bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning, expression, and characterization of a novel sericin‐like protein
Authors: Bostan Fatmanur , Surmeli Nur Basak
Published: December 2020

Silk consists of two proteins called fibroin and sericin. While fibroin is used in the textile industry and has various biomaterial applications, sericin has been considered as waste material until recently. Sericin is a multicomponent protein and it has important properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, cryoprotectivity, and antioxidant. Sericin from silkworm cocoons can be obtained by chemical, enzymatic, and heat treatment methods. However, sericin obtained with these treatment methods is not of consistent and high quality. Moreover, the exposure of sericin to harsh conditions during extraction leads to inconsistencies in the composition and structure of the sericin obtained. The inconsistencies in sericin structure and composition decrease application of sericin as a biomaterial. Here, we produce a sericin‐like protein (Ser4mer) with native sequence of sericin encoding four repeats of the conserved 38 amino acid motif recombinantly in Escherichia coli and characterize its structural properties. Ser4mer protein shows similar structure to native sericin and higher solubility than previously obtained recombinant sericin‐like proteins. Recombinant production of a soluble sericin‐like protein will significantly expand its applications as a biomaterial. In addition, recombinant production of silk proteins will allow us to understand sequence–structure relationships in these proteins.
The CB1R rs2023239 receptor gene variant significantly affects the reinforcing effects of nicotine, but not cue reactivity, in human smokers
Authors: Chukwueke Chidera C. , Kowalczyk William J. , Gendy Marie , Taylor Richard , Tyndale Rachel F. , Le Foll Bernard , Heishman Stephen J.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) has been shown in preclinical studies to be involved in nicotine reinforcement and relapse‐like behavior. The common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2023239 may code for an alternative CB1R protein, alter CB1R expression, and be involved in nicotine dependence. To date, no study has explored the relationship between this SNP in CB1R and specific phenotypes of nicotine dependence.

Methods

The current study investigated the influence of CB1R rs2023239 in nicotine reinforcement and craving in regular cigarette smokers. Current smokers (n = 104, cigarettes per day ≥ 10) were genetically grouped (C allele group vs. No C allele group) and underwent laboratory measures of nicotine reinforcement and smoking cue‐elicited craving. Nicotine reinforcement was assessed using a forced choice paradigm, while a cue‐reactivity procedure measured cue‐elicited craving.

Results

These results show that smokers with the C allele variant (CC + CT genotypes) experienced a lower nicotine reinforcement effect compared to those without the C allele (TT genotype). These results were similar in both our subjective and behavioral reinforcement measures, though the subjective effects did not withstand controlling for race. There was no difference between genotype groups with respect to cue‐elicited craving, suggesting a lack of influence in cue reactivity.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results suggest that the variation in the CB1R (i.e., rs2023239 SNP) may play a larger role in nicotine reinforcement compared to cue reactivity. This work provides impetus to further understand the physiological mechanisms that explain how CB1Rs influence nicotine dependence phenotypes.
Peptide Vectors Carry Pyrene to Cell Organelles Allowing Real‐Time Quantification of Free Radicals in Mitochondria by Time‐Resolved Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Wawi Mohamad Jamal , Bijoux Amandine , Inguimbert Nicolas , Mahler Christoph , Wagner Stephan , Marder Todd B. , Ribou Anne‐Cécile
Published: December 2020

Real‐time quantification of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (ROS) in cells is of paramount importance as they are essential for cellular functions. Their excessive formation contributes to the dysfunction of cells and organisms, ultimately leading to cell death. As ROS are mostly produced in the mitochondria, we have synthesized a fluorescent probe able to reach this organelle to detect and quantify, in real time, the variation of ROS by time‐resolved microfluorimetry. The new probes are based on the long fluorescence lifetime of pyrene butyric acid (PBA). Two PBA isomers, attached at their 1‐ or 2‐positions to a peptide vector to target mitochondria, were compared and were shown to allow the measurement of free radical species and oxygen, but not non‐radical species such as H2O2.
Venous bullet embolism to the right ventricle: Case report and review of management
Authors: Henderson Luke , Wachsman Ashley , Chikwe Joanna , Esmailian Fardad
Published: December 2020

Intravascular missile emboli to the right heart should be retrieved surgically if the risk of surgical complication due to sternotomy and cardiotomy is low. Endovascular retrieval is another possible method of extraction to be considered.
Burkitt lymphoma in children causing an osteolytic lesion in the mandible: A case report
Authors: De Coninck Wouter , Govaerts Dries , Bila Michel , Vansteenkiste Griet , Uyttebroeck Anne , Tousseyn Thomas , Politis Constantinus
Published: December 2020

Imaging is the first step in diagnosing a persistent swelling of the jaw. A lymphoma in the jaw typically manifests as a poorly defined osteolytic lesion. A biopsy is mandatory and will result in definite diagnosis.
Preparation and physical‐biological characterization on titanium doped fluorophosphate nanobioglass: Bone implants
Authors: Sankaralingam Pugalanthi Pandian , Sakthivel Poornimadevi , Andinadar Subbiah Priscilla , Rahumathulla Jenifabegum , Chinnaswamy Thangavel Vijayakumar
Published: December 2020

In bone tissue repair, metallic implants like screws, pins, plates, stents are considered as boon for patients but it has the disadvantage of being a foreign body and can never get absorbed or get converted to bone. These metallic implants serve the purpose often temporarily, but it fails to attain the mechanical, elastic properties near to that of the normal human bones. To circumvent these drawbacks, the preparation of nanobioglasses having titanium and different proportions of fluoride using melt quenching method is reported. The physical, thermal, and elastic properties of the materials were characterized by their densities, thermal transitions, and elastic moduli by ultrasonic study. The in vitro degradation and bioactivity of these nanobioglasses were assessed by immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). The hydroxyapatite(HAp) formation was assessed by the variation in pH over 21 days and its presence was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDS. Human osteo sarcoma MG‐63(ATCC‐1427), SAOS‐2(ATCC‐85), and gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS)(ATCC‐1739) cell lines were used to evaluate cytotoxicity of the bioglasses by MTT assay. The biological efficiency of titanium doped fluorophosphate enhancing bone formation was assessed by the capacity of the ionic dissolution products of the bioglasses to enhance the osteocalcin and ALP activity. The phosphate‐based titanium nanobioglasses doped with fluoride possesses elastic strength nearer to the normal human bone, higher bone bonding ability and the rate of biodegradation equaling the rate of bone formation than the commercially available bioglass.
Documenting the course of loss of control over eating prior to, during and after pregnancy among women with pre‐pregnancy overweight and obesity
Authors: Donofry Shannon D. , Emery Rebecca L. , Kolko Conlon Rachel P. , Germeroth Lisa J. , Wang Bang , Cheng Yu , Levine Michele D.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Loss of control over eating (LOC) is common among women, particularly those with overweight and obesity (OV/OB), and predicts weight gain. Given the importance of understanding weight and eating behaviors during pregnancy, we sought to characterize LOC across pregnancy and the postpartum period among women with pre‐pregnancy OV/OB.

Methods

Pregnant women (N = 257; 28.44 ± 5.48 years old) with self‐reported OV/OB prior to pregnancy were interviewed using a pregnancy‐adapted version of the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE‐PV). Pre‐pregnancy LOC was retrospectively assessed during the first trimester and then prospectively assessed monthly throughout pregnancy and postpartum over the course of seven assessments.

Results

Rates of LOC were significantly higher during pregnancy compared to prior to (=44.845, p < .01) and after (=36.379, p < .01) pregnancy, with 37% (n = 95) of women reporting ≥1 LOC episode during pregnancy. LOC during pregnancy was associated with higher likelihood of LOC postpartum. Higher age (OR = 1.084, p = .04) and identifying as a minority (OR = 0.344, p = .02) was associated with greater likelihood of experiencing LOC during pregnancy only.

Discussion

LOC during pregnancy is common among women with pre‐pregnancy OV/OB, suggesting that screening and intervention for LOC during pregnancy may be warranted. Future research is necessary to examine the relationship between LOC during pregnancy and maternal and infant health outcomes.
Harnessing the Unique Features of 2D Materials toward Dendrite‐free Metal Anodes
Authors: Cao Zhenjiang , Zhang Yongzheng , Cui Yanglansen , Gu Jianan , Du Zhiguo , Shi Yongzheng , Shen Kai , Chen Hao , Li Bin , Yang Shubin
Published: December 2020

Electrochemically active metal anodes, such as lithium, sodium, potassium, and zinc, have attracted great research interests in the advanced rechargeable batteries owing to their superior theoretical energy densities. Unfortunately, the metal anodes suffer from the huge volume changes with loss of active materials during the plating and stripping processes, resulting in fast capacity decay. Moreover, the random growth of dendrites on the metal anodes will penetrate the separator, causing severe safety issues. Engineering metal anodes by introducing the 2D materials are widely investigated to alleviate these issues. Benefitting from the ultrathin structure feature and unique electrical properties, 2D materials are regarded as one of the best host of metal anodes. Besides, the tunable active sites on basal plane enable 2D materials to achieve favorable interaction with metal anodes. Moreover, some 2D materials exhibit good mechanical strength and flexibility, serving as building block for the artificial solid electrolyte interphase. In this review, we mainly disclosed the correlations between the intrinsic properties of 2D materials and their functions in guiding uniform nucleation, controlling the growth of metals, and accommodating the volume change. Also, the challenges of 2D materials in metal anodes are well discussed. Finally, the future directions to develop high‐performance metal anodes by taking advantage of these unique features of 2D materials are proposed.
PRADOC: a trial on the efficiency of a transition care management plan for hospitalized patients with heart failure in France
Authors: Duflos Claire , Labarre Jean‐Philippe , Ologeanu Roxana , Robin Marie , Cayla Guillaume , Galinier Michel , Georger Frédéric , Petroni Thibaut , Alarcon Clément , Aguilhon Sylvain , Delonca Christine , Battistella Pascal , Agullo Audrey , Leclercq Florence , Pasquie Jean‐Luc , Papinaud Laurence , Mercier Grégoire , Ricci Jean‐Etienne , Roubille François
Published: December 2020

Aims

Transition care programmes are designed to improve coordination of care between hospital and home. For heart failure patients, meta‐analyses show a high efficacy but with moderate evidence level. Moreover, difficulties for implementation of such programmes limit their extrapolation.

Methods and results

We designed a mixed‐method study to assess the implementation of the PRADO‐IC, a nationwide transition programme that aims to be offered to every patient with heart failure in France. This programme consists essentially in an administrative assistance to schedule follow‐up visits and in a nurse follow‐up during 2 to 6 months and aims to reduce the annual heart failure readmission rate by 30%. This study assessed three quantitative aims: the cost to avoid a readmission for heart failure within 1 year (primary aim, intended sample size 404 patients), clinical care pathways, and system economic outcomes; and two qualitative aims: perceived problems and benefits of the PRADO‐IC. All analyses will be gathered at the end of study for a joint interpretation. Strengths of this study design are the randomized controlled design, the population included in six centres with low motivation bias, the primary efficiency analysis, the secondary efficacy analyses on care pathway and clinical outcomes, and the joint qualitative analysis. Limits are the heterogeneity of centres and of intervention in a control group and parallel development of other new therapeutic interventions in this field.

Conclusions

The results of this study may help decision‐makers to support an administratively managed transition programme.
A Low Temperature Self‐Assembled ZrO2 Layer as a Surface Modification for High Energy Density Ni‐Rich Cathode Materials in a Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Ho Van-Chuong , An Hyejin , Hong Meihua , Lee Suhyun , Kim Jineun , Park Min Bum , Mun Junyoung
Published: December 2020

Ni‐rich layered oxide cathodes are an immediately applicable alternative for meeting the high energy density demand of lithium‐ion batteries. The most significant hurdle of Ni‐rich layered cathode materials is their poor cyclability because of their increasing surface resistance due to their electrochemically reactive surfaces causing side reactions and the occurrence of Li/Ni cation mixing. Surface coating has been extensively studied for safeguarding particles, thereby leading to increases in electrochemical performance; however, the synthesis conditions must be carefully controlled due to the fragile surface of a Ni‐rich layered cathode. Herein, an effective coating method with self‐assembled ZrO2 (SA–ZrO2) on the surface of a Ni‐rich layered cathode material, LiNi0.82Co0.09Mn0.09O2 (NCM82), through a low‐temperature self‐combustion reaction is proposed. SA–ZrO2 is built by a combustion reaction of Zr(SO4)2·4H2O and thioacetamide to improve the surface stability of the cathode. In addition, a very small content of SOx is retained from the precursor, which promotes high lithium diffusion on the surface. Systematic analyses by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy demonstrate that this highly homogeneous ZrO2 coating layer, which is prepared at a low temperature of 500 °C, largely enhances the electrochemical performance in the half‐cell and full‐cell.
Enhancement of Electron Collection and Light Trapping of Inclined GaN and AlGaN Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Liu Lei , Lu Feifei , Tian Jian , Zhangyang Xingyue
Published: December 2020

The structural design of excellent absorption and electron collection is the main challenge of the nanowire array (NWA) photocathode. Herein, the light trapping and photoemission performance of GaN and graded compositional AlGaN‐inclined NWA are systematically researched. The finite‐difference time domain method (FDTD) is used to calculate the light absorption under different inclined angles and array spacings. The results show that the NWA with an inclined angle of 0.4°–0.6° has greater light‐trapping capacity, which obtains up to 97% light absorption at a wavelength of 267 nm. The inclined graded compositional AlGaN NWA with a built‐in electric field has better photoemission performance. The external electric field further improves the electron collection capacity of the NWA cathode. The inclined AlGaN NWA cathode with the best parameters θ = 0.6°, L = 180 nm, and Eout = 2 V μm−1 obtains a quantum efficiency of 47.57% and collection efficiency of 31.09%. The study of the inclined graded compositional AlGaN NWA cathode assisted by the electric field provides an effective method for further utilization of incident light and emitted electrons.
Sulfur‐Implanted Carbon Dots‐Embedded Graphene as Ultrastable Anode for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gottam Ramesh , Zhang Xiangxin , Chen Jiang , Xue Xilai , Zhang Yining
Published: December 2020

Sulfur doping in carbonaceous materials is an effective approach to improve the performance of Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, sulfur‐implanted carbon dots‐embedded graphene (S‐CDs/rGO) as an anode material for LIBs is reported. A facile method is used to prepare S‐CDs/rGO by annealing the mixture of benzyl disulfide (BDS) and graphene oxide (GO). Herein, BDS serves as both the sulfur source and precursor of CDs. S‐CDs/rGO as an anode material for LIB delivers initial specific capacities of 938.8 mAh g−1 (first cycle) and 598.6 mAh g−1 (second cycle) at a current density of 100 mA g−1. S‐CDs/rGO exhibits superior cycling performance with good capacity retentions of 78.8% (500 cycles), 61.5% (2000 cycles), and 75.7% (2000 cycles) at higher current densities of 1000, 2000, and 3000 mA g−1, respectively. Moreover, the full cell assembly of the prepared S‐CDs/rGO as an anode and commercial LiFePO4 as a cathode in the voltage range of 1.5–3.9 V delivers a high reversible capacity of 203.3 mAh g−1 after extensive 1000 cycles at 500 mA g−1 with 51.8% retention (a low fading rate of 0.049% per cycle), rendering it as a promising anode material for application in high‐performance LIBs.
An engineering‐oriented variable water flow air‐conditioning system terminal flow rate estimation method based on component flow resistance characteristics
Authors: Zhao Tianyi , Sun Yue , Liu Zhongjie , Li Kuishan
Published: December 2020

Water flow rate plays an important role in the modeling prediction, fault detection and diagnosis, and performance optimization of the variable water flow air‐conditioning (VWFAC) system. However, flowmeters employed by the system's terminals have not been widely used in engineering applications for the constraints in installation space and high installation and retrofit costs. Therefore, in this study, a terminal flow rate estimation method is proposed for the VWFAC system to reduce the dependency on flowmeters. The water flow rate estimation model is developed based on the flow resistance characteristics inside the air handling unit (AHU) and was trained and verified at the Monitoring and Control Laboratory established in the Dalian University of Technology. The results indicate that the maximum root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) during the training and validation sessions are 0.038 m3/h and 0.028 m3/h, respectively, while the corresponding mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) are below 1.4% and 6.5%, which is acceptable for engineering applications. To improve the flow rate estimation accuracy of the model, water temperature, water flow rate, and pressure difference are suggested to cover a wide varied range during the training session as much as possible. Systematic error is an important index in determining the demands for sensor's accuracy class. According to the results of water flow rate, the systematic errors of the estimates are ranged between 0.51% and 0.76%, only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the measurements systematic errors. Based on the error propagation theory, the water flow rate estimates would be reliable if the systematic error of the pressure measurements does not over twice that of the water flow rate measurements. This flow rate estimation method can be further applied to other thermal engineering systems to bring considerable economic benefits for engineering applications.
Selective embolization of lingual artery in transoral robotic surgery for the management of recurrent base of tongue carcinomas
Authors: Rao Vishal U. S. , Subash Anand , R. Bhargavi Vidya , Sinha Piyush , Bagadia Ritvi K. , Kudpaje Akshay , Arakeri Gururaj , Subbanna Indusekhara
Published: December 2020

Background

The incidence of oropharyngeal carcinoma has been on the rise in recent decades. About 30% of patients who undergo definitive chemoradiation as the initial treatment present with residual/recurrent disease. In such a situation, surgical salvage either in the form of traditional open surgery or transoral robotic surgery (TORS) remains a viable treatment option. However, the extensive vascular supply of the posterior tongue and tonsillar bed increases the risk of perioperative bleeding, which is a key concern. The article describes the technique of selective pre‐operative embolization to reduce the risk of perioperative bleeding and enumerate its advantages in providing a bloodless field during surgery.

Methods

Prospective study of 5 patients with recurrent or residual midline BOT tumours who underwent TORS after selective lingual artery embolization at our centre.

Results and Conclusions

None of the patients had any major perioperative bleeding or post procedural complications. All the patients after TORS had their tongue vascularity preserved with adequate recovery of tongue functions. Selective embolization of the feeder vessels provides a favorable bloodless surgical field without affecting the vascular integrity of the remnant tongue. This added advantage helps restoring the normal oral phase of swallowing.
Recent trends for the management of hypertension in older adults in Latin America in the context of universal coverage: Evidence from Mexico
Authors: Arredondo Armando , Recamán Ana Lucia , Suarez‐Herrera José Carlos , Cuadra Silvia Magali
Published: December 2020

Taking the Mexican case as a tracer of what is happening in Latin America on public health, we estimate the recent changes and challenges for the management of hypertension in older adults in the context of universal health coverage. The population base was 200, and 308 reported cases of older adults with hypertension. The cost‐evaluation method used was based on the instrumentation and consensus technique. Regarding epidemiological changes for 2016 versus 2018, there is an increase of 21% (CI: 95%, p < 0.001). Comparing the economic impact in 2016 versus 2018 (CI: 95%, p < 0.001), the increase is 33%. The total amount estimated for hypertension in 2018 (in US dollars) was $ 1,896,520,273. It includes $ 898,064,979 as direct costs and $ 998,455,294 as indirect costs. The recent trends show that the financial requirements for the coming years do not guarantee the effectiveness of the coverage rates required for the elderly. In terms of catastrophic expenditure, the challenge is not minor, the greatest economic burden is for the pocket of patients and their families.
γ‐d‐Glutamyl‐meso‐diaminopimelic acid induces autophagy in bovine hepatocytes during nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 1‐mediated inflammation
Authors: Roy Animesh Chandra , Chang Guangjun , Roy Shipra , Ma Nana , Gao Qianyun , Shen Xiangzhen
Published: December 2020

Autophagy is a crucial cellular homeostatic process and an important part of the host defense system. Dysfunction in autophagy enhances tissue susceptibility to infection and multiple diseases. However, the role of nucleotide oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) in autophagy in bovine hepatocytes is not well known. Therefore, our aim was to study the contribution of NOD1 to autophagy during inflammation in response to a specific ligand γ‐d‐glutamyl‐meso‐diaminopimelic acid (iE‐DAP). To achieve this aim, hepatocytes separated from cows at ∼160 days in milk (DIM) were divided into six groups: the nontreated control (CON) group, the rapamycin‐treated (RAP) group as a positive control, the iE‐DAP‐treated (DAP) group, the 3‐MA‐treated (MA) group, the rapamycin with 3‐MA (RM) group, and the iE‐DAP with 3‐MA (DM) group. iE‐DAP administration significantly increased the mRNA expression of NOD1, ATG16L1, RIPK2, ULK1, AMBRA1, DFCP1, WIPI1, ATG5, ATG7, ATG10, ATG4A, IκBα, NF‐κB, CXCL1, IL‐8, and STAT6 and significantly decreased PIK3C3. The protein expression of NOD1, p‐IκBα, p‐NF‐κB/p‐p65, LC3‐II, ATG5, and beclin 1 were significantly upregulated and that of SQSTM1/p62, p‐mTOR, and FOXA2 were significantly downregulated in response to iE‐DAP. iE‐DAP also induced the formation of LC3‐GFP autophagic puncta in bovine hepatocytes. We also knocked down the NOD1 with siRNA. NOD1 silencing suppressed the autophagy and inflammation‐related genes and proteins. The application of the autophagy inhibitor increased the expression of inflammatory molecules and alleviated autophagy‐associated molecules. Taken together, these findings suggest that NOD1 is a key player for regulating both ATG16L1 and RIPK2‐ULK1 directed autophagy during inflammation in response to iE‐DAP in bovine hepatocytes.
Measurable reflection in simulation: A pilot study
Authors: Lundquist Lindsay L. , Bilich Lisa A. , Jackson Sarah C. , Stevens Kevin V. , Tipton Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Debriefing is considered a cornerstone in the success of simulated learning practices. For debriefing to be productive and meaningful, reflection of the learners is essential. Measuring reflection during debriefing has proven to be difficult. This study aimed to validate a reflection rubric based on Kolb's Theory of Experiential Learning and integrate the assessment tool into simulation debriefing practice.

Methods

This research was a non‐experimental mixed‐methods, sequential explanatory design. Validation for the rubric was accomplished by expert content review and an observation process. Students participated in a standardized patient simulation (SPS) portraying a patient with bipolar disorder. The SPS debriefings were recorded and thematically coded to determine the quality and level of reflection of the students according to the following rubric criteria based on Kolb's theory: (1) Concrete Experience, (2) Reflective Observation, (3) Abstract Conceptualism, and (4) Active Experimentation. A descriptive statistical analysis of student responses was applied.

Results

The Debriefing Reflection Rubric was successful in determining the level of reflection in the dental hygiene students; further descriptive results were evaluated by a thematic analysis of student responses (N = 173). Student responses demonstrated reflective observations and concrete experiences (n = 112); however, dental hygiene students demonstrated limited responses (n = 61) to abstract conceptualism and connecting their experience to future goals and experimentation.

Conclusion

The Debriefing Reflection Rubric, based on Kolb's Theory of Experiential Learning, was successful in measuring a learner's level and quality of reflection during a simulation debriefing.
A preclinical hybrid curriculum and its impact on dental student learning outcomes
Authors: Farah‐Franco Sandra Maurice , Hasel Robert , Tahir Analia , Chui Brian , Ywom James , Young Briana , Singh Menmeet , Turchi Scott , Pape Gary , Henson Bradley
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to measure how the implementation of an online, preclinical hybrid curriculum impacts dental student clinic readiness, the outcomes of grades, critical thinking skills, and student and faculty perceptions respectively.

Methods

This longitudinal comparative and descriptive study used objective data and subjective (survey) data for 4 dental class cohorts. Groups A and B experienced a traditional lecture‐based curriculum, while Groups C and D experienced a hybrid curriculum that was lecture‐free and implemented active learning. The Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT), an objective assessment, was used to measure students’ critical thinking skills.

Results

Dental student outcomes have either remained steady or improved with the transition to a new hybrid curriculum. According to the student and faculty survey results, the hybrid curriculum promoted student learning, independence, critical thinking, initiative and self‐motivation, and clinic practice readiness. Group C (N = 68) Total Online Platform mean scores demonstrated a significant and moderately strong correlation with the preclinical course mean grades (r = 0.68, P = 0.00). Group D HSRT (n = 63) for Attempt 1 (end of year 1) and Attempt 2 (end of Year 2) paired T test resulted in HSRT Overall (mean difference = −2.27, SD = 7.21, t = −2.5, P = 0.02) for the second preclinical year.

Conclusion

The hybrid curricular approach afforded many benefits. Faculty took an active role in imparting knowledge when compared to the lecture hall. Having students immersed in continual assessment through an online adaptive platform and active learning promoted self‐motivation, deeper learning, applied knowledge, and discouraged superficial memorization.
An innovative approach to assess comprehensive care: Temple University's patient wellness report
Authors: Tellez Marisol , Meraner Mark , Lim Sungwoo , Brandon Ryan , Ismail Amid
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The transition from a paper‐based to an all‐electronic patient health record took a major step forward in 2018, with the implementation of an electronic health record that supports the School's patient‐centered comprehensive care model and facilitates outcomes assessment. The Patient Wellness Report (PWR) summarizes findings of the patient assessment, and it does so automatically by locating data already entered in axiUm forms. This study aimed to describe the PWR implementation procedures and to examine outcomes and characteristics among patients with completed treatment plans during an 18‐month period.

Methods

Outcome data were extracted from axiUm for patients aged ≥16 years who completed comprehensive care treatment plans. Each PWR contained 14 metrics related to “dimensions” of wellness (quality of life, general health factors, oral hygiene, caries risk, and degree of periodontal inflammation and pocketing), each of which is rated on a 3‐point scale based on best available scientific evidence.

Results

A total of 2074 patients completed planned procedures between July 2018 and January 2020, and met the study eligibility criteria. Improvement of several conditions was observed between baseline and follow‐up in caries lesions (21%), blood pressure (9%), and periodontal pocket (3.2%). A majority of patients rated in good condition at baseline had their scores unchanged at follow‐up in the following areas: dental anxiety (92%), speaking (88%), smoking (87%), and alcohol consumption (79%).

Conclusion

Improvements in dental caries and blood pressure metrics were easily monitored using the PWR. In addition, disparities exist in improvement of patient outcomes by race/ethnicity.
Groundwater nitrogen and chloride following closure of an earthen manure storage in southern Alberta
Authors: Kohn Jacqueline , Iwanyshyn Mike , Olson Barry M.
Published: December 2020

Earthen manure storage (EMS) facilities no longer in operation present a risk to the environment, and there is limited guidance to support the planning and implementation of EMS closures. A combined dairy and feedlot in southern Alberta, Canada, had an EMS in operation for about 55 yr. The dairy portion ceased operation in 2015, and the EMS was emptied; however, no specific steps for permanent closure to minimize possible contamination were followed. The objective of this study was to document changes in shallow groundwater quality following an EMS closure. This EMS was already instrumented to assess its effect on the groundwater quality as part of a long‐term study prior to closure. Eight groundwater monitoring wells were installed 2–38 m from the EMS in up‐ and downgradient positions in 2010 and 2011. Groundwater samples were collected about three times annually prior to and for 4 yr after the EMS closure and were analyzed for NO3–N, NH3–N, and Cl−. Wells screened at more than 8 m deep were not affected by the EMS prior to or after closure. However, in shallower wells, groundwater NO3–N concentration increased to a maximum 3 yr after closure (in 2018) and then decreased afterward. In a shallow well 40 m downgradient from the EMS, the NO3–N concentrations decreased from 31 mg L−1 in 2015 to 5 mg L−1 in 2019, and the Cl− concentration decreased from 64 to 53 mg L−1, suggesting the contamination plume had dispersed. However, the EMS was still a source of contamination because high concentrations of NO3–N (0.05–40 mg L−1) and Cl− (43–862 mg L−1) were present in wells adjacent to the EMS 4 yr after closure.
miR‐150‐mediated increase in glucose uptake in HIV‐infected cells
Authors: Dubey Ravi C. , Alam Nazmir B. , Gaur Ritu
Published: December 2020

Replication of HIV‐1 inside host cells is dependent on both viral and host factors. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate protein synthesis. MicroRNAs may control viral replication either by directly targeting the viral genome or indirectly through cellular proteins that are required during the viral lifecycle. HIV infection may, in turn, regulate host microRNA expression to facilitate its propagation inside cells. miR‐150 has been reported to be an essential factor involved in T‐cell activation and may serve as a biomarker for HIV disease progression. The current study provides valuable insights into the role of miR‐150 in HIV infection. We quantified miR‐150 expression in HIV‐infected Jurkat cells and observed a time‐dependent increase in the expression of miR‐150. In addition, HIV infection led to an enhanced influx of glucose inside the infected cells, which further increased on overexpression of miR‐150. The increased uptake of glucose was due to miR‐150‐mediated increase in expression of glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT1). In an attempt to decipher the mechanism, we identified that HIV Tat protein enhanced the expression of miR‐150 which then upregulated GLUT1 in HIV‐infected cells. In summary, this study sheds light on the role of miR‐150 in HIV infection and paves the way for miR‐150 as a novel therapeutic target against HIV‐1.
Assessing trends in atmospheric circulation patterns across North America
Authors: Smith Erik T. , Obarein Omon , Sheridan Scott C. , Lee Cameron C.
Published: December 2020

Circulation patterns (CPs) are discrete categorizations of spatial fields of atmospheric conditions, often used to examine the interaction between the overlying atmosphere and surface weather. Examining changes in the frequency of these atmospheric CPs may therefore help us better understand the relationship between a changing climate and the occurrence of extreme weather events. In this study, we use self‐organized maps to classify CPs from 500 mb geopotential heights (500z) and mean sea‐level pressure (MSLP) for five regions across North America, using two different reanalysis datasets. Trends in CPs (from 1979 to 2018) from both the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) and the recently released ERA5 datasets are compared using a new method in which the CPs from the ERA5 dataset are based on the principal components of the NARR data. This results in a more direct comparison between the CPs of each dataset. z500 CP trends were generally larger than the MSLP CP trends and the NARR CP trends were generally larger than the ERA5 CP trends. Furthermore, the most extreme summer‐dominant CPs were found to have increased significantly over the 40‐year study period in all five regions for both the NARR and ERA5 CPs.
Spatial and temporal variability of rainfall over the Republic of Djibouti from 1946 to 2017
Authors: Assowe Dabar Omar , Camberlin Pierre , Pohl Benjamin , Mohamed Waberi Moussa , Osman Awaleh Mohamed , Silah‐Eddine Sajed
Published: December 2020

For the first time, the spatial and temporal variability of rainfall in the Republic of Djibouti is investigated using data from 14 weather stations over the period 1946–2017. Due to limited data availability, high‐resolution long‐term satellite rainfall products (CHIRPS, PERSIANN‐CDR, TAMSATv3, ARC2) and ERA5 reanalysis also contribute to document time–space rainfall variability at monthly, seasonal and annual scales. Principal component analysis identifies two spatially coherent regions of rainfall variability in the east (coastal zone) and the west (inland zone) of the country. Annual rainfall amounts are everywhere very low (60–300 mm), but with contrasted regimes. At seasonal scale, the highest rainfall amounts in the eastern part of the country are found between October–December (OND) and March–May (MAM), while July–September is the wettest season in the western part. The monthly rainfall regimes are relatively well reproduced by most products. ERA5 displays the highest monthly correlations with observations, followed by PERSIANN‐CDR and CHIRPS. Trend analysis since 1983 shows a significant decrease of rainfall during MAM which is in agreement with other parts of East Africa. On the other hand, nonsignificant decreasing trends are observed in January–February (JF) and OND. Only June–September (JJAS) revealed a nonsignificant increasing trend, but it follows a prior drying trend since the 1950s. The impact of large‐scale background climate on rainfall variability is assessed with focus given on El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Rainfall variability during OND shows a significant correlation with IOD, while in JJAS it is significantly negatively correlated with ENSO. In general, ERA5, CHIRPS and PERSIANN datasets are best able to reproduce rainfall patterns in Djibouti and suitable for further analysis. The fact that the interannual and decadal‐scale rainfall variations in Djibouti show large‐scale teleconnections with global sea‐surface temperature fields, as demonstrated in this study, provides good prospects for the prediction of rainfall variations at a range of different temporal scales.
A loop‐shaped minimally invasive brush for improved cytology sampling of pancreatic cysts during EUS‐FNA
Authors: Marques Filipe , Baldaque‐Silva Francisco , van der Wijngaart Wouter , Arnelo Urban , Roxhed Niclas
Published: December 2020

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in the West and has a 5‐year survival rate of only 2%–9%. Pancreatic cystic lesions are precursors of pancreatic cancers and a prime target for early diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) enables collection of cystic fluid aiming for the diagnosis of malign and premalign cysts. However, this fluid is acellular or paucicellular in 20% of cases, hampering a proper diagnosis. Here, we introduce a minimally invasive Nitinol brush that can be operated through the 413 µm lumen of a 22G FNA needle. During operation, the brush is rotated against the inner wall of the cyst, removing cells and dispersing them in the cystic fluid, where they can be aspirated through the needle. We demonstrate the brush function using three models. An in vitro cyst model was used to visualize the brushing procedure and the mechanical interaction between the brush and the wall of a spherical cavity. Ex vivo porcine intestine and bovine ovary cyst models were used to demonstrate how brushing increases the number of harvested cells with more than one order of magnitude. These results indicate the potential of cystic brushing for the minimally invasive early diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
The role of long noncoding RNA in lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism and treatment of obesity syndrome
Authors: Lu Qirong , Guo Pu , Liu Aimei , Ares Irma , Martínez‐Larrañaga María‐Rosa , Wang Xu , Anadón Arturo , Martínez María‐Aránzazu
Published: December 2020

Obesity syndromes, characterized by abnormal lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism, are detrimental to human health and cause many diseases, including obesity and type II diabetes. Increasing evidence has shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are not translated into proteins, play an important role in regulating abnormal metabolism in obesity syndromes. For the first time, we systematically summarize how lncRNA is involved in complex obesity metabolic syndromes, including the regulation of lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism. Moreover, we discuss lncRNA involvement in food intake that mediates obesity syndromes. Furthermore, this review might shed new light on a lncRNA‐based strategy for the prevention and treatment of obesity syndromes. Recent investigations support that lncRNA is a novel molecular target of obesity syndromes and should be emphasized. Namely, lncRNA plays a crucial role in the development of obesity syndrome process. Various lncRNAs are involved in the process of lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism by regulating gene transcription, signaling pathway, and epigenetic modification of metabolism‐related genes, proteins, and enzymes. Food intake could also induce abnormal expression of lncRNA associated with obesity syndrome, especially high‐fat diet. Notably, some nanomolecules and natural extracts may target lncRNAs, associated with obesity syndrome, as a potential treatment for obesity syndromes.
Risks of feature leakage and sample size dependencies in deep feature extraction for breast mass classification
Authors: Samala Ravi K. , Chan Heang‐Ping , Hadjiiski Lubomir , Helvie Mark A.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Transfer learning is commonly used in deep learning for medical imaging to alleviate the problem of limited available data. In this work, we studied the risk of feature leakage and its dependence on sample size when using pretrained deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) as feature extractor for classification breast masses in mammography.

Methods

Feature leakage occurs when the training set is used for feature selection and classifier modeling while the cost function is guided by the validation performance or informed by the test performance. The high‐dimensional feature space extracted from pretrained DCNN suffers from the curse of dimensionality; feature subsets that can provide excessively optimistic performance can be found for the validation set or test set if the latter is allowed for unlimited reuse during algorithm development. We designed a simulation study to examine feature leakage when using DCNN as feature extractor for mass classification in mammography. Four thousand five hundred and seventy‐seven unique mass lesions were partitioned by patient into three sets: 3222 for training, 508 for validation, and 847 for independent testing. Three pretrained DCNNs, AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and VGG16, were first compared using a training set in fourfold cross validation and one was selected as the feature extractor. To assess generalization errors, the independent test set was sequestered as truly unseen cases. A training set of a range of sizes from 10% to 75% was simulated by random drawing from the available training set in addition to 100% of the training set. Three commonly used feature classifiers, the linear discriminant, the support vector machine, and the random forest were evaluated. A sequential feature selection method was used to find feature subsets that could achieve high classification performance in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in the validation set. The extent of feature leakage and the impact of training set size were analyzed by comparison to the performance in the unseen test set.

Results

All three classifiers showed large generalization error between the validation set and the independent sequestered test set at all sample sizes. The generalization error decreased as the sample size increased. At 100% of the sample size, one classifier achieved an AUC as high as 0.91 on the validation set while the corresponding performance on the unseen test set only reached an AUC of 0.72.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that large generalization errors can occur in AI tools due to feature leakage. Without evaluation on unseen test cases, optimistically biased performance may be reported inadvertently, and can lead to unrealistic expectations and reduce confidence for clinical implementation.
Liquid dewetting of ultrathin polystyrene films: Is there a molecular architecture effect?
Authors: Tata James R. , Torres Arellano Astrid K. , McKenna Gregory B.
Published: December 2020

We have used a liquid dewetting method to investigate the glass transition temperature Tg of high molecular weight linear, long branched 3‐arm star, and short branched 8‐arm star polystyrene (PS) in the form of ultrathin films. The results of these dewetting experiments are consistent with prior studies of dewetting of linear PS films and show that, independent of molecular architecture, the glass transition temperature Tg reductions with decreasing film thickness, while important below about 20 nm, are weaker than those observed for linear PS supported on a rigid substrate and as well as those observed in freely standing films. The lack of a strong molecular architecture effect on the Tg‐reductions is consistent with the Tg reductions for the dewetting from a liquid substrate reflects changes in segmental dynamics upon confinement rather than chain effects. This contrasts with changes, including increases seen in dewetting from a rigid substrate, for different molecular architectures reported in the literature.
Prostate cancer C5a receptor expression and augmentation of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and PD‐L1 expression by C5a
Authors: Imamura Ryuji , Kitagawa Saki , Kubo Tatsuko , Irie Atsushi , Kariu Toru , Yoneda Masakazu , Kamba Tomomi , Imamura Takahisa
Published: December 2020

Background

The treatment of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a urological issue. Recent studies have revealed cancer promotion via the C5a–C5a receptor (C5aR) system. To establish a new therapeutic target for CRPC, we investigated an association of the system with CRPC progression and evasion from the antitumor immune responses.

Methods

C5aR and PD‐L1 were immunostained in the prostate cancer (PC) tissues. The relationship of PC C5aR expression to clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. CRPC cell lines were examined for C5aR expression by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry. C5a effects were examined on CRPC cell glutamine consumption, proliferation, invasion, and PD‐L1 expression.

Results

PC cells expressed C5aR in 83 of the 161 patients (52%) and in three of the six CRPC patients. Basal cells, but not luminal cells, of noncancerous prostate glands expressed C5aR. Three CRPC cell lines expressed C5aR. C5a increased CRPC cell glutamine consumption 2.1‐fold, proliferation 1.3–1.6‐fold, and invasion 2–3‐fold in a C5a‐concentration and a C5aR‐dependent manner. High expression of C5aR did not relate to the PC patients' clinical parameters but the PD‐L1‐positive rate was higher in the C5aR high‐expression patients (37.5%) compared to low‐ or no expression patients (17.8%), and double‐positive PC cells were present. C5a increased CRPC cell PD‐L1 production 1.4‐fold and cell‐surface expression 2.6‐fold.

Conclusions

C5aR expression of PC cells in patients' tissues and C5a augmentation of C5aR‐dependent CRPC proliferation, invasion, and PD‐L1 expression suggested participation of the C5a–C5aR system in CRPC promotion and evasion from antitumor immune responses. Targeting this signaling pathway may provide a useful therapeutic option for CRPC.
Targeting host cell proteases as a potential treatment strategy to limit the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the respiratory tract
Authors: El‐Shimy Ismail A. , Mohamed Mahmoud M. A. , Hasan Syed Shahzad , Hadi Muhammad A.
Published: December 2020

As the death toll of Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) continues to rise worldwide, it is imperative to explore novel molecular mechanisms for targeting SARS‐CoV‐2. Rather than looking for drugs that directly interact with key viral proteins inhibiting its replication, an alternative and possibly add‐on approach is to dismantle the host cell machinery that enables the virus to infect the host cell and spread from one cell to another. Excellent examples of such machinery are host cell proteases whose role in viral pathogenesis has been demonstrated in numerous coronaviruses. In this review, we propose two therapeutic modalities to tackle SARS‐CoV‐2 infections; the first is to transcriptionally modulate the expression of cellular proteases and their endogenous inhibitors and the second is to directly inhibit their enzymatic activity. We present a nonexhaustive collection of clinically investigated drugs that act by one of these mechanisms and thus represent promising candidates for preclinical in vitro testing and hopefully clinical testing in COVID‐19 patients.