bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Reasoning in Forensic Psychiatry: Concepts, Processes, and Pitfalls
Authors: Raharjanti Natalia Widiasih , Wiguna Tjhin , Purwadianto Agus , Soemantri Diantha , Bardosono Saptawati , Poerwandari Elizabeth Kristi , Mahajudin Marlina S. , Ramadianto Adhitya Sigit , Alfonso César A. , Findyartini Ardi , Nugrahadi Nadia Rahmadiani , Lazuardi Muhammad Qolby , Subroto Priscilla Aya Maheswari , Saroso Olivia Jeany Darmawan Adji , Levania Monika Kristi
Published: August 2021

Forensic psychiatrists are often sought by the court of law to provide professional opinion on specific legal matters that have a major impact on the evaluee and possibly society at large. The quality of that opinion and recommendations rely on the quality of the analysis from the assessment results conducted by the psychiatrist. However, the definition and scope of a forensic psychiatric analysis is not clear. While existing literature on forensic psychiatric analysis generally includes organizing information, identifying relevant details, and formulating a set of forensic psychiatric opinions as components, there is no explicit and unified definition of these terms and process. This lack of clarity and guidelines may hinder forensic psychiatry from achieving its goal of providing objective information to the court or other relevant parties. Forensic psychiatric analysis exhibits numerous parallels to clinical reasoning in other fields of medicine. Therefore, this review aims to elaborate forensic psychiatric analysis through the lens of clinical reasoning, which has been developed by incorporating advances in cognitive sciences. We describe forensic psychiatric analysis through three prominent clinical reasoning theories: hypothetico-deductive model, illness script theory, and dual process theory. We expand those theories to elucidate how forensic psychiatrists use clinical reasoning not only to diagnose mental disorders, but also to determine mental capacities as requested by law. Cognitive biases are also described as potential threat to the accuracy of the assessment and analysis. Additionally, situated cognition theory helps elucidate how contextual factors influence risk of errors. Understanding the processes involved in forensic psychiatric analysis and their pitfalls can assist forensic psychiatrists to be aware of and try to mitigate their bias. Debiasing strategies that have been implemented in other fields of medicine to mitigate errors in clinical reasoning can be adapted for forensic psychiatry. This may also shape the training program of general psychiatrists and forensic psychiatrists alike.
Daily-Life Social Experiences as a Potential Mediator of the Relationship Between Parenting and Psychopathology in Adolescence
Authors: Achterhof Robin , Kirtley Olivia J. , Schneider Maude , Lafit Ginette , Hagemann Noëmi , Hermans Karlijn S. F. M. , Hiekkaranta Anu P. , Lecei Aleksandra , Myin-Germeys Inez
Published: August 2021

Adolescence is a vulnerable period for psychopathology development, and certain parenting styles are consistent and robust predictors of a broad range of mental health outcomes. The mechanisms through which maladaptive parenting styles affect the development of psychopathology are assumed to be largely social in nature. Yet, the social mechanisms linking parenting to psychopathology are unexplored at arguably the most important level of functioning: daily life. This study aims to identify the associations between three parenting styles, and the experience of daily-life social interactions. Furthermore, we aim to explore the extent to which these parenting styles and altered daily-life social experiences are associated with psychopathology. In this study, we recruited a sample ofN= 1,913 adolescents (63.3% girls; mean age = 13.7, age range = 11 to 20) as part of the first wave of the longitudinal cohort study “SIGMA”. Parenting styles (psychological control, responsiveness, and autonomy support) and psychopathology symptoms were assessed using a retrospective questionnaire battery. The experienced quality of social interactions in different types of company was assessed using the experience sampling method, ten times per day for 6 days. Direct associations between parenting styles and general quality of daily-life social experiences were tested using a three-level linear model, revealing significant associations between social experiences and different parenting styles. When interaction effects were added to this model, we found that maternal responsiveness and paternal psychological control mainly related to altered qualities of social interactions with parents, while paternal autonomy support was associated with better experiences of non-family social interactions. Finally, an exploratory path analysis highlighted how both paternal autonomy support and altered quality of non-family interactions are uniquely associated with psychopathology levels. These findings demonstrate the general and pervasive effects of maladaptive parenting styles, as parenting seems to broadly affect adolescents' interactions with different types of social partners in everyday life. Moreover, they illustrate a potential mediated relationship in which altered daily-life social interactions could drive the development of psychopathology. A stronger focus may be required on the role of altered day-to-day social experiences in the prevention and potentially, the treatment, of adolescent psychopathology.
Functional and Cognitive Impairments Increased Risks of Outcomes of Healthcare Utilization in Patients With Stroke Receiving Home and Community-Based Care in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Li-Fan , Wang Wei-Ming , Wang Jung-Der
Published: August 2021

Aim: Stroke is a leading cause of disability; however, little is known about the outcomes of the utilization of long-term care (LTC) recipients in Taiwan. This study aimed to quantify the burdens of disease of stroke survivors receiving LTC by evaluating the outcomes of their utilization including mortality, readmissions, and re-emergency within 1 year after diagnoses of strokes.

Methods: By interlinkages among the national mortality registry, LTC dataset (LTC-CM), and the National Health Insurance Research Dataset (NHIRD), the outcomes and the factors associated with receiving LTC up to 1 year were explored. Patients were aged 50 years and over with an inpatient claim of the first diagnosis of stroke of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke during 2011–2016. Outcomes of the healthcare utilization include rehospitalization and re-emergency.

Results: There were 15,662 patients with stroke who utilized the LTC services in the dataset among the stroke population in NHIRD. Stroke survivors receiving LTC showed no difference in clinical characteristics and their expected years of life loss (EYLL = 7.4 years) among those encountered in NHIRD. The LTC recipients showed high possibilities to be rehospitalized and resent to emergency service within 1 year after diagnosis. Apart from the comorbidity and stroke severity, both the physical and mental functional disabilities and caregiving resources predicted the outcomes of the utilization.

Conclusions: For stroke survivors, both severe functional impairments and cognitive impairments were found as important factors for healthcare utilizations. These results regarding reserving functional abilities deserve our consideration in making the decision on the ongoing LTC policy reform in the aged society of Taiwan.
Smart Management of Healthcare Professionals Involved in COVID-19 Contrast With SWAPS
Authors: Bellavista Paolo , Torello Marco , Corradi Antonio , Foschini Luca
Published: August 2021

The recent COVID-19 pandemic in Italy has highlighted several critical issues in the management process of infected people. At the health level, the management of the COVID-19 positive was mainly delegated to the regional authorities and centrally monitored by the State. Despite requested common activities (such as diagnosis of virus positivity, active surveillance of infected people and contact tracing), Regional Health Departments were able to issue specific directives in their territories and establish priority levels for each activity according to the specific needs related to the emergency in their area. The development of novel digital tools for the management of infected people become an urgent necessity to foster more organized and integrated solutions, able to quickly process large amounts of data. Mobile Crowdsensing methodologies could effectively facilitate needed lateral interviewing activities as well as the monitoring of crowds in environments with a high concentration of virus-positive subjects (such are hospital wards but also other locations), facilitating the tracing of possible outbreaks of contagion due to advanced geolocation techniques and big data analysis methods. This paper analyzes the functionality of SWAPS (Supporting Workflows for Healthcare Personnel management), a modular and scalable web platform which facilitate and reduces the management time of COVID positive health personnel within healthcare facilities. It also analyzes the possible integrations between SWAPS and ParticipACT, an advanced MCS platform developed by the University of Bologna that can help set up the alert notification in case of entry into a COVID risk area. This article surveys the current literature on software platforms to address COVID-19 and related tracing issues and presents the practical issues and on-the-field results obtained from the research developed by the University of Bologna by assisting the deployment of the proposed solution for a big Regional Health Department in the city of Bologna.
Exploring the Conceptual Structure of the Research on Innovation in Hotels through Co-Word Analysis
Authors: Fernandes Catarina , Pires Rui
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the results of a bibliometric analysis of published academic research on innovation in hotels. In particular, it aims to analyze the conceptual structure of the field, covering the period until October 2020, and predict emerging trends. This approach provides an exhaustive analysis of 334 papers collected from the Scopus database. Co-word analysis used to identify the conceptual structure reveals four clusters: (1) technological innovation, (2) innovativeness and innovation strategy, (3) knowledge and employee innovative behavior, and (4) performance as an outcome of organizational capability to innovate. The present study contributes to the literature by increasing the accumulation of knowledge on research topics, providing an up-to-date review on hotel innovation literature, and setting forth an agenda for future research.
Relationship between Body Chemical Composition and Reproductive Traits in Rabbit Does
Authors: Taghouti Meriem , García Javier , Ibáñez Miguel A. , Macchiavelli Raúl E. , Nicodemus Nuria
Published: August 2021

The relationship among live weight, chemical body composition and energy content (at artificial insemination (AI) and three days before parturition), estimated by bioelectrical impedance with fertility rates and the percentage of kits born alive, was studied during the first three AI. The first AI was conducted at 16 weeks of age in 137 rabbit does that weighted 3.91 ± 0.46 kg. Their body chemical composition was 17.4 ± 0.50%, 16.1 ± 2.6%, 1067 ± 219 kJ/100 g body weight, for protein, fat and energy, respectively. An increase in body protein, fat and energy content at the first AI did not affect fertility at the first AI but improved it at the second AI (p ≤ 0.030). Moreover, an increase in body fat and energy content at the second AI improved fertility at the second AI (p ≤ 0.001). Fertility at the third AI was positively influenced by body protein at the third AI and the increase in body protein and fat between the second parturition and the third AI (p ≤ 0.030). The percentage of kits born alive at the first and at the second AI improved with the increase in body protein at the first AI (p ≤ 0.040). In conclusion, a minimal body protein and fat content is required at the first AI to optimize the reproductive performance in young does.
Blood Biomarker Profile Alterations in Newborn Canines: Effect of the Mother′s Weight
Authors: Reyes-Sotelo Brenda , Mota-Rojas Daniel , Mora-Medina Patricia , Ogi Asahi , Mariti Chiara , Olmos-Hernández Adriana , Martínez-Burnes Julio , Hernández-Ávalos Ismael , Sánchez-Millán Jose , Gazzano Angelo
Published: August 2021

This study aims to determine the effect of the weight of bitches on liveborn and stillbirth puppies from eutocic births, and physiological blood alterations during the first minute postpartum. A total of 52 female dogs were evaluated and distributed in four categories: C1 (4.0–8.0 kg, n = 19), C2 (8.1–16.0 kg, n = 16), C3 (16.1–32.0 kg, n = 11), and C4 (32.1–35.8 kg, n = 6). The dams produced 225 liveborn puppies and 47 were classified as stillbirth type II. Blood samples were taken from the umbilical vein to evaluate the concentration of gases, glucose, lactate, calcium, hematocrit levels, and blood pH. The liveborn puppies in C2, C3, and C4 had more evident physiological alterations (hypercapnia, acidosis) than those in C1 (p < 0.05). These signs indicate a process of transitory asphyxiation. The stillborn pups in all four categories had higher weights than their liveborn littermates. C3 and C4 had the highest mean weights (419.86 and 433.79 g, respectively) and mortality rates (C3 = 20.58%, C4 = 24.58%). Results suggest that if the weight of the bitch is >16.1 kg in eutocic births, there is a higher risk of intrapartum physiological alterations and death. The results of this study allowed us to identify that the weight of dams before birth determines the weight of the puppies at birth.
Effects of Obesity on Adiponectin System Skin Expression in Dogs: A Comparative Study
Authors: Dall’Aglio Cecilia , Maranesi Margherita , Di Loria Antonio , Piantedosi Diego , Ciaramella Paolo , Alterisio Maria Chiara , Lepri Elvio , Mercati Francesca
Published: August 2021

Obesity is an important health issue in dogs since it influences a plethora of associated pathologies, including dermatological disorders. Considering the scarcity of information in pets, this work aimed to evaluate the localization and expression of adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and its two receptors (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) in the skin of 10 obese dogs, compared with serum ADIPOQ level. Through immunohistochemistry, ADIPOQ and ADIPOR2 were observed in the adipose tissue, sweat and sebaceous glands, endothelium, and some connective cells. Both receptors were observed in the epidermis and the hair follicles, other than in the sweat and sebaceous glands. Real-time PCR evidenced that the ADIPOQ and ADIPOR2 transcripts were expressed 5.4-fold (p < 0.01) and 2.3-fold less (p < 0.01), respectively, in obese than in normal weight dogs, while ADIPOR1 expression did not change. Obese dogs showed lower serum ADIPOQ levels than the normal weight group. Accordingly, ADIPOQ and ADIPOR2 expression in the skin appear negatively correlated with obesity in the same way as the serum ADIPOQ level. These findings evidence that ADIPOQ system changes in the skin of obese dogs and suggest that the ADIPOQ effect on the skin is at least in part regulated by the reduced expression of ADIPOR2.
Multi-Probiotic Lactobacillus Supplementation Improves Liver Function and Reduces Cholesterol Levels in Jeju Native Pigs
Authors: Kim Dahye , Min Yunhui , Yang Jiwon , Heo Yunji , Kim Mangeun , Hur Chang-Gi , Lee Sang-Chul , Lee Hak-Kyo , Song Ki-Duk , Heo Jaeyoung , Son Young-Ok , Lee Dong-Sun
Published: August 2021

We evaluated the dietary effects of multiple probiotics in Jeju native pigs, using basal diet and multi-probiotic Lactobacillus (basal diet with 1% multi-probiotics) treatments (n = 9 each) for 3 months. We analyzed growth performance, feed efficiency, backfat thickness, blood parameters, hematological profiles, adipokines, and immune-related cytokines in pig tissues. Average daily gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, backfat thickness, and body weight were not significantly different between both groups. In Lactobacillus group, total protein (p < 0.08) and bilirubin (p < 0.03) concentrations increased; blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.08), alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.08), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (p < 0.08) activities decreased. Lactobacillus group showed decreased adiponectin (p < 0.05), chemerin (p < 0.05), and visfatin expression in adipose tissues, and increased TLR4 (p < 0.05), MYD88 (p < 0.05), TNF-α (p < 0.001), and IFN-γ (p < 0.001) expression in the liver. Additionally, NOD1 (p < 0.05), NOD2 (p < 0.01), and MYD88 (p < 0.05) mRNA levels in proximal colon tissue upregulated significantly. Colon, longissimus dorsi muscle, fat tissue, and liver histological analyses revealed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusively, Lactobacillus supplementation improved liver function and reduced cholesterol levels. Its application may treat metabolic liver disorders, especially cholesterol-related disorders.
Introducing the World’s First Global Producer Price Indices for Beef Cattle and Sheep
Authors: Almadani Mohamad Isam , Weeks Peter , Deblitz Claus
Published: August 2021

While international beef and sheep meat price developments are usually measured with meat trade prices (provided by FAO), no comparable information exists on world average of national prices that producers receive for livestock. This paper aims to fill this gap by introducing a set of global producer price indices representing cattle, lambs, and sheep prices as received by producers: the agri benchmark of weaner cattle, finished cattle, lambs and lambs and sheep price indices. These Laspeyres, production-weighted indices measure changes in global farm gate prices as provided annually by the agri benchmark Beef and Sheep Network, with this paper covering prices between 2000 and 2019. The results showed that growing Asian imports, local economic developments in South America, the interconnection with the dairy sector in Europe, growth of beef consumption in China and exchange rates shifts are the key factors that drove developments of global beef producer prices over the past 20 years. Droughts in Oceania and the rapid rise in China’s sheep meat prices are highly reflected in the Global Lambs and Lambs and Sheep Meat Price indices. The indices indicate whether cattle and sheep producers globally are receiving more, or less, for the commodity and may increase or reduce production and investment accordingly. This will be of more use if there were similar producer price indices for competing enterprises, such as dairy and cropping, and for competing proteins, such as pigs, poultry, and fish.
Release of Iron-Loaded Ferritin in Sodium Iodate-Induced Model of Age Related Macular Degeneration: An In-Vitro and In-Vivo Study
Authors: Ashok Ajay , Chaudhary Suman , Wise Aaron , Rana Neil , McDonald Dallas , Kritikos Alexander , Lindner Ewald , Singh Neena
Published: August 2021

In this report, we evaluated the role of iron in sodium iodate (NaIO3)-induced model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in ARPE-19 cells in-vitro, and mouse models in-vivo. ARPE-19 cells, a human retinal pigmented epithelial cell line, were exposed to 10 mM of NaIO3 for 24 h, and the expression and localization of major iron modulating proteins was evaluated by Western blotting (WB) and immunostaining. Synthesis and maturation of cathepsin-D (cat-D), a lysosomal enzyme, was evaluated by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and WB respectively. For in-vivo studies, C57BL/6 mice were injected with 40 mg/kg mouse body weight of NaIO3 intraperitoneally, and their retina was evaluated after 3 weeks as above. We observed that NaIO3 induced a 10-fold increase in ferritin in ARPE-19 cells, which co-localized with LC3II, an autophagosomal marker, and LAMP-1, a lysosomal marker. A similar increase in ferritin was noted in retinal lysates and retinal sections of NaIO3-injected mice by WB and immunostaining. Impaired synthesis and maturation of cat-D was also noted. Accumulated ferritin was loaded with iron, and released from retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells in Perls’ and LAMP-1 positive vesicles. These observations suggest that NaIO3 impairs lysosomal degradation of ferritin by decreasing the transcription and maturation of cat-D in RPE-19 cells. Iron-loaded ferritin accumulates in lysosomes and is released in lysosome membrane-enclosed vesicles in the extracellular milieu. Accumulation of ferritin in RPE-19 cells and fusion of ferritin-containing vesicles with adjacent photoreceptor cells is likely to create iron overload, compromising their viability. Moreover, reduced activity of cat-D is likely to promote the accumulation of other cellular debris in lysosomal vesicles, contributing to AMD-like pathology.
A Systematic Review of Carotenoids in the Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Lem Drake W. , Davey Pinakin Gunvant , Gierhart Dennis L. , Rosen Richard B.
Published: August 2021

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of modifiable vision loss in older adults. Chronic oxidative injury and compromised antioxidant defenses represent essential drivers in the development of retinal neurodegeneration. Overwhelming free radical species formation results in mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as cellular and metabolic imbalance, which becomes exacerbated with increasing age. Thus, the depletion of systemic antioxidant capacity further proliferates oxidative stress in AMD-affected eyes, resulting in loss of photoreceptors, neuroinflammation, and ultimately atrophy within the retinal tissue. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the neuroprotective potential of the xanthophyll carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin on retinal neurodegeneration for the purpose of adjunctive nutraceutical strategy in the management of AMD. A comprehensive literature review was performed to retrieve 55 eligible publications, using four database searches from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science. Epidemiology studies indicated an enhanced risk reduction against late AMD with greater dietary consumption of carotenoids, meanwhile greater concentrations in macular pigment demonstrated significant improvements in visual function among AMD patients. Collectively, evidence strongly suggests that carotenoid vitamin therapies offer remarkable synergic protection in the neurosensory retina, with the potential to serve as adjunctive nutraceutical therapy in the management of established AMD, albeit these benefits may vary among different stages of disease.
Cities and Urban Heritage in the Face of a Changing Climate
Authors: Aktas Yasemin Didem
Published: August 2021

Urbanisation is defined as the process where ever more people leave rural areas to live in cities [...]
COVID-19 Disease, Women’s Predominant Non-Heparin Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia and Kounis Syndrome: A Passepartout Cytokine Storm Interplay
Authors: Kounis Nicholas G. , Koniari Ioanna , de Gregorio Cesare , Assimakopoulos Stelios F. , Velissaris Dimitrios , Hung Ming-Yow , Mplani Virginia , Saba Luca , Brinia Aikaterini , Kouni Sophia N. , Gogos Christos , Giovannini Mattia , Novembre Elio , Arumugham Vinu , Ricke Darrell O. , Soufras George D. , Nugent Kenneth , Sestili Piero , Malone Robert W.
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) constitute one of the deadliest pandemics in modern history demonstrating cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematologic, mucocutaneous, respiratory, neurological, renal and testicular manifestations and further complications. COVID-19-induced excessive immune response accompanied with uncontrolled release of cytokines culminating in cytokine storm seem to be the common pathogenetic mechanism of these complications. The aim of this narrative review is to elucidate the relation between anaphylaxis associated with profound hypotension or hypoxemia with pro-inflammatory cytokine release. COVID-19 relation with Kounis syndrome and post-COVID-19 vaccination correlation with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT), especially serious cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, were also reviewed. Methods: A current literature search in PubMed, Embase and Google databases was performed to reveal the pathophysiology, prevalence, clinical manifestation, correlation and treatment of COVID-19, anaphylaxis with profuse hypotension, Kounis acute coronary syndrome and thrombotic events post vaccination. Results: The same key immunological pathophysiology mechanisms and cells seem to underlie COVID-19 cardiovascular complications and the anaphylaxis-associated Kounis syndrome. The myocardial injury in patients with COVID-19 has been attributed to coronary spasm, plaque rupture and microthrombi formation, hypoxic injury or cytokine storm disposing the same pathophysiology with the three clinical variants of Kounis syndrome. COVID-19-interrelated vaccine excipients as polysorbate, polyethelene glycol (PEG) and trometamol constitute potential allergenic substances. Conclusion: Better acknowledgement of the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical similarities, multiorgan complications of COVID-19 or other viral infections as dengue and human immunodeficiency viruses along with the action of inflammatory cells inducing the Kounis syndrome could identify better immunological approaches for prevention, treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as post-COVID-19 vaccine adverse reactions.
Fecal Transplant and Bifidobacterium Treatments Modulate Gut Clostridium Bacteria and Rescue Social Impairment and Hippocampal BDNF Expression in a Rodent Model of Autism
Authors: Abuaish Sameera , Al-Otaibi Norah M. , Abujamel Turki S. , Alzahrani Saleha Ahmad , Alotaibi Sohailah Masoud , AlShawakir Yasser A. , Aabed Kawther , El-Ansary Afaf
Published: August 2021

Autism is associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction and gut microbiota dysbiosis, including an overall increase in Clostridium. Modulation of the gut microbiota is suggested to improve autistic symptoms. In this study, we explored the implementation of two different interventions that target the microbiota in a rodent model of autism and their effects on social behavior: the levels of different fecal Clostridium spp., and hippocampal transcript levels. Autism was induced in young Sprague Dawley male rats using oral gavage of propionic acid (PPA) for three days, while controls received saline. PPA-treated animals were divided to receive either saline, fecal transplant from healthy donor rats, or Bifidobacterium for 22 days, while controls continued to receive saline. We found that PPA attenuated social interaction in animals, which was rescued by the two interventions. PPA-treated animals had a significantly increased abundance of fecal C. perfringens with a concomitant decrease in Clostridium cluster IV, and exhibited high hippocampal Bdnf expression compared to controls. Fecal microbiota transplantation or Bifidobacterium treatment restored the balance of fecal Clostridium spp. and normalized the level of Bdnf expression. These findings highlight the involvement of the gut–brain axis in the etiology of autism and propose possible interventions in a preclinical model of autism.
Application of Low-Cost Sensors for Building Monitoring: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mobaraki Behnam , Lozano-Galant Fidel , Soriano Rocio , Castilla Pascual Francisco
Published: August 2021

In recent years, many scholars have dedicated their research to the development of low-cost sensors for monitoring of various parameters. Despite their high number of applications, the state of the art related to low-cost sensors in building monitoring has not been addressed. To fill this gap, this article presents a systematic review, following well-established methodology, to analyze the state of the art in two aspects of structural and indoor parameters of buildings, in the SCOPUS database. This analysis allows to illustrate the potential uses of low-cost sensors in the building sector and addresses the scholars the preferred communication protocols and the most common microcontrollers for installation of low-cost monitoring systems. In addition, special attention is paid to describe different areas of the two mentioned fields of building monitoring and the most crucial parameters to be monitored in buildings. Finally, the deficiencies in line with limited number of studies carried out in various fields of building monitoring are overviewed and a series of parameters that ought to be studied in the future are proposed.
Three-Dimensional Vascularized Lung Cancer-on-a-Chip with Lung Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels for In Vitro Screening
Authors: Park Sangun , Kim Tae , Kim Soo , You Seungkwon , Jung Youngmee
Published: August 2021

Recent advances in immunotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies have led to an increased interest in exploring the field of in vitro tumor mimetic platforms. An increasing need to understand the mechanisms of anti-cancer therapies has led to the development of natural tumor tissue-like in vitro platforms capable of simulating the tumor microenvironment. The incorporation of vascular structures into the in vitro platforms could be a crucial factor for functional investigation of most anti-cancer therapies, including immunotherapies, which are closely related to the circulatory system. Decellularized lung extracellular matrix (ldECM), comprised of ECM components and pro-angiogenic factors, can initiate vascularization and is ideal for mimicking the natural microenvironment. In this study, we used a ldECM-based hydrogel to develop a 3D vascularized lung cancer-on-a-chip (VLCC). We specifically encapsulated tri-cellular spheroids made from A549 cells, HUVECs, and human lung fibroblasts, for simulating solid type lung cancer. Additionally, two channels were incorporated in the hydrogel construct to mimic perfusable vessel structures that resemble arterioles or venules. Our study highlights how a more effective dose-dependent action of the anti-cancer drug Doxorubicin was observed using a VLCC over 2D screening. This observation confirmed the potential of the VLCC as a 3D in vitro drug screening tool.
The Pathogenic Role of PI3K/AKT Pathway in Cancer Onset and Drug Resistance: An Updated Review
Authors: Rascio Federica , Spadaccino Federica , Rocchetti Maria Teresa , Castellano Giuseppe , Stallone Giovanni , Netti Giuseppe Stefano , Ranieri Elena
Published: August 2021

The PI3K/AKT pathway is one of the most frequently over-activated intracellular pathways in several human cancers. This pathway, acting on different downstream target proteins, contributes to the carcinogenesis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumour cells. A multi-level impairment, involving mutation and genetic alteration, aberrant regulation of miRNAs sequences, and abnormal phosphorylation of cascade factors, has been found in multiple cancer types. The deregulation of this pathway counteracts common therapeutic strategies and contributes to multidrug resistance. In this review, we underline the involvement of this pathway in patho-physiological cell survival mechanisms, emphasizing its key role in the development of drug resistance. We also provide an overview of the potential inhibition strategies currently available.
A Population-Based Analysis of 30-Year Mortality among Five-Year Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer: The Roles of Primary Cancer, Subsequent Malignancy, and Other Health Conditions
Authors: Moke Diana J. , Song Ziwei , Liu Lihua , Hamilton Ann S. , Deapen Dennis , Freyer David R.
Published: August 2021

Despite an aggregate 5-year survival of 85%, many adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 15–39 years old) treated for cancer die prematurely decades later. To develop a more complete understanding of this problem, particularly the role of specific subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs), we used the SEER-9 registry to analyze causes of death (COD: Primary cancer, SMN, non-malignant conditions) among 162,317 AYAs diagnosed with first cancer between 1975–2012 and surviving 5 or more years. Cumulative mortality, attributable mortality, standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), and adjusted hazard ratios were determined for each cancer site and COD. At 30 years, cumulative mortality due to primary cancer was matched by that due to all other causes (12.8% 95% CI [12.5%, 13.0%] for primary cancer versus 12.8% [12.5%, 13.1%] for all other causes combined) in the combined cohort, and was overtaken by non-malignant conditions in Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular, cervical/uterine, and thyroid cancers. Overall, SMNs accounted for 20% of malignant deaths, the most common being lung/bronchus (25.6%), colorectal/liver/biliary/pancreas (19.1%), and breast (10.2%). For non-malignant conditions, excess risk was noted overall (SMR 1.37, 95% CI [1.34, 1.40]) and for infectious (1.97 [1.85, 2.10]), renal (1.85 [1.60, 2.13]), cardio/cerebrovascular (1.38 [1.33, 1.43]), and suicide (1.15 [1.04, 1.27]). Racial minorities were at significantly higher risk across all COD. Safer therapy, longitudinal monitoring, and primary/secondary preventive strategies are needed to reduce late mortality in this vulnerable population.
Genetic Suppressor Element 1 (GSE1) Promotes the Oncogenic and Recurrent Phenotypes of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer by Targeting Tumor-Associated Calcium Signal Transducer 2 (TACSTD2)
Authors: Bamodu Oluwaseun Adebayo , Wang Yuan-Hung , Ho Chen-Hsun , Hu Su-Wei , Lin Chia-Da , Tzou Kai-Yi , Wu Wen-Ling , Chen Kuan-Chou , Wu Chia-Chang
Published: August 2021

Background: prostate cancer (PCa) is a principal cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Castration resistance and metastasis are clinical challenges and continue to impede therapeutic success, despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances. There are reports of the oncogenic activity of genetic suppressor element (GSE)1 in breast and gastric cancers; however, its role in therapy resistance, metastasis, and susceptibility to disease recurrence in PCa patients remains unclear. Objective: this study investigated the role of aberrantly expressed GSE1 in the metastasis, therapy resistance, relapse, and poor prognosis of advanced PCa. Methods: we used a large cohort of multi-omics data and in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays to investigate the potential effect of altered GSE1 expression on advanced/castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) treatment responses, disease progression, and prognosis. Results: using a multi-cohort approach, we showed that GSE1 is upregulated in PCa, while tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 (TACSTD2) is downregulated. Moreover, the direct, but inverse, correlation interaction between GSE1 and TACSTD2 drives metastatic disease, castration resistance, and disease progression and modulates the clinical and immune statuses of patients with PCa. Patients with GSE1highTACSTD2low expression are more prone to recurrence and disease-specific death than their GSE1lowTACSTD2high counterparts. Interestingly, we found that the GSE1–TACSTD2 expression profile is associated with the therapy responses and clinical outcomes in patients with PCa, especially those with metastatic/recurrent disease. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the shRNA-mediated targeting of GSE1 (shGSE1) significantly inhibits cell proliferation and attenuates cell migration and tumorsphere formation in metastatic PC3 and DU145 cell lines, with an associated suppression of VIM, SNAI2, and BCL2 and the concomitant upregulation of TACSTD2 and BAX. Moreover, shGSE1 enhances sensitivity to the antiandrogens abiraterone and enzalutamide in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: these data provide preclinical evidence of the oncogenic role of dysregulated GSE1–TACSTD2 signaling and show that the molecular or pharmacological targeting of GSE1 is a workable therapeutic strategy for inhibiting androgen-driven oncogenic signals, re-sensitizing CRPC to treatment, and repressing the metastatic/recurrent phenotypes of patients with PCa.
The Multifaceted Role of TGF-β in Gastrointestinal Tumors
Authors: Sabbadini Fabio , Bertolini Monica , De Matteis Serena , Mangiameli Domenico , Contarelli Serena , Pietrobono Silvia , Melisi Davide
Published: August 2021

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a secreted cytokine that signals via serine/threonine kinase receptors and SMAD effectors. Although TGF-β acts as a tumor suppressor during the early stages of tumorigenesis, it supports tumor progression in advanced stages. Indeed, TGF-β can modulate the tumor microenvironment by modifying the extracellular matrix and by sustaining a paracrine interaction between neighboring cells. Due to its critical role in cancer development and progression, a wide range of molecules targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway are currently under active clinical development in different diseases. Here, we focused on the role of TGF-β in modulating different pathological processes with a particular emphasis on gastrointestinal tumors.
Refining Prognosis in Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Immunonutrition and Liver Function
Authors: Müller Lukas , Hahn Felix , Mähringer-Kunz Aline , Stoehr Fabian , Gairing Simon Johannes , Foerster Friedrich , Weinmann Arndt , Galle Peter Robert , Mittler Jens , Pinto dos Santos Daniel , Pitton Michael Bernhard , Düber Christoph , Kloeckner Roman
Published: August 2021

A combination of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grading and the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) was identified recently as a highly predictive tool for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing tumor ablation. The present study evaluated this combination in patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Between 2010 and 2020, 280 treatment-naïve patients were retrospectively identified. The influence of ALBI grade, PNI and the novel ALBI-PNI on the median overall survival (OS) was assessed. In the next step, the prognostic ability of the combined approach was compared to established scoring systems. Both ALBI grade 2−3 and a low PNI were highly predictive for median OS (ALBI grade 1–3: 39.0 vs. 16.3 vs. 5.4 months, p < 0.001; high vs. low PNI: 21.4 vs. 7.5, p < 0.001). The combination of both resulted in a median OS of 39.0, 20.1, 10.3, and 5.4 months (p < 0.001). With a Concordance Index (C-Index) of 0.69, ALBI-PNI outperformed each individual score (ALBI 0.65, PNI 0.64) and was also better than BCLC, HAP, mHAP-II, and the Six-and-Twelve score (C-Indices 0.66, 0.60, 0.59, and 0.55). Thus, the easy-to-calculate ALBI-PNI may be a promising stratification tool for patients with HCC undergoing TACE, reflecting both immunonutritive status and liver function.
Does Schistosoma Mansoni Facilitate Carcinogenesis?
Authors: von Bülow Verena , Lichtenberger Jakob , Grevelding Christoph G. , Falcone Franco H. , Roeb Elke , Roderfeld Martin
Published: August 2021

Schistosomiasis is one of the most prominent parasite-induced infectious diseases, causing tremendous medical and socioeconomic problems. Current studies have reported on the spread of endemic regions and the fear of development of resistance against praziquantel, the only effective drug available. Among the Schistosoma species, only S. haematobium is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen (definitely cancerogenic to humans), causing squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, whereas infection with S. mansoni is included in Group 3 of carcinogenic hazards to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), indicating insufficient evidence to determine its carcinogenicity. Nevertheless, although S. mansoni has not been discussed as an organic carcinogen, the multiplicity of case reports, together with recent data from animal models and cell culture experiments, suggests that this parasite can predispose patients to or promote hepatic and colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss the current data, with a focus on new developments regarding the association of S. mansoni infection with human cancer and the recently discovered biomolecular mechanisms by which S. mansoni may predispose patients to cancer development and carcinogenesis.
Contemporary Lifestyle and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: An Emerging Link in Atherosclerosis Disease
Authors: Pérez-Olivares Laura , Soehnlein Oliver
Published: August 2021

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are networks of extracellular genetic material decorated with proteins of nuclear, granular and cytosolic origin that activated neutrophils expel under pathogenic inflammatory conditions. NETs are part of the host’s innate immune defense system against invading pathogens. Interestingly, these extracellular structures can also be released in response to sterile inflammatory stimuli (e.g., shear stress, lipidic molecules, pro-thrombotic factors, aggregated platelets, or pro-inflammatory cytokines), as in atherosclerosis disease. Indeed, NETs have been identified in the intimal surface of diseased arteries under cardiovascular disease conditions, where they sustain inflammation via NET-mediated cell-adhesion mechanisms and promote cellular dysfunction and tissue damage via NET-associated cytotoxicity. This review will focus on (1) the active role of neutrophils and NETs as underestimated players of the inflammatory process during atherogenesis and lesion progression; (2) how these extracellular structures communicate with the main cell types present in the atherosclerotic lesion in the arterial wall; and (3) how these neutrophil effector functions interplay with lifestyle-derived risk factors such as an unbalanced diet, physical inactivity, smoking or lack of sleep quality, which represent major elements in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Neuroglobin: A New Possible Marker of Estrogen-Responsive Breast Cancer
Authors: Solar Fernandez Virginia , Fiocchetti Marco , Cipolletti Manuela , Segatto Marco , Cercola Paolo , Massari Annalisa , Ghinassi Sabrina , Cavaliere Francesco , Marino Maria
Published: August 2021

The expression of the α-subtype of Estrogen Receptor (ERα) characterizes most breast cancers (more than 75%), for which endocrine therapy is the mainstay for their treatment. However, a high percentage of ERα+ breast cancers are de novo or acquired resistance to endocrine therapy, and the definition of new targets for improving therapeutic interventions and the prediction of treatment response is demanding. Our previous data identified the ERα/AKT/neuroglobin (NGB) pathway as a common pro-survival process activated in different ERα breast cancer cell lines. However, no in vivo association between the globin and the malignity of breast cancer has yet been done. Here, we evaluated the levels and localization of NGB in ERα+ breast ductal carcinoma tissue of different grades derived from pre-and post-menopausal patients. The results indicate a strong association between NGB accumulation, ERα, AKT activation, and the G3 grade, while no association with the menopausal state has been evidenced. Analyses of the data set (e.g., GOBO) strengthen the idea that NGB accumulation could be linked to tumor cell aggressiveness (high grade) and resistance to treatment. These data support the view that NGB accumulation, mainly related to ER expression and tumor grade, represents a compensatory process, which allows cancer cells to survive in an unfavorable environment.
A Prognostic Role for Circulating microRNAs Involved in Macrophage Polarization in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Monastirioti Alexia , Papadaki Chara , Rounis Konstantinos , Kalapanida Despoina , Mavroudis Dimitrios , Agelaki Sofia
Published: August 2021

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of the crosstalk between tumor cells and immune response. In the present study, miRNAs (let-7c, miR-26a, miR-30d, miR-98, miR-195, miR-202) reported to be involved in the polarization of macrophages were examined for associations with the outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (N = 125) treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. RT-qPCR was used to analyze miRNA expression levels in the plasma of patients prior to treatment. In our results, disease progression was correlated with high miR-202 expression (HR: 2.335; p = 0.040). Additionally, high miR-202 expression was characterized as an independent prognostic factor for shorter progression-free survival (PFS, HR: 1.564; p = 0.021) and overall survival (OS, HR: 1.558; p = 0.024). Moreover, high miR-202 independently predicted shorter OS (HR: 1.989; p = 0.008) in the non-squamous (non-SqCC) subgroup, and high miR-26a was correlated with shorter OS in the squamous (SqCC) subgroup (10.07 vs. 13.53 months, p = 0.033). The results of the present study propose that the expression levels of circulating miRNAs involved in macrophage polarization are correlated with survival measures in NSCLC patients, and their role as potential biomarkers merits further investigation.
Segmental Absence of Intestinal Musculature in a Child with Type IV Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Zeky Nicole , Short Celia , Keith Brent , Craver Randall D. , Zagory Jessica A.
Published: August 2021

Patients with vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (vEDS) have a defect in the formation of type III collagen. This defect puts patients at risk of vascular rupture, uterine rupture, and bowel perforations. The segmental absence of intestinal musculature is a rare histopathologic finding, wherein there is a lack of a muscularis propria layer in the intestinal wall. Although typically documented in the literature in neonates or adults, it can be seen in children of other ages. This is a case report of a patient who exhibits both rare entities, which has not been described in the literature to date.
Study on the Electrical, Structural, Chemical and Optical Properties of PVD Ta(N) Films Deposited with Different N2 Flow Rates
Authors: Hu Yingying , Rasadujjaman Md , Wang Yanrong , Zhang Jing , Yan Jiang , Baklanov Mikhail R.
Published: August 2021

By reactive DC magnetron sputtering from a pure Ta target onto silicon substrates, Ta(N) films were prepared with different N2 flow rates of 0, 12, 17, 25, 38, and 58 sccm. The effects of N2 flow rate on the electrical properties, crystal structure, elemental composition, and optical properties of Ta(N) were studied. These properties were characterized by the four-probe method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). Results show that the deposition rate decreases with an increase of N2 flows. Furthermore, as resistivity increases, the crystal size decreases, the crystal structure transitions from β-Ta to TaN(111), and finally becomes the N-rich phase Ta3N5(130, 040). Studying the optical properties, it is found that there are differences in the refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) of Ta(N) with different thicknesses and different N2 flow rates, depending on the crystal size and crystal phase structure.