bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Emerging Global Tobacco Treatment Workforce: Characteristics of Tobacco Treatment Specialists Trained in Council-Accredited Training Programs from 2017 to 2019
Authors: Sheffer Christine E. , Al-Zalabani Abdulmohsen , Aubrey Andrée , Bader Rasha , Beltrez Claribel , Bennett Susan , Carl Ellen , Cranos Caroline , Darville Audrey , Greyber Jennifer , Karam-Hage Maher , Hawari Feras , Hutcheson Tresza , Hynes Victoria , Kotsen Chris , Leone Frank , McConaha Jamie , McCary Heather , Meade Crystal , Messick Cara , Morgan Susan K. , Morris Cindy W. , Payne Thomas , Retzlaff Jessica , Santis Wendy , Short Etta , Shumaker Therese , Steinberg Michael , Wendling Ann
Published: March 2021

Tobacco use is projected to kill 1 billion people in the 21st century. Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD) is one of the most common substance use disorders in the world. Evidence-based treatment of TUD is effective, but treatment accessibility remains very low. A dearth of specially trained clinicians is a significant barrier to treatment accessibility, even within systems of care that implement brief intervention models. The treatment of TUD is becoming more complex and tailoring treatment to address new and traditional tobacco products is needed. The Council for Tobacco Treatment Training Programs (Council) is the accrediting body for Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) training programs. Between 2016 and 2019, n = 7761 trainees completed Council-accredited TTS training programs. Trainees were primarily from North America (92.6%) and the Eastern Mediterranean (6.1%) and were trained via in-person group workshops in medical and academic settings. From 2016 to 2019, the number of Council-accredited training programs increased from 14 to 22 and annual number of trainees increased by 28.5%. Trainees have diverse professional backgrounds and work in diverse settings but were primarily White (69.1%) and female (78.7%) located in North America. Nearly two-thirds intended to implement tobacco treatment services in their setting; two-thirds had been providing tobacco treatment for 1 year or less; and 20% were sent to training by their employers. These findings suggest that the training programs are contributing to the development of a new workforce of TTSs as well as the development of new programmatic tobacco treatment services in diverse settings. Developing strategies to support attendance from demographically and geographically diverse professionals might increase the proportion of trainees from marginalized groups and regions of the world with significant tobacco-related inequities.
A Comparison of Presentations with Self-Harm to Hospital in Lithuania and Ireland
Authors: Kamal Samah , McGovern Mark , Kunideliene Aida , Casey Patricia , Doherty Anne M.
Published: March 2021

Suicide is a serious problem globally, especially in Europe, with suicide rates varying between different countries. Self-harm is a known risk factor for dying by suicide and represents an opportunity to intervene in order to treat any associated mental illness and reduce risk. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of people presenting to hospital with self-harm at two clinical sites: Galway, Ireland and Kaunas, Lithuania. Data were obtained from the services’ database and anonymised for analysis. Over a 5-month period, 89 patients presented with self-harm at the Lithuanian site and 224 patients presented with self-harm at the Irish site. This study found significant differences in presentation, diagnosis and treatment between the two sites. All patients at the Lithuanian site were admitted to psychiatry, compared to 22% of patients at the Irish site (p < 0.001). In Lithuania, the main clinical diagnoses were adjustment disorder (37.1%) and major depression (20.2%), compared to substance misuse being the main clinical diagnosis (33.8%) in Ireland (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the prescription of psychotropic medications (which were three times more commonly prescribed at the Lithuanian site) after controlling for age, gender and psychiatric history (p < 0.001). Further research is required to understand the cultural context behind and further association between hospitalisation and future death by suicide.
Who Got Infected with COVID-19? A Study of College Students in Wuhan (China)
Authors: Fan Changyu , Li Min , Li Xueyan , Zhu Miao , Fu Ping
Published: March 2021

College students represent a large group of people who frequently travel across regions, which increased their risk of infection and exacerbated the risk of COVID-19 spread throughout China. This study uses survey data from the end of April 2020 to analyze the status of COVID-19-infected cases, the group differences, and influencing factors in college students in Wuhan. The sample size was made up 4355 participants, including 70 COVID-19-infected students. We found that during the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, college students in Wuhan were primarily infected during off-campus events after winter break or infected in their hometowns after leaving Wuhan; the percentage of college students with severe cases was relatively low, and most had mild cases; however, a large proportion of asymptomatic cases may exist; there were significant group differences in gender, age and place of residence; and the risk of infection was closely related to the campus environment, in which the population density and number of faculty and students on campus had a significant impact. The results indicated that the infection of students did not occur at random, thus strengthening student health education and campus management can help curb the spread of COVID-19 among students.
Australian Experiences of Out-of-Pocket Costs and Financial Burden Following a Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bygrave Annie , Whittaker Kate , Paul Christine , Fradgley Elizabeth A. , Varlow Megan , Aranda Sanchia
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: This systematic review was conducted to identify cancer patient experiences, and the impact of out-of-pocket costs and financial burden in Australia. (2) Methods: A systematic review, following the Preferring Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, was conducted. Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PubMed were searched. The primary outcome was financial burden among cancer patients and their families in Australia. The secondary outcome was out-of-pocket costs associated with cancer care and treatment within the population sample, and the impact of financial burden. (3) Results: Nineteen studies were included, covering more than 70,000 Australians affected by cancer. Out-of-pocket costs varied by cancer type and ranged from an average of AUD 977 for breast cancer and lymphoedema patients to AUD 11,077 for prostate cancer patients. Younger aged patients (≤65 years), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people in rural and/or remote areas, households with low income, those who were unemployed and people with private health insurance were at increased risk of experiencing out-of-pocket costs, financial burden or a combination of both. (4) Conclusions: Australians diagnosed with cancer frequently experience financial burden, and the health and financial consequences are significant. Focusing efforts on the costs of care and options about where to have care within the context of informed decisions about cancer care is necessary.
What Affects Older Adults’ Viewing Behaviors in Neighborhood Open Space: A Study in Hong Kong
Authors: He Mu-Fei , Shi Shu-Lin , He Ming-Yi , Leng Yan-Peng , Wang Shao-Yi
Published: March 2021

Research on older adults’ behaviors, living environments, and their quality of life (QoL) has grown rapidly. Viewing behaviors, although broadly acknowledged as critical for older adults’ QoL, have not been systematically examined in situ. What affects the viewing behaviors of older adults in neighborhood open space (NOS) is still unclear. This study conducted unobtrusive continuous observations in NOS of two residential estates in Hong Kong. With spatio-temporal analyses with ArcGIS Pro and statistical analyses with SPSS, principal influential factors to viewing behaviors of older adults in NOS were identified, including distances for viewing, landscape attractiveness, body supporting elements, as well as moving and interactive behaviors. How these factors would affect older adults’ well-being and QoL is discussed from the perspectives of supportive landscape design, sense of control, prospect and refuge, and social support, etc. Corresponding design implications are proposed to enrich existing NOS design knowledge for older adults’ quality of life.
Road Safety Perception Questionnaire (RSPQ) in Latin America: A Development and Validation Study
Authors: Espinoza Molina Fabricio Esteban , Arenas Ramirez Blanca del Valle , Aparicio Izquierdo Francisco , Zúñiga Ortega Diana Carolina
Published: March 2021

Background: Although public bodies need to know drivers’ perception of road safety, in Latin America there are no valid and reliable instruments that propose an integral dimensionality. The objective of this study was to design and validate a Road Safety Perception Questionnaire (RSPQ). Methodology: The design included a review of the available evidence and expert knowledge to select the dimensional items for the instrument. A pilot test was carried out to determine possible corrections and adjustments to the questionnaire, after which a Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed on a stratified sample of 736 Ecuadorian drivers to determine its reliability and construct validity. Results: The results suggest that the RSPQ has a clear factorial structure with high factorial weight items and good internal consistency. The results of the 41-item model grouped into six dimensions (human, vehicle, road infrastructure, regulatory framework and intervention measures, socioeconomic and driving precautions) obtained the best adjustment indexes at the absolute, incremental and parsimonious levels. Conclusions: The preliminary RSPQ evidence can be considered a valid and reliable instrument to assess drivers’ perception of road safety.
Association between Mutuality and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patient–Caregiver Dyads Living with Schizophrenia
Authors: Hsiao Chiu-Yueh , Lu Huei-Lan , Tsai Yun-Fang
Published: March 2021

Background: Although caregivers are a crucial support in the recovery of patients with schizophrenia, little is known about how mutuality is related to health-related quality of life within the dyadic (patient and caregiver) context. This study aimed to investigate the dyadic relationship between mutuality and health-related quality of life in patients with schizophrenia and caregivers. Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with a sample of 133 dyads of patients with schizophrenia and caregivers. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, Pearson’s product-moment correlations, and the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model. Results: Mutuality of patients was significantly higher than that of caregivers. Compared with caregivers, patients had significantly lower total scores for health-related quality of life. Patients’ and caregivers’ mutuality was related to their own health-related quality of life (actor effect) and their partners’ health-related quality of life (partner effect). Conclusion: Mutuality plays a critical role in health-related quality of life in dyads of patients with schizophrenia and caregivers. Viewing a dyad as a unit of nursing care reveals a promising approach for developing recovery-oriented modalities targeted at stimulating mutuality that may enhance health-related quality of life for both patients and caregivers.
Validation and Adaptation of the Slovak Version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)
Authors: Petrikova Martina , Kascakova Natalia , Furstova Jana , Hasto Jozef , Tavel Peter
Published: March 2021

Background: Previous research has shown a strong relationship between childhood trauma and worsened physical and mental health. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) is a commonly used tool assessing early traumatic experiences. The aim of this study was to verify the psychometric properties of the Slovak version of the CTQ. Methods: Data were collected on a representative Slovak sample (N = 1018, mean age 46.24 years, 48.7% of men). The dimensional structure of the CTQ was tested by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA); convergent validity was assessed using the Adverse Childhood Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). Results: CFA confirmed the standard 5-factor CTQ model. The subscales of the CTQ and the ACE-IQ questionnaires showed moderate to high correlations. The internal consistency of the scale was found to be acceptable. Emotional neglect (EN) was reported in 48.1%, physical neglect (PN) in 35.8%, emotional abuse in 15.8%, physical abuse (PA) in 11.0%, and sexual abuse (SA) in 9.1% of the Slovak population, according to the scoring, when even low abuse or neglect is assessed as trauma. Conclusion: The CTQ questionnaire fulfilled the validation criteria and appeared to be a suitable method for assessing retrospectively reported childhood trauma experiences in the Slovak population.
Description of Variation in Age of Onset of Functional Limitations of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Compared to Other Racial and Ethnic Groups
Authors: Walter Christopher S. , Narcisse Marie-Rachelle , Vincenzo Jennifer L. , McElfish Pearl A. , Felix Holly C.
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: The purpose of this exploratory study was to describe variation in age of onset of functional limitations of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) compared to other racial and ethnic groups. (2) Methods: Adults age 45 years and older who responded to the Functioning and Disability module within the 2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were included (n = 628 NHPI; 7122 non-Hispanic Whites; 1418 Blacks; 470 Asians; and 1216 Hispanic adults). The NHIS Functioning and Disability module included 13 items, which we organized into three domains of functional limitations using factor analysis: Mobility, Gross Motor Skills, and Fine Motor Skills. Responses were summed within each domain. (3) Results: After adjusting for age and sex, we found that racial/ethnic minority groups, with the exception of Asians, experience more functional limitations than Whites. Results further indicate that NHPI adults experienced an earlier surge in all three domains of functional limitations compared to other racial/ethnic groups. (4) Conclusions: These findings are novel and provide additional evidence to the existence of disparities in functional health outcomes across racial/ethnic groups. Future studies are needed to develop targeted and culturally tailored interventions for those most in need.
The Changing Patterns of Consumers’ Behavior in China: A Comparison during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yuan Xiaoling , Li Caijuan , Zhao Kai , Xu Xiaoyu
Published: March 2021

This paper has an opportunity to collect questionnaire-based data regarding respondents’ life choices in China at the peak of COVID-19 outbreak (i.e., around 9–11 March 2020) and in a relatively stable period where the national pandemic was over and the lockdown policy was halted (i.e., around 25–30 March 2020). Comparing respondents’ answers about their most fundamental aspects of life during and after the pandemic, including income level, expenditure structure and level, purchase method, study method, food price and quality, and dining habit, both the descriptive and econometric models reveal that Chinese consumers’ life patterns were not significantly changed. These findings may imply a “new normal” where consumers stick to their new living habits that were forged during the pandemic. Therefore, policy makers have to envisage such an implicative socio-economic change (cost) brought by the implementation of a lock down policy in a long run, in addition to direct and explicit economic losses. However, improving food quality and controlling food price appear to be the strong and stable safety signals to reassure consumers in this complicated environment.
Myocardial TGFβ2 Is Required for Atrioventricular Cushion Remodeling and Myocardial Development
Authors: Bhattacharya Aniket , Al-Sammarraie Nadia , Gebere Mengistu G. , Johnson John , Eberth John F. , Azhar Mohamad
Published: March 2021

Among the three transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) ligands, TGFβ2 is essential for heart development and is produced by multiple cell types, including myocardium. Heterozygous mutations in TGFB2 in patients of connective tissue disorders result in congenital heart defects and adult valve malformations, including mitral valve prolapse (MVP) with or without regurgitation. Tgfb2 germline knockout fetuses exhibit multiple cardiac defects but the role of myocardial-TGFβ2 in heart development is yet to be elucidated. Here, myocardial Tgfb2 conditional knockout (CKO) embryos were generated by crossing Tgfb2flox mice with Tgfb2+/−; cTntCre mice. Tgfb2flox/− embryos were normal, viable. Cell fate mapping was done using dual-fluorescent mT/mG+/− mice. Cre-mediated Tgfb2 deletion was assessed by genomic PCR. RNAscope in situ hybridization was used to detect the loss of myocardial Tgfb2 expression. Histological, morphometric, immunohistochemical, and in situ hybridization analyses of CKOs and littermate controls at different stages of heart development (E12.5–E18.5) were used to determine the role of myocardium-derived TGFβ2 in atrioventricular (AV) cushion remodeling and myocardial development. CKOs exhibit a thin ventricular myocardium, AV cushion remodeling defects and developed incomplete AV septation defects. The loss of myocardial Tgfb2 resulted in impaired cushion maturation and dysregulated cell death. Phosphorylated SMAD2, a surrogate for TGFβ signaling, was “paradoxically” increased in both AV cushion mesenchyme and ventricular myocardium in the CKOs. Our results indicate that TGFβ2 produced by cardiomyocytes acting as cells autonomously on myocardium and via paracrine signaling on AV cushions are required for heart development.
Profibrotic Signaling and HCC Risk during Chronic Viral Hepatitis: Biomarker Development
Authors: Virzì Alessia , Gonzalez-Motos Victor , Tripon Simona , Baumert Thomas F. , Lupberger Joachim
Published: March 2021

Despite breakthroughs in antiviral therapies, chronic viral hepatitis B and C are still the major causes of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Importantly, even in patients with controlled infection or viral cure, the cancer risk cannot be fully eliminated, highlighting a persisting oncogenic pressure imposed by epigenetic imprinting and advanced liver disease. Reliable and minimally invasive biomarkers for early fibrosis and for residual HCC risk in HCV-cured patients are urgently needed. Chronic infection with HBV and/or HCV dysregulates oncogenic and profibrogenic signaling within the host, also displayed in the secretion of soluble factors to the blood. The study of virus-dysregulated signaling pathways may, therefore, contribute to the identification of reliable minimally invasive biomarkers for the detection of patients at early-stage liver disease potentially complementing existing noninvasive methods in clinics. With a focus on virus-induced signaling events, this review provides an overview of candidate blood biomarkers for liver disease and HCC risk associated with chronic viral hepatitis and epigenetic viral footprints.
Head-to-Head Comparison of Two Nomograms Predicting Probability of Lymph Node Invasion in Prostate Cancer and the Therapeutic Impact of Higher Nomogram Threshold
Authors: Venclovas Zilvinas , Muilwijk Tim , Matjosaitis Aivaras J. , Jievaltas Mindaugas , Joniau Steven , Milonas Daimantas
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the performance of the 2012 Briganti and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) nomograms as a predictor for pelvic lymph node invasion (LNI) in men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), to examine their performance and to analyse the therapeutic impact of using 7% nomogram cut-off. Materials and Methods: The study cohort consisted of 807 men with clinically localised prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent open RP with PLND between 2001 and 2019. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic analysis was used to quantify the accuracy of the 2012 Briganti and MSKCC nomograms to predict LNI. Calibration plots were used to visualise over or underestimation by the models and a decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the net benefit associated with the used nomograms. Results: A total of 97 of 807 patients had LNI (12%). The AUC of 2012 Briganti and MSKCC nomogram was 80.6 and 79.2, respectively. For the Briganti nomogram using the cut-off value of 7% would lead to reduce PLND in 47% (379/807), while missing 3.96% (15/379) cases with LNI. For the MSKCC nomogram using the cut-off value of 7% a PLND would be omitted in 44.5% (359/807), while missing 3.62% (13/359) of cases with LNI. Conclusions: Both analysed nomograms demonstrated high accuracy for prediction of LNI. Using a 7% nomogram cut-off would allow the avoidance up to 47% of PLNDs, while missing less than 4% of patients with LNI.
On the Transition from Control Modes to Spontaneous Modes during ECMO
Authors: Stephens Krista , Mitchell Nathan , Overton Sean , Tonna Joseph E.
Published: March 2021

The transition from control modes to spontaneous modes is ubiquitous for mechanically ventilated patients yet there is little data describing the changes and patterns that occur to breathing during this transition for patients on ECMO. We identified high fidelity data among a diverse cohort of 419 mechanically ventilated patients on ECMO. We examined every ventilator change, describing the differences in >30,000 sets of original ventilator observations, focused around the time of transition from control modes to spontaneous modes. We performed multivariate regression with mixed effects, clustered by patient, to examine changes in ventilator characteristics within patients, including a subset among patients with low compliance (<30 milliliters (mL)/centimeters water (cmH2O)). We found that during the transition to spontaneous modes among patients with low compliance, patients exhibited greater tidal volumes (471 mL (364,585) vs. 425 mL (320,527); p < 0.0001), higher respiratory rate (23 breaths per minute (bpm) (18,28) vs. 18 bpm (14,23); p = 0.003), greater mechanical power (elastic component) (0.08 mL/(cmH2O × minute) (0.05,0.12) vs. 0.05 mL/(cmH2O × minute) (0.02,0.09); p < 0.0001) (range 0 to 1.4), and lower positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) (6 cmH2O (5,8) vs. 10 cmH2O (8,11); p < 0.0001). For patients on control modes, the combination of increased tidal volume and increased respiratory rate was temporally associated with significantly low partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio (p < 0.0001). These changes in ventilator parameters warrant prospective study, as they may be associated with worsened lung injury.
Optimizing the Outcome of Anti-Myeloma Treatment with Daratumumab
Authors: Plesner Torben
Published: March 2021

A search of the scientific literature for Daratumumab and myeloma gives more than 600 results (January 2021), which reflects the interest and activity around this antibody, an interest that was also reflected by the assignment of breakthrough designation for Daratumumab as a treatment for multiple myeloma by FDA in 2013. The high expectations have been supported and met due to a very active clinical development program, and our insight into Daratumumab’s modes of action have been expanded by a concomitant, systematic activity of translational research. The scope of this article is to point to some areas where the outcome of treatment with Daratumumab for multiple myeloma may be improved with a focus on areas such as when to initiate treatment with Daratumumab, the use of supportive treatment, duration of therapy and some general thoughts about anti-myeloma treatment as a two-step process involving initial de-bulking followed by reprogramming of the host’s immune system and immune-mediated control of myeloma.
Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Deep-Seated Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Risk Factors and Clinical Implications
Authors: Lehmann Felix , Schenk Lorena M. , Ilic Inja , Putensen Christian , Hadjiathanasiou Alexis , Borger Valeri , Zimmermann Julian , Güresir Erdem , Vatter Hartmut , Bode Christian , Schneider Matthias , Schuss Patrick
Published: March 2021

While management of patients with deep-seated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is well established, there are scarce data on patients with ICH who require prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) during the course of their acute disease. Therefore, we aimed to determine the influence of PMV on mortality in patients with ICH and to identify associated risk factors. From 2014 to May 2020, all patients with deep-seated ICH who were admitted to intensive care for >3 days were included in further analyses. PMV is defined as receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days. A total of 42 out of 94 patients (45%) with deep-seated ICH suffered from PMV during the course of treatment. The mortality rate after 90 days was significantly higher in patients with PMV than in those without (64% versus 22%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified “ICH volume >30 mL” (p = 0.001, OR 5.3) and “admission SOFA score > 5” (p = 0.007, OR 4.2) as significant and independent predictors for PMV over the course of treatment in deep-seated ICH. With regard to the identified risk factors for PMV occurrence, these findings might enable improved guidance of adequate treatment at the earliest possible stage and lead to a better estimation of prognosis in the course of ICH treatment.
Functional Condition of Patients after Unilateral Hip Arthroscopy in the Process of FAI—Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Case–Control Study and Preliminary Report
Authors: Nieszporska Olga , Truszczyńska-Baszak Aleksandra
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Femoroacetabular impingement is a commonly recognized condition among people with hip pain. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess how arthroscopy and physiotherapy treatment influenced the quality of life and functional condition of patients after arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) surgery. Materials and methods: We examined 19 people for the study and included 12 (6 men and 6 women). Their mean age was 40.1 ± 9.7 years. Manual and digital goniometers were used for the range of motion (ROM) measurements, and a dynamometer for muscle strength was used. Results from the operated limb were compared to the nonoperated healthy limb. We examined the patient’s health and well-being using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scales. The mean follow-up period was 21.2 months. Results: The postsurgery mean range of motion for all movements was lower in the operated limb. Statistically significant differences between limbs in ROM were observed for flexion, abduction, extension, and external rotation. Muscle strength was comparable between hip joints, except extension and adduction, which were statistically significantly weaker. The mean strength of the hip flexors and internal rotators was higher in the operated limb. After surgery, 67% of patients returned to exercise at the same or higher level. The mean HHS results were good, with values of 88.00 ± 11.48. The SF-36 scores were >50. Conclusion: After surgery and physiotherapy of FAI, ROM remained lower in the operated limb. Flexion and rotations remained to cause pain. The strength of flexors and internal rotators improved, and there was a high rate of return to sport.
Parameter Identification of a Model Scale Ship Drive Train
Authors: Vrijdag Arthur , Martelli Michele
Published: March 2021

Simulation models of the ship propulsion system play an increasingly important role, for instance in controller design and condition monitoring. However, creation of such simulation models requires significant time and effort. In this paper, the application of deterministic identification techniques on a DC-electric ship drive train is explored as an alternative for data-driven identification techniques that require extensive measured data sets collected over long periods of ship operation. First, a nonlinear and a linear simulation model that represent the dynamic behavior of the propulsion plant are developed, and the main parameters to be identified are defined. Then, a set of experiments on a model scale boat in the bollard pull condition are conducted using an ad hoc experimental setup and data acquisition system. Subsequently, various types of identification techniques are applied, aiming to determine the unknown model parameters. Eventually, a comparison is made between experimental and simulated results, using the different sets of the estimated parameters. The value of the demonstrated approaches lies in the fast determination of unknown system parameters. These parameters can be used in simulation models, which in turn can be used for various purposes such as system controller development and tuning. Furthermore, periodic determination of system parameters can support condition monitoring to detect faults or degradation of the system. The latter point directly deals with the condition-based maintenance issue; in fact, monitoring the propulsion plant parameters over time could allow for better management (and timing) of maintenance. Although the developed ideas are far from ready to be used on the full-scale, the authors believe that the methodologies are promising enough to be developed further towards a full-scale application.
Emerging Silk Material Trends: Repurposing, Phase Separation and Solution-Based Designs
Authors: Seib F. Philipp
Published: March 2021

Silk continues to amaze. This review unravels the most recent progress in silk science, spanning from fundamental insights to medical silks. Key advances in silk flow are examined, with specific reference to the role of metal ions in switching silk from a storage to a spinning state. Orthogonal thermoplastic silk molding is described, as is the transfer of silk flow principles for the triggering of flow-induced crystallization in other non-silk polymers. Other exciting new developments include silk-inspired liquid–liquid phase separation for non-canonical fiber formation and the creation of “silk organelles” in live cells. This review closes by examining the role of silk fabrics in fashioning facemasks in response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Chemical Shrinkage of Low Water to Cement (w/c) Ratio CEM I and CEM III Cement Pastes Incorporating Silica Fume and Filler
Authors: Kheir Judy , Hilloulin Benoît , Loukili Ahmed , De Belie Nele
Published: March 2021

Chemical shrinkage (CS) is the reason behind early age cracking, a common problem for concrete with low water to cement ratios (w/c < 0.35) known as Ultra-High- and High-Performance Concrete (U-HPC). However, to avoid the crack development initiated by autogenous shrinkage, a precise measurement of CS is required, as the values obtained can determine the correct amount of internal curing agent to be added in the mixture to avoid crack formation. ASTM C1608 is the standardized method for performing CS tests. In this study, recommendations are provided to improve the reliability of results obtained with this standard method, such as good compaction of samples and the use of superplasticizer (SP) for low w/c ratios (≤0.2). Cement pastes with CEM I and CEM III have been tested at different w/c ratios equal to 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 with and without the addition of superplasticizer. CS results following ASTM-C1608 dilatometry showed that the presence of mineral additions such as silica fume and filler reduced the chemical shrinkage, while CS increased with increasing w/c. Low w/c ratio pastes of CEM III had slightly higher CS rates than CEM I, while the opposite was noticed at higher w/c. SEM images illustrated the importance of a careful compaction and SP use.
Cysteine-Induced Hybridization of 2D Molybdenum Disulfide Films for Efficient and Stable Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Jagminas Arunas , Gaigalas Paulius , Bittencourt Carla , Klimas Vaclovas
Published: March 2021

The noble, metal-free materials capable of efficiently catalyzing water splitting reactions currently hold a great deal of promise. In this study, we reported the structure and electrochemical performance of new MoS2-based material synthesized with L-cysteine. For this, a facile one-pot hydrothermal process was developed and an array of densely packed nanoplatelet-shaped hybrid species directly on a conductive substrate were obtained. The crucial role of L-cysteine was determined by numerous methods on the structure and composition of the synthesized material and its activity and stability for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from the acidic water. A low Tafel slope of 32.6 mV dec−1, close to a Pt cathode, was registered for the first time. The unique HER performance at the surface of this hybrid material in comparison with recently reported MoS2-based electrocatalysts was attributed to the formation of more defective 1T, 2H-MoS2/MoOx, C nanostructures with the dominant 1T-MoS2 phase and thermally degraded cysteine residues entrapped. Numerous stacks of metallic (1T-MoS2 and MoO2) and semiconducting (2H-MoS2 and MoO3) fragments relayed the formation of highly active layered nanosheets possessing a low hydrogen adsorption free energy and much greater durability, whereas intercalated cysteine fragments had a low Tafel slope of the HER reaction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermography with mass spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy techniques, and linear sweep voltammetry were applied to verify our findings.
Shaping of Curvilinear Steel Bar Structures for Variable Environmental Conditions Using Genetic Algorithms—Moving towards Sustainability
Authors: Dzwierzynska Jolanta
Published: March 2021

The successful and effective shaping of curvilinear steel bar structures is becoming an increasingly complex and difficult task, due to the growing demands to satisfy both economic and environmental requirements. However, computer software for algorithmic-aided design makes it possible to take into account many aspects affecting structures, as early as the initial design stage. In this context, the paper presents an optimization method for shaping the curvilinear steel bar canopies of hyperbolic paraboloid and cylindroid shapes, in order to obtain effective structures adapted to external environmental conditions. The best structural solutions in terms of the structure’s shape, topology and support positions are obtained as the effects of multi-criteria optimizations with the application of genetic algorithms. The following are used as the optimization criteria: minimal structure mass and minimal deflections of the structure’s members, as well as their maximal utilization. Additionally, the best canopy locations in relation to the sides of the world are determined through analyzing their shadow casts for various locations, so the structures have the least impact on the surroundings. This research, with its interdisciplinary character, aims to present the possibility of applying generative shaping tools to obtain structurally effective and environment-adaptive curvilinear steel bar structures in the first phase of their design, which can support sustainable designing.
Preparation of a Fucoidan-Grafted Hyaluronan Composite Hydrogel for the Induction of Osteoblast Differentiation in Osteoblast-Like Cells
Authors: Hsu Fu-Yin , Chen Jheng-Jie , Sung Wen-Chieh , Hwang Pai-An
Published: March 2021

A suitable bone substitute is necessary in bone regenerative medicine. Hyaluronan (HA) has excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability and is widely used in tissue engineering. Additionally, research on fucoidan (Fu), a fucose- and sulfate-rich polysaccharide from brown seaweed, for the promotion of bone osteogenic differentiation has increased exponentially. In this study, HA and Fu were functionalized by grafting methacrylic groups onto the backbone of the chain. Methacrylate-hyaluronan (MHA) and methacrylate-fucoidan (MFu) were characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy to confirm functionalization. The degrees of methacrylation (DMs) of MHA and MFu were 9.2% and 98.6%, respectively. Furthermore, we evaluated the mechanical properties of the hydrogels formed from mixtures of photo-crosslinkable MHA (1%) with varying concentrations of MFu (0%, 0.5%, and 1%). There were no changes in the hardness values of the hydrogels, but the elastic modulus decreased upon the addition of MFu, and these mechanical properties were not significantly different with or without preosteoblastic MG63 cell culture for up to 28 days. Furthermore, the cell morphologies and viabilities were not significantly different after culture with the MHA, MHA-MFu0.5, or MHA-MFu1.0 hydrogels, but the specific activity and mineralization of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly higher in the MHA-MFu1.0 hydrogel group compared to the other hydrogels. Hence, MHA-MFu composite hydrogels are potential bone graft materials that can provide a flexible structure and favorable niche for inducing bone osteogenic differentiation.
An Efficient Algorithm for Crowd Logistics Optimization
Authors: Martín-Santamaría  Raúl , López-Sánchez  Ana D. , Delgado-Jalón  María Luisa , Colmenar  J. Manuel
Published: March 2021

Crowd logistics is a recent trend that proposes the participation of ordinary people in the distribution process of products and goods. This idea is becoming increasingly important to both delivery and retail companies, because it allows them to reduce their delivery costs and, hence, to increase the sustainability of the company. One way to obtain these reductions is to hire external drivers who use their own vehicles to make deliveries to destinations which are close to their daily trips from work to home, for instance. This situation is modelled as the Vehicle Routing Problem with Occasional Drivers (VRPOD), which seeks to minimize the total cost incurred to perform the deliveries using vehicles belonging to the company and occasionally hiring regular citizens to make just one delivery. However, the integration of this features into the distribution system of a company requires a fast and efficient algorithm. In this paper, we propose three different implementations based on the Iterated Local Search algorithm that are able to outperform the state-of-art of this problem with regard to the quality performance. Besides, our proposal is a light-weight algorithm which can produce results in small computation times, allowing its integration into corporate information systems.
On the Second-Largest Reciprocal Distance Signless Laplacian Eigenvalue
Authors: Baghipur Maryam , Ghorbani Modjtaba , Ganie Hilal A. , Shang Yilun
Published: March 2021

The signless Laplacian reciprocal distance matrix for a simple connected graph G is defined as RQ(G)=diag(RH(G))+RD(G). Here, RD(G) is the Harary matrix (also called reciprocal distance matrix) while diag(RH(G)) represents the diagonal matrix of the total reciprocal distance vertices. In the present work, some upper and lower bounds for the second-largest eigenvalue of the signless Laplacian reciprocal distance matrix of graphs in terms of various graph parameters are investigated. Besides, all graphs attaining these new bounds are characterized. Additionally, it is inferred that among all connected graphs with n vertices, the complete graph Kn and the graph Kn−e obtained from Kn by deleting an edge e have the maximum second-largest signless Laplacian reciprocal distance eigenvalue.
Comparison of the Allelic Alterations between InDel and STR Markers in Tumoral Tissues Used for Forensic Purposes
Authors: Tozzo Pamela , Delicati Arianna , Frigo Anna Chiara , Caenazzo Luciana
Published: March 2021

Background and objectives: Over the last two decades, human DNA identification and kinship tests have been conducted mainly through the analysis of short tandem repeats (STRs). However, other types of markers, such as insertion/deletion polymorphisms (InDels), may be required when DNA is highly degraded. In forensic genetics, tumor samples may sometimes be used in some cases of human DNA identification and in paternity tests. Nevertheless, tumor genomic instability related to forensic DNA markers should be considered in forensic analyses since it can compromise genotype attribution. Therefore, it is useful to know what impact tumor transformation may have on the forensic interpretation of the results obtained from the analysis of these polymorphisms. Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the genomic instability of InDels and STRs through the analysis of 55 markers in healthy tissue and tumor samples (hepatic, gastric, breast, and colorectal cancer) in 66 patients. The evaluation of genomic instability was performed comparing InDel and STR genotypes of tumor samples with those of their healthy counterparts. Results: With regard to STRs, colorectal cancer was found to be the tumor type affected by the highest number of mutations, whereas in the case of InDels the amount of genetic mutations turned out to be independent of the tumor type. However, the phenomena of genomic instability, such as loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MSI), seem to affect InDels more than STRs hampering genotype attribution. Conclusion: We suggest that the use of STRs rather than InDels could be more suitable in forensic genotyping analyses given that InDels seem to be more affected than STRs by mutation events capable of compromising genotype attribution.
Editorial for the Special Issue on 2D Nanomaterials Processing and Integration in Miniaturized Devices
Authors: Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Cocuzza Matteo
Published: March 2021

Initially considered little more than a scientific curiosity, the family of 2D nanomaterials has become increasingly popular over the last decade [...]
Development of Mesopore Structure of Mixed Metal Oxide through Albumin-Templated Coprecipitation and Reconstruction of Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Jung Sang-Yong , Kim Bo-Kyung , Kim Hyoung-Jun , Oh Jae-Min
Published: March 2021

Mixed metal oxide (MMO) with relatively homogeneous mesopores was successfully obtained by calcination and reconstruction of albumin-templated layered double hydroxide (LDH). The aggregation degree of albumin-template was controlled by adjusting two different synthesis routes, coprecipitation and reconstruction. X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopic images indicated that crystal growth of LDH was fairly limited during albumin-templated coprecipitation due to the aggregation. On the hand, crystal growth along the lateral direction was facilitated in albumin-templated reconstruction due to the homogeneous distribution of proteins moiety. Different state of albumin during LDH synthesis influenced the local disorder and porous structure of calcination product, MMO. The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms demonstrated that calcination on reconstructed LDH produced MMO with large specific surface area and narrow distribution of mesopores compared with calcination of coprecipitated LDH.
Radioprotective Effect of Whey Hydrolysate Peptides against γ-Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Liu Xin-Ran , Zhu Na , Hao Yun-Tao , Yu Xiao-Chen , Li Zhen , Mao Rui-Xue , Liu Rui , Kang Jia-Wei , Hu Jia-Ni , Li Yong
Published: March 2021

Radiation therapy is widely used in the treatment of tumor diseases, but it can also cause serious damage to the body, so it is necessary to find effective nutritional supplements. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of whey hydrolysate peptides (WHPs) against 60Coγ radiation damage in mice and explore the mechanism. BALB/c mice were given WHPs by oral gavage administration for 14 days. Then, some mice underwent a 30-day survival test after 8 Gy radiation, and other mice received 3.5 Gy radiation to analyze the changes in body weight, hematology and bone marrow DNA after three and 14 days. In addition, through further analysis of the level of oxidative stress and intestinal barrier function, the possible mechanism of the radioprotective effect of WHPs was explored. The study found WHPs can prolong survival time, restore body weight, and increase the number of peripheral blood white blood cells and bone marrow DNA content in irradiated mice. In addition, WHPs can significantly improve the antioxidant capacity, inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and protect the intestinal barrier. These results indicate that WHPs have a certain radioprotective effect in mice, and the main mechanism is related to reducing oxidative damage.
Plasma B Vitamers: Population Epidemiology and Parent-Child Concordance in Children and Adults
Authors: Andraos Stephanie , Jones Beatrix , Wall Clare , Thorstensen Eric , Kussmann Martin , Cameron-Smith David , Lange Katherine , Clifford Susan , Saffery Richard , Burgner David , Wake Melissa , O’Sullivan Justin
Published: March 2021

Scope: B vitamers are co-enzymes involved in key physiological processes including energy production, one-carbon, and macronutrient metabolism. Studies profiling B vitamers simultaneously in parent–child dyads are scarce. Profiling B vitamers in parent–child dyads enables an insightful determination of gene–environment contributions to their circulating concentrations. We aimed to characterise: (a) parent–child dyad concordance, (b) generation (children versus adults), (c) age (within the adult subgroup (age range 28–71 years)) and (d) sex differences in plasma B vitamer concentrations in the CheckPoint study of Australian children. Methods and Results: 1166 children (11 ± 0.5 years, 51% female) and 1324 parents (44 ± 5.1 years, 87% female) took part in a biomedical assessment of a population-derived longitudinal cohort study: The Growing Up in Australia’s Child Health CheckPoint. B vitamer levels were quantified by UHPLC/MS-MS. B vitamer levels were weakly concordant between parent–child pairs (10–31% of variability explained). All B vitamer concentrations exhibited generation-specificity, except for flavin mononucleotide (FMN). The levels of thiamine, pantothenic acid, and 4-pyridoxic acid were higher in male children, and those of pantothenic acid were higher in male adults compared to their female counterparts. Conclusion: Family, age, and sex contribute to variations in the concentrations of plasma B vitamers in Australian children and adults.
Epitope Binning of Novel Monoclonal Anti F1 and Anti LcrV Antibodies and Their Application in a Simple, Short, HTRF Test for Clinical Plague Detection
Authors: Mechaly Adva , Vitner Einat B. , Levy Yinon , Gur David , Barlev-Gross Moria , Sittner Assa , Koren Michal , Levy Haim , Mamroud Emanuelle , Fisher Morly
Published: March 2021

Mouse monoclonal antibodies were raised against plague disease biomarkers: the bacterial capsular protein fraction 1 (F1) and the low-calcium response—LcrV virulence factor (Vag). A novel tandem assay, employing BioLayer Interferometry (BLI), enabled the isolation of antibodies against four different epitopes on Vag. The tandem assay was carried out with hybridoma supernatants, circumventing the need for antibody purification. The BioLayer assay was further adopted for characterization of epitope-repetitive antigens, enabling the discovery of two unique epitopes on F1. The selected antibodies were purified and applied as “oligo-clonal” reagents for the immuno-detection of both biomarkers. The developed Homogenous Time Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) tests were short (10 min) and simple (no washing steps), allowing for detection of 10 ng/mL F1 and 2.5 ng/mL Vag. The tests were successfully applied for detection of disease biomarkers produced by various Y. pestis strains during growth in blood culture vials.