bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a blended classroom-based intervention on aerobic fitness, motor skills, inhibition, and daytime sleepiness among Hong Kong children
Authors: Li Ming Hui , Sit Cindy Hui Ping , Wong Stephen Heung Sang , Wing Yun Kwok , Ng Ching Kong , Rudd James , Chow Jia Yi , Sum Raymond Kim Wai
Published: September 2022

In response to the all-round development of primary school children, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a blended intervention program on children's health-related outcomes of aerobic fitness, motor skills, inhibition and daytime sleepiness in classroom settings. Three experimental conditions include: (1) the “Stand + Move” group combining sit-stand desks and physical activity (PA) recess, (2) “Move” group with PA recess only, and (3) Control group (CG; normal class schedule). A total of 64 primary school children (37.5% girls and 62.5% boys, M [SD] = 9.6 [0.61], BMI mean = 17.0 ± 3.0) participated in all assessments, including aerobic fitness, motor skills, inhibitory control, and daytime sleepiness. The baseline data collection starts from January 2019, with the intervention lasting for 13 weeks and followed by post-intervention and follow up tests conducted in July and October 2019. There was a significant interaction effect on aerobic fitness [F(2,76) = 10.62, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.22] after the intervention period, whereas no significant interaction was observed for other variables. Significant main effects were observed in aerobic fitness (pre – post: −11.75 and −7.22) for both experimental groups, with the blended group showing greater improvements immediately post the test, while motor skills only showed a significant increase at the three-month follow-up, with the greatest increase in the blended group (pre-follow-up: −2.50). For inhibition control and daytime sleepiness, better improvements were shown for the experimental groups than for the control group. The blended designed intervention, by incorporating multiple components as an innovative strategy to reconstruct children's traditional classroom environment in Hong Kong, has demonstrated improved physical and psychological development of school children.

Clinical trial registration

ChiCTR, ChiCTR2000035038. Registered 29 July 2020 – Retrospectively registered. http://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=46038.
Identifying latent comorbidity patterns in adults with perceived cognitive impairment: Network findings from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system
Authors: Ramos-Vera Cristian , Saintila Jacksaint , O'Diana Angel García , Calizaya-Milla Yaquelin E.
Published: September 2022

Background

People with cognitive impairment may be exposed to an increased risk of comorbidities; however, the clustering of comorbidity patterns in these patients is unclear.

Objective

To explore the network structure of chronic comorbidity in a U.S. national sample spanning all 50 U.S. states with more than 170,000 participants reporting perceived cognitive impairment.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) secondary data collected in 2019 and covering 49 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. A total of 15,621 non-institutionalized U.S. adult participants who reported “yes” to the subjective cognitive impairment question were considered, of whom 7,045 were men and 8,576 were women. All participants were aged 45 years or older. A statistical graphical model was used that included clustering algorithms and factorization of variables in a multivariate network relationship system [exploratory graphical analysis (EGA)].

Results

The results of the EGA show associations between the comorbid conditions evaluated. These associations favored the clustering of various comorbidity patterns. In fact, three patterns of comorbidities have been identified: (1) arthritis, asthma, respiratory diseases, and depression, (2) obesity, diabetes, blood pressure high, and blood cholesterol high, and (3) heart attack, coronary heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Conclusion

These results suggest the development of interdisciplinary treatment strategies in patients with perceived cognitive impairment, which could help to design an integrated prevention and management of the disease and other related health problems, such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications and association with comorbidities in older adults with diabetes in an outpatient visitation setting
Authors: Lu Lvliang , Yao Keqin , Chen Jiaqi , Yang Yujie , Wang Kai , Zheng Jing , Guo Pi , Cai Yunpeng , Zhang Qingying
Published: September 2022

Aims

Potentially inappropriate medications had been found associated with adverse drug events such as falls, emergency department admissions and hospital readmissions. There is lack of information about the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications and associated chronic conditions in older patients with diabetes in China. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications in older adults with diabetes in an outpatient visitation setting and the association with polypharmacy due to comorbidities.

Materials and methods

This was a 3-year repeated cross-sectional study which conducted in outpatient setting of 52 hospitals in Shenzhen, China, using 2019 Beers criteria. The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications, polypharmacy and comorbidities in older adults with diabetes in an outpatient setting was expressed as percentages. Logistic models were used to investigate the association between potentially inappropriate medication exposure and age, sex, polypharmacy and comorbidities.

Results

Among the 28,484 older adults with diabetes in 2015, 31,757 in 2016 and 24,675 in 2017, the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications was 43.2%, 44.88% and 42.40%, respectively. The top five potentially inappropriate medications were diuretics (20.56%), benzodiazepines (13.85%), androgens (13.18%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (12.94%) and sulfonylureas (6.23%). After adjustment for age and polypharmacy, the probability of potentially inappropriate medication exposure was associated with chronic gastrointestinal diseases, followed by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, tumor, dementia, chronic liver disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and hyperlipemia.

Conclusion

Potentially inappropriate medications were common in older patients with diabetes in an outpatient visitation setting. Higher probability of potentially inappropriate medication exposure was associated with the comorbidity chronic gastrointestinal diseases as well as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. To ensure that iatrogenic risks remain minimal for older adults with diabetes, the clinical comorbidities should be considered.
Impact of supervisors' research style on young biomedical scientists' capacity development as measured by REDi, a novel index of crossdisciplinarity
Authors: Hashiguchi Akiko , Hamada Hiroka , Takahashi Satoru , Honda Keisuke
Published: September 2022

The challenge for medical schools in Japan is to develop research activities for innovation. This study aimed at analyzing the connection between the research output of “promising researchers” (next-generation leaders in terms of research activity) and their supervisors' past research activities to identify those factors that impact researchers' performance. Activity was analyzed from the viewpoints of productivity, coauthorship networks, and research impact using a novel index called the Research Diversity Index (REDi) that quantifies crossdisciplinarity. Research funding, which has not yet been fully utilized in correlation studies of the characteristics of authors, was also considered in this study. For the promising researchers extracted using betweenness centrality scores within coauthorship networks, there were diachronic correlations between the records of the promising researchers and those of their supervisors. Supervisor leadership as measured by the number of last-authored publications and extent of networking had a positive effect on the promising researchers productivity. Supervisors' research style of integrating knowledge from multiple fields, as measured by REDi, was negatively correlated with the publication impact of promising researchers, suggesting that REDi is useful as a novel indicator of research quality not being captured by existing indices. It was also noted that establishing an academic presence through extensive collaborations could be advantageous for obtaining research funding, especially from top-down government programs. The possible implications of this study for promoting research activities are the importance of incorporating new doctorates into research groups at an early stage and that of promoting interinstitutional, crossdisciplinary collaborations.

Classification code

MSC: 62P10 Applications of statistics to biology and medical sciences; meta-analysis.

JEL: Z1Z10 Cultural Economics • Economic Sociology • Economic Anthropology- General.
Integrated design of an aerial soft-continuum manipulator for predictive maintenance
Authors: Yang Xinrui , Kahouadji Mouad , Lakhal Othman , Merzouki Rochdi
Published: September 2022

This article presents an integrated concept of an aerial robot used for predictive maintenance in the construction sector. The latter can be remotely controlled, allowing the localization of cracks on wall surfaces and the adaptive deposit of the material for in situ repairs. The use of an aerial robot is motivated by fast intervention, allowing time and cost minimizing of overhead repairs without the need for scaffolding. It is composed of a flying mobile platform positioned in stationary mode to guide a soft continuum arm that allows to reach the area of cracks with different access points. Indeed, some constructions have complex geometries that present problems for access using rigid mechanical arms. The aerial robot uses visual sensors to automatically identify and localize cracks in walls, based on deep learning convolutional neural networks. A centerline representing the structural feature of the crack is computed. The soft continuum manipulator is used to guide the continuous deposit of the putty material to fill the microscopic crack. For this purpose, an inverse kinematic model-based control of the soft arm is developed, allowing to estimate the length of the bending tubes. The latter are then used as inputs for a neural network to predict the desired input pressure to bend the actuated soft tubes. A set of experiments was carried out on cracks located on flat and oblique surfaces, to evaluate the actual performances of the predictive maintenance mechatronic robot.
Comprehensive pregnancy dental benefits improved dental coverage and increased dental care utilization among Medicaid-enrolled pregnant women in Virginia
Authors: Naavaal Shillpa , Harless David W.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the changes in dental insurance and utilization among pregnant women before and after the pregnancy Medicaid dental benefit policy implementation in 2015 in Virginia.

Methods

We used pooled cross-sectional data from six cycles of the Virginia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System on women aged ≥21 years. Using logistic regression models and a difference-in-difference design, we compared the effects of policy implementation on dental insurance and utilization between pre-policy (2013–2014) and post-policy period (2016–2019) among women enrolled in Medicaid (treatment, N = 1,105) vs. those with private insurance (control, N = 2,575). A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Among Medicaid-enrolled women, the report of dental insurance (71.6%) and utilization (37.7%) was higher in the post-period compared to their pre-period (44.4% and 30.3%, respectively) estimates but still remained lower than the post-period estimates among women with private insurance (88.0% and 59.9%, respectively). Adjusted analyses found that Medicaid-enrolled women had a significantly greater change in the probability of reporting dental insurance in all post-period years than women with private insurance, while the change in the probability of utilization only became statistically significant in 2019. In 2019, there was a 16 percentage point increase (95% CI = 0.05, 0.28) in the report of dental insurance and a 17 percentage point increase (95% CI = 0.01–0.33) in utilization in treatment group compared to controls.

Conclusions

The 2015 pregnancy Medicaid dental benefit increased dental insurance and dental care utilization among Medicaid-enrolled women and reduced associated disparities between Medicaid and privately insured groups.
Evolution of IMF By induced asymmetries during substorms: Superposed epoch analysis at geosynchronous orbit
Authors: Ohma Anders , Laundal Karl Magnus , Reistad Jone Peter , Østgaard Nikolai
Published: September 2022

The By component of the magnetic field inside the magnetosphere is positively correlated with the By component of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF). This leads to asymmetries in aurora, plasma convection and electric currents between the northern and southern hemispheres It has been demonstrated that magnetic conjugate locations in the northern and southern ionosphere become less displaced during magnetospheric substorms, which are associated with enhanced reconnection in the near-Earth tail. Here we directly address how the average By component in the magnetotail evolves relative to substorm onset by performing a superposed epoch analysis of the magnetic field observed at nightside geosynchronous orbit during periods with dominant IMF By. The observations demonstrate that the average |By| in the magnetotail increases during the loading phase prior to onset. |By| maximizes in the expansion phase and is subsequently reduced during the remaining unloading phase. The observed trends become more pronounced using substorm onset lists that on average identify stronger substorms. Since dayside reconnection dominates over tail reconnection during the loading phase, whereas tail reconnection dominates during the unloading phase, the results demonstrate how asymmetries build up during periods with low tail reconnection and are reduced during periods with enhanced tail reconnection in agreement with previous case studies of conjugate auroral substorm features.
Safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release using a needle knife: An anatomical study
Authors: Qiu Zuyun , Li Hui , Shen Yifeng , Jia Yan , Sun Xiaojie , Zhou Qiaoyin , Li Shiliang , Zhang Weiguang
Published: September 2022

Objective

The present study aimed to assess the efﬁcacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release using a needle knife.

Methods

The author performed percutaneous A1 pulley release in 84 cadaveric hands fixed with 10% formalin. The cadaveric hands were divided into three groups: 28 hands in each group (group U: ultrasound-guided needle knife pushing group, group N: non-ultrasound-guided needle knife pushing group, group T: classical needle knife operation puncture group). Percutaneous A1 pulley release was performed, the soft tissue was dissected layer by layer, and the relevant anatomical data were measured.

Results

The injured cases were as follows: group U, 29 (20.7%); group N, 36 (25.7%); and group T, 28 (20.0%). There is no significant difference between different tissue injury types in different intervention methods. The missed release cases were as follows: group U, 8 (5.7%); group N, 4 (2.9%); and group T, 13 (9.3%). The percentage of released A1 pulley were as follows: group U, 71.4% ± 30.7%; group N, 66.0% ± 20.3%; and group T, 61.0% ± 30.4%. The percentage of released A1 pulley of the three groups were compared: group U > group N > group T, and there was statistical difference between the three groups. The full release rates of the three groups were compared: group U(31.4%) > group N(15.7%) > group T(13.6%), and there were significant difference in the full release of A1 pulley between group U and group T, group N.

Conclusion

Based on the cadaver specimen, the length and percentage of released A1 pulley is longer by ultrasound-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release using a needle-knife. and there was no statistical difference in the injury rate between the three techniques.

Type of Study and Clinical Relevance

Clinical anatomic study. To test the efﬁcacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous A1 pulley release using a needle knife in cadaveric hands, and provide an anatomically based support in clinic.
Comparison of botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection and lateral internal sphincterotomy (redo-LIS) for recurrent anal fissure treatment
Authors: Alyanak Ahmet , Gulen Merter , Ege Bahadır
Published: September 2022

Objective

Today's gold standard for treating chronic anal fissure is the Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS). Botulinum Toxin (BoNT) injection is, on the other hand, an alternative treatment for patients who do not want to have surgical treatment, patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients of high risk for surgery, and those who have the risk of anal incontinence (e.g., elderly, past anorectal surgery, vaginal multiple births, etc.). The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of BoNT and redo-LIS for treatment of post-LIS recurrent chronic anal fissure, and reveal differences if any.This study aims to compare redo-LIS and BoNT injection for treating post-LIS recurrent anal fissure.

Material and method

Nineteen patients who received LIS treatment and then redo-LIS or BoNT injection due to recurrence in the follow-up were included in this study. Group I (redo-LIS group) include 11 patients and group 2 (BoNT group) includes 8 patients. Their data on age, sex, anal incontinence scores and pain (VAS score) score as well.

Results

During the 3-month post-surgery follow-up period, there was statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) between groups by pain. No deterioration in the incontinence scores of patients in the group during the 6-month post-surgery period.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that redo lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is a reliable method for patients who received LIS but developed recurrent chronic anal fissure, and achieves successful results in terms of recurrence and relief of pain.
Virulence and antimicrobial resistance factors in Salmonella enterica serotypes isolated from pigs and chickens in central Chile
Authors: Retamal Patricio , Gaspar Joaquim , Benavides María Belén , Saenz Leonardo , Galarce Nicolás , Aravena Trinidad , Cornejo Javiera , Lapierre Lisette
Published: September 2022

Salmonella enterica is a food-borne pathogen with a wide host-range that during decades has been of public health concern in developed and developing countries. In Chile, the poultry and pig industries represent the biggest contribution of meat consumption in the population, and sanitary regulations have been imposed for Salmonella control. The aim of this work was to determine and characterize Salmonella strains isolated from pigs and chicken raised on commercials farms in Chile. For this, isolates belonging to pigs (n = 46) and poultry (n = 57) were genotyped by two multiplex PCR reactions and virulotyped by the PCR detection of virulence-associated genes. In addition, isolates were serotyped and analyzed by the Kirby Bauer assay to determine their antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. From these analyses 52 genotypes, six serotypes and several multidrug resistance phenotypes and different combinations of virulence-associated genes were detected. These results suggest that S. enterica in pigs and poultry in central Chile should be monitored due to potential consequences in public and animal health.
Experiences of Urban Slum-Dwelling Women With Maternal and Child Health Services During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-City Qualitative Study From India
Authors: Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Doley Chinki , Negi Sapna , Das Sasmita , Verma Priyanka , Kanungo Srikanta , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: September 2022

Objectives:The COVID-19 pandemic containment necessitated the diversion of substantial health care resources thus affecting the routine essential care, and posing barriers to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We explored the experiences of vulnerable communities—urban-slum-dwelling women regarding maternal and child health services during COVID-19.

Methods:We conducted 48 in-depth interviews in four Indian states—12 in each state among urban-slum antenatal, intra-natal, and postnatal women. We used framework analysis.

Results:Amidst the implementation of the mandatory stay-at-home, many women acknowledged that routine immunization services and antenatal check-ups remained uninterrupted, and were mostly provided at the community level. To prevent transmission, the family members and relatives had restricted visits to the health facility during labor or post-delivery. Women preferred to have a shorter hospital stay post-delivery and reduced routine postnatal check-ups for fear of infection.

Conclusion:India has a variety of national and state-level programs focused on improving MCH indicators to achieve the SDGs. COVID-19 inadvertently interrupted some components of health services, insinuating the need for a disaster or pandemic-resilient MCH services delivery system.
Did COVID-19 Policies Have the Same Effect on COVID-19 Incidence Among Women and Men? Evidence From Spain and Switzerland
Authors: Sant Fruchtman Carmen , Fischer Fabienne Beatrice , Monzón Llamas Laura , Tavakkoli Maryam , Cobos Muñoz Daniel , Antillon Marina
Published: September 2022

Objective:This study aimed to investigate how COVID-19 prevention policies influenced the COVID-19 incidence in men and women.

Methods:We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study using the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health and the Spanish Ministry of Health surveillance data for February 2020–June 2021 to explore sex and age differences in COVID-19 cases and testing. The female-male incidence rate ratios (IRR) were estimated for each week of the pandemic. We complemented our analysis with qualitative information on relevant containment measures in each country.

Results:In Switzerland and in Spain, there was an excess of cases in women of 20–59 years old and 80+. This excess of cases was significant during the waves of the pandemic in both countries. In Switzerland, the biggest difference was observed for the age group 20–29, reaching an excess of 94% of cases compared to men during the first wave of COVID-19 (March–May 2020). The excess of cases in women was greater in Spain than in Switzerland, where it reached 159% for women aged 20–29 during the first wave (March–June 2020). In both countries, the age groups 60–79 had a significant excess of cases in men during the pandemic.

Conclusion:COVID-19 public health policies affect men and women in different ways. Our findings highlight the importance of gender-sensitive responses to address a public health crisis.
Relationship Between Fruit and Vegetables Intake and Common Mental Disorders in Youth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dabravolskaj Julia , Marozoff Shelby , Maximova Katerina , Campbell Sandra , Veugelers Paul J.
Published: September 2022

Objective: Recent evidence suggests that adequate fruit and vegetables intake (FVI) might be associated with lower risk of common mental disorders (CMDs) in adults, but studies in youth are also beginning to emerge and are synthesized in this systematic review.

Methods: Online databases were searched from inception to 30 October 2020 to locate cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies focusing on the FVI and CMDs in youth (i.e., 10–18 years old). The risk of bias of studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale.

Results: Among 3,944 records identified, 12 studies (8 cross-sectional, 1 case-control, and 3 prospective cohort studies) were included in the final synthesis. None of the prospective cohort studies identified a statistically significant association between FVI and CMDs in youth, although inconsistent associations were reported in cross-sectional and case-control studies.

Conclusion: The lack of associations between FVI and CMDs in youth, along with consistent associations in adults, might be explained by the accumulation of risk theoretical model and methodological challenges.
Inhibiting PP2A Upregulates B7-H3 Expression and Potentially Increases the Sensitivity of Malignant Meningiomas to Immunotherapy by Proteomics
Authors: Hu Boyi , Hao Shuyu , Miao Yazhou , Deng Yuxuan , Wang Jing , Wan Hong , Zhang Shaodong , Ji Nan , Feng Jie
Published: September 2022

Malignant meningiomas have a high mortality rate and short survival time and currently have no effective treatment. In our study, proteomics analysis was performed to identify highly expressed proteins as therapeutic targets in malignant meningiomas. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to verify the effect of LB-100 on the growth of malignant meningiomas. In addition, immunoblotting was used to verify the expression of B7-H3 and phosphorylation of STAT1 (Tyr701) in tissues and cells. Our results show that STAT1 and CD276 (B7-H3) regulated by PP2A were enriched in GO_IMMUNE_EFFECTOR_PROCESS and GO_REGULATION_OF_IMMUNE_SYSTEM_PROCESS. The immunotherapy target protein B7-H3 was confirmed to be upregulated in malignant meningiomas compared with meningothelial (p = 0.0001) and fibroblastic (p = 0.0046) meningiomas. In vitro, the PP2A inhibitor LB-100 suppressed the growth and invasion of malignant meningioma cells. Notably, the PP2A inhibitor LB-100 increased the phosphorylation of STAT1, thereby increasing the expression of the immune checkpoint protein B7-H3 in malignant meningioma cells in vitro. In conclusion, B7-H3 was found to be upregulated in malignant meningiomas. The PP2A inhibitor LB-100 increased the phosphorylation of STAT1 and B7-H3 expression, which could increase the sensitivity of malignant meningiomas to B7-H3 targeted immunotherapy.
International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) Adoption: An Institutional Perspective
Authors: Eltweri Ahmed , Faccia Alessio , Foster Scott
Published: September 2022

This study seeks to examine the factors that influence the adoption of ISAs, intending to stimulate establishing a responsible and efficient auditing regime in Libyan auditing practice, shedding light on challenges in auditing practices in the North African region. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with 43 participants that represented 5 key actors from within the auditing field in Libya, including preparers and users of annual reports. Regarding ISAs adoption, the study focused on those institutional isomorphism drivers that are found to produce a greater impact on the experience of auditing practice in Libya. The identified factors are (a) foreign corporations, such as accountancy firms, (b) economic systems and the stock market, (c) international financial institutions (IFIs), and (d) the legal system. The research demonstrated that these drivers systematically and consistently predict the level of ISAs adoption commitment and associated harmonisation. Given the growing interest in harmonising auditing practice not only by scholars but also by policy and decision-makers, the relevance of this research cannot be questioned since it addresses significant concerns and contributes to the development of an under-researched topic in Africa. This paper expands the literature on the importance of harmonising auditing practices and provides fresh insights into auditing practices in a politically unstable country. Awareness is also raised about the most relevant drivers of adopting ISAs and several implications for policymakers and regulators in pursuing international harmonisation of auditing standards.
Effects of a Novel Gel Formulation of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) on Behavioral and Physiological Stress Responses in Dogs Undergoing Clinical Examination
Authors: Puglisi Ivana , Masucci Marisa , Cozzi Alessandro , Teruel Eva , Navarra Michele , Cirmi Santa , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Siracusa Carlo
Published: September 2022

The veterinary visit is necessary for safeguarding the health of dogs, but it can be stressful and threaten both the welfare of the patient and the accuracy of the examination. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study aims at evaluating how dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) in a novel gel formulation influences the behavioral and physiological stress responses of 28 dogs undergoing a standardized clinical examination, while staying in the waiting room (WR) and visited in the examination room (ER). Behavioral responses were studied through behavioral categories and subjective scales (WR and ER). Autonomic response considered heart rate (WR and ER), blood pressure (WR and ER), respiratory rate (ER), and rectal temperature (ER). Neuroendocrine response considered salivary cortisol (WR and ER). In the waiting room, the use of DAP was associated with a significant reduction of lip licking (p = 0.0189), an increase in panting (p = 0.0276), and a reduction close to significance (p = 0.0584) of low body postures. No significant differences were observed within the physiological responses. In the examination room, neither behavioral nor physiological differences were found.
The Efficacy of a 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Inhibitor for the Termination of Mid-Term Pregnancies in Dogs
Authors: Binli Firdevs , İnan İpek , Büyükbudak Fatih , Gram Aykut , Kaya Duygu , Liman Narin , Aslan Selim , Fındık Murat , Ay Serhan Serhat
Published: September 2022

Progesterone (P4) is the only hormone needed to maintain pregnancy in dogs. Therefore, a competitive inhibitor of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) could be a safe and effective option to terminate pregnancy by inhibiting P4 synthesis. To address this hypothesis, we investigated the efficacy of trilostane (TRL), a competitive inhibitor of 3β-HSD, in terminating pregnancy in dogs. Twenty-one dogs between days 30 and 38 of pregnancy were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (trilostane (TRL) and aglepristone (AGL)) and an untreated control (CON) group (n = 7 dogs each). Fetal heart rates (FHRs) (measured at 12 h intervals) and serum P4 concentrations (measured at 6 h intervals) were evaluated. The pregnancy termination rates were 0% and 100% in the TRL and AGL groups, respectively. The decrease in the FHR in the TRL and AGL groups was significantly lower than that observed in the CON group. There was a marked decrease in P4 concentrations in the TRL group 6, 54, and 102 h after the initiation of treatment. The luteal expression of StAR appeared to be weaker in the AGL group than the CON group. In conclusion, although a treatment-induced decrease was observed in plasma P4 concentrations, a seven-day TRL treatment alone was not effective in terminating pregnancies. Further studies are needed on the effects of the prolonged administration of TRL with varying doses and frequencies for the termination of mid-term pregnancy in dogs.
Prevalence and Population Diversity of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Dairy Cattle Farms in the Cantabria Region of Spain
Authors: Varsaki Athanasia , Ortiz Sagrario , Santorum Patricia , López Pilar , López-Alonso Victoria , Hernández Marta , Abad David , Rodríguez-Grande Jorge , Ocampo-Sosa Alain A. , Martínez-Suárez Joaquín V.
Published: September 2022

Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic pathogen that is widely distributed in the environment. Here we show the prevalence and transmission of L. monocytogenes in dairy farms in the Cantabria region, on the northern coast of Spain. A total of 424 samples was collected from 14 dairy farms (5 organic and 9 conventional) and 211 L. monocytogenes isolates were recovered following conventional microbiological methods. There were no statistically significant differences in antimicrobial resistance ratios between organic and conventional farms. A clonal relationship among the isolates was assessed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis and 64 different pulsotypes were obtained. Most isolates (89%, n = 187) were classified as PCR serogroup IVb by using a multiplex PCR assay. In this case, 45 isolates of PCR serogroup IVb were whole genome-sequenced to perform a further analysis at genomic level. In silico MLST analysis showed the presence of 12 sequence types (ST), of which ST1, ST54 and ST666 were the most common. Our data indicate that the environment of cattle farms retains a high incidence of L. monocytogenes, including subtypes involved in human listeriosis reports and outbreaks. This pathogen is shed in the feces and could easily colonize dairy products, as a result of fecal contamination. Effective herd and manure management are needed in order to prevent possible outbreaks.
Oregano Oil Combined with Macleaya Cordata Oral Solution Improves the Growth Performance and Immune Response of Broilers
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Li Weihao , Chen Ligong , Chen Zhaoliang , Wang Xuejing , Xu Qianqian , Zhang Hailong , Chen Huan , Liu Juxiang
Published: September 2022

The abuse of AGPs in animal husbandry has led to severe problems such as drug resistance and ecological, and environmental destruction, which seriously threaten human health and public health security. In recent years, extracts of oregano oil and macleaya cordata have become a hot spot in the research and application of AGP substitutes for their safety and high efficiency. This study is the first to report the effect of oregano oil combined with macleaya cordata oral solution on broiler growth performance. A total of 960 one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups (240 chickens per group). Each treatment group was divided into six replicate groups (40 birds per replicate group). There were four groups in this study: the solvent control group, the oregano essential oil combined with macleaya cordata extract oral solution group (OS group), the oregano essential oil oral solution group (OEO group), and the macleaya cordata extract oral solution group (MCE group). Two chickens from each replicate group were collected and mixed into a composite sample. Six composite samples were obtained for each treatment group. The results showed that the oregano oil combined with macleaya cordata oral solution significantly improved the growth performance of broiler chickens. At the same time, serum biochemical indices, serum antioxidant indices, serum immune indices, serum cytokines, and intestinal morphology were significantly improved by the OS group. This study shows that oregano oil combined with macleaya cordata oral solution has substantial potential to be an alternative to AGPs for broilers.
Effects of Sulfamethoxazole on Fertilization and Embryo Development in the Arbacia lixula Sea Urchin
Authors: Lazzara Valentina , Mauro Manuela , Celi Monica , Cammilleri Gaetano , Vizzini Aiti , Luparello Claudio , Bellini Paola , Ferrantelli Vincenzo , Vazzana Mirella
Published: September 2022

To date, drugs released into the aquatic environment are a real problem, and among antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole is the one most widely found in wastewater; thus, the evaluation of its toxicity on marine organisms is very important. This study, for the first time, investigates the in vitro effects of 4 concentrations of sulfamethoxazole (0.05 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, 5 mg/L, 50 mg/L) on the fertilization and development of the sea urchin Arbacia lixula. The gametes were exposed to drugs in three different stages: simultaneously with, prior to, and post-fertilization. The results show a significant reduction in the percentage of fertilized oocytes at the highest drug concentrations. Moreover, an increase in anomalies and delays in embryo development following the treatment with the drug was demonstrated. Therefore, the data suggest that this antibiotic can alter the development of marine organisms, making it urgent to act to reduce their release and to determine the concentration range with the greatest impact.
A Circulation Weather Type Analysis of Urban Effects on Daily Thermal Range for Milan (Italy)
Authors: Colangelo Giuseppe , Sanesi Giovanni , Mariani Luigi , Parisi Simone G. , Cola Gabriele
Published: September 2022

We present a first attempt to analyse the effect of a large urban park (Parco Nord Milano—PNM) on the Urban Heat Island (UHI) of the city area of Milan. Specifically, analysis of the effect of three cyclonic and three anticyclonic circulation weather types (CWTs) on the frequency distribution of the daily thermal range (DTR) of five weather stations in Milan shows the stabilizing effect of the city on the DTR when compared with suburban and rural areas, generating a modal class of 4 °C in winter and 9 °C in summer. In parallel, a temperature transect of the urban park Parco Nord Milano was performed by bicycle during a day of anticyclonic summer weather in order to understand the effect of the park on the UHI. This investigation highlighted the homogenization effect on temperatures induced by the thermal turbulence triggered by intense sunshine.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0062682 Binds to YBX1 and Promotes Oncogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Razpotnik Rok , Vidmar Robert , Fonović Marko , Rozman Damjana , Režen Tadeja
Published: September 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By implementing available transcriptomic analyses of HCC patients, we identified an upregulated circRNA hsa_circ_0062682. Stable perturbations of hsa_circ_0062682 in Huh-7 and SNU-449 cell lines influenced colony formation, migration, cell proliferation, sorafenib sensitivity, and additionally induced morphological changes in cell lines, indicating an important role of hsa_circ_0062682 in oncogenesis. Pathway enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis of the transcriptome data from hsa_circ_0062682 knockdown explained the observed phenotypes and exposed transcription factors E2F1, Sp1, HIF-1α, and NFκB1 as potential downstream targets. Biotinylated oligonucleotide pulldown combined with proteomic analyses identified protein interaction partners of which YBX1, a known oncogene, was confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, we discovered a complex cell-type-specific phenotype in response to the oncogenic potential of hsa_circ_0062682. This finding is in line with different classes of HCC tumours, and more studies are needed to shed a light on the molecular complexity of liver cancer.
Correction: Zhang et al. Association between Body Mass Index and Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAEs) among Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Pan-Cancer Analysis. Cancers 2021, 13, 6109
Authors: Zhang Dongyu , Shah Neil J. , Cook Michael , Blackburn Matthew , Serzan Michael T. , Advani Shailesh , Potosky Arnold L. , Madhavan Subha , Belouali Anas , Atkins Michael B. , Braithwaite Dejana
Published: September 2022

Subha Madhavan (S.M.) and Anas Belouali (A.B.) were not included as authors in the published article [...]
Correction: Pandey et al. ROR1 Potentiates FGFR Signaling in Basal-Like Breast Cancer. Cancers 2019, 11, 718
Authors: Pandey Gaurav , Borcherding Nicholas , Kolb Ryan , Kluz Paige , Li Wei , Sugg Sonia , Zhang Jun , Lai Dazhi A. , Zhang Weizhou
Published: September 2022

In the original publication [...]
The Evolving Interplay of SBRT and the Immune System, along with Future Directions in the Field
Authors: Miljanic Mihailo , Montalvo Steven , Aliru Maureen , Song Tidie , Leon-Camarena Maria , Innella Kevin , Vujovic Dragan , Komaki Ritsuko , Iyengar Puneeth
Published: September 2022

In this commentary, we describe the potential of highly ablative doses utilizing Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in single or few fractions to enhance immune-responsiveness, how timing of this approach in combination with immune-checkpoint inhibitors may augment treatment-effect, and whether Personalized Ultrafractionated Stereotactic Adaptive Radiation Therapy (PULSAR) is an avenue for future advancement in the continued endeavor to foster a systemic effect of therapy beyond the radiation treatment field. The ablative potential of SBRT may support an increase in tumor-antigen presentation, enhancement of immune-stimulatory components, and an improvement in tumor-microenvironment immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, the latest advancement of ablative radiation delivery is PULSAR-based therapy, whereby ablative doses are delivered in pulses of treatment that may be several weeks apart, combined with adaptive treatment to tumor changes across time. The benefits of this novel approach include the ability to optimize direct tumor control by assessment of tumor size and location via dedicated imaging acquired prior to each delivered pulse, and further potentiation of immune recognition through combination with concurrent immune-checkpoint blockade.
Systematic Analysis of Genetic and Pathway Determinants of Eribulin Sensitivity across 100 Human Cancer Cell Lines from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE)
Authors: Sachdev Pallavi , Ronen Roy , Dutkowski Janusz , Littlefield Bruce A.
Published: September 2022

Eribulin, a natural product-based microtubule targeting agent with cytotoxic and noncytotoxic mechanisms, is FDA approved for certain patients with advanced breast cancer and liposarcoma. To investigate the feasibility of developing drug-specific predictive biomarkers, we quantified antiproliferative activities of eribulin versus paclitaxel and vinorelbine against 100 human cancer cell lines from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, and correlated results with publicly available databases to identify genes and pathways associated with eribulin response, either uniquely or shared with paclitaxel or vinorelbine. Mean expression ratios of 11,985 genes between the most and least sensitive cell line quartiles were sorted by p-values and drug overlaps, yielding 52, 29 and 80 genes uniquely associated with eribulin, paclitaxel and vinorelbine, respectively. Further restriction to minimum 2-fold ratios followed by reintroducing data from the middle two quartiles identified 9 and 13 drug-specific unique fingerprint genes for eribulin and vinorelbine, respectively; surprisingly, no gene met all criteria for paclitaxel. Interactome and Reactome pathway analyses showed that unique fingerprint genes of both drugs were primarily associated with cellular signaling, not microtubule-related pathways, although considerable differences existed in individual pathways identified. Finally, four-gene (C5ORF38, DAAM1, IRX2, CD70) and five-gene (EPHA2, NGEF, SEPTIN10, TRIP10, VSIG10) multivariate regression models for eribulin and vinorelbine showed high statistical correlation with drug-specific responses across the 100 cell lines and accurately calculated predicted mean IC50s for the most and least sensitive cell line quartiles as surrogates for responders and nonresponders, respectively. Collectively, these results provide a foundation for developing drug-specific predictive biomarkers for eribulin and vinorelbine.
RNA-seq and ChIP-seq Identification of Unique and Overlapping Targets of GLI Transcription Factors in Melanoma Cell Lines
Authors: Kurtović Matea , Piteša Nikolina , Bartoniček Nenad , Ozretić Petar , Musani Vesna , Čonkaš Josipa , Petrić Tina , King Cecile , Sabol Maja
Published: September 2022

Background: Despite significant progress in therapy, melanoma still has a rising incidence worldwide, and novel treatment strategies are needed. Recently, researchers have recognized the involvement of the Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) signaling pathway in melanoma and its consistent crosstalk with the MAPK pathway. In order to further investigate the link between the two pathways and to find new target genes that could be considered for combination therapy, we set out to find transcriptional targets of all three GLI proteins in melanoma. Methods: We performed RNA sequencing on three melanoma cell lines (CHL-1, A375, and MEL224) with overexpressed GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 and combined them with the results of ChIP-sequencing on endogenous GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3 proteins. After combining these results, 21 targets were selected for validation by qPCR. Results: RNA-seq revealed a total of 808 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for GLI1, 941 DEGs for GLI2, and 58 DEGs for GLI3. ChIP-seq identified 527 genes that contained GLI1 binding sites in their promoters, 1103 for GLI2 and 553 for GLI3. A total of 15 of these targets were validated in the tested cell lines, 6 of which were detected by both RNA-seq and ChIP-seq. Conclusions: Our study provides insight into the unique and overlapping transcriptional output of the GLI proteins in melanoma. We suggest that our findings could provide new potential targets to consider while designing melanoma-targeted therapy.
MARCKS as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Authors: Manai Maroua , ELBini-Dhouib Ines , Finetti Pascal , Bichiou Haifa , Reduzzi Carolina , Aissaoui Dorra , Ben-Hamida Naziha , Agavnian Emilie , Srairi-Abid Najet , Lopez Marc , Amri Fatma , Guizani-Tabbane Lamia , Rahal Khaled , Mrad Karima , Manai Mohamed , Birnbaum Daniel , Mamessier Emilie , Cristofanilli Massimo , Boussen Hamouda , Kharrat Maher , Doghri Raoudha , Bertucci François
Published: September 2022

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most pro-metastatic form of breast cancer (BC). We previously demonstrated that protein overexpression of Myristoylated Alanine-Rich C Kinase Substrate (MARCKS) protein was associated with shorter survival in IBC patients. MARCKS has been associated with the PI3K/AKT pathway. MARCKS inhibitors are in development. Our objective was to investigate MARCKS, expressed preferentially in IBC that non-IBC (nIBC), as a novel potential therapeutic target for IBC. The biologic activity of MPS, a MARCKS peptide inhibitor, on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and mammosphere formation was evaluated in IBC (SUM149 and SUM190) and nIBC (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7) cell lines, as well as its effects on protein expression in the PTEN/AKT and MAPK pathways. The prognostic relevance of MARCKS and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein expression as a surrogate marker of metastasis-free survival (MFS) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a retrospective series of archival tumor samples derived from 180 IBC patients and 355 nIBC patients. In vitro MPS impaired cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and mammosphere formation in IBC cells. MARCKS inhibition upregulated PTEN and downregulated pAKT and pMAPK expression in IBC cells, but not in nIBC cells. By IHC, MARCKS expression and PTEN expression were negatively correlated in IBC samples and were associated with shorter MFS and longer MFS, respectively, in multivariate analysis. The combination of MARCKS-/PTEN+ protein status was associated with longer MFS in IBC patient only (p = 8.7 × 10−3), and mirrored the molecular profile (MARCKS-downregulated/PTEN-upregulated) of MPS-treated IBC cell lines. In conclusion, our results uncover a functional role of MARCKS implicated in IBC aggressiveness. Associated with the good-prognosis value of the MARCKS-/PTEN+ protein status that mirrors the molecular profile of MPS-treated IBC cell lines, our results suggest that MARCKS could be a potential therapeutic target in patients with MARCKS-positive IBC. Future preclinical studies using a larger panel of IBC cell lines, animal models and analysis of a larger series of clinical samples are warranted in order to validate our results.