bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Biopsy of Non-Plasma Body Fluids in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Look Closer to the Tumor!
Authors: Durin Lucile , Pradines Anne , Basset Céline , Ulrich Bryan , Keller Laura , Dongay Vincent , Favre Gilles , Mazieres Julien , Guibert Nicolas
Published: November 2020

Liquid biopsy is a rapidly emerging field due to an increasing number of oncogenic drivers and a better understanding of resistance mechanisms to targeted therapies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The sensitivity of the most widely used blood-based assays is, however, limited in particular in cases of low tumor volume where shed of tumor-derived material can be limited. A negative result thus requires biopsy confirmation using minimally invasive sampling procedures that can result in small specimens, which are often not suitable for genotyping. Liquid biopsy is not limited to plasma, and tumor DNA circulating in other body fluids such as urine, pleural fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, or cytology specimen-derived supernatant can be exploited. In comparison to cell blocks, these fluids in close contact to the tumor may contain a more abundant and less analytically demanding tumor DNA. In this review, we discuss the potential applications of circulating tumor DNA derived from cytology samples in NSCLC, from early stage (screening, nodule characterization) to metastatic disease.
Stem Cell Metabolism: Powering Cell-Based Therapeutics
Authors: Rigaud Vagner O. C. , Hoy Robert , Mohsin Sadia , Khan Mohsin
Published: November 2020

Cell-based therapeutics for cardiac repair have been extensively used during the last decade. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of adoptively transferred stem cells for enhancement of cardiac function. Nevertheless, several cell-based clinical trials have provided largely underwhelming outcomes. A major limitation is the lack of survival in the harsh cardiac milieu as only less than 1% donated cells survive. Recent efforts have focused on enhancing cell-based therapeutics and understanding the biology of stem cells and their response to environmental changes. Stem cell metabolism has recently emerged as a critical determinant of cellular processes and is uniquely adapted to support proliferation, stemness, and commitment. Metabolic signaling pathways are remarkably sensitive to different environmental signals with a profound effect on cell survival after adoptive transfer. Stem cells mainly generate energy through glycolysis while maintaining low oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), providing metabolites for biosynthesis of macromolecules. During commitment, there is a shift in cellular metabolism, which alters cell function. Reprogramming stem cell metabolism may represent an attractive strategy to enhance stem cell therapy for cardiac repair. This review summarizes the current literature on how metabolism drives stem cell function and how this knowledge can be applied to improve cell-based therapeutics for cardiac repair.
Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance to FLT3 Inhibitors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Ongoing Challenges and Future Treatments
Authors: Scholl Sebastian , Fleischmann Maximilian , Schnetzke Ulf , Heidel Florian H.
Published: November 2020

Treatment of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-internal tandem duplication (ITD)-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a challenge despite the development of novel FLT3-directed tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI); the relapse rate is still high even after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In the era of next-generation FLT3-inhibitors, such as midostaurin and gilteritinib, we still observe primary and secondary resistance to TKI both in monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy. Moreover, remissions are frequently short-lived even in the presence of continuous treatment with next-generation FLT3 inhibitors. In this comprehensive review, we focus on molecular mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to relevant FLT3 inhibitors and elucidate how this knowledge might help to develop new concepts for improving the response to FLT3-inhibitors and reducing the development of resistance in AML. Tailored treatment approaches that address additional molecular targets beyond FLT3 could overcome resistance and facilitate molecular responses in AML.
Perspective on Schwann Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering
Authors: Huang Zhong , Powell Rebecca , Phillips James B. , Haastert-Talini Kirsten
Published: November 2020

Schwann cells play a crucial role in successful peripheral nerve repair and regeneration by supporting both axonal growth and myelination. Schwann cells are therefore a feasible option for cell therapy treatment of peripheral nerve injury. However, sourcing human Schwann cells at quantities required for development beyond research is challenging. Due to their availability, rapid in vitro expansion, survival, and integration within the host tissue, stem cells have attracted considerable attention as candidate cell therapies. Among them, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with the associated prospects for personalized treatment are a promising therapy to take the leap from bench to bedside. In this critical review, we firstly focus on the current knowledge of the Schwann cell phenotype in regard to peripheral nerve injury, including crosstalk with the immune system during peripheral nerve regeneration. Then, we review iPSC to Schwann cell derivation protocols and the results from recent in vitro and in vivo studies. We finally conclude with some prospects for the use of iPSCs in clinical settings.
Basic Concepts of Engineering Risk Management for Fastenings and Risk Register Based on Industry Survey
Authors: Kudszus Rene , Klemencic Robert , Spyridis Panagiotis
Published: November 2020

Fastenings are becoming increasingly important in modern building practice. A wide range of products cover for the great flexibility that they provide in a large variety of applications. In order to ensure the safe and economical use of the fastenings, a combined effort of manufacturing firms, practicing engineers and constructors, research organizations, and public authorities has led to the establishment of interrelated design standards, application guidance, and product approvals. It is however evident that failures, in fact even small defects, of fastenings can lead to disproportionate catastrophic events. In addition to these state-of-the-art documents, which reflect the most precise knowledge possible, a management of possible residual risks and hence causes of failure is also indispensable. Due to the great range of fastening systems with different dimensioning and assembly guidelines, load-bearing behaviour and areas of application, and the overall complexity of the subject, a coherent risk management procedure against structural risks can be very helpful in this respect. This article deals with the technical and load-bearing related risks of fastening technology in construction. The objective of the paper is to introduce fundamental concepts and significant risks met in the fastenings design specification and installation. Moreover, it provides a rating of the identified risks and it transfers recommendations for risk mitigation, based on semi-structured interviews with expert professionals who are active in the field. The results are accumulated in a dedicated risk register as a standard tool of the risk management process in civil engineering, which is the first of its kind in current scientific literature. The aim is to assist future practice and research by providing a basis for risk management considerations for fastenings, which moreover reflects actual risks indicated in the outcome of an industry survey.
Graded Grain Structure to Improve Hydrogen-Embrittlement Resistance of TWIP Steel
Authors: Song Seok Weon , Lee Taekyung , Lee Chong Soo
Published: November 2020

The high strength of twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steels makes them vulnerable to the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) phenomenon, thereby limiting their potential applications. This study suggests inducing a graded grain structure (GGS) in a Fe-17Mn-0.8C TWIP steel through shot peening and subsequent heat treatment to solve the problem. The microstructures and fracture surfaces of GGS TWIP steel were compared with those of conventionally manufactured TWIP steel possessing a uniform grain structure (UGS). Compared with the conventional UGS TWIP steel, GGS steel showed similar tensile properties with a yield strength of 310 MPa, tensile strength of 1060 MPa, and elongation-to-failure of 135%. It also exhibited moderately enhanced low-cycle fatigue (LCF) resistance in terms of fatigue life (8196 cycles to failure) compared with the UGS steel (7201 cycles). Furthermore, GGS TWIP steel exhibited a marked improvement in HE resistance, both in the monotonic (by a slow-strain-rate test) and cyclic deformation modes (by the LCF test) in a hydrogen environment. A relatively fine-grained (d = 15.6 μm) surficial area enhanced the HE resistance by inhibiting hydrogen penetration and decreasing twin density, while the coarse-grained (d = 74.6 μm) interior promoted the LCF resistance by suppressing crack growth.
A Deep Learning-Based Automated CT Segmentation of Prostate Cancer Anatomy for Radiation Therapy Planning-A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Kiljunen Timo , Akram Saad , Niemelä Jarkko , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Seppälä Jan , Heikkilä Janne , Vuolukka Kristiina , Kääriäinen Okko-Sakari , Heikkilä Vesa-Pekka , Lehtiö Kaisa , Nikkinen Juha , Gershkevitsh Eduard , Borkvel Anni , Adamson Merve , Zolotuhhin Daniil , Kolk Kati , Pang Eric Pei Ping , Tuan Jeffrey Kit Loong , Master Zubin , Chua Melvin Lee Kiang , Joensuu Timo , Kononen Juha , Myllykangas Mikko , Riener Maigo , Mokka Miia , Keyriläinen Jani
Published: November 2020

A commercial deep learning (DL)-based automated segmentation tool (AST) for computed tomography (CT) is evaluated for accuracy and efficiency gain within prostate cancer patients. Thirty patients from six clinics were reviewed with manual- (MC), automated- (AC) and automated and edited (AEC) contouring methods. In the AEC group, created contours (prostate, seminal vesicles, bladder, rectum, femoral heads and penile bulb) were edited, whereas the MC group included empty datasets for MC. In one clinic, lymph node CTV delineations were evaluated for interobserver variability. Compared to MC, the mean time saved using the AST was 12 min for the whole data set (46%) and 12 min for the lymph node CTV (60%), respectively. The delineation consistency between MC and AEC groups according to the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) improved from 0.78 to 0.94 for the whole data set and from 0.76 to 0.91 for the lymph nodes. The mean DSCs between MC and AC for all six clinics were 0.82 for prostate, 0.72 for seminal vesicles, 0.93 for bladder, 0.84 for rectum, 0.69 for femoral heads and 0.51 for penile bulb. This study proves that using a general DL-based AST for CT images saves time and improves consistency.
Clinical Utility of Delta Lactate for Predicting Early In-Hospital Mortality in Adult Patients: A Prospective, Multicentric, Cohort Study
Authors: Brio-Ibañez Pablo del , López-Izquierdo Raúl , Martín-Rodríguez Francisco , Mohedano-Moriano Alicia , Polonio-López Begoña , Maestre-Miquel Clara , Viñuela Antonio , Durantez-Fernández Carlos , Villamor Miguel Á. Castro , Martín-Conty José L.
Published: November 2020

One of the challenges in the emergency department (ED) is the early identification of patients with a higher risk of clinical deterioration. The objective is to evaluate the prognostic capacity of ΔLA (correlation between prehospital lactate (pLA) and hospital lactate (hLA)) with respect to in-hospital two day mortality. We conducted a pragmatic, multicentric, prospective and blinded-endpoint study in adults who consecutively attended and were transported in advanced life support with high priority from the scene to the ED. The corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was obtained for each of the outcomes. In total, 1341 cases met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 71 years (interquartile range: 54–83 years), with 38.9% (521 cases) females. The total 2 day mortality included 106 patients (7.9%). The prognostic precision for the 2 day mortality of pLA and hLA was good, with an AUROC of 0.800 (95% CI: 0.74–0.85; p < 0.001) and 0.819 (95% CI: 0.76–0.86; p < 0.001), respectively. Of all patients, 31.5% (422 cases) had an ΔLA with a decrease of <10%, of which a total of 66 patients (15.6%) died. A lactate clearance ≥ 10% is associated with a lower risk of death in the ED, and this value could potentially be used as a guide to determine if a severely injured patient is improving in response to the established treatment.
Monte Carlo Modeling of Shortwave-Infrared Fluorescence Photon Migration in Voxelized Media for the Detection of Breast Cancer
Authors: Iida Tatsuto , Kiya Shunsuke , Kubota Kosuke , Jin Takashi , Seiyama Akitoshi , Nomura Yasutomo
Published: November 2020

Recent progress regarding shortwave-infrared (SWIR) molecular imaging technology has inspired another modality of noninvasive diagnosis for early breast cancer detection in which previous mammography or sonography would be compensated. Although a SWIR fluorescence image of a small breast cancer of several millimeters was obtained from experiments with small animals, detailed numerical analyses before clinical application were required, since various parameters such as size as well as body hair differed between humans and small experimental animals. In this study, the feasibility of SWIR was compared against visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) region, using the Monte Carlo simulation in voxelized media. In this model, due to the implementation of the excitation gradient, fluorescence is based on rational mechanisms, whereas fluorescence within breast cancer is spatially proportional to excitation intensity. The fluence map of SWIR simulation with excitation gradient indicated signals near the upper surface of the cancer, and stronger than those of the NIR. Furthermore, there was a dependency on the fluence signal distribution on the contour of the breast tissue, as well as the internal structure, due to the implementation of digital anatomical data for the Visible Human Project. The fluorescence signal was observed to become weaker in all regions including the VIS, the NIR, and the SWIR region, when fluorescence-labeled cancer either became smaller or was embedded in a deeper area. However, fluorescence in SWIR alone from a cancer of 4 mm diameter was judged to be detectable at a depth of 1.4 cm.
Next-Generation Sequencing in Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: de Biase Dario , Fassan Matteo , Malapelle Umberto
Published: November 2020

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) allows for the sequencing of multiple genes at a very high depth of coverage [...]
Kullback–Leibler Divergence of a Freely Cooling Granular Gas
Authors: Megías Alberto , Santos Andrés
Published: November 2020

Finding the proper entropy-like Lyapunov functional associated with the inelastic Boltzmann equation for an isolated freely cooling granular gas is a still unsolved challenge. The original H-theorem hypotheses do not fit here and the H-functional presents some additional measure problems that are solved by the Kullback–Leibler divergence (KLD) of a reference velocity distribution function from the actual distribution. The right choice of the reference distribution in the KLD is crucial for the latter to qualify or not as a Lyapunov functional, the asymptotic “homogeneous cooling state” (HCS) distribution being a potential candidate. Due to the lack of a formal proof far from the quasielastic limit, the aim of this work is to support this conjecture aided by molecular dynamics simulations of inelastic hard disks and spheres in a wide range of values for the coefficient of restitution (α) and for different initial conditions. Our results reject the Maxwellian distribution as a possible reference, whereas they reinforce the HCS one. Moreover, the KLD is used to measure the amount of information lost on using the former rather than the latter, revealing a non-monotonic dependence with α.
Implementation of a Wide Input Voltage Resonant Converter with Voltage Doubler Rectifier Topology
Authors: Lin Bor-Ren , Liu Yen-Chun
Published: November 2020

A new circuit structure of LLC converter is studied and implemented to achieve wide zero-voltage switching range and wide voltage operation such as consumer power units without power factor correction and long hold up time demand, battery chargers, photovoltaic converters and renewable power electronic converters. The dc converter with the different secondary winding turns is adopted and investigated to achieve the wide input voltage operation (50–400 V). To meet wide voltage operation, the full bridge and half bridge dc/dc converters with different secondary turns can be selected in the presented circuit to have three different voltage gains. According to input voltage range, the variable frequency scheme is employed to have the variable voltage gain to overcome the wide input voltage operation. Therefore, the wide soft switching load variation and wide voltage operation range are achieved in the presented resonant circuit. The prototype circuit is built and tested and the experiments are demonstrated to investigate the circuit performance.
A K-Band FMCW Frequency Synthesizer Using Q-Boosted Switched Inductor VCO in SiGe BiCMOS for 77 GHz Radar Applications
Authors: Chen Zhe , Hou Debin , Chen Ji-Xin , Yan Pinpin , Bao Lei , Hong Zheying , Zheng Yuanye
Published: November 2020

In this article, a fractional-N phase-locked loop (PLL) with integrated chirp generation circuit block for a 76~81 GHz frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar system is presented. Thanks to the switched inductor voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) topology, the linearity, phase noise, chirp bandwidth, and chirp rate of the FMCW synthesizer can be optimized for the short-range radar (SRR) and long-range radar (LRR) applications, with switch at ON/OFF states, respectively, according to different requirements and concerns. In this way, the proposed FMCW synthesizer shows improved phase noise for switch OFF-state, good for LRR applications, compared to the conventional single-varactor VCOs or cap-bank VCOs. The switch loss at ON-state is further decreased with the Q-boosting technique, which helps the FMCW synthesizer to simultaneously obtain a wide chirp bandwidth, steep modulation rates and good phase noise for SRR applications. The FMCW synthesizer is fabricated in 0.13 µm SiGe BiCMOS technology, occupies an area of 1.7 × 1.9 mm2, and consumes 330 mW from a 3.3 V voltage supply. Measured results show that the FMCW synthesizer can cover 25.3~27 GHz (with a frequency tripler to fully cover 76~81 GHz band), showing optimized phase noise, chirp bandwidth, linearity, and modulation rates performance. The measured K-band phase noise is −110.5 dBc/Hz for switch OFF-state, and −106 dBc/Hz for switch ON-state at 1 MHz offset. The normalized root mean square (RMS) frequency error is 518 kHz for chirp rate of ±14.6 MHz/μs and 1.44 MHz for chirp rate of ±39 MHz/μs for the 77 GHz band. Moreover, the integrated waveform generator offers fully programmability in chirp rate, duration and bandwidth, which supports multi-slope chirp generations. With a frequency tripler, the chip is well suited for the 76~81 GHz FMCW radar system.
Geospatial Assessment of the Territorial Road Network by Fractal Method
Authors: Karpinski Mikolaj , Kuznichenko Svitlana , Kazakova Nadiia , Fraze-Frazenko Oleksii , Jancarczyk Daniel
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes an approach to the geospatial assessment of a territorial road network based on the fractals theory. This approach allows us to obtain quantitative values of spatial complexity for any transport network and, in contrast to the classical indicators of the transport provisions of a territory (Botcher, Henkel, Engel, Goltz, Uspensky, etc.), consider only the complexity level of the network itself, regardless of the area of the territory. The degree of complexity is measured by a fractal dimension. A method for calculating the fractal dimension based on a combination of box counting and GIS analysis is proposed. We created a geoprocessing script tool for the GIS software system ESRI ArcGIS 10.7, and a study of the spatial pattern of the transport network of the Ukraine territory, and other countries of the world, was made. The results of the study will help to better understand the different aspects of the development of transport networks, their changes over time and the impact on the socioeconomic indicators of urban development.
The Comparison of Fatty Acid Composition and Lipid Quality Indices in Hard Cow, Sheep, and Goat Cheeses
Authors: Paszczyk Beata , Łuczyńska Joanna
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid composition, including the contents, of conjugated linoleic acid cis9trans11 C18:2 (CLA) and trans C18:1 and C18:2 isomers in hard cow, sheep, and goat cheeses found on the Polish market and to compare lipid quality indices in these cheeses. The gas chromatography method was used to determine the fatty acid profile. The study demonstrated various contents of cis9trans 11 C18:2 (CLA), trans C18:1, and C18:2 isomers and the values of lipid quality indices in the cheeses. Sheep and goat cheeses were richer sources of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) (14.73 ± 2.55% and 14.80 ± 2.80%, respectively) than the cow cheeses (9.38 ± 0.87%). The cow cheeses had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), the lowest n-6/n-3 ratio, and the highest content of fatty acids, inducing a desirable dietary effect in humans (DFA) compared to the sheep and goat cheeses. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were found in sheep cheeses. Goat cheeses had the highest n-3 PUFA content and the lowest values of the thrombogenicity index (TI) (2.67 ± 0.44) compared to the sheep and cow cheeses (3.14 ± 0.29 and 3.13 ± 0.13, respectively). The cow, sheep, and goat cheeses were characterized by similar values of the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (H/H) ratio. Sheep cheeses had the highest levels of cis9trans11 C18:2 (CLA) and the highest total content of trans C18:1 and trans C18:2 isomers. The research showed that sheep, cow, and goat cheeses offered various health benefits. The differences in fatty acid composition and the different values of the lipid quality indices found in the cheeses may be due to differences in both the composition of milk used to produce them and the cheese-making technology. Studies conducted by many authors have indicated that the feeding system of the ruminants has a significant impact on the quality and chemical composition of milk, as well as its applicability for cheese production.
Fatty Acid Profiling and Chemometric Analyses for Zanthoxylum Pericarps from Different Geographic Origin and Genotype
Authors: Ma Yao , Tian Jieyun , Wang Xiaona , Huang Chen , Tian Mingjing , Wei Anzhi
Published: November 2020

Zanthoxylum plants, important aromatic plants, have attracted considerable attention in the food, pharmacological, and industrial fields because of their potential health benefits, and they are easily accessible because of the wild distribution in most parts of China. The chemical components vary with inter and intraspecific variations, ontogenic variations, and climate and soil conditions in compositions and contents. To classify the relationships between different Zanthoxylum species and to determine the key factors that influence geographical variations in the main components of the plant, the fatty acid composition and content of 72 pericarp samples from 12 cultivation regions were measured and evaluated. Four fatty acids, palmitic acid (21.33–125.03 mg/g), oleic acid (10.66–181.37 mg/g), linoleic acid (21.98–305.32 mg/g), and linolenic acid (0.06–218.84 mg/g), were the most common fatty acid components in the Zanthoxylum pericarps. Fatty acid profiling of Zanthoxylum pericarps was significantly affected by Zanthoxylum species and geographical variations. Stearic acid and oleic acid in pericarps were typical fatty acids that distinguished Zanthoxylum species based on the result of discriminant analysis (DA). Palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, trans-13-oleic acid, and linoleic acid were important differential indicators in distinguishing given Zanthoxylum pericarps based on the result of orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). In different Zanthoxylum species, the geographical influence on fatty acid variations was diverse. This study provides information on how to classify the Zanthoxylum species based on pericarp fatty acid compositions and determines the key fatty acids used to classify the Zanthoxylum species.
Combinations of Legume Protein Hydrolysates Synergistically Inhibit Biological Markers Associated with Adipogenesis
Authors: Moreno Cecilia , Mojica Luis , González de Mejía Elvira , Camacho Ruiz Rosa María , Luna-Vital Diego A.
Published: November 2020

The objective was to investigate the anti-adipogenesis potential of selected legume protein hydrolysates (LPH) and combinations using biochemical assays and in silico predictions. Black bean, green pea, chickpea, lentil and fava bean protein isolates were hydrolyzed using alcalase (A) or pepsin/pancreatin (PP). The degree of hydrolysis ranged from 15.5% to 35.5% for A-LPH and PP-LPH, respectively. Antioxidant capacities ranged for ABTS•+ IC50 from 0.3 to 0.9 Trolox equivalents (TE) mg/mL, DPPH• IC50 from 0.7 to 13.5 TE mg/mL and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition IC50 from 0.3 to 1.3 mg/mL. LPH from PP–green pea, A–green pea and A–black bean inhibited pancreatic lipase (PL) (IC50 = 0.9 mg/mL, 2.2 mg/mL and 1.2 mg/mL, respectively) (p < 0.05). For HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) inhibition, the LPH from A–chickpea (0.15 mg/mL), PP–lentil (1.2 mg/mL), A–green pea (1.4 mg/mL) and PP–green pea (1.5 mg/mL) were potent inhibitors. Combinations of PP–green pea + A–black bean (IC50 = 0.4 mg/mL), A–green pea + PP–green pea (IC50 = 0.9 mg/mL) and A–black bean + A–green pea (IC50 = 0.6 mg/mL) presented synergistic effects to inhibit PL. A–chickpea + PP–lentil (IC50 = 0.8 mg/mL) and PP–lentil + A–green pea (IC50 = 1.3 mg/mL) interacted additively to inhibit HMGR and synergistically in the combination of A–chickpea + PP–black bean (IC50 = 1.3 mg/mL) to block HMGR. Peptides FEDGLV and PYGVPVGVR inhibited PL and HMGR in silico, showing predicted binding energy interactions of −7.6 and −8.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Combinations of LPH from different legume protein sources could increase synergistically their anti-adipogenic potential.
Reducing the Number of Mismatches between Hairs and Buccal References When Analysing mtDNA Heteroplasmic Variation by Massively Parallel Sequencing
Authors: Gaag Kristiaan J. van der , Desmyter Stijn , Smit Sophie , Prieto Lourdes , Sijen Titia
Published: November 2020

In forensics, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is foremost applied to rootless hairs often lacking detectable nuclear DNA. Sanger sequencing is the routine mtDNA method in most forensic laboratories, even though interpretation of mixed samples and heteroplasmic sites can be challenging. Individuals may hold cells with low-level heteroplasmy variants below the detection threshold and other cells where this minor variant is the major one. This difference may be interpreted as a mismatch between reference and evidentiary trace samples, such as buccal specimens and rootless hairs. Such mismatches may be solved by Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS), allowing more sensitive quantitative analysis for mixed positions than Sanger. The mtDNA control region was analysed in buccal reference samples from 26 individuals and 475 corresponding hairs by MPS and compared to Sanger sequencing data generated on the same samples. With MPS, mixed contributions down to 3% were regarded, leading to a substantial increase in the frequency of heteroplasmy. Our results demonstrate that previously reported mismatches between buccal reference and hair shaft samples by Sanger are detected as low-level heteroplasmy by MPS. A detailed overview of buccal and hair heteroplasmy is provided and implications for MPS-based mtDNA analysis in the context of forensic cases are discussed.
Effects of Muscle Strengthening around the Hip on Pain, Physical Function, and Gait in Elderly Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Do KwangSun , Yim JongEun
Published: November 2020

Background: Functional limitations may still remain even after a patient completes a traditional quadriceps-based rehabilitative program after total knee arthroplasty. Based on studies reporting that patients with knee osteoarthritis have muscle weakness around the hip joint after total knee arthroplasty, we investigated whether strengthening the hip muscles can reduce pain and improve the physical function and gait of patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Methods: Patients were randomly divided into three groups: hip, quadriceps, and control. The hip group (n = 19) completed an extensor, adductor, and external muscle strengthening exercise program. The quadriceps group (n = 20) completed a quadriceps strengthening exercise program. The control group (n = 16) completed an active range of motion exercises. Therapy was conducted thrice weekly for 12 weeks. Pain and function items from the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Alternate Step Test, Five Times Sit to Stand Test, and Single Leg Stance Test were performed to assess pain and physical function. In the gait analysis, stride, single-stance (%), double-stance (%), and gait speed were measured. Data were collected at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the intervention. Results: The hip group showed more significant improvements in pain and performance on the Alternate Step Test and Single Leg Stance Test than the quadriceps and control groups. In the gait analysis, the hip group showed the largest improvements in single stance and double stance. Conclusions: In conclusion, a 12-week hip muscle strengthening exercise program effectively improves the physical function and gait of patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty.
Effects of Virtual Reality on Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs for Ischemic Heart Disease: A Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: García-Bravo Sara , Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto , Domínguez-Paniagua Joaquín , Campuzano-Ruiz Raquel , Barreñada-Copete Estrella , López-Navas María Jesús , Araujo-Narváez Aurora , García-Bravo Cristina , Florez-Garcia Mariano , Botas-Rodríguez Javier , Cuesta-Gómez Alicia
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of a virtual reality (VR) program, as a complementary tool to a conventional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program in phase II of patients with ischemic heart disease compared to a conventional treatment group. (2) Methods: A single blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted. The patients were randomized to a control group (CG) or an experimental group (EG). The EG carried out a training based on VR of aerobic exercise using the XBOX ONE console and Kinect sensor. Ergometry, metabolic equivalents (METS), Functional Independence Measure, 6-min walk test (6MWT), the Short Form Health Survey-36 Questionnaire (SF-36), the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the degree of satisfaction and adherence to treatment were used as outcome measures. (3) Results: Our results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Statistical analysis within group for the EG showed statistically significant changes in the variables HR final ergometry, ergometry minutes, % ergometry, METS, final HR 6MWT, 6MWT distance, 6MWT number of laps, and for the SF-36 and Beck Depression Inventory-II. (4) Conclusion: A VR-based video game program, as an adjunct tool to a CR program, showed improvements in ergometry, METS, resistance to fatigue and health-related quality of life with excellent adherence and satisfaction perceived by patients with ischemic heart disease in phase II.
University Students’ Behaviour towards Entrepreneurial Intention in Ecuador: Testing for the Influence of Gender
Authors: Rodriguez-Gutierrez Pablo , Cabeza-Ramírez Luis Javier , Muñoz-Fernández Guzmán Antonio
Published: November 2020

While the current global context of successive economic and health crises are punishing the economies of different countries in the world, it is particularly relevant to explore the business intentions of young university students, as potential entrepreneurs of opportunity. This matter is of the utmost importance, as it helps to facilitate the implementation of measures that can ensure the future recovery of the economy and the creation of new businesses. The objective of this paper is to study the institutional and psychological antecedents of entrepreneurial intention and the role of gender. The theory of planned behaviour is applied to assess how personal attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control can affect students′ intention of becoming an entrepreneur. In addition, organizational support and institutional barriers are tested as potentially significant antecedents of entrepreneurial intention, along with the influence of gender. The research carried out was based on survey responses from a sample of 740 students of economics, communications, and education at an Ecuadorian university. The research propositions were tested using a partial least squares approach. Results indicate that behaviour towards entrepreneurship does not change in relation to gender. In addition, personal attitudes and perceived behavioural control regarding entrepreneurship are positively related to students′ entrepreneurial intention. Organizational support is also found to be important for generating entrepreneurial intention. The paper adds to the current knowledge base on entrepreneurial intention by analysing the individual and joint influence of the principal elements of the theory of planned behaviour, as well as organizational support and institutional barriers on entrepreneurial intentions. Moreover, the research provides a useful perspective on the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention in an unexplored context such as Ecuador, by responding to the call focusing on entrepreneurial intention in different regions, cultures, and contexts.
The Turnover Intention among Grassroots Family Planning Staff in the Context of China’s Universal Two-Child Policy: A Case Study of the Xi’an City
Authors: Xu Ling , Liu Jianghua
Published: November 2020

The introduction of the universal two-child policy in 2016 marked a major social transition in China and raised a requirement for family planning services; however, the turnover in family planning staff poses a challenge to satisfying the requirement. Thus far, after implementation of the policy, there have been few surveys investigating turnover intention and the underlying motivations in grassroots family planning staff, the major component of China’s family planning system. A survey conducted in Xi’an in 2019 shows that nearly one in three grassroots members had an explicit or implicit turnover intention. Basically consistent with our conceptual framework, the structural equation modeling further indicates that the affective organizational commitment had the largest direct effect on turnover intention and also partly mediated effects of other significant factors (ranked by the size of total effect): Age, specific job satisfactions (i.e., satisfactions with job prospects, relationship with colleagues, and working environment), frequency of working overtime, length of service, and opportunity of professional training. As predicted, turnover behavior in colleagues also directly affected turnover intention in such staff. The above findings have important policy implications for the sustainable development of family planning work in China.
Current Practices and Existing Gaps of Continuing Medical Education among Resident Physicians in Abha City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsaleem Safar Abadi , Almoalwi Najwa Mohammed , Siddiqui Aesha Farheen , Alsaleem Mohammed Abadi , Alsamghan Awad S. , Awadalla Nabil J. , Mahfouz Ahmed A.
Published: November 2020

Background: Continuing medical education (CME) is an everlasting process throughout the physician’s working life. It helps to deliver better services for the patients. Objectives: To explore CME among resident physicians in Abha City; their current practices, their opinions, and barriers faced. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among resident physicians at the Ministry of Health hospitals in Abha City using a validated self-administered questionnaire. It included personal characteristics, current CME practices, satisfaction with CME, and barriers to attendance. Results: The present study included 300 residents from 15 training specialties. Their reported CME activities during the previous year were lectures and seminars (79.7%) followed by conferences (43.7%), case presentations (39.7%), workshops (34.0%), group discussion (29/7%), and journal clubs (27.3%). Astonishingly enough, very few (8%) attended online electronic CME activities. There were significant differences in CME satisfaction scores by different training specialties. Regarding residents’ perceptions of the effectiveness of different CME activities (conferences/symposia, workshops/courses, and interdepartmental activities) the results showed that workshops and courses were significantly the most effective method compared to the other two methods in retention of knowledge, improving attitudes, improving clinical skills, improving managerial skills, and in improving practice behaviors. Barriers reported were being busy, lack of interest, high cost, and lack of suitable providers. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that online learning be promoted as a CME format for trainees. There should be support of residents and clinicians through the provision of protected time for their CME activities outside their daily clinical commitments.
Why Do They Stay? Intention to Stay among Registered Nurses in Nursing Homes
Authors: Lee Ji Yeon , Shin Juh Hyun
Published: November 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the factors associated with nursing home (NH) registered nurses’ (RNs’) intention to stay in their workplace. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used in this study. Organizational NH data were acquired from the administrators of 56 NHs. Individual RN data were acquired from 189 RNs in 56 NHs across Korea. The questionnaire assessed RNs’ intention to stay in their workplace as well as potential associated factors, including individual and organizational factors. Multilevel regression analysis was used to determine which factors explain RNs’ intention to stay in their workplace. Findings: NH RNs’ intention to stay was positively associated with RNs’ years of experience in NHs, career promotion opportunities, and perceptions of NH resident safety culture. At the organizational level, no factors were found to significantly relate to the intention to stay of NH RNs. Conclusions: Although this study found that organizational factors have no statistically significant relationship with RNs’ intention to stay, organizational support must precede changes in individual factors that have significant relationships. Clinical Relevance: Organizational (NH) and individual (RN) efforts must be made to enhance RNs’ intention to stay because individual factors can change after implementing efforts such as providing educational programs, promotional opportunities, and forming a positive resident safety culture at an organizational level.
Alcohol Use Disorders and Increased Risk of Adverse Birth Complications and Outcomes: An 11-Year Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Oh Sarah Soyeon , Jee Yongho , Park Eun-Cheol , Kim Young Ju
Published: November 2020

For women who suffer from Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs), the use of alcohol before and/or during pregnancy may result in various birth complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm delivery. Thus, this study aimed to explore whether Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) are associated with increased risk of adverse birth complications and outcomes. A total of 76,799 deliveries between 2003 and 2013 in the Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) were analyzed. Women with an AUD diagnosis preceding delivery were identified as individuals with alcohol dependence. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratio of adverse birth complications and outcomes associated with alcohol dependence. Diagnosis of an AUD was associated with increased risk of adverse birth complications (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01–1.31, p = 0.0302). This was especially the case for women whose AUD diagnosis was in the same year as their delivery (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.24–1.88, p < 0.0001). AUDs were associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, especially when prevalent in the same year as a woman’s delivery. Our study confirms that the monitoring of expecting women with a diagnosis of alcohol-related problems may be useful in preventing adverse birth complications.
The Psychological Impact of Movement Restriction during the COVID-19 Outbreak on Clinical Undergraduates: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kalok Aida , Sharip Shalisah , Abdul Hafizz Abdul Muzhill , Zainuddin Zulkifli Md , Shafiee Mohamad Nasir
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia and the subsequent closure of all educational institutions. We aimed to examine the psychological impact of the MCO among clinical undergraduates. A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-reported questionnaires that were distributed online using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS 21), Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS), and the newly designed MCO effect questionnaire. Seven hundred seventy-two students completed the survey. The prevalence of psychological distress was 52.8%, with around 60% of respondents reporting disruption to their daily lives. Older (p = 0.015) and more senior students (p < 0.001) were less likely to be anxious than their younger and junior counterparts, respectively. A greater number of social support (three or more) was linked to a lower score of depression (p = 0.005) and stress (p = 0.045). Undergraduates who received family support demonstrated lower depression scores (p = 0.037) and higher mental wellbeing (p = 0.020) compared to those without. Government support was independently associated with a lesser risk of depressive symptoms (Adjusted odds ratio, AOR 0.68; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.47–0.99) and a greater sense of mental wellbeing (AOR 1.54; 95% CI 1.06–2.22). The present finding provides evidence of a high prevalence of psychological distress among clinical undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appropriate social support is important in alleviating anxiety and stress and promoting greater mental wellbeing amongst students during the nationwide quarantine.
Identification of Social Aspects by Means of Inertial Sensor Data
Authors: Bedogni Luca , Cabri Giacomo
Published: November 2020

Today’s applications and providers are very interested in knowing the social aspects of users in order to customize the services they provide and to be more effective. Among the others, the most frequented places and the paths to reach them are information that turns out to be very useful to define users’ habits. The most exploited means to acquire positions and paths is the GPS sensor, however it has been shown how leveraging inertial data from installed sensors can lead to path identification. In this work, we present a Computationally Efficient algorithm to Reconstruct Vehicular Traces (CERT), a novel algorithm which computes the path traveled by a vehicle using accelerometer and magnetometer data. We show that by analyzing data obtained through the accelerometer and the magnetometer in vehicular scenarios, CERT achieves almost perfect identification for medium and small sized cities. Moreover, we show that the longer the path, the easier it is to recognize it. We also present results characterizing the privacy risks depending on the area of the world, since, as we show, urban dynamics play a key role in the path detection.
Water Is Needed to Exist: Habitat Preferences of Tiger Beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) in a Desert Country
Authors: Jaskuła Radomir , Płóciennik Mateusz
Published: November 2020

Tiger beetles are a group of predatory insects occurring mainly in diverse sandy areas, with particular species often characterised by narrow habitat preferences, which makes them both very important bioindicators for determining patterns of biodiversity and a flagship group for nature conservation. However, the precise roles of particular habitat parameters in the distribution of these beetles in desert areas are almost unknown. Habitat preferences for four tiger beetles species were analysed in Tunisia. Fifty samples from a major part of the country were collected, for which climate data, macrohabitat types. and soil parameters (soil humidity, salinity, pH, and structure) were studied. Here we show that most studied Cicindelidae were characterised by unique habitat preferences and did not co-occur with other ones, including two taxa found as habitat specialists, occurring in only one type of macrohabitat. Two other species were noted as more eurythopic and occupied 2–3 macrohabitat types, with Lophyra flexuosa as the most ubiquitous species not related to the measured parameters. The presence of a source of water (understood as a part of the habitat type, such as river banks and oases, or high soil humidity) was found as the most important factor in the distribution of the studied tiger beetle species. The present study is the first one focused on habitat preferences and habitat specialization of Cicindelidae fauna of Maghreb, and one of only a few in Africa.
A Bioengineered Neuregulin-Hydrogel Therapy Reduces Scar Size and Enhances Post-Infarct Ventricular Contractility in an Ovine Large Animal Model
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey E. , Goldstone Andrew B. , Wang Hanjay , Purcell Brendan P. , Shudo Yasuhiro , MacArthur John W. , Steele Amanda N. , Paulsen Michael J. , Edwards Bryan B. , Aribeana Chiaka N. , Cheung Nicholas C. , Burdick Jason A. , Woo Y. Joseph
Published: November 2020

The clinical efficacy of neuregulin (NRG) in the treatment of heart failure is hindered by off-target exposure due to systemic delivery. We previously encapsulated neuregulin in a hydrogel (HG) for targeted and sustained myocardial delivery, demonstrating significant induction of cardiomyocyte proliferation and preservation of post-infarct cardiac function in a murine myocardial infarction (MI) model. Here, we performed a focused evaluation of our hydrogel-encapsulated neuregulin (NRG-HG) therapy’s potential to enhance cardiac function in an ovine large animal MI model. Adult male Dorset sheep (n = 21) underwent surgical induction of MI by coronary artery ligation. The sheep were randomized to receive an intramyocardial injection of saline, HG only, NRG only, or NRG-HG circumferentially around the infarct borderzone. Eight weeks after MI, closed-chest intracardiac pressure–volume hemodynamics were assessed, followed by heart explant for infarct size analysis. Compared to each of the control groups, NRG-HG significantly augmented left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.006) and contractility based on the slope of the end-systolic pressure–volume relationship (p = 0.006). NRG-HG also significantly reduced infarct scar size (p = 0.002). Overall, using a bioengineered hydrogel delivery system, a one-time dose of NRG delivered intramyocardially to the infarct borderzone at the time of MI in adult sheep significantly reduces scar size and enhances ventricular contractility at 8 weeks after MI.