bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ectopic Overexpression of PPARγ2 in the Heart Determines Differences in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy After Treatment With Different Thiazolidinediones in a Mouse Model of Diabetes
Authors: Cao Xuemei , Mao Min , Diao Junlin , Hou Yi , Su Hong , Gan Yongjun , Li Jibin , Tong Xiaoyong , Wu Chaodong , Zuo Zhong , Xiao Xiaoqiu
Published: July 2021

The clinical controversy of rosiglitazone as a hypoglycemic agent is potentially associated with heart failure, mainly due to its potent activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). PPARγ partial agonists showed superior pharmacological profiles to rosiglitazone. This study compared differences in cardiac morphology and function of the PPARγ partial agonist CMHX008 with rosiglitazone. High-fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice, ob/ob mice and cardiomyocytes overexpressing PPARγ2 were treated with CMHX008 or rosiglitazone. Heart function, myocardial morphology, and hypertrophy-related gene expression were examined. Clinical information from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had taken rosiglitazone and undergone Doppler echocardiography was collected. HFD and ob/ob mice significantly developed cardiac contractile dysfunction, with upregulated PPARγ2 protein levels in heart tissues. Cardiomyocytes of HFD and ob/ob mice were disorderly arranged, the cell areas expanded, and collagen accumulated. In vitro cardiomyocytes overexpressing PPARγ2 displayed obvious structural abnormalities and high mRNA levels of ANP and BNP, critical cardiac hypertrophy-related genes. HFD-fed mice treated with rosiglitazone or CMHX008 had significantly improved cardiac function, but rosiglitazone induced higher expression of ANP and βMHC and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, while CMHX008 did not. Patients with T2DM taking rosiglitazone exhibited increased thickness of the posterior wall and the ventricular septum, suggesting cardiac hypertrophy. Our findings show that diabetic cardiomyopathy was associated with ectopic overexpression of PPARγ2. The full agonist rosiglitazone prevents cardiac dysfunction at the expense of compensatory hypertrophy, while the partial agonist CMHX008 shared a comparable protective effect without altering the structure of cardiomyocytes.
Geniposide Combined With Notoginsenoside R1 Attenuates Inflammation and Apoptosis in Atherosclerosis via the AMPK/mTOR/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Xu Yuling , Cheng Saibo , Zhou Xinghong , Zhou Fenghua , He Peikun , Hu Fang , Zhang Lifang , Chen Yuyao , Jia Yuhua
Published: July 2021

Inflammation and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells play a key role in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis (AS), and the AMPK/mTOR/Nrf2 signaling pathway plays an important role in alleviating the symptoms of AS. Geniposide combined with notoginsenoside R1 (GN combination) is a patented supplement for the prevention and treatment of AS. It has been proven to improve blood lipid levels and inhibit the formation of AS plaques; however, it is still unclear whether GN combination can inhibit inflammation and apoptosis in AS by regulating the AMPK/mTOR/Nrf2 signaling pathway and its downstream signals. Our results confirmed that the GN combination could improve blood lipid levels and plaque formation in ApoE−/− mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD), inhibit the secretion of serum inflammatory factors and oxidative stress factors. It also decreased the expression of pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-related protein and Bax/Bcl2/caspase-3 pathway-related proteins. At the same time, the GN combination could also inhibit the H2O2-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which is mainly related to the activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway by GN combination, which in turn induces the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signal. In addition, the above phenomenon could be significantly reversed by dorsomorphin. Therefore, our experiments proved for the first time that the GN combination can effectively inhibit AS inflammation and apoptosis by activating the AMPK/mTOR/Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome and Bax/Bcl2/caspase-3 pathway.
Crambescin C1 Acts as A Possible Substrate of iNOS and eNOS Increasing Nitric Oxide Production and Inducing In Vivo Hypotensive Effect
Authors: Rubiolo Juan A. , Lence Emilio , González-Bello Concepción , Roel María , Gil-Longo José , Campos-Toimil Manuel , Ternon Eva , Thomas Olivier P. , González-Cantalapiedra Antonio , López-Alonso Henar , Vieytes Mercedes R. , Botana Luis M.
Published: July 2021

Crambescins are guanidine alkaloids from the sponge Crambe crambe. Crambescin C1 (CC) induces metallothionein genes and nitric oxide (NO) is one of the triggers. We studied and compared the in vitro, in vivo, and in silico effects of some crambescine A and C analogs. HepG2 gene expression was analyzed using microarrays. Vasodilation was studied in rat aortic rings. In vivo hypotensive effect was directly measured in anesthetized rats. The targets of crambescines were studied in silico. CC and homo-crambescine C1 (HCC), but not crambescine A1 (CA), induced metallothioneins transcripts. CC increased NO production in HepG2 cells. In isolated rat aortic rings, CC and HCC induced an endothelium-dependent relaxation related to eNOS activation and an endothelium-independent relaxation related to iNOS activation, hence both compounds increase NO and reduce vascular tone. In silico analysis also points to eNOS and iNOS as targets of Crambescin C1 and source of NO increment. CC effect is mediated through crambescin binding to the active site of eNOS and iNOS. CC docking studies in iNOS and eNOS active site revealed hydrogen bonding of the hydroxylated chain with residues Glu377 and Glu361, involved in the substrate recognition, and explains its higher binding affinity than CA. The later interaction and the extra polar contacts with its pyrimidine moiety, absent in the endogenous substrate, explain its role as exogenous substrate of NOSs and NO production. Our results suggest that CC serve as a basis to develop new useful drugs when bioavailability of NO is perturbed.
Leptin Modulates the mRNA Expression of Follicle Development Markers in Post-hatch Chicks in an Age-Dependent Manner
Authors: Shaikat Amir Hossan , Ochiai Masami , Sasaki Akari , Takeda Misa , Arima Akari , Ohkubo Takeshi
Published: July 2021

Leptin is involved in regulating reproductive function in chickens, and the development of the leptin system is initiated during the early embryonic stage; however, whether leptin has a specific role in regulating the ovarian development in early post-hatch days is still not fully understood. This study investigated the expression of ovarian functional markers in growing juvenile chickens, along with the effects of leptin on gene expression in the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis on specific ovarian-remodeling days. Leptin receptor (LEPR), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and the mRNA expression of aromatase (CYP19A1) tended to increase with age in the ovaries of growing chicks. In the ovaries of 7-day-old chicks, intraperitoneally injected leptin significantly increased the mRNA expressions of LEPR, FSHR, and CYP19A1, and this resulted in the increased serum estradiol levels. However, leptin had no effect on hypothalamic LEPR, gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1), or gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) mRNAs; however, in the pituitary gland, leptin significantly increased the mRNA expression of luteinizing hormone beta subunit (LHB) but had no effect on the mRNA expression of follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit (FSHB). In 28-day-old chicks, hypothalamic and pituitary mRNAs were unaffected by leptin administration, except hypothalamic LEPR mRNA that was upregulated by a high dose of leptin. In the ovary, leptin dose-dependently decreased the mRNA expression of LEPR; low doses of leptin significantly increased the mRNA expression of FSHR, whereas high doses significantly decreased this expression; leptin did not affect the mRNA expression of CYP19A1; and high leptin doses significantly reduced the serum estradiol levels. Collectively, the results of this study show that leptin modulates ovarian development and folliculogenesis marker genes by primarily acting on ovaries on the specific ovarian-remodeling days in post-hatch chicks, which may alter folliculogenesis and ovarian development toward puberty in chicken.
GR24, A Synthetic Strigolactone Analog, and Light Affect the Organization of Cortical Microtubules in Arabidopsis Hypocotyl Cells
Authors: Krasylenko Yuliya , Komis George , Hlynska Sofiia , Vavrdová Tereza , Ovečka Miroslav , Pospíšil Tomáš , Šamaj Jozef
Published: July 2021

Strigolactones are plant hormones regulating cytoskeleton-mediated developmental events in roots, such as lateral root formation and elongation of root hairs and hypocotyls. The latter process was addressed herein by the exogenous application of a synthetic strigolactone, GR24, and an inhibitor of strigolactone biosynthesis, TIS108, on hypocotyls of wild-type Arabidopsis and a strigolactone signaling mutant max2-1 (more axillary growth 2-1). Owing to the interdependence between light and strigolactone signaling, the present work was extended to seedlings grown under a standard light/dark regime, or under continuous darkness. Given the essential role of the cortical microtubules in cell elongation, their organization and dynamics were characterized under the conditions of altered strigolactone signaling using fluorescence microscopy methods with different spatiotemporal capacities, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and structured illumination microscopy (SIM). It was found that GR24-dependent inhibition of hypocotyl elongation correlated with changes in cortical microtubule organization and dynamics, observed in living wild-type and max2-1 seedlings stably expressing genetically encoded fluorescent molecular markers for microtubules. Quantitative assessment of microscopic datasets revealed that chemical and/or genetic manipulation of strigolactone signaling affected microtubule remodeling, especially under light conditions. The application of GR24 in dark conditions partially alleviated cytoskeletal rearrangement, suggesting a new mechanistic connection between cytoskeletal behavior and the light-dependence of strigolactone signaling.
Vocational Training in Virtual Environments for People With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Michalski Stefan C. , Ellison Caroline , Szpak Ancret , Loetscher Tobias
Published: July 2021

People with neurodevelopmental disorders are often considered unsuitable or incapable of working in open employment. When employment is available, tasks are often limited, and opportunities for career development are restricted. Policy and funding constraints leave people with disabilities without an opportunity to develop skills due to the additional time and costs for employers. To overcome these barriers, virtual environments have been proposed as a safe and reliable solution for training. An important prerequisite for a wider uptake of training in virtual environments are demonstrations that the training leads to improved performance in the real world. This is particularly true for people with neurodevelopmental disorders, as transferring learnings from one context to another can be challenging. A systematic review was conducted to assess whether training in virtual environments can be used to improve real-world vocational skills in people with neurodevelopmental disorders. After a systematic search in six databases, eight out of the initially identified 1,806 articles met the inclusion criteria. The findings from these eight studies demonstrate that people with neurodevelopmental disorders can transfer vocational skills from virtual environments to real-world settings. With substantial technological improvements, a surge in accessibility, and improved affordability, there is a need to build upon the promising results identified in this review.
Preserved Perspective Taking in Free Indirect Discourse in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Zimmermann Juliane T. , Meuser Sara , Hinterwimmer Stefan , Vogeley Kai
Published: July 2021

Perspective taking has been proposed to be impaired in persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially when implicit processing is required. In narrative texts, language perception and interpretation is fundamentally guided by taking the perspective of a narrator. We studied perspective taking in the linguistic domain of so-called Free Indirect Discourse (FID), during which certain text segments have to be interpreted as the thoughts or utterances of a protagonist without explicitly being marked as thought or speech representations of that protagonist (as in direct or indirect discourse). Crucially, the correct interpretation of text segments as FID depends on the ability to detect which of the protagonists “stands out” against the others and is therefore identifiable as implicit thinker or speaker. This so-called “prominence” status of a protagonist is based on linguistic properties (e.g., grammatical function, referential expression), in other words, the perspective is “hidden” and has to be inferred from the text material. In order to test whether this implicit perspective taking ability that is required for the interpretation of FID is preserved in persons with ASD, we presented short texts with three sentences to adults with and without ASD. In the last sentence, the perspective was switched either to the more or the less prominent of two protagonists. Participants were asked to rate the texts regarding their naturalness. Both diagnostic groups rated sentences with FID anchored to the less prominent protagonist as less natural than sentences with FID anchored to the more prominent protagonist. Our results that the high-level perspective taking ability in written language that is required for the interpretation of FID is well preserved in persons with ASD supports the conclusion that language skills are highly elaborated in ASD so that even the challenging attribution of utterances to protagonists is possible if they are only implicitly given. We discuss the implications in the context of claims of impaired perspective taking in ASD as well as with regard to the underlying processing of FID.
Fear of Movement/(Re)Injury: An Update to Descriptive Review of the Related Measures
Authors: Liu Haowei , Huang Li , Yang Zongqian , Li Hansen , Wang Zhenhuan , Peng Li
Published: July 2021

The prevalence of fear of movement (kinesiophobia) in persistent pain ranges from 50 to 70%, and it may hinder the subsequent rehabilitation interventions. Therefore, the evaluation of fear of movement/(re)injury plays a crucial role in making clinical treatment decisions conducive to the promotion of rehabilitation and prognosis. In the decision-making process of pain treatment, the assessment of fear of movement/(re)injury is mainly completed by scale/questionnaire. Scale/questionnaire is the most widely used instrument for measuring fear of movement/(re)injury in the decision-making process of pain treatment. At present, the most commonly used scale/questionnaire are the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), the Kinesiophobia Causes Scale (KCS), the Athlete Fear-Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ), and the Fear-Avoidance Components Scale (FACS). In order to provide necessary tools and references for related research and rehabilitation treatment, this descriptive review is designed as an introduction to the background and content, score system, available language versions, variants of the original questionnaire, and psychometric properties of these scales/questionnaries.
Mental Health, Culture and Resilience—Approaching the COVID-19 Pandemic From a South African Perspective
Authors: Mashaphu Sibongile , Talatala Mvuyiso , Seape Sebolelo , Eriksson Lennart , Chiliza Bonginkosi
Published: July 2021

It is understandable that the challenges of living through a severe contagious outbreak, like the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), cannot be tolerated for long and that some individuals may require emotional, psychological, and spiritual support in order to strengthen their resilience to navigate this difficult period. As clinicians and researchers in the field of mental health, we need to appreciate the roles that culture, spirituality, and religion play in comforting people who survive such an outbreak and provide possible solutions for public health authorities on how to promote wellness. This appreciation should direct us to seek a deeper understanding of how culture, spirituality, and religion can be used to endure an outbreak of this magnitude and how the interruption of common practices can impact the coping skills of those who are affected. Our understanding of the roles that customs, beliefs, and values of South Africans play in building resilience will help inform and strengthen interventions that are aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Economic Analysis of the Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infections: Research Protocol
Authors: Tchouaket Eric Nguemeleu , Sia Drissa , Brousseau Sylvain , Kilpatrick Kelley , Boivin Sandra , Dubreuil Bruno , Larouche Catherine , Parisien Natasha , Dubois Carl-Ardy , Brousselle Astrid , Borgès Da Silva Roxane
Published: July 2021

Background:Nosocomial infections (NIs) are among the main preventable healthcare adverse events. Like all countries, Canada and its provinces are affected by NIs. In 2004, Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) of Quebec instituted a mandatory surveillance NI program for the prevention and control (NIPC) in the hospitals of the province. One target of the MSSS 2015–2020 action plan is to assess the implementation, costs, effects, and return on investment of NIPC measures. This project goes in the same way and is one of the first major studies in Canada to evaluate the efficiency of the NIPC measures. Three objectives will be pursued: evaluate the cost of implementing clinical best practices (CBPs) for infection control; evaluate the economic burden attributable to NIs; and examine the cost-effectiveness of the NIPC by comparing the costs of CBPs against those of NIs.

Methods:This project is based on an infection control intervention framework that includes four CBPs: hand hygiene; hygiene and sanitation; screening; and additional precautions. Four medical and surgical units in two hospitals (nonUniversity, University) in the province of Quebec will be studied. The project has four components. Component 1 will construct and content validate an observation grid for measuring the costs of CBPs. Component 2 will estimate CBP costsvia2-week prospective observations of health workers, conducted every 2 months over a 1-year period. Component 3 will evaluate, through a matched case-control study, the economic burden of the four most monitored NIs in Quebec (C-difficile, MRSA, VRE, and CPGNB). Archival patient data will be collected retrospectively. Component 4 will determine the optimal breakeven point for CBPs associated with NIPC.

Discussion:This project will produce evidence of the economic analysis of NIPC and give health stakeholders an overview of NIPC cost-effectiveness. It will meet the objectives of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute and the MSSS action plan to analyze the efficiency of NIPC preventive measures. To our knowledge, this is the first such exercise in Quebec and Canada. It will provide governments with a decision support tool through a major empirical study that could be replicated nationally to capture the financial benefits of NIPC.
Depression and Coping Styles of College Students in China During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guo Shengyu , Kaminga Atipatsa Chiwanda , Xiong Jie
Published: July 2021

Background: The rapid spread and uncertain outcome of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) around the world have caused worry, fear, and stress among the general population. Nevertheless, the prevalence of depression among college students in China during lockdown, following the COVID-19 pandemic, and their coping strategies have not been quantitatively assessed.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression among college students in China during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and assess their coping strategies.

Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the prevalence of depression among college students in China and their coping strategies.

Results: The results indicated that, during lockdown in the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence rates of college students in China suffering from mild, moderate, and severe depression were 25% (95% CI = 17–33%), 7% (95% CI = 2–14%), and 2% (95% CI = 1–5%), respectively. Besides, the proportion of college students who use WeChat and Weibo to acquire COVID-19 knowledge was 39% (95% CI = 13–68%), whereas the proportion of college students using mental health application services (APPs) to deal with depression was 59% (95% CI = 41–73%).

Conclusions: The prevalence of depression among college students in China was high during the lockdown in the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, considering the adverse outcomes of depression, it is imperative to screen college students in China for depression during the CIVID-19 pandemic and provide them with necessary psychological interventions to control and prevent depression. Social media platforms, such as WeChat and Weibo, and mental health APPs could provide an opportunity for psychological health information dissemination for college students. However, their effectiveness in reducing depression will have to be assessed.
The Capacity of the Indonesian Healthcare System to Respond to COVID-19
Authors: Mahendradhata Yodi , Andayani Ni Luh Putu Eka , Hasri Eva Tirtabayu , Arifi Mohammad Dzulfikar , Siahaan Renova Glorya Montesori , Solikha Dewi Amila , Ali Pungkas Bahjuri
Published: July 2021

The Indonesian Government has issued various policies to fight Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). However, cases have continued to fluctuate over a year into the pandemic. There is a need to assess the country's healthcare system's capacity to absorb and accommodate the varying healthcare demands. We reviewed the current capacity of Indonesia's healthcare system to respond to COVID-19 based on the four essential elements of surge capacity: staff, stuff, structure, and system. Currently available medical staffs are insufficient to deal with potentially increasing demands as the pandemic highlighted the human resources challenges the healthcare system has been struggling with. The pandemic has exposed the fragility of medical supply chains. Surges in the number of patients requiring hospitalization have led to depleted medical supplies. The existing healthcare infrastructure is still inadequate to deal with the rise of COVID-19 cases, which has also exposed the limited capacity of the healthcare infrastructure to manage medical waste. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the weakness of the patient referral system and the limited capacity of the healthcare system to deliver essential health services under prolonged emergencies. The Indonesian Government needs to ramp up the country's healthcare capacity. A wide range of strategies has been proposed to address those mounting challenges. Notwithstanding, the challenges of increasing healthcare capacity highlight that such efforts could represent only one part of the pandemic response equation. Effective pandemic response ultimately requires governments' commitment to increase healthcare capacity and flatten the curve concurrently.
Physical Activity Levels and Perceived Changes in the Context of Intra-EEA Migration: A Study on Italian Immigrants in Norway
Authors: Calogiuri Giovanna , Rossi Alessio , Terragni Laura
Published: July 2021

As mobility within the European Economic Area (EEA) is on the rise, it is important to understand migrants' health-related behaviors (such as physical activity [PA]) within this context. This study investigated i) the extent to which Italian immigrants in Norway perceive that moving had a negative or positive impact on their PA; ii) possible differences between the PA of the Italian immigrants compared with the Norwegian population; and iii) possible associations of the Italian immigrants' PA with key sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age, region of residence, and educational level). The data were retrieved from the Mens Sana in Corpore Sano study. In order to enhance the sample's representativeness, the original dataset (n = 321) was oversampled in accordance with the proportion of key sociodemographic characteristics of the reference population using the ADASYN method (resampled n = 531). The results indicate that a large majority of Italian immigrants perceived that they were as or even more physically active in Norway than they would have been if they continued living in Italy, while 20% of the Italians perceived instead a negative impact. No significant differences were found in the PA levels of the Italians in comparison with the Norwegian population, though some differences were found in relation to specific modes of PA. After controlling for multiple sociodemographic characteristics, men, those with lower educational levels and, to a certain extent, older adults tended to perceive a more negative impact and be less physically active than their respective counterparts. Compared with those living in the most urbanized regions, a larger proportion of those living in less urbanized regions perceived a negative impact, though no differences were observed in terms of PA levels. The findings are discussed in light of acculturation, gender, and social gradient. The knowledge generated by this study sheds light on an important health-related behavior among Italians in Norway, which can inform initiatives that aim at promoting PA in this specific group as well as other similar contexts of intra-EEA migration.
Predicting Colorectal Cancer Recurrence and Patient Survival Using Supervised Machine Learning Approach: A South African Population-Based Study
Authors: Achilonu Okechinyere J. , Fabian June , Bebington Brendan , Singh Elvira , Nimako Gideon , Eijkemans M. J. C. , Musenge Eustasius
Published: July 2021

Background: South Africa (SA) has the highest incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is limited research on CRC recurrence and survival in SA. CRC recurrence and overall survival are highly variable across studies. Accurate prediction of patients at risk can enhance clinical expectations and decisions within the South African CRC patients population. We explored the feasibility of integrating statistical and machine learning (ML) algorithms to achieve higher predictive performance and interpretability in findings.

Methods: We selected and compared six algorithms:- logistic regression (LR), naïve Bayes (NB), C5.0, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN). Commonly selected features based on OneR and information gain, within 10-fold cross-validation, were used for model development. The validity and stability of the predictive models were further assessed using simulated datasets.

Results: The six algorithms achieved high discriminative accuracies (AUC-ROC). ANN achieved the highest AUC-ROC for recurrence (87.0%) and survival (82.0%), and other models showed comparable performance with ANN. We observed no statistical difference in the performance of the models. Features including radiological stage and patient's age, histology, and race are risk factors of CRC recurrence and patient survival, respectively.

Conclusions: Based on other studies and what is known in the field, we have affirmed important predictive factors for recurrence and survival using rigorous procedures. Outcomes of this study can be generalised to CRC patient population elsewhere in SA and other SSA countries with similar patient profiles.
Efficacy of the Measures Adopted to Prevent COVID-19 Outbreaks in an Italian Correctional Facility for Inmates Affected by Chronic Diseases
Authors: Stufano Angela , Buonvino Nicola , Cagnazzo Francesco , Armenise Nicola , Pontrelli Daniela , Curzio Giovanna , De Benedictis Leonarda , Lovreglio Piero
Published: July 2021

Background: COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons and jails may affect both inmates and correctional workers. An observational study has been performed to investigate the efficacy of specific procedures and of a serial testing approach adopted for the COVID-19 prevention in an Italian correctional facility (Bari, Apulia) for inmates affected by chronic diseases.

Methods: Two SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing campaigns were carried out for all the prisoners and correctional workers, including correctional officers (CO), administrative staff (AS), correctional health care workers (HCW), and operators working with people completing their sentence outside the prison (OOP). Antigen testing was conducted on nasopharyngeal swab specimens, using a fluorescence immunoassay for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antigen. All subjects positive to the antigen test underwent confirmation by rRT-PCR test.

Results: In total, 426 new and residential inmates were tested during the first campaign and 480 during the second campaign. Only two new inmates resulted positive at the first campaign, while no positive cases were observed at the second campaign or outside of the testing campaigns. In total, 367 correctional workers were tested at the first campaign and 325 at the second. At the first, 4 CO and 2 HCW showed positive test results, while no new positive cases were observed at the second. Moreover, 1 CO and 1 HCW resulted positive outside of the testing campaigns for the onset of symptoms while at home.

Conclusion: The implementation of a full risk management plan in a correctional facility, including both a strict protocol for the application of preventive measures and a serial testing approach, seems to be able to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in both inmates and correctional workers.
Beyond Soft Hands: Efficient Grasping With Non-Anthropomorphic Soft Grippers
Authors: Hao Yufei , Visell Yon
Published: July 2021

Grasping and manipulation are challenging tasks that are nonetheless critical for many robotic systems and applications. A century ago, robots were conceived as humanoid automata. While conceptual at the time, this viewpoint remains influential today. Many robotic grippers have been inspired by the dexterity and functionality of the prehensile human hand. However, multi-fingered grippers that emulate the hand often integrate many kinematic degrees-of-freedom, and thus complex mechanisms, which must be controlled in order to grasp and manipulate objects. Soft fingers can facilitate grasping through intrinsic compliance, enabling them to conform to diverse objects. However, as with conventional fingered grippers, grasping via soft fingers involves challenges in perception, computation, and control, because fingers must be placed so as to achieve force closure, which depends on the shape and pose of the object. Emerging soft robotics research on non-anthropomorphic grippers has yielded new techniques that can circumvent fundamental challenges associated with grasping via fingered grippers. Common to many non-anthropomorphic soft grippers are mechanisms for morphological deformation or adhesion that simplify the grasping of diverse objects in different poses, without detailed knowledge of the object geometry. These advantages may allow robots to be used in challenging applications, such as logistics or rapid manufacturing, with lower cost and complexity. In this perspective, we examine challenges associated with grasping via anthropomorphic grippers. We describe emerging soft, non-anthropomorphic grasping methods, and how they may reduce grasping complexities. We conclude by proposing several research directions that could expand the capabilities of robotic systems utilizing non-anthropomorphic grippers.
Whether to Save a Robot or a Human: On the Ethical and Legal Limits of Protections for Robots
Authors: Mamak Kamil
Published: July 2021

Proponents of welcoming robots into the moral circle have presented various approaches to moral patiency under which determining the moral status of robots seems possible. However, even if we recognize robots as having moral standing, how should we situate them in the hierarchy of values? In particular, who should be sacrificed in a moral dilemma–a human or a robot? This paper answers this question with reference to the most popular approaches to moral patiency. However, the conclusions of a survey on moral patiency do not consider another important factor, namely the law. For now, the hierarchy of values is set by law, and we must take that law into consideration when making decisions. I demonstrate that current legal systems prioritize human beings and even force the active protection of humans. Recent studies have suggested that people would hesitate to sacrifice robots in order to save humans, yet doing so could be a crime. This hesitancy is associated with the anthropomorphization of robots, which are becoming more human-like. Robots’ increasing similarity to humans could therefore lead to the endangerment of humans and the criminal responsibility of others. I propose two recommendations in terms of robot design to ensure the supremacy of human life over that of humanoid robots.
Community Case Study of Naloxone Distribution by Hospital-Based Harm Reduction Program for People Who Use Drugs in New York City
Authors: Riazi Farah , Toribio Wilma , Irani Emaun , Hughes Terence M. , Huxley-Reicher Zina , McBratney Elisa , Vu Trang , Sigel Keith , Weiss Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2021

Background: In 2017, The Respectful and Equitable Access to Comprehensive Healthcare (REACH) Program at Mount Sinai Hospital became a registered Opioid Overdose Prevention Program (OOPP) and received funding from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to develop a program to provide overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) training to at risk population and bystanders. We report on the programmatic quality improvement initiatives conducted.

Methods: From April 2017 to December 2020, the REACH OOPP conducted 290 opioid overdose reversal trainings, throughout the Mount Sinai Health System and in multiple other community settings. OEND training was at times offered alone and in other settings alongside Hepatitis C Virus point of care testing. Additionally, a “train the trainer” model was implemented whereby medical students and nurses at outpatient clinics were trained to train others.

Results: There were 4235 naloxone kits distributed to 3,906 participants. The training venues included hospital settings (patients and medical staff), public events, substance use programs, educational facilities, homeless prevention programs, faith-based organizations, alternative to incarceration programs, and community-based organizations. We implemented two types of training. During outreach sessions, we utilized one-on-one personalized sessions to train bystanders. When training clinic staff in the “train the trainer” model we utilized a standardized didactic presentation with slides. The two top reasons participants reported for being trained were “Just in case I see someone overdose” (59.3%) and “I'm worried that someone I know will overdose OR that I will overdose” (20.2%).

Conclusion: The REACH program at Mount Sinai Hospital developed an effective model to train community bystanders and health care staff by leveraging administrative support and building on broader programmatic initiatives to promote drug user health and stigma-free care for people who use drugs. Hospitals do not currently mandate staff training or keeping naloxone stocked at inpatient units or outpatients clinics posing a challenge when implementing an OEND program in this setting. A recommended policy change needed to decrease overdose deaths is for hospitals to be required to implement systematic naloxone education and access for all health care personal and at risk patients.
Energy Management of a Multi-Source Power System
Authors: Salah Omar , Shamayleh Abdulrahim , Mukhopadhyay Shayok
Published: July 2021

This work focuses on energy management for a system operated by multiple energy sources which include batteries, super capacitors, a hydrogen fuel cell, and a photovoltaic cell. The overall objective is to minimize the power consumption from all sources needed to satisfy the system’s power demand by optimizing the switching between the different energy sources. A dynamic mathematical model representing the energy sources is developed taking into account the different constraints on the system, i.e., primarily the state-of-charge of the battery and the super capacitors. In addition to the model, a heuristic approach is developed and compared with the mathematical model. Both approaches were tested on a multi-energy source ground robot as a prototype. The novelty of this work is that the scheduling of an energy system consisting of four different types of sources is compared by performing analysis via dynamic programming, and a heuristic approach. The results generated using both methods are analyzed and compared to a standard mode of operation. The comparison validated that the proposed approaches minimize the average power consumption across all sources. The dynamic modeling approach performs well in terms of optimization and provided a superior switching sequence, while the heuristic approach offers the definite advantages in terms of ease of implementation and simple computation requirements. Additionally, the switching sequence provided by the dynamic approach was able to meet the power demand for all simulations performed and showed that the average power consumption across all sources is minimized.
Effects of Different Carbon Dioxide-Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Low-Temperature Storage at 13 °C on the Quality and Metabolism in Mango (Mangifera indica L.)
Authors: Wei Saichao , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: July 2021

Mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) were stored under four different carbon dioxide-modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) combinations at 13 ± 1 °C to investigate their effects on moisture distribution and content, physiological metabolism, as well as fruit quality. The mangoes stored under C7 combination (7% CO2 + 3% O2 + 90% N2) maintained respiration rate, inhibited the increase in 1-aminocyclocarboxylic acid-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) content, and slowed down the senescence process of the fruit. The mangoes subjected to C7 combination also maintained higher firmness, protopectin, and free moisture content. The C7 combination suppressed the increase in soluble pectin and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, with the lowest weight loss. The yellowing rate of the mango pulp preserved under the C7 combination condition was significantly reduced, and the loss of vitamin C was reduced from the 0th to the 6th day of storage. The treatment with lower carbon dioxide content was not as effective as C7 combination. In conclusion, 7% CO2 + 3% O2 + 90% N2 MAP conditions delayed pulp yellowing and biochemical characteristics and maintained firmness and free moisture content along with better quality of mango for 30 days at low temperature.
Overcompensation Can Be an Ideal Breeding Target
Authors: Zheng Zhi , Powell Jonathan J. , Ye Xueling , Liu Xueqiang , Yuan Zhongwei , Liu Chunji
Published: July 2021

The phenomenon of overcompensation has been reported in various plant species although it has been treated by some as isolated incidents with only limited values. Reviewing reports on the extensive studies of defoliation in maize showed that different genotypes respond differently to defoliation, varying from phenomenal increase to significant loss in grain yield. The different responses of maize in kernel yield among genotypes to defoliation are confirmed in our experiments conducted in both China and Australia. Defoliated plants are likely to use less water during vegetative growth and that they also have better ability to extract water from the soil. We also found that defoliation dramatically delayed plant senescence under dry conditions, facilitating the production of high quality silage by widening the harvest window. As overcompensation occurs only in some genotypes, we believe that exploiting defoliation as a management practice directly for crop production can be risky. However, the fact that significant yield increase following defoliation does occur and that large genetic variation does exist meet the requirements for a successful breeding program. The detection of sizable quantitative trait locus (QTL) in the model plant species provides further evidence indicating the feasibility of exploiting this phenomenon through breeding. The stunning magnitudes of desirable responses reported in the literature suggest that overcompensation could become the most valuable breeding target in at least some species and its impact on crop production could be huge even if only a proportion of the reported variations could be captured.
Determination of Clobazam and Its Major Metabolite N-desmethylclobazam in Human Plasma with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Isse Fadumo Ahmed , Mahmoud Sherif Hanafy
Published: July 2021

Clobazam (CLB) is a benzodiazepine that is used in many types of epilepsy. Although therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of CLB is not routine, there is evidence that TDM may be of value in conditions where pharmacokinetic alterations are suspected. Therefore, determination of both CLB and its active metabolite concentrations is essential for TDM. Herein, we present a simple and practical method for determination of CLB and N-desmethylclobazam (NDMCLB) in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The drugs were extracted by hexane:dichloromethane (1:1, v/v) from 0.3 mL plasma. The separation was carried out with a C18 reverse phase column using a mobile phase of water:acetonitrile (57:43, v/v) pumped at 0.8 mL/min. The analytes were detected at 228 nm. The method was linear over the concentration range 20–500 ng/mL for CLB and 200–3000 ng/mL for NDMCLB. The intra-day coefficient of variation (CV) was <10% for CLB and <6% for NDMCLB, while the inter-day CV for CLB was <16%. The metabolite inter-day CV was <6%. The accuracy of intra- and inter-day assessments determined for CLB and NDMCLB was within ±10%. This paper describes a rapid, reliable, and simple method for measuring CLB and its metabolite NDMCLB in human plasma. This UV-HPLC procedure offers acceptable precision and accuracy to quantify CLB and its metabolite in human plasma.
Supplementing Garlic Nanohydrogel Optimized Growth, Gastrointestinal Integrity and Economics and Ameliorated Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens Using a Clostridium perfringens Challenge Model
Authors: Ibrahim Doaa , Ismail Tamer Ahmed , Khalifa Eman , Abd El-Kader Shaimaa A. , Mohamed Dalia Ibrahim , Mohamed Dalia T. , Shahin Sara E. , Abd El-Hamid Marwa I.
Published: July 2021

Necrotic enteritis (NE) caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) results in impaired bird growth performance and increased production costs. Nanotechnology application in the poultry industry to control NE outbreaks is still not completely clarified. Therefore, the efficacy of dietary garlic nano-hydrogel (G-NHG) on broilers growth performance, intestinal integrity, economic returns and its potency to alleviate C. perfringens levels using NE challenge model were addressed. A total of 1200 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned into six groups; four supplemented with 100, 200, 300 or 400 mg of G-NHG/kg diet and co-challenged with C. perfringens at 21, 22 and 23 d of age and two control groups fed basal diet with or without C. perfringens challenge. Over the total growing period, the 400 mg/kg G-NHG group had the most improved body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency regardless of challenge. Parallel with these results, the mRNA expression of genes encoding digestive enzymes (alpha 2A amylase (AMY2A), pancreatic lipase (PNLIP) and cholecystokinin (CCK)) and intestinal barriers (junctional adhesion molecule-2 (JAM-2), occludin and mucin-2 (Muc-2)) were increased in groups fed G-NHG at higher levels to be nearly similar to those in the unchallenged group. At 14 d post challenge, real-time PCR results revealed that inclusion of G-NHG led to a dose-dependently decrease in the C. perfringens population, thereby decreasing the birds’ intestinal lesion score and mortality rates. Using 400 mg/kg of G-NHG remarkably ameliorated the adverse effects of NE caused by C. perfringens challenge, which contributed to better growth performance of challenged birds with rational economic benefits.
Effect of Zinc Source and Level on Growth Performance and Zinc Status of Weaned Piglets
Authors: Szuba-Trznadel Anna , Rząsa Anna , Hikawczuk Tomasz , Fuchs Bogusław
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation in different commercial forms on the growth performance, health status, and Zn balance of weaners in field conditions. The animals were fed pre-starter (from the 28th to 47th day of life) and starter (from the 48th to 74th day of life) mixtures differing in Zn form and concentration. Group I was given ZnSO4 at 150 mg kg−1; Group II received pre-starter zinc oxide (ZnO) at 3000 mg kg−1 and starter at 150 mg kg−1; and Group III was given 150 mg kg−1 of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO). We found that the average daily gain in Group I was significantly lower, compared to Groups II and III. A commonly accepted level of Zn (150 mg kg−1) as nZnO can be recommended, instead of therapeutic doses of Zn preparations with the same efficiency. Moreover, a lower level of Zn in the diet can prevent the excessive accumulation of this element in waste and, thus, reduce environmental damage.
Elexacaftor–Tezacaftor–Ivacaftor Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis Patients with The F508del/Unknown Genotype
Authors: Comegna Marika , Terlizzi Vito , Salvatore Donatello , Colangelo Carmela , Di Lullo Antonella Miriam , Zollo Immacolata , Taccetti Giovanni , Castaldo Giuseppe , Amato Felice
Published: July 2021

The new CFTR modulator combination, elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (Trikafta) was approved by the FDA in October 2019 for treatment of Cystic Fibrosis in patients 6 years of age or older who have at least one F508del mutation in one allele and a minimal-function or another F508del mutation in the other allele. However, there is a group of patients, in addition to those with rare mutations, in which despite the presence of a F508del in one allele, it was not possible to identify any mutation in the other allele. To date, these patients are excluded from treatment with Trikafta in Italy, where the CF patients carrying F508del/unknown represent about 1.3% (71 patients) of the overall Italian CF patients. In this paper we show that the Trikafta treatment of nasal epithelial cells, derived from F508del/Unknown patients, results in a significant rescue of CFTR activity. Based on our findings, we think that the F508del/Unknown patients considered in this study could obtain clinical benefits from Trikafta treatment, and we strongly suggest their eligibility for this type of treatment. This study, adding further evidence in the literature, once again confirms the validity of functional studies on nasal cells in the cystic fibrosis theratyping and personalized medicine.