bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustaining behavior reduction by transitioning the topography of the functional communication response
Authors: Randall Kayla R. , Greer Brian D. , Smith Sean W. , Kimball Ryan T.
Published: March 2021

When a functional communication response (FCR) can be reliably occasioned, destructive behavior tends to be lower. However, the form of FCR may affect the durability of functional communication training, as missing FCR materials may promote resurgence. Experiment 1 demonstrated that resurgence of target responding was lower when a vocal FCR remained available but was placed on extinction compared to when a card‐based FCR was unavailable. Experiment 2 replicated the finding that initiating treatment with a card FCR produced less target responding than when initiating treatment with a vocal FCR. We then evaluated a set of procedures for transitioning the card FCR to the previously unlearned vocal FCR. These findings suggest benefits of training different types of FCRs at different stages of treatment and provide a preliminary set of procedures for transitioning between FCR topographies while occasioning minimal target responding.
Drug repositioning to target NSP15 protein on SARS‐CoV‐2 as possible COVID‐19 treatment
Authors: Sixto‐López Yudibeth , Martínez‐Archundia Marlet
Published: March 2021

SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2 belong to the subfamily Coronaviridae and infect humans, they are constituted by four structural proteins: Spike glycoprotein (S), membrane (M), envelope (E) and nucleocapsid (N), and nonstructural proteins, such as Nsp15 protein which is exclusively present on nidoviruses and is absent in other RNA viruses, making it an ideal target in the field of drug design. A virtual screening strategy to search for potential drugs was proposed, using molecular docking to explore a library of approved drugs available in the DrugBank database in order to identify possible NSP15 inhibitors to treat Covid19 disease. We found from the docking analysis that the antiviral drugs: Paritaprevir and Elbasvir, currently both approved for hepatitis C treatment which showed some of the lowest free binding energy values were considered as repositioning drugs to combat SARS‐CoV‐2. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations of the Apo and Holo‐Nsp15 systems were performed in order to get insights about the stability of these protein‐ligand complexes.
A quantitative detection of Cardiotrophin‐1 in chronic heart failure by chemiluminescence immunoassay
Authors: Ping Ying , Wang Xuchu , Dai Yibei , Wang Danhua , Liu Weiwei , Yu Pan , Tao Zhihua
Published: March 2021

Background

Cardiotrophin‐1 (CT‐1) is a cytokine that could induce cardiomyocytes hypertrophy and dysfunction. Plasma CT‐1 might serve as a cardiac biomarker both in diagnosis, staging, and prognostic assessment of heart failure.

Methods

In this study, a one‐step paramagnetic particles‐based chemiluminescence immunoassay (MPs‐CILA) for rapid and sensitive detection of plasma CT‐1 was established. Plasma samples were directly incubated with biotin‐labeled anti‐CT‐1 antibody (bio‐Ab) and acridine ester labeled anti‐CT‐1 antibody (AE‐Ab) to form sandwiched complex. The sandwiched CT‐1 was then captured by streptavidin modified paramagnetic particles (MPs‐SA) for rapid separation and signal generation.

Results

The proposed MPs‐CLIA presents a laudable linear relationship ranging from 7.8 pg/mL to 200 ng/mL with a detection limit of 1.0 pg/mL. The recoveries of spiked human plasma samples at low (10pg/mL), medium (100 pg/mL), and high (800 pg/mL) levels of CT‐1 were 96%, 104%, and 110% respectively. The intra‐analysis coefficient variation (CVs) of the 3 samples was 8.92%, 6.69%, and 3.54%, respectively. And the inter‐analysis coefficient variation (CVs) was 9.25%, 10.9%, and 4.3%, respectively. These results strongly indicate high sensitivity, wide linear range, acceptable precision, and applicable reproducibility of the proposed method to detect plasma level of CT‐1. Finally, Plasma CT‐1 from 140 subjects with or without chronic heart failure was analyzed to assess the clinical application of MPs‐CILA.

Conclusions

Noteworthily, the MPs‐CLIA method is highly automated such that it is suitable for high‐throughput detection of CT‐1 in clinical inspection.
Ribociclib Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Analysis of Neutrophils in Cancer Patients
Authors: Lu Yasong , Yang Shu , Ho Yu‐Yun , Ji Yan
Published: March 2021

The population pharmacokinetics (popPK) of ribociclib and population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship between ribociclib and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) were characterized in patients with cancer. PopPK and ANC PK/PD modeling were both conducted in 2 rounds per data availability. Initial models were developed based on data sets from early‐phase trials and qualified using external data from the phase III MONALEESA‐2 trial. The second round of analyses was performed using updated data sets that included 2 more phase III trials (MONALEESA‐3 and ‐7). The popPK and ANC PK/PD models adequately described the data and demonstrated reasonable predictive ability. Covariate analysis showed that ribociclib PK were not affected by age, sex, race, baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status (grade 1), mild/moderate renal impairment, mild hepatic impairment, or concomitant use of combination partners, including aromatase inhibitors (letrozole, anastrozole) or fulvestrant, proton‐pump inhibitors, or weak cytochrome P450 3A4/5 inhibitors. Body weight had no impact on ribociclib clearance to warrant dose adjustment. The ANC PK/PD relationship was not affected by age, weight, sex, race, baseline ECOG status (grade 1), or concomitant use of letrozole, anastrozole, or fulvestrant. The PK/PD analysis confirmed reversibility of ribociclib's effect on ANC; it also suggested that lowering the dose of ribociclib would mitigate ANC decrease and neutropenia risk. The popPK and ANC PK/PD analyses support the use of ribociclib in combination with an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant in patients with hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2–negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer without dose adjustment in subpopulations, and the use of dose interruption/reduction to mitigate potential treatment‐emergent neutropenia.
Identification of lncRNA expression profiles and analysis of ceRNA in the hippocampus of perinatal glyphosate‐exposed mice
Authors: Fan Xingli , Wang Dawei , Shen Xiangdi , Qiu Jianing , Wu Lihui , Yan Jie , Ji Hua
Published: March 2021

Objective

In order to understand the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) played in the mechanisms of glyphosate neurotoxicity in neuronal development.

Methods

Perinatal glyphosate exposure (PGE) mouse model was constructed, and a lncRNA microarray was used to study the lncRNA expression changes in the hippocampus tissue of perinatal glyphosate exposure mice. Then we used GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) databases to analyze the function of the differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs.

Results

LncRNA microarray analysis revealed that 1759 lncRNAs and 759 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the perinatal glyphosate exposure (PGE) mice group (G group) compared with the normal control mice group (C group). The functions of the DEmRNAs are involved in the cellular response to hormone stimulus. The ceRNA analysis showed that some interaction networks existed, including (ENSMUST00000137546, ENSMUST00000160950)/(miR‐34a‐3p, miR‐130a‐3p)/(Il12b, Irf1). Further analysis of the target mRNAs of miRNAs indicated that the possible functions involved the neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction and calcium signaling pathway, which are involved in perinatal glyphosate exposure‐induced neurotoxicity.

Conclusion

The aberrant expression of lncRNAs is related to the perinatal glyphosate‐exposed neurotoxicity. These lncRNAs affect the target gene expression level, might by regulating neuroactive ligand‐receptor interactions. The (ENSMUST00000137546, ENSMUST00000160950)/ (miRNA‐34a‐5p, miR‐130a‐3p) / mRNAs (e.g., Il12b, Irf1) interaction network may functions in perinatal glyphosate exposure‐induced neurotoxicity.
Social preference in rats
Authors: Hackenberg Timothy D. , Vanderhooft Lauren , Huang Jasmine , Wagar Madeline , Alexander Jordan , Tan Lavinia
Published: March 2021

Rats were given repeated choices between social and nonsocial outcomes, and between familiar and unfamiliar social outcomes. Lever presses on either of 2 levers in the middle chamber of a 3‐chamber apparatus opened a door adjacent to the lever, permitting 45‐s access to social interaction with the rat in the chosen side chamber. In Experiment 1, rats preferred (a) social over nonsocial options, choosing their cagemate rat over an empty chamber, and (b) an unfamiliar over a familiar rat, choosing a non‐cagemate over their cagemate. These findings were replicated in Experiment 2 with 2 different non‐cagemate rats. Rats preferred both non‐cagemate rats to a similar degree when pitted against their cagemate, but were indifferent when the 2 non‐cagemates were pitted against each other. Similar preference for social over nonsocial and non‐cagemate over cagemate was seen in Experiment 3, with new non‐cagemate rats introduced after every third session. Response rates (for both cagemate and non‐cagemate rats) were elevated under conditions of nonsocial (isolated) housing compared to conditions of social (paired) housing, demonstrating a social deprivation effect. Together, the experiments contribute to an experimental analysis of social preference within a social reinforcement framework, drawing on methods with proven efficacy in the analysis of reinforcement more generally.
Stimulated emission depletion microscopy for biological imaging in four dimensions: A review
Authors: Wu Zhaoyang , Xu Xinzhu , Xi Peng
Published: March 2021

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy allows high lateral and axial resolution, long term imaging in living cells. Here we review recent technical advances in STED microscopy, with emphasis on resolution and measurement range of XYZt four dimensions. Different STED technical advances and novel STED probes are discussed with their respective application in biological subcellular imaging. This review may serve as a practical guide for choosing a suitable approach to the advanced STED super‐resolution imaging.
Characterization of genetic counselor practices in inpatient care settings
Authors: Magness Emily , Magoulas Pilar , Moscarello Tia , Ma Daria , Helm Benjamin M. , Mizerik Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

Rapid genomic testing is increasingly used in inpatient settings for diagnostic and treatment purposes. With the expansion of genetic testing in this setting, requests for inpatient genetics consultations have increased. There have been reports of genetic counselors working in inpatient care, though their specific roles are not well described. In this study, we characterized the roles of genetic counselors practicing in inpatient care settings in the United States and Canada. Genetic counselors were recruited via professional organization listservs to complete an online survey. The survey gathered information on participants' roles and workflow of inpatient genetics consultation services at their institution. Responses from 132 participants demonstrate that 50.4% of genetic counselors cover genetics consultations as needed or on a rotating schedule (34.6%). They practice in general pediatric (59.1%), neonatal (42.5%), cancer (28.3%), and/or prenatal (18.9%) specialties, among others. Participants reported working independently (16.1%) or with other providers (54.8%), including geneticists and other attending physicians. The workflow of genetics consultation services varies between institutions in the delivery of consults, members of the inpatient genetics consultation care team, and administrative support. Fifty percent of participants reported having no exposure to inpatients during graduate training, and 87.3% of participants reported receiving no institutional training for their inpatient role. This is the first study to describe roles of genetic counselors in inpatient care. It establishes a foundation for future research on inpatient genetic counseling and genetic counseling outcomes in inpatient services. As demand for genetics expertise in inpatient care grows, genetic counselors can be hired to serve inpatient populations alongside genetics and non‐genetics providers.
Real‐world treatment patterns, adverse events and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treated with ibrutinib in the UK
Authors: Hillmen Peter , Xie Jing , Yong Alan S. M. , Waweru Catherine , Sorof Thuy Anh , Goyal Ravi K. , Davis Keith L.
Published: March 2021

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common leukaemia in adults in the UK. Ibrutinib, an oral Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) for CLL approved by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in January 2017, represented a major shift in CLL management. Real‐world data on ibrutinib use in routine clinical practice will inform patients’ and physicians’ decision‐making. We conducted a retrospective medical chart review of UK patients with CLL who initiated ibrutinib between January 2017 and July 2018. Data for 259 patients were contributed by 34 haematology‐oncology specialists, with a median follow‐up duration of 16.7 months. Median age at ibrutinib initiation was 71 years. Ibrutinib first‐line monotherapy was prescribed in 20.1% of patients. Ibrutinib was permanently discontinued in 15.4% of patients, mostly owing to progressive disease. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 151 patients (58.3%). The most common were bruising (19.3% of patients), cytopenias (17.0%) and diarrhoea (11.6%). Ibrutinib dose reduction was observed in 14.3% of patients and was temporarily discontinued in 10.4% of patients, with the main reason for both being toxicity. These results expand the real‐world evidence on ibrutinib therapy and demonstrate a high burden of AEs, highlighting the need for more tolerable BTKis.
Fe3O4@SiO2@D‐NHCS‐Tr as an efficient and reusable catalyst for the synthesis of indol‐3‐yl‐4H‐chromene via a multi‐component reaction under solvent‐free conditions
Authors: Baharfar Robabeh , Peiman Sahar , Maleki Behrooz
Published: March 2021

Fe3O4@SiO2@D‐NHCS‐Tr was used as an efficient catalyst in the three‐component reaction between indole derivatives, salicylaldehyde, and active methylene compounds under solvent‐free conditions to the synthesis of indol‐3‐yl‐4H‐chromene derivatives. The features of this method include the green conditions of the reaction, easy separation, eco‐friendly and cost‐effectiveness of the catalyst, and high yield in short reaction times.
Design, synthesis, anticancer activity, and in silico studies of novel imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine based 1H‐1,2,3‐triazole derivatives
Authors: Endoori Srinivas , Gulipalli Kali Charan , Bodige Srinu , Ravula Parameshwar , Seelam Nareshvarma
Published: March 2021

A novel series of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine based 1H‐1,2,3‐triazole derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anticancer activity against two different human cancer cell lines. Most of the synthesized compounds displayed anticancer activity with IC50 values from 2.35 to 120.46 μM. Furthermore, compounds 9b, 9c, 9d, 9f, and 9j showed potent inhibitory activity against cancer cell lines, with IC50 values close to that of standard drug. It is important to note that compound 9d was more potent than the standard drug cisplatin with IC50 values of 10.89 and 2.35 μM against Hela cell line and MCF‐7 cell line, respectively.
General and fine structure of Aeolidia papillosa cnidosacs (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia)
Authors: Vorobyeva Olga A. , Malakhov Vladimir V. , Ekimova Irina A.
Published: March 2021

Nudibranch mollusks (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia) are widely known for their ability to incorporate some active biochemical compounds of their prey, or even organelles and symbionts of the prey, which assured biological success of this group. At the same time, the process of nematocysts obtaining and incorporation into specific structures called cnidosacs by cladobranch mollusks remain poorly studied. This highlights a necessity of additional ultrastructural studies of cnidosac and adjacent organs in various aeolid mollusks using modern microscopic methods as they may provide new insight into the cnidosac diversity and fine‐scale dynamics of nematocysts sequestration process. The present study is focused on the general and fine structure of the cnidosac area in cladobranch Aeolidia papillosa (Aeolidiidae). Specific goals of our study were to provide a detailed description of histological and ultrafine structure of epidermis, upper parts of the digestive glands and the cnidosac, its innervation and proliferation using standard histological techniques, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and transmission electron microscopy. Our results clearly demonstrated that A. papillosa cnidosac is a much more complex structure, than it was thought, especially compared with simple cnidosacs found in flabellinids and facelinids. Using CLSM for functional morphological analysis provides a better resolution in visualization of structural elements within a cnidosac compared with traditional histological techniques. We revealed the presence of two cell types in the cnidophage zone: cnidophages and interstitial cells, which differ in ultrastructure and function. Our results also document the presence of a specific cnidopore zone, lined with differentiated cuboid epithelium bearing long microvilli, which likely provides a unidirectional flow of nematocysts during kleptocnides extrusion. For the first time, occurrence of vacuoles containing protective chitinous spindles in the cnidosac epithelium was shown.
Evolution of eggshell structure in relation to nesting ecology in non‐avian reptiles
Authors: D'Alba Liliana , Goldenberg Jonathan , Nallapaneni Asritha , Parkinson Dilworth Y. , Zhu Chenhui , Vanthournout Bram , Shawkey Matthew D.
Published: March 2021

Amniotic eggs are multifunctional structures that enabled early tetrapods to colonize the land millions of years ago, and are now the reproductive mode of over 70% of all terrestrial amniotes. Eggshell morphology is at the core of animal survival, mediating the interactions between embryos and their environment, and has evolved into a massive diversity of forms and functions in modern reptiles. These functions are critical to embryonic survival and may serve as models for new antimicrobial and/or breathable membranes. However, we still lack critical data on the basic structural and functional properties of eggs, particularly of reptiles. Here, we first characterized egg shape, shell thickness, porosity, and mineralization of eggs from 91 reptile species using optical images, scanning electron microscopy, and micro computed tomography, and collected data on nesting ecology from the literature. We then used comparative analyses to test hypotheses on the selective pressures driving their evolution. We hypothesized that eggshell morphology has evolved to protect shells from physical damage and desiccation, and, in support, found a positive relationship between thickness and precipitation, and a negative relationship between porosity and temperature. Although mineralization varied extensively, it was not correlated with nesting ecology variables. Ancestral state reconstructions show thinning and increased porosity over evolutionary time in squamates, but the opposite in turtles and crocodilians. Egg shape, size, porosity and calcification were correlated, suggesting potential structural or developmental tradeoffs. This study provides new data and insights into the morphology and evolution of reptile eggs, and raises numerous questions for additional research.
Anatomical features of the phytotelma dwelling, egg‐eating, fanged tadpoles of Rhacophorus vampyrus (Anura: Rhacophoridae)
Authors: Vera Candioti Florencia , dos Santos Dias Pedro Henrique , Rowley Jodi J. L. , Hertwig Stefan , Haas Alexander , Altig Ronald
Published: March 2021

Tadpoles of the Vampire tree frog Rhacophorus vampyrus differ substantially from other rhacophorid tadpoles, by having profound modifications in external morphology. The morphological peculiarities of this species likely correlate with their arboreal microhabitat and strict oophagous diet. In this work, we examine buccal and musculoskeletal anatomy and compare them to other rhacophorid and egg‐eating larvae. The shape and arrangement of cartilages of the lower jaw are unique among tadpoles, and the lack of a palatoquadrate suspensorium is only known in the distantly related macrophagous tadpoles of the dicroglossid Occidozyga baluensis. The cranial musculature is massive, and the morphology of several mandibular, hyoid, and abdominal muscles could be related to the ingestion and transit of large eggs. In the buccal cavity, conspicuous aspects are the absence of ridges and papillae, and the development of a unique glandular zone in the buccal floor. Finally, observations of the skeletal support of keratinized mouthparts allow us to present a topography‐based hypothesis of homology of the conspicuous fangs of these tadpoles.
Measurement of Three‐Dimensional Internal Dynamic Strains in the Intervertebral Disc of the Lumbar Spine With Mechanical Loading and Golden‐Angle Radial Sparse Parallel‐Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Menon Rajiv G. , Zibetti Marcelo V.W. , Pendola Martin , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: March 2021

Background

Noninvasive measurement of internal dynamic strain can be potentially useful to characterize spine intervertebral disc (IVD) in the setting of injury or degenerative disease.

Purpose

To develop and demonstrate a noninvasive technique to quantify three‐dimensional (3D) internal dynamic strains in the IVD using a combination of static mechanical loading of the IVD using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐compatible ergometer.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Silicone gel phantom studies were conducted to assess strain variation with load and repeatability. Mechanical testing was done on the phantoms to confirm MR results. Eight healthy human volunteers (four men and four woman, age = 29 ± 5 years) underwent MRI using a rest, static loading, and recovery paradigm. Repeatability tests were conducted in three subjects.

Field Strength/Sequence

MRI (3 T) with 3D continuous golden‐angle radial sparse parallel (GRASP) and compressed sensing (CS) reconstruction.

Assessment

CS reconstruction of the images, motion deformation, and Lagrangian strain maps were calculated for five IVD segments from L1/L2 to L5/S1.

Statistical Tests

Ranges of displacement and strain in each subject and the resulting mean and standard deviation were calculated. Student t‐tests were used to calculate changes in strain from loading to recovery. The correlation coefficient (CC) in the repeatability study was calculated.

Results

The most compressive strain experienced by the IVD segments under loaded conditions was in the L4/L5 segment (−7.5 ± 2.9%). The change in minimum strain from load to recovery was the most for the L4/L5 segment (−7.5% to −5.0%, P = 0.026) and the least for the L1/L2 segment (−4.4% to −3.9%, P = 0.51). In vivo repeatability in three subjects shows strong correlation between scans in subjects done 6 months apart, with CCs equal to 0.86, 0.94, and 0.94 along principal directions.

Data Conclusion

This study shows the feasibility of using static mechanical loading with continuous GRASP‐MRI acquisition with CS reconstruction to measure 3D internal dynamic strains in the spine IVD.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Enriched environment ameliorates chronic temporal lobe epilepsy‐induced behavioral hyperexcitability and restores synaptic plasticity in CA3–CA1 synapses in male Wistar rats
Authors: Salaka Raghava Jagadeesh , Nair Kala P. , Annamalai Kiruthiga , Srikumar Bettadapura N. , Kutty Bindu M. , Shankaranarayana Rao Byrathnahalli S.
Published: March 2021

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of focal epilepsies. Pharmacoresistance and comorbidities pose significant challenges to its treatment necessitating the development of non‐pharmacological approaches. In an earlier study, exposure to enriched environment (EE) reduced seizure frequency and duration and ameliorated chronic epilepsy‐induced depression in rats. However, the cellular basis of beneficial effects of EE remains unknown. Accordingly, in the current study, we evaluated the effects of EE in chronic epilepsy‐induced changes in behavioral hyperexcitability, synaptic transmission, synaptophysin (SYN), and calbindin (CB) expression, hippocampal subfield volumes and cell density in male Wistar rats. Epilepsy was induced by lithium–pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus. Chronic epilepsy resulted in behavioral hyperexcitability, decreased basal synaptic transmission, increased paired‐pulse facilitation ratio, decreased hippocampal subfields volumes. Moreover, epileptic rats showed decreased synaptophysin and CB expression in the hippocampus. Six weeks post‐SE, epileptic rats were exposed to EE for 2 weeks, 6 hr/day. EE significantly reduced the behavioral hyperexcitability and restored basal synaptic transmission correlating with increased expression of SYN and CB. Our results reaffirm the beneficial effects of EE on behavior in chronic epilepsy and establishes some of the putative cellular mechanisms. Since drug resistance and comorbidities are a major concern in TLE, we propose EE as a potent non‐pharmacological treatment modality to mitigate these changes in chronic epilepsy.
Postimplantation pocket hematoma increases risk of cardiac implantable electronic device infection: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kewcharoen Jakrin , Kanitsoraphan Chanavuth , Thangjui Sittinun , Leesutipornchai Thiratest , Saowapa Sakditad , Pokawattana Apichai , Navaravong Leenhapong
Published: March 2021

Introduction

 Several studies have shown an inconsistent relationship between postimplantation pocket hematoma and cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to explore the effect of postimplantation hematoma and the risk of CIED infection.

Methods

 We searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to March 2020. Included studies were cohort studies, case‐control studies, cross‐sectional studies, and randomized controlled trials that reported incidence of postimplantation pocket hematoma and CIED infection during the follow‐up period. CIED infection was defined as either a device‐related local or systemic infection. Data from each study were combined using the random effects, generic inverse variance method of Der Simonian and Laird to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Fourteen studies were included in final analysis, involving a total of 28 319 participants. In random‐effect model, we found that postimplantation pocket hematoma significantly increases the risk of overall CIED infection (OR = 6.30, 95% CI: 3.87‐10.24, I2 = 49.3%). There was no publication bias observed in the funnel plot as well as no small‐study effect observed in Egger’s test.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis demonstrated that postimplantation pocket hematoma significantly increases the risk of CIED infection. Precaution should be taken during device implantation to reduce postimplantation hematoma and subsequent CIED infection.
Effects of aerosols on cloud and precipitation in East‐Asian drylands
Authors: Luo Run , Liu Yuzhi , Zhu Qingzhe , Tang Yuhan , Shao Tianbin
Published: March 2021

Extensive observational and numerical simulations have been performed to better characterize the role of aerosols in affecting the clouds and precipitation. However, due to the large uncertainties of aerosol property, the effect of aerosols on clouds and precipitation over the arid and semiarid region (briefly called ‘drylands’) of East Asia (EA) is still unclear. Basing on observations and model simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5), we investigated the aerosol's effects on the cloud properties and precipitation over the drylands of EA from 1850 to the present and projected forward to 2,300. It is found that, during 1850–2005, with the mean aerosol optical depth (AOD) over the drylands of EA increasing, the cloud droplet number concentration (CDNC) increases, while the cloud effective droplet radius (CEDR) decreases significantly at a rate of −0.40 μm·century−1. Besides, the cloud water path (CWP) and precipitation show slightly increasing trends with the AOD increasing. Additionally, the effect of aerosols on cloud properties is saturated when the AODs reach 0.21 and 0.15 over the arid region (AR) and semiarid region (SR), respectively. According to the prediction for the period 2006–2300, the AOD and CDNC tend to decline over the drylands of EA, while the CWP, CEDR and precipitation show increasing trends. Particularly, the aerosol, clouds and precipitation indicate more significant changes over the SR in EA during 2006–2300. In future research, there is an urgent need to quantify the contribution of aerosol‐cloud interaction to the precipitation change over the drylands of EA.
Application of an improved multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis approach for estimation of the complexity of daily precipitation
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Li Heng , Liu Dong , Fu Qiang , Li Mo , Faiz Muhammad Abrar , Ali Shoaib , Khan Muhammad Imran , Li Tianxiao
Published: March 2021

Affected by climate change and high‐intensity human activities, the precipitation series is characterized by nonlinear complex fluctuations. In order to accurately quantify the precipitation complexity, the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) method was introduced to address the shortcomings of the traditional multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA), and the CEEMDAN‐MFFA method was proposed to explore the spatiotemporal variability and possible causes of precipitation complexity in Northeast China (NEC). The results showed that the traditional MFDFA method generally overestimated precipitation complexity. However, the CEEMDAN‐MFFA method improved the accuracy and reliability of precipitation complexity analysis. Daily precipitation series in NEC were characterized by multifractal with high uncertainty and anti‐persistence. The lowest precipitation complexity was 0.573, which appeared in Qian'an, Jilin Province, and the highest precipitation complexity was 1.108, which appeared in the Boketu, Inner Mongolia. The cities with high complexity of daily precipitation are sporadically distributed in the three provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning. The average complexity is ~0.892, accounting for 22.5% of the total administrative districts. The complexity of daily precipitation showed a statistically insignificant downward trend with time. The precipitation dynamics structure in the southeast and northwest of the study area was complex, and the precipitation was less predictable than other regions. However, the precipitation dynamics structure was relatively simple and the precipitation was easily predictable in the northeastern, central and southwestern regions. Elevation, topographic relief, changes in water area, forest area and agricultural production were the main influencing factors for the differences in precipitation complexity. Results also revealed that increasing the area of forestland by means of protecting and breeding forests, via regulation of the forest ecosystems to alleviate the complex precipitation process will become a reliable approach to cope with nonstationary precipitation.
The effect of total knee geometries on kinematics: An experimental study using a crouching machine
Authors: Walker Peter S. , Mhadgut Aishwarya , Buchalter Daniel B. , Kirby David J. , Hennessy Daniel
Published: March 2021

Obtaining anatomic knee kinematics after a total knee is likely to improve outcomes. We used a crouching machine to compare the kinematics of standard condylar designs with guided motion designs. The standard condylars included femoral sagittal radii with constant radius, J‐curve and G‐curve; the tibial surfaces were of low and high constraint. The guided motion designs were a medial pivot and a design with asymmetric condylar shapes and guiding surfaces. The machine had a flexion range from 0° to 125°, applied quadriceps and hamstring loading, and simulated the collateral soft tissues. The kinematics of all standard condylar knees were similar, showing only small anterior–posterior displacements and internal–external rotations. The two asymmetric designs showed posterior displacements during flexion, but less axial rotations than anatomic knees. The quadriceps forces throughout flexion were very similar between all designs, reflecting similar lever arms. It was concluded that standard condylar designs, even with variations in sagittal radii, are unlikely to reproduce anatomic kinematics. On the other hand, designs with asymmetric constraint between medial and lateral sides, and other guiding features, are likely to be the way forward. The mechanical testing method could be further improved by superimposing shear forces and torques during the flexion–extension motion, to include more stressful in vivo functional conditions.
Prediction of soft tissue coverage following distal femur bone sarcoma resection: A preliminary report
Authors: Baysal Özgür , Sağlam Fevzi , Akgülle Ahmet H. , Baykan Said E. , Erol Bülent
Published: March 2021

We aimed to examine the predictability of the need for soft tissue reconstruction during limb‐sparing surgery through preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients diagnosed with a malignant bone tumor in the distal femur. The study included 42 patients who were operated for a bone sarcoma of the distal femur at our clinic between 2016 and 2018. The recorded parameters included the demographic characteristics of the patients, tumor diagnosis, tumor side, total tumor volume, tumor soft tissue component volume, tumor soft tissue component volume‐to‐total tumor volume ratio, tumor localization by MR imaging, the need for soft tissue reconstruction, the muscles used for soft tissue reconstruction, the biopsy site, and the biopsy type. Tumor volume was calculated on MR imaging of the distal femur region performed before surgery. Our study established cut‐off values for soft tissue reconstruction need following resection as a total tumor volume of 96.4 cm3, a tumor soft tissue component volume of 22 cm3, a tumor soft tissue component volume‐to‐total tumor volume ratio of 48.9%, and tumor localization in two different regions on axial distal femoral MR images. Considering these cut‐off values, by calculating tumor volume values preoperatively we can predict the need for rotational muscle flaps for soft tissue coverage following distal femur bone sarcoma resection and endoprosthesis reconstruction. Anticipating the need for soft tissue reconstruction may affect the duration and success of the operation.
“One Health” in tendinopathy research: Current concepts
Authors: Smith Roger K. W. , McIlwraith C. Wayne
Published: March 2021

Tendinopathy remains one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting both human and equine athletes and presents a considerable therapeutic challenge. The following workshop report comes from the third Dorothy Havemeyer Symposium of Tendinopathy which provided a unique overview of our current understanding of both the basic science and the clinical challenges for diagnosing and treating tendinopathy in both species. Pathologically, tendon demonstrates alterations in both cellular, molecular, structural, and biomechanical features, leading to a spectrum of pathological endotypes. To develop novel interventions to manage, treat or prevent tendinopathies it is vital to understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to both tendon failure, and also regeneration and resolution of inflammation. The horse shows analogous pathology with both human Achilles tendinopathy (superficial digital flexor tendon) and intrathecal rotator cuff tears (deep digital flexor tendon tears) enabling scientists and clinicians from both medical and veterinary fields to work jointly on matching naturally occurring disease models. The experience in human medicine on the design, conduct, and impact of clinical trials has much to inform clinical trials in horses. There is a need to design appropriate studies to address clear questions, socialize the study to achieve good enrollment, and consider the significance and impact of the clinical question as well as the cost of addressing it. Because economics is often a limitation in equine medicine the use of observational studies, and specifically registries, should be given careful consideration.
What you see depends on where you sit: The effect of geographical location on web‐searching for systematic reviews: A case study
Authors: Cooper Chris , Lorenc Theo , Schauberger Ute
Published: March 2021

There is limited guidance on how to web‐search in systematic reviews and concern relates to the reproducibility of searches using search engines such as Google. The aim of this paper is to address one potential source of variation in Google searches: does the geographical location of a researcher affect Google search returns? Using a virtual private network, we ran the same web‐search for the medical technology Dasatinib in 12 different countries. Two researchers independently extracted the search returns by country organised by page rank. We compared: C1. any difference in the items returned by Google searches between countries and C2. any difference in the page rank of items returned between countries. Searches were undertaken on Monday September 28th 2020. From 12 countries, 43 items were identified. For C1: 19 items were common to all 12 countries. Twenty‐four items were missed by searches in some countries. This means that there were differences in search returns between countries. For C2: a randomised trial reported by Raddich et al was the first search return for all countries. All other items, common to all countries, varied in their page‐rank. We find that geographic location would appear to influence Google search returns based on the findings of this case study. The findings suggest that recording the location of the researcher undertaking web‐searching may now be an important factor to report alongside detail on steps taken to minimise personalisation of web‐searches covered by recent guidance. This finding also has implications for stopping‐rules.
Synergistic Effects between Anionic and Sulfobetaine Surfactants for Stabilization of Foams Tolerant to Crude Oil in Foam Flooding
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Chen Zhao , Cui Zhenggang
Published: March 2021

In foam flooding, foams stabilized by conventional surfactants are usually unstable in contacting with crude oil, which behaves as a strong defoaming agent. In this article, synergistic effects between different surfactants were utilized to improve foam stability against crude oil. Targeted to reservoir conditions of Daqing crude oil field, China (45 °C, salinity of 6778 mg L−1, pH = 8–9), foams stabilized by typical anionic surfactants fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate (AES) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) show low composite foam index (200–500 L s) and low oil tolerance index (0.1–0.2). However, the foam stability can be significantly improved by mixing the anionic surfactant with a sulfobetaine surfactant, which behaves as a foam stabilizer increasing the half‐life of foams, and those with longer alkyl chain behave better. As an example, by mixing AES and SDS with hexadecyl dimethyl hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine (C16HSB) at a molar fraction of 0.2 (referring to total surfactant, not including water), the maximum composite foaming index and oil tolerance index can be increased to 3000/5000 L s and 1.0/4.0, respectively, at a total concentration between 3 and 5 mM. The attractive interaction between the different surfactants in a mixed monolayer as reflected by the negative βs parameter is responsible for the enhancement of the foam stabilization, which resulted in lower interfacial tensions and therefore negative enter (E), spreading (S), and bridging (B) coefficients of the oil. The oil is then emulsified as tiny droplets dispersed in lamellae, giving very stable pseudoemulsion films inhibiting rupture of the bubble films. This made it possible to utilize typical conventional anionic surfactants as foaming agents in foam flooding.
Effects of food matrix and probiotics on the bioavailability of curcumin in different nanoformulations
Authors: Han Juan , Ye Tao , Liu Yao‐hui , Chen Xin , Miao Guo‐peng
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Nanoparticles can improve the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Concomitant intake of food can affect pharmacokinetic profiles by altering dissolution, absorption, metabolism, and elimination behavior. Studies on the effects of food and its supplements on the bioavailability of bioactives in nanoformulations are few. In this study, the effects of typical food (milk, sugar, high‐fat diet, and regular kibble) and a widely consumed probiotic [Bifidobacterium lactis Bb‐12® (Bb‐12)] on the bioavailability of curcumin in four formulations [simply suspended curcumin (Cur‐SS) and curcumin in nanoemulsions (Cur‐NEs), in single‐walled carbon nanotubes (Cur‐SWNTs), and in nanostructured lipid carriers (Cur‐NLCs)] were investigated.

RESULTS

Fasting treatment and sugar co‐ingestion can significantly enhance the bioavailability of curcumin in Cur‐NEs and Cur‐SWNTs, respectively. Compared with the fasting treatment, co‐ingestion with regular kibble reduced the absorption of curcumin in Cur‐NEs and Cur‐SWNTs. Ingesting milk along with Cur‐NE is also not recommended. The mechanisms behind these phenomena were briefly discussed. This study revealed for the first time that the intestinal colonization of Bb‐12 reduces the bioavailability of curcumin and this reduction can be attenuated by nanoformulations SWNTs and NLCs, but not NEs. The reason for this difference was the protective effects of the former two nanoformulations against curcumin degradation by Bb‐12 according to in vitro experiments.

CONCLUSION

Dietary status (including supplementary probiotics) can dramatically influence the bioavailability of curcumin in nanoformulations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Delphian lymph node metastasis is a novel indicator of tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhu Youzhi , Lin Junyu , Yan Yixing , Zheng Ke , Zhang Huihao , Wu Kunlin , Kong Lingjun , Chen Ling , Chen Xiangjin
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

Although the significance of Delphian lymph nodes (DLNs) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been reported, all studies have been based on a small sample size and lack a direct statement concerning prognosis.

Methods

A total of 904 consecutive patients were enrolled in the current study, and all patients were divided into two groups (DLN‐positive and DLN‐negative) according to the presence of DLN metastasis.

Results

DLN was detected in 687 patients (76.0%), and 123 (17.9%) had DLN metastasis. Compared to those in the DLN‐negative group, the proportion of other central lymph node (CLN) metastases, mean number of metastatic CLNs, and mean metastatic CLN ratio were higher in the DLN‐positive group (86.2 vs. 50.2%, 6.70 ± 5.19 vs. 1.60 ± 2.37, and 0.54 ± 0.25 vs. 0.18 ± 0.26, respectively; p < .001). The same phenomena were observed in the metastatic lateral lymph nodes (LLNs) between the DLN‐positive and DLN‐negative groups (52.0 vs. 15.4%, 7.28 ± 6.08 vs. 3.38 ± 3.73, and 0.23 ± 0.15 vs. 0.13 ± 0.12, respectively; p < .001). Patients in the DLN‐positive group had shorter LLN metastasis‐free survival and distant metastasis‐free survival than patients in the DLN‐negative group (93.5% vs. 98.6% and 95.9% vs. 98.8%, respectively, p < .05).

Conclusions

DLN metastasis in PTC is associated with tumor aggressiveness and a poor prognosis.
Tranexamic acid in patients with current or former cancer undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Varady Nathan H. , Chen Antonia F. , Drayer Nicholas J. , Ready John , Lozano‐Calderon Santiago A. , Hayden Brett L.
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

While tranexamic acid (TXA) is an excellent mechanism to reduce blood loss in arthroplasty, its safety in cancer patients—who could potentially benefit the most from blood conservation—is unknown.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective review of current or former cancer patients undergoing hip/knee arthroplasty from 2014 to 2019 was performed. The use of intravenous TXA, indication (oncologic/degenerative), cancer state, cancer type, surgical factors, demographics, and comorbidities were collected. The association between TXA use and 90‐day/1‐year complications was analyzed with multivariable logistic regressions.

Results

We identified 282 patients with current (87.9%) or former (12.1%) malignancies undergoing arthroplasty (73.0% oncologic/27.0% degenerative). About 74 (26.2%) patients received TXA (52.7% had oncologic indications, 74.3% had active cancer). In adjusted analysis, TXA was not associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism within 90‐days (odds ratio [OR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16–2.16, p = 0.43) or 1‐year (OR 0.47; 95%CI 0.15–1.44, p = 0.19), with a trend towards lower risk. Similar results were seen for mortality and wound complications, and when stratifying by indication.

Conclusion

TXA was not associated with increased complications in current or former cancer patients undergoing arthroplasty. Future randomized studies of TXA in arthroplasty should include cancer patients; in the interim, clinicians should weigh the theoretical risks of TXA with the known benefits of reduced blood loss in oncology patients.
Curettage and cryosurgery for enchondroma and atypical cartilaginous tumors of the long bones: Oncological results of a large series
Authors: Deckers Claudia , de Leijer Esther M. , Flucke Uta , de Rooy Jacky W. J. , Schreuder H. W. Bart , Dierselhuis Edwin F. , van der Geest Ingrid C. M.
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

Intralesional surgical treatment is the preferred therapy for atypical cartilaginous tumors (ACTs) of the long bones in many institutions. However, the literature is still controversial regarding intralesional treatment versus wide resection. Due to the relative rarity of these tumors, studies reporting on the results of intralesional treatment are often small sample studies.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the oncological results of 55 enchondromas, 119 ACTs, and 5 chondrosarcomas grade 2 (CS2) treated with curettage and cryosurgery between the years 2004 and 2017 at our institution. The median follow‐up period was 53 months (range, 24–169 months).

Results

In total, seven cases (three ACT, four CS2) recurred. Residual tumor was detected in 20 cases. Three cases underwent secondary curettage and cryosurgery due to local recurrence. Four cases underwent wide resection and reconstruction due to local recurrence with aggressive imaging characteristics. In total, 20 postoperative complications were seen.

Conclusion

Curettage and cryosurgery for enchondroma and ACT show very good oncological results with a low recurrence rate and acceptable complication rate. Curettage and cryosurgery is reliable as a surgical treatment for enchondroma and ACT. Further research should define the criteria for determining which specific cartilaginous tumors necessitate surgical treatment.