bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connecting With Kinesiology: Observations of an Outsider
Authors: Coakley Jay
Published: March 2021

This article is organized around the idea that a person can be a part of kinesiology without being in kinesiology. Trained as a sociologist and never having a faculty appointment outside of a sociology department, I am an outsider in kinesiology. However, my participation in kinesiology and relationships with scholars in kinesiology departments have fostered my professional growth and my appreciation of interdisciplinary approaches to studying sports, physical activities, and the moving human body. The knowledge produced by scholars in kinesiology subdisciplines has provided a framework for situating and assessing my research, teaching, and professional service as a sociologist. The latter half of this article focuses on changes in higher education and how they are likely to negatively impact the social sciences and humanities subdisciplines in kinesiology. The survival of these subdisciplines will depend, in part, on how leaders in the field respond to the question,Kinesiology for whom?
Cheering for the Children: My Life’s Work in Youth Development Through Sport
Authors: Weiss Maureen R.
Published: March 2021

I adopt an autobiographical approach to chronicle the contexts, experiences, and individuals that shaped my academic and career choices, which resulted in finding kinesiology and, specifically, sport and exercise psychology. Consistent with the developmental perspective I employ in my research and practical applications, I trace my life’s work in youth development through sport using transitional career stages. My academic path has been strongly influenced by hardworking and caring mentors and a commitment to balancing theoretical knowledge, applied research, and professional practice. Based on my many years in higher education, I conclude with some reflections on the future of kinesiology given past and present trends in the field.
One hundred eighteen days on a ventilator: a COVID-19 success story against all odds
Authors: Chia Germaine , Barrett Hannah , Patel Parind , Soni Sanooj
Published: March 2021

Emerging data suggest that patients with certain comorbidities requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission for COVID-19 have a poor prognosis. This report describes a case of a patient with multiple comorbidities who contracted COVID-19 pneumonitis but was successfully weaned off invasive mechanical ventilation after 118 days, despite his admission being complicated by recurrent septic episodes and requirement for advanced cardiovascular support and renal replacement therapy. Of note, our patient received three courses of steroids in total during his ICU stay,and current literature strongly supports the use of steroids in critically unwell patients with COVID-19. To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest reported ventilated time and intensive care/hospital stay for a surviving patient with COVID-19 and highlights the importance of allowing sufficient time for clinical interventions to take effect, even when the prognosis appears bleak.
Impact of a blended curriculum on nursing handover quality: a quality improvement project
Authors: Losfeld Xavier , Istas Laure , Schoonvaere Quentin , Vergnion Michel , Bergs Jochen
Published: March 2021

Context and objective

The negative consequences of inadequate nursing handovers on patient safety are widely acknowledged, both within the literature as in practice. Evidence regarding strategies to improve nursing handover is, however, lacking. This study investigates the effect of a tailored, blended curriculum on nurses’ perception of handover quality.

Methods

We used a pre-test/post-test design within four units of a Belgian general hospital. Our educational intervention consisted of an e-learning module on professional communication and a face-to-face session on the use of a structured method for handovers. All nurses completed this blended curriculum (n=87). We used the Handover Evaluation Scale (HES) to evaluate nurses’ perception of handover quality before and after the intervention. The HES was answered by 87.4% of the nurses (n=76 of 87) before and 50.6% (n=44 of 87) after the intervention. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the validity of the HES.

Results

The original factor structure did not fit with our data. We identified a new HES structure with acceptable or good fit indices. The overall internal consistency of our HES structure was considered adequate. Perception of nurses on Relevance of information showed a significant improvement (M=53.19±4.33 vs M=61.03±6.01; p=0.04). Nurses also felt that the timely provision of patient information improved significantly (M=4.50±0.34 vs M=5.16±0.40; p=0.01).

Conclusion

The applied intervention resulted in an improved awareness on the importance of Relevance of information during handovers. After our intervention, the nurses’ perception of the HES item ‘Patient information is provided in a timely manner’ also improved significantly. We are aware that the educational intervention is only the first step to achieve the long-term implementation of a culture of professional communication based on mutual support.
Cancer immunotherapy in special challenging populations: recommendations of the Advisory Committee of Spanish Melanoma Group (GEM)
Authors: Gonzalez-Cao Maria , Puertolas Teresa , Riveiro Mar , Muñoz-Couselo Eva , Ortiz Carolina , Paredes Roger , Podzamczer Daniel , Manzano Jose Luis , Molto Jose , Revollo Boris , Carrera Cristina , Mateu Lourdes , Fancelli Sara , Espinosa Enrique , Clotet Bonaventura , Martinez-Picado Javier , Cerezuela Pablo , Soria Ainara , Marquez-Rodas Ivan , Mandala Mario , Berrocal Alfonso
Published: March 2021

Cancer immunotherapy based on the use of antibodies targeting the so-called checkpoint inhibitors, such as programmed cell death-1 receptor, its ligand, or CTLA-4, has shown durable clinical benefit and survival improvement in melanoma and other tumors. However, there are some special situations that could be a challenge for clinical management. Persons with chronic infections, such as HIV-1 or viral hepatitis, latent tuberculosis, or a history of solid organ transplantation, could be candidates for cancer immunotherapy, but their management requires a multidisciplinary approach. The Spanish Melanoma Group (GEM) panel in collaboration with experts in virology and immunology from different centers in Spain reviewed the literature and developed evidence-based guidelines for cancer immunotherapy management in patients with chronic infections and immunosuppression. These are the first clinical guidelines for cancer immunotherapy treatment in special challenging populations. Cancer immunotherapy in chronically infected or immunosuppressed patients is feasible but needs a multidisciplinary approach in order to decrease the risk of complications related to the coexistent comorbidities.
Identifying sex-specific differences in the carotid revascularisation literature: findings from a scoping review
Authors: Yogendrakumar Vignan , Shamy Michel , Dewar Brian , Fergusson Dean A , Dowlatshahi Dar , Hamel Candyce , Gocan Sophia , Fedyk Mark , Mas Jean-Louis , Rothwell Peter , Howard Virginia , Bereznyakova Olena
Published: March 2021

Objective

No systematic review of the literature has dedicated itself to looking at the management of symptomatic carotid stenosis in female patients. In this scoping review, we aimed to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that reported sex-specific outcomes for patients who underwent carotid revascularisation, and determine whether sufficient information is reported within these studies to assess short-term and long-term outcomes in female patients.

Design, setting and participants

We systematically searched Medline, Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane libraries for RCTs published between 1991 and 2020 that included female patients and compared either endarterectomy with stenting, or any revascularisation (endarterectomy or stenting) with medical therapy in patients with symptomatic high-grade (>50%) carotid stenosis.

Results

From 1537 references examined, 27 eligible studies were identified. Sex-specific outcomes were reported in 13 studies. Baseline patient characteristics of enrolled female patients were reported in 2 of those 13 studies. Common outcomes reported included stroke and death, however, there was significant heterogeneity in the reporting of both periprocedural and long-term outcomes. Sex-specific differences relating to the degree of stenosis and time from index event to treatment are largely limited to studies comparing endarterectomy to medical therapy. Adverse events were not reported by sex.

Conclusions

Only half of the previously published RCTs and systematic reviews report sex-specific outcomes. Detailed analyses on the results of carotid artery intervention for female patients with symptomatic stenosis are limited.
The identification of $${{\varvec{\alpha }}}$$-clustered doorway states in $$^{44,48,52}$$Ti using machine learning
Authors: Bailey Sam , Kokalova Tzany , Freer Martin , Wheldon Carl , Smith Robin , Walshe Joseph , Soić Neven , Prepolec Lovro , Tokić Vedrana , Marqués Francisco Miguel , Achouri Lynda , Delaunay Franck , Parlog Marian , Deshayes Quentin , Fernández-Dominguez Beatriz , Jacquot Bertrand
Published: March 2021

A novel experimental analysis method has been developed, making use of the continuous wavelet transform and machine learning to rapidly identify $$\alpha $$
α
-clustering in nuclei in regions of high nuclear state density. This technique was applied to resonant scattering measurements of the $$^\text {4}$$

4

He($$^\text {40,44,48}$$

40,44,48

Ca,$$\alpha $$
α
) resonant reactions, allowing the $$\alpha $$
α
-cluster structure of $$^\text {44,48,52}$$

44,48,52

Ti to be investigated. Fragmented $$\alpha $$
α
-clustering was identified in $$^\text {44}$$

44

Ti and $$^\text {52}$$

52

Ti, while the results for $$^\text {48}$$

48

Ti were less conclusive, but suggest no such clustering.
Support the underground: characteristics of beyond-mainstream music listeners
Authors: Kowald Dominik , Muellner Peter , Zangerle Eva , Bauer Christine , Schedl Markus , Lex Elisabeth
Published: March 2021

Music recommender systems have become an integral part of music streaming services such as Spotify and Last.fm to assist users navigating the extensive music collections offered by them. However, while music listeners interested in mainstream music are traditionally served well by music recommender systems, users interested in music beyond the mainstream (i.e., non-popular music) rarely receive relevant recommendations. In this paper, we study the characteristics of beyond-mainstream music and music listeners and analyze to what extent these characteristics impact the quality of music recommendations provided. Therefore, we create a novel dataset consisting of Last.fm listening histories of several thousand beyond-mainstream music listeners, which we enrich with additional metadata describing music tracks and music listeners. Our analysis of this dataset shows four subgroups within the group of beyond-mainstream music listeners that differ not only with respect to their preferred music but also with their demographic characteristics. Furthermore, we evaluate the quality of music recommendations that these subgroups are provided with four different recommendation algorithms where we find significant differences between the groups. Specifically, our results show a positive correlation between a subgroup’s openness towards music listened to by members of other subgroups and recommendation accuracy. We believe that our findings provide valuable insights for developing improved user models and recommendation approaches to better serve beyond-mainstream music listeners.
An interdependent network coupling strategy based on overlapping link structure against targeted attack
Authors: Zang Weifei , Ji Xinsheng , Liu Shuxin , Li Haitao
Published: March 2021

The robustness of interdependent networks has attracted much attention recently. Existing studies mainly focus on random failures, however, targeted attacks are ubiquitous in the real world. In this paper, a low degree neighbor node priority coupling (LDNPC) strategy is proposed, which enhances the robustness of interdependent networks under high-degree node targeted attacks by changing the relationship between layers to generate structures of overlapping links. First, nodes are ranked in descend according to their degrees. Then, nodes with low degrees have priority to choose their dependency partners to generate structures of overlapping links. Finally, experiments on three models of interdependent networks show that LDNPC can enhance the robustness of interdependent networks against high-degree node targeted attacks effectively.
Crime and COVID-19 in Rio de Janeiro: How does organized crime shape the disease evolution?
Authors: Crokidakis Nuno , Sigaud Lucas
Published: March 2021

The city of Rio de Janeiro is one of the biggest cities in Brazil. Drug gangs and paramilitary groups called milícias control some regions of the city where the government is not present, specially in the slums. Due to the characteristics of such two distinct groups, it was observed that the evolution of COVID-19 is different in those two regions, in comparison with the regions controlled by the government. In order to understand qualitatively those observations, we divided the city in three regions controlled by the government, by the drug gangs and by the milícias, respectively, and we consider a Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Dead (SIRD)-like epidemic model where the three regions are coupled. Considering different levels of exposure, the model is capable to reproduce qualitatively the distinct evolution of the COVID-19 disease in the three regions, suggesting that the organized crime shapes the COVID-19 evolution in the city of Rio de Janeiro. This case study suggests that the model can be used in general for any metropolitan region with groups of people that can be categorized by their level of exposure.
THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT, STATE-OWNED INVESTMENT, PRIVATE INVESTMENT, IMPORT, EXPORT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN VIETNAM
Authors: ANH DO DUC , SONG YINGHUA , LI MOXIAO
Published: March 2021

A key component for economic growth is the foreign direct investment (FDI), which drew the attention of researchers worldwide. This study aims to examine the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI), state-owned investment (SOI), private investment (PI), import (M), export (X) and Vietnam’s economic growth (GDP) since the Renovation (1986) to now (2019). The Vector Autoregression Model (VAR) and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) were utilized to realize the above-mentioned goals. The Johansen co-integration test confirmed that there exists a long-run relationship among the above variables. The Granger causal relationship test found one-way causal relationship from GDP to FDI and PI in the short-run. Besides, the similar causal relationship between export and GDP is confirmed. Also, the two-way causal relationship between PI and export in the short-run is also found in this study. In addition, the impact of a shock of SOI on GDP is more significant than that of an FDI or PI shocks on GDP. By contrast, the response of GDP to shocks of import and export seems are small. Finally, it is certain that FDI plays an essential role in Vietnam’s economy.
A new multi-party quantum private comparison based on n-dimensional n-particle GHZ state
Authors: Liu Wen , Yin Han-Wen
Published: March 2021

With the help of a semi-honest third party Calvin, n parties [Formula: see text] can determine whether all of their private inputs [Formula: see text] are equal or not without leaking any information. In this paper, we present a novel protocol using special quantum unitary operations and n-dimensional n-particle GHZ states. The proposed protocol is correct. It can also resist various outside attacks and overcome the problem of information leakage.
Improved Measuring of the Circular Passes and Errors of the Periodic Milling Tools Holder Using Circular Interpolation
Authors: Hadi Yaser A.
Published: March 2021

Measuring the circular passes and errors of the periodic milling tools holder is of paramount importance for ensuring excellent surface roughness. For rendering circular shapes during a milling process, a circular interpolation to measure circular passes and errors of the periodic cutting tools holder is thus used. This model is intended to complement the computerized numerically controlled (CNC) systems. The model contains a number of blocks, such as a complete circular interpolation cycle of a number passes which is specified in the programmable part of the model. This study presents a new localization approach for an elastic cutting tool holder of a milling machine. A numerical model is developed that describes the structure of the tool holder. The behavior of the periodic holder is modeled numerically. The modeling results are in agreement with the experimental measurements with a relative error of about 8%.
Study on the Influence of Silicone-Based Magnetorheological Elastomer on Tool Vibration During Turning of Hardened SS410 Steel
Authors: Vasanth X. Ajay , Paul P. Sam , Lawrance G.
Published: March 2021

In metal cutting, tool vibration is a significant parameter, which results in high cutting force, increase in tool wear and poor surface quality of the finished product. To control tool vibration, an innovative and a robust damper was required. In this regard, a magnetorheological elastomer was fabricated, and the effect of parameters like the ratio of iron particles to elastomer; plunger shape and intensity of current were studied. Cutting experiments were conducted to arrive at an optimum set of parameters, which can suppress tool vibration during turning of hardened SS410 steel. From the experimental results, it was observed that the use of magnetorheological elastomer has reduced the tool vibration by 60% and also improved the cutting performance significantly.
Multi-scale analysis of influencing factors for soybean futures price risk: Adaptive Fourier decomposition mathematical model applied for the case of China
Authors: Xie Qiwei , Liu Ranran , Li Jingyu , Wang Xiaojiong
Published: March 2021

Few studies have considered the information in the frequency domain to detect the structural breaks in financial markets. This paper provides a mixed model that integrates BEMD, AFD and Chow test to study the fluctuation characteristics of the soybean futures price. Due to the application of AFD, the mixed model can detect the structural breaks of the price fluctuation through obtaining the high-resolution information in the frequency domain. According to our results, in general, the soybean futures price in China is mainly determined by IMF11, followed by IMF9, IMF8 and IMF7, and there exist many structural breaks of different IMFs. Interestingly, national macro-controls have opposite effects at IMF8 and IMF11. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed mixed model for detecting structural breaks of financial markets in frequency-domain by revealing the impact of external events on the soybean futures price at multi-scales.
Nonlinear scanning structured illumination microscopy based on nonsinusoidal modulation
Authors: Wang Meiting , Wang Lei , Zheng Xiaomin , Zhou Jie , Chen Jiajie , Zeng Youjun , Qu Junle , Shao Yonghong , Gao Bruce Zhi
Published: March 2021

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is an essential super-resolution microscopy technique that enhances resolution. Several images are required to reconstruct a super-resolution image. However, linear SIM resolution enhancement can only increase the spatial resolution of microscopy by a factor of two at most because the frequency of the structured illumination pattern is limited by the cutoff frequency of the excitation point spread function. The frequency of the pattern generated by the nonlinear response in samples is not limited; therefore, nonlinear SIM (NL-SIM), in theory, has no inherent limit to the resolution. In the present study, we describe a two-photon nonlinear SIM (2P-SIM) technique using a multiple harmonics scanning pattern that employs a composite structured illumination pattern, which can produce a higher order harmonic pattern based on the fluorescence nonlinear response in a 2P process. The theoretical models of super-resolution imaging were established through our simulation, which describes the working mechanism of the multi-frequency structure of the nonsinusoidal function to improve the resolution. The simulation results predict that a 5-fold improvement in resolution in the 2P-SIM is possible.
Threshold Effect of Raw Material Prices on Economic Growth of African Countries
Authors: Honoré Houngbedji Sèwanoudé
Published: March 2021

We study the nonlinear effects of raw material prices measured by that of cotton product on the economic growth of a sample of African countries for the period of 1991–2019. Using the procedure for determining endogenous thresholds (Hansen, 1999) [Threshold effects in non-dynamic panels: Estimation, testing, and inference. Journal of Econometrics, 93, 345–368], the study revealed that raw material prices positively affect economic growth when the prices reach a threshold above 96.1. These results indicate that to be effective, any economic policy measure aimed at accelerating the economic growth of these commodity-dependent countries must take into account the level of raw material price indices, the quality of governance, and the level of financial development.
Secured Debt, Agency Problems, and the Classic Model of the Firm
Authors: Navas Javier F.
Published: March 2021

In the traditional literature on firm models it is generally accepted that secured debt reduces the agency costs of debt, as it alleviates the underinvestment and overinvestment problems. We demonstrate that secured debt can also produce the opposite effects. Under the [Merton 1974, On the Pricing of Corporate Debt: The Risk Structure of Interest Rates, Journal of Finance 29, 442–470] framework, we provide numerical examples where junior secured debt produces underinvestment and senior and all-assets secured debt bring about overinvestment. Project financing and independent-firm financing eliminate these problems but may induce suboptimal decisions for shareholders. We show that shareholders will finance a project as an independent firm if its net present value is sufficiently high. Otherwise, they are better off financing the project with all-assets secured debt.
Analyzing the impact of board vigilance on financial distress through the intervention of leverage structure and interaction of asset tangibility in the non-financial sector of Pakistan
Authors: Xuezhou Wen , Hussain Rana Yassir , Hussain Haroon , Saad Muhammad , Qalati Sikander Ali
Published: March 2021

This study focuses on the relationship between board vigilance and financial distress in non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The mediating role of leverage structure and moderating role of asset tangibility is also studied following Baron and Kenney’s approach. The study analyzed the data of 284 firms ranging from 2013 to 2017 by using ordinary least squares (OLS) and panel corrected standard errors (PCSE) regressions. The study revealed that the debt maturity structure mediates the relationship between board independence and financial distress and between CEO non-duality and financial distress but the capital structure did not mediate any of the stated relationships. Similarly, asset tangibility negatively moderated the relationship between debt maturity and financial distress. However, there was no such moderation detected between the relationship of capital structure and financial distress. The results remained consistent throughout the analysis with both regression techniques. These results suggest using more long-term debt in debt maturity structure to have control over financial distress and also to reduce the reliance on non-productive tangible assets in the asset structure of non-financial firms of Pakistan.
Nonunique Coincidence Point Results via Admissible Mappings
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Chen Chi-Ming , Fulga Andreea
Published: March 2021

This paper is aimed at presenting some coincidence point results using admissible mapping in the framework of the partialb-metric spaces. Observed results of the article cover a number of existing works on the topic of “investigation of nonunique fixed points.” We express an example to indicate the validity of the observed outcomes.
In Vivo Visualization of the Pericardium Meridian with Fluorescent Dyes
Authors: Li Tongju , Tang Bruce Qing , Zhang Wei-Bo , Zhao Minyi , Hu Qingchuan , Ahn Andrew
Published: March 2021

The anatomical basis of acupuncture meridians continues to be enigmatic. Although much attention has been placed on potential correlations with inter/intramuscular fascia or lower electrical impedance, animal studies performed in the past 40 years have shown that tracer dyes—specifically Tc-99m pertechnetate—injected at strategic skin points generate linear migrations closely aligning with acupuncture meridians. To evaluate whether this phenomenon is also observable in humans, we injected two fluorescent dyes—fluorescein sodium and indocyanine green (ICG)—into the dermal layer both at acupuncture points (PC5, PC6, and PC7) and a nonacupoint control. Fifteen healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Of the 19 trials of fluorescein injected at PC6, 15 (79%) were associated with slow diffusion of the dye proximally along a path matching closely with the pericardium meridian. Furthermore, the dye emerged and coalesced proximally at exactly acupoint PC3. Injections of ICG at the acupoints PC5, PC6, or PC7 showed a similar trajectory close to the injection site but diverged when migrating proximally, failing converge on acupoint PC3. Injections of either dye at an adjacent PC6-control did not generate any notable linear pathway. Both ultrasound imaging and vein-locating device did not reveal any corresponding vessels (arterial or venous) at the visualized tracer pathway but did demonstrate correlations with intermuscular fascia.
Postsurgical Prosthetic Rehabilitation after Mandibular Ameloblastoma Resection: A 7-Year Follow-Up Case Report
Authors: Moreno-Soriano C. , Estrugo-Devesa A. , Castañeda-Vega P. , Jané-Salas E. , López-López J.
Published: March 2021

Ameloblastomas are benign but locally invasive odontogenic tumors most frequently located in the mandible. The gold standard of treatment is the surgical resection of the tumor with safety margins. Postsurgical defects generate a significant morbidity that needs reconstruction and oral rehabilitation to restore the oral functions. This case report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a 42-year-old male after resection of a mandibular ameloblastoma. Excision of the lesion by segmental mandibulectomy and mandibular reconstruction by microvascularized fibula flap was performed. After placement of 6 dental implants, the patient was rehabilitated with a lower hybrid prosthesis fabricated using computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing. During a 7-year and 5-month follow-up, some clinical complications were observed.
A Two‐Layer Architecture for Failure Prediction Based on High‐Dimension Monitoring Sequences
Authors: Wang Xue , Liu Fan , Feng Yixin , Zhao Jiabao
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the distributed architecture has been widely adopted by security companies with the rapid expansion of their business. A distributed system is comprised of many computing nodes of different components which are connected by high‐speed communication networks. With the increasing functionality and complexity of the systems, failures of nodes are inevitable which may result in considerable loss. In order to identify anomalies of the possible failures and enable DevOps engineers to operate in advance, this paper proposes a two‐layer prediction architecture based on the monitoring sequences of nodes status. Generally speaking, in the first layer, we make use of EXPoSE anomaly detection technique to derive anomaly scores in constant time which are then used as input data for ensemble learning in the second layer. Experiments are conducted on the data provided by one of the largest security companies, and the results demonstrate the predictability of the proposed approach.
Equilibrium, Regular Polygons, and Coulomb-Type Dynamics in Different Dimensions
Authors: Skrypnik W. I.
Published: March 2021

The equation of motion in

ℝ

d

of

n

generalized point charges interacting via the

s

-dimensional Coulomb potential, which contains for

d
=
2

a constant magnetic field, is considered. Planar exact solutions of the equation are found if either negative

n
−
1
>
2

charges and their masses are equal or

n
=
3

and the charges are different. They describe a motion of negative charges along identical orbits around the positive immobile charge at the origin in such a way that their coordinates coincide with vertices of regular polygons centered at the origin. Bounded solutions converging to an equilibrium in the infinite time for the considered equation without a magnetic field are also obtained. A condition permitting the existence of such solutions is proposed.
Effect of Polypropylene Fiber on the Strength and Dry Cracking of Mortar with Coal Gangue Aggregate
Authors: Zhu Kai , Ma Xianwei , Yao Liyang , Zhao Linlin , Luo Chuangdan
Published: March 2021

Fine coal gangue aggregate (CGA) has a high water absorption, which increases the cracking risk of mortar caused by dry shrinkage. The effects of polypropylene (PP) fiber on the fluidity, strength, dry shrinkage, and cracking of CGA mortar were studied in this paper. The results show that PP fiber reduces the fluidity of CGA mortar, but PP fiber improves compressive and flexural strengths, especially at the early stages. PP fiber also effectively decreases dry shrinkage and the risk of cracking. Overall, PP fiber can effectively improve the properties of CGA mortar.
Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Human and Livestock Ailments in Hulet Eju Enese Woreda, East Gojjam Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Birhanu Adibaru , Chane Teferi Samuel
Published: March 2021

Indigenous people of a given community have their own local specific knowledge on plant use, management, and conservation. The objective of this study was to document medicinal plants used to treat human and livestock ailments in Hulet Eju Enese Woreda. The data were collected using semistructured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations with local people. A total of 100 informants over the age of 20 years were selected to collect information on medicinal plant use. Descriptive statistics (percentage and frequency), Jaccard’s similarity index, independent sample t-test and analysis of variance, informant consensus factor, fidelity level, preference ranking, and direct matrix ranking were computed. A total of 80 medicinal plant species belonging to 75 genera and 52 families were documented. In terms of species diversity, Solanaceae stood first with 5 species followed by Euphorbiaceae and Malvaceae with 4 species each. Out of eighty medicinal plants, 53 species were used to treat only human ailments, 8 species were used to treat only livestock ailments, and the remaining 19 species were used for treating both human and livestock ailments. From the total medicinal plant species, shrub constitutes the largest number with 42.5% species. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves, accounting for 28.9%. The major routes of administration were oral accounts, 81 (57%), followed by dermal, 45 (31.7%), nasal, 6 (4.2%), and others, 10 (7%). In the disease category with the highest informant consensus factor (0.83) value was sudden sickness. There was highest preference (49) for Phytolacca dodecandra to treat rabies. Cordia africana was shown to be the top multipurpose species. This study revealed that the study area was rich in medicinal plants. Agricultural expansion, charcoal making, and firewood collection were considered major threats to medicinal plants. Therefore, awareness creation to the youth and training to the healers play a pivotal role to prevent the loss of indigenous knowledge.
The Potential Safe Antifibrotic Effect of Stem Cell Conditioned Medium and Nilotinib Combined Therapy by Selective Elimination of Rat Activated HSCs
Authors: Nabil Ahmed , Uto Koichiro , Zahran Faten , Soliman Reham , Hassan Ayman A. , Elshemy Mohamed M. , Ali Islam S. , Ebara Mitsuhiro , Shiha Gamal
Published: March 2021

Hepatic fibrosis is a progressive disease with serious clinical complications that arise from abnormal propagation and activation of multiple inflammatory pathways. Nilotinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antifibrotic activity. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are blank cells and can differentiate into specific cell types. They have the potential to repair and regenerate cells. MSCs have a special paracrine fashion where they produce special exosomes, microvesicles, and cytokines like IL‐6, transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), and HGF as well as hepatic stellate cell suppressors. This paracrine fashion can decrease collagen deposition, enhance antifibrotic, anti‐inflammatory, and angiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo. In our study, the rat’s hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in addition to different normal cell lines were treated with Nilotinib alone and in combination with liver mesenchymal stem cells conditioned medium (LMSCs‐CM) for 24 h. Mono and combined therapy antifibrotic and cytotoxicity effects were evaluated using different parameters including α‐SMA, cytochrome c, P53 expression, collagen deposition, DNA content, oxidative stress parameters, cell viability, and apoptosis by flow cytometry analysis. Our results showed that Nilotinib and LMSCs‐CM in combination had a significantly potent antifibrotic and anti‐inflammatory effect on activated hepatic stellate cells than Nilotinib alone; otherwise, this combination showed the best safety with minimal cytotoxicity on different normal cell lines.
Molecular Factors Mediating Neural Cell Plasticity Changes in Dementia Brain Diseases
Authors: Kozubski Wojciech , Ong Kevin , Waleszczyk Wioletta , Zabel Matthew , Dorszewska Jolanta
Published: March 2021

Neural plasticity—the ability to alter a neuronal response to environmental stimuli—is an important factor in learning and memory. Short-term synaptic plasticity and long-term synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation and long-term depression, are the most-characterized models of learning and memory at the molecular and cellular level. These processes are often disrupted by neurodegeneration-induced dementias. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for 50% of cases of dementia. Vascular dementia (VaD), Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) constitute much of the remaining cases. While vascular lesions are the principal cause of VaD, neurodegenerative processes have been established as etiological agents of many dementia diseases. Chief among such processes is the deposition of pathological protein aggregates in vivo including β-amyloid deposition in AD, the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in AD and FTD, and the accumulation of Lewy bodies composed of α-synuclein aggregates in DLB and PDD. The main symptoms of dementia are cognitive decline and memory and learning impairment. Nonetheless, accurate diagnoses of neurodegenerative diseases can be difficult due to overlapping clinical symptoms and the diverse locations of cortical lesions. Still, new neuroimaging and molecular biomarkers have improved clinicians’ diagnostic capabilities in the context of dementia and may lead to the development of more effective treatments. Both genetic and environmental factors may lead to the aggregation of pathological proteins and altered levels of cytokines, such that can trigger the formation of proinflammatory immunological phenotypes. This cascade of pathological changes provides fertile ground for the development of neural plasticity disorders and dementias. Available pharmacotherapy and disease-modifying therapies currently in clinical trials may modulate synaptic plasticity to mitigate the effects neuropathological changes have on cognitive function, memory, and learning. In this article, we review the neural plasticity changes seen in common neurodegenerative diseases from pathophysiological and clinical points of view and highlight potential molecular targets of disease-modifying therapies.
Genomic, Transcriptomic, and Proteomic Profiling of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Akcakanat Argun , Zheng Xiaofeng , Cruz Pico Christian X. , Kim Tae-Beom , Chen Ken , Korkut Anil , Sahin Aysegul , Holla Vijaykumar , Tarco Emily , Singh Gopal , Damodaran Senthil , Mills Gordon B. , Gonzalez-Angulo Ana Maria , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is not curable and there is a growing interest in personalized therapy options. Here we report molecular profiling of MBC focusing on molecular evolution in actionable alterations.

Experimental Design:

Sixty-two patients with MBC were included. An analysis of DNA, RNA, and functional proteomics was done, and matched primary and metastatic tumors were compared when feasible.

Results:

Targeted exome sequencing of 41 tumors identified common alterations in TP53 (21; 51%) and PIK3CA (20; 49%), as well as alterations in several emerging biomarkers such as NF1 mutations/deletions (6; 15%), PTEN mutations (4; 10%), and ARID1A mutations/deletions (6; 15%). Among 27 hormone receptor–positive patients, we identified MDM2 amplifications (3; 11%), FGFR1 amplifications (5; 19%), ATM mutations (2; 7%), and ESR1 mutations (4; 15%). In 10 patients with matched primary and metastatic tumors that underwent targeted exome sequencing, discordances in actionable alterations were common, including NF1 loss in 3 patients, loss of PIK3CA mutation in 1 patient, and acquired ESR1 mutations in 3 patients. RNA sequencing in matched samples confirmed loss of NF1 expression with genomic NF1 loss. Among 33 patients with matched primary and metastatic samples that underwent RNA profiling, 14 actionable genes were differentially expressed, including antibody–drug conjugate targets LIV-1 and B7-H3.

Conclusions:

Molecular profiling in MBC reveals multiple common as well as less frequent but potentially actionable alterations. Genomic and transcriptional profiling demonstrates intertumoral heterogeneity and potential evolution of actionable targets with tumor progression. Further work is needed to optimize testing and integrated analysis for treatment selection.
Targeted Therapy in Patients with Metastatic Male Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Heidenreich Axel , Paffenholz Pia , Nestler Tim , Tolkach Yuri , Pfister David
Published: March 2021

Ten to fifteen percent of patients with metastatic testis cancer (mGCT) will develop chemorefractory disease of which about 50% will die. We report on the integration of next generation sequencing in daily clinical practice to identify druggable mutations in metastatic lesions of 3 patients with mGCT. Mutational analysis revealed KIT D820G, TP53, and NPM1 mutations as well as mismatch repair deficiency with loss of MSH2 and MSH6 proteins so that targeted therapy with sunitinib (n = 2) or pembrolizumab (n = 1) was initiated resulting in remarkable partial remissions for 9, 12+, and 15 months.
Physical Activity in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fagan Georgina , Osborne Hamish , Schultz Michael
Published: March 2021

Introduction and Objective: Despite the known benefits of physical activity in the management of chronic diseases, the use of exercise as a treatment is relatively underemployed, with many patients reporting their disease to be a barrier. This study aimed to assess physical activity levels, attitudes, and barriers towards exercise in a cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition, this study aimed to assess possible relationships between physical well-being, psychological well-being, and sociodemographic factors. Methods: 306 patients >18 years with diagnosed IBD in Dunedin, New Zealand, were approached to participate in this study. Participants who consented completed questionnaires regarding exercise preferences and attitudes, physical activity levels, and psychological well-being. Results: Seventy-seven patients participated in the study (77/308 = 25%). Sixty-six percent of participants met physical activity guidelines and the median metabolic equivalent minutes/week of 1,027.5 (505.5–2,339.5). Walking was the most preferred activity (30%) followed by water-based exercise (20%). Two-thirds of participants reported their disease limited the amount of physical activity undertaken. Common barriers to participating in physical activity included fatigue (34%) and abdominal pain (20%). Patients with active disease reported higher levels of barriers than those in remission (80 vs. 54%, p = 0.018). Higher physical activity levels were correlated with lower levels of fatigue (p = 0.022–0.046). Conclusions: While patients with IBD in Dunedin, New Zealand, are physically active, reducing real and perceived barriers is crucial to further increase physical activity in patients with IBD who are in remission or with active disease.
High Blood Glucose Levels Affect Auditory Brainstem Responses after Acoustic Overexposure in Rats
Authors: Lee Jae-Hun , Ji Sang Hee , Jung Jae Yun , Lee Min Young , Lee Chi-Kyou
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and several pathological changes. DM-related hearing dysfunctions are associated with histological changes. Here, we explore hearing function and synaptic changes in the inner hair cells (IHCs) of rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Methods: STZ was injected to trigger diabetes. Rats with DM were exposed to narrow-band noise (105 dB SPL) for 2 h, and hearing function was analyzed 1, 3, 7, and 14 days later. Both the hearing threshold and the peak 1 amplitude of the tone auditory brainstem response were assessed. After the last functional test, animals were sacrificed for histological evaluation. Results: We found no changes in the baseline hearing threshold; however, the peak 1 amplitude at the low frequency (4 kHz) was significantly higher in both DM groups than in the control groups. The hearing threshold had not fully recovered at 14 days after diabetic rats were exposed to noise. The peak 1 amplitude at the higher frequencies (16 and 32 kHz) was significantly larger in both DM groups than in the control groups. The histological analysis revealed that the long-term DM group had significantly more synapses in the 16 kHz region than the other groups. Conclusions: We found that high blood glucose levels increased peak 1 amplitudes without changing the hearing threshold. Diabetic rats were less resilient in threshold changes and were less vulnerable to peak 1 amplitude and synaptic damage than control animals.
Is Decorin a Promising New Agent for Facial Nerve Regeneration? An Experimental Study
Authors: Çınar Zehra , Emre Ufuk , Gül Mehmet , Yiğit Özgür , Mammadov Elshan , Yiğit Enes , Gül Semir , Cırık Hilal Rumeyza
Published: March 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systemic administration of decorin (DC) on facial nerve (FN) regeneration. Methods: A total of 32 female albino Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control (C) group: no bilateral FN neurorrhaphy (B-FNN), no DC application, sham-operated group: B-FNN without DC application, DC group: DC application without B-FNN, and B-FNN + DC group: B-FNN and DC application. Nerve conduction studies were performed before and after skin incisions at 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th weeks in all groups. The amplitude and latency of compound muscle action potentials were recorded. FN samples were obtained and were investigated under light microscopy and immunohistochemical staining. The nerve and axon diameter, number of axons, H score, Schwann cell proliferation, and myelin and axonal degeneration were recorded quantitatively. Results: In the sham group, the 3rd and 5th postoperative week, amplitude values were significantly lower than those of the B-FNN + DC group (p < 0.05). Nerve diameters were found to be significantly larger in the sham, DC, and B-FNN + DC groups than in the C group (p < 0.05). The number of axons, the axon diameter, and the H scores were found to be significantly higher in the B-FNN + DC group than in the sham group (p < 0.05). The Schwann cell proliferation, myelin degeneration, and axonal degeneration scores were significantly lower in the B-FNN + DC group than in the sham group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Electrophysiological and histopathological evaluation revealed the potential benefits provided by DC. This agent may increase FN regeneration.
Protocol and Baseline Data on Renal Autologous Cell Therapy Injection in Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease Secondary to Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract
Authors: Stavas Joseph , Diaz-Gonzalez de Ferris Maria , Johns Ashley , Jain Deepak , Bertram Tim
Published: March 2021

Background: Advanced cell therapies with autologous, homologous cells show promise to affect reparative and restorative changes in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) nephron. We present our protocol and preliminary analysis of an IRB-approved, phase I single-group, open-label trial that tests the safety and efficacy of Renal Autologous Cell Therapy (REACT; NCT 04115345) in adults with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Methods: Adults with surgically corrected CAKUT and CKD stages 3 and 4 signed an informed consent and served as their “own” baseline control. REACT is an active biological ingredient acquired from a percutaneous tissue acquisition from the patient’s kidney cortex. The specimen undergoes a GMP-compliant manufacturing process that harvests the selected renal cells composed of progenitors for renal repair, followed by image-guided locoregional reinjection into the patient’s renal cortex. Participants receive 2 doses at 6-month intervals. Primary outcomes are stable renal function and stable/improved quality of life. Additional exploratory endpoints include the impact of REACT on blood pressure, vitamin D levels, hemoglobin, hematocrit and kidney volume by MRI analysis. Results: Four men and 1 woman were enrolled and underwent 5 cell injections. Their characteristics were as follows: mean 52.8 years (SD 17.7 years), 1 Hispanic, 4 non-Hispanic, and 5 white. There were no renal tissue acquisition, cell injection, or cell product-related complications at baseline. Conclusion: REACT is demonstrating feasibility and patient safety in preliminary analysis. Autologous cell therapy treatment has the potential to stabilize or improve renal function in CAKUT-associated CKD to delay or avert dialysis. Patient enrollment and follow-up are underway.