bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tidal Channel Depositional Complex of the Cretaceous Yolde Formation of the Gongola Sub-Basin, Northern Benue Trough N. E. Nigeria
Authors: Shettima B. , Bukar M. , Kuku A. , Shettima B. , Shettima B. , Kamale H. I. , Umaru A. O.
Published: September 2020

The facies analysis of the Cretaceous Yolde Formation at Gamajigo village in the Gongola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough indicated fining upward a sequence characterized by the assemblages of five lithofacies that comprises of trough crossbeds, planar crossbeds, massive beds, ripple laminations, and mudstone. This fining upward architecture is defined by trough crossbedded sandstone with erosional contact at base overlain by interbedded sandstone and mudstones often displaying bi-direction paleocurrent patterns and growing mudstones content upwards moving into dominantly mudstones unit. This concurrently demonstrates dissipating energy intensity upwards as such reflecting a tide dominated system clearly of tidal channel depositional complex that most commonly develop in estuaries and tide dominated delta. Though on the account of the presences of Skolithos ichnofacies, a stressed hydrodynamic regime and indicating extension of tidal channel into the open sea may be very likely. This is generally indicative of a tide dominated oceanographic system in the advancing and inundating Cenomanian transgressive sea that define the coastal realm of the Gongola Sub-basin.
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in People With Inflammatory Joint Disease: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Bell Kirsty , Hendry Gordon , Steultjens Martijn
Published: September 2020

Objective

To determine whether patients with inflammatory joint disease (IJD) meet current guidelines on physical activity, and to determine which factors influence physical activity levels and sedentary behavior (SB) in patients with IJD.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 137 patients with a medical diagnosis of an IJD prior to commencing an NHS‐run inflammatory arthritis exercise program. Physical activity and SB were measured objectively using a thigh‐worn physical activity monitor for 7 consecutive days. Activity levels were subdivided into low physical activity (LPA) and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA). First, activity levels were analyzed against current guidelines of 150 minutes of MVPA per week. Second, time spent in SB, LPA, and MVPA was analyzed against possible determinants.

Results

In total, 29% of patients with IJD met current physical activity guidelines. Patients on average spent 10 hours per day in SB. Poor physical fitness measured by the 6‐minute walk test was the only significant predictor (P = 0.019) of high SB (R2 = 4.7%). Attending an exercise facility in the community (P = 0.034) and low role limitations due to physical health (P = 0.008) predicted high levels of LPA, following a backward multiple regression (R2 = 8.0%). Low role limitations due to emotional problems (P = 0.031), higher physical fitness (P = 0.002), and healthier exercise attitudes and beliefs (P = 0.021) predicted meeting current physical activity guidelines, following a backward conditional logistic regression, explaining between 22.2% and 31.7% of variance.

Conclusion

Patients with IJD are inactive and spent much time in SB. Good general health predicts high activity levels. No disease‐specific factors were found to determine SB, LPA, or MVPA.
Denatonium benzoate bitter taste perception in chronic rhinosinusitis subgroups
Authors: Civantos Alyssa M. , Maina Ivy W. , Arnold Monique , Lin Cailu , Stevens Elizabeth M. , Tan Li Hui , Gleeson Patrick K. , Colquitt Lauren R. , Cowart Beverly J. , Bosso John V. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D. , Kohanski Michael A. , Reed Danielle R. , Cohen Noam A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) have varying levels of inflammation and disease severity. Solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) are enriched in nasal polyps, are the primary source of interleukin 25 (IL‐25) in upper airways, leading to type 2 inflammation, and are activated by bitter‐tasting denatonium benzoate (DB). Thus, we sought to evaluate DB taste perception at a range of concentrations in order to identify 1 that most differentiates CRS subgroups from controls.

Methods

CRSsNP (n = 25), CRSwNP (n = 26), and AERD (n = 27) patients as well as controls (n = 25) tasted 6 DB concentrations in a fixed, random order, rating on a category scale of 0 (no intensity) to 12 (extremely intense). Sinonasal epithelial cultures were treated with and without denatonium and analyzed for IL‐25 via flow cytometry.

Results

CRSsNP patients rated DB as significantly less intense than did controls at all concentrations: 5.62 × 10–9M, 1.00 × 10–8M, 1.78 × 10–8M, 3.16 × 10–8M, 5.62 × 10–8M, and 1.00 × 10–7M (all p < 0.0083). CRSwNP patients did not show significant differences from controls. AERD patients rated DB as significantly more intense than did controls at concentrations of 1.00 × 10–8M and 3.16 × 10–8M (p < 0.0083). In vitro data demonstrated significant increase in IL‐25–positive cells after denatonium stimulation (n = 5), compared to control (n = 5) (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Our findings link in vitro DB stimulation of sinonasal tissue with increased IL‐25 and show differential DB taste perception in CRS subgroups relative to the control group, with CRSsNP being hyposensitive and AERD being hypersensitive. We propose a concentration of 3.16 × 10–8M for future study of clinical utility.
Prevalence and incidence of dementia in an older Chinese population over two decades: The role of education
Authors: Ding Ding , Zhao Qianhua , Wu Wanqing , Xiao Zhenxu , Liang Xiaoniu , Luo Jianfeng , Hong Zhen
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Secular trends of dementia prevalence and incidence have rarely been studied in the Chinese population.

Methods

We examined the changes in dementia prevalence and incidence by comparing data from Shanghai Epidemiological Survey of Dementia and Alzheimer's disease (SESD) and Shanghai Aging Study (SAS) conducted two decades apart.

Findings

The dementia prevalence and incidence in total participants in SAS were higher than that in SESD (prevalence: 6.44% vs 2.30%, P < .001; annual incidence: 2.58% vs 1.33%, P < .001). In participants with ≤6 years of education, the dementia prevalence in SAS was higher than that in SESD (6.39% vs 3.07%, P < .001); the annual dementia incidence in SAS was double that in SESD (3.63% vs 1.80%, P = .019).

Discussion

We observed an increasing trend of dementia prevalence and incidence in the Chinese elderly, especially those with low education. The dramatic rise in numbers of people with dementia may happen most likely in low‐educated populations.
New insights on the population genetic structure of the great scallop (Pecten maximus) in the English Channel, coupling microsatellite data and demogenetic simulations
Authors: Handal William , Szostek Claire , Hold Natalie , Andrello Marco , Thiébaut Eric , Harney Ewan , Lefebvre Gwendoline , Borcier Elodie , Jolivet Aurélie , Nicolle Amandine , Boyé Aurélien , Foucher Eric , Boudry Pierre , Charrier Grégory
Published: September 2020

The great scallop (Pecten maximus) is a commercially important bivalve in Europe, particularly in the English Channel, where fisheries are managed at regional and local scales through the regulation of fishing effort. In the long term, knowledge about larval dispersal and gene flow between populations is essential to ensure proper stock management. Yet, previous population genetic studies have reported contradictory results.

In this study, scallop samples collected across the main fishing grounds along the French and English coasts of the English Channel (20 samples with temporal replicates for three sites, n = 1059 individuals), and the population genetic structure was analysed using 13 microsatellite loci. Coupling empirical genetic data with demogenetic modelling based on a biophysical model simulating larval exchanges among scallop beds revealed a subtle genetic differentiation between south‐west English populations and the rest of the English Channel, which was consistent with larval dispersal simulations.

The present study provides a step forward in the understanding of great scallop population biology in the English Channel, underlining the fact that even in a context of potentially high gene flow and recent divergence times since the end of the last glacial maximum, weak but significant spatial genetic structure can be identified at a regional scale.
Reinforcement strategies for 3D‐concrete‐printing
Authors: Kloft Harald , Empelmann Martin , Hack Norman , Herrmann Eric , Lowke Dirk
Published: September 2020

The ingenious bridge, roof, and shell structures of the last century were designed from the understanding of the congenial interaction of the two materials concrete and steel. Nowadays, reinforced concrete is the most widely used material in construction. The use of system formwork and easy‐to‐install reinforcement support structures that are optimized in terms of labor costs, but often have inefficient use of material. In this context, Stefan Polónyi has repeatedly criticized the engineers' lost understanding of the interaction of concrete and reinforcement. With Additive Manufacturing, an innovative digital manufacturing technology is now available that allows new freedom in concrete design with a resource‐efficient use of materials at the same time. With regard to practical application, the integration of reinforcement represents a central challenge in 3D‐concrete‐printing. The authors see here the future chance of a force‐flow controlled reinforcement layout. The paper shows new strategies for the combined Additive Manufacturing of concrete and reinforcement and presents first 3D‐printed reinforced concrete elements.
Lung cancer and molecular testing in small biopsies versus cytology: The Logics of Worlds
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana , Wiles Austin , Vecchione Andrea
Published: September 2020

The 8th Annual National Molecular Cytopathology Meeting, held in Naples, Italy, on December 2 to 3, 2019, addressed updates in diagnostic cytopathology and molecular classifications and specifically focused on lung cancer biomarker testing in cytology samples. Lung cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed noncutaneous malignancy in the world. In the majority of patients, lung cancers are frequently identified when they cannot be surgically accessed, and this leads to the use of cytology for a diagnosis and theragnostic testing. The meeting was an international forum for discussing new roles and updates for cytopathology in molecular testing as the basis for provoking new trends and novel approaches. The relevant literature is referenced. The significance of these updates for the practice of pathology in general is discussed.
Genomic variation among populations provides insight into the causes of metacommunity survival
Authors: Guzman Laura Melissa , Srivastava Diane S.
Published: September 2020

Predators and prey interact at small spatial scales, but during their lifetime disperse at much larger spatial scales. Trophic metacommunity theory proposes that dispersal is a critical process that determines food web structure at small and large scales. The application of metacommunity theory to empirical systems remains elusive because key parameters such as dispersal and interaction strengths have been very difficult to quantify. Here we develop a novel approach that combines population genomics with mesocosm experiments to parameterize a metacommunity model. Using genotyping‐by‐sequencing, we characterized the dispersal kernels of a predator–prey pair living in a phytotelm metacommunity. We found that the prey dispersed up to 25 km while the predator dispersed only 350 m. We then quantified a functional response for these species using feeding trials. Even without invoking differences in the abiotic niche, our empirically parameterized simulation model produced patterns of population survival and occupancy that were consistent with past observations on the natural system. Importantly we found that these patterns were more likely to be found with simulations based on our observed values than in other regions of potential parameter space. This suggests that the observed dispersal kernels contribute to the dynamics of these species in the metacommunity.
Human and molecular genetics shed lights on fatty liver disease and diabetes conundrum
Authors: Tavaglione Federica , Targher Giovanni , Valenti Luca , Romeo Stefano
Published: September 2020

The causal role of abdominal overweight/obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D) on the risk of fatty liver disease (FLD) has robustly been proven. A consensus of experts has recently proposed the novel definition of ‘metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease, MAFLD’ instead of ‘nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD’, emphasizing the central role of dysmetabolism in the disease pathogenesis. Conversely, a direct and independent contribution of FLD per se on risk of developing T2D is still a controversial topic. When dealing with FLD as a potential risk factor for T2D, it is straightforward to think of hepatic insulin resistance as the most relevant underlying mechanism. Emerging evidence supports genetic determinants of FLD (eg PNPLA3, TM6SF2, MBOAT7, GCKR, HSD17B13) as determinants of insulin resistance and T2D. However, recent studies highlighted that the key molecular mechanism of dysmetabolism is not fat accumulation per se but the degree of hepatic fibrosis (excess liver fat content—lipotoxicity), leading to reduced insulin clearance, insulin resistance and T2D. A consequence of these findings is that drugs that will ameliorate liver fat accumulation and fibrosis in principle may also exert a beneficial effect on insulin resistance and risk of T2D in individuals with FLD. Finally, initial findings show that these genetic factors might be directly implicated in modulating pancreatic beta‐cell function, although future studies are needed to fully understand this relationship.
Convalescent plasma treatment for COVID‐19: Tempering expectations with the influenza experience
Authors: Subbarao Kanta , Mordant Francesca , Rudraraju Rajeev
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the zoonotic coronavirus, SARS‐CoV‐2 has swept the world in 5 months. A proportion of cases develop severe respiratory tract infections progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome and a diverse set of complications involving different organ systems. Faced with a lack of coronavirus‐specific antiviral drugs and vaccines, hundreds of clinical trials have been undertaken to evaluate repurposed drugs. Convalescent plasma from recovered patients is an attractive option because antibodies can have direct or indirect antiviral activity and immunotherapy works well in principle, in animal models, and in anecdotal reports. However, the benefits of convalescent plasma treatment can only be clearly established through carefully designed randomized clinical trials. The experience from investigations of convalescent plasma products for severe influenza offers a cautionary tale. Despite promising pilot studies, large multicenter randomized controlled trials failed to show a benefit of convalescent plasma or hyperimmune intravenous globulin for the treatment of severe influenza A virus infection. These studies provide important lessons that should inform the planning of adequately powered randomized controlled trials to evaluate the promise of convalescent plasma therapy in COVID‐19 patients.
Deciphering the importance of graded poling in piezoelectric materials: A numerical study
Authors: Kiran Raj , Kumar Anuruddh , Sharma Saurav , Kumar Rajeev , Vaish Rahul
Published: September 2020

Piezoelectric materials play an important role in powering nano and microelectromechanical systems. However, these are often limited by their low sensing, actuation, and power outputs. This study proposes a novel poling direction arrangement theoretically in the piezoelectric materials which enhances the output parameters drastically. The poling angle was graded from bottom to top surface of element in linear fashion which helps in utilizing the bending and shear stresses efficiently. The sensing, actuation and energy harvesting performance of Pb[ZrxTi1‐x]O3 in graded mode was compared with those obtained from operating in transverse and shear modes. It was found from finite element simulations that a maximum sensing voltage of 11.85 V was been obtained in graded mode which was around 15 times higher than that obtained in shear mode. Likewise, a maximum strain of 8.2 μm/m and a tip displacement of 34.3 μm was observed in the graded mode. Eventually, the maximum power of 0.12 W was harvested from graded mode harvester followed by shear mode harvester where only : 1.6 × 10−3 W could be harvested. However, the associated challenge with such study is the fabrication and graded poling of piezoelectric which still is an unexplored research area for scientific fraternity.
Contamination and health risk assessment of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum from a total diet study of Jilin Province, China
Authors: Wang Bo , Liu Ya , Wang Hui , Cui Lianzhi , Zhang Zhihao , Guo Jinzhi , Liu Sijie , Cui Weiwei
Published: September 2020

Lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and aluminum (Al) are the four most common heavy metals and can cause serious harm to human health. To evaluate contamination levels and associated safety issues of the four common heavy metals of the residents in Jilin Province, China, a total diet study (TDS) method was used. Concentration and consumption data of the four heavy metals were collected from the fifth Chinese TDS of Jilin province. In total, 12 food groups were studied and two regions were selected for comparison. According to the results, the mean concentration of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum was 0.0189, 0.0691, 0.0085, and 9.309 mg/kg, respectively. Aluminum in deep‐fried dough sticks exceeded the national limit standard. Pollution of the Songhua River Basin is not very different from that of other areas. The average consumer exposure to the four heavy metals in the 2 to 6‐year‐old group was the highest among all age‐groups. Potatoes and their products were the primary sources of dietary exposure to lead. Aquatic products and their related commodities had the highest contribution to arsenic exposure. Vegetables and vegetable products were the main sources of dietary exposure to cadmium. The highest contributor to aluminum in the diet was from cereals and cereal products. In general, there might be some potential risks to the 2 to 6‐year‐old population due to exposure to lead and aluminum. Contamination of aluminum in cereals and cereal products needs further consideration.
Dataset for H2, CH4 and organic compounds formation during experimental serpentinization
Authors: Huang Fang , Barbier Samuel , Tao Renbiao , Hao Jihua , Garcia del Real Pablo , Peuble Steve , Merdith Andrew , Leichnig Vladimir , Perrillat Jean‐Philippe , Fontaine Kathy , Fox Peter , Andreani Muriel , Daniel Isabelle
Published: September 2020

Serpentinization refers to the alteration of ultramafic rocks that produces serpentines and secondary (hydr)oxides under hydrothermal conditions. Serpentinization can generate H2, which in turn can potentially reduce CO/CO2 and produce organic molecules via Fischer–Tropsch type (FTT) and Sabatier type reactions. Over the last two decades, serpentinization has been extensively studied in laboratories, mainly due to its potential applications in prebiotic chemistry, origin of life in extreme environments, development of carbon‐free energies and CO2 sequestration. However, the production of H2 and organics during experimental serpentinization is hugely variable from one publication to another. The experiments span over a large range of pressure and temperature conditions, and starting compositions of fluid and solid phases are also highly variable, which collectively adds up to more than a hundred variables and leads to controversial results. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to compare results between studies, explain their variability and identify key parameters controlling the reactions. To overcome these limitations, we collected and analysed 30 peer‐reviewed articles including over 100 experimental parameters and ca. 30 mineral and organic products, hence building up a database can be completed and implemented in future studies. We then extracted basic statistical information from this dataset and demonstrate how such a comprehensive dataset is essential to better interpret available data and discuss the key parameters controlling the effectiveness of H2, CH4 and other organics production during experimental serpentinization. This is essential to guide the design of future experiments.
CoNiFe2O4@Silica‐SO3H nanoparticles: New recyclable magnetic nanocatalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones/thiones under solvent‐free conditions
Authors: Karimian Azam , Rad Masoud Saadati , Mahdavi Elham
Published: September 2020

A useful and green synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones/thiones derivatives were achieved by one‐pot cyclocondensation between substituted aryl aldehydes, diketone/ketoester, and urea/thiourea using magnetic CoNiFe2O4@Silica‐SO3H nanoparticles under solvent‐free condition. The choice of this approach showed essential advantages such as short reaction time, simple work‐up procedure, high activity of the catalyst, high yield of the reaction products, the magnetic properties of the catalyst, and environmentally amiable conditions. In addition, the catalyst recovered and reused four times without notable loss of its activity. The magnetic CoNiFe2O4@Silica‐SO3H nanoparticles were described by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The products were obtained with excellent yields (88–98%). The formation of the products was confirmed and identified with their physical properties (melting points), the FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectrometry, and the elemental analysis.
Does “Birth” as an Event Impact Maturation Trajectory of Renal Clearance via Glomerular Filtration? Reexamining Data in Preterm and Full‐Term Neonates by Avoiding the Creatinine Bias
Authors: Salem Farzaneh , Johnson Trevor N. , Hodgkinson Arran B. J. , Ogungbenro Kayode , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin
Published: September 2020

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is an important measure of renal function. Various models for its maturation have recently been compared; however, these have used markers, which are subject to different renal elimination processes. Inulin clearance data (a purer probe of GFR) collected from the literature were used to determine age‐related changes in GFR aspects of renal drug excretion in pediatrics. An ontogeny model was derived using a best‐fit model with various combinations of covariates such as postnatal age, gestational age at birth, and body weight. The model was applied to the prediction of systemic clearance of amikacin, gentamicin, vancomycin, and gadobutrol. During neonatal life, GFR increased as a function of both gestational age at birth and postnatal age, hence implying an impact of birth and a discrepancy in GFR for neonates with the same postmenstrual age depending on gestational age at birth (ie, neonates who were outside the womb longer had higher GFR, on average). The difference in GFR between pre‐term and full‐term neonates with the same postmenstrual age was negligible from beyond 1.25 years. Considering both postnatal age and gestational age at birth in GFR ontogeny models is important because postmenstrual age alone ignores the impact of birth. Most GFR models use covariates of body size in addition to age. Therefore, prediction from these models will also depend on the change in anthropometric characteristics with age. The latter may not be similar in various ethnic groups, and this makes the head‐to‐head comparison of models very challenging.
Empiric Therapeutic Anticoagulation and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients With Respiratory Failure From SARS‐CoV‐2: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ferguson John , Volk Stacy , Vondracek Thomas , Flanigan John , Chernaik Andrew
Published: September 2020

The pathophysiology of respiratory failure associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) remains under investigation. One hypothesis is that progressive endothelial damage from the virus leads to microvascular thrombosis. It is uncertain if empiric therapeutic anticoagulation provides benefit over standard deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis in critically ill patients with SARS‐CoV‐2. A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit at 3 hospitals with polymerase chain reaction‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. A Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was used to compare patients who were initiated on therapeutic anticoagulation prior to the time of intubation and those receiving standard DVT prophylaxis doses. The primary outcome was the difference in the 28‐day mortality of patients between the 2 groups. Twenty‐eight‐day mortality did not differ between groups, occurring in 26.1% of patients who received therapeutic anticoagulation and 29.5% of those who received a prophylactic dose only (hazard ratio, 0.52; P = .055). There was no difference in 28‐day mortality between groups in patients who were admitted with a serum D‐dimer ≥ 2 µg/mL (hazard ratio, 0.67; P = .41). Empiric therapeutic anticoagulation in patients who require invasive mechanical ventilation for confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection does not improve 28‐day mortality compared with standard DVT prophylaxis, even among those with elevated D‐dimer levels.
Genotype–Phenotype Correlation of Tracheal Cartilaginous Sleeves and Fgfr2 Mutations in Mice
Authors: Lam Austin S. , Liu Carrie C. , Deutsch Gail H. , Rivera Joshua , Perkins Jonathan A. , Holmes Greg , Jabs Ethylin W. , Cunningham Michael L. , Dahl John P.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To characterize tracheal cartilage morphology in mouse models of fibroblast growth factor receptor (Fgfr2)‐related craniosynostosis syndromes. To establish relationships between specific Fgfr2 mutations and tracheal cartilaginous sleeve (TCS) phenotypes in these mouse models.

Methods

Postnatal day 0 knock‐in mouse lines with disease‐specific genetic variations in the Fgfr2 gene (Fgfr2C342Y/C342Y, Fgfr2C342Y/+, Fgfr2+/Y394C, Fgfr2+/S252W, and Fgfr2+/P253R) as well as line‐specific controls were utilized. Tracheal cartilage morphology as measured by gross analyses, microcomputed tomography (μCT), and histopathology were compared using Chi‐squared and single‐factor analysis of variance statistical tests.

Results

A greater proportion of rings per trachea were abnormal in Fgfr2C342Y/+ tracheas (63%) than Fgfr2+/S252W (17%), Fgfr2+/P253R (17%), Fgfr2+/Y394C (12%), and controls (10%) (P < .001 for each vs. Fgfr2C342Y/+). TCS segments were found only in Fgfr2C342Y/C342Y (100%) and Fgfr2C342Y/+ (72%) tracheas. Cricoid and first‐tracheal ring fusion was noted in all Fgfr2C342Y/C342Y and 94% of Fgfr2C342Y/+ samples. The Fgfr2C342Y/C342Y and Fgfr2C342Y/+ groups were found to have greater areas and volumes of cartilage than other lines on gross analysis and μCT. Histologic analyses confirmed TCS among the Fgfr2C342Y/C342Y and Fgfr2C342Y/+ groups, without appreciable differences in cartilage morphology, cell size, or density; no histologic differences were observed among other Fgfr2 lines compared to controls.

Conclusion

This study found TCS phenotypes only in the Fgfr2C342Y mouse lines. These lines also had increased tracheal cartilage compared to other mutant lines and controls. These data support further study of the Fgfr2 mouse lines and the investigation of other Fgfr2 variants to better understand their role in tracheal development and TCS formation.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:E1349–E1356, 2021
Large‐scale land investments, household displacement, and the effect on land degradation in semiarid agro‐pastoral areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Adugna Eneyew , Drabik Dusan , Dries Liesbeth , Heijman Wim
Published: September 2020

Agro‐pastoral areas in Ethiopia have been targeted by large‐scale land investments, particularly for the establishment of sugar plantations, since the 1970s. This has led to the displacement of local communities. We investigate the impact of this displacement due to large‐scale land investment on land degradation in semiarid agro‐pastoral areas in Ethiopia. We conducted a survey of 866 households in two agro‐pastoral sites in Ethiopia in 2019, where extensive large‐scale land investment was implemented. We use an endogenous (switching) treatment model to assess the effect of the displacement of households on land degradation. The result shows that 75% of the surveyed households experienced moderate–severe land degradation. Forestlands and grasslands are ranked as the most degraded areas. About 43.7% of the households face a reduction in herd size and 55.8% lost land due to large‐scale land investment, while 86% of the households show a substantial decline in crops and livestock productivity due to land degradation. The results also reveal that the displacement of households leads to a significant increase in land degradation. Household exposure to drought and conflict, the number of livestock, overgrazing, and sharecropping are other drivers of land degradation. Market access, extension services, household income, and mobility, on the other hand, limit the occurrence of land degradation. We conclude that the shifts in property rights from common land used by pastoralists to private land in large‐scale plantations aggravate land degradation in semiarid drylands.
An experimental study on intraoperative recovery of recurrent laryngeal nerve function
Authors: Setså Erling J. , Svendsen Øyvind S. , Husby Paul J. , Heimdal John‐Helge , Stangeland Lodve , Dahle Geir O. , Brauckhoff Katrin
Published: September 2020

Objective

If bilateral thyroid surgery is planned and staged thyroidectomy considered in case of loss of neuromonitoring signal (LOS), a waiting time of 20 minutes is suggested for evaluation of early nerve recovery. This recommendation is based on clinical observations and has not been thoroughly validated experimentally.

Methods

Sixteen pigs were randomly studied, and electromyogram (EMG) was continuously recorded during traction injury until an amplitude decrease of 70% from baseline (BL) (16 nerves) or LOS (16 nerves), and further during 40‐minute recovery time. At the end of the experiments, vocal cord twitch was evaluated by video‐laryngoscopy.

Results

In the 70% group, 8 of 16 nerves recovered to or above an amplitude of 50% of baseline after 20 minutes and finally one more after 40 minutes. In the LOS group, only one nerve showed recovery after 20 minutes and one more after 40 minutes. Video‐laryngoscopy revealed good or strong vocal cord twitches, in 10 of 14 nerves in the 70% group and in only 2 of 14 nerves in the LOS group.

Conclusions

The overall intraoperative recovery was low after LOS. Even after 70% amplitude depression, only half of the nerves showed recovery to amplitudes ≥50% of BL. Nerve recovery is dynamic, and a waiting time of 20 minutes seems appropriate for the identification of early nerve recovery before decisions are taken to continue or terminate surgery. The final EMG amplitude was not always well correlated with estimated vocal cord twitch, evaluated by video‐laryngoscopy. This observation needs further investigation.
Effect of nicotinamide supplementation in in vitro fertilization medium on bovine embryo development
Authors: Yuan Yu‐Guo , Mesalam Ayman , Song Seok‐Hwan , Lee Kyeong‐Lim , Xu Lianguang , Joo Myeong‐Don , Kong Il‐Keun
Published: September 2020

Increased oxidative stress is one of the main causes of poorly developed embryos in assisted reproductive technologies. Nicotinamide (NAM) has been shown to suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through its potent antioxidative and anti‐senescent effects. In the present study, we explored the effects of short‐term NAM‐treatment (3 and 5 h) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) on the development of bovine embryos. Treatment with 10 mM NAM for 3 h significantly increased the blastocyst formation but extending the treatment to 5 h did not enhance the benefits any further. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that treatment with 10 mM NAM for 3 h decreased the expression of intracellular ROS, 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanine, caspase‐3, and increased the expression of Sirt1, and incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine in one‐cell stage embryos. Similarly, the level of H3K56ac significantly increased in the NAM‐treated (3 and 5 h) one‐cell stage embryos. Contrastingly, the treatment with 10 mM NAM for 5 h increased the caspase‐9 level in blastocysts. Collectively, these findings suggest that NAM possesses antioxidant activity and supplementation of IVF medium with 10 mM NAM for 3 h improves the in vitro developmental competence of bovine embryos.
A novel sequence to improve auditory functional MRI with variable silent delays
Authors: Shrestha Manoj , Lee H. Sean , Nöth Ulrike , Deichmann Ralf
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Auditory functional MRI (fMRI) often uses silent inter‐volume delays for stimulus presentation. However, maintaining the steady‐state of the magnetization usually requires constant delays. Here, a novel acquisition scheme dubbed “pre‐Saturated EPI using Multiple delays in Steady‐state” (SEPIMS) is proposed, using spin saturation at a fixed delay before each volume to maintain steady‐state conditions, independent of previous spin history. This concept allows for variable inter‐volume delays and thus for flexible stimulus design in auditory fMRI. The purpose was to compare the signal stability of SEPIMS and conventional sparse EPI (CS‐EPI).

Methods

The saturation module comprises two non‐selective adiabatic saturation pulses. The efficiency of the saturation and its effect on the SEPIMS signal stability is tested in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Data show that SEPIMS yields the same signal stability as CS‐EPI, even for extreme variations between inter‐volume delay durations. However, dual saturation pulses are required to achieve sufficiently high saturation efficiency in compartments with long T1 values. Importantly, spoiler gradient pulses after the EPI readout have to be optimized to avoid eddy‐current‐induced image distortions.

Conclusion

The proposed SEPIMS sequence maintains high signal stability in the presence of variable inter‐volume durations, thus allowing for flexible stimulus design.
Classification of parotid gland tumors by using multimodal MRI and deep learning
Authors: Chang Yi‐Ju , Huang Teng‐Yi , Liu Yi‐Jui , Chung Hsiao‐Wen , Juan Chun‐Jung
Published: September 2020

Various MRI sequences have shown their potential to discriminate parotid gland tumors, including but not limited to T2‐weighted, postcontrast T1‐weighted, and diffusion‐weighted images. In this study, we present a fully automatic system for the diagnosis of parotid gland tumors by using deep learning methods trained on multimodal MRI images. We used a two‐dimensional convolution neural network, U‐Net, to segment and classify parotid gland tumors. The U‐Net model was trained with transfer learning, and a specific design of the batch distribution optimized the model accuracy. We also selected five combinations of MRI contrasts as the input data of the neural network and compared the classification accuracy of parotid gland tumors. The results indicated that the deep learning model with diffusion‐related parameters performed better than those with structural MR images. The performance results (n = 85) of the diffusion‐based model were as follows: accuracy of 0.81, 0.76, and 0.71, sensitivity of 0.83, 0.63, and 0.33, and specificity of 0.80, 0.84, and 0.87 for Warthin tumors, pleomorphic adenomas, and malignant tumors, respectively. Combining diffusion‐weighted and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted images did not improve the prediction accuracy. In summary, the proposed deep learning model could classify Warthin tumor and pleomorphic adenoma tumor but not malignant tumor.
Does economic progress and electricity price induce electricity demand: A new appraisal in context of Tunisia
Authors: Talbi Besma , Jebli Mehdi Ben , Bashir Muhammad Farhan , Shahzad Umer
Published: September 2020

This article discusses the residential electricity (RE) demand in Tunisia as a function of household disposable real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the price of electricity (PE) and the degree of urbanization (U) spanning the period 1980–2018. To do that, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound model and Granger causality test are employed to examine the influencing factors of the changes in RE demand, and to discuss the directions of short and long‐run causalities among the variables. The empirical result shows that all variables are integrated of order one, I (1). The Fisher statistics of the Wald test confirms that variables are cointegrated. Long‐run elasticities suggest that, in the long‐run, electricity price and urbanization have a significant and positive impact on RE demand, while real GDP contributes insignificantly to the decrease of RE demand in Tunisia. Granger causality empirics suggests that in short run, there is bidirectional causality between RE demand and electricity price, and between RE demand and urbanization, and a unidirectional causality from real GDP and urbanization to electricity price, and from real GDP to urbanization.
Feasibility and preliminary outcomes of an integrated pediatric sickle cell disease and pulmonary care clinic for children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Black L. Vandy , Ezmigna Dima , Wallace‐Farquharson Tanya , Wilkie Diana J. , Duckworth Laurie
Published: September 2020

Background

In children with sickle cell disease (SCD), comorbid asthma is associated with increased disease severity and morbidity, but it remains underdiagnosed and optimal management paradigms are not well defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of an integrated pediatric SCD and pulmonary care clinic in children with SCD.

Methods

We implemented a pre‐post quality improvement (QI) project in our pediatric hematology clinic between 2017 and 2019. Guided by the chronic care model, patients who were ages 2‐18 years, diagnosed with SCD and suspected pulmonary comorbidities, received care in an interdisciplinary clinic. We examined feasibility and compared clinical outcomes to 24 months prior (2015‐2017) to the implementation of the integrated care model.

Results

Twenty‐four patients were included in the QI project: 88% (n = 21) received pulmonary function testing, 92% (n = 22) were diagnosed with asthma, and 33% (n = 8) with obstructive sleep apnea. Adherence to pulmonary appointments was increased by 81% (mean difference [MD] = 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71‐1.92; P < .001). Unplanned acute health care utilization was reduced by 59% (MD = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.14‐4.69; P < .01) and packed red blood cell transfusion was reduced by 81% (MD = 1.38, 95% CI = 0.71‐2.04; P < .001).

Conclusion

Asthma is prevalent in children with SCD, and interdisciplinary clinics can improve access to subspecialty pulmonary care and reduce unplanned acute care. Additional patients and a longer follow‐up period are required to determine the true treatment effect.
The recording and prevalence of Inflammatory bowel disease in girls' primary care medical Spanish records
Authors: Martín‐Merino Elisa , Martín‐Pérez Mar , Castillo‐Cano Belén , Montero‐Corominas Dolores
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) recording validation among girls in the Spanish Primary Care Database For Pharmacoepidemiological Research (BIFAP).

Methods

In this observational study, girls aged 9 to 18 years registered in BIFAP between 2002 and 2016, were followed up until there was a recorded IBD diagnosis or a referral to specialist indicating IBD. Anonymized profiles were reviewed to retrieve diagnosis confirmation (a positive colonoscopy or biopsy, specialist, or physician's comments mentioning the IBD diagnosis) or discarding (negative procedure results, alternative diagnosis, or family history). “possible” IBD were profiles missing that evidence, or had suspected IBD. The prescriptions of intestinal anti‐inflammatory agents, azatioprine, and mercaptopurine were collected. The prevalence of IBD was estimated after review.

Results

Out of 480 634 girls, 323 had a first ever recorded IBD, of which, 37.8% (N = 122) were “confirmed” incident IBD diagnosis, 19.8% (N = 64) discarded and 38.7% (N = 125) “possible” IBD. Additionally, 12 IBD records (3.7%) referred to prevalent IBD. Prescriptions were recorded in 94.3% (confirmed), 63.2% (possible), 83.3% (prevalent), and 3.1% (discarded) IBD cases. Prevalence was 52.83 “confirmed” or 93.58/105 girls when “possible” IBD were added.

Conclusions

For a third of the girls, the first recorded IBD included evidence confirming the diagnosis while most of those with missing evidence had treatment indicated for IBD. For research focused in sensitivity, an algorithm including “possible” plus “confirmed” episodes is recommended, whereas only “confirmed” to guarantee higher predictive value. Prevalence suggests that IBD is not a rare disease among girls.
Overview of gene therapy in spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Abreu Nicolas J. , Waldrop Megan A.
Published: September 2020

Both 5q‐linked spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are fatal monogenic neuromuscular disorders caused by loss‐of‐function mutations. SMA is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting motor neurons that is typically caused by homozygous whole‐gene deletions of SMN1. DMD is an X‐linked recessive muscle disease most often due to exon deletions, but also duplications and smaller sized variants within the DMD gene. Gene replacement therapy offers the opportunity to correct the underlying genetic defect by the introduction of a functional gene. We review the transformative work from clinical trials to United States Food and Drug Administration approval of onasemnogene abeparvovec‐xioi in SMA and its application in clinical practice and the early results of microdystrophin delivery in DMD. We also review the introduction of antisense oligonucleotides to alter pre‐messenger RNA splicing to promote exon inclusion (as in nusinersen in SMA) or exclusion (as in eteplirsen in DMD) into neuromuscular therapeutics. There are multiple promising novel genetically mediated therapies on the horizon, which in aggregate point towards a hopeful future for individuals with SMA and DMD.
Diagnosis and management of mild to moderate psoriasis
Authors: Le Roux Emma , Frow Helen
Published: September 2020

Psoriasis is a common long‐term inflammatory skin condition, which when mild or moderate in severity can be managed effectively with topical treatments and lifestyle advice. This article focuses on the management of mild to moderate psoriasis in primary care.
Energy‐based finite‐time stabilization and H∞ control of stochastic nonlinear systems
Authors: Wang Min , Liu Yanhong , Cao Guizhou , Owens David H.
Published: September 2020

The finite‐time stabilization and H∞ control of stochastic nonlinear systems was investigated in this article. First, we discussed the relationship between the finite‐time stability and the dissipation property by transforming the stochastic nonlinear system to its equivalent Hamiltonian formulation. It was showed that the stochastic dissipative Hamiltonian system is finite‐time stable in probability if the system is strictly dissipative and the Hamiltonian function possessed some special forms. Then, by the energy shaping and damping injection technique, we reformulate the internal structure matrix and the Hamiltonian function to construct a finite‐time stabilization controller for stochastic nonlinear systems. Moreover, for uncertain stochastic nonlinear systems, an H∞ finite‐time robust controller was put forward by utilizing the Hamiltonian function to construct a solution for the Hamiltonian‐Jacobi Inequality. Finally, we proposed a finite‐time stabilization and a finite‐time H∞ controller for the inverted cart‐pendulum system to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Green Synthesis Strategy for New Schiff‐Base Complexes: Characterization, Conductometry, In Vitro Assay Confirmed by In Silico Approach
Authors: Katouah Hanadi , Hameed Ahmed M. , Alharbi Arwa , Alkhatib Fatmah , Shah Reem , Alzahrani Seraj , Zaky Rania , El‐Metwaly Nashwa M.
Published: September 2020

Proceeding from the view concerning the environmental safety, the green synthesis approach was implemented in this study to synthesize new Schiff base complexes. All compounds were characterized by spectroscopic, analytical and theoretical techniques. Octahedral configuration was proposed for all complexes except Pd(II) one which has square‐planer geometry. The ligand coordinated towards metal ions through bi‐dentate or tri‐dentate in mono‐negative or neutral state. DFT method in material studio package, was used to optimize structural forms for most compounds. Conductometric titrations were carried out for Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions to estimate association and formation constants in solutions at presence or absence of H2L ligand. Hirshfeld surface properties were estimated by using Crystal explorer 3.1 program. The data proposed well molecular packing in crystal systems of Pd(II) and Co(II) complexes. Drug‐likeness study as well as MOE‐docking simulation were done to put an expectation for biological efficiency, which point to the priority of the ligand and its Pd(II) and Zn(II) complexes. Prolonged biological screening was made to evaluate the effectiveness of all new compounds in comparing to standard drugs. The ligand and its Zn(II) complex were the most effective compounds towards variable microbes, free radical producers and colorectal carcinoma cells lines.
Photoelectrochemistry of Self‐Limiting Electrodeposition of Ni Film onto GaAs
Authors: Xu Yin , Ahmed Rasin , Zheng Jiyuan , Hoglund Eric R. , Lin Qiyuan , Berretti Enrico , Lavacchi Alessandro , Zangari Giovanni
Published: September 2020

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) provides a suitable bandgap (1.43 eV) for solar spectrum absorption and allows a larger photovoltage compared to silicon, suggesting great potential as a photoanode toward water splitting. Photocorrosion under water oxidation condition, however, leads to decomposition or the formation of an insulating oxide layer, which limits the photoelectrochemical performance and stability of GaAs. In this work, a self‐limiting electrodeposition method of Ni on GaAs is reported to either generate ultra‐thin continuous film or nanoislands with high particle density by controlling deposition time. The self‐limiting growth mechanism is validated by potential transients, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy composition and depth profile measurements. This deposition method exhibits a rapid nucleation, forms an initial metallic layer followed by a hydroxide/oxyhydroxide nanofilm on the GaAs surface and is independent of layer thickness versus deposition time when coalescence is reached. A photocurrent up to 8.9 mA cm−2 with a photovoltage of 0.11 V is obtained for continuous ultrathin films, while a photocurrent density of 9.2 mA cm−2 with a photovoltage of 0.50 V is reached for the discontinuous nanoislands layers in an aqueous solution containing the reversible redox couple K3Fe(CN)6/K4Fe(CN)6.