzai Hiroki , Hirata Masahiko
Published: September 2021

To enhance productivity and welfare of individual animals maintained as a group, management based on individual behavioral tendencies is essential, which requires individual monitoring of animal behavior. Several behavior monitoring systems are currently available to livestock producers. The data obtained from these systems are analyzed to detect significantly high or low frequencies or intensities of behavior associated with estrus, calving and poor health conditions based on thresholds or past trends of the monitored individual. However, because behavior under grazing is more complex and changeable than under confinement, behavioral symptoms are more difficult to detect, and on-farm monitoring of individual animal behavior has been less validated and utilized in grazing systems. Nevertheless, individual monitoring of all animals in a herd is more feasible and cost-effective in small-scale intensive grazing systems because these systems pursue high productivity at the individual level with smaller herd size than large-scale extensive systems. Individually tailored management to enhance productivity and welfare will be possible by focusing on inter-individual differences in behavior within a herd. Behavior of an individual can be analyzed and understood in more detail by comparing it with those of the herd mates. Higher or lower levels of specific activities than the other animals can be associated with health disorders, temporal changes in physiological states, or productivity- or welfare-related traits. More sensitive monitoring and detection of behavioral responses of individuals to changes in nutritional, physical and social environments will lead to more efficient and welfare-conscious management that better meets the needs of individuals.
Percutaneous Mechanical Atherectomy Plus Thrombectomy Using the Rotarex®S Device Followed by a Drug-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Femoropopliteal Artery In-stent Restenosis: A Prospective Single-Center, Single-Arm Efficacy Trial (PERMIT-ISR Trial)
Authors: Liu Ming-Yuan , Li Wenrui , Guo Xiaobo , Zhang Zhiwen , Liu Bin , Yu Hongzhi , Zhang Zhe , Chen Xueming , Feng Hai
Published: September 2021

Background: Studies investigating debulking devices with drug-coated balloons (DCBs) in the treatment of femoropopliteal (FP) artery in-stent restenosis (ISR) are limited. We aimed to evaluate the safety and midterm outcome of percutaneous mechanical atherectomy plus thrombectomy (MATH) using the Rotarex®S (Straub Medical, Wangs, Switzerland) catheter followed by a DCB in the treatment of FP-ISR.

Methods: This study was a single-center single-arm trial. Patients with symptomatic (Rutherford category 2–5) de novo restenosis lesions of FP-ISR were treated with MATH and subsequent DCB. From June 2016 to May 2018, 59 patients with FP-ISR were enrolled. The primary endpoint was target lesion revascularization (TLR) and changes in the Rutherford category of the target limb at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included primary and secondary patency at 12 months, technical success rate, major adverse events, and ankle-brachial index (ABI). Risk factors for TLR were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard model.

Results: The average follow-up time was 33 ± 8 months. The rate of technical success was 88.1% (52/59). Nine patients received bailout stenting. The rate of freedom from TLR was 84.7% (50/59) at 1 year, the Rutherford category changed at 12 months were significantly improved from baseline (p < 0.01). The primary patency rates and the secondary patency at the 12-month follow-ups were 82.5 and 92.5%, respectively. The ABI changed at 12 months were significantly improved from baseline (p < 0.01). Global limb anatomic staging system (GLASS) classification III [hazard ratio (HR) 18.44, 95% CI (1.57–215.99), p = 0.020] and postoperative Rutherford classification ≥4 [HR 8.28, 95% CI (1.85–37.06), p = 0.006] were identified as independent predictors of TLR.

Conclusion: Our preliminary data suggested that MATH using a Rotarex®S catheter combined with DCB angioplasty is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective treatment for FP-ISR with favorable, immediate, and midterm outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier [ChiCTR2000041380].
Development and Formative Evaluation of a Low-Fidelity Equine Castration Model for Veterinary Education
Authors: Sheats M. Katie , Burke Megan J. , Robertson James B. , Fiebrandt Katherine E. , Fogle Callie A.
Published: September 2021

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are units of activity that early-stage professionals perform in the workplace that necessitate simultaneous integration of multiple competencies. EPA #6 requires students to perform a common surgical procedure on a stable patient, including pre-operative and post-operative management. Castration is one of the most common surgeries performed by equine primary care practitioners and is considered an “entry-level competency” for veterinary graduates entering equine private practice, however, to our knowledge there are no equine castration models available for veterinary student education. Therefore, we developed an inexpensive, low-fidelity model of equine field castration and evaluated it using a mixed-methods approach. Two different groups of students, with or without model experience, completed surveys before and after live horse castration. Students who used the model also completed model specific surveys. Videos of the students completing the model were evaluated by at least two different equine veterinary faculty using a 15-point rubric, and inter-rater reliability of the rubric was determined. After completing the model, students reflected on strengths and weaknesses of their performance. From our student survey results, we determined that student attitudes toward the model were mostly positive. Interestingly, there were several student attitudes toward the model that became significantly more favorable after live horse castration. Prior to live horse castration, there was no significant difference in confidence in model vs. no-model groups. Following live horse castration, students who used the model had higher confidence in procedure preparation and hand-ties than students who did not use the model, but they had lower scores for confidence during patient recovery. When reflecting on model castration, students most commonly cited preparation and surgical description as strengths, and ligature placement and hand-ties as weaknesses. Experts provided several suggestions to improve the model, including incorporation of emasculators and the need for better model stabilization. Our findings suggest that both students and veterinary educators feel that this low-fidelity model has educational value. Rubric performance metrics were favorable, but additional steps are needed to improve grading consistency among educators. Future research will determine whether student performance on the model is predictive of competence score during live-horse castration.
Preparation Technique Affects Recipient Immune Targeting of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Rowland Aileen L. , Burns Madison E. , Levine Gwendolyn J. , Watts Ashlee E.
Published: September 2021

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is used for MSC preparation in pre-clinical animal models and veterinary applications, recently in US clinical trials, and for MSC products with current foreign market authorizations. The effect of anti-bovine titers, which are common in animals and humans, has not been investigated. In the equine model, where anti-bovine titers are universally high due to routine vaccination, we evaluated the recipient immune response to autologous MSCs prepared with and without FBS. Preparation of MSCs with FBS resulted in post injection inflammation and antibody mediated cytotoxicity of MSCs when compared to MSCs prepared without FBS. Importantly, synovial MSC concentrations were reduced and LPS induced pain was higher, when FBS was used to prepare MSCs, demonstrating reduced efficacy of FBS prepared MSCs. Fetal bovine serum should no longer be utilized for MSC preparation in pre-clinical study, clinical study, or veterinary applications. The use of FBS in previously reported studies, and in MSC therapeutics with current foreign market authorization, should be considered when interpreting results.
Case Report: Successful Treatment of Sarcoptic Mange in European Camelids
Authors: Deak Georgiana , Moroni Barbara , Boncea Ana Maria , Rambozzi Luisa , Rossi Luca , Mihalca Andrei Daniel
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Members of the Camelidae family are very adaptable mammals, originating from South America. More recently, they have become popular in Europe as pets or wool production farm animals. Their dermatological problems refer mainly to mange, of which sarcoptic mange represent the most clinically relevant form. There is a wide range of molecules effective against sarcoptic mange, but the treatment is very challenging due to the lack of efficiency and absorption.

Methods: Two cases from two different animal populations were described. A female alpaca from Romania with dermatological problems on the ears and two adult llamas, from Italy, both with intense pruritus. Combined treatment with amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin was administered for the alpaca, and 2% moxidectin was given to the llamas.

Results: In both cases, the mites were morphologically identified as Sarcoptes scabiei. For the alpaca, negative scrapings were found only after 8 weeks of combined treatment. For the llamas, after four doses of subcutaneous moxidectin, no mites were detected in scrapings and lively hair regrowth of previously alopecic areas was visible.

Conclusion: This paper aimed to present two clinical scenarios of sarcoptic mange in camelids, successfully treated with a combination of ectocides (topical amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin) and 2% subcutaneous moxidectin, respectively.
Tourism Advertising in Times of Crisis: The Case of Spain and COVID-19
Authors: Martín-Critikián Davinia , Rodríguez-Terceño José , Gonzálvez-Vallés Juan Enrique , Viñarás-Abad Mónica
Published: September 2021

The paralysis of tourist activity during the closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic makes the communicative management of the crisis essential, especially for a country as reliant on tourism as Spain. The purpose of this research is to understand the values on which the communicative campaigns disseminated during and at the end of the “state of alarm” are built by applying an analysis based on those proposed by several authors focused on brand aspects, transmitters, persuasive and communicative elements, coherence, communicative objectives, and messages. The results show the existence of a national dialogue from the local and regional to the state level that aims to reinforce the image of the country and its main tourist demands while seeking to raise awareness (promise of consumption), through a message of hope, recovery, health, but also of enjoying the life associated with the tourist pleasures that Spain offers.