bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Functionalization Processes of Phenylalanine‐ and Tyrosine‐Containing Peptides
Authors: Correa Arkaitz
Published: June 2021

The site‐selective chemical diversification of biomolecules constitutes an unmet challenge of capital importance within medicinal chemistry and chemical biology. The functionalization of otherwise unreactive C−H bonds holds great promise for reducing the reliance on existing functional groups, thereby streamlining chemical syntheses. Over the last years, a myriad of peptide labelling techniques featuring metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalization reactions have been developed. Despite the wealth of reports in the field, the site‐selective modification of both phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) compounds upon metal catalysis remain comparatively overlooked. This review highlights these promising tagging strategies, which generally occur through the formation of challenging 6‐membered metallacycles and enable the late‐stage diversification of peptides in a tailored fashion.
Dual‐State Emissive π‐Extended Salicylaldehyde Fluorophores: Synthesis, Photophysical Properties and First‐Principle Calculations
Authors: Stoerkler Timothée , Frath Denis , Jacquemin Denis , Massue Julien , Ulrich Gilles
Published: June 2021

The search for simple, low‐cost, versatile, easily accessible, stimuli‐responsive, highly emissive molecular fluorophores emitting both in solution and in the solid‐state has prompted us to investigate the optical properties of a series of synthetically accessible salicylaldehyde derivatives possessing a π‐conjugated moiety at their 4‐position. These dyes are mainly known as synthetic intermediates but can also display sizeable Excited‐State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) fluorescence owing to the presence of a 6‐membered H‐bonded ring in their structure. The photophysical properties of these compounds have been studied in solution (multiple solvents) and in the solid‐state, as doped in PMMA films, KBr pellets or as powders leading to the observation of a pronounced fluorosolvatochromism. Emission wavelengths in the range 400–654 nm, along with photoluminescence quantum yields up to 76 % were recorded. Modification of the spacer (ethynyl, vinyl or direct connection) involved the π‐delocalization triggers major differences in terms of maximum emission wavelength and fluorescence quantum yields in the various media studied. All photophysical observations are rationalized by first‐principle calculations.
A Deep Dive into the Complex Chemical Mixture and Toxicity of Tire Wear Particle Leachate in Fathead Minnow
Authors: Chibwe Leah , Parrott Joanne L. , Shires Kallie , Khan Hufsa , Clarence Stacey , Lavalle Christine , Sullivan Cheryl , O'Brien Anna M. , De Silva Amila O. , Muir Derek C.G. , Rochman Chelsea M.
Published: June 2021

The ecological impact of tire wear particles in aquatic ecosystems is a growing environmental concern. We combined toxicity testing, using fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos, with nontarget high-resolution liquid chromatography Orbitrap mass spectrometry to characterize the toxicity and chemical mixture of organic chemicals associated with tire particle leachates. We assessed: 1) exposure to tire particle leachates after leaching for 1-, 3-, and 10-d; and 2) the effect of the presence and absence of small tire particulates in the leachates. We observed a decrease in embryonic heart rates, hatching success, and lengths, as well as an increase in the number of embryos with severe deformities and diminished eye and body pigmentation, after exposure to the leachates. Overall, there was a pattern whereby we observed more toxicity in the 10-d leachates, and greater toxicity in unfiltered leachates. Redundancy analysis showed that several benzothiazoles and aryl-amines were correlated with the toxic effects observed in the embryos. These included benzothiazole, 2-aminobenzothiazole, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, N,N′-diphenylguanidine, and N,N′-diphenylurea. However, many other chemicals characterized as unknowns are likely to also play a key role in the adverse effects observed. Our study provides insight into the types of chemicals likely to be important toxicological drivers in tire leachates, and improves our understanding of the ecotoxicological impacts of tire wear particles. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1144–1153. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Redundancy analysis (RDA) shows positive correlations between chemicals benzothiazoles and aryl-amines in tire leachates, and increased hatch severity and lack of pigmentation in fathead minnow embryos. OHBT = hydroxybenzothiazole; PBI = 3-phenyl-1,3-benzothiazol-2-imine; NHBT = 2-aminobenzothiazole; MeSBT = 2-(methylthio)benzothiazole; MBT = 2-mercaptobenzothiazole; DPG = N,N′-diphenylguanidine; CPU = cyclohexyl-3-phenylurea; DHU = N,N′-dicyclohexylurea; DPU = N,N′-diphenylurea; DHPA = 4,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole-3-amine; DHA = dicyclohexylamine; HM = hexa(methoxymethyl)melamine; ABZ = 3-aminobenzamide; BT = benzothiazole; ACT = acetoacetanilide; TMQ = 1,2-Dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline; ACR = acridene.
Synthesis of MCM‐41 mesoporous silica nanoparticles supported titanium dioxide‐silver nanocomposite with excellent methanol electrooxidation performance
Authors: Rezvany Rozbeh , Hassaninejad‐Darzi Seyed Karim , Pourali Seyedeh Masoomeh
Published: June 2021

Considering the importance of the fuel cells, we developed an appropriate and efficient electrode system for electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol by fabricating the electrode with naturally based synthesized mobil composition of matter No. 41 (MCM‐41) mesoporous silica nanoparticle along with silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The extracted silica from natural stem straw was applied in the synthesis of MCM‐41 mesoporous silica nanoparticle and characterization of the products was performed by different techniques. Then, the synthesized MCM‐41 mesoporous silica is modified by silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles and is employed in the fabrication of the modified carbon paste electrodes (Ag/TiO2/MCM‐41/CPE) that are accordingly used in the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol. The mechanistic and kinetic studies of the reactions are thoroughly examined based on cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques. The results reveal that the modified carbon paste electrode with silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles supported onto MCM‐41 mesoporous silica exhibit much higher current densities and less overpotentials than that at the bare carbon paste electrode. The results of the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol are then compared to the literature indicating that the developed system is favorable for the direct methanol fuel cells.
Increased complexity of t(11;14) rearrangements in plasma cell neoplasms compared with mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Dalland Joanna C. , Smadbeck James B. , Sharma Neeraj , Meyer Reid G. , Pearce Kathryn E. , Greipp Patricia T. , Peterson Jess F. , Kumar Shaji , Ketterling Rhett P. , King Rebecca L. , Baughn Linda B.
Published: June 2021

Plasma cell neoplasms (PCN) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) can both harbor t(11;14)(q13;q32) (CCND1/IGH), usually resulting in cyclin D1 overexpression. In some cases, particularly at low levels of disease, it can be morphologically challenging to distinguish between these entities in the bone marrow (BM) since PCN with t(11;14) are often CD20‐positive with lymphoplasmacytic cytology, while MCL can rarely have plasmacytic differentiation. We compared the difference in CCND1/IGH by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in PCN and MCL to evaluate for possible differentiating characteristics. We identified 326 cases of MCL with t(11;14) and 279 cases of PCN with t(11;14) from either formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue or fresh BM specimens. The “typical,” balanced CCND1/IGH FISH signal pattern was defined as three total CCND1 signals, three total IGH signals, and two total fusion signals. Any deviation from the “typical” pattern was defined as an “atypical” pattern, which was further stratified into “gain of fusion” vs “complex” patterns. There was a significantly higher proportion of cases that showed an atypical FISH pattern in PCN compared with MCL (53% vs 27%, P < .0001). There was also a significantly higher proportion of cases that showed a complex FISH pattern in PCN compared with MCL (47% vs 17%, P < .0001). We confirmed these findings using mate‐pair sequencing of 25 PCN and MCL samples. PCN more often have a complex CCND1/IGH FISH pattern compared with MCL, suggesting possible differences in the genomic mechanisms underlying these rearrangements in plasma cells compared with B cells.
Understanding giant cell sarcoma of the head and neck: A population‐based study
Authors: Sawhney Rohan , Ahsanuddin Salma , Sheorey Lena , Wassef David W. , Baredes Soly , Park Richard Chan Woo
Published: June 2021

Background

Giant cell sarcomas (GCS) are rare head and neck neoplasms.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was analyzed for all patients who have been diagnosed with GCS from 1973 to 2014.

Results

Four hundred and forty cases of GCS of the head and neck were identified. The average age at diagnosis was 74.4 years, 86.8% were white, 82.5% were male, 70.7% were insured, and 88.2% lived in an urban metropolitan region. Connective tissue was the most frequent primary site (42.5%). The 5Y‐DSS rate was 91.1%, while the 5Y‐OS was 54.6% for all cases. Patients treated with surgery alone had the highest 5Y‐DSS rate of 94.5. T‐classification odds ratio was a significant predictor of survival accounting for confounding variables on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

GCS presents most frequently in connective tissue of the head and neck with overall high probability of survival. The treatment of choice is surgery alone.
Investigating heat conduction in a sphere with heat absorption using generalized Caputo fractional derivative
Authors: Elhadedy Hager , Abdel Kader Abass H. , Abdel Latif Mohamed S.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we study the ρ‐Laplace transform and the finite sin‐Fourier transform as powerful tools in solving fractional differential equations with generalized Caputo derivative. We use these transforms to solve the time‐fractional heat equation with a generalized Caputo fractional derivative associated with heat absorption in spherical coordinates. We obtain the solutions in two cases of Dirichlet boundary conditions. The effect of the parameter , which characterizes the generalized Caputo derivative is illustrated through some numerical examples.
Ecological risk assessment of the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) in the South Texas Plains Ecoregion
Authors: Sabin Laura Beth , Mora Miguel A.
Published: June 2021

Neonicotinoid insecticides are among the latest class of insecticides that can have harmful effects on birds. Approximately 30 000 kg of neonicotinoid insecticides are applied annually to 429 100 ha of row-crop fields within the South Texas Plains Ecoregion, Texas, USA. Various studies have demonstrated that treated seeds can be highly toxic to northern bobwhites, with the consumption of only 20 corn seeds causing a fatality. Similarly, other studies have indicated that neonicotinoid insecticides can reduce arthropod populations—a substantial prey base for northern bobwhites, especially during the breeding season—by approximately 60%. Our objective was to conduct an ecological risk assessment of neonicotinoid insecticides' impact on northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations in the South Texas Plains Ecoregion. We estimated that juvenile and adult northern bobwhites could intake from 7.32 to 27.0 mg/kg/day and from 10.0 to 37.5 mg/kg/day of neonicotinoid insecticides, respectively, which can cause adverse effects on growth, reproductive output, and long-term survival. Our study determined that the application of 30 000 kg of neonicotinoid insecticides annually in the South Texas Plains Ecoregion harms the region's northern bobwhite that are exposed to neonicotinoids. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:488-499. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Approximately 30 000 kg of neonicotinoids are applied annually on row crop fields in the South Texas Plains Ecoregion, USA. Juvenile and adult northern bobwhites could intake from 7.3 to 27.1 mg/kg/day and from 10.1 to 37.6 mg/kg/day of neonicotinoids a day, respectively. Treated seeds contain a high concentration of neonicotinoids. Through the consumption of treated seeds and other contaminated food, bobwhites are expected to reach LOAEL levels for five adverse effects.
Updating Practice Recommendations: Taking Stock of 12 Years of Adolescent Literacy Research
Authors: Reynolds Dan
Published: June 2021

The demand for evidence to support instructional practices in education is surging. Consequently, many adolescent literacy researchers and educators take guidance from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Practice Guide for Adolescent Literacy (Kamil et al., 2008). The document, however, is now 12 years old, and adolescent literacy research and practice has shifted substantially. First, I document the limitations of the IES Guide’s pre‐2008 research base and of the students sampled in its underlying studies. Then, I survey research from 2008–2020 that expands on the Guide’s five recommendations, and name areas of research undeveloped in 2008 but vibrant in 2020. To illustrate the instructional implications of these changes, I present an example unit incorporating changes suggested by research since 2008. Finally, I call on adolescent literacy organizations to maintain, revise, and publish practice guidelines to ensure all our adolescents get the daily literacy instruction they deserve.
Dissolution, bioactivity behavior, and cytotoxicity of 19.58Li2O·11.10ZrO2·69.32SiO2 glass–ceramic
Authors: Possolli Natália Morelli , da Silva Daiara Floriano , Vieira Jaqueline , Maurmann Natasha , Pranke Patricia , Demétrio Ketner Bendo , Angioletto Elidio , Montedo Oscar Rubem Klegues , Arcaro Sabrina
Published: June 2021

Glass and bioactive glass–ceramic can be used in several applications. In bone growth where good bone/biomaterial adhesion was required, bioactive coatings for implants can improve bone formation. The glass and glass–ceramics of the LZS (Li2O‐ZrO2‐SiO2) system are very interesting because of their mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Very recently, their biological response in contact with human osteoblast has been evaluated. However, despite several initiatives, there are still no studies that systematically assess this system's bioactivity, dissolution, and cytotoxicity in vitro. This work aims to investigate the dissolution, bioactivity behavior, and cytotoxicity of LZS glass–ceramic. LZS glass–ceramics were produced from SiO2, Li2CO3, and ZrSiO4 by melting followed by quenching. The obtained glass frits were milled and uniaxially pressed and heat‐treated at 800 and 900°C and submitted to physical–chemical, structural and mechanical characterization. Their dissolution behavior was studied in Tris–HCl, while bioactivity was performed in simulated solution body fluid (SBF). The cytotoxicity test was performed using glass–ceramic in direct contact with mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (SC) isolated from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. Structural and microstructural analyzes confirmed bioactivity. The results show that it was possible to produce bioactive glass–ceramic from LZS, proven by the formation of new calcium phosphate structures such as hydroxyapatite on the surface of the samples after exposure to SBF. The SC viability test performed indicated that the materials were not cytotoxic at 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/ml. The glass–ceramic system under study is very promising for a medicinal application that requires bioactivity and/or biocompatibility for bone regeneration.
Engaging photovoice to complement on sexual assault climate research: A literature review, case study, and recommendations
Authors: Christensen M. Candace , Caswell Caitlin , Yilmazli Trout Inci , Tose Shaniek
Published: June 2021

Through the implementation of three photovoice projects, we discovered how photovoice method complements sexual assault climate survey research. Scholars have recently asserted that qualitative and participatory research methods are necessary to conduct a holistic sexual assault climate evaluation. Nevertheless, an in‐depth analysis of how photovoice complements sexual assault climate research is missing. To fill this gap, we examine photovoice studies focused on sexual assault climates, describe methods one author used to implement three photovoice projects, and demonstrate how the analysis of photovoice data generates findings distinctive from survey research. Our findings show how photovoice contextualizes and personalizes the problem, illustrates subjective and diverse standpoints, and highlight community values and norms. Specific to sexual climates the results demonstrate how society perpetuates a culture of victim‐blaming, creates barriers to help‐seeking, and how communities can support assault survivors by affirming their recovery process. We conclude the article with implications for practice and research.
The organizational trauma‐informed practices tool (O‐TIPs): Development and preliminary validation
Authors: Manian Nanmathi , Rog Debra J. , Lieberman Leslie , Kerr Eleanor M.
Published: June 2021

The goal of the study was to develop and validate a simple, short, easy to self‐administer, and cost‐effective tool to assess organizational trauma‐informed practices (O‐TIPs), by building on existing tools. The tool was developed through a series of steps involving detailed examination, selection, and modification of existing trauma‐informed (TI) frameworks and tools, which resulted in a 31‐item questionnaire with three domains and eight subscales. The O‐TIPs was evaluated for known‐group construct validity to determine the degree to which it could discriminate between groups of organizations that were higher and lower on the extent to which they were implementing TIPs, by administering it online to staff at seven federally qualified health centers at two‐time points. The domains, subscales, and the overall measure showed high internal consistency and discriminated significantly between known groups of centers at baseline and follow‐up. In addition, the tool captured change over time in the extent to which the organizations were implementing TIPs. These findings provide preliminary support for the future use of the O‐TIPs tool by service‐delivery organizations.
The relationship between perceived stress, uncertainty emotions and hopelessness regarding pandemics in pregnant women
Authors: Fiskin Gamze
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the emotional reactions of pregnant women towards the pandemic and to increase awareness of healthcare professionals on this subject. In this descriptive, cross‐sectional, and correlational study, an online questionnaire was applied to 375 pregnant women (n = 375). Data were collected with pregnant information form, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale and Beck Hopelessness Scale. The mean age of the pregnant women was 29.495 ± 4.301, and the mean gestational week was 27.469 ± 7.971. Pregnant women's levels of perceived stress and intolerance to uncertainty were high. There was a moderate positive correlation between stress and uncertainty levels of the women who stated that they experienced mild hopelessness. It is recommended to identify risky groups and provide the necessary psychological support by health professionals during the pandemic.
Oxidative stress in oocyte aging and female reproduction
Authors: Wang Ling , Tang Jinhua , Wang Lei , Tan Feng , Song Huibin , Zhou Jiawei , Li Fenge
Published: June 2021

In a healthy body, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants remain balanced. When the balance is broken toward an overabundance of ROS, oxidative stress appears and may lead to oocyte aging. Oocyte aging is mainly reflected as the gradual decrease of oocyte quantity and quality. Here, we aim to review the relationship between oxidative stress and oocyte aging. First, we introduced that the defective mitochondria, the age‐related ovarian aging, the repeated ovulation, and the high‐oxygen environment were the ovarian sources of ROS in vivo and in vitro. And we also introduced other sources of ROS accumulation in ovaries, such as overweight and unhealthy lifestyles. Then, we figured that oxidative stress may act as the “initiator” for oocyte aging and reproductive pathology, which specifically causes follicular abnormally atresia, abnormal meiosis, lower fertilization rate, delayed embryonic development, and reproductive disease, including polycystic ovary syndrome and ovary endometriosis cyst. Finally, we discussed current strategies for delaying oocyte aging. We introduced three autophagy antioxidant pathways like Beclin‐VPS34‐Atg14, adenosine 5‘‐monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR), and p62‐Keap1‐Nrf2. And we also describe the different antioxidants used to combat oocyte aging. In addition, the hypoxic (5% O2) culture environment for oocytes avoiding oxidative stress in vitro. So, this review not only contribute to our general understanding of oxidative stress and oocyte aging but also lay the foundations for the therapies to treat premature ovarian failure and oocyte aging in women.
Taxonomy and spore morphology of selected taxa of Cheilanthoideae and Pteridoideae (Pteridaceae) from Pakistan
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Jan Gul , Jan Farzana Gul , Murad Waheed
Published: June 2021

Taxonomy and spore morphology of 12 taxa of Cheilanthoideae and Pteridoideae (Pteridaceae, Polypodiales) from Pakistan is illustrated with scanning electron microscopy images based upon the specimens collected from various localities. A total of six genera belong to 12 taxa viz. Actiniopteris radiata, Aleuritopteris albomarginata, A. ancepes, Notholaena himalaica, Oeosporangium nitidulum, O. pteridioides subsp. acrosticum, Onychium cryptogrammoides subsp. cryptogrammoides, O. vermae, Pteris cretica subsp. cretica, P. cretica subsp. laeta, P. vittata subsp. emodi, and P. vittata subsp. vittata were reported. Spore morphology of the taxa was trilete, triangular in proximal and distal view, ellipsoidal and hemicircular in equatorial view, polar proximal and distal surface with cristate, granulose, reticulate, perforate and tuberculate ornamentation.
Cooption of polyalanine tract into a repressor domain in the mammalian transcription factor HoxA11
Authors: Lynch Vincent J. , Wagner Gunter P.
Published: June 2021

An enduring problem in biology is explaining how novel functions of genes originated and how those functions diverge between species. Despite detailed studies on the functional evolution of a few proteins, the molecular mechanisms by which protein functions have evolved are almost entirely unknown. Here, we show that a polyalanine tract in the homeodomain transcription factor HoxA11 arose in the stem‐lineage of mammals and functions as an autonomous repressor module by physically interacting with the PAH domains of SIN3 proteins. These results suggest that long polyalanine tracts, which are common in transcription factors and often associated with disease, may tend to function as repressor domains and can contribute to the diversification of transcription factor functions despite the deleterious consequences of polyalanine tract expansion.
Immunopathogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis by chewing the areca nut
Authors: Wang Liping , Tang Zhangui
Published: June 2021

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic, progressive, scarring, and premalignant disease of the oral mucosa. Its pathogenic factors are complex and include chewing areca nuts or other spicy food items, nutrition, and genetic and immune factors. Recently, immune factors have become the focus of medical research, with increased attention being paid to the role of immune regulation in diseases, particularly tumors. OSF is accompanied by obvious changes in the immune microenvironment. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential relationship of OSF and areca nuts genetic with the immune system, including lymphocytes, macrophage, Langerhans cell, mast cell, and substances released by activated immune cells, to determine the pathogenesis and treatment of OSF from an immunologic viewpoint.
Pancreatobiliary Flow Dynamics: Association Between Bile and Pancreatic Juice Evaluated With Cine‐Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography Using Spatially Selective Inversion Recovery Pulse
Authors: Higashi Mayumi , Tanabe Masahiro , Ihara Kenichiro , Iida Etsushi , Furukawa Matakazu , Okada Munemasa , Ito Katsuyoshi
Published: June 2021

Background

The physiological flow patterns and the reciprocal relationship between pancreatic juice and bile excretion dynamics have not been clearly elucidated by imaging.

Purpose

To assess the physiological flow patterns of bile and pancreatic juice simultaneously in order to clarify the pancreatobiliary flow dynamics using cine‐dynamic magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with a spatial selective inversion recovery (IR) pulse.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 85 patients with physiologically normal pancreatobiliary flow without ductal dilatation (normal group) and 19 patients with dilated pancreatic duct.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T, fast spin echo sequence with IR pulse to nullify the signal of static pancreatic juice and bile.

Assessment

The frequency and secretion grade of the antegrade and reverse flow of the pancreatic juice and bile on cine‐dynamic MRCP were visually evaluated. Additionally, the reciprocal relationship between pancreatic juice and bile flow was evaluated based on its flow patterns.

Statistical Tests

Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis and the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were used. P values of <0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

In the normal group, the antegrade pancreatic juice flow and no bile flow pattern was most frequently observed (29%), followed by the no pancreatic juice flow and no bile flow pattern (23%), the antegrade pancreatic juice flow and antegrade bile flow pattern (22%), and the no pancreatic juice flow and reverse bile flow pattern (9%). The flow of the pancreatic juice and bile were synchronized with each other in 47%, while they were not in 53%. In the dilated pancreatic duct group, the mean secretion grade of the antegrade bile and pancreatic juice flow was significantly lower than in the normal group.

Data Conclusion

Cine‐dynamic MRCP with a spatially selective IR pulse can visualize the variations of the physiological flow patterns of bile and pancreatic juice including 53% of unsynchronized patterns.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
Feasibility of Velocity‐Selective Arterial Spin Labeling in Breast Cancer Patients for Noncontrast‐Enhanced Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Franklin Suzanne L. , Voormolen Nora , Bones Isabell K. , Korteweg Tijmen , Wasser Martin N. J. M. , Dankers Henrike G. , Cohen Daniele , van Stralen Marijn , Bos Clemens , van Osch Matthias J. P.
Published: June 2021

Background

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI is the most sensitive method for detection of breast cancer. However, due to high costs and retention of intravenously injected gadolinium‐based contrast agent, screening with DCE‐MRI is only recommended for patients who are at high risk for developing breast cancer. Thus, a noncontrast‐enhanced alternative to DCE is desirable.

Purpose

To investigate whether velocity selective arterial spin labeling (VS‐ASL) can be used to identify increased perfusion and vascularity within breast lesions compared to surrounding tissue.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Eight breast cancer patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T; VS‐ASL with multislice single‐shot gradient‐echo echo‐planar‐imaging readout.

Assessment

VS‐ASL scans were independently assessed by three radiologists, with 3–25 years of experience in breast radiology. Scans were scored on lesion visibility and artifacts, based on a 3‐point Likert scale. A score of 1 corresponded to “lesions being distinguishable from background” (lesion visibility), and “no or few artifacts visible, artifacts can be distinguished from blood signal” (artifact score). A distinction was made between mass and nonmass lesions (based on BI‐RADS lexicon), as assessed in the standard clinical exam.

Statistical Tests

Intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) for interobserver agreement.

Results

The ICC was 0.77 for lesion visibility and 0.84 for the artifact score. Overall, mass lesions had a mean score of 1.27 on lesion visibility and 1.53 on the artifact score. Nonmass lesions had a mean score of 2.11 on lesion visibility and 2.11 on the artifact score.

Data Conclusion

We have demonstrated the technical feasibility of bilateral whole‐breast perfusion imaging using VS‐ASL in breast cancer patients.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Effect ofDRD4Receptor −616 C/G Polymorphism on ThalamicGABALevels in Pediatric Patients With Primary Nocturnal Enuresis
Authors: Sun Hongbin , You Yi , Xue Bing , Xiao Shanshan , Lu Yao , Ma Hongwei , Hou Yang , Yu Bing , Pan Xin
Published: June 2021

Background

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) promoter (−616; rs747302) is associated with abnormalities of the thalamus in children suffering from primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE).

Purpose

To investigate the effect of DRD4 −616 C/G SNP on thalamic gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in PNE children.

Study Type

Prospective, observational.

Subjects

One hundred and seventy‐six children with PNE and 161 healthy control children.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T, three‐dimensional T1‐weighted turbo field echo sequence and MEscher–Garwood Point RESolved Spectroscopy (MEGA‐PRESS) MRS sequence.

Assessment

The MEGA‐PRESS MRS sequence was used to measure thalamic GABA spectra. The thalamic GABA+ level was calculated using the Gannet 3.0 software package for each participant. A questionnaire was used to determine arousal from sleep (AS) scores.

Statistical Tests

Comparisons of the AS scores and thalamic GABA+ levels were performed using the Mann–WhitneyUtest between C‐allele carriers and GG homozygotes in the PNE and control groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to determine the association between AS scores and thalamic GABA levels in PNE children.

Results

Thalamic GABA levels in the PNE group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (0.178 (0.169–0.186) vs. 0.154 (0.146–0.164),Z = 8.526,Pcorrected < 0.001). The GABA levels in C‐allele carriers were significantly higher than those in GG homozygotes in both the PNE and control groups (0.184 (0.181–0.193) vs. 0.170 (0.165–0.177),Z = 8.683,Pcorrected < 0.001; 0.166 (0.156–0.170) vs. 0.147 (0.141–0.152),Z = 9.445,Pcorrected < 0.001). GABA levels in the thalamus were also significantly and positively correlated with AS scores in C‐allele carriers in the PNE group (r = 0.747,P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

DRD4 −616 C allele may be associated with increased thalamic GABA+ levels, especially in C‐allele carrying PNE children.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Inhibitory effect of roflumilast on experimental periodontitis
Authors: Liu Qifan , Sun Yue , Chen Danying , Chen Kaidi , Huang Baoxin , Chen Zhuofan
Published: June 2021

Background

Phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) has been identified as a valid therapeutic target in several inflammatory diseases. In this study, we assessed PDE4 in gingival tissue from patients with chronic periodontitis and evaluated the therapeutic effects of the PDE4 inhibitor, roflumilast, in an experimental rat model of periodontitis.

Methods

Gingival tissue specimens from 20 healthy subjects and 20 patients with periodontitis were collected, and the mRNA expression levels of PDE4, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6 were assessed. Ninety rats were divided randomly into three groups (30 per group): non‐ligature group, ligature‐induced periodontitis group (L), and ligature‐induced periodontitis with roflumilast administered group (5 mg/kg/d) (L+R). Rats were euthanized on days 3, 8, and 14. Alveolar bone resorption was analyzed using microcomputed tomography. Inflammation and osteoclast number were analyzed histologically. Finally, the mRNA expression levels of PDE‐4, IL‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) were assessed in the rat gingival tissue.

Results

The mRNA expression levels of PDE4, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 in the gingiva were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis compared with healthy individuals (P <0.05). Alveolar bone loss, degree of inflammation, number of TRAP‐positive multinucleated osteoclasts, and mRNA expression levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, NF‐κB, and PDE4 in the L+R group were significantly lower than those in the L group (P <0.05).

Conclusions

PDE4 expression was increased in the gingiva of patients with periodontitis. Roflumilast may decrease alveolar bone loss and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in rats with ligature‐induced periodontitis.
Noninvasive identification of turmeric and saffron dyes in proteinaceous textile fibres using Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis
Authors: Quintero Balbas Diego , Lanterna Giancarlo , Cirrincione Claudia , Ricci Marilena , Becucci Maurizio , Fontana Raffaella , Striova Jana
Published: June 2021

We used Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis to study noninvasively naturally and artificially aged samples of silk and wool fibres dyed with turmeric and saffron dyes, following historical recipes. The Raman spectra obtained from all the samples using the two excitation lasers (785 and 1064 nm) showed the characteristic peaks of each dye and fibre. The 1064‐nm macro FT‐Raman offered more information regarding the degradation of the fibre substrate, whereas the μ‐Raman at 785‐nm spectra proved more suitable in the identification of dye characteristic peaks. We also performed colorimetric measurements to evaluate the colour change upon artificial ageing and compared them with the information obtained with Raman spectroscopy. The results suggest saffron has a higher lightfastness than turmeric and that silk fibres suffer higher fading and more evident degradation than wool. Raman spectroscopy informs about the chemical composition of the colourants and fibres and their changes upon ageing without sample pretreatment. Finally, we analysed a historical wool sample coming from a 19th‐century Persian carpet, and we identified turmeric.
Intergenerational Transmission of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Australian Vietnam Veterans’ Daughters and Sons: The Effect of Family Emotional Climate While Growing Up
Authors: O'Toole Brian I.
Published: June 2021

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans increases the risk of PTSD in their offspring, a concept known as “intergenerational transmission;” however, the mechanism by which this transmission may occur is, as yet, undetermined. The present study included a nonclinical sample of 197 Australian Army veterans of the Vietnam War who were interviewed 17 years before in‐person interviews of their adult daughters (n = 163) and sons (n = 120) were conducted. Veterans’ PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Mississippi Scale for Combat‐Related PTSD. Approximately 17 years later, offspring PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale for DSM‐IV. In addition, offspring described the family emotional climate during their youth; responses were coded using the Family Affective Attitude Rating Scale (FAARS) to produce scale scores of veterans’ negative, positive, and family relationship styles. A path analysis was conducted via structural equation modeling to test for significant path coefficients between veteran PTSD, family emotional climate, and offspring PTSD symptoms. For daughters, significant path coefficients were observed between veteran PTSD scores and FAARS scores, path coefficient = ‐.268; FAARS scores and offspring CAPS severity scores, path coefficient = ‐.223; and veteran PTSD scores and daughters’ CAPS severity scores, path coefficient = .186. No satisfactory model could be found for sons. The results suggest that a positive emotional climate while growing up may be a significant protective factor against the development of PTSD in veterans’ daughters, but other factors remain significant in veteran‐to‐offspring intergenerational transmission.
Factors Associated With Unanticipated Admission After Outpatient Endoscopic Sinonasal Surgery
Authors: Omiunu Ariel , Barinsky Gregory L. , Fang Christina H. , Grube Jordon G. , Hsueh Wayne D. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: June 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify factors that may increase the risk of unplanned admission following elective outpatient endoscopic sinonasal surgery (ESS).

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP).

Methods

All cases of ESS were extracted from the 2010 to 2018 NSQIP database using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Only cases coded as outpatient, elective, and nonemergent procedures were included. Unplanned admissions were defined as cases with a total hospital stay of 1 day or more. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables that independently predicted unanticipated admission.

Results

A total of 971 cases met inclusion criteria, of which 274 (28.2%) were unanticipated admissions. Patients in the unplanned admission group were more likely to be older (46.8 vs. 41.1 years, P < .001), male (57.7% vs. 48.4%, P = .009), obese (54.8% vs. 43.8%, P = .003), and have hypertension (35.0% vs. 25.0%, P = .002). Unplanned admitted patients were also more likely to be included under American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification III‐IV (43.1% vs. 27.2%, P < .001). There were no significant differences in race, smoking, diabetes, or chronic steroid use. Unplanned admitted patients had a higher rate of surgical complications (2.9% vs. 1.0%, P = .041). Upon multivariate analysis, independent preoperative risk factors for unplanned admission included age (OR: 1.018, P = .002), male gender (OR: 1.415, P = .025), obesity (OR: 1.527, P = .008), and ASA III‐IV (OR 1.501, P = .018).

Conclusions

Factors independently associated with unplanned admission following outpatient ESS were older age, male gender, obesity, and higher ASA. Identification of patients at risk may reduce unanticipated hospital admission after ESS.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:518–522, 2022
The prevalence and impact of special issues in communications journals 2015–2019
Authors: Repiso Rafael , Segarra‐Saavedra Jesús , Hidalgo‐Marí Tatiana , Tur‐Viñes Victoria
Published: June 2021

This article analyses special issues, also referred to as thematic issues, monographic issues, or supplements, a mode of scientific journal publishing that has rarely been studied. It presents a bibliometric analysis of the production of journals in the field of communication in the period 2015–2019 and studies the impact of the publication of special issues in this field. The sample analysed includes 21,458 articles and reviews, 524 special issues, 418 publishers, and 94 journals. The study considers the presence of special issues in communication journals and the distribution and number of papers published in them and compares the impact of papers published in this mode with papers published in regular issues. The results reveal that 19% of articles and reviews published in the period studied appeared in special issues, which generally contain the same number of articles as regular issues. Moreover, 75% of journals achieved a higher average impact factor with articles published in special issues than they did with articles in regular issues. It is concluded that the publication of special issues appears to offer the potential benefits of attracting submissions, increasing profits, and improving impact, although it also has disadvantages. A reflection is offered on the strengths and weaknesses of this publishing practice.
Supercritical Fluid‐Based Decellularization Technologies for Regenerative Medicine Applications
Authors: Kim Beom‐Seok , Kim Jeong‐Uk , So Kyoung‐Ha , Hwang Nathaniel S.
Published: June 2021

Supercritical fluid‐based extraction technologies are currently being increasingly utilized in high purity extract products for food industries. In recent years, supercritical fluid‐based extraction technology is transformed in biomaterials process fields to be further utilized for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications. In particular, supercritical fluid‐based decellularization protocols have great advantage over the conventional decellularization as it may allow preservation of extracellular matrix components and structures. In this review, the latest technological development utilizing the supercritical fluid‐based decellularization for regenerative medicine is introduced.
Localized corrosion of lean duplex stainless steels in H2S‐containing wet atmosphere from urban wastewater treatment units
Authors: Larché Nicolas , Emo Benoit , Thierry Dominique , Duquesnes Vincent , Mendibide Christophe
Published: June 2021

With lower alloying costs and higher mechanical properties, lean duplex stainless steels can be a good alternative to the more commonly used austenitic stainless steels. A study was initiated to define the limits of the use of lean duplex stainless steels for urban wastewater treatment (WWT) units. This paper gives and discusses the corrosion results in an aerated wet atmosphere containing H2S at different levels. Exposures were performed both at laboratory scale and in the field WWT plant for 1 year. A specific probe was also designed to study the corrosion process below water condensate film contaminated with H2S. Under such conditions, the properties of stainless steel were strongly modified with an enhanced risk of localized corrosion. The results obtained on lean duplex materials (UNS S32101, S32202, and S32304) are compared with austenitic UNS S30403 and UNS S31603 and with the more standard duplexes UNS S82441 and UNS S32205. The results show that lean duplexes can be used in aerated wet atmospheres in case of moderate contamination of H2S (<10 ppm) and chloride (<200 ppm). For higher contaminations (e.g., H2S around 100 ppm/chloride around 1000 ppm) the duplex S32205 should be preferred.
Effects of Cr addition on the glass‐forming ability and the corrosion behaviors of FeCBSiP amorphous alloys
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhou Shaoxiong , Li Zongzhen , Zhang Guangqiang , Zheng Wei , Hui Xidong
Published: June 2021

The corrosion behaviors of Fe83‐XC1B11Si2P3CrX (X = 0, 1, 2, and 3 at%) amorphous alloys in 0.1 M NaCl solution have been investigated by immersion and electrochemical tests. With the addition of Cr content from 0 to 3 at%, the corrosion rate of amorphous alloys gradually decreases from 2.57 × 10−1 to 1.04 × 10−1 mm·year−1. The minor addition of Cr improves the corrosion resistance through the increase in the Ecorr value, which makes it easy to reach a passive state and suppress pitting corrosion. The corroded morphology and products of amorphous alloys have been tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The SEM/EDS analysis shows that the high corrosion resistance is due to the formation of dense and stable chromium oxide during immersion in NaCl solutions.
Minimum‐cost flow problems having arc‐activation costs
Authors: Curry Robert M. , Smith J. Cole
Published: June 2021

Time‐dependent network applications, such as wireless sensor network and infrastructure optimization settings, may require dynamic flows to be transmitted according to a nonsimultaneous schedule of path‐flows. We study a dynamic network flow optimization problem considering the presence of activation costs required to begin transmitting flow on an arc. This problem can be modeled as a dynamic version of the minimum‐cost flow problem having arc‐activation costs (MCFA). The MCFA is related but not equivalent to the fixed‐charge network flow problem. We first discuss the relationship between these two problems, and show how MCFA is unique in the network flow literature. We present a mixed‐integer programming (MIP) model along with a series of symmetry‐breaking inequalities for solving the MCFA. As an alternative, we employ a relaxation‐based algorithm that iteratively obtains upper and lower bounds via the solution of a series of smaller, more tractable MIPs. We show that this algorithm finitely terminates with an optimal MCFA solution. Finally, computational results demonstrate the efficacy of our approach compared to solving a MIP using a state‐of‐the‐art commercial solver.
How we coordinate care for uninsured children with nonmalignant hematologic disorders
Authors: Cooper Sarah Hall , Phipps Erin Jane , Lawson DeAuntae , Meier Emily Riehm
Published: June 2021

Providing medical care for uninsured children with nonmalignant hematologic diagnoses presents unique challenges to medical providers and multidisciplinary staff. Financial and psychosocial stressors can hinder optimal care of the uninsured child. Maximizing coverage of medical costs through patient enrollment in state and charity care programs and capitalizing upon community partnerships can help providers achieve comprehensive care for these children. Collaboration between primary care providers, subspecialists, and multidisciplinary teams can be optimized to facilitate provision of hematology care for uninsured children. We detail our experience in establishing these collaborations to improve access to subspecialty care for children with nonmalignant hematologic disorders.
The effect of the COVID‐19 lockdown on children with asthma‐related symptoms: A tertiary care center experience
Authors: Golan‐Tripto Inbal , Arwas Noga , Maimon Michal S. , Bari Romi , Aviram Micha , Gatt Dvir , Goldbart Aviv
Published: June 2021

Background

Acute asthma exacerbations are a common cause for emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in children. Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and the education system closure/total lockdown in Israel on March 2020, we have noticed a decrease in pediatric ED visits and an increase in hospitalizations of asthma exacerbations.

Objective

to examine the patterns of ED visits for asthma exacerbations during COVID‐19 outbreak, in comparison to the previous year.

Methods

A retrospective study comparing asthma related ED visits and hospitalizations among children aged 2–18 years at a tertiary center in southern Israel. Three time periods were selected: 2020 A (prelockdown, 2/1/20 to 3/14/20), 2020 B (lockdown, 3/15/20 to 5/15/20) and 2020 C (postlockdown, 5/16/20 to 6/30/20) and compared to the three parallel time periods in 2019. Data regarding demographics, number of ED visits and clinical severity parameters were collected and analyzed.

Results

Five hundred and twelve children visited the ED for asthma exacerbation: 273 children during 2019 and 239 children during 2020. Lockdown period in 2020 revealed significantly fewer ED visits per day compared to the parallel calendar period in 2019 (1.8 vs. 1.43, p < .001). Significantly higher hospitalization rate (47.1% vs. 33.7%, p = .05) and longer length of stay (3.15 vs. 1.9 days, p = .03) were observed during the lockdown.

Conclusion

Lockdown is associated with fewer ED visits for asthma exacerbation, probably due to; reduced exposure to viral infections and environmental allergens, decreased availability of primary physicians and families' reluctance to arrive to the ED. ED visits during lockdown were characterized by higher hospitalization rate and longer LOS.