bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abundance and Trends of Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) in Hong Kong Waters, 1996–2019
Authors: Jefferson Thomas A. , Moore Jeffrey E.
Published: December 2020

The Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) occurs year-round in waters of southern and eastern Hong Kong. The population biology of the population was studied in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but has not been examined recently. There are several threats facing the animals, and there has been recent concern about this species’ status, due to an increase in the number of strandings in Hong Kong. Line-transect surveys using medium-size vessels have been conducted for small cetaceans in most of Hong Kong’s waters since 1996. We examined the density and abundance of finless porpoises in this area, using a Bayesian hierarchical framework, consisting of a Markov process model used to describe population dynamics and a distance-sampling observation model that links the line-transect data to the latent biological process. Time-series analyses for both dry- and wet-season data from 1996 to 2019 showed annual fluctuations in abundance indices, but no evidence of a significant long-term trend in finless porpoise abundance in Hong Kong. This indicates that the increase in strandings may be related to some factor other than changing population size of Hong Kong finless porpoises. In 2019, there were approximately 176 finless porpoises in Hong Kong’s waters in the dry season (winter/spring), the season of highest use. Highest densities (0.535 porpoises/km2) were recorded in South Lantau in the dry season. Based on the results of the current study, we recommend further survey work, improvements in data collection, possible tagging and molecular work to elucidate population structure, cumulative impact assessment, and the establishment of several marine parks for the conservation of finless porpoises in Hong Kong.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Burnout on Cardiovascular Risk in Healthcare Professionals Study Protocol: A Multicenter Exploratory Longitudinal Study
Authors: Al Tunaiji Hashel , Al Qubaisi Mai , Dalkilinc Murat , Campos Luciana Aparecida , Ugwuoke Nnamdi Valbosco , Alefishat Eman , Aloum Lujain , Ross Ramzy , Almahmeed Wael , Baltatu Ovidiu Constantin
Published: December 2020

Introduction:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created new and unpredictable challenges for healthcare systems. Healthcare professionals are heavily affected by this rapidly changing situation, especially frontline healthcare professionals who are directly engaged in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with COVID-19 and may experience psychological burdens. The objective of this study is to explore the evolution of psychosocial, cardiovascular, and immune markers in healthcare professionals with different levels of exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods and Analysis:This is a STROBE compliant, blended, exploratory study involving online and onsite approaches that use wearable monitoring. A planned random probability sample of residents, staff physicians, nurses, and auxiliary healthcare professionals will be recruited. The study sample will be stratified by exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a first step, recruitment will be conducted online, with e-consent and using e-surveys with Maslach Burnout Inventory, Fuster-BEWAT score, and sociodemographic characteristics. Onsite visits will be planned for the second step where participants will receive a wearable setup that will measure heart rate, actimetry, and sleep quality monitoring, which will be used together with blood sampling for immune biomarkers. Steps 1 and 2 will then be repeated at 2–3 months, and 6 months. Power BI and Tableau will be used for data visualization, while front-end data capture will be used for data collection using specific survey/questionnaires, which will enable data linkage between e-surveys, internet of things wearable devices, and clinical laboratory data.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT04422418
The Need for Antiviral Drugs for Pandemic Coronaviruses From a Global Health Perspective
Authors: Villamagna Angela Holly , Gore Sara J. , Lewis James S. , Doggett J. Stone
Published: December 2020

Respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 has caused widespread mortality, creating an urgent need for effective treatments and a long-term need for antivirals for future emergent coronaviruses. Pharmacotherapy for respiratory viruses has largely been unsuccessful with the exception of early treatment of influenza viruses, which shortens symptom duration and prevents infection in close contacts. Under the rapidly evolving circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, most clinical trials of experimental treatments in the United States have focused on later stages of the disease process. Worldwide, the clinical studies of the most impactful drugs, remdesivir and dexamethasone in ACTT-1, RECOVERY, and Solidarity, have studied hospitalized patients. Less than half of clinical trials in the U.S. have investigated oral agents, and the majority have taken place in hospitals at a disease stage where the viral load is already decreasing. The limited success of treatments for respiratory viruses and the viral dynamics of COVID-19 suggest that an antiviral therapy with the greatest impact against pandemic coronaviruses would be orally administered, well-tolerated, target a highly conserved viral protein or host-coronavirus interaction and could be used effectively throughout the world, including resource-poor settings. We examine the treatment of respiratory viral infections and current clinical trials for COVID-19 to provide a framework for effective antiviral therapy and prevention of future emergent coronaviruses and call attention to the need for continued preclinical drug discovery.
Optimizing Kidney Replacement Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic Across a Complex Healthcare System
Authors: Akomeah Jane , Apostol Aljenica , Barnes Esteen , Charytan Chaim , Enriquez Uvannie , Katikaneni Madhavi , Liu Frank , Messina Albert , Neelakantappa Kotresha , Radhakrishnan Jai , Raichoudhury Ritesh , Ramakrishnan Ramya , Saboor Sadia , Sapozhnikova Alina , Silberzweig Jeffrey , Stevens Jacob S. , Tanzi-Pfeifer Susan , Tutone Jennifer , Srivatana Vesh
Published: December 2020

The unprecedented surge of nephrology inpatients needing kidney replacement therapy placed hospital systems under extreme stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we describe the formation of a cross campus “New-York Presbyterian COVID-19 Kidney Replacement Therapy Task Force” with intercampus physician, nursing, and supply chain representation. We describe several strategies including the development of novel dashboards to track supply/demand of resources, urgent start peritoneal dialysis, in-house preparation of kidney replacement fluid, the use of unconventional personnel resources to ensure the safe and continued provision of kidney replacement therapy in the face of the unanticipated surge. These approaches facilitated equitable sharing of resources across a complex healthcare-system and allowed for the rapid implementation of standardized protocols at each hospital.
Recent Advances in Aptamer-Based Biosensors for Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Zheng Xin , Gao Shunxiang , Wu Jihong , Hu Xiaobo
Published: December 2020

Increasing concerns about nosocomial infection, food and environmental safety have prompted the development of rapid, accurate, specific and ultrasensitive methods for the early detection of critical pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common pathogens that cause infection. It is ubiquitous in nature, being found in water, soil, and food, and poses a great threat to public health. The conventional detection technologies are either time consuming or readily produce false positive/negative results, which makes them unsuitable for early diagnosis and spot detection of P. aeruginosa. To circumvent these drawbacks, many efforts have been made to develop biosensors using aptamers as bio-recognition elements. Various aptamer-based biosensors for clinical diagnostics, food, and environmental monitoring of P. aeruginosa have been developed in recent years. In this review, we focus on the latest advances in aptamer-based biosensors for detection of P. aeruginosa. Representative biosensors are outlined according to their sensing mechanisms, which include optical, electrochemical and other signal transduction methods. Possible future trends in aptamer biosensors for pathogen detection are also outlined.
Monascus sanguineus May Be a Natural Nothospecies
Authors: He Yatao , Liu Junlin , Chen Qian , Gan Senning , Sun Ting , Huo Shengdong
Published: December 2020

The genus Monascus has important economic and ecological values. In 2016, we isolated a strain M. sanguineus. After studying the phylogenetic relationship of Monascus, we believe that M. sanguineus is an independent species and speculate that it is a natural nothospecies. Recently, the morphological characteristics and sequences of seven genes (ITS, LSU, β-tubulin, calmodulin, RNA polymerase II subunit, β-ketoacyl synthase, and mating-type locus 1-1) of 15 Monascus strains were analyzed, including sequencing of multiple clones of five protein genes in four M. sanguineus strains. Two types of haplotypes (A and B) were observed in the five protein genes of M. sanguineus. Haplotype A was closely related to M. ruber, and haplotype B may be derived from an unknown Monascus species. The results demonstrated that M. sanguineus including type strains may be a natural nothospecies. This study laid the foundation for further exploration of the M. sanguineus genome, and the study may be of significant importance for the Monascus fermentation industry.
Cellular and Synaptic Mechanisms That Differentiate Mitral Cells and Superficial Tufted Cells Into Parallel Output Channels in the Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Jones Shelly , Zylberberg Joel , Schoppa Nathan
Published: December 2020

A common feature of the primary processing structures of sensory systems is the presence of parallel output “channels” that convey different information about a stimulus. In the mammalian olfactory bulb, this is reflected in the mitral cells (MCs) and tufted cells (TCs) that have differing sensitivities to odors, with TCs being more sensitive than MCs. In this study, we examined potential mechanisms underlying the different responses of MCs vs. TCs. For TCs, we focused on superficial TCs (sTCs), which are a population of output TCs that reside in the superficial-most portion of the external plexiform layer, along with external tufted cells (eTCs), which are glutamatergic interneurons in the glomerular layer. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in mouse bulb slices, we first measured excitatory currents in MCs, sTCs, and eTCs following olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) stimulation, separating the responses into a fast, monosynaptic component reflecting direct inputs from OSNs and a prolonged component partially reflecting eTC-mediated feedforward excitation. Responses were measured to a wide range of OSN stimulation intensities, simulating the different levels of OSN activity that would be expected to be produced by varying odor concentrationsin vivo. Over a range of stimulation intensities, we found that the monosynaptic current varied significantly between the cell types, in the order of eTC > sTC > MC. The prolonged component was smaller in sTCs vs. both MCs and eTCs. sTCs also had much higher whole-cell input resistances than MCs, reflecting their smaller size and greater membrane resistivity. To evaluate how these different electrophysiological aspects contributed to spiking of the output MCs and sTCs, we used computational modeling. By exchanging the different cell properties in our modeled MCs and sTCs, we could evaluate each property's contribution to spiking differences between these cell types. This analysis suggested that the higher sensitivity of spiking in sTCs vs. MCs reflected both their larger monosynaptic OSN signal as well as their higher input resistance, while their smaller prolonged currents had a modest opposing effect. Taken together, our results indicate that both synaptic and intrinsic cellular features contribute to the production of parallel output channels in the olfactory bulb.
A Prospective Observational Registry of Repository Corticotropin Injection (Acthar® Gel) for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis Relapse
Authors: Kaplan Jeffrey , Miller Tamara , Baker Matthew , Due Bryan , Zhao Enxu
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose: Effective relapse treatment is critical for minimizing disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Repository corticotropin injection (RCI; Acthar® Gel) has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of MS exacerbations. However, there is limited real-world evidence available regarding the relationship between the use of RCI for MS relapses and patient demographics, disease characteristics, and dosing regimens. In this multicenter, prospective, observational registry, patients receiving RCI for acute MS relapse were characterized, and recovery and safety outcomes were described.

Methods: Patients were invited by their treating clinician to participate in the registry during a routine care visit. The decision to initiate RCI occurred before determination of study eligibility. All treatment decisions were made at the discretion of the patient's health care provider and were not mandated by the study design or protocol. Each enrolled patient was followed for up to 24 Months or until the date of study termination. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in MS Impact Scale Version 1 (MSIS-29v1) physical subscale scores at Month 2. Additional assessments included the MSIS-29v1 psychological subscale, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: MS (WPAI:MS), and Health Resource Utilization (HRU) questionnaire.

Results: Of 145 patients enrolled, 82 (56.6%) completed 24 Months of follow-up. Mean MSIS-29v1 physical subscale scores improved at 2 Months (−8.0; P = 0.0002) and 6 Months (−9.6; P < 0.0001). Mean MSIS-29v1 psychological subscale scores also improved at 2 Months (−7.9; P = 0.0040) and 6 Months (−9.9; P = 0.0012). Mean EDSS scores improved at 2 Months (−0.4; P < 0.0001) and 6 Months (−0.5; P < 0.0001). CGI-I scores indicated improvement in 63.4% of 71 patients at 2 Months and 61.4% of 57 patients at 6 Months (both P < 0.0001). Improvements on the WPAI:MS activity impairment domain (P < 0.001) and reductions in outpatient, specialist, and emergency department visits were observed at 2 and 6 Months. A total of 35 (28.0%) patients reported 83 adverse events; 11 (8.8%) patients reported 16 serious adverse events.

Conclusions: This observational study found significant improvements in MS assessment scores after RCI treatment and supports the efficacy and tolerability of RCI for MS relapse.

Clinical Trial Registration: This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT02633033.
Hematopoeitic Cell Transplantation and CAR T-Cell Therapy: Complements or Competitors?
Authors: Goldsmith Scott R. , Ghobadi Armin , DiPersio John F.
Published: December 2020

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) and chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy are the main modalities of adoptive cellular immunotherapy that have widely permeated the clinical space. The advent of both technologies revolutionized treatment of many hematologic malignancies, both offering the chance at sustained remissions for patients who would otherwise invariably succumb to their diseases. The understanding and exploitation of the nonspecific alloreactivity of allo-HCT and the graft-versus-tumor effect is contrasted by the genetically engineered precision of CAR T therapy. Historically, those with relapsed and refractory hematologic malignancies have often been considered for allo-HCT, although outcomes vary dramatically and are associated with potential acute and chronic toxicities. Such patients, mainly with B-lymphoid malignancies, may now be offered CAR T therapy. Yet, a lack of prospective data to guide decisions thereafter requires individualized approaches on whether to proceed to allo-HCT or observe. The continued innovations to make CAR T therapy more effective and accessible will continue to alter such approaches, but similar innovations in allo-HCT will likely result in similarly improved clinical outcomes. In this review, we describe the history of the two platforms, dissect the clinical indications emphasizing their intertwining and competitive roles described in trials and practice guidelines, and highlight innovations in which they complement or inform one another.
Adiponectin Interacts In-Vitro With Cementoblasts Influencing Cell Migration, Proliferation and Cementogenesis Partly Through the MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yong Jiawen , von Bremen Julia , Ruiz-Heiland Gisela , Ruf Sabine
Published: December 2020

Current clinical evidences suggest that circulating Adipokines such as Adiponectin can influence the ratio of orthodontic tooth movement. We aimed to investigate the effect that Adiponectin has on cementoblasts (OCCM-30) and on the intracellular signaling molecules of Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). We demonstrated that OCCM-30 cells express AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. Alizarin Red S staining revealed that Adiponectin increases mineralized nodule formation and quantitative AP activity in a dose-dependent manner. Adiponectin up-regulates the mRNA levels of AP, BSP, OCN, OPG, Runx-2 as well as F-Spondin. Adiponectin also increases the migration and proliferation of OCCM-30 cells. Moreover, Adiponectin induces a transient activation of JNK, P38, ERK1/2 and promotes the phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3. The activation of Adiponectin-mediated migration and proliferation was attenuated after pharmacological inhibition of P38, ERK1/2 and JNK in different degrees, whereas mineralization was facilitated by MAPK inhibition in varying degrees. Based on our results, Adiponectin favorably affect OCCM-30 cell migration, proliferation as well as cementogenesis. One of the underlying mechanisms is the activation of MAPK signaling pathway.
Investigation of PolyVinyl Chloride Plastisol Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms for MR- and Ultrasound-Elastography
Authors: Chatelin Simon , Breton Elodie , Arulrajah Ajeethan , Giraudeau Céline , Wach Benoit , Meylheuc Laurence , Vappou Jonathan
Published: December 2020

Objective: Realistic tissue-mimicking phantoms are essential for the development, the investigation and the calibration of medical imaging techniques and protocols. Because it requires taking both mechanical and imaging properties into account, the development of robust, calibrated phantoms is a major challenge in elastography. Soft polyvinyl chloride gels in a liquid plasticizer (plastisol or PVCP) have been proposed as soft tissue-mimicking phantoms (TMP) for elasticity imaging. PVCP phantoms are relatively low-cost and can be easily stored over long time periods without any specific requirements. In this work, the preparation of a PVCP gel phantom for both MR and ultrasound-elastography is proposed and its acoustic, NMR and mechanical properties are studied.

Materials and methods: The acoustic and magnetic resonance imaging properties of PVCP are measured for different mass ratios between ultrasound speckle particles and PVCP solution, and between resin and plasticizer. The linear mechanical properties of plastisol samples are then investigated over time using not only indentation tests, but also MR and ultrasound-elastography clinical protocols. These properties are compared to typical values reported for biological soft tissues and to the values found in the literature for PVCP gels.

Results and conclusions: After a period of two weeks, the mechanical properties of the plastisol samples measured with indentation testing are stable for at least the following 4 weeks (end of follow-up period 43 days after gelation-fusion). Neither the mechanical nor the NMR properties of plastisol gels were found to be affected by the addition of cellulose as acoustic speckle. Mechanical properties of the proposed gels were successfully characterized by clinical, commercially-available MR Elastography and sonoelastography protocols. PVCP with a mass ratio of ultrasound speckle particles of 0.6%–0.8% and a mass ratio between resin and plasticizer between 50 and 70% appears as a good TMP candidate that can be used with both MR and ultrasound-based elastography methods.
Microbial Inoculation for Productivity Improvements and Potential Biological Control in Sugar Beet Crops
Authors: Sacristán-Pérez-Minayo Gonzalo , López-Robles Domingo Javier , Rad Carlos , Miranda-Barroso Luis
Published: December 2020

Used mainly for sucrose production, sugar beet is one of the most important crops in Castilla y León (Spain). Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of microorganisms in different crop management programs, among which Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). This research aims to assess the beneficial effects of two PGPRs strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1 and Pseudomonas chlororaphis CECT 462) on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) production. Three treatments: a PGPRs co-inoculation assay of untreated seeds without any chemical treatment (TB), a conventional treatment with commercial seeds and fungicide application (TT); and a control with seeds without protective coating, bacterial inoculation and chemical treatment (ST). The efficacy of PGPRs inoculation on sugar beet production was determined measuring periodically the photosynthetic status of plants, and the final yield and quality of tubers. Aerial and root plant biomass, maximum beet perimeter, polarization, and sugar values of the sugar beet plants inoculated with PGPRs showed higher values and significant differences to sugar beet subjected to other treatments. We could see that PGPRs inoculation (TB treatment) produced significant differences in the quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII). TB showed the highest value for ΦPSII and the NPQ (non-photochemical quenching), the lowest value, even though the PSII (maximum quantum yield of photosystem II) was very similar in all treatments. The two assayed PGPR strains triggered a significant increase in sugar beet production yield and quality. PGPRs inoculation techniques could be used in different crops and they could be applied as biofertilizers, improving the agricultural production.
Maternal Anxiety Symptoms and Self-Regulation Capacity Are Associated With the Unpredictability of Maternal Sensory Signals in Caregiving Behavior
Authors: Holmberg Eeva , Teppola Taija , Pajulo Marjukka , Davis Elysia Poggi , Nolvi Saara , Kataja Eeva-Leena , Sinervä Eija , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Korja Riikka
Published: December 2020

The unpredictability of maternal sensory signals in caregiving behavior has been recently found to be linked with infant neurodevelopment. The research area is new, and very little is yet known, how maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms and specific parental characteristics relate to the unpredictable maternal care. The aims of the current study were to explore how pre- and postnatal maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms and self-regulation capacity associate with the unpredictability of maternal sensory signals. The study population consisted of 177 mother-infant dyads. The unpredictability of the maternal sensory signals was explored from the video-recorded mother-infant free play situation when the infant was 8 months of age. Pre- and postnatal anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured by questionnaires prenatally at gwks 14, 24, 34, and 3 and 6 months postpartum. Maternal self-regulation capacity, a trait considered to be stable in adulthood, was assessed using adult temperament questionnaire when the infant was 12 months of age. We found that elevated prenatal maternal anxiety symptoms associated with higher unpredictability in the maternal care while depressive symptoms were unrelated to the unpredictability of maternal care. Moreover, the association was moderated by maternal self-regulation capacity, as higher anxiety symptoms during pre-and postnatal period were associated more unpredictability among the mothers with low self-regulation capacity. The combination of higher amount of maternal anxiety symptoms and lower self-regulation capacity seems to constitute specific risk for the unpredictable maternal care.
Neuropsychological Subgroups of Emotion Processing in Youths With Conduct Disorder
Authors: Kohls Gregor , Fairchild Graeme , Bernhard Anka , Martinelli Anne , Smaragdi Areti , Gonzalez-Madruga Karen , Wells Amy , Rogers Jack C. , Pauli Ruth , Oldenhof Helena , Jansen Lucres , Rhijn Arthur van , Kersten Linda , Alfano Janine , Baumann Sarah , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Vetro Agnes , Lazaratou Helen , Hervas Amaia , Fernández-Rivas Aranzazu , Popma Arne , Stadler Christina , De Brito Stephane A. , Freitag Christine M. , Konrad Kerstin
Published: December 2020

Background: At the group level, youths with conduct disorder (CD) show deficient emotion processing across various tasks compared to typically developing controls (TDC). But little is known about neuropsychological subgroups within the CD population, the clinical correlates of emotion processing deficits [for instance, with regard to the presence or absence of the DSM-5 Limited Prosocial Emotions (LPE) specifier], and associated risk factors.

Methods: 542 children and adolescents with CD (317 girls) and 710 TDCs (479 girls), aged 9–18 years, were included from the FemNAT-CD multisite study. All participants completed three neuropsychological tasks assessing emotion recognition, emotion learning, and emotion regulation. We used a self-report measure of callous-unemotional traits to create a proxy for the LPE specifier.

Results: Relative to TDCs, youths with CD as a group performed worse in all three emotion domains. But using clinically based cut-off scores, we found poor emotion recognition skills in only 23% of the participants with CD, followed by emotion regulation deficits in 18%, and emotion learning deficits in 13% of the CD group. Critically, the majority of youths with CD (~56%) did not demonstrate any meaningful neuropsychological deficit, and only a very small proportion showed pervasive deficits across all three domains (~1%). Further analyses indicate that established DSM-5 subtypes of CD are not tightly linked to neurocognitive deficits in one particular emotion domain over another (i.e., emotion recognition deficits in CD+LPE vs. emotion regulation deficits in CD–LPE).

Conclusions: Findings from this large-scale data set suggest substantial neuropsychological diversity in emotion processing in the CD population and, consequently, only a subgroup of youths with CD are likely to benefit from additional behavioral interventions specifically targeting emotion processing mechanisms.
Everyday Walking Among Older Adults and the Neighborhood Built Environment: A Comparison Between Two Cities in North America
Authors: Herbolsheimer Florian , Mahmood Atiya , Michael Yvonne L. , Chaudhury Habib
Published: December 2020

A walkable neighborhood becomes particularly important for older adults for whom physical activity and active transportation are critical for healthy aging-in-place. For many older adults, regular walking takes place in the neighborhood and is the primary mode of mobility. This study took place in eight neighborhoods in Metro Portland (USA) and Metro Vancouver (Canada), examining older adults' walking behavior and neighborhood built environmental features. Older adults reported walking for recreation and transport in a cross-sectional telephone survey. Information on physical activity was combined with audits of 355 street segments using the Senior Walking Environmental Audit Tool-Revised (SWEAT-R). Multi-level regression models examined the relationship between built environmental characteristics and walking for transport or recreation. Older adults [N = 434, mean age: 71.6 (SD = 8.1)] walked more for transport in high-density neighborhoods and in Metro Vancouver compared to Metro Portland (M = 12.8 vs. M = 2.2 min/day; p < 0.001). No relationship was found between population density and walking for recreation. Older adults spent more time walking for transport if pedestrian crossing were present (p = 0.037) and if parks or outdoor fitness amenities were available (p = 0.022). The immediate neighborhood built environment supports walking for transport in older adults. Comparing two similar metropolitan areas highlighted that high population density is necessary, yet not a sufficient condition for walking in the neighborhood.
Implementing Organizational WHP Into Practice: Obstructing Paradoxes in the Alignment and Distribution of Empowerment
Authors: Skagert Katrin , Dellve Lotta
Published: December 2020

Background: According to policy and theory, there is need for organizational workplace health promotion (WHP) to strengthen working conditions for all employees. However, earlier studies show it is hard to implement in practice. The aim was to critically analyze and identify interacting mechanisms and obstacles behind failures of organizational WHP projects from system perspectives.

Methods: A holistic case study was performed, to critically analyze data from an organizational WHP project approach at a public health care organization. The qualitative data was collected over 5 years and included interviews with key actors (n = 80), focus groups (n = 59 managers), structured observations (n = 250 hours), continuous field observations and documents (n = 180). Questionnaires to employees (n = 2,974) and managers (n = 140) was complementing the qualitative-driven mixed method approach.

Results: The analysis shows obstructing paradoxes of alignment and distribution of empowerment during the process of implementation into practice. The obstacles were interacting over system levels and were identified as: Governance by logics of distancing and detaching, No binding regulation of WHP, Separated responsibility of results, Narrow focus on delegated responsibilities, Store-fronting a strategic model, Keeping poor organizational preconditions and support for developments and Isolate WHP from other organizational developments.

Conclusions: The following premises can be formulated regarding successful organizational WHP programs. Consider (1) the uncertainty a distributed empowerment to all system levels may create; (2) the distributed impact to define the target and allow broader areas to be included in WHP; and (3) the integration into other development processes and not reducing the organizational WHP to the form of a project.
Transformation of Malignant Melanoma From Giant Nevus in Infantile Penis
Authors: Lee Dong Hwan , Kim Min Ji , Lee Il Jae , Park Dong Ha
Published: December 2020

Background: Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and its incidence rate increases with age. Malignant melanoma in infants has been rarely reported in the literature. Herein, we report a case of malignant transformation of a nodular lesion found in the penis of a patient with a giant congenital nevus.

Case presentation: A 1-month-old male patient was admitted due to the presence of a giant congenital nevus involving the lower abdomen, bilateral inguinal areas, genitals, and left thigh and knee. Six months later, nodules measuring 1 cm in diameter protruding from the genital area were noted, and a part of the nodule was removed via elliptical excision with the patient under general anesthesia. Gross examination showed an edematous lesion similar to a neurofibroma and with unclear boundaries. Biopsy revealed a malignant melanoma, with a Breslow thickness of at least 3 mm, and absence of lymphovascular invasion; the biopsy confirmed incomplete excision. The patient was scheduled for radical resection, but reconstruction was not performed following surgical resection due to the guardian's refusal. Hence, the patient only received an adjuvant medical treatment and eventually died.

Conclusion: We reported a rare case of an infant with a malignant melanoma in the penis. Congenital malignant melanoma rarely occurs in infants; however, due to its fatal consequences, follow-up should be performed to assess for malignant changes.
Advanced Materials and Technologies for Compressor Blades of Small Turbofan Engines
Authors: Pavlenko Dmytro , Dvirnyk Yaroslav , Przysowa Radoslaw
Published: December 2020

Manufacturing costs, along with operational performance, are among the major factors determining the selection of the propulsion system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), especially for aerial targets and cruise missiles. In this paper, the design requirements and operating parameters of small turbofan engines for single-use and reusable UAVs are analysed to introduce alternative materials and technologies for manufacturing their compressor blades, such as sintered titanium, a new generation of aluminium alloys and titanium aluminides. To assess the influence of severe plastic deformation (SPD) on the hardening efficiency of the proposed materials, the alloys with the coarse-grained and submicrocrystalline structure were studied. Changes in the physical and mechanical properties of materials were taken into account. The thermodynamic analysis of the compressor was performed in a finite element analysis system (ANSYS) to determine the impact of gas pressure and temperature on the aerodynamic surfaces of compressor blades of all stages. Based on thermal and structural analysis, the stress and temperature maps on compressor blades and vanes were obtained, taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of advanced materials and technologies of their processing. The safety factors of the components were established based on the assessment of their stress-strength characteristics. Thanks to nomograms, the possibility of using the new materials in five compressor stages was confirmed in view of the permissible operating temperature and safety factor. The proposed alternative materials for compressor blades and vanes meet the design requirements of the turbofan at lower manufacturing costs.
Improving Water Use Efficiency by Optimizing the Root Distribution Patterns under Varying Drip Emitter Density and Drought Stress for Cherry Tomato
Authors: Shabbir Abdul , Mao Hanping , Ullah Ikram , Buttar Noman Ali , Ajmal Muhammad , Solangi Kashif Ali
Published: December 2020

The spatial distribution of root systems in the soil has major impacts on soil water and nutrient uptake and ultimately crop yield. This research aimed to optimize the root distribution patterns, growth, and yield of cherry tomato by using a number of emitters per plant. A randomized complete block design technique was adopted by selecting eight treatments with two irrigation regimes and four levels of emitters under greenhouse conditions. The experiment results showed that the root distribution extended over the entire pot horizontally and shifted vertically upwards with increased emitter density. The deficit irrigation resulted in reduced horizontal root extension and shifted the root concentrations deeper. Notably, tomato plants with two emitters per plant and deficit irrigation treatment showed an optimal root distribution compared to the other treatments, showing wider and deeper dispersion measurements and higher root length density and root weight density through the soil with the highest benefit–cost ratio (1.3 and 1.1 cm cm−3, 89.8 and 77.7 µg cm−3, and 4.20 and 4.24 during spring–summer and fall-winter cropping seasons, respectively). The increases in yield and water use efficiency (due to increased yield) were 19% and 18.8%, respectively, for spring–summer cropping season and 11.5% and 11.8%, respectively, for fall–winter cropping season, with two emitters per plant over a single emitter. The decrease in yield was 5.3% and 4%, and increase in water use efficiency (due to deficit irrigation) was 26.2% and 27.9% for spring-summer and fall-winter cropping seasons, respectively, by deficit irrigation over full irrigation. Moreover, it was observed that two, three, and four emitters per plant had no significant effects on yield and water use efficiency. Thus, it was concluded that two emitters per plant with deficit irrigation is optimum under greenhouse conditions for the cultivation of potted cherry tomatoes, considering the root morphology, root distribution, dry matter production, yield, water use efficiency, and economic analysis.
Are Animal Models Needed to Discover, Develop and Test Pharmaceutical Drugs for Humans in the 21st Century?
Authors: Pound Pandora
Published: December 2020

Despite many decades of research, much of which has focused on studies in animals, we humans continue to suffer from multiple diseases for which there are no cures or treatments [...]
Localization of Receptors for Sex Steroids and Pituitary Hormones in the Female Genital Duct throughout the Reproductive Cycle of a Viviparous Gymnophiona Amphibian, Typhlonectes compressicauda
Authors: Brun Claire , Exbrayat Jean-Marie , Raquet Michel
Published: December 2020

Reproduction in vertebrates is controlled by the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis, and both the sex steroid and pituitary hormones play a pivotal role in the regulation of the physiology of the oviduct and events occurring within the oviduct. Their hormonal actions are mediated through interaction with specific receptors. Our aim was to locate α and β estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, gonadotropin and prolactin receptors in the tissues of the oviduct of Typhlonectes compressicauda (Amphibia, Gymnophiona), in order to study the correlation between the morphological changes of the genital tract and the ovarian cycle. Immunohistochemical methods were used. We observed that sex steroids and pituitary hormones were involved in the morpho-functional regulation of oviduct, and that their cellular detection was dependent on the period of the reproductive cycle.
Importation of Ticks on Companion Animals and the Risk of Spread of Tick-Borne Diseases to Non-Endemic Regions in Europe
Authors: Buczek Alicja , Buczek Weronika
Published: December 2020

Increased human mobility elevates the risk of exposure of companion animals travelling with their owners or imported from other regions to tick attacks. In this study, we highlight the potential role of dogs and cats taken for tourist trips or imported animals in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently from endemic areas to many European countries. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported on dogs from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of tick pathogens to other animals and humans. Although the veterinary and medical effects of the parasitism of ticks carried by companion animals travelling with owners or imported animals are poorly assessed, these animals seem to play a role in the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases. Development of strategies for protection of the health of companion animals in different geographic regions should take into account the potential emergence of unknown animal tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted by imported ticks.
A Wind Study of Venus’s Cloud Top: New Doppler Velocimetry Observations
Authors: Gonçalves Ruben , Machado Pedro , Widemann Thomas , Brasil Francisco , Ribeiro José
Published: December 2020

At Venus’s cloud top, the circulation is dominated by the superroration, where zonal wind speed peaks at ∼100 ms−1, in the low-to-middle latitudes. The constraining of zonal and meridional circulations is essential to understanding the mechanisms driving the superrotation of Venus’s atmosphere, which are still poorly understood. We present new Doppler velocimetry measurements of horizontal wind velocities at Venus’s cloud top, around 70 km altitude. These results were based on March 2015 observations at the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope (CFHT, Mauna Kea, Hawaii), using ESPaDOnS. The Doppler velocimetry method used has already successfully provided zonal and meridional results in previous works led by P. Machado and R. Gonçalves, proving to be a good reference ground-based technique in the study of the dynamics of Venus’s atmosphere. These observations were carried out between 27 and 29 March 2015, using the Echelle SpectroPolarimetric Device for the Observation of Stars (ESPaDOnS) which provides simultaneous visible-near IR spectra from 370 to 1050 nm, with a spectral resolution of 81000 allowing wind field characterization in the scattered Franuhofer solar lines by Venus’s cloud top on the dayside. The zonal velocities are consistent with previous results while also showing evidence of spatial variability, along planetocentric latitude and longitude (local-time). The meridional wind circulation presents a notably constant latitudinal structure with null velocities at lower latitudes, below 10∘ N–S, and peak velocities of ∼30 ms−1, centered around 35∘ N–S. The uncertainty of the meridional wind results from ground observations is of the same order as the uncertainty of meridional wind retrieved by space-based observations using cloud-tracking, as also shown by previous work led by R. Gonçalves and published in 2020. These March 2015 measurements present a unique and valuable contribution to the study of horizontal wind at the cloud top, from a period when Doppler velocimetry was the only available method to do so, since no space mission was orbiting Venus between Venus Express ending in January 2015 and Akatsuki’s orbit insertion in December 2015. These results from new observations provide (1) constraints on zonal wind temporal and spatial variability (latitude and local time), (2) constraints on the meridional wind latitudinal profile, (3) additional evidence of zonal and meridional wind stability for the period between 2011 and 2015 (along previous Doppler results) (4) further evidence of the consistency and robustness of our Doppler velocimetry method.
Breast Cancer Cell Cultures on Electrospun Poly(ε-Caprolactone) as a Potential Tool for Preclinical Studies on Anticancer Treatments
Authors: Bazzolo Bianca , Sieni Elisabetta , Zamuner Annj , Roso Martina , Russo Teresa , Gloria Antonio , Dettin Monica , Conconi Maria Teresa
Published: December 2020

During anticancer drug development, most compounds selected by in vitro screening are ineffective in in vivo studies and clinical trials due to the unreliability of two-dimensional (2D) in vitro cultures that are unable to mimic the cancer microenvironment. Herein, HCC1954 cell cultures on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) were characterized by morphological analysis, cell viability assays, histochemical staining, immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR. Our data showed that electrospun PCL allows the in vitro formation of cultures characterized by mucopolysaccharide production and increased cancer stem cell population. Moreover, PCL-based cultures were less sensitive to doxorubicin and electroporation/bleomycin than those grown on polystyrene plates. Collectively, our data indicate that PCL-based cultures may be promising tools for preclinical studies.
The Impact of Immunological Checkpoint Inhibitors and Targeted Therapy on Chronic Pruritus in Cancer Patients
Authors: Allegra Alessandro , Di Salvo Eleonora , Casciaro Marco , Musolino Caterina , Pioggia Giovanni , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: December 2020

Although pruritus may sometimes be a consequential situation to neoplasms, it more frequently emerges after commencing chemotherapy. In this review, we present our analysis of the chemotherapy treatments that most often induce skin changes and itching. After discussing conventional chemotherapies capable of inducing pruritus, we present our evaluation of new drugs such as immunological checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. Although ICIs and targeted therapy are thought to damage tumor cells, these therapies can modify homeostatic events of the epidermis and dermis, causing the occurrence of cutaneous toxicities in treated subjects. In the face of greater efficacy, greater skin toxicity has been reported for most of these drugs. A remarkable aspect of some reports is the presence of a probable correlation between cutaneous toxicity and treatment effectiveness in tumor patients who were treated with novel drugs such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab. Findings from these experiments demonstrate that the occurrence of any grade of skin side effects can be considered as a predictor of a better outcome. In the near future, studies on the relationship between the onset of skin alterations and outcomes could open new perspectives on the treatment of neoplasms through specific target therapy.
Can Metformin Exert as an Active Drug on Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetic Subjects?
Authors: Salvatore Teresa , Pafundi Pia Clara , Galiero Raffaele , Rinaldi Luca , Caturano Alfredo , Vetrano Erica , Aprea Concetta , Albanese Gaetana , Di Martino Anna , Ricozzi Carmen , Imbriani Simona , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo
Published: December 2020

Cardiovascular mortality is a major cause of death among in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a well-known important risk factor for the development of diabetes cardiovascular complications. Therefore, the prevention of diabetic macroangiopathies by preserving endothelial function represents a major therapeutic concern for all National Health Systems. Several complex mechanisms support ED in diabetic patients, frequently cross-talking each other: uncoupling of eNOS with impaired endothelium-dependent vascular response, increased ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of polyol pathway, generation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), activation of protein kinase C (PKC), endothelial inflammation, endothelial apoptosis and senescence, and dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs). Metformin is a milestone in T2DM treatment. To date, according to most recent EASD/ADA guidelines, it still represents the first-choice drug in these patients. Intriguingly, several extraglycemic effects of metformin have been recently observed, among which large preclinical and clinical evidence support metformin’s efficacy against ED in T2DM. Metformin seems effective thanks to its favorable action on all the aforementioned pathophysiological ED mechanisms. AMPK pharmacological activation plays a key role, with metformin inhibiting inflammation and improving ED. Therefore, aim of this review is to assess metformin’s beneficial effects on endothelial dysfunction in T2DM, which could preempt development of atherosclerosis.