bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Incorporation of k2U into RNA
Authors: Nainyte Milda , Carell Thomas
Published: February 2020

Lysidine (k2C) is one of the most modified pyrimidine RNA bases. It is a cytidine nucleoside, in which the 2‐oxo functionality of the heterocycle is replaced by the ϵ‐amino group of the amino acid lysine. As such, lysidine is an amino acid‐containing RNA nucleoside that combines directly genotype (C‐base) with phenotype (lysine amino acid). This makes the compound particularly important in the context of theories about the origin of life and here especially for theories that target the origin of translation. Here, we report the total synthesis of the U‐derivative of lysidine (k2U), which should have the same base pairing characteristics as k2C if it exists in the isoC‐like tautomeric form. To investigate this question, we developed a phosphoramidite building block for k2U, which allows its incorporation into RNA strands. Within RNA, k2U can base pair with the counter base U and isoG, confirming that k2U prefers an isoC‐like tautomeric structure that is also known to dominate for k2C. The successful synthesis of a k2U phosphoramidite and its use for RNA synthesis now paves the way for the preparation of a k2C phosphoramidite and RNA strands containing k2C.
Analysis of fusion transcripts indicates widespread deregulation of snoRNAs and their host genes in breast cancer
Authors: Persson Helena , Søkilde Rolf , Häkkinen Jari , Vallon‐Christersson Johan , Mitelman Felix , Borg Åke , Höglund Mattias , Rovira Carlos
Published: February 2020

Genomic rearrangements in cancer can join the sequences of two separate genes. Studies of such gene fusion events have mainly focused on identification of fusion proteins from the chimeric transcripts. We have previously investigated how fusions instead can affect the expression of intronic microRNA (miRNA) genes that are encoded within fusion gene partners. Here, we extend our analysis to small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) that also are embedded within protein‐coding or noncoding host genes. We found that snoRNA hosts are selectively enriched in fusion transcripts, like miRNA host genes, and that this enrichment is associated with all snoRNA classes. These structural changes may have functional consequences for the cell; proteins involved in the protein translation machinery are overrepresented among snoRNA host genes, a gene architecture assumed to be needed for closely coordinated expression of snoRNAs and host proteins. Our data indicate that this structure is frequently disrupted in cancer. We furthermore observed that snoRNA genes involved in fusions tend to associate with stronger promoters than the natural host, suggesting a mechanism that selects for snoRNA overexpression. In summary, we highlight a previously unexplored frequent structural change in cancer that affects important components of cellular physiology.
Prediagnosis dietary pattern and survival in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Lee Dong Hoon , Fung Teresa T. , Tabung Fred K. , Marinac Catherine R. , Devore Elizabeth E. , Rosner Bernard A. , Ghobrial Irene M. , Colditz Graham A. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Birmann Brenda M.
Published: February 2020

Inflammation and endogenous growth factors are important in multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis. Although diets that modulate these biologic pathways may influence MM patient survival, studies have not examined the association of dietary patterns with MM survival. We conducted pooled prospective survival analyses of 423 MM patients from the Nurses' Health Study (1986–2016) and the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (1988–2016) using Cox regression models. We used data from repeated food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) to compute dietary patterns as of the last prediagnosis FFQ, including the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)‐2010, alternate Mediterranean Diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, Prudent, Western and empirical dietary inflammatory patterns and empirical dietary indices for insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. During follow‐up, we documented 295 MM‐related deaths among 345 total deaths. MM‐specific mortality was 15–24% lower per one standard deviation (SD) increase (e.g., toward healthier habits) in favorable dietary pattern scores. For example, the multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] per 1‐SD increase in AHEI‐2010 score were 0.76, 0.67–0.87 (p < 0.001). In contrast, MM‐specific mortality was 16–24% higher per 1‐SD increase (e.g., toward less healthy habits) in “unhealthy” diet scores; for example, the multivariable‐adjusted HR, 95% CI per 1‐SD increase in Western pattern score were 1.24, 1.07–1.44 (p = 0.005). Associations were similar for all‐cause mortality. In conclusion, our consistent findings for multiple dietary patterns provide the first evidence that MM patients with healthier prediagnosis dietary habits may have longer survival than those with less healthy diets.
Photoredox‐Mediated Net‐Neutral Radical/Polar Crossover Reactions
Authors: Wiles Rebecca J. , Molander Gary A.
Published: February 2020

Radical/Polar Crossover (RPC) chemistry is a rapidly growing subset of photoredox catalysis that is characterized by transformations featuring both radical and ionic modes of reactivity. Net‐neutral RPC is particularly interesting in that both the single‐electron oxidation and reduction steps occur through interaction with the photocatalyst, thus precluding the need for exogenous oxidants or reductants. As such, these transformations facilitate rapid incorporation of molecular complexity while maintaining mild reaction conditions. This review covers recent advances in photoredox‐mediated net‐neutral RPC synthetic methods, with a particular emphasis on C–C bond‐forming reactions.
MiR‐182 inhibits kidney fibrosis by regulating transforming growth factor β1/Smad3 pathway in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Sun Liping , Hu Chaofeng , Wang Zhen , Zhang Xinzhou
Published: February 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of miR‐182 in kidney fibrosis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). We measured the expression of miR‐182 in kidney tissue of autosomal dominant PKD. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between miR‐182 and fibrotic protein by transfecting miR‐182 mimics and miR‐182 inhibitor into polycystic kidney cyst‐lined epithelial cells, respectively. Furthermore, we observed the interaction between transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) and miR‐182 and fibrinogen factors of cyst‐lined epithelial cells after TGF‐β1 intervention, and measured the expression of Smad2 and Smad3 protein. Results are presented as follows: (a) MiR‐182 was positively correlated with fibrosis of cyst‐lined epithelial cells; (b) TGF‐β1 could induce fibrosis of cyst‐lined epithelial cells; (c) the expression of miR‐182 had a remarkably impact on the fibrosis induced by TGF‐β1, but had little effect on the expression of TGF‐β1; (d) the expression of Smad3 protein in TGF‐β1 induce‐cyst‐lined epithelial cells was increased. TGF‐β1 and miR‐182 promoting the fibrosis of polycystic kidney cyst‐lined epithelial cells may be mediated by the TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, of which Smad3 was an important regulator.
Levels of distress tolerance in schizophrenia appear equivalent to those found in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Bonfils Kelsey A. , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Distress tolerance is an important but understudied construct for those with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders. This study compared levels of distress tolerance between people diagnosed with schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder (BPD) to better characterize distress tolerance in schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders.

Method

Using cross‐sectional data, we examined group differences in distress tolerance in people with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders (n = 55) and BPD (n = 32) through mean comparison and equivalence analyses.

Results

Our results indicate that, in our data, distress tolerance did not differ between those with schizophrenia and those with BPD, and was in fact statistically equivalent between groups. In contrast, those with BPD tended to report more difficulty on some aspects of emotion regulation.

Conclusion

Findings from this study suggest that increased focus on distress tolerance is called for in research on schizophrenia. Furthermore, people with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders may benefit from interventions targeting distress tolerance.
An epigenetic clock for human skeletal muscle
Authors: Voisin Sarah , Harvey Nicholas R. , Haupt Larisa M. , Griffiths Lyn R. , Ashton Kevin J. , Coffey Vernon G. , Doering Thomas M. , Thompson Jamie‐Lee M. , Benedict Christian , Cedernaes Jonathan , Lindholm Malene E. , Craig Jeffrey M. , Rowlands David S. , Sharples Adam P. , Horvath Steve , Eynon Nir
Published: February 2020

Background

Ageing is associated with DNA methylation changes in all human tissues, and epigenetic markers can estimate chronological age based on DNA methylation patterns across tissues. However, the construction of the original pan‐tissue epigenetic clock did not include skeletal muscle samples and hence exhibited a strong deviation between DNA methylation and chronological age in this tissue.

Methods

To address this, we developed a more accurate, muscle‐specific epigenetic clock based on the genome‐wide DNA methylation data of 682 skeletal muscle samples from 12 independent datasets (18–89 years old, 22% women, 99% Caucasian), all generated with Illumina HumanMethylation (HM) arrays (HM27, HM450, or HMEPIC). We also took advantage of the large number of samples to conduct an epigenome‐wide association study of age‐associated DNA methylation patterns in skeletal muscle.

Results

The newly developed clock uses 200 cytosine‐phosphate–guanine dinucleotides to estimate chronological age in skeletal muscle, 16 of which are in common with the 353 cytosine‐phosphate–guanine dinucleotides of the pan‐tissue clock. The muscle clock outperformed the pan‐tissue clock, with a median error of only 4.6 years across datasets (vs. 13.1 years for the pan‐tissue clock, P < 0.0001) and an average correlation of ρ = 0.62 between actual and predicted age across datasets (vs. ρ = 0.51 for the pan‐tissue clock). Lastly, we identified 180 differentially methylated regions with age in skeletal muscle at a false discovery rate < 0.005. However, gene set enrichment analysis did not reveal any enrichment for gene ontologies.

Conclusions

We have developed a muscle‐specific epigenetic clock that predicts age with better accuracy than the pan‐tissue clock. We implemented the muscle clock in an r package called Muscle Epigenetic Age Test available on Bioconductor to estimate epigenetic age in skeletal muscle samples. This clock may prove valuable in assessing the impact of environmental factors, such as exercise and diet, on muscle‐specific biological ageing processes.
Using deciduous trees as bioindicators of trace element deposition in a small urban watershed, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Authors: Mazari Katerina , Filippelli Gabriel M.
Published: February 2020

Annual and multiyear records of trace element deposition are difficult to develop using monitoring systems but have proven feasible using plant material in several settings. Here, we used material from several tree species (Populus deltoides W. Bartram ex Marshall, Platanus occidentalis L., and Ginkgo biloba L.) to detect atmospheric deposition of trace elements (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in six localities along a transect from near‐urban to far‐urban in southeastern Indianapolis, IN, and one control site. We captured soil (legacy footprint), bark (multiannual record), and leaves (seasonal record) across a broad swath of the urban landscape and using a multi‐metal approach. Tree bark, leaf, and proximal soil samples were collected and analyzed for their trace element content. The highest trace metal concentrations occurred at the near‐urban sites, with particularly high Cu and Pb values. The highest Zn values were found at one of the far‐urban sites, which is located near a large brownfield that was a former coal and coke storage and processing facility. No correlation was found between soil trace element composition and that of bark and leaves, perhaps indicating a disconnect between legacy inputs recorded in soils and current inputs recorded in the biological materials. Overall, the tree species analyzed served well as trace element bioindicators, although less so for G. biloba, and thus this approach is promising for further understanding the role that airborne pollution and deposition play in urban watersheds.
Gas emissions during cattle manure composting and stockpiling
Authors: Bai Mei , Flesch Thomas , Trouvé Raphaёl , Coates Trevor , Butterly Clayton , Bhatta Bhawana , Hill Julian , Chen Deli
Published: February 2020

Manure composting is a common management practice for cattle feedlots, but gaseous emissions from composting are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to quantify ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) emissions from windrow composting (turning) and static stockpiling (nonturning) of manure at a commercial feedlot in Australia. An inverse‐dispersion technique using an open‐path Fourier transform infrared (OP–FTIR) spectrometer gas sensor was deployed to measure emissions of NH3, N2O, CO2, and CH4 over a 165‐d study period, and 29 and 15% of the total data intervals were actually used to calculate the fluxes for the windrow and stockpile, respectively. The nitrogen (N) lost as NH3 and N2O emissions represented 26.4 and 3.8% of the initial N in windrow, and 5.3 and 0.8% of that in the stockpile, respectively. The carbon (C) lost as CO2 and CH4 emissions represented 44 and 0.3% of the initial C in windrow, and 54.8 and 0.7% of that in the stockpile, respectively. Total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the manure windrow were 2.7 times higher than those of the stockpiled manure. This work highlights the value that could be accrued if one could reduce emissions of NH3–N and N2O‐N from composting, which would retain manure N content while reducing GHG emissions.
Hepatic resection for the right hepatic vein drainage area with indocyanine green fluorescent imaging navigation
Authors: Kubo Norio , Araki Kenichiro , Harimoto Norifumi , Ishii Norihiro , Tsukagoshi Mariko , Igarashi Takamichi , Watanabe Akira , Shirabe Ken
Published: February 2020

Background/Purpose

Right hepatic vein (RHV) drainage area resection is performed for intrahepatic tumors. However, borders of RHV drainage areas are difficult to identify. We evaluated the usefulness of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent images to identify the borders for RHV drainage area resection.

Methods

From January 2016 to May 2019, we included 12 patients who underwent hepatic resection of the RHV drainage area, which was evaluated using ICG fluorescence images after clamping the RHV and with or without clamping the proper hepatic artery (PHA). The resected liver volume was compared with the preoperative simulated resected liver volume by 3‐dimensional computed tomography.

Results

Eleven borders of the RHV drainage area between the middle hepatic vein (MHV) or inferior RHV drainage area were confirmed using ICG fluorescent images in 12 patients. The borders were observable by only clamping the RHV. In one patient, the border could not be identified because there was a shunt between the RHV and MHV at the peripheral area. Resected liver volume was significantly correlated with the results of preoperative simulation.

Conclusion

The RHV drainage area resection could be one of the options of hepatic resection for the tumor involving the root of the RHV. ICG fluorescent imaging in hepatic resection of the RHV drainage area is useful for determining areas of liver congestion and clamping the PHA is not always necessary.
Serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine differentially affect astrocytic potassium clearance to modulate somatosensory signaling in male mice
Authors: Wotton Caitlin A. , Cross Cassidy D. , Bekar Lane K.
Published: February 2020

Changes in extracellular potassium ([K+]e) modulate neuronal networks via changes in membrane potential, voltage‐gated channel activity, and alteration to transmission at the synapse. Given the limited extracellular space in the central nervous system, potassium clearance is crucial. As activity‐induced potassium transients are rapidly managed by astrocytic Kir4.1 and astrocyte‐specific Na+/K+‐ATPase, any neurotransmitter/neuromodulator that can regulate their function may have indirect influence on network activity. Neuromodulators differentially affect cortical/thalamic networks to align sensory processing with differing behavioral states. Given serotonin (5HT), norepinephrine (NE), and acetylcholine (ACh) differentially affect spike frequency adaptation and signal fidelity (“signal‐to‐noise”) in somatosensory cortex, we hypothesize that [K+]e may be differentially regulated by the different neuromodulators to exert their individual effects on network function. This study aimed to compare effects of individually applied 5HT, NE, and ACh on regulating [K+]e in connection to effects on cortical‐evoked response amplitude and adaptation in male mice. Using extracellular field and K+ ion‐selective recordings of somatosensory stimulation, we found that differential effects of 5HT, NE, and ACh on [K+]e regulation mirrored differential effects on amplitude and adaptation. 5HT effects on transient K+ recovery, adaptation, and field post‐synaptic potential amplitude were disrupted by barium (200 µM), whereas NE and ACh effects were disrupted by ouabain (1 µM) or iodoacetate (100 µM). Considering the impact [K+]e can have on many network functions; it seems highly efficient that neuromodulators regulate [K+]e to exert their many effects. This study provides functional significance for astrocyte‐mediated buffering of [K+]e in neuromodulator‐mediated shaping of cortical network activity.
The impact of disclosing inventory‐scarcity messages on sales in online retailing
Authors: Park Sungho , Rabinovich Elliot , Tang Christopher S. , Yin Rui
Published: February 2020

To influence demand, some online retailers post messages (e.g., “5 units or less left in stock”) on their product pages to signal impending stockouts. These “scarcity” messages provide consumers “partial” inventory information, revealing only an upper bound on the number of units available for sale. To examine the impact of these messages, we obtained price and sales data from an online‐retailer website across a sample of durable goods before and after the retailer posted the messages over multiple inventory‐replenishment cycles. We then used these data to assess empirically the effect of these messages on these products' daily sales. We find that disclosing these messages can decrease daily sales by an average of 17.60%. This finding suggests that scarcity messages such as these can have a negative influence on the sales prospects of durable goods. We also observe, on the other hand, that price discounts are quite effective in increasing sales and offsetting the losses induced by scarcity messages. On average, a reduction of 1% in stock keeping unit price increases daily sales by approximately 3%. Therefore, relative to disclosing scarcity messages, price discounts are a much more effective tool at increasing inventory turns.
Forced expression of KIAA1199, a novel hyaluronidase, inhibits tumorigenicity of low‐grade chondrosarcoma
Authors: Koike Hiroshi , Nishida Yoshihiro , Shinomura Tamayuki , Zhuo Lisheng , Hamada Shunsuke , Ikuta Kunihiro , Ito Kan , Kimata Koji , Ushida Takahiro , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: February 2020

Hyaluronan (HA) has been shown to play crucial roles in the tumorigenicity of malignant tumors. Chondrosarcoma, particularly when low‐grade, is characterized by the formation of an extracellular matrix (ECM) containing abundant HA, and its drug/radiation resistance has become a clinically relevant problem. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a novel hyaluronidase, KIAA1199, on ECM formation as well as antitumor effects on chondrosarcoma. To clarify the roles of KIAA1199 in chondrosarcoma, mouse KIAA1199 was stably transfected to Swarm rat chondrosarcoma (RCS) cells (histologically grade 1). We investigated the effects of KIAA1199 on RCS cells in vitro and an autografted model in vivo. HA binding protein (HABP) stainability and ECM formation in KIAA1199‐RCS was markedly suppressed compared with that of control cells. No significant changes in messenger RNA expression of Has1, Has2, Has3, Hyal1, or Hyal2 were observed. KIAA1199 expression did not affect proliferation or apoptosis but inhibited migration and invasion of RCS cells. In contrast, the expression of KIAA1199 significantly inhibited the growth of grafted tumors and suppressed the stainability of alcian blue in tumor tissues. Although there was no direct inhibitory effect on proliferation in vitro, induction of KIAA1199 showed the antitumor effects in grafted tumor growth in vivo possibly due to changes in the tumor microenvironment such as inhibition of ECM formation. Forced expression of KIAA1199 exhibits antitumor effects on low‐grade chondrosarcoma, which has chemo‐ and radio‐therapy resistant features. Together, KIAA1199 could be a novel promising therapeutic tool for low‐grade chondrosarcoma, mediated by the degradation of HA.
Autophagy and mTOR signaling during intervertebral disc aging and degeneration
Authors: Yurube Takashi , Ito Masaaki , Kakiuchi Yuji , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kakutani Kenichiro
Published: February 2020

Degenerative disc disease is a highly prevalent, global health problem that represents the primary cause of back pain and is associated with neurological disorders, including radiculopathy, myelopathy, and paralysis, resulting in worker disability and socioeconomic burdens. The intervertebral disc is the largest avascular organ in the body, and degeneration is suspected to be linked to nutritional deficiencies. Autophagy, the process through which cells self‐digest and recycle damaged components, is an important cell survival mechanism under stress conditions, especially nutrient deprivation. Autophagy is negatively controlled by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase that detects nutrient availability to trigger the activation of cell growth and protein synthesis pathways. Thus, resident disc cells may utilize autophagy and mTOR signaling to cope with harsh low‐nutrient conditions, such as low glucose, low oxygen, and low pH. We performed rabbit and human disc cell and tissue studies to elucidate the involvement and roles played by autophagy and mTOR signaling in the intervertebral disc. In vitro serum and nutrient deprivation studies resulted in decreased disc cell proliferation and metabolic activity and increased apoptosis and senescence, in addition to increased autophagy. The selective RNA interference‐mediated and pharmacological inhibition of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) was protective against inflammation‐induced disc cellular apoptosis, senescence, and extracellular matrix catabolism, through the induction of autophagy and the activation of the Akt‐signaling network. Although temsirolimus, a rapamycin derivative with improved water solubility, was the most effective mTORC1 inhibitor tested, dual mTOR inhibitors, capable of blocking multiple mTOR complexes, did not rescue disc cells. In vivo, high levels of mTOR‐signaling molecule expression and phosphorylation were observed in human intermediately degenerated discs and decreased with age. A mechanistic understanding of autophagy and mTOR signaling can provide a basis for the development of biological therapies to treat degenerative disc disease.
Recent progresses of derivatization approaches in the targeted lipidomics analysis by mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Xian‐En , Zhu Shuyun , Liu Huwei
Published: February 2020

Lipidomics plays an essential role in the development of an improved understanding of lipids metabolism and the identification of new biomarkers or therapeutic targets of related diseases. The strong analytical power of mass spectrometry and its rapid developments in the respect of instruments and techniques have significantly accelerated the emerging lipidomics and related application fields in biology, medicine, and pharmacy. The strategy of chemical derivatization can remarkably improve the shortcomings of mass spectrometric analytical technologies of shotgun lipidomics and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and in the past decade many related studies have been reported for fatty acids, glycerophospholipids, sphingomyelins, monoglycerides, diacylglycerols, long‐chain bases, steroids, and so on. Therefore, this review will focus on new chemical derivatization approaches about the research progresses of shotgun‐based and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry–based targeted lipidomics (from 2005 to July 2019, most of reports emerged in the past 5 years), and put forward the problems and prospects in this field. It is expected to be helpful for the design and synthesis of new derivatization reagents, especially the outstanding stable isotope labeling derivatization reagents, and the development and application of new chemical derivatization strategies and matched mass spectrometric analysis methods.
Monitoring of the influence of long‐term oxidative stress and ischemia on the condition of kidneys using solid‐phase microextraction chemical biopsy coupled with liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Stryjak Iga , Warmuzińska Natalia , Bogusiewicz Joanna , Łuczykowski Kamil , Bojko Barbara
Published: February 2020

The limiting factor in conventional quality assessments of transplanted organs, namely the invasiveness of tissue sample collection, has prompted much research on the field of transplantology to focus on the development of alternative evaluation methods of organ quality. In the present project, we undertake the challenge to address the need for a new analytical solution for graft quality assessments by using a novel metabolomic diagnostic protocol based on low‐invasive solid‐phase microextraction. Solid‐phase microextraction probes of ca. 0.2 mm coated with 4 mm long mixed‐mode extraction phase were inserted into rabbit kidneys immediately following euthanasia and after 2, 4, 6, and 21 h of preservation. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the extracts was performed with the use of a reversed phase column and a Q‐Exactive Focus mass spectrometer operated in positive ionization mode. Statistical analysis of significantly changing compounds revealed metabolic profile changes in kidneys induced by ischemia and oxidative stress as a function of the duration of cold storage. The most pronounced alterations were reflected in levels of essential amino acids and purine nucleosides. Our findings demonstrate that the proposed approach may be successfully used to monitor changes in the metabolic profile of organs over time of preservation.
Management and Outcomes of Button Batteries in the Aerodigestive Tract: A Multi‐institutional Study
Authors: Shaffer Amber D. , Jacobs Ian N. , Derkay Craig S. , Goldstein Nira A. , Giordano Terri , Ho Sandra , Kim Bong J. , Park Albert H. , Simons Jeffrey P.
Published: February 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe the clinical presentation, management, and complications associated with button battery impaction in the aerodigestive tract in children.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

This multi‐institutional study, endorsed by the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology research consortium, is a retrospective medical record review, including all children at five tertiary‐care institutions presenting with button batteries impacted in the aerodigestive tract between January 2002 and December 2014. Battery type/size, duration and location of impaction, presenting symptoms, treatment, complications, and outcomes were examined.

Results

Eighty‐one patients were included (64.2% male), with ingestion witnessed in 20 (24.7%). Median age at presentation was 3 years (range, 1 week–14 years). Median time from diagnosis to removal was 2.5 hours (range, 0.4–72 hours). Locations included the esophagus (n = 48), hypopharynx (n = 1), stomach (n = 6), nasal cavity (n = 22), and ear canal (n = 4). Most common symptoms for esophageal/hypopharyngeal impactions included dysphagia (26.5%), nausea/vomiting (26.5%), drooling (24.5%), cough (18.4%), and fever (18.4%). Most common symptoms for nasal impactions included epistaxis (54.6%), rhinorrhea (40.9%), nasal pain (27.3%), and fever (22.7%). Almost all esophageal impactions were from 3‐V (89.5%), 20‐mm (81.8%) lithium batteries. Severe esophageal complications included stricture (28.6%), perforation (24.5%), tracheoesophageal fistula formation (8.2%), pneumothorax (4.1%), and bilateral true vocal fold paresis (4.1%). Nasal complications included necrosis (59.1%), septal perforation (27.3%), and saddle nose deformity (4.5%). Duration of impaction correlated with an increased likelihood of persistent symptoms only for nasal batteries (P = .049).

Conclusions

Button batteries in the upper pediatric aerodigestive tract or ear canal should be considered a surgical emergency, requiring urgent removal and careful vigilance for complications.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E298–E306, 2021
Role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the manifestation of old age‐related diseases
Authors: Zendehdel Abolfazl , Roham Maryam
Published: February 2020

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most prevalent infection worldwide. It affects individuals of different age groups. Elderly people tend to resist eradication treatment and worsening of infection can lead to several gastric and non‐gastric pathologies. Aging‐associated cellular and molecular alteration can increase the risk of other pathologies such as osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, respiratory and renal dysfunction, and cancer in geriatric patients, more than other age groups. This review article highlights some of the most common old age diseases and the role of H. pylori infection as a risk factor to worsen the conditions, presented by the molecular evidences of these associations. These studies can help clinicians to understand the underlying pathogenesis of the disease and identify high‐risk patients, aiding clearer diagnosis and treatment.
To the theory of entropy sub‐solutions of degenerate nonlinear parabolic equations
Authors: Panov Evgeny Yu
Published: February 2020

We prove existence of the largest entropy sub‐solution and the smallest entropy super‐solution to the Cauchy problem for a nonlinear degenerate parabolic equation with only continuous flux and diffusion functions. Applying this result, we establish the uniqueness of entropy solution with periodic initial data. The more general comparison principle is also proved in the case when at least one of the initial functions is periodic.
A mindful yoga intervention for young women with major depressive disorder: Design and baseline sample characteristics of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vollbehr Nina K. , Hoenders H.J. Rogier , Bartels‐Velthuis Agna A. , Nauta Maaike H. , Castelein Stynke , Schroevers Maya J. , Stant A. Dennis , de Jong Peter J. , Ostafin Brian D.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Despite the gains made by current first‐line interventions for major depressive disorder (MDD), modest rates of treatment response and high relapse indicate the need to augment existing interventions. Following theory and initial research indicating the promise of mindful yoga interventions (MYIs), this study examines mindful yoga as a treatment of MDD.

Methods/Design

This randomized controlled trial uses a sample of young females (18–34 years) to examine the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of a 9‐week manualized MYI added to treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU alone. Primary outcome measures consist of clinician‐administered (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) and self‐report (Depression‐Anxiety‐Stress Scales) measures of depression. Underlying mechanisms will be examined, including rumination, negative self‐evaluation, intolerance of uncertainty, interoceptive awareness, and dispositional mindfulness. Assessments were conducted at preintervention and will be conducted at postintervention, 6‐, and 12‐month follow up.

Results

The baseline sample consists of 171 females (88 were randomized into the MYI), reporting a baseline Mage = 25.08 years (SDage = 4.64), MHamilton‐depression = 18.39 (SDHamilton = 6.00), and a MDASS‐depression = 21.02 (SDDASS = 9.36).

Conclusion

This trial will provide important information regarding the benefits of adding yoga‐based interventions to TAU for young women with MDD and the mechanisms through which such benefits may occur.
Pattern recognition analysis of directional intravoxel incoherent motion MRI in ischemic rodent brains
Authors: Jang MinJung , Jin Seokha , Kang MungSoo , Han SoHyun , Cho HyungJoon
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to demonstrate a reliable automatic segmentation method for independently separating reduced diffusion and decreased perfusion areas in ischemic stroke brains using constrained nonnegative matrix factorization (cNMF) pattern recognition in directional intravoxel incoherent motion MRI (IVIM‐MRI). First, the feasibility of cNMF‐based segmentation of IVIM signals was investigated in both simulations and in vivo experiments. The cNMF analysis was independently performed for S0‐normalized and scaled (by the difference between the maximum and minimum) IVIM signals, respectively. Segmentations of reduced diffusion (from S0‐normalized IVIM signals) and decreased perfusion (from scaled IVIM signals) areas were performed using the corresponding cNMF pattern weight maps. Second, Monte Carlo simulations were performed for directional IVIM signals to investigate the relationship between the degree of vessel alignment and the direction of the diffusion gradient. Third, directional IVIM‐MRI experiments (x, y and z diffusion‐gradient directions, 20 b values at 7 T) were performed for normal (n = 4), sacrificed (n = 1, no flow) and ischemic stroke models (n = 4, locally reduced flow). The results showed that automatic segmentation of the hypoperfused lesion using cNMF analysis was more accurate than segmentation using the conventional double‐exponential fitting. Consistent with the simulation, the double‐exponential pattern of the IVIM signals was particularly strong in white matter and ventricle regions when the directional flows were aligned with the applied diffusion‐gradient directions. cNMF analysis of directional IVIM signals allowed robust automated segmentation of white matter, ventricle, vascular and hypoperfused regions in the ischemic brain. In conclusion, directional IVIM signals were simultaneously sensitive to diffusion and aligned flow and were particularly useful for automatically segmenting ischemic lesions via cNMF‐based pattern recognition.
Divergence‐free tangential finite element methods for incompressible flows on surfaces
Authors: Lederer Philip L. , Lehrenfeld Christoph , Schöberl Joachim
Published: February 2020

In this work we consider the numerical solution of incompressible flows on two‐dimensional manifolds. Whereas the compatibility demands of the velocity and the pressure spaces are known from the flat case one further has to deal with the approximation of a velocity field that lies only in the tangential space of the given geometry. AbandoningH1‐conformity allows us to construct finite elements which are—due to an application of the Piola transformation—exactly tangential. To reintroduce continuity (in a weak sense) we make use of (hybrid) discontinuous Galerkin techniques. To further improve this approach, ‐conforming finite elements can be used to obtain exactly divergence‐free velocity solutions. We present several new finite element discretizations. On a number of numerical examples we examine and compare their qualitative properties and accuracy.
Transgelin Silencing Induces Different Processes in Different Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Dvorakova Monika , Lapcik Petr , Bouchalova Pavla , Bouchal Pavel
Published: February 2020

Transgelin is a protein reported to be a marker of several cancers. However, previous studies have shown both up‐ and down‐regulation of transgelin in tumors when compared with non‐tumor tissues and the mechanisms whereby transgelin may affect the development of cancer remain largely unknown. Transgelin is especially abundant in smooth muscle cells and is associated with actin stress fibers. These contractile structures participate in cell motility, adhesion, and the maintenance of cell morphology. Here, the role of transgelin in breast cancer is focused on. Initially, the effects of transgelin on cell migration of the breast cancer cell lines, BT 549 and PMC 42, is studied. Interestingly, transgelin silencing increased the migration of PMC 42 cells, but decreased the migration of BT 549 cells. To clarify these contradictory results, the changes in protein abundances after transgelin silencing in these two cell lines are analyzed using quantitative proteomics. The results confirmed the role of transgelin in the migration of BT 549 cells and suggest the involvement of transgelin in apoptosis and small molecule biochemistry in PMC 42 cells. The context‐dependent function of transgelin reflects the different molecular backgrounds of these cell lines, which differ in karyotypes, mutation statuses, and proteome profiles.
How applicable are GLI 2012 equations to a sample of Middle Eastern school‐age children?
Authors: Al‐Qerem Walid A.
Published: February 2020

Background

The Global Lung Function Initiative attempted to formulate global all‐age lung function equations. The suitability of these equations to Middle Eastern children was never evaluated; this study will evaluate these equations in addition to other regional ones.

Methods

Spirometry was conducted for 582 (311 boys) healthy 6‐ to 13‐year‐old Jordanian children. z scores, predicted values, percent predicted values, and frequency of records below lower limit than normal (LLN) were calculated for each child using the studied equations.

Results

Although none of the studied equations produced a perfect representation of the study data, the GLI 2012 equations for Caucasians were the most suitable.

Conclusion

GLI 2012 equations for Caucasians are a reasonable fit for Jordanian school‐aged children.
Evaluation of hair cotinine and toxic metal levels in children who were exposed to tobacco smoke
Authors: Gunay Fatih , Cullas Ilarslan Nisa Eda , Bakar‐Ates Filiz , Deniz Kiymet , Kadioglu Yusuf Kagan , Kiran Sibel , Bakirarar Batuhan , Cobanoglu Nazan
Published: February 2020

Tobacco or tobacco products (TTP) are harmful because they contain nicotine and some heavy metals. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate whether the responses of parents to questionnaires were compatible with the hair cotinine levels of their children, and to investigate whether exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and living conditions increased the levels of cotinine, lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) in the hair samples of the children. Questionnaires were administered to the parents questioning household consumption of TTP and living conditions. Children were grouped as “exposed to ETS” (E‐ETS) and “not exposed to ETS” (NE‐ETS). This grouping was performed through a questionnaire‐based evaluation, and a hair cotinine cut‐off value‐based evaluation. According to the questionnaire‐based evaluation, there were no significant differences in hair Pb, As, and Cd levels between the groups (P‐values: .337, .994, and .825, respectively). The hair cotinine of the E‐ETS group was higher (0.24 ± 0.21 vs 0.22 ± 0.15 ng/mg), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .317). According to the cotinine evaluation, cotinine, Pb, and As levels were statistically higher in the E‐ETS group (P < .001, <.001, and .036, respectively), but there was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of Cd levels (P = .238). Our results showed that exposure to ETS increased the levels of cotinine, Pb, and As in the hair samples of children, and the questionnaire responses of the parents about their smoking habits might not be compatible with the hair cotinine levels of the children.
Anti‐Schistosoma mansoni effects of essential oils and their components
Authors: Islam Muhammad Torequl , Martorell Miquel , Salehi Bahare , Setzer William N. , Sharifi‐Rad Javad
Published: February 2020

Schistosoma mansoni is endemic in 55 countries around the world. S. mansoni is a water‐borne parasite of humans belonging to the group of blood flukes. Generally, schistosomiasis is treated with praziquantel, which results in frequent treatment failures and reinfections. Essential oils have diverse biological effects, including antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and antiparasitic. This review aimed at summarizing available in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials showing evidence and mechanisms of actions of essential oils and their derivatives acting against S. mansoni. The findings suggest that a number of essential oils and/or their components act against S. mansoni. Essential oils and/or their derivatives may be one of the potential sources of antischistosomal drugs.
Garlic (Allium sativum) as an antidote or a protective agent against natural or chemical toxicities: A comprehensive update review
Authors: Dorrigiv Mahyar , Zareiyan Armin , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: February 2020

Garlic (Allium sativum, Liliaceae) is used widely as a spice and medicinal herb not only in its native region (Central Asia and northeastern Iran) but also all around the world. Garlic has abundance chemical compounds such as allicin, alliin, S‐allyl cysteines, thiacremonone, diallyl‐disulfide, diallylsulfide, and others. This medicinal plant and its constituents offer a lot of benefits including free‐radical scavenging, anti‐inflammatory, anticholesterolemic, anti‐gastric ulcer, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Garlic also modulates the activity of several metabolizing enzymes. This review summarizes various in vitro and animal studies on the protective effects of garlic against natural and chemical toxicities. It has been shown that garlic and its major components can ameliorate the toxicity of different agents in brain, kidney, blood, liver, embryo, spleen, pancreas, heart, reproductive system in part through radical scavenging, antioxidant effect, reducing lipid peroxidation, anti‐inflammatory, chelating agent, cytoprotective activities, increase protein synthesis in damaged tissues, suppressing apoptosis, modulation of p53, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase, Akt, nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2, antioxidant responsive element, p38 MAPK, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase‐2, cytosolic phospholipases A2, cleaved‐caspase‐9, cleaved‐caspase‐3 Bcl‐2, Bcl‐2‐associated X, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, NF‐jB, nuclear factor‐kappaB signaling pathways and cytochrome P450 enzymes. With controlled clinical trials, garlic may be introduced as a universal antidote or protective plant against many toxic agents.
Machine learning and Design of Experiments: Alternative approaches or complementary methodologies for quality improvement?
Authors: Freiesleben Johannes , Keim Jan , Grutsch Markus
Published: February 2020

Machine Learning (ML), or the ability of self‐learning computer algorithms to autonomously structure and interpret data, is a methodological approach to solve complicated optimization problems based on abundant data. ML is recently gaining momentum as algorithmic applications, computing potency, and available data sets increased manifold over the past two decades, providing an information‐rich environment in which human reasoning can partially be replaced by computer reasoning. In this paper, we want to assess the implications of ML for Design of Experiments (DoE), a statistical methodology widely used in Quality Management for quantifying effects and interactions of factors with influence on the production quality or the process yield. We specifically want to assess the future role and importance of DoE: Will it remain unaltered by ML, will it be made obsolete, or will it be reinforced? With this, we want to contribute to the discussion of the future use of traditional Quality Management methodologies in production, as our ML assessment can in principle be applied to other statistical methodologies as well. While we are convinced that ML will heavily impact the field of Quality Management and its predominant set of statistical methodologies, we find reason to expect that this impact will be a mutual one. As this is the first paper addressing the joint force potential of the two methodologies ML and DoE, we expect a range of follow‐up papers being written on the subject and a spark in specialized applications addressing DoE's ML‐enhanced vital functionality for process improvements.
A fluorination method for measuring the 13C‐13C isotopologue of C2 molecules
Authors: Taguchi Koudai , Yamamoto Tomonari , Nakagawa Mayuko , Gilbert Alexis , Ueno Yuichiro
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Doubly substituted isotope species (“clumped” isotopes) can provide insights into the biogeochemical history of a molecule, including its temperature of formation and/or its (bio)synthetic pathway. Here, we propose a new fluorination method for the measurement of 13C‐13C species in C2 molecules using a conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Target molecules include ethane, ethene and ethanol.

Methods

13C‐13C isotope species in C2 molecules were measured as C2F6 using a conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Ethane and ethene are directly fluorinated to C2F6. Ethanol is measured after dehydration to ethene and subsequent fluorination of the latter. The method enables the measurement of the Δ13C13C values normalized against a reference working standard.

Results

The reproducibility of the whole protocol, including chemical modification steps and measurement of C2F6 isotopologues, is better than ±0.14‰ for all the compounds. Ethane from natural gas samples and biologically derived ethanol show a narrow range of Δ13C13C values, varying from 0.72‰ to 0.90‰. In contrast, synthetic ethanol as well as putative abiotic ethane show Δ13C13C values significantly different from this range with values of 1.14‰ and 0.25‰, respectively.

Conclusions

The method presented here provides alternative means of measuring 13C‐13C species to that using high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Preliminary data from natural and synthetic molecules re‐emphasizes the potential of 13C clumped isotope species as a (bio)marker.
Top management team optimism and its influence on firms' financing and investment decisions
Authors: Heizer Tobias , Rettig Laura R.
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the influence of optimism among the top management team members on corporate investment and financing decisions. We develop an optimism measure based on voluntary insider transactions that is applicable to all officers and directors of a firm. Our results suggest that corporate policies are not solely influenced by an individual CEO's optimism, but rather driven by the attitudes of top management team members as a group. In fact, we find that the impact of CEO optimism on corporate investment and financing decisions depends on the optimism of other officers and/or directors. In contrast, if several other officers and/or directors, apart from the CEO, are optimistic, their influence is significant, independent of CEO optimism. Our analyses include all public US companies within the Compustat universe for a time span of 20 years.