bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Point-of-Care Diagnostics That Satisfy Global Target Product Profiles
Authors: Ghaffari Abdi , Meurant Robyn , Ardakani Ali
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 pandemic will continue to pose a major public health threat until vaccination-mediated herd immunity is achieved. Most projections predict vaccines will reach a large subset of the population late in 2021 or early 2022. In the meantime, countries are exploring options to remove strict lockdown measures and allow society and the economy to return to normal function. One possibility is to expand on existing COVID-19 testing strategies by including large-scale rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests (POCTs). Currently, there is significant variability in performance and features of available POCTs, making selection and procurement of an appropriate test for specific use case difficult. In this review, we have used the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recently published target product profiles (TPPs) for specific use cases of COVID-19 diagnostic tests to screen for top-performing POCTs on the market. Several POCTs, based on clinical sensitivity/specificity, the limit of detection, and time to results, which meet WHO TPP criteria for direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 (acute infection) or indirect diagnosis of past infection (host antibodies), are highlighted here.
Welcome to This First Issue of the European Burn Journal
Authors: Moiemen Naiem , Vogt Peter
Published: January 2021

Welcome to this first issue of the European Burn Journal (EBJ) [...]
Resonant Frequency and Bandwidth of Superconducting Microstrip Antenna Fed through a Slot Cut into the Ground Plane
Authors: Mahamdi Ahmed , Benkouda Siham , Aris Skander , Denidni Tayeb A.
Published: January 2021

In this work, an efficient analysis is presented to accurately predict the resonant frequency and bandwidth of superconducting microstrip antenna fed through a slot cut into the ground plane. The effect of the superconductivity of the rectangular patch is introduced in the Full-wave analysis based on Gorter-Casimir two fluid model together with London brothers equations. In order to check the accuracy of the proposed approach, the obtained results have been compared with theoretical and experimental data reported in the literature. Finally, the influence of the slot on the resonant frequency and half-power bandwidth of the superconducting antenna has been investigated.
Characterization of the Potential Effects of EMC Filters for Power Converters on Narrowband Power Line Communications
Authors: González-Ramos Jon , Angulo Itziar , Fernández Igor , Arrinda Amaia , de la Vega David
Published: January 2021

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) filters are one of the main solutions for dealing with the disturbances generated by power inverters. However, they show series/parallel resonances that introduce variations in the impedance seen from the grid. Consequently, in some cases, these filters have low impedances at resonance frequencies, which can affect Narrowband Power Line Communications (NB-PLC) due to notching effects. For that reason, the potential effects of four EMC filters on NB-PLC have been studied. Laboratory trials in a controlled environment have been carried out, in which the attenuation and the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) thresholds that define the communication’s quality have been studied. The results presented in this paper show that, although the variations of the channel frequency response are not selective enough to degrade the communication thresholds, the attenuation measured when the filter is connected near the receiver might be sufficiently high to be critical for the communications in some situations. Therefore, EMC filters might have a negative impact on NB-PLC that had not been previously considered.
Skyrmion Logic-In-Memory Architecture for Maximum/Minimum Search
Authors: Gnoli Luca , Riente Fabrizio , Vacca Marco , Ruo Roch Massimo , Graziano Mariagrazia
Published: January 2021

In modern computing systems there is the need to utilize a large amount of data in maintaining high efficiency. Limited memory bandwidth, coupled with the performance gap between memory and logic, impacts heavily on algorithms performance, increasing the overall time and energy required for computation. A possible approach to overcome such limitations is Logic-In-Memory (LIM). In this paper, we propose a LIM architecture based on a non-volatile skyrmion-based recetrack memory. The architecture can be used as a memory or can perform advanced logic functions on the stored data, for example searching for the maximum/minimum number. The circuit has been designed and validated using physical simulations for the memory array together with digital design tools for the control logic. The results highlight the small area of the proposed architecture and its good energy efficiency compared with a reference CMOS implementation.
Optical Investigation of a Partial Fuel Stratification Strategy to Stabilize Overall Lean Operation of a DISI Engine Fueled with Gasoline and E30
Authors: Tornatore Cinzia , Sjöberg Magnus
Published: January 2021

This paper offers new insights into a partial fuel stratification (PFS) combustion strategy that has proven to be effective at stabilizing overall lean combustion in direct injection spark ignition engines. To this aim, high spatial and temporal resolution optical diagnostics were applied in an optically accessible engine working in PFS mode for two fuels and two different durations of pilot injection at the time of spark: 210 µs and 330 µs for E30 (gasoline blended with ethanol by 30% volume fraction) and gasoline, respectively. In both conditions, early injections during the intake stroke were used to generate a well-mixed lean background. The results were compared to rich, stoichiometric and lean well-mixed combustion with different spark timings. In the PFS combustion process, it was possible to detect a non-spherical and highly wrinkled blue flame, coupled with yellow diffusive flames due to the combustion of rich zones near the spark plug. The initial flame spread for both PFS cases was faster compared to any of the well-mixed cases (lean, stoichiometric and rich), suggesting that the flame propagation for PFS is enhanced by both enrichment and enhanced local turbulence caused by the pilot injection. Different spray evolutions for the two pilot injection durations were found to strongly influence the flame kernel inception and propagation. PFS with pilot durations of 210 µs and 330 µs showed some differences in terms of shapes of the flame front and in terms of extension of diffusive flames. Yet, both cases were highly repeatable.
The Effect of Patient Factors and Cotreatments on the Magnitude of Potassium Lowering with Insulin–Glucose Treatment in Patients with Hyperkalemia
Authors: Lim Andy K. H. , Crnobrnja Ljiljana , Metlapalli Manogna , Govinna Mauli , Jiang Cathy
Published: January 2021

The management of hyperkalemia with insulin–glucose/dextrose treatment (IDT) may be influenced by patient factors and cotreatments. We aimed to determine the magnitude of potassium lowering by IDT while considering patient factors and cotreatments. We observed the change in serum potassium in 410 patients with a mean serum potassium of 6.6 mmol/L (SD, 0.6 mmol/L) treated with IDT at three major metropolitan hospitals. Mean potassium lowering was 1.4 mmol/L (SD, 0.8 mmol/L) and 53% achieved normokalemia. Cotreatment with sodium polystyrene sulfonate, salbutamol, or sodium bicarbonate occurred in 64%, 12%, and 10% of patients, respectively. In multiple linear regression analysis, cotreatment with sodium polystyrene sulfonate or sodium bicarbonate was not associated with any significant reduction in serum potassium beyond that achieved by IDT, within the initial 6 h of treatment. We observed an additional lowering of serum potassium with salbutamol of 0.3 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.1 to 0.6 mmol/L; p = 0.009) but the clinical significance was unclear as the proportion of patients achieving normokalemia was not affected by cotreatment within the initial 6 h after IDT. We also found evidence that the potassium-lowering effect of IDT was dependent on the pre-treatment serum potassium. For every 1 mmol/L increase in pre-treatment serum potassium over 6.0 mmol/L, there was an associated 0.7 mmol/L increase in the potassium-lowering effect of IDT, on average, which was independent of any cotreatment. There was no significant impact of acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease status on the efficacy of IDT.
The Role of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Hirsutism
Authors: Lolou Vasiliki
Published: January 2021

Probiotics and synbiotics are known to have beneficial effects on human health and disease. Hirsutism, a disorder that is characterised by the presence of coarse terminal hairs in a male-like pattern, is usually caused by elevated androgen levels in blood plasma. This disorder is usually observed in PCOS women and it is linked to insulin resistance (IR). Although idiopathic hirsutism (IH) is not shown to have excess androgen production from the ovarian and adrenal glands, increased 5α-reductase in peripheral tissues and insulin resistance are common observations. The effect of probiotics and synbiotics have been recently studied on PCOS women; androgens were also included in the hormonal groups that were investigated. Only a few studies focus on hirsutism and the potential effect of the beneficial microbes mentioned, whereas the increasing interest on insulin resistance and synbiotics indicate a potential beneficial effect on hirsutism through the management of insulin resistance.
Computational Study of Premixed Flame Propagation in Micro-Channels with Nonslip Walls: Effect of Wall Temperature
Authors: Ugarte Orlando J. , Akkerman V’yacheslav
Published: January 2021

This investigation evaluates the propagation of premixed flames in narrow channels with isothermal walls. The study is based on the numerical solution of the set of fully-compressible, reacting flow equations that includes viscosity, diffusion, thermal conduction and Arrhenius chemical kinetics. Specifically, channels and pipes with one extreme open and one extreme closed are considered such that a flame is sparked at the closed extreme and propagates towards the open one. The isothermal channel walls are kept at multiple constant temperatures in the range from Tw=300 K to 1200 K. The impact of these isothermal walls on the flame dynamics is studied for multiple radii of the channel (R) and for various thermal expansion ratios (Θ), which approximate the thermal behavior of different fuel mixtures in the system. The flame dynamics in isothermal channels is also compared to that with adiabatic walls, which were previously found to produce exponential flame acceleration at the initial stage of the burning process. The results show that the heat losses at the walls prevent strong acceleration and lead to much slower flame propagation in isothermal channels as compared to adiabatic ones. Four distinctive regimes of premixed burning in isothermal channels have been identified in the Θ−Tw−R space: (i) flame extinction; (ii) linear flame acceleration; (iii) steady or near-steady flame propagation; and (iv) flame oscillations. The physical processes in each of these regimes are discussed, and the corresponding regime diagrams are presented.
Effect of Homogenization Method and Carvacrol Content on Microstructural and Physical Properties of Chitosan-Based Films
Authors: Flores Zoila , San-Martin Diego , Beldarraín-Iznaga Tatiana , Leiva-Vega Javier , Villalobos-Carvajal Ricardo
Published: January 2021

The use of EOs nanoemulsion to develop active edible films offers a new way to modify transport properties and to release active compounds while improving mechanical resistance, transparency, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to study the influence of homogenization conditions and carvacrol content on the microstructure and physical properties of edible nanoemulsified chitosan films. Film-forming emulsions (FFE) were prepared with chitosan (1.5%), Tween 80 (0.5%), and carvacrol (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0%); two homogenization methods were used (rotor-stator and rotor-stator followed by high-pressure homogenization). Film internal and surface microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and film physical properties, such as mechanical, optical, and water barrier, were evaluated. Results showed that the high-pressure homogenization method promoted a significant change on film microstructure, leading to improved properties. Carvacrol droplets were smaller and homogeneously distributed in the film when 0.5% (v/v) carvacrol was incorporated (1:1 Tween 80: carvacrol ratio). As a consequence, emulsified films obtained at high pressure were less opaque, had greater elongation, and had a lower permeability to water vapor than those obtained by the rotor-stator method. Therefore, high-pressure homogenization is a good method to obtain edible emulsified films with desirable properties for food preservation.
An Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Predict Intention to Consume Plant-Based Yogurt Alternatives
Authors: Pandey Sujita , Ritz Christian , Perez-Cueto Federico Jose Armando
Published: January 2021

This study attempts to predict plant-based yogurt consumers’ intention to consume plant-based yogurt alternatives in Denmark employing Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour as a theoretical framework. An online survey was conducted among 265 consumers recruited through convenience (snowball) sampling. The results from structural equation modelling analysis show that attitude (β = 0.216, p < 0.001), perceived behavioural control (self-efficacy) (β = 0.229, p < 0.001) and perceived sensory attributes (β = 0.324, p < 0.001) positively and significantly influenced consumers’ intention to consume plant-based yogurt alternatives. However, subjective norms (β = 0.106, p = 0.087) and perceived barriers (β = −0.051, p = 0.414) did not influence consumers’ intention to consume plant-based yogurt alternatives. Further, objective knowledge showed no significant influence on attitudes (β = 0.077, p = 0.242) and intention (β = −0.029, p = 0.603) towards plant-based yogurt alternatives. The intention (β = 0.677, p < 0.001) to consume plant-based yogurt alternatives showed a strong positive correlation with the behaviour to consume plant-based yogurt alternatives. The results from logistic regression indicated that socio-demographic characteristics, gender, education, income and region of residence were significantly associated with consumption of plant-based yogurt alternatives. Thus, focusing on consumers’ attitudes and self-efficacy and improving the organoleptic characteristics might promote the consumption of plant-based yogurt alternatives in Denmark and similar countries.
Advances in Bio-Based Polymers for Colorectal Cancer Treatment: Hydrogels and Nanoplatforms
Authors: Maspes Anna , Pizzetti Fabio , Rossetti Arianna , Makvandi Pooyan , Sitia Giovanni , Rossi Filippo
Published: January 2021

Adenocarcinoma of the colon is the most common malignant neoplasia of the gastrointestinal tract and is a major contributor to mortality worldwide. Invasiveness and metastatic behavior are typical of malignant tumors and, because of its portal drainage, the liver is the closest capillary bed available in this case, hence the common site of metastatic dissemination. Current therapies forecast total resection of primary tumor when possible and partial liver resection at advanced stages, along with systemic intravenous therapies consisting of chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-fluorouracil. These cures are definitely not exempt from drawbacks and heavy side effects. Biocompatible polymeric networks, both in colloids and bulk forms, able to absorb large quantities of water and load a variety of molecules-belong to the class of innovative drug delivery systems, thus suitable for the purpose and tunable on each patient can represent a promising alternative. Indeed, the implantation of polymeric scaffolds easy to synthesize can substitute chemotherapy and combination therapies scheduling, shortening side effects. Moreover, they do not require a surgical removal thanks to spontaneous degradation and guarantees an extended and regional cargo release, maintaining high drug concentrations. In this review, we focus our attention on the key role of polymeric networks as drug delivery systems potentially able to counteract this dramatic disease.
Dementia and Major Neurocognitive Disorders: Some Lessons Learned One Century after the first Alois Alzheimer’s Clinical Notes
Authors: Petretto Donatella Rita , Carrogu Gian Pietro , Gaviano Luca , Pili Lorenzo , Pili Roberto
Published: January 2021

Over 100 years ago, Alois Alzheimer presented the clinical signs and symptoms of what has been later called “Alzheimer Dementia” in a young woman whose name was Augustine Deter [...]
Prenatal Environmental Metal Exposure and Preterm Birth: A Scoping Review
Authors: Khanam Rasheda , Kumar Ishaan , Oladapo-Shittu Opeyemi , Twose Claire , Islam ASMD Ashraful , Biswal Shyam S. , Raqib Rubhana , Baqui Abdullah H.
Published: January 2021

Preterm birth (PTB) and its complications are the leading causes of under-five year old child deaths, accounting worldwide for an estimated one million deaths annually. The etiology of PTB is complex and multifactorial. Exposures to environmental metals or metalloids are pervasive and prenatal exposures to them are considered important in the etiology of PTB. We conducted a scoping review to determine the extent of prenatal exposures to four metals/metalloids (lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic) and their association with PTB. We reviewed original research studies published in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, POPLINE and the WHO regional indexes from 2000 to 2019; 36 articles were retained for full text review. We documented a higher incidence of PTB with lead and cadmium exposures. The findings for mercury and arsenic exposures were inconclusive. Metal-induced oxidative stress in the placenta, epigenetic modification, inflammation, and endocrine disruptions are the most common pathways through which heavy metals and metalloids affect placental functions leading to PTB. Most of the studies were from the high-income countries, reflecting the need for additional data from low-middle-income countries, where PTB rates are higher and prenatal exposure to metals are likely to be just as high, if not higher.
Harm Perceptions and Beliefs about Potential Modified Risk Tobacco Products
Authors: Morgan Jennifer C. , Cappella Joseph N.
Published: January 2021

Under US law, tobacco products may be authorized to claim lower exposure to chemicals, or lower risk of health harms. We sought to examine the harm perceptions and beliefs about potential modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs). We recruited 864 adult current and former smokers in August 2019. Participants read a paragraph describing the potential for the FDA to authorize MRTPs and a brief description of MRTPs. The most endorsed beliefs for each product were that they contained nicotine and that they were risky. Believing that e-cigarettes can help smokers quit smoking, that they tasted good, and looked cool were associated with greater odds of intending to try e-cigarettes after controlling for demographic and use factors. For snus, the beliefs that the product was not addictive and tasted good were associated with increased odds of intending to try snus. The beliefs that heated tobacco would taste good and would be a good quit aid was associated with increased odds of intentions to try heated tobacco products. Understanding what the public believes about products currently or potentially authorized to be marketed as modified risk tobacco products can inform communication efforts.
Job Insecurity and Safety Behaviour: The Mediating Role of Insomnia and Work Engagement
Authors: Zhang Xinyong , Zhao Chaoyue , Niu Zhaoxiang , Xu Shike , Wang Dawei
Published: January 2021

From the perspective of resource conservation theory, this study selected 568 enterprise employees as subjects and conducted data collection using a random sampling method to explore the relationship between job insecurity and safe behaviours as well as the role of insomnia and job engagement in this relationship. The results show that (1) job insecurity is negatively correlated with safety behaviour, (2) insomnia mediates the relationship between job insecurity and safety behaviour, (3) work engagement plays a mediating role in the relationship between job insecurity and safety behaviour, and (4) insomnia and work engagement play a serial mediating role in the relationship between job insecurity and safety behaviour.
Acute Effects of Caffeine Intake on Psychological Responses and High-Intensity Exercise Performance
Authors: Domínguez Raúl , Veiga-Herreros Pablo , Sánchez-Oliver Antonio Jesús , Montoya Juan José , Ramos-Álvarez Juan José , Miguel-Tobal Francisco , Lago-Rodríguez Ángel , Jodra Pablo
Published: January 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeine supplementation on: (i) psychological responses of subjective vitality and mood; (ii) performance through a Wingate test; and (iii) rate of perceived exertion (RPE) reported after a Wingate test. Methods: Fifteen male participants (22.60 ± 2.16 years) ingested 6 mg·kg-1 of caffeine or placebo (sucrose) supplementation in two experimental sessions. After 60 min from supplement intake, participants fulfilled two questionnaires, which measured subjective vitality and mood state, respectively. Subsequently, participants’ performance was assessed through a Wingate test, which was followed by measurements of RPE at general, muscular, or cardiovascular level. Results: Caffeine supplementation increased some components of mood, as assessed by profile of mood states (POMS) (tension and vigor dimensions) and subjective vitality profiles, which were followed by a greater maximum power, average power, and lower time needed to reach maximum power during the Wingate test. Moreover, lower RPE, both at muscular and general levels were reported by participants after the Wingate test. Conclusions: These results suggest that caffeine supplementation exerts positive effects both in psychological and physical domains in trained subjects.
An Optimized Fractional Grey Prediction Model for Carbon Dioxide Emissions Forecasting
Authors: Hu Yi-Chung , Jiang Peng , Tsai Jung-Fa , Yu Ching-Ying
Published: January 2021

Because grey prediction does not demand that the collected data have to be in line with any statistical distribution, it is pertinent to set up grey prediction models for real-world problems. GM(1,1) has been a widely used grey prediction model, but relevant parameters, including the control variable and developing coefficient, rely on background values that are not easily determined. Furthermore, one-order accumulation is usually incorporated into grey prediction models, which assigns equal weights to each sample, to recognize regularities embedded in data sequences. Therefore, to optimize grey prediction models, this study employed a genetic algorithm to determine the relevant parameters and assigned appropriate weights to the sample data using fractional-order accumulation. Experimental results on the carbon dioxide emission data reported by the International Energy Agency demonstrated that the proposed grey prediction model was significantly superior to the other considered prediction models.
Sample Size Requirements for Calibrated Approximate Credible Intervals for Proportions in Clinical Trials
Authors: De Santis Fulvio , Gubbiotti Stefania
Published: January 2021

In Bayesian analysis of clinical trials data, credible intervals are widely used for inference on unknown parameters of interest, such as treatment effects or differences in treatments effects. Highest Posterior Density (HPD) sets are often used because they guarantee the shortest length. In most of standard problems, closed-form expressions for exact HPD intervals do not exist, but they are available for intervals based on the normal approximation of the posterior distribution. For small sample sizes, approximate intervals may be not calibrated in terms of posterior probability, but for increasing sample sizes their posterior probability tends to the correct credible level and they become closer and closer to exact sets. The article proposes a predictive analysis to select appropriate sample sizes needed to have approximate intervals calibrated at a pre-specified level. Examples are given for interval estimation of proportions and log-odds.
Maternal and Neonatal Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Pregnancy: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Papapanou Michail , Papaioannou Maria , Petta Aikaterini , Routsi Eleni , Farmaki Maria , Vlahos Nikolaos , Siristatidis Charalampos
Published: January 2021

(1) Background: A considerable number of systematic reviews, with substantial heterogeneity regarding their methods and included populations, on the impact of COVID-19 on infected pregnant women and their neonates, has emerged. The aim was to describe the obstetric-perinatal and neonatal outcome of infected pregnant women and their newborns during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) Methods: Three bibliographical databases were searched (last search: 10 September 2020). Quality assessment was performed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Primary outcomes included mode of delivery, preterm delivery/labor, premature rupture of membranes (PROM/pPROM) and abortions/miscarriages. Outcomes were mainly presented as ranges. A separate analysis, including only moderate and high-quality systematic reviews, was also conducted. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020214447); (3) Results: Thirty-nine reviews were analyzed. Reported rates, regarding both preterm and term gestations, varied between 52.3 and 95.8% for cesarean sections; 4.2–44.7% for vaginal deliveries; 14.3–63.8% specifically for preterm deliveries and 22.7–32.2% for preterm labor; 5.3–12.7% for PROM and 6.4–16.1% for pPROM. Maternal anxiety for potential fetal infection contributed to abortion decisions, while SARS-CoV-2-related miscarriages could not be excluded. Maternal ICU admission and mechanical ventilation rates were 3–28.5% and 1.4–12%, respectively. Maternal mortality rate was <2%, while stillbirth, neonatal ICU admission and mortality rates were <2.5%, 3.1–76.9% and <3%, respectively. Neonatal PCR positivity rates ranged between 1.6% and 10%. After accounting for quality of studies, ranges of our primary outcomes remained almost unchanged, while among our secondary outcomes, maternal ICU admission (3–10%) and mechanical ventilation rates (1.4–5.5%) were found to be relatively lower; (4) Conclusions: Increased rates of cesarean sections and preterm birth rates were found, with iatrogenic reasons potentially involved. In cases of symptomatic women with confirmed infection, high maternal and neonatal ICU admission rates should raise some concerns. The probability of vertical transmission cannot be excluded. Further original studies on women from all trimesters are warranted.
Collaborative Leadership, Collective Action, and Community Governance against Public Health Crises under Uncertainty: A Case Study of the Quanjingwan Community in China
Authors: Shu Qaunfeng , Wang Yahua
Published: January 2021

In the face of a public health crisis full of uncertainty, how should the community respond in order to effectively reduce the negative impact of the epidemic on public health? This article takes a Chinese rural community located near Wuhan City as an example to explore the mechanism of how collaborative leadership enhanced collective action in community governance against the COVID-19 pandemic. Early blockading to prevent transmission into the community, strict maintenance of social distance to prevent internal diffusion, timely elimination of public panic, and efficient guarantees of household supplies have proven effective in preventing the spread of the epidemic. Our research shows that collaborative leadership can achieve these goals mainly by effectively integrated local knowledge, modern information technology, and social self-organization, and then promoting the realization of collective action of community epidemic prevention and control. The lessons and implications for public health are discussed.
Degrees of Shortage and Uncovered Ratios for Long-Term Care in Taiwan’s Regions: Evidence from Dynamic DEA
Authors: Wu Kuo-Feng , Hu Jin-Li , Chiou Hawjeng
Published: January 2021

The government is facing the country’s aging population and low birth rate have led to a severe shortage of its healthcare workforce in Taiwan after 2003. In order to explore the status of the country’s degree of long-term care shortage and uncovered ratio, this research uses the Push-Pull-Mooring (PPM) theory to explain long-term care efficiency during 2010–2019 in each city and county. We collect longitudinal-sectional data for 2010–2019 from the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Department of Statistics for 22 administrative regions in Taiwan in each year and employ dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate the overall technical efficiency and the disaggregate output insufficiency to explain the research results. The main findings are as follows: (1) Cities near the capital Taipei have the highest degree of shortages in long-term caregivers and high uncovered ratios of people who need long-term care. (2) Presently, there is no demand to increase the number of long-term care institutions in Taiwan. (3) The government should introduce new long-term care certificates through national examinations in order to develop a stronger professional workforce in this field.
Leveraging the Work Environment to Minimize the Negative Impact of Nurse Burnout on Patient Outcomes
Authors: Schlak Amelia E. , Aiken Linda H. , Chittams Jesse , Poghosyan Lusine , McHugh Matthew
Published: January 2021

Background: Burnout remains a persistent issue affecting nurses across the US health system. Limited evidence exists about the direct impact of nurse burnout on patient outcomes. This study explores the relationship between nurse burnout and mortality, failure to rescue, and length of stay, while also considering the effect of a good work environment. Methods: Cross sectional data from nurses and hospitals were used in conjunction with patient claims data. Multivariate logistic regression was used to study the relationship between nurse burnout, patient outcomes, the work environment, and Magnet status. Results: Higher odds of patient mortality, failure to rescue, and prolonged length of stay were found in hospitals that had, on average, higher nurse burnout scores. Good work environments were found to attenuate the relationship between nurse burnout and mortality, failure to rescue, and length of stay. Magnet status, another indicator of a good work environment, was found to attenuate the relationship between nurse burnout and mortality and failure to rescue. Conclusions: Improving the work environment remains a solution for hospitals looking to concurrently improve nurse burnout and patient outcomes. Administrators may look to the Magnet recognition program as a blueprint to better support nurses in providing safe, high quality care.
Deep Learning-Based Generation of Building Stock Data from Remote Sensing for Urban Heat Demand Modeling
Authors: Wurm Michael , Droin Ariane , Stark Thomas , Geiß Christian , Sulzer Wolfgang , Taubenböck Hannes
Published: January 2021

Cities are responsible for a large share of the global energy consumption. A third of the total greenhouse gas emissions are related to the buildings sector, making it an important target for reducing urban energy consumption. Detailed data on the building stock, including the thermal characteristics of individual buildings, such as the construction type, construction period, and building geometries, can strongly support decision-making for local authorities to help them spatially localize buildings with high potential for thermal renovations. In this paper, we present a workflow for deep learning-based building stock modeling using aerial images at a city scale for heat demand modeling. The extracted buildings are used for bottom-up modeling of the residential building heat demand based on construction type and construction period. The results for DL-building extraction exhibit F1-accuracies of 87%, and construction types yield an overall accuracy of 96%. The modeled heat demands display a high level of agreement of R2 0.82 compared with reference data. Finally, we analyze various refurbishment scenarios for construction periods and construction types, e.g., revealing that the targeted thermal renovation of multi-family houses constructed between the 1950s and 1970s accounts for about 47% of the total heat demand in a realistic refurbishment scenario.
An Examination of People’s Privacy Concerns, Perceptions of Social Benefits, and Acceptance of COVID-19 Mitigation Measures That Harness Location Information: A Comparative Study of the U.S. and South Korea
Authors: Kim Junghwan , Kwan Mei-Po
Published: January 2021

This paper examines people’s privacy concerns, perceptions of social benefits, and acceptance of various COVID-19 control measures that harness location information using data collected through an online survey in the U.S. and South Korea. The results indicate that people have higher privacy concerns for methods that use more sensitive and private information. The results also reveal that people’s perceptions of social benefits are low when their privacy concerns are high, indicating a trade-off relationship between privacy concerns and perceived social benefits. Moreover, the acceptance by South Koreans for most mitigation methods is significantly higher than that by people in the U.S. Lastly, the regression results indicate that South Koreans (compared to people in the U.S.) and people with a stronger collectivist orientation tend to have higher acceptance for the control measures because they have lower privacy concerns and perceive greater social benefits for the measures. These findings advance our understanding of the important role of geographic context and culture as well as people’s experiences of the mitigation measures applied to control a previous pandemic.
Torrential Flood Water Management: Rainwater Harvesting through Relation Based Dam Suitability Analysis and Quantification of Erosion Potential
Authors: Munir Bilal Ahmad , Ahmad Sajid Rashid , Rehan Raja
Published: January 2021

In this study, a relation-based dam suitability analysis (RDSA) technique is developed to identify the most suitable sites for dams. The methodology focused on a group of the most important parameters/indicators (stream order, terrain roughness index, slope, multiresolution valley bottom flatness index, closed depression, valley depth, and downslope gradient difference) and their relation to the dam wall and reservoir suitability. Quantitative assessment results in an elevation-area-capacity (EAC) curve substantiating the capacity determination of selected sites. The methodology also incorporates the estimation of soil erosion (SE) using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model and sediment yield at the selected dam sites. The RDSA technique identifies two suitable dam sites (A and B) with a maximum collective capacity of approximately 1202 million m3. The RDSA technique was validated with the existing dam, Gomal-Zam, in the north of Sanghar catchment, where RDSA classified the Gomal-Zam Dam in a very high suitability class. The SE estimates show an average of 75 t-ha−1y−1 of soil loss occurs in the study area. The result shows approximately 298,073 and 318,000 tons of annual average sediment yield (SY) will feed the dam A and B respectively. The SE-based sediment yield substantiates the approximate life of Dam-A and Dam-B to be 87 and 90 years, respectively. The approach is dynamic and can be applied for any other location globally for dam site selection and SE estimation.
Correction: Ou-Yang, F. et al. Antiproliferation for Breast Cancer Cells by Ethyl Acetate Extract of Nepenthes thorellii x (ventricosa x maxima). Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20, 3238
Authors: Ou-Yang Fu , Tsai I-Hsuan , Tang Jen-Yang , Yen Ching-Yu , Cheng Yuan-Bin , Farooqi Ammad Ahmad , Chen Shu-Rong , Yu Szu-Yin , Kao Jun-Kai , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: January 2021

The authors would like to make corrections to their published paper [...]
Biomarkers in Rare Diseases
Authors: Bax Bridget E.
Published: January 2021

There is no single global definition of a rare disease, and for different geographical areas the definition is based on the disease occurrence in that population [...]
Histological, Biomechanical, and Biological Properties of Genipin-Crosslinked Decellularized Peripheral Nerves
Authors: García-García Óscar Darío , El Soury Marwa , González-Quevedo David , Sánchez-Porras David , Chato-Astrain Jesús , Campos Fernando , Carriel Víctor
Published: January 2021

Acellular nerve allografts (ANGs) represent a promising alternative in nerve repair. Our aim is to improve the structural and biomechanical properties of biocompatible Sondell (SD) and Roosens (RS) based ANGs using genipin (GP) as a crosslinker agent ex vivo. The impact of two concentrations of GP (0.10% and 0.25%) on Wistar rat sciatic nerve-derived ANGs was assessed at the histological, biomechanical, and biocompatibility levels. Histology confirmed the differences between SD and RS procedures, but not remarkable changes were induced by GP, which helped to preserve the nerve histological pattern. Tensile test revealed that GP enhanced the biomechanical properties of SD and RS ANGs, being the crosslinked RS ANGs more comparable to the native nerves used as control. The evaluation of the ANGs biocompatibility conducted with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured within the ANGs confirmed a high degree of biocompatibility in all ANGs, especially in RS and RS-GP 0.10% ANGs. Finally, this study demonstrates that the use of GP could be an efficient alternative to improve the biomechanical properties of ANGs with a slight impact on the biocompatibility and histological pattern. For these reasons, we hypothesize that our novel crosslinked ANGs could be a suitable alternative for future in vivo preclinical studies.
Hydrogel Encapsulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Derived Exosomes for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Khayambashi Parisa , Iyer Janaki , Pillai Sangeeth , Upadhyay Akshaya , Zhang Yuli , Tran Simon
Published: January 2021

Tissue engineering has been an inveterate area in the field of regenerative medicine for several decades. However, there remains limitations to engineer and regenerate tissues. Targeted therapies using cell-encapsulated hydrogels, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are capable of reducing inflammation and increasing the regenerative potential in several tissues. In addition, the use of MSC-derived nano-scale secretions (i.e., exosomes) has been promising. Exosomes originate from the multivesicular division of cells and have high therapeutic potential, yet neither self-replicate nor cause auto-immune reactions to the host. To maintain their biological activity and allow a controlled release, these paracrine factors can be encapsulated in biomaterials. Among the different types of biomaterials in which exosome infusion is exploited, hydrogels have proven to be the most user-friendly, economical, and accessible material. In this paper, we highlight the importance of MSCs and MSC-derived exosomes in tissue engineering and the different biomaterial strategies used in fabricating exosome-based biomaterials, to facilitate hard and soft tissue engineering.
Development of a Mucus Gland Bioreactor in Loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus
Authors: Zhou Tong , Zhou Bolan , Zhao Yasong , Li Qing , Song Guili , Zhu Zuoyan , Long Yong , Cui Zongbin
Published: January 2021

Most currently available bioreactors have some defects in the expression, activity, or purification of target protein and peptide molecules, whereas the mucus gland of fish can overcome these defects to become a novel bioreactor for the biopharmaceutical industry. In this study, we have evaluated the practicability of developing a mucus gland bioreactor in loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus). A transgenic construct pT2-krt8-IFN1 was obtained by subcloning the promoter of zebrafish keratin 8 gene and the type I interferon (IFN1) cDNA of grass carp into the SB transposon. The IFN1 expressed in CIK cells exhibited an antiviral activity against the replication of GCRV873 and activated two genes downstream of JAK-STAT signaling pathway. A transgenic loach line was then generated by microinjection of the pT2-krt8-IFN1 plasmids and in vitro synthesized capped SB11 mRNA. Southern blots indicated that a single copy of IFN1 gene was stably integrated into the genome of transgenic loach. The expression of grass carp IFN1 in transgenic loaches was detected with RT-PCR and Western blots. About 0.0825 µg of grass carp IFN1 was detected in 20 µL mucus from transgenic loaches. At a viral titer of 1 × 103 PFU/mL, plaque numbers on plates containing mucus from transgenic loaches reduced by 18% in comparison with those of the control, indicating that mucus of IFN1-transgenic loaches exhibited an antiviral activity. Thus, we have successfully created a mucus gland bioreactor that has great potential for the production of various proteins and peptides.
Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Activity of Metabolism Modifier Compounds
Authors: Martinez-Peinado Nieves , Martori Clara , Cortes-Serra Nuria , Sherman Julian , Rodriguez Ana , Gascon Joaquim , Alberola Jordi , Pinazo Maria-Jesus , Rodriguez-Cortes Alheli , Alonso-Padilla Julio
Published: January 2021

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and affects over 6 million people worldwide. Development of new drugs to treat this disease remains a priority since those currently available have variable efficacy and frequent adverse effects, especially during the long regimens required for treating the chronic stage of the disease. T. cruzi modulates the host cell-metabolism to accommodate the cell cytosol into a favorable growth environment and acquire nutrients for its multiplication. In this study we evaluated the specific anti-T. cruzi activity of nine bio-energetic modulator compounds. Notably, we identified that 17-DMAG, which targets the ATP-binding site of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), has a very high (sub-micromolar range) selective inhibition of the parasite growth. This inhibitory effect was also highly potent (IC50 = 0.27 μmol L−1) against the amastigote intracellular replicative stage of the parasite. Moreover, molecular docking results suggest that 17-DMAG may bind T. cruzi Hsp90 homologue Hsp83 with good affinity. Evaluation in a mouse model of chronic T. cruzi infection did not show parasite growth inhibition, highlighting the difficulties encountered when going from in vitro assays onto preclinical drug developmental stages.
Paternal Methyl Donor Supplementation in Rats Improves Fertility, Physiological Outcomes, Gut Microbial Signatures and Epigenetic Markers Altered by High Fat/High Sucrose Diet
Authors: Chleilat Faye , Schick Alana , Deleemans Julie M. , Reimer Raylene A.
Published: January 2021

Increased consumption of high fat/sucrose (HF/S) diets has contributed to rising rates of obesity and its co-morbidities globally, while also negatively impacting male reproductive health. Our objective was to examine whether adding a methyl donor cocktail to paternal HF/S diet (HF/S+M) improves health status in fathers and offspring. From 3–12 weeks of age, male Sprague Dawley rats consumed a HF/S or HF/S+M diet. Offspring were followed until 16 weeks of age. Body composition, metabolic markers, gut microbiota, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and microRNA expression were measured in fathers and offspring. Compared to HF/S, paternal HF/S+M diet reduced fat mass in offspring (p < 0.005). HF/S+M fathers consumed 16% fewer kcal/day, which persisted in HF/S+M female offspring and was explained in part by changes in serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) levels. Compared to HF/S, HF/S+M fathers had a 33% improvement in days until conception and 300% fewer stillbirths. In fathers, adipose tissue DNMT3a and hepatic miR-34a expression were reduced with HF/S+M. Adult male offspring showed upregulated miR-24, -33, -122a and -143 expression while females exhibited downregulated miR-33 expression. Fathers and offspring presented differences in gut microbial signatures. Supplementing a paternal HF/S diet with methyl-donors improved fertility, physiological outcomes, epigenetic and gut microbial signatures intergenerationally.
Molecular Basis of the Anticancer and Antibacterial Properties of CecropinXJ Peptide: An In Silico Study
Authors: Ramos-Martín Francisco , D’Amelio Nicola
Published: January 2021

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive lethal malignancy causing thousands of deaths every year. While current treatments have poor outcomes, cecropinXJ (CXJ) is one of the very few peptides with demonstrated in vivo activity. The great interest in CXJ stems from its low toxicity and additional activity against most ESKAPE bacteria and fungi. Here, we present the first study of its mechanism of action based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and sequence-property alignment. Although unstructured in solution, predictions highlight the presence of two helices separated by a flexible hinge containing P24 and stabilized by the interaction of W2 with target biomembranes: an amphipathic helix-I and a poorly structured helix-II. Both MD and sequence-property alignment point to the important role of helix I in both the activity and the interaction with biomembranes. MD reveals that CXJ interacts mainly with phosphatidylserine (PS) but also with phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) headgroups, both found in the outer leaflet of cancer cells, while salt bridges with phosphate moieties are prevalent in bacterial biomimetic membranes composed of PE, phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and cardiolipin (CL). The antibacterial activity of CXJ might also explain its interaction with mitochondria, whose phospholipid composition recalls that of bacteria and its capability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
Elevated Expression of Cathepsin K in Periodontal Ligament Fibroblast by Inflammatory Cytokines Accelerates Osteoclastogenesis via Paracrine Mechanism in Periodontal Disease
Authors: Heo Soon Chul , Kim Yu Na , Choi YunJeong , Joo Ji-Young , Hwang Jae Joon , Bae Moon-Kyoung , Kim Hyung Joon
Published: January 2021

Cathepsin K (CTSK) is a cysteine protease that is mainly produced from mature osteoclasts and contributes to the destruction of connective tissues and mineralized matrix as a consequence of periodontal disease (PD). However, few studies have reported its regulatory role in osteoclastogenesis-supporting cells in inflammatory conditions. Here, we investigated the role of CTSK in osteoclastogenesis-supporting cells, focusing on the modulation of paracrine function. Microarray data showed that CTSK was upregulated in PD patients compared with healthy individuals, which was further supported by immunohistochemistry and qPCR analyses performed with human gingival tissues. The expression of CTSK in the osteoclastogenesis-supporting cells, including dental pulp stem cells, gingival fibroblasts, and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) was significantly elevated by treatment with inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-1β. Moreover, TNFα stimulation potentiated the PDLF-mediated osteoclastogenesis of bone marrow-derived macrophages. Interestingly, small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of CTSK in PDLF noticeably attenuated the TNFα-triggered upregulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio, thereby abrogating the enhanced osteoclastogenesis-supporting activity of PDLF. Collectively, these results suggest a novel role of CTSK in the paracrine function of osteoclastogenesis-supporting cells in periodontal disease.