bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by Upregulating microRNA 499
Authors: Park Sang Eon , Jeong Jang Bin , Oh Shin Ji , Kim Sun Jeong , Kim Hyeongseop , Choi Alee , Choi Suk-joo , Oh Soo-young , Ryu Gyu Ha , Lee Jeehun , Jeon Hong Bae , Chang Jong Wook
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) in an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Mdx mice (3–5 months old) were administered five different doses of WJ-MSCs through their tail veins. A week after injection, grip strength measurements, creatine kinase (CK) assays, immunohistochemistry, and western blots were performed for comparison between healthy mice, mdx control mice, and WJ-MSC-injected mdx mice. WJ-MSCs exerted dose-dependent multisystem therapeutic effects in mdx mice, by decreasing CK, recovering normal behavior, regenerating muscle, and reducing apoptosis and fibrosis in skeletal muscle. We also confirmed that miR-499-5p is significantly downregulated in mdx mice, and that intravenous injection of WJ-MSCs enhanced its expression, leading to anti-fibrotic effects via targeting TGFβR 1 and 3. Thus, WJ-MSCs may represent novel allogeneic “off-the-shelf” cellular products for the treatment of DMD and possibly other muscle disorders.
Selective Voltammetric Detection of Ascorbic Acid from Rosa Canina on a Modified Graphene Oxide Paste Electrode by a Manganese(II) Complex
Authors: Karastogianni Sophia , Diamantidou Dimitra , Girousi Stella
Published: August 2021

Voltammetric techniques have been considered as an important analytical tool applied to the determination of trace concentrations of many biological molecules including ascorbic acid. In this paper, ascorbic acid was detected by square wave voltammetry, using graphene oxide paste as a working electrode, modified by a film of a manganese(II) complex compound. Various factors, such as the effect of pH, affecting the response characteristics of the modified electrode were investigated. The relationship between the peak height and ascorbic acid concentration within the modified working electrode was investigated, using the calibration graph. The equation of the calibration graph was found to be: I = 0.0550γac + 0.155 with R2 = 0.9998, where I is the SWV current and γac is the mass concentration of ascorbic acid. The LOD and LOQ of the proposed method were determined to be 1.288 μg/L and 3.903 μg/L, respectively. Several compounds, such as riboflavin, biotin, and ions, such as Fe and Cu, were tested and it seemed that they did not interfere with the analytic signal. The proposed procedure was successfully applied in the determination of ascorbic acid in Rosa canina hips.
Recent Advances in Novel Lateral Flow Technologies for Detection of COVID-19
Authors: Hsiao Wesley Wei-Wen , Le Trong-Nghia , Pham Dinh Minh , Ko Hui-Hsin , Chang Huan-Cheng , Lee Cheng-Chung , Sharma Neha , Lee Cheng-Kang , Chiang Wei-Hung
Published: August 2021

The development of reliable and robust diagnostic tests is one of the most efficient methods to limit the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, most laboratory diagnostics for COVID-19, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), are expensive, time-consuming, and require highly trained professional operators. On the other hand, the lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is a simpler, cheaper device that can be operated by unskilled personnel easily. Unfortunately, the current technique has some limitations, mainly inaccuracy in detection. This review article aims to highlight recent advances in novel lateral flow technologies for detecting SARS-CoV-2 as well as innovative approaches to achieve highly sensitive and specific point-of-care testing. Lastly, we discuss future perspectives on how smartphones and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be integrated to revolutionize disease detection as well as disease control and surveillance.
Recent Advances in Microneedle-Based Sensors for Sampling, Diagnosis and Monitoring of Chronic Diseases
Authors: Erdem Özgecan , Eş Ismail , Akceoglu Garbis Atam , Saylan Yeşeren , Inci Fatih
Published: August 2021

Chronic diseases (CDs) are noncommunicable illnesses with long-term symptoms accounting for ~70% of all deaths worldwide. For the diagnosis and prognosis of CDs, accurate biomarker detection is essential. Currently, the detection of CD-associated biomarkers is employed through complex platforms with certain limitations in their applicability and performance. There is hence unmet need to present innovative strategies that are applicable to the point-of-care (PoC) settings, and also, provide the precise detection of biomarkers. On the other hand, especially at PoC settings, microneedle (MN) technology, which comprises micron-size needles arranged on a miniature patch, has risen as a revolutionary approach in biosensing strategies, opening novel horizons to improve the existing PoC devices. Various MN-based platforms have been manufactured for distinctive purposes employing several techniques and materials. The development of MN-based biosensors for real-time monitoring of CD-associated biomarkers has garnered huge attention in recent years. Herein, we summarize basic concepts of MNs, including microfabrication techniques, design parameters, and their mechanism of action as a biosensing platform for CD diagnosis. Moreover, recent advances in the use of MNs for CD diagnosis are introduced and finally relevant clinical trials carried out using MNs as biosensing devices are highlighted. This review aims to address the potential use of MNs in CD diagnosis.
Modeling Skin Conductance Response Time Series during Consecutive Rapid Decision-Making under Concurrent Temporal Pressure and Information Ambiguity
Authors: Soshi Takahiro , Nagamine Mitsue , Fukuda Emiko , Takeuchi Ai
Published: August 2021

Emergency situations promote risk-taking behaviors associated with anxiety reactivity. A previous study using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) has demonstrated that prespecified state anxiety predicts moderate risk-taking (middle-risk/high-return) after salient penalty events under temporal pressure and information ambiguity. Such moderate risk-taking can be used as a behavioral background in the case of fraud damage. We conducted two psychophysiological experiments using the IGT and used a psychophysiological modeling approach to examine how moderate risk-taking under temporal pressure and information ambiguity is associated with automatic physiological responses, such as a skin conductance response (SCR). The first experiment created template SCR functions under concurrent temporal pressure and information ambiguity. The second experiment produced a convolution model using the SCR functions and fitted the model to the SCR time series recorded under temporal pressure and no temporal pressure, respectively. We also collected the participants’ anxiety profiles before the IGT experiment. The first finding indicated that participants with higher state anxiety scores yielded better model fitting (that is, event-related physiological responses) under temporal pressure. The second finding demonstrated that participants with better model fitting made consecutive Deck A selections under temporal pressure more frequently. In summary, a psychophysiological modeling approach is effective for capturing overlapping SCRs and moderate risk-taking under concurrent temporal pressure and information ambiguity is associated with automatic physiological and emotional reactivity.
Cognitive and Behavioral Domains That Reliably Differentiate Normal Aging and Dementia in Down Syndrome
Authors: Harp Jordan P. , Koehl Lisa M. , Pelt Kathryn L. Van , Hom Christy L. , Doran Eric , Head Elizabeth , Lott Ira T. , Schmitt Frederick A.
Published: August 2021

Primary care integration of Down syndrome (DS)-specific dementia screening is strongly advised. The current study employed principal components analysis (PCA) and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses to identify an abbreviated battery for dementia classification. Scale- and subscale-level scores from 141 participants (no dementia n = 68; probable Alzheimer’s disease n = 73), for the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB), Dementia Scale for People with Learning Disabilities (DLD), and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales—Second Edition (Vineland-II) were analyzed. Two principle components (PC1, PC2) were identified with the odds of a probable dementia diagnosis increasing 2.54 times per PC1 unit increase and by 3.73 times per PC2 unit increase. CART analysis identified that the DLD sum of cognitive scores (SCS < 35 raw) and Vineland-II community subdomain (<36 raw) scores best classified dementia. No significant difference in the PCA versus CART area under the curve (AUC) was noted (D(65.196) = −0.57683; p = 0.57; PCA AUC = 0.87; CART AUC = 0.91). The PCA sensitivity was 80% and specificity was 70%; CART was 100% and specificity was 81%. These results support an abbreviated dementia screening battery to identify at-risk individuals with DS in primary care settings to guide specialized diagnostic referral.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurement of Entorhinal Cortex in the Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Li Qianqian , Wang Junkai , Liu Jianghong , Wang Yumeng , Li Kuncheng
Published: August 2021

Several magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that the entorhinal cortex (ERC) is the first brain area related to pathologic changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), even before atrophy of the hippocampus (HP). However, change in ERC morphology (thickness, surface area and volume) in the progression from aMCI to AD, especially in the subtypes of aMCI (single-domain and multiple-domain: aMCI-s and aMCI-m), however, is still unclear. ERC thickness, surface area and volume were measured in 29 people with aMCI-s, 22 people with aMCI-m, 18 patients with AD and 26 age-/sex-matched healthy controls. Group comparisons of the ERC geometry measurements (including thickness, volume and surface area) were performed using analyses of covariance (ANCOVA). Furthermore, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses and the area under the curve (AUC) were employed to investigate classification ability (HC, aMCI-s, aMCI-m and AD from each other). There was a significant decreasing tendency in ERC thickness from HC to aMCI-s to aMCI-m to finally AD in both the left and the right hemispheres (left hemisphere: HC > aMCI-s > AD; right hemisphere: aMCI-s > aMCI-m > AD). For ERC volume, both the AD group and the aMCI-m group showed significantly decreased volume on both sides compared with the HC group. In addition, the AD group also had significantly decreased volume on both sides compared with the aMCI-s group. As for the ERC surface area, no significant difference was identified among the four groups. Furthermore, the AUC results demonstrate that combined ERC parameters (thickness and volume) can better discriminate the four groups from each other than ERC thickness alone. Finally, and most importantly, relative to HP volume, the capacity of combined ERC parameters was better at discriminating between HC and aMCI-s, as well as aMCI-m and AD. ERC atrophy, particularly the combination of ERC thickness and volume, might be regarded as a promising candidate biomarker in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of aMCI and AD.
Ageing and the Ipsilateral M1 BOLD Response: A Connectivity Study
Authors: Tak Yae Won , Knights Ethan , Henson Richard , Zeidman Peter
Published: August 2021

Young people exhibit a negative BOLD response in ipsilateral primary motor cortex (M1) when making unilateral movements, such as button presses. This negative BOLD response becomes more positive as people age. In this study, we investigated why this occurs, in terms of the underlying effective connectivity and haemodynamics. We applied dynamic causal modeling (DCM) to task fMRI data from 635 participants aged 18–88 from the Cam-CAN dataset, who performed a cued button pressing task with their right hand. We found that connectivity from contralateral supplementary motor area (SMA) and dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) to ipsilateral M1 became more positive with age, explaining 44% of the variability across people in ipsilateral M1 responses. In contrast, connectivity from contralateral M1 to ipsilateral M1 was weaker and did not correlate with individual differences in rM1 BOLD. Neurovascular and haemodynamic parameters in the model were not able to explain the age-related shift to positive BOLD. Our results add to a body of evidence implicating neural, rather than vascular factors as the predominant cause of negative BOLD—while emphasising the importance of inter-hemispheric connectivity. This study provides a foundation for investigating the clinical and lifestyle factors that determine the sign and amplitude of the M1 BOLD response in ageing, which could serve as a proxy for neural and vascular health, via the underlying neurovascular mechanisms.
Motor Imagery of Walking in People Living with and without Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Comparison of Mental Chronometry
Authors: Wajda Douglas A. , Zanotto Tobia , Sosnoff Jacob J.
Published: August 2021

Motor imagery represents the ability to simulate anticipated movements mentally prior to their actual execution and has been proposed as a tool to assess both individuals’ perception of task difficulty as well as their perception of their own abilities. People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) often present with motor and cognitive dysfunction, which may negatively affect motor imagery. In this cross-sectional study, we explored differences in motor imagery of walking performance between pwMS (n = 20, age = 57.1 (SD = 8.6) years, 55% female) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 20, age = 58.1 (SD = 7.0) years, 60% female). Participants underwent mental chronometry assessments, a subset of motor imagery, which evaluated the difference between imagined and actual walking times across four walking tasks of increasing difficulty (i.e., large/narrow-width walkway with/without obstacles). Raw and absolute mental chronometry (A-MC) measures were recorded in single- (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions. In ST conditions, pwMS had higher A-MC scores across all walking conditions (p ≤ 0.031, η2 ≥ 0.119), indicating lower motor imagery ability compared to healthy controls. During DT, all participants tended to underestimate their walking ability (3.38 ± 6.72 to 5.63 ± 9.17 s). However, after physical practice, pwMS were less able to adjust their imagined walking performance compared to healthy controls. In pwMS, A-MC scores were correlated with measures of balance confidence (ρ = −0.629, p < 0.01) and the self-reported expanded disability status scale (ρ = 0.747, p < 0.01). While the current study revealed that pwMS have lower motor imagery of walking performance compared to healthy individuals, further work is necessary to examine how the disassociation between mental chronometry and actual performance relates to quality of life and well-being.
An Improved Animal Model of Multiple Myeloma Bone Disease
Authors: Mehdi Syed Hassan , Morris Carol A , Lee Jung Ae , Yoon Donghoon
Published: August 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that causes an accumulation of terminally differentiated monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow, accompanied by multiple myeloma bone disease (MMBD). MM animal models have been developed and enable to interrogate the mechanism of MM tumorigenesis. However, these models demonstrate little or no evidence of MMBD. We try to establish the MMBD model with severe bone lesions and easily accessible MM progression. 1 × 106 luciferase-expressing 5TGM1 cells were injected into 8–12 week-old NOD SCID gamma mouse (NSG) and C57BL/KaLwRij mouse via the tail vein. Myeloma progression was assessed weekly via in vivo bioluminescence (BL) imaging using IVIS-200. The spine and femur/tibia were extracted and scanned by the micro-computer tomography for bone histo-morphometric analyses at the postmortem. The median survivals were 56 days in NSG while 44.5 days in C57BL/KaLwRij agreed with the BL imaging results. Histomorphic and DEXA analyses demonstrated that NSG mice have severe bone resorption that occurred at the lumbar spine but no significance at the femur compared to C57BL/KaLwRij mice. Based on these, we conclude that the systemic 5TGM1 injected NSG mouse slowly progresses myeloma and develops more severe MMBD than the C57BL/KaLwRij model.
Beyond Chemotherapy, PD-1, and HER-2: Novel Targets for Gastric and Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Siddiqui Ali Zubair , Almhanna Khaldoun
Published: August 2021

Together, gastric cancer and esophageal cancer (EC) possess two of the highest incidence rates amongst all cancers. They exhibit poor prognoses in which the 5-year survival rate is dismal. In addition to cytotoxic chemotherapy, treatment efforts have been geared toward targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1). Although ample success has been recorded with these agents, gastric and esophageal cancer remain lethal, and further research into potential treatment alternatives is needed. In this article, we will review some of the targets at the forefront of investigation such as claudin, Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These innovative target pathways are in the midst of clinical trials to be implemented in the treatment algorithm for this patient population. Ultimately, exploiting the oncogenic tendencies of these potential biomarkers creates an opportunity for precise treatment and improved prognosis for these cancers. Lastly, research aimed toward reversing PD-1 antibodies resistance by combining it with other novel agents or other treatment modalities is underway in order to expand existing treatment options for this patient population.
Communications between Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum in the Regulation of Metabolic Homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Pengcheng , Konja Daniels , Zhang Yiwei , Wang Yu
Published: August 2021

Mitochondria associated membranes (MAM), which are the contact sites between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, have emerged as an important hub for signaling molecules to integrate the cellular and organelle homeostasis, thus facilitating the adaptation of energy metabolism to nutrient status. This review explores the dynamic structural and functional features of the MAM and summarizes the various abnormalities leading to the impaired insulin sensitivity and metabolic diseases.
DNA Methylation of TGFβ Target Genes: Epigenetic Control of TGFβ Functional Duality in Liver Cancer
Authors: Bévant Kevin , Desoteux Matthis , Abdel Wahab Abdel Hady A. , Abdel Wahab Sabrin A. , Metwally Ayman Mohamed , Coulouarn Cédric
Published: August 2021

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) plays a key role in liver carcinogenesis. However, its action is complex, since TGFβ exhibits tumor-suppressive or oncogenic properties, depending on the tumor stage. At an early stage TGFβ exhibits cytostatic features, but at a later stage it promotes cell growth and metastasis, as a potent inducer of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we evaluated DNA methylation as a possible molecular mechanism switching TGFβ activity toward tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report that decitabine, a demethylating agent already used in the clinic for the treatment of several cancers, greatly impairs the transcriptional response of SNU449 HCC cells to TGFβ. Importantly, decitabine was shown to induce the expression of EMT-related transcription factors (e.g., SNAI1/2, ZEB1/2). We also report that the promoter of SNAI1 was hypomethylated in poor-prognosis human HCC, i.e., associated with high grade, high AFP level, metastasis and recurrence. Altogether, the data highlight an epigenetic control of several effectors of the TGFβ pathway in human HCC possibly involved in switching its action toward EMT and tumor progression. Thus, we conclude that epidrugs should be carefully evaluated for the treatment of HCC, as they may activate tumor promoting pathways.
Neutrophil Extracellular Trap-Driven Occlusive Diseases
Authors: Yaykasli Kursat Oguz , Schauer Christine , Muñoz Luis E. , Mahajan Aparna , Knopf Jasmin , Schett Georg , Herrmann Martin
Published: August 2021

The enlightenment of the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as a part of the innate immune system shed new insights into the pathologies of various diseases. The initial idea that NETs are a pivotal defense structure was gradually amended due to several deleterious effects in consecutive investigations. NETs formation is now considered a double-edged sword. The harmful effects are not limited to the induction of inflammation by NETs remnants but also include occlusions caused by aggregated NETs (aggNETs). The latter carries the risk of occluding tubular structures like vessels or ducts and appear to be associated with the pathologies of various diseases. In addition to life-threatening vascular clogging, other occlusions include painful stone formation in the biliary system, the kidneys, the prostate, and the appendix. AggNETs are also prone to occlude the ductal system of exocrine glands, as seen in ocular glands, salivary glands, and others. Last, but not least, they also clog the pancreatic ducts in a murine model of neutrophilia. In this regard, elucidating the mechanism of NETs-dependent occlusions is of crucial importance for the development of new therapeutic approaches. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to address the putative mechanisms of NETs-associated occlusions in the pathogenesis of disease, as well as prospective treatment modalities.
Secondary Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Due to Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Repair in Children: Extravascular MDCT Findings
Authors: Lee Edward Y. , Vargas Sara O. , Jenkins Kathy J. , Callahan Ryan , Park Halley J. , Gauthier Zachary , Winant Abbey J.
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To evaluate extravascular findings on thoracic MDCT angiography in secondary pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) due to total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) repair in children. Materials and Methods: All patients aged ≤18 years with a known diagnosis of secondary PVS after TAPVC repair, confirmed by echocardiography, conventional angiography, and/or surgery, who underwent thoracic MDCT angiography studies between July 2008 and April 2021 were included. Two pediatric radiologists independently examined MDCT angiography studies for the presence of extravascular thoracic abnormalities in the lung, pleura, and mediastinum. The location and distribution of each abnormality (in relation to the location of PVS) were also evaluated. Interobserver agreement between the two independent pediatric radiology reviewers was studied using kappa statistics. Results: The study group consisted of 20 consecutive pediatric patients (17 males, 3 females) with secondary PVS due to TAPVC repair. Age ranged from 2 months to 8 years (mean, 16.1 months). In children with secondary PVS due to TAPVC repair, the characteristic extravascular thoracic MDCT angiography findings were ground-glass opacity (19/20; 95%), septal thickening (7/20; 35%), pleural thickening (17/20; 85%), and a poorly defined, mildly heterogeneously enhancing, non-calcified soft tissue mass (17/20; 85%) which followed the contours of affected pulmonary veins outside the lung. There was excellent interobserver kappa agreement between two independent reviewers for detecting extravascular abnormalities on thoracic MDCT angiography studies (k = 0.99). Conclusion: Our study characterizes the extravascular thoracic MDCT angiography findings in secondary pediatric PVS due to TAPVC repair. In the lungs and pleura, ground-glass opacity, interlobular septal thickening, and pleural thickening are common findings. Importantly, the presence of a mildly heterogeneously enhancing, non-calcified mediastinal soft tissue mass in the distribution of the PVS is a novel characteristic thoracic MDCT angiography finding seen in pediatric secondary PVS due to TAPVC repair.
Overweight/Obese Schoolchildren with Low Muscle Strength Have a Lower Cardiorespiratory Capacity and Greater Cardiovascular Risk: Results of the School Health Survey of the Extreme South of Chile 2019
Authors: Albornoz-Guerrero Javier , Zapata-Lamana Rafael , Reyes-Molina Daniel , Cigarroa Igor , García Pérez de Sevilla Guillermo , García-Merino Sonia
Published: August 2021

Objective: To compare cardiovascular risk and cardiorespiratory capacity in schoolchildren from a region in the extreme south of Chile according to nutritional status and muscular strength. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 594 schoolchildren from 5th to 8th grade in the extreme south of Chile. Based on body mass index and lower limb muscle strength, participants were divided into four groups: high strength-normal weight, high strength-overweight/obese, low strength-normal weight, and low strength-overweight/obese. Then, waist-to-height ratio and cardiorespiratory capacity, measured with the 20 m shuttle run test, were assessed to determine their cardiovascular risk, comparing the four groups. Results: The overweight/obese group with high muscular strength presented better indicators in anthropometric variables (waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio) than their peers with low muscular strength. Additionally, the overweight/obese group with low muscular strength presented a lower cardiorespiratory capacity than their peers with high muscular strength. Both results were observed in boys and girls. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that overweight/obese schoolchildren with high muscle strength present healthier anthropometric indicators and greater cardiorespiratory capacity than their peers with low muscle strength. These results confirm the relevance of measuring muscle strength in schoolchildren and its usefulness to assess functionality. These results encourage the scientific community to continue studying the role that muscle strength plays in modulating the effects of overweight and obesity on respiratory and cardiovascular conditions in childhood.
Is Longstanding Congenital Muscular Torticollis Provoking Pelvic Malalignment Syndrome?
Authors: Park Jun-il , Kee Joo-Hyun , Choi Ja Young , Yang Shin-seung
Published: August 2021

It has been reported that congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) may result in secondary scoliosis over long-term follow-ups. However, there are few reports on whether CMT causes pelvic malalignment syndrome (PMS). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between CMT and PMS and to determine the factors associated with the development of PMS in children with longstanding CMT. Medical records of 130 children with CMT who had long-term follow-up were reviewed retrospectively. The chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine which initial clinical parameters contributed to the development of PMS. Among 130 children with CMT, 51 (39.2%) developed PMS with or without compensatory scoliosis during long-term follow-up, indicating a high prevalence of PMS in children with a CMT history. Initial clinical symptoms such as a limited range of motion of the neck or the presence of a neck mass could not predict the development of PMS. Even if the clinical symptoms are mild, long-term follow-up of children with CMT is essential to screen for PMS.
Social Anxiety in 15–19 Year Adolescents in Association with Their Subjective Evaluation of Mental and Physical Health
Authors: Pilkionienė Ingrida , Širvinskienė Giedrė , Žemaitienė Nida , Jonynienė Jolita
Published: August 2021

Background: Studies show that social anxiety in adolescence have negative impact on quality of life. The study evaluates social anxiety links with mental and physical health factors in adolescents aged 15–19 years. Methods: The research was performed in 2018 in secondary schools in Lithuania and included 1722 participants (46.1% males and 53.9% females). The social anxiety was assessed using Social Anxiety and Avoidance Scale for Adolescents. The main results were obtained using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Total of 58.5% of adolescents were characterized by high social anxiety and 14.7% by high avoidance. Females more often were characterized by high anxiety compared to males. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that good mental health was a significant protective factor against high SA in adolescents. For females, high anxiety and avoidance were associated with living with both parents, for males, high anxiety was linked with mother’s university education. Very common stomach and abdominal pain in females as well as severe and very common stomach or abdominal pain in males, increase the risk of major social anxiety. Conclusions: High social anxiety were more prevalent between females than males and was linked with various well-being and health aspects in adolescents.
Multimodal Interventions to Improve the Management of Chronic Non-Malignant Pain in Primary Care Using Participatory Research
Authors: Morcillo-Muñoz Yolanda , Castellano Maria Holgado Jiménez , Exposito Francisco Jose Díaz , Sanchez-Guarnido Antonio Jose , Alcantara Miguel Gimenez , Baena-Parejo Maria Isabel
Published: August 2021

Background: The use of diverse therapies combined with a multidisciplinary approach and prevention initiatives for patients with chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP) can improve health and have a positive impact on psychotropic drug use and the self-management of pain. Purpose: This purpose of this study has been two-fold: to conduct a literature review with a view to selecting best evidence recommendations for CNMP and to prioritize self-care recommendations using a participatory methodology for the analysis and selection of interventions. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, and documentary method based on participatory action research was used. Findings: Based on the study results, a multimodal psychosocial intervention program has been designed for CNMP that includes psychoeducational therapy, pharmacological therapy, physical exercise, and health assets. Discussion: The findings are consistent with previous studies underlining the need to invest in resources for the management of CNMP, including strategies for good differential diagnoses and pharmacological treatments combined with non-pharmacological treatments to confer greater well-being for people living with pain who want to participate in their own recovery.
A Review of Two-Dimensional Liquid Crystal Polarization Gratings
Authors: Zuo Kai , Shi Yue , Luo Dan
Published: August 2021

In the past two decades, polarization gratings (PGs) have attracted intensive attention due to the high-efficient diffraction and polarization selectivity properties. On one hand, the one-dimensional (1D) PGs have been investigated widely and adapted to various applications. On the other hand, optical signal manipulation stimulates the development of multibeam optical devices. Therefore, the development of two-dimensional (2D) PGs is in demand. This review summarizes the research progress of 2D PGs. Different designs and fabrication methods are summarized, including assembling two 1D polarization patterns, a 2D holographic lithography by polarization interference and a micro-pixelated electric field stimulated 2D liquid crystal (LC) structure. Both experiments and analyses are included. The design strategy, diffraction property, merits and demerits are discussed and summarized for the different methods.
Computational Study on the Interaction and Moving of ssDNA through Nanosheets
Authors: Alshehri Mansoor H.
Published: August 2021

The adsorption characteristics and moving through nanopores of a single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) molecule on monolayers, such ashexagonal boron nitride and graphene nanosheets, were studied using the continuous approach with the 6–12 Lennard–Jones potential function. The ssDNA molecule is assumed to be at a distance l above the sheet, and the relation between the minimum energy location and the perpendicular distance of the ssDNA molecule from the nanosheet surface is found. In addition, by assuming that there is a hole in the surface of the nanosheet as a pore, the interaction energies for the ssDNA molecule moving through the pore in the surface of the nanosheet (used to calculate the radius p of the hole) are obtained, which provides the minimum energies. Furthermore, a comparative study with graphene was performed in order to compare with hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets. Our results indicate that the binding energies of the ssDNA onto graphene and hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets are approximately 15.488 and 17.582 (kcal/mol), corresponding to perpendicular distances of l=20.271 and l=20.231 Å, respectively. In addition, we observe that the ssDNA molecule passes through graphene and hexagonal boron nitride nanopores when the gap radius p>7.5 Å. Our results provide critical insights to understand and develop the interactions and translocation of DNA molecules with and through nanosheets.
Crystalline Silicon Spalling as a Direct Application of Temperature Effect on Semiconductors’ Indentation
Authors: Khayyat Maha
Published: August 2021

Kerf-less removal of surface layers of photovoltaic materials including silicon is an emerging technology by controlled spalling technology. The method is extremely simple, versatile, and applicable to a wide range of substrates. Controlled spalling technology requires a stressor layer, such as Ni, to be deposited on the surface of a brittle material; then, the controlled removal of a continuous surface layer can be performed at a predetermined depth by manipulating the thickness and stress of the Ni layer, introducing a crack near the edge of the substrate, and mechanically guiding the crack as a single fracture front across the surface. However, spalling Si(100) at 300 K (room temperature RT) introduced many cracks and rough regions within the spalled layer. These mechanical issues make it difficult to process these layers of Si(100) for PV, and in other advanced applications, Si does not undergo phase transformations at 77 K (Liquid Nitrogen Temperature, LNT); based on this fact, spalling of Si(100) has been carried out. Spalling of Si(100) at LNT improved material quality for further designed applications. Mechanical flexibility is achieved by employing controlled spalling technology, enabling the large-area transfer of ultrathin body silicon devices to a plastic substrate at room temperature.
Mobility of Small Molecules in Solid Polymer Film for π-Stacked Crystallization
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhang Xinping
Published: August 2021

Crystallization or π-stacked aggregation of small molecules is an extensively observed phenomenon which favors charge transport along the crystal axis and is important for the design of organic optoelectronic devices. Such a process has been reported for N,N′-Bis(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenebis(dicarboximide) (EPPTC). However, the π-stacking mechanism requires solution–air or solution–solid interfaces. The crystallization or aggregation of molecules doped in solid films is generally thought to be impossible, since the solid environment surrounding the small molecules does not allow them to aggregate together into π-stacked crystals. In this work, we demonstrate that the movement of the EPPTC molecules becomes possible in a solid polymer film when it is heated to above the glass transition temperature of the polymer. Thus, crystal particles can be produced as a doped matrix in a thin solid film. The crystallization process is found to be strongly dependent on the annealing temperature and the annealing time. Both the microscopic and spectroscopic evaluations verify such discoveries and characterize the related properties of these crystals.
Energy Transfer and Cross-Relaxation Induced Efficient 2.78 μm Emission in Er3+/Tm3+: PbF2 mid-Infrared Laser Crystal
Authors: Liao Jiayu , Chen Qiudi , Niu Xiaochen , Zhang Peixiong , Tan Huiyu , Ma Fengkai , Li Zhen , Zhu Siqi , Hang Yin , Yang Qiguo , Chen Zhenqiang
Published: August 2021

An efficient enhancement of 2.78 μm emission from the transition of Er3+: 4I11/2 → 4I13/2 by Tm3+ introduction in the Er/Tm: PbF2 crystal was grown by the Bridgman technique for the first time. The spectroscopic properties, energy transfer mechanism, and first-principles calculations of as-grown crystals were investigated in detail. The co-doped Tm3+ ion can offer an appropriate sensitization and deactivation effect for Er3+ ion at the same time in PbF2 crystal under the pump of conventional 800 nm laser diodes (LDs). With the introduction of Tm3+ ion into the Er3+: PbF2 crystal, the Er/Tm: PbF2 crystal exhibited an enhancing 2.78 μm mid-infrared (MIR) emission. Furthermore, the cyclic energy transfer mechanism that contains several energy transfer processes and cross-relaxation processes was proposed, which would well achieve the population inversion between the Er3+: 4I11/2 and Er3+: 4I13/2 levels. First-principles calculations were performed to find that good performance originates from the uniform distribution of Er3+ and Tm3+ ions in PbF2 crystal. This work will provide an avenue to design MIR laser materials with good performance.
Future Challenges and Critical Approach to Metrology in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Garrido-Castro Juan L. , Collantes-Estévez Eduardo , Alburquerque-Sendín Francisco , López-Medina Clementina
Published: August 2021

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a rheumatic inflammatory chronic disease that mainly affects the spine, producing inflammation and structural damage at the vertebral level (erosions, syndesmophytes, and bony bridges) [...]
Clonal Evolution of Multiple Myeloma—Clinical and Diagnostic Implications
Authors: Salomon-Perzyński Aleksander , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Głodkowska-Mrówka Eliza
Published: August 2021

Plasma cell dyscrasias are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by the expansion of bone marrow plasma cells. Malignant transformation of plasma cells depends on the continuity of events resulting in a sequence of well-defined disease stages, from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) through smoldering myeloma (SMM) to symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM). Evolution of a pre-malignant cell into a malignant cell, as well as further tumor progression, dissemination, and relapse, require development of multiple driver lesions conferring selective advantage of the dominant clone and allowing subsequent evolution under selective pressure of microenvironment and treatment. This process of natural selection facilitates tumor plasticity leading to the formation of genetically complex and heterogenous tumors that are notoriously difficult to treat. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying tumor evolution in MM and identification of lesions driving the evolution from the premalignant clone is therefore a key to development of effective treatment and long-term disease control. Here, we review recent advances in clonal evolution patterns and genomic landscape dynamics of MM, focusing on their clinical implications.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Report 4: Glycated Haemoglobin
Authors: Bernal-Morales Carolina , Alé-Chilet Aníbal , Martín-Pinardel Ruben , Barraso Marina , Hernández Teresa , Oliva Cristian , Vinagre Irene , Ortega Emilio , Figueras-Roca Marc , Sala-Puigdollers Anna , Gimenez Marga , Esmatjes Enric , Adán Alfredo , Zarranz-Ventura Javier
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate specifically the relationship between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) parameters in type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). A total of 478 type 1 DM patients and 115 controls were included in a prospective OCTA trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03422965). Subgroup analysis was performed for controls, no diabetic retinopathy (DM-no DR) and DR patients (DM-DR), and HbA1c levels. OCT and OCTA measurements were compared with HbA1c levels (current and previous 5 years). DM-no DR patients with HbA1c levels >7.5% showed lower VD than DM-DR and controls (20.16 vs. 20.22 vs. 20.71, p < 0.05), and showed a significant correlation between HbA1c levels and FAZc (p = 0.04), after adjusting for age, gender, signal strength index, axial length, and DM disease duration. DM-DR patients with HbA1c > 7.5% presented greater CRT than DM-no DR and controls (270.8 vs. 260 vs. 251.1, p < 0.05) and showed a significant correlation between HbA1c and CRT (p = 0.03). In conclusion, greater levels of HbA1c are associated with OCTA changes in DM-no DR patients, and with structural OCT changes in DM-DR patients. The combination of OCTA and OCT measurements and HbA1c levels may be helpful to identify patients at risk of progression to greater stages of the diabetic microvascular disease.
Generating Virtual Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) Images from T1- and T2-Weighted Images Using a Conditional Generative Adversarial Network in Spine Imaging
Authors: Haubold Johannes , Demircioglu Aydin , Theysohn Jens Matthias , Wetter Axel , Radbruch Alexander , Dörner Nils , Schlosser Thomas Wilfried , Deuschl Cornelius , Li Yan , Nassenstein Kai , Schaarschmidt Benedikt Michael , Forsting Michael , Umutlu Lale , Nensa Felix
Published: August 2021

Short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences are frequently used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine. However, STIR sequences require a significant amount of scanning time. The purpose of the present study was to generate virtual STIR (vSTIR) images from non-contrast, non-fat-suppressed T1- and T2-weighted images using a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN). The training dataset comprised 612 studies from 514 patients, and the validation dataset comprised 141 studies from 133 patients. For validation, 100 original STIR and respective vSTIR series were presented to six senior radiologists (blinded for the STIR type) in independent A/B-testing sessions. Additionally, for 141 real or vSTIR sequences, the testers were required to produce a structured report of 15 different findings. In the A/B-test, most testers could not reliably identify the real STIR (mean error of tester 1–6: 41%; 44%; 58%; 48%; 39%; 45%). In the evaluation of the structured reports, vSTIR was equivalent to real STIR in 13 of 15 categories. In the category of the number of STIR hyperintense vertebral bodies (p = 0.08) and in the diagnosis of bone metastases (p = 0.055), the vSTIR was only slightly insignificantly equivalent. By virtually generating STIR images of diagnostic quality from T1- and T2-weighted images using a cGAN, one can shorten examination times and increase throughput.
Students’ Perceptions of Doctoral Defense in Relation to Sociodemographic Characteristics
Authors: Lantsoght Eva O. L.
Published: August 2021

The doctoral defense is considered to have three dimensions: the scholarly dimension, the emotional (affective) dimension, and the cultural dimension. In this work, I explore the link between sociodemographic factors and students’ perception of the doctoral defense to better understand the affective dimension. In particular, I focus on gender, ethnicity, and age at the time of defense, as well as current position and field of study. To address the influence of these aspects on the affective dimension of the doctoral defense, I first reviewed the literature on these sociodemographic aspects as well as the affective dimension of the defense. I then carried out an international survey on doctoral defenses, defense formats, and students’ perceptions and analyzed the 204 completed surveys for this study using quantitative and qualitative methods. The analysis included cross-correlations between students’ perceptions and the studied sociodemographic aspects. The main results of these analyses are that gender affects various aspects of the students’ perception of the doctoral defense and long-term perception, and that female candidates experience more issues with their committee. Ethnicity is important as well, although the participation of non-white respondents in this survey was limited. The influence of age at the defense is limited, and only for the youngest and oldest age groups did I observe some differences in perception. There is no relation between current position and perception of the candidates during the defense. Finally, field of study is correlated for various aspects of student perception, committee issues, and long-term perception. The conclusion of this work is that sociodemographic aspects, and in particular gender, ethnicity, and field of study, influence how doctoral candidates experience their defense.
Development of a Management System for Short Online Learning Courses
Authors: Sarasa-Cabezuelo Antonio
Published: August 2021

In all areas of knowledge, there is a set of basic concepts or ideas that are essential to understand. A very common problem that arises among students is the difficulty in acquiring these concepts. One way to solve this problem is by carrying out small knowledge tests where these concepts are put into practice. To develop these tests there are multiple options, however, in general, the applications that allow for these tests to be implemented are usually very complex and are often included within other larger systems. This article describes a tool to develop short online courses that presents an interface and a functionality that allows a teacher to create and manage courses in a very simple and intuitive way. In the same way, it offers the student an Android app to be able to access the courses published by the teacher to be able to take them, as well as to manage all the activity of it.
Student Learning Approaches: Beyond Assessment Type to Feedback and Student Choice
Authors: Clack Alice , Dommett Eleanor J.
Published: August 2021

Student Approaches to Learning (SAL) have been the focus of much research, typically linking different approaches, e.g., surface and deep, to different assessment types. However, much of the previous research has not considered the different conditions under which different types of assessment occur and the different types of feedback they typically attract. In the current study, UK university students were allocated to one of two assessment conditions (Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) or short essay). Half of the participants were then given the choice of receiving a grade or written feedback, whilst the other half were randomly allocated to one of the two feedback types. Participants were required to learn specific material and complete an assessment. Study time, assessment time, grade and notetaking approaches were analysed along with SAL, measured using the Study Process Questionnaire. Results indicated that participants performed better when they completed MCQs and expected to receive written feedback. There were no significant differences in feedback preferences between the two assessment types. There was no relationship between assessment, feedback type and SAL, however, interaction effects suggest that where students have a choice, those who choose written feedback exhibit deeper learning. This study is the first to demonstrate, albeit in an artificial learning activity, that the type of feedback students expect to receive may impact on their outcomes and the SAL in advance of receiving the feedback. Furthermore, the relationship between feedback and SAL may be moderated by student choice. Whilst further research is needed, this study indicates that the relationship between assessment, feedback and choice is complex.