bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orphan Crops: A Best Fit for Dietary Enrichment and Diversification in Highly Deteriorated Marginal Environments
Authors: Talabi Abidemi Olutayo , Vikram Prashant , Thushar Sumitha , Rahman Hifzur , Ahmadzai Hayatullah , Nhamo Nhamo , Shahid Mohammed , Singh Rakesh Kumar
Published: February 2022

Orphan crops are indigenous and invariably grown by small and marginal farmers under subsistence farming systems. These crops, which are common and widely accepted by local farmers, are highly rich in nutritional profile, good for medicinal purposes, and well adapted to suboptimal growing conditions. However, these crops have suffered neglect and abandonment from the scientific community because of very low or no investments in research and genetic improvement. A plausible reason for this is that these crops are not traded internationally at a rate comparable to that of the major food crops such as wheat, rice, and maize. Furthermore, marginal environments have poor soils and are characterized by extreme weather conditions such as heat, erratic rainfall, water deficit, and soil and water salinity, among others. With more frequent extreme climatic events and continued land degradation, orphan crops are beginning to receive renewed attention as alternative crops for dietary diversification in marginal environments and, by extension, across the globe. Increased awareness of good health is also a major contributor to the revived attention accorded to orphan crops. Thus, the introduction, evaluation, and adaptation of outstanding varieties of orphan crops for dietary diversification will contribute not only to sustained food production but also to improved nutrition in marginal environments. In this review article, the concept of orphan crops vis-à-vis marginality and food and nutritional security is defined for a few orphan crops. We also examined recent advances in research involving orphan crops and the potential of these crops for dietary diversification within the context of harsh marginal environments. Recent advances in genomics coupled with molecular breeding will play a pivotal role in improving the genetic potential of orphan crops and help in developing sustainable food systems. We concluded by presenting a potential roadmap to future research engagement and a policy framework with recommendations aimed at facilitating and enhancing the adoption and sustainable production of orphan crops under agriculturally marginal conditions.
Metacognitive Abilities as a Protective Factor for the Occurrence of Psychotic-Like Experiences in a Non-clinical Population
Authors: Giugliano Marco , Contrada Claudio , Foglia Ludovica , Francese Francesca , Romano Roberta , Dello Iacono Marilena , Di Fausto Eleonora , Esposito Mariateresa , Azzara Carla , Bilotta Elena , Carcione Antonino , Nicolò Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are a phenomenon that occurs in the general population experiencing delusional thoughts and hallucinations without being in a clinical condition. PLEs involve erroneous attributions of inner cognitive events to the external environment and the presence of intrusive thoughts influenced by dysfunctional beliefs; for these reasons, the role played by metacognition has been largely studied. This study investigates PLEs in a non-clinical population and discriminating factors involved in this kind of experience, among which metacognition, as well as psychopathological features, seems to have a crucial role. The aim of this study was to extend the knowledge about the relationship between metacognition, psychopathology, and PLEs, orienting the focus on metacognitive functioning. The sample consisted of 207 Italian participants (men = 32% and women = 68%) voluntarily recruited online, who gave consent to participate in the study. The average age of the sample was 32.69 years (SD: 9.63; range: 18–71). Subjects affected by psychosis, neurological disease, and drug addiction were excluded from the analyses. The following scales were used to investigate PLEs: Peters et al. Delusions Inventory (PDI), Launay-Slade Hallucinations Scale-Extended Revised (LSHSE), Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief (PQ-B), and Revised Hallucination Scale (RHS). To assess general psychopathological features, the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS-32) was administrated. The Metacognition Self-Assessment Scale (MSAS) was chosen to evaluate metacognitive functioning. From hierarchical regression analyses, it emerged that the presence of anxiety, depression, and impulsive/addictive symptoms constitute a remarkable vulnerability factor for PLEs, in line with previous evidence regarding the relationship between general psychopathology and PLEs. Metacognition negatively predicts PLEs, and its presence does not affect the significance of psychopathological variables, suggesting that metacognitive abilities seem to play a protective role for the occurrence of PLEs among non-clinical individuals, and such ability operates as an independent predictor along with other variables. These results are explained by the role of metacognitive functions, which allow individuals to operate many mental processes such as interpreting sensorial events as real or illusory, understanding behaviors, thoughts, and drives of others, and questioning the subjective interpretation of facts.
Research on the Effects of Lying on Memory: A Scientometric Analysis and a Call for New Studies
Authors: Battista Fabiana , Otgaar Henry
Published: February 2022

Research on the effects of lying and memory is increasingly attracting empirical attention. In the current manuscript, a scientometric analysis was carried out on the mnemonic consequences of lying. This analysis took into account 70 published articles extracted from Scopus and Web of Science databases from 1998 to 2021. A scientometric analysis was conducted in order to visualize the state of the art on this line of research (i.e., authors, countries, institutions, journals, and co-citations). Additionally, a keywords’ cluster analysis was executed to investigate the main keywords used in the published papers. Based on the keywords’ cluster analysis, we identified the main aims and critical issues of the reviewed papers. The United States and the Netherlands are the two most productive countries into the effects of lying on memory. The top five authors are mainly from European countries and wrote from 6 to 15 articles. The cluster analysis detected three clusters of keywords. The critical issues of this line of research are mainly related to the generalizability of the achieved findings for real situations, a lack of a direct control of the manipulation adopted, and a need of additional measures. The current analysis provides a comprehensive overview and understanding of existing research on the effects of lying on memory and provides possible future directions of this research domain.
Stability of Risk Perception Across Pandemic and Non-pandemic Situations Among Young Adults: Evaluating the Impact of Individual Differences
Authors: Buelow Melissa T. , Kowalsky Jennifer M. , Brunell Amy B.
Published: February 2022

Previous research suggests a higher perceived risk associated with a risky behavior predicts a lower likelihood of involvement in that behavior; however, this relationship can vary based on personality characteristics such as impulsivity and behavioral activation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals began to re-evaluate the level of risk associated with everyday behaviors. But what about risks associated with “typical” risk-taking behaviors? In the present study, 248 undergraduate student participants completed measures of impulsivity, behavioral activation and inhibition, propensity to take risks, numeracy, and perceptions of and involvement in both risk-taking behavior and health promoting behavior (e.g., blood donation, registering as an organ donor, vaccination). Our study revealed that higher behavioral inhibition and greater propensity to take risks predicted greater likelihood of involvement in COVID-19-related risk behaviors, even after accounting for perceived risks and benefits of the behavior. Greater likelihood of involvement in social risk behaviors was predicted by greater numeracy and risk-taking propensity. Identifying as male, a greater propensity to take risks, and greater impulsivity predicted increased health/safety risk behaviors. Younger age, lower risk-taking propensity, and lower impulsivity were associated with a greater likelihood of donating blood. For the likelihood of registering to become an organ donor, increasing risk perception, both before and during the pandemic, was associated with greater likelihood of registering, but greater risk-taking propensity was associated with a decreased likelihood of organ donation registration. For flu vaccination, a greater propensity to take risks was associated with a greater likelihood of flu vaccination during the 2020–2021 flu season. Both cognitive and personality factors can predict involvement in risk-taking and health-promotion behaviors, warranting their continued examination.
Gender Prejudice Within the Family: The Relation Between Parents' Sexism and Their Socialization Values
Authors: Barni Daniela , Fiorilli Caterina , Romano Luciano , Zagrean Ioana , Alfieri Sara , Russo Claudia
Published: February 2022

Gender inequalities are still persistent despite the growing policy efforts to combat them. Sexism, which is an evaluative tendency leading to different treatment of people based on their sex and to denigration (hostile sexism) or enhancement (benevolent sexism) of certain dispositions as gendered attributes, plays a significant role in strengthening these social inequalities. As it happens with many other attitudes, sexism is mainly transmitted by influencing parental styles and socialization practices. This study focused on the association between parents' hostile and benevolent sexism toward women and their socialization values (specifically, conservation and self-transcendence), that are the values parents would like their children to endorse. We took both parents' and children's sex into account in the analyses. One-hundred-sixty-five Italian parental couples with young adult children participated in the study. Parents, both the mother and the father, individually filled in a self-report questionnaire composed of the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory and the Portrait Values Questionnaire. Findings showed that mothers' benevolent sexism was positively related to their desire to transmit conservation values to their sons and daughters. This result was also found for fathers, but with a moderation effect of children's sex. Indeed, the positive relationship between fathers' benevolent sexism and conservation was stronger in the case of sons than of daughters. Moreover, fathers' benevolent sexism was positively associated with self-transcendence values. Finally, fathers' hostile sexism was positively associated with conservation and negatively with self-transcendence. Limitations of the study, future research developments, and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Patients With Super Obesity Do Not Perceive Themselves as Being at Higher Risk for a More Severe Course of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Schäffeler Norbert , Lohmiller Jacqueline , Mack Isabelle , Archid Rami , Zipfel Stephan , Stengel Andreas
Published: February 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to major health-related concerns in the population. Several risk factors for a severe course of COVID-19 disease have been identified, with obesity taking an important role. However, it is unclear whether this association is only known in the expert world or whether individuals also experience themselves as risk patients due to their obesity and whether the desire for weight reduction may also be associated with a hoped-for risk reduction. These questions were addressed in a cross-sectional study of patients who have presented to an obesity center in order to lose body weight.

Methods

Patients (n = 155) of the obesity center were asked to complete an ad hoc questionnaire to assess whether the desire to lose weight is also associated with a hoped-for risk reduction with respect to COVID-19 disease during the middle of the pandemic in the period between October 2020 and April 2021. We additionally assessed their perceived general stress using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ).

Results

In our explorative study, overall worries correlated significantly with worries about contracting COVID-19 (r = 0.483, p < 0.001). There has been an association with concerns about severe COVID-19 progression and psychological distress from the COVID-19 pandemic (r = 0.543, p < 0.001). In addition, a correlation was found between persons who worry about contracting COVID-19 and feeling like an at-risk patient (r = 0.530, p < 0.001). Interestingly, the higher the BMI (>50 kg/m2), the lower were the worries in PSQ (ANOVA p = 0.046). However, COVID-19-related worry was nonetheless present in the higher BMI subgroups. The most intense worries were experienced by individuals with a BMI between 35 and 39 (PSQ worries 50.44), immediately followed by individuals with a BMI between 40 and 49 (PSQ worries 49.36).

Discussion and Conclusion

An increased risk for a more severe course of COVID-19 infection is not generally perceived by obese individuals. In particular, individuals with very high BMI (>50)—although being at very high risk for a severe course of the COVID-19 disease—do not display increased worries, which might point toward heightened denial.
PTSD in French Adolescent Victims Following the London Attack in March 2017: Data From the First Step of the AVAL Study
Authors: Coulon Nathalie , Grenon Marion , Consigny Maëlys , Simson J-P
Published: February 2022

Background

The terrorist attack at Westminster Bridge on March 22nd, 2017 impacted on French high school students on a school trip in London. This terrorist attack was claimed by the Islamic State. The aim of the study was to assess the mental health consequences of the attack on the French adolescents who were directly exposed (criteria A for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD). This involved three dimensions, namely: (1) clinical; (2) epidemiological; and (3) prevention and therapeutic.

Material and Method

The investigation was the first observational step of AVAL (Adolescents Victimes de l'Attentat de Londres) study, a cohort monitoring project and it was then a monocentric, cross sectional, non interventional survey, at only one-year post-trauma. The study was carried out utilizing self- and clinician-administered questionnaires. Volunteers from the medico-psychological emergency unit provided support for these victims during the study protocol.

Results

From the target population (n = 53), 39 adolescents (73.6%) agreed to participate, with a median age 16.9 years. 12 months after the attack, 25.6% of teenagers suffered from current PTSD (p < 0.0001). Those with, vs. without, PTSD showed several significant differences: (1) heightened levels of major depressive episodes (p = 0.0266) and suicidality (p = 0.0164); (2) increased substance use, including tobacco (p = 0.0284) and cannabis (p = 0.0449); and (3) impaired functioning in school (p = 0.0203), social (p < 0.0001) and family (p < 0.0001) settings. Sixty four percentage of directly exposed teenagers also had a current psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

Discussion

The heightened levels of PTSD, psychiatric disorders, and substance use at 12 months highlight the importance of early intervention in adolescents exposed to terrorist-linked potentially traumatic events.
Antipsychotic-Related Risks of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Enrollees With Schizophrenia in the National Basic Public Health Service Program in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Ouyang Feiyun , He Jun , Cheng Xunjie , Zhou Wei , Xiao Shuiyuan , Fang Junqun
Published: February 2022

Background

Antipsychotics contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in individuals with schizophrenia. However, the extent of the relationship between antipsychotic use and T2DM varies in different settings, and the magnitude of the drug-specific effects fluctuates widely. This study aimed to explore the association of T2DM with antipsychotic use among enrollees with schizophrenia in China's National Basic Public Health Service Program (NBPHSP) and the drug-specific relationship with T2DM among patients receiving antipsychotic monotherapy.

Methods

We recruited diabetes-free patients with schizophrenia who were enrolled in the NBPHSP of Hunan Province from October 2009 to December 2018. The participants were classified into the following three groups: regular antipsychotic use, intermittent antipsychotic use, and antipsychotic-free groups. The patients were followed up until they received a T2DM diagnosis or until April 2019. Cox regression models were constructed to calculate the overall and drug-specific hazard ratios (HRs) to determine the antipsychotic–T2DM relationship. Interactive and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the heterogeneity of the effects across subgroups.

Results

A total of 122,064 NBPHSP enrollees with schizophrenia were followed up for 1,507,829 cumulative person-years, and 2,313 (1.89%) patients developed T2DM. Patients who regularly and intermittently used antipsychotics had 117% (HR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.83–2.57) and 53% (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.23–1.90) higher risks of developing T2DM than antipsychotic-free patients, respectively. Regarding monotherapy, the T2DM risk increased by 66, 80, 62, and 64% after the regular use of clozapine, risperidone, chlorpromazine, and perphenazine, respectively. In addition, the antipsychotic-related risk of T2DM decreased as the patient's baseline body mass index, and baseline fasting plasma glucose level, as well as the dietary proportion of animal products, increased.

Conclusion

Antipsychotics, especially clozapine, risperidone, chlorpromazine, and perphenazine, increased the T2DM risk among NBPHSP enrollees with schizophrenia. Mental health officers should accurately identify enrollees at a high risk of T2DM and take appropriate preventive measures to reduce the incidence of T2DM among patients with schizophrenia.
Bushfire Smoke in Our Eyes: Community Perceptions and Responses to an Intense Smoke Event in Canberra, Australia
Authors: Williamson Rebecca , Banwell Cathy , Calear Alison L. , LaBond Christine , Leach Liana S. , Olsen Anna , Walsh Erin I. , Zulfiqar Tehzeeb , Sutherland Stewart , Phillips Christine
Published: February 2022

The 2019–20 bushfires that raged in eastern Australia were an overwhelming natural disaster leading to lives lost or upended, and communities destroyed. For almost a month, Canberra, Australia's capital city in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), was obscured by smoke from fires which threatened the outer suburbs. While smoke itself is experientially different from many natural disasters, it nevertheless poses a significant public health threat. As the impact of extended bushfire smoke in an urban setting is relatively unexplored we aimed to capture the individual and community-level experiences of the event and their importance for community and social functioning. We responded rapidly by conducting semi-structured interviews with a range of Canberra residents who, due to their personal or social circumstances, were potentially vulnerable to the effects of the smoke. Three major themes emerging from the narratives depicted disruption to daily life, physical and psychological effects, and shifting social connectedness. This study highlighted the ambiguous yet impactful nature of a bushfire smoke event, and identified four simple key messages that may be critically relevant to policy making in preparation for similar smoke events in the future.
Using Structural Equation Modeling to Examine Pathways Between Environmental Characteristics and Perceived Restorativeness on Public Rooftop Gardens in China
Authors: Chen Zhanglei , Gan Kar Kheng , Zhou Tiejun , Du Qingfeng , Zeng Mingying
Published: February 2022

As a kind of informal green space more closely related to the built environment, public rooftop gardens (PRGs) are novel green open space and important salutogenic resource for urban residents. It is one of the most easily accessible method for urban residents to be in contact with outdoor or natural elements from the context of high-altitude living. Given its potential health benefits to city dwellers, existing empirical studies are heavily focused on immediate recovery through visually accessing PRGs (through windows), neglecting the possibility of using PRGs physically as a place of interaction. This paper hypothesizes usage patterns will mediate the associations between the environmental characteristics of PRG and users' restoration. This is done through inputting data from 12 typical samples of PRG in Chengdu, China into structural equation model (SEM). Combining the concept of Perceived Sensory Dimensions (PSD) and Perceived Restorativeness Scales (PRS) with the usage patterns of the above samples, this study aims to examine the correlation of environmental characteristics, usage pattern and restoration, in which identify their relative importance in the context of PRGs. Through serials of numerical tests on the model, the study shows that out of the 20 theoretical pathways constructed by the environmental characteristics (x)–usage patterns (m)–restorative effect (y), only 14 forms a significant correlation. In addition, out of all PSDs, social, serene, refuge, space and nature dimensions are induced into restorative effects through four patterns of use: retreat, nature touch, interpersonal interaction and family-bonding activities. The findings also show that social and family-bonding are the most influential independent and mediating variables respectively in achieving restorative effects in the PRG. This study reveals important findings about how usage patterns mediate the association between the PSD and PRS of users. And it also has generated practical implications on how we can design public rooftop gardens from the perspective of restoration, which could potentially be the key to the future survival and development of PRGs in urban environments.
Development and Validation of a New Simple Functional Score in the Older Chinese Population
Authors: Cao Xingqi , Chen Chen , He Liu , Zheng Zhoutao , Zhang Jingyun , Hoogendijk Emiel O. , Liu Xiaoting , Li Shujuan , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhu Yimin , Liu Zuyun
Published: February 2022

Background

Existing aging metrics incorporating cognitive and physical function are often not feasible for application in research and clinical practice. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a new simple functional score based on self-reported cognitive and physical function in the older Chinese population.

Methods

The development sample included 3,929 older adults aged 60–95 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The validation sample included 1,345 older adults aged 60–87 years from the Rugao Longitudinal Aging study (RLAS). Logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to examine the associations of the new functional score with all-cause mortality risk.

Results

Six items were selected to construct the new functional score in CHARLS. This functional score was associated with all-cause mortality risk, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.10 (95% confidence interval = 1.07, 1.13). This functional score presented additional predictive utility beyond age and sex, as demonstrated by the significantly increased C-statistic, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, this functional score was further validated in RLAS, such that adding the new functional score to a model of age and sex improved all-cause mortality risk discrimination (IDI = 0.036, P < 0.001; NRI = 0.485, P < 0.001). To facilitate the quick screening of the older population with deteriorations in cognitive and physical function, we introduced a publicly available online tool designed for this new functional score.

Conclusions

A new functional score based on six self-reported items was developed and validated in the older Chinese population, and was demonstrated to be a simple and practical tool to assess functional deterioration, showing good feasibility, and performance.
A Cross-Sectional Study of the Relationship Between Exercise, Physical Activity, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Japanese Workers
Authors: Sugano Ryosuke , Ikegami Kazunori , Eguchi Hisashi , Tsuji Mayumi , Tateishi Seiichiro , Nagata Tomohisa , Matsuda Shinya , Fujino Yoshihisa , Ogami Akira
Published: February 2022

Background

Studies have determined that exercise and physical activity positively affect physical and mental health, and that healthy workers contribute to increased work performance. The relationship between the time spent on exercise during leisure time and physical activity, including work, with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in workers is unclear, with variations observed between occupational types. This cross-sectional study examined these associations among Japanese workers from various occupations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An Internet-based national health survey—Collaborative Online Research on Novel-coronavirus and Work-study (CORoNaWork study)—was conducted among 33,087 Japanese workers in December 2020. After excluding invalid responses, 27,036 participants were categorized into four and five groups according to exercise and physical activity time, respectively. Each group's scores were compared on each of the four questions on the Japanese version of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health-Related Quality of Life (CDC HRQOL-4) using generalized linear models. Age-sex adjusted and multivariate models were used to compare each index of the CDC HRQOL-4.

Results

Compared to the reference category (almost never), any level of exercise (ORs 0.56–0.77) and physical activity (ORs 0.93–0.88) were associated with better self-rated health in the multivariate model. Any exercise was also associated with significantly reduced odds for physically or mentally unhealthy days; however, high levels of physical activity (≥120 min/day) were associated with significantly increased odds for these outcomes (ORs = 1.11 and 1.16, respectively).

Conclusions

The results suggest that exercise habits are more critical to workers' HRQOL than physical activity. Interventions that encourage daily exercise even for a short time are likely to be associated with better workers' health and work performance.
The Application of Scrotoscope-Assisted Minimally Invasive Excision for Epididymal Mass: An Initial Report
Authors: Qin Chuying , Yang Jinrui , Zhang Ruochen , Yang Yaojin , Cai Wanghai , Li Tao , Zhu Qingguo , Ye Liefu , Gao Yunliang , Wei Yongbao
Published: February 2022

Background

To compare the middle-term efficacy and safety results between scrotoscope-assisted (SA) minimally invasive excision and traditional open excision (OE) for the treatment of epididymal mass.

Methods

A total of 253 males with surgery excision of epididymal mass from 2012 to 2018 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: the traditional OE group and the SA group. Patient demographics and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were obtained and compared between these two groups.

Results

About 174 patients (68.8%) underwent SA, and the other 79 (31.2%) underwent OE. Demographic data were similar between the two groups. Compared with OE surgery, SA could significantly shorten the operating time (19.4 ± 4.1 vs. 53.8 ± 12.9 min), reduce blood loss (5.3 ± 1.5 vs. 21.3 ± 5.6 ml), and downsize the operative incision (1.5 ± 0.3 vs. 4.5 ± 0.8 cm). Additionally, postoperative complications were significantly less occurred in the SA group than those in OE (15.5% vs. 21.5%), in particular scrotal hematoma (1.7% vs. 12.7%) and incision discomfort (2.8% vs. 6.3%). Patients in the SA group had a significantly higher overall satisfaction score (94.8 ± 3.7 vs. 91.7 ± 4.9) and a significantly shorter length of hospital stay (4.1 ± 0.9 vs. 5.0 ± 1.5 days) than those in the OE group. No postoperative testicular atrophy occurred in the SA group.

Conclusion

SA is emerging as a novel and effective option with promising perspectives for epididymal mass therapy.
Prevalence, Antibiogram, and Multidrug-Resistant Profile of E. coli O157: H7 in Retail Raw Beef in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Haile Aklilu Feleke , Alonso Silvia , Berhe Nega , Atoma Tizeta Bekele , Boyaka Prosper N. , Grace Delia
Published: February 2022

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an emerging foodborne pathogen of public health importance. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and multidrug-resistant profile of E. coli O157:H7 isolated from raw beef sold in butcher shops in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 384 raw beef samples were collected from randomly selected butcher shops across the 10 sub-cities of Addis Ababa. E. coli O157:H7 was isolated following ISO-16654:2001 standard, and isolates were tested for resistance to 13 antimicrobial agents using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Out of the 384 retail raw beef samples examined, 14 (3.64%) (95% CI = 1.77–5.51%) carried E. coli O157:H7 serotype. Of the 14 E. coli O157:H7 isolates, 8 (57.14%) were found to be resistant to three or more antimicrobial categories. The frequency of resistant phenotype was more common for ampicillin (92.8%), nitrofurantoin (92.8%), and tetracycline (50%). Multidrug-resistant E. coli O157:H7 were present in raw beef sold in butcher shops in Addis Ababa. Thus, more stringent monitoring of antimicrobial use in both human and animal populations should be implemented. In addition, further studies should be conducted to understand the E. coli O157:H7 points of contamination and define appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
Avian Reoviruses From Wild Birds Exhibit Pathogenicity to Specific Pathogen Free Chickens by Footpad Route
Authors: Choi Yu-Ri , Kim Sang-Won , Shang Ke , Park Jong-Yeol , Zhang Jun-feng , Jang Hyung-Kwan , Wei Bai , Cha Se-Yeoun , Kang Min
Published: February 2022

Avian reoviruses (ARVs) are ubiquitous in domestic poultry with 80% of them being non-pathogenic and they are frequently found in clinically healthy birds. ARVs have also been known to be the etiological agents of viral arthritis (VA), tenosynovitis, myocarditis, runting-stunting syndrome (RSS), and respiratory and enteric disease in chickens. Significant economic losses during the process of poultry husbandry are due, in part, to unmitigated ARV infections throughout the poultry industry. Recently, many isolates shared genetic similarities between those recovered from wild birds and those recovered from poultry. One explanation may be that there is a degree of spillover and spillback of ARVs between the two groups. However, studies on the role of wild birds in the epidemiology and pathogenicity of ARVs are insufficient. Here, we describe the pathogenicity in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens of ARV originating from wild birds. The challenge experiment was conducted in six groups including a negative control group, a positive control group (reference strain of S1133), and four groups (A15-157, A18-13, A18-205, A19-106) infected with ARVs from wild birds. The 7-day-old SPF chickens were inoculated with 106TCID50 ARV to evaluate the clinical signs, changes in weight gain, gross lesions, histological changes, virus replication, and serum antibody levels. The peak of clinical signs was from 3 to 5 days post infection (dpi). In addition, the death of one chicken was found in the group infected with the A18-13 isolate. Reduced body weight was also found in chickens infected with ARVs from wild birds compared to the negative control group. All the ARVs infection groups showed noticeable swelling of the footpad. In addition, ARVs were detected in the bursa, tendon, and hock joint by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in all infected groups at 5 and 15 dpi. Histopathological observations revealed acute inflammatory responses on the synovium covering the joint surfaces (arthritis) and tendon sheaths (tenosynovitis), as well as bursa atrophy and lymphocyte depletion. The analysis of the humoral response was performed by ELISA assay, and chickens infected with ARVs showed seroconverted. In conclusion, this study described the typical severe disease of acute VA and tenosynovitis in SPF chickens infected with ARVs derived from wild birds. This study confirmed the pathogenicity of ARVs infection in SPF chickens for the first time, and these results enrich our understanding of the pathogenicity of ARVs derived from wild birds.
Neurological Benefits, Clinical Challenges, and Neuropathologic Promise of Medical Marijuana: A Systematic Review of Cannabinoid Effects in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Models of Demyelination
Authors: Longoria Victor , Parcel Hannah , Toma Bameelia , Minhas Annu , Zeine Rana
Published: February 2022

Despite current therapeutic strategies for immunomodulation and relief of symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS), remyelination falls short due to dynamic neuropathologic deterioration and relapses, leading to accrual of disability and associated patient dissatisfaction. The potential of cannabinoids includes add-on immunosuppressive, analgesic, neuroprotective, and remyelinative effects. This study evaluates the efficacy of medical marijuana in MS and its experimental animal models. A systematic review was conducted by a literature search through PubMed, ProQuest, and EBSCO electronic databases for studies reported since 2007 on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in MS and in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD), and toxin-induced demyelination models. Study selection and data extraction were performed by 3 reviewers, and 28 studies were selected for inclusion. The certainty of evidence was appraised using the Cochrane GRADE approach. In clinical studies, there was low- and moderate-quality evidence that treatment with ~1:1 CBD/THC mixtures as a nabiximols (Sativex®) oromucosal spray reduced numerical rating scale (NRS) scores for spasticity, pain, and sleep disturbance, diminished bladder overactivity, and decreased proinflammatory cytokine and transcription factor expression levels. Preclinical studies demonstrated decreases in disease severity, hindlimb stiffness, motor function, neuroinflammation, and demyelination. Other experimental systems showed the capacity of cannabinoids to promote remyelination in vitro and by electron microscopy. Modest short-term benefits were realized in MS responders to adjunctive therapy with CBD/THC mixtures. Future studies are recommended to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cannabinoid effects on MS lesions and to evaluate whether medical marijuana can accelerate remyelination and retard the accrual of disability over the long term.
Patient Preferences for Treatment Outcomes in Oncology with a Focus on the Older Patient—A Systematic Review
Authors: Seghers Petronella A. L. (Nelleke) , Wiersma Anke , Festen Suzanne , Stegmann Mariken E. , Soubeyran Pierre , Rostoft Siri , O’Hanlon Shane , Portielje Johanneke E. A. , Hamaker Marije E.
Published: February 2022

For physicians, it is important to know which treatment outcomes are prioritized overall by older patients with cancer, since this will help them to tailor the amount of information and treatment recommendations. Older patients might prioritize other outcomes than younger patients. Our objective is to summarize which outcomes matter most to older patients with cancer. A systematic review was conducted, in which we searched Embase and Medline on 22 December 2020. Studies were eligible if they reported some form of prioritization of outcome categories relative to each other in patients with all types of cancer and if they included at least three outcome categories. Subsequently, for each study, the highest or second-highest outcome category was identified and presented in relation to the number of studies that included that outcome category. An adapted Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. In total, 4374 patients were asked for their priorities in 28 studies that were included. Only six of these studies had a population with a median age above 70. Of all the studies, 79% identified quality of life as the highest or second-highest priority, followed by overall survival (67%), progression- and disease-free survival (56%), absence of severe or persistent treatment side effects (54%), and treatment response (50%). Absence of transient short-term side effects was prioritized in 16%. The studies were heterogeneous considering age, cancer type, and treatment settings. Overall, quality of life, overall survival, progression- and disease-free survival, and severe and persistent side effects of treatment are the outcomes that receive the highest priority on a group level when patients with cancer need to make trade-offs in oncologic treatment decisions.
Downregulation of LOC441461 Promotes Cell Growth and Motility in Human Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lee Sang-soo , Park JeongMan , Oh Sooyeon , Kwack KyuBum
Published: February 2022

Gastric cancer is a common tumor, with a high mortality rate. The severity of gastric cancer is assessed by TNM staging. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a role in cancer treatment; investigating the clinical significance of novel biomarkers associated with TNM staging, such as lncRNAs, is important. In this study, we investigated the association between the expression of the lncRNA LOC441461 and gastric cancer stage. LOC441461 expression was lower in stage IV than in stages I, II, and III. The depletion of LOC441461 promoted cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cell motility, and invasiveness. LOC441461 downregulation increased the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, as indicated by increased TRAIL signaling and decreased RUNX1 interactions. The interaction of the transcription factors RELA, IRF1, ESR1, AR, POU5F1, TRIM28, and GATA1 with LOC441461 affected the degree of the malignancy of gastric cancer by modulating gene transcription. The present study identified LOC441461 and seven transcription factors as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Multiomics Topic Modeling for Breast Cancer Classification
Authors: Valle Filippo , Osella Matteo , Caselle Michele
Published: February 2022

The integration of transcriptional data with other layers of information, such as the post-transcriptional regulation mediated by microRNAs, can be crucial to identify the driver genes and the subtypes of complex and heterogeneous diseases such as cancer. This paper presents an approach based on topic modeling to accomplish this integration task. More specifically, we show how an algorithm based on a hierarchical version of stochastic block modeling can be naturally extended to integrate any combination of ’omics data. We test this approach on breast cancer samples from the TCGA database, integrating data on messenger RNA, microRNAs, and copy number variations. We show that the inclusion of the microRNA layer significantly improves the accuracy of subtype classification. Moreover, some of the hidden structures or “topics” that the algorithm extracts actually correspond to genes and microRNAs involved in breast cancer development and are associated to the survival probability.
Safety and Efficacy of Ipilimumab plus Nivolumab and Sequential Selective Internal Radiation Therapy in Hepatic and Extrahepatic Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Aedo-Lopez Veronica , Gérard Camille L. , Boughdad Sarah , Gautron Moura Bianca , Berthod Gregoire , Digklia Antonia , Homicsko Krisztian , Schaefer Niklaus , Duran Rafael , Cuendet Michel A. , Michielin Olivier
Published: February 2022

To assess the safety and efficacy of ipilimumab plus nivolumab around selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM). We present a retrospective, single center study of 32 patients with mUM divided into two groups based on the treatment received between April 2013 and April 2021. The SIRT_IpiNivo cohort was treated with Yttrium-90 microspheres and ipilimumab plus nivolumab before or after the SIRT (n = 18). The SIRT cohort underwent SIRT but did not receive combined immunotherapy with ipilimumab plus nivolumab (n = 14). Twelve patients (66.7%) of the SIRT_IpiNivo arm received SIRT as first-line treatment and six patients (33.3%) received ipilimumab plus nivolumab prior to SIRT. In the SIRT group, seven patients (50.0%) received single-agent immunotherapy. One patient treated with combined immunotherapy 68 months after the SIRT was included in this group. At the start of ipilimumab plus nivolumab, 94.4% (n = 17) presented hepatic metastases and 72.2% (n = 13) had extra liver disease. Eight patients (44.4%) of the SIRT_IpiNivo group experienced grade 3 or 4 immune related adverse events, mainly colitis and hepatitis. Median overall survival from the diagnosis of metastases was 49.6 months (95% confidence interval (CI); 24.1-not available (NA)) in the SIRT_IpiNivo group compared with 13.6 months (95% CI; 11.5-NA) in the SIRT group (log-rank p-value 0.027). The presence of extra liver metastases at the time of SIRT, largest liver lesion more than 8 cm (M1c) and liver tumor volume negatively impacted the survival. This real-world cohort suggests that a sequential treatment of ipilimumab plus nivolumab and SIRT is a well-tolerated therapeutic approach with promising survival rates.
Role of Biomarkers in FLT3 AML
Authors: Nitika  , Wei Jiao , Hui Ai-Min
Published: February 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia is a disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of clonal myeloid blast cells that are incapable of maturation to leukocytes. AML is the most common leukemia in adults and remains a highly fatal disease with a five-year survival rate of 24%. More than 50% of AML patients have mutations in the FLT3 gene, rendering FLT3 an attractive target for small-molecule inhibition. Currently, there are several FLT3 inhibitors in the clinic, and others remain in clinical trials. However, these inhibitors face challenges due to lack of efficacy against several FLT3 mutants. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers is vital to stratify AML patients and target AML patient population with a particular FLT3 mutation. Additionally, there is an unmet need to identify alternative approaches to combat the resistance to FLT3 inhibitors. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the utilization of diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and pharmacodynamic biomarkers for FLT3-mutated AML. The resistance mechanisms to various FLT3 inhibitors and alternative approaches to combat this resistance are also discussed and presented.
Evaluating Alternative Ramucirumab Doses as a Single Agent or with Paclitaxel in Second-Line Treatment of Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma: Results from Two Randomized, Open-Label, Phase II Studies
Authors: Shah Manish A. , Udrea Anghel Adrian , Bondarenko Igor , Mansoor Was , Sánchez Raquel Guardeño , Sarosiek Tomasz , Bozzarelli Silvia , Schenker Michael , Gomez-Martin Carlos , Morgan Carys , Özgüroğlu Mustafa , Pikiel Joanna , Kalofonos Haralabos P. , Wojcik Elzbieta , Buchler Tomas , Swinson Daniel , Cicin Irfan , Joseph Mano , Vynnychenko Ihor , Luft Alexander Valerievich , Enzinger Peter C. , Salek Tomas , Papandreou Christos , Tournigand Christophe , Maiello Evaristo , Wei Ran , Ferry David , Gao Ling , Oliveira Joana M. , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: February 2022

Studies JVDB and JVCZ examined alternative ramucirumab dosing regimens as monotherapy or combined with paclitaxel, respectively, in patients with advanced/metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. For JVDB, randomized patients (N = 164) received ramucirumab monotherapy at four doses: 8 mg/kg every 2 weeks (Q2W) (registered dose), 12 mg/kg Q2W, 6 mg/kg weekly (QW), or 8 mg/kg on days 1 and 8 (D1D8) every 3 weeks (Q3W). The primary objectives were the safety and pharmacokinetics of ramucirumab monotherapy. For JVCZ, randomized patients (N = 245) received paclitaxel (80 mg/m2-D1D8D15) plus ramucirumab (8 mg/kg- or 12 mg/kg-Q2W). The primary objective was progression-free survival (PFS) of 12 mg/kg-Q2W arm versus placebo from RAINBOW using meta-analysis. Relative to the registered dose, exploratory dosing regimens (EDRs) led to higher ramucirumab serum concentrations in both studies. EDR safety profiles were consistent with previous studies. In JVDB, serious adverse events occurred more frequently in the 8 mg/kg-D1D8-Q3W arm versus the registered dose; 6 mg/kg-QW EDR had a higher incidence of bleeding/hemorrhage. In JVCZ, PFS was improved with the 12 mg/kg plus paclitaxel combination versus placebo in RAINBOW; however, no significant PFS improvement was observed between the 12 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg arms. The lack of a dose/exposure-response relationship in these studies supports the standard dose of ramucirumab 8 mg/kg-Q2W as monotherapy or in combination with paclitaxel as second-line treatment for advanced/metastatic gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma.
Influence of Cross-Grooved Texture Shape on Tribological Performance under Mixed Lubrication
Authors: Hu Song , Zheng Long , Guo Qinggang , Ren Luquan
Published: February 2022

Surface texture plays an important role in improving the tribological properties of materials. In this paper, the effect of different shapes (i.e., triangle, square, hexagon, round) on the tribological performance of cross-grooved texture was investigated. First, the mixed lubrication condition was used for the pin-on-disc rotating sliding tests. Then, the stress distribution of the four textures was analyzed to better explain the experimental results. Overall, the hexagon-textured specimens exhibited lower friction coefficients than the other shape-textured specimens under the examined conditions. Simulation results indicate that the contact stress can be reduced on the surface of hexagon-textured specimens, and this leads to a better oil film for lubrication. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic lubrication stood out with the increase of speeds to 250 rpm. However, as the test loads further increased, the film thickness decreased, resulting in the increase in the asperity contact areas, which dropped the above advantage of hexagon-textured specimens. This study would be beneficial for the texturing tribological and lubrication design.
Effect of Post-Ruminal Casein Infusion on Milk Yield, Milk Composition, and Efficiency of Nitrogen Use in Dairy Cows
Authors: Ardalan Mehrnaz , Hussein Ali H. , Titgemeyer Evan C.
Published: February 2022

Adequate supply of amino acids can improve the efficiency of nitrogen use. Casein is the predominant milk protein, and its supplementation can improve milk protein synthesis and nitrogen efficiency. We evaluated the effects of post-ruminal supplementation of casein on milk yield and composition and whole-body protein deposition. Two ruminally cannulated Holstein dairy cows (599 kg) were used in a switch-back design, and treatments were an abomasal infusion of 0 or 400 g/day casein. Cows were fed a diet consisting of corn silage, alfalfa hay, wet corn gluten feed, whole cottonseed, and grain mix, and they received 320 g/day dextrose via abomasal infusion to increase energy:metabolizable protein. The experiment used three 8-day periods. Milk, urine, and feces samples were collected to evaluate milk production, milk composition, and nitrogen retention. Abomasal casein infusion increased (p < 0.01) milk protein percentage and milk urea nitrogen. Nitrogen retention (p = 0.03) and urinary N excretion (p < 0.001) were increased and fecal N excretion (p < 0.001) was decreased by casein infusion. Results suggest casein stimulated protein deposition and altered nitrogen use in lactating dairy cattle. Adaptation periods of 4 days were appropriate for evaluating responses to casein supplementation. Our data provide elements that can aid the design of future experiments.