bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of immune responses using ovalbumin‐conjugatedEucommia ulmoides leaf polysaccharides encapsulated in a cubic liquid‐crystalline phase delivery system
Authors: Feng Haibo , Zhang Linzi , Yang Jie , Li Sheng , Tang Feng , Li Hangyu , Zhang Xinnan , Wu Daiyan , Feng Yangyang , Liu Qianqian , Liu Ziwei
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

To improve the adjuvant activity of polysaccharides from Eucommia ulmoides leaves (PsEUL) in inducing an effective immune response against ovalbumin (OVA), PsEUL were conjugated to OVA using the N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N′‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) method. The synthesized PsEUL‐OVA was encapsulated using phytantriol and F127 to produce PsEUL‐OVA cubosomes (Cubs), a novel delivery system. The physicochemical properties and immune modulation effects of this novel delivery system were explored.

RESULTS

In vitro, PsEUL‐OVA/Cubs carrying large amounts of OVA were rapidly phagocytized by macrophages and upregulated macrophage proliferation, thereby stimulating cytokine production (interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐4). In vivo, PsEUL‐OVA/Cubs increased the titer of OVA‐specific antibodies (immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgG2b, IgG2a and IgG1) and cytokine levels (IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐4 and interferon‐γ). In addition, the cubosomes promoted the differentiation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in the spleen and the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). These results indicated that PsEUL‐OVA/Cubs stimulated both cellular and humoral immune responses by enhancing the phagocytic activity of DCs and macrophages and increasing the antigen presentation efficiency.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the findings demonstrate that PsEUL‐antigen/Cubs can be a useful delivery vehicle with immune response‐promoting effects. Therefore, this study lays the foundation for the development of novel adjuvant–antigen delivery systems with potential applications in vaccine design. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pretreatment colostomy in patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma: Risk factors for a permanent stoma
Authors: Sobrado Lucas F. , Nahas Caio S. R. , Marques Carlos F. S. , Sobrado Carlos W. , Nahas Sergio C.
Published: May 2022

Background

The current standard of care for anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is concurrent chemoradiation (CRT), which enables tumor eradication while preserving the anal sphincter. Patients with locally advanced tumors, however, may experience complications that preclude treatment before stoma creation.

Objective

To evaluate the reversal rate of pretreatment stomas and the risk factors associated with nonreversal.

Methods

This single‐institution retrospective cohort study using a prospective database included patients diagnosed with anal SCC from January 2008 to December 2020 who required a stoma before curative CRT.

Results

In total, 651 patients were identified; 65 required a stoma before chemoradiation due to obstruction (43.1%), rectovaginal fistula (20%), and perianal sepsis (36.9%). The stoma was reversed in nine patients after a mean follow‐up of 35.8 months. Risk factors associated with a permanent stoma were perianal sepsis (p = 0.010), interruptions during radiotherapy for more than 7 days (p = 0.010), male sex (p = 0.013), poor performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] ≥ 2) (p = 0.023), large tumors (p = 0.045), and cisplatin‐based chemotherapy (p = 0.047).

Conclusions

Pretreatment stomas are unlikely to be reversed, and risk factors for a permanent stoma are perianal sepsis, interruptions during radiotherapy for more than 7 days, male sex, poor performance status (ECOG ≥ 2), large tumors, and cisplatin‐based chemotherapy.
Variability in marsh migration potential determined by topographic rather than anthropogenic constraints in the Chesapeake Bay region
Authors: Molino Grace D. , Carr Joel A. , Ganju Neil K. , Kirwan Matthew L.
Published: May 2022

Sea level rise (SLR) and saltwater intrusion are driving inland shifts in coastal ecosystems. Here, we make high‐resolution (1 m) predictions of land conversion under future SLR scenarios in 81 watersheds surrounding Chesapeake Bay, United States, a hotspot for accelerated SLR and saltwater intrusion. We find that 1050–3748 km2 of marsh could be created by 2100, largely at the expense of forested wetlands. Predicted marsh migration exceeds total current tidal marsh area and is ~ 4× greater than historical observations. Anthropogenic land use in marsh migration areas is concentrated within a few watersheds and minimally impacts calculated metrics of marsh resilience. Despite regional marsh area maintenance, local ecosystem service replacement within vulnerable watersheds remains uncertain. However, our work suggests that topography rather than land use drives spatial variability in wetland vulnerability regionally, and that rural land conversion is needed to compensate for extensive areal losses on heavily developed coasts globally.
Physically Entangled Antiswelling Hydrogels with High Stiffness
Authors: Ji Suchun , Li Xiying , Wang Shuang , Li Hongyuan , Duan Huiling , Yang Xin , Lv Pengyu
Published: May 2022

Physically cross‐linked hydrogels have great potential for tissue engineering because of their excellent biocompatibility and easy fabrication. However, physical cross‐linking points are typically weaker compared to chemical ones and therefore cannot form robust hydrogels with excellent water stability, which greatly hinder their further applications. In this work, a novel hydrogel with high stiffness and outstanding antiswelling performance cross‐linked by hydrophobic polymer chains entanglements is reported. The hydrophobic polymer polyimide (PI) is mixed with the hydrophilic polymer poly‐(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) to form cross‐linking points between the chains. At the equilibrium swelling state, tensile modulus of the hydrogel can be up to 22.57 MPa (higher than most existing hydrogels) and the equilibrium water swelling ratio (ESR) can be as low as 125.0%. By decreasing the PI mass ratio, tensile modulus and ESR of the hydrogel can be tuned in a wide range from 22.57 to 0.005 MPa and 125.0% to 765.6%, respectively. Using PVP/PI solutions as inks, uniform structures and multi‐material structures are fabricated having mechanical properties close to cartilage through a direct ink writing 3D printing platform. This current work demonstrates that entangled PVP/PI hydrogels have excellent tailoring capabilities and are promising candidates for tissue engineering applications.
Predictive skill of North American Multi‐Model Ensemble seasonal forecasts for the climate rainfall over Central Africa
Authors: Feudjio Tchinda Armand , Tanessong Roméo Stève , Mamadou Ossénatou , Tchida Diffo Vanessa , Djomou Yepdo Zephirin , Chabi Orou Jean Bio
Published: May 2022

This study evaluates the predictive performance of the North American Multi‐model Ensemble (NMME) over Central Africa (CA) using the historical rainfall data. The African Rainfall Climatology Version 2 (ARC2) is used as a substitute for reference observational data to examine the capability of 11 NMME and their NMME ensemble mean (MME) in simulating rainfall. Using the Kling‐Gupta efficiency (KGE), Taylor skill score (TSS), and Heidke skill score, the predictive evaluation of the models is performed from lead 0 to lead 5 of each season. The results show that the NMME models satisfactorily reproduce the bimodal and unimodal structure of rainfall in CA at the lead 0 level of different seasons: December–February (DJF), March–May (MAM), June–August (JJA), and September–November (SON). The pattern correlation coefficient (PCC) shows values of NMME and MME greater than ~0.69 and TSS > 0.60 for all four seasons. The MME presents a maximum in DJF between 0 and 1 month lead time. With the same time scale, just over of the NMME have a KGE between 0 and 0.42. It follows that as the forecast lead time increases, the PCC and TSS of each model become small, with PCC in JJA and DJF, TSS < 0.21 in JJA at lead 5. The NMME models exhibit an important rainfall bias and the calculated scores show the quality of the forecast decreases with increasing lead time; this may justify a constraint on the models to keep the good quality of the long‐term seasonal forecast in CA.
Trendbericht Analytische Chemie 2022
Authors: Simon Fabian , Gehrenkemper Lennart , von der Au Marcus , Traub Heike , Vogl Jochen , Meermann Björn , Steinhauser Georg , Retzmann Anika , Rahimi Parvaneh , Falahi Sedigheh , Joseph Yvonne , Deilman Michael , Herwig Christoph , Jäger Martin , Legner Robin , Lendl Bernhard , Rädle Matthias , Richert Joachim , Beleites Claudia , Kraft Jörg , Paul Andrea , Steiner Gerald , Pöthig Alexander
Published: May 2022

Über neue Techniken in der Elementanalytik, neue Isotope für die Spurensuche in der forensischen Umweltanalytik und in der Archäometrie, Miniaturisierung in Chromatographie und Elektroanalytik, Biosensoren für die Point‐of‐Care‐Diagnostik, spektroskopische Methoden in der Prozessanalytik, Digitalisierung und Analyse von Kunststoffen in der chemischen Industrie, neue Methoden in der Chemometrie sowie über Strukturanalyse mit Elektronen und Quantenkristallographie.
Psychische Gesundheit: Unsichtbare Wunden
Authors: Leusmann Eliza
Published: May 2022

Nicht nur, aber besonders zu Pandemiezeiten leiden Studierende, Doktorand:innen und Lehrende psychisch – etwa unter Isolation, Leistungsdruck und Unsicherheit über die Zukunft. Möglicherweise hilft Betroffenen schon das Wissen, dass sie nicht alleine sind.
Enhanced mechanical properties and self‐heating performance of few‐layer graphene‐poly vinylidene fluoride based nanocomposites
Authors: Dayananda Hakkimakki Manjegowda , Makari Hanumanthappa Krishnappa , Sreepad Holalkere RamachandraRao
Published: May 2022

The development of a lower voltage induced high‐performance self‐heating nanocomposite materials for jole‐heating applications has been an intense challenge. Here in, we report a poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/few layer graphene (FLG) based high‐performance self‐heating nanocomposites fabricated via facile solution casting method. The as fabricated PVDF‐FLG nanocomposites were tested by various characterization techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and field emission‐scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical and electrothermal properties were investigated by universal testing machine and IR thermography. Use of increasing content of FLG from 4 to 16 wt%, as an electrically and thermally conductive filler significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, and joule heating efficiency of the nanocomposites. The conductivity of PVDF‐FLG nanocomposites increased from 0.022 S/cm to 0.815 S/cm and tensile stress improved from 27.1 MPa to 48.6 MPa with increase of FLG content from 4 wt% to 16 wt% respectively. As revealed by the IR thermography results, the joule heating effect of the nanocomposites was dominated by applied voltage and FLG content of the nanocomposites. The temperature of the nanocomposite with the highest FLG content that is, PVDF‐FLG 16 exhibited significant increase in temperature from 38.6 to 155°C °C with increase of applied voltage from 4 to 16 V respectively. Therefore, these self‐heating PVDF‐FLG nanocomposites have the great potential to be used in various joule heating applications owing to their efficient heating with low‐power consumption.
Lung ultrasound in Italian neonatal intensive care units: A national survey
Authors: Corsini Iuri , Parri Niccolò , Ficial Benjamim , Ciarcià Martina , Migliaro Fiorella , Capasso Letizia , Savoia Marilena , Gizzi Camilla , Clemente Maria , Raimondi Francesco , Dani Carlo
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Lung ultrasound (LU) is a noninvasive, bedside imaging technique that is attracting growing interest in the evaluation of neonatal respiratory diseases. We conducted a nationwide survey of LU usage in Italian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Methods

A structured questionnaire was developed and sent online to 114 Italian NICUs from June to September 2021.

Results

The response rate was 79%. In the past 4 years (range: 2–6), LU has been adopted in 82% of Italian NICUs. It is the first‐choice diagnostic test in 23% of the centers surveyed. The main LU diagnostic applications reported were: pneumothorax (95%), respiratory distress syndrome (89%), transient tachypnea of the newborn (89%), plural effusion (88%), atelectasis (66%), pneumonia (64%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (43%), congenital pulmonary airway malformation (41%), and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (34%). Thirty percent of participating centers calculated LU score routinely, but only seven units used it to predict the need for surfactant replacement. Sixty‐six percent of respondents learned the LU technique via a self‐training process, while 34% of them visited an expert in the field for one‐to‐one tuition.

Conclusions

LU has a widespread use in Italian NICUs. However, the use of LU is extremely heterogeneous among centers. There is an urgent need to ensure standardization of clinical practice guidelines and to design and implement a formalized and accredited training program.
Tri‐objective optimization of a synergistic wind‐photovoltaic plant for water desalination addressing sustainable development goals
Authors: Saboori Hedayat , Mehrjerdi Hasan
Published: May 2022

The sixth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) announced by the United Nations addresses water and sanitation; its first target is providing safe and affordable drinking water. Water desalination is introduced as a viable alternative considering the present situation of the water resources and their consumption and pollution. However, desalination processes' high energy intensity conflicts with energy and climate‐related SDGs. Correspondingly, the first target of SGD 6 can be translated to an affordable, eco‐friendly, and reliable water desalination. However, these objectives are conflicting considering the current status of desalination. Accordingly, this article proposes a novel multi‐objective model by quantifying the interweaved sustainable development goals for water desalination. To this end, a tri‐objective mixed‐integer linear model is developed to compromise the abovementioned goals, that is, water production cost, supply reliability, and carbon emission. The proposed water desalination system is fed by a combined wind‐photovoltaic‐diesel system, employs power and water storage, and seeks a trade‐off solution based on the planner's preferences. The model is flexible in terms of the degree of achievement of each goal. A detailed analysis is performed, enabling the decision‐maker to comprehend the goals interlinkage based on the degree of achievements and deterioration concerning the other goals.
Epitaxial Growth of Lead‐Free 2D Cs3Cu2I5 Perovskites for High‐Performance UV Photodetectors
Authors: Lv Jianan , Lu Xinyue , Li Xin , Xu Minxuan , Zhong Jiasong , Zheng Xin , Shi Yueqin , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2022

The all‐inorganic lead‐free Cu‐based halide perovskites represented by the Cs−Cu−I system, have sparked extensive interest recently due to their impressive photophysical characteristics. However, successive works on their potential application in light emission diodes and photodetectors rely on tiny polycrystals, in which the grain boundaries and defects may lead to the performance degradation of their embodied devices. Here, 2D all‐inorganic perovskite Cs3Cu2I5 single crystals are epitaxially grown on mica substrates, with a thickness down to 10 nm. The strong blue emission of the Cs3Cu2I5 flakes may originate from the radiative transition of self‐trapped excitons associated with a large Stocks shift and long (microsecond) decay time. Ultravioelt (UV) photodetectors based on individual Cs3Cu2I5 nanosheets are fabricated via a swift and etching‐free dry transfer approach, which reveal a high responsivity of 3.78 A W–1 (270 nm, 5 V bias), as well as a fast response speed (τrise ≈163 ms, τdecay ≈203 ms), outperforming congeneric UV sensors based on other 2D metal halide perovskites. This work therefore sheds light on the fabrication of green optoelectronic devices based on lead‐free 2D perovskites, vital for the sustainable development of photoelectric technology.
Strategies for the Synthesis of Fluorinated Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides
Authors: Shet Harshita , Sahu Rajesh , Sanghvi Yogesh S. , Kapdi Anant R.
Published: May 2022

Fluorinated nucleosides and oligonucleotides are of specific interest as probes for studying nucleic acids interaction, structures, biological transformations, and its biomedical applications. Among various modifications of oligonucleotides, fluorination of preformed nucleoside and/or nucleotides have recently gained attention owing to the unique properties of fluorine atoms imparting medicinal properties with respect to the small size, electronegativity, lipophilicity, and ability for stereochemical control. This review deals with synthetic protocols for selective fluorination either at sugar or base moiety in a preformed nucleosides, nucleotides and nucleic acids using specific fluorinating reagents.
Reading Without Words: Cultivating Bi/Multilingual Family Engagement
Authors: Moody Stephanie M. , Matthews Sharon D.
Published: May 2022

Many family literacy programs are designed to teach bi/multilingual families school‐based reading strategies, which often downplays families' rich cultural and linguistic resources and accentuates the gap between home and school literacy. We designed Reading Without Words to investigate how wordless picture books could be used to feature the meaningful literacy practices bi/multilingual families enact. We engaged dozen Spanish–English Latinx bilingual families in the reading of one wordless picture book, and found that interactions with this text cultivated natural family engagement through creative and collaborative oral storytelling, the use of picture‐based evidence, and the flexible application of language. Their reading moves guide our suggestions for traditional family literacy program modifications that highlight the use of wordless picture books and position bi/multilingual families as experts so that educators and families can collaborate to build meaningful literacy practices.
Association of intraplacental oxygenation patterns on dual‐contrast MRI with placental abnormality and fetal brain oxygenation
Authors: Sun Z. , Wu W. , Zhao P. , Wang Q. , Woodard P. K. , Nelson D. M. , Odibo A. , Cahill A. , Wang Y.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Most human in‐vivo placental imaging techniques are unable to distinguish and characterize various placental compartments, such as the intervillous space (IVS), placental vessels (PV) and placental tissue (PT), limiting their specificity. We describe a method that employs T2* and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to differentiate automatically placental compartments, quantify their oxygenation properties and identify placental lesions (PL) in vivo. We also investigate the association between placental oxygenation patterns and fetal brain oxygenation.

Methods

This was a prospective study conducted between 2018 and 2021 in which dual‐contrast clinical MRI data (T2* and diffusion‐weighted MRI) were acquired from patients between 20 and 38 weeks' gestation. We trained a fuzzy clustering method to analyze T2* and diffusion‐weighted MRI data and assign placental voxels to one of four clusters, based on their distinct imaging domain features. The new method divided automatically the placenta into IVS, PV, PT and PL compartments and characterized their oxygenation changes throughout pregnancy.

Results

A total of 27 patients were recruited, of whom five developed pregnancy complications. Total placental oxygenation level and T2* did not demonstrate a statistically significant temporal correlation with gestational age (GA) (R2 = 0.060, P = 0.27). In contrast, the oxygenation level reflected by T2* values in the placental IVS (R2 = 0.51, P = 0.0002) and PV (R2 = 0.76, P = 1.1 × 10−7) decreased significantly with advancing GA. Oxygenation levels in the PT did not show any temporal change during pregnancy (R2 = 0.00044, P = 0.93). A strong spatial‐dependent correlation between PV oxygenation level and GA was observed. The strongest negative correlation between PV oxygenation and GA (R2 = 0.73, P = 4.5 × 10−7) was found at the fetal‐vessel‐dominated region close to the chorionic plate. The location and extent of the placental abnormality were automatically delineated and quantified in the five women with clinically confirmed placental pathology. Compared to the averaged total placental oxygenation, placental IVS oxygenation level best reflected fetal brain oxygenation level during fetal development.

Conclusion

Based on clinically feasible dual‐MRI, our method enables accurate spatiotemporal quantification of placental compartment and fetal brain oxygenation across different GAs. This information should improve our knowledge of human placenta development and its relationship with normal and abnormal pregnancy. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Pre‐exascale HPC approaches for molecular dynamics simulations. Covid‐19 research: A use case
Authors: Wieczór Miłosz , Genna Vito , Aranda Juan , Badia Rosa M. , Gelpí Josep Lluís , Gapsys Vytautas , de Groot Bert L. , Lindahl Erik , Municoy Martí , Hospital Adam , Orozco Modesto
Published: May 2022

Exascale computing has been a dream for ages and is close to becoming a reality that will impact how molecular simulations are being performed, as well as the quantity and quality of the information derived for them. We review how the biomolecular simulations field is anticipating these new architectures, making emphasis on recent work from groups in the BioExcel Center of Excellence for High Performance Computing. We exemplified the power of these simulation strategies with the work done by the HPC simulation community to fight Covid‐19 pandemics.

This article is categorized under:

Data Science > Computer Algorithms and Programming

Data Science > Databases and Expert Systems

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte‐Carlo Methods
Gamma Irradiation of Embryogenic Cell Suspension Cultures from Cavendish Banana (Musa spp. AAA Group) and In Vitro Selection for Resistance to Fusarium Wilt
Authors: Hu Chunhua , Wu Yuanli , Yi Ganjun
Published: May 2022

In this chapter, the establishment of embryogenic cell suspension (ECS) cultures using immature male flowers of triploid banana (Musa AAA Cavendish subgroup cv. ‘Brazil’), followed by somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration is described. Mutation induction is achieved by exposing the ECS to gamma irradiation with the dose of 80 Gy. The mutagenized cell population is transferred to solid long-term suspension culture medium for 96 h to recover from mutagen treatment shock, followed by somatic embryo induction and development medium containing 20% crude culture filtrates from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). After 90 days, the somatic embryos that survive are transferred to the germination medium containing 25% crude culture filtrates. The surviving mature somatic embryos are transferred to rooting medium after the fourth subculture on the germination medium containing 50% crude culture filtrates. Before transplanting in a Foc infected field, the in vitro plantlets are acclimatized and screened for resistance to Foc using a pot-based greenhouse bioassay.
An Optimised Greenhouse Protocol for Screening Banana Plants for Fusarium Wilt Resistance
Authors: Ndayihanzamaso Privat , Bothma Sheryl , Mostert Diane , Mahuku George , Viljoen Altus
Published: May 2022

Fusarium wilt, caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is considered one of the most devastating diseases of banana in the world. Effective management of Fusarium wilt is only achieved by planting banana varieties resistant to Foc. Resistant bananas, however, require many years of breeding and field-testing under multiple geographical conditions. Field evaluation is reliable but time consuming and expensive. Small plant screening methods are, therefore, needed to speed up the evaluation of banana varieties for Foc resistance. To this end, a small plant screening method for resistance to banana Fusarium wilt is presented. The method proposes the planting of 2- to 3-month-old banana plants in soil amended with 10 g Foc-colonised millet seeds. Rhizome discoloration is then evaluated to rank the disease resistance response. The optimized millet seed technique could be useful in mass screening of newly developed genotypes for resistance to Foc.
Trigeminal neurons control immune-bone cell interaction and metabolism in apical periodontitis
Authors: Austah Obadah N. , Lillis Katherine V. , Akopian Armen N. , Harris Stephen E. , Grinceviciute Ruta , Diogenes Anibal
Published: May 2022

Apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease occurring following tooth infection with distinct osteolytic activity. Despite increasing evidence that sensory neurons participate in regulation of non-neuronal cells, their role in the development of AP is largely unknown. We hypothesized that trigeminal ganglia (TG) Nav1.8+ nociceptors regulate bone metabolism changes in response to AP. A selective ablation of nociceptive neurons in Nav1.8Cre/Diphtheria toxin A (DTA)Lox mouse line was used to evaluate the development and progression of AP using murine model of infection-induced AP. Ablation of Nav1.8+ nociceptors had earlier progression of AP with larger osteolytic lesions. Immunohistochemical and RNAscope analyses demonstrated greater number of macrophages, T-cells, osteoclast and osteoblast precursors and an increased RANKL:OPG ratio at earlier time points among Nav1.8Cre/ DTALox mice. There was an increased expression of IL-1α and IL-6 within lesions of nociceptor-ablated mice. Further, co-culture experiments demonstrated that TG neurons promoted osteoblast mineralization and inhibited osteoclastic function. The findings suggest that TG Nav1.8+ neurons contribute to modulation of the AP development by delaying the influx of immune cells, promoting osteoblastic differentiation, and decreasing osteoclastic activities. This newly uncovered mechanism could become a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AP and minimize the persistence of osteolytic lesions in refractory cases.

Graphical abstract
Multiplexed mRNA analysis of brain-derived extracellular vesicles upon experimental stroke in mice reveals increased mRNA content with potential relevance to inflammation and recovery processes
Authors: Bub Annika , Brenna Santra , Alawi Malik , Kügler Paul , Gui Yuqi , Kretz Oliver , Altmeppen Hermann , Magnus Tim , Puig Berta
Published: May 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-enclosed structures that represent newly discovered means for cell-to-cell communication as well as promising disease biomarkers and therapeutic tools. Apart from proteins, lipids, and metabolites, EVs can deliver genetic information such as mRNA, eliciting a response in the recipient cells. In the present study, we have analyzed the mRNA content of brain-derived EVs (BDEVs) isolated 72 h after experimental stroke in mice and compared them to controls (shams) using nCounter® Nanostring panels, with or without prior RNA isolation. We found that both panels show similar results when comparing upregulated mRNAs in stroke. Notably, the highest upregulated mRNAs were related to processes of stress and immune system responses, but also to anatomical structure development, cell differentiation, and extracellular matrix organization, thus indicating that regenerative mechanisms already take place at this time-point. The five top overrepresented mRNAs in stroke mice were confirmed by RT-qPCR and, interestingly, found to be full-length. We could reveal that the majority of the mRNA cargo in BDEVs was of microglial origin and predominantly present in small BDEVs (≤ 200 nm in diameter). However, the EV population with the highest increase in the total BDEVs pool at 72 h after stroke was of oligodendrocytic origin. Our study shows that nCounter® panels are a good tool to study mRNA content in tissue-derived EVs as they can be carried out even without previous mRNA isolation, and that the mRNA cargo of BDEVs indicates a possible participation in inflammatory but also recovery processes after stroke.
Femoral revision with the direct anterior approach
Authors: Thaler Martin , Corten Kristoff , Nogler Michael , Holzapfel Boris Michael , Moskal Joseph
Published: May 2022

Objective

The advantages of the direct anterior approach (DAA) in primary total hip arthroplasty as a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing, internervous approach are reported by many authors. Therefore, the DAA has become increasingly popular for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in recent years, and the number of surgeons using the DAA is steadily increasing. Thus, the question arises whether femoral revisions are possible through the same interval.

Indications

Aseptic, septic femoral implant loosening, malalignment, periprosthetic joint infection or periprosthetic femoral fracture.

Contraindications

A draining sinus from another approach.

Surgical technique

The incision for the primary DAA can be extended distally and proximally. If necessary, two releases can be performed to allow better exposure of the proximal femur. The DAA interval can be extended to the level of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) in order to perform a tensor release. If needed, a release of the external rotators can be performed in addition. If a component cannot be explanted endofemorally, and a Wagner transfemoral osteotomy or an extended trochanteric osteotomy has to be performed, the skin incision needs to be extended distally to maintain access to the femoral diaphysis.

Postoperative management

Depending on the indication for the femoral revision, ranging from partial weight bearing in cases of periprosthetic fractures to full weight bearing in cases of aseptic loosening.

Results

In all, 50 femoral revisions with a mean age of 65.7 years and a mean follow-up of 2.1 years were investigated. The femoral revision was endofemoral in 41 cases, while a transfemoral approach with a lazy‑S extension was performed in 9 patients. The overall complication rate was 12% (6 complications); 3 patients or 6% of the included patients required reoperations. None of the implanted stems showed a varus or valgus position. There were no cases of mechanical loosening, stem fracture or subsidence. Median WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) score before surgery improved significantly from preoperative (52.5) to postoperative (27.2).
Low-level 40Ca determinations using nitrous oxide with reaction cell inductively coupled plasma–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lancaster Shaun T. , Prohaska Thomas , Irrgeher Johanna
Published: May 2022

In inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, the most abundant Ca isotope (40Ca) suffers from isobaric interference with argon, hindering the potential for low detection limits of Ca. A powerful approach is to remove the interference by using a reaction gas in a reaction cell. Ammonia (NH3) has proven to be an effective reaction gas by process of a charge transfer reaction. However, NH3 is highly corrosive and toxic and cannot remove isobaric 40 K. Therefore, this work proposes the use of nitrous oxide (N2O) to mass shift the target analyte 40Ca to 40Ca16O+ as a non-corrosive and non-toxic alternative. Instrument performance testing demonstrated that N2O was capable of reaching equivalent detection limits (0.015 ng g−1) and background equivalence concentrations (0.041 ng g−1) to that of NH3 and limited by the blank only. Further investigation of matrix interferences with synthetic standards highlighted that the N2O approach supports the separation of potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg)–based interferences at tested concentrations of more than 600 times and almost 800 times higher than Ca respectively, whereas NH3 was found to only support the removal of Mg. This work highlights a clear advantage of N2O for low-level Ca determinations with high matrix loads, as well as compatibility with other instrumentation sensitive to corrosion that supports reaction cell technology.

Graphical abstract
Incidence of hospital contacts with acute kidney injury after initiation of second-generation antipsychotics in older adults: a Danish population-based cohort study
Authors: Sharon Reeha , Lange Theis , Aakjær Mia , Brøgger Kristiansen Sarah , Baltzer Houlind Morten , Andersen Morten
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To investigate the association between acute kidney injury (AKI) and use of second-generation antipsychotics (SGA) in older adults.

Methods

In a population-based cohort study using Danish national registries, new users of SGAs (aged ≥ 65) were identified during 2005–2015. Each SGA user was matched to 10 population controls on age, sex, and the SGA initiation date. The outcome was incident AKI within 90 days after the index date. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

In the study, 36,581 new SGA users and 365,810 controls were included. The 90-day incidence rate of AKI was 4.38 and 1.70 per 1000 person-years among SGA users and controls, respectively, corresponding to a crude HR of 2.57 (1.79–3.68). The fully adjusted HR (aHR) was 1.43 (0.89–2.27) for all SGAs. The risk differed among individual drugs with aHRs for olanzapine 3.50 (1.20–10.23), quetiapine 1.62 (0.81–3.26), and risperidone 0.68 (0.28–1.64). In sensitivity analyses, the aHR declined to 1.24 (0.95–1.61) at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Olanzapine use was associated with a significantly increased 90-day AKI risk. For quetiapine, the risk was elevated but not significant, and risperidone had no association. CIs were wide and confounder adjustment largely impacted the estimates. Main limitations included residual confounding and incomplete recording of AKI diagnoses.
Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Elective Abdominal and Pelvic Surgery at Primary and Secondary Hospitals in Low–Middle‐Income Countries (LMIC's): Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendation
Authors: Oodit Ravi , Biccard Bruce M. , Panieri Eugenio , Alvarez Adrian O. , Sioson Marianna R. S. , Maswime Salome , Thomas Viju , Kluyts Hyla‐Louise , Peden Carol J. , de Boer Hans D. , Brindle Mary , Francis Nader K. , Nelson Gregg , Gustafsson Ulf O. , Ljungqvist Olle
Published: May 2022

Background

This is the first Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society guideline for primary and secondary hospitals in low–middle‐income countries (LMIC's) for elective abdominal and gynecologic care.

Methods

The ERAS LMIC Guidelines group was established by the ERAS® Society in collaboration with different representatives of perioperative care from LMIC's. The group consisted of seven members from the ERAS® Society and eight members from LMIC's. An updated systematic literature search and evaluation of evidence from previous ERAS® guidelines was performed by the leading authors of the Colorectal (2018) and Gynecologic (2019) surgery guidelines (Gustafsson et al in World J Surg 43:6592–695, Nelson et al in Int J Gynecol Cancer 29(4):651–668). Meta‐analyses randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective cohort studies from both HIC's and LMIC's were considered for each perioperative item. The members in the LMIC group then applied the current evidence and adapted the recommendations for each intervention as well as identifying possible new items relevant to LMIC's. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system (GRADE) methodology was used to determine the quality of the published evidence. The strength of the recommendations was based on importance of the problem, quality of evidence, balance between desirable and undesirable effects, acceptability to key stakeholders, cost of implementation and specifically the feasibility of implementing in LMIC's and determined through discussions and consensus.

Results

In addition to previously described ERAS® Society interventions, the following items were included, revised or discussed: the Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC), preoperative routine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in countries with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS (CD4 and viral load for those patients that are HIV positive), delirium screening and prevention, COVID 19 screening, VTE prophylaxis, immuno‐nutrition, prehabilitation, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and a standardized postoperative monitoring guideline.

Conclusions

These guidelines are seen as a starting point to address the urgent need to improve perioperative care and to effect data‐driven, evidence‐based care in LMIC's.
Enhancement of Wheat Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Nutritional Properties of Wheat Plantlet Juice by Plasma Activated Water
Authors: Wang Junhong , Cheng Jun-Hu , Sun Da-Wen
Published: May 2022

Previous studies have shown the great potential of using plasma-activated water (PAW) on improving agriculture seed germination, however, information on the influence of PAW on crop plantlet juice remains scanty. In this research, the effect of PAW generated by atmosphere pressure Ar–O2plasma jet for 1–5 min on wheat seed germination, seedling growth and nutritional properties of wheat plantlet juice was investigated. Results revealed that all PAWs could enhance wheat seed germination and seedling growth in 7 days by improving the germination rate, germination index, fresh weight, dry weight and vigour index, and especially that PAW activated for 3 min (PAW-3) showed the best overall performance. In addition, the application of PAWs enhanced the nutritional properties of wheat plantlet juice from those grown for 14 days by improving total soluble solids, protein content, photosynthetic pigments, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, enzyme activity, free amino acids and minerals content, and the best enhancement was also observed in PAW-3. It was concluded that PAWs would be an effective technique to enhance the growth and nutritional properties of crop sprouts, which could be served as functional foods in many forms.
Siponimod vs placebo in active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: a post hoc analysis from the phase 3 EXPAND study
Authors: Gold Ralf , Piani-Meier Daniela , Kappos Ludwig , Bar-Or Amit , Vermersch Patrick , Giovannoni Gavin , Fox Robert J. , Arnold Douglas L. , Benedict Ralph H. B. , Penner Iris-Katharina , Rouyrre Nicolas , Kilaru Ajay , Karlsson Göril , Ritter Shannon , Dahlke Frank , Hach Thomas , Cree Bruce A. C.
Published: May 2022

Background

Siponimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator approved for active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (aSPMS) in most countries; however, phase 3 EXPAND study data are from an SPMS population with/without disease activity. A need exists to characterize efficacy/safety of siponimod in aSPMS.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of participants with aSPMS (≥ 1 relapse in 2 years before study and/or ≥ 1 T1 gadolinium-enhancing [Gd +] magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] lesions at baseline) receiving oral siponimod (2 mg/day) or placebo for up to 3 years in EXPAND. Endpoints: 3-month/6-month confirmed disability progression (3mCDP/6mCDP); 3-month confirmed ≥ 20% worsening in Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW); 6-month confirmed improvement/worsening in Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) scores (≥ 4-point change); T2 lesion volume (T2LV) change from baseline; number of T1 Gd + lesions baseline–month 24; number of new/enlarging (N/E) T2 lesions over all visits.

Results

Data from 779 participants with aSPMS were analysed. Siponimod reduced risk of 3mCDP/6mCDP vs placebo (by 31%/37%, respectively; p < 0.01); there was no significant effect on T25FW. Siponimod increased likelihood of 6-month confirmed SDMT improvement vs placebo (by 62%; p = 0.007) and reduced risk of 6-month confirmed SDMT worsening (by 27%; p = 0.060). Siponimod was associated with less increase in T2LV (1316.3 vs 13.3 mm3; p < 0.0001), and fewer T1 Gd + and N/E T2 lesions than placebo (85% and 80% reductions, respectively; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In aSPMS, siponimod reduced risk of disability progression and was associated with benefits on cognition and MRI outcomes vs placebo.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01665144.
Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults in Different Healthcare Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses
Authors: Rivelsrud Maribeth Caya , Hartelius Lena , Bergström Liza , Løvstad Marianne , Speyer Renée
Published: May 2022

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is prevalent in the elderly and persons with complex medical conditions, resulting in considerable medical and psychosocial consequences and reduced quality of life. Many prevalence studies regard OD in relation to age or diagnosis. Knowledge on the prevalence of OD in different healthcare settings is lacking. This systematic review aimed to estimate the prevalence of OD in adults admitted to hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and palliative care facilities through meta-analyses. A systematic literature search was completed including all dates up to March 30, 2021. The methodology and reporting were based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Forty-four out of 1,956 screened articles were deemed eligible. Considerable heterogeneity in definitions of OD and type and quality of selected outcome measures were observed. Overall within-group pooled prevalence estimates for OD determined by meta-analysis were 36.5% (95% CI 29.9 − 43.6) in the hospital setting, 42.5% (95% CI 35.8 − 49.5) in the rehabilitation setting, and 50.2% (95% CI 33.3–67.2) in nursing homes. No OD prevalence data were identified for palliative care facilities. Results for between-group analyses of OD prevalence estimates in the hospital setting were non-significant for type of assessment method, diagnostic group, and type of hospital ward, but indicated significantly higher prevalence estimates in nursing homes when using screening compared to patient-report. Future research should provide OD prevalence data for palliative care, achieve consensus in OD-related terminology when performing prevalence studies, and use screening and assessments with optimal diagnostic performance and psychometric properties.
The evaluation of tactile dysfunction in the hand in type 1 diabetes: a novel method based on haptics
Authors: Picconi F. , Ryan C. P. , Russo B. , Ciotti S. , Pepe A. , Menduni M. , Lacquaniti F. , Frontoni S. , Moscatelli A.
Published: May 2022

Aims

We present an innovative method based on haptics for the evaluation of the sense of touch in the hand, in people affected by type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Forty individuals affected by diabetes and 20 healthy controls took part in the study; the diabetes group was further divided into two subgroups based on vibration sensitivity in the lower limb. By means of a novel haptic device, tactile sensitivity in the fingertip was measured as the ability of the participants to discriminate slip motion speed.

Results

Tactile sensitivity was significantly lower in individuals affected by diabetes as compared to controls. Depending on the subgroup, the difference from the controls was equal to 0.11 (95% CI from 0.029 to 0.186) and to 0.267 (95% CI from 0.198 to 0.336). Within the diabetes group, tactile sensitivity correlated with vibration sensitivity in the upper (p = 0.001) and lower limb (p = 0.003). A significant relationship between nerve conduction parameters and tactile sensitivity was found (p = 0.03). Finally, we combined the different predictors (clinical, vibratory and electroneurography data) by using cluster analysis; tactile sensitivity was found to be significantly different between different clusters (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Early signs of tactile dysfunction in the hand were found in individuals affected by diabetes, even in absence of diabetic neuropathy. The protocol presented in this study is a promising tool for the assessment of tactile dysfunction in the hand in people affected by type 1 diabetes.
Return to work after mild traumatic brain injury: association with positive CT and MRI findings
Authors: Huovinen Antti , Marinkovic Ivan , Isokuortti Harri , Korvenoja Antti , Mäki Kaisa , Nybo Taina , Raj Rahul , Melkas Susanna
Published: May 2022

Background

Return to work (RTW) might be delayed in patients with complicated mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), i.e., MTBI patients with associated traumatic intracranial lesions. However, the effect of different types of lesions on RTW has not studied before. We investigated whether traumatic intracranial lesions detected by CT and MRI are associated with return to work and post-concussion symptoms in patients with MTBI.

Methods

We prospectively followed up 113 adult patients with MTBI that underwent a brain MRI within 3–17 days after injury. Return to work was assessed with one-day accuracy up to one year after injury. Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) and Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOS-E) were conducted one month after injury. A Kaplan–Meier log-rank analysis was performed to analyze the differences in RTW.

Results

Full RTW-% one year after injury was 98%. There were 38 patients with complicated MTBI, who had delayed median RTW compared to uncomplicated MTBI group (17 vs. 6 days), and more post-concussion symptoms (median RPQ 12.0 vs. 6.5). Further, RTW was more delayed in patients with multiple types of traumatic intracranial lesions visible in MRI (31 days, n = 19) and when lesions were detected in the primary CT (31 days, n = 24). There were no significant differences in GOS-E.

Conclusions

The imaging results that were most clearly associated with delayed RTW were positive primary CT and multiple types of lesions in MRI. RTW-% of patients with MTBI was excellent and a single intracranial lesion does not seem to be a predictive factor of disability to work.
Force delivery modification of removable thermoplastic appliances using Hilliard precision thermopliers for tipping an upper central incisor
Authors: Wiechens Bernhard , Brockmeyer Phillipp , Erfurth-Jach Teresa , Hahn Wolfram
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the force delivered by removable thermoplastic appliances (RTAs, aligners), altered with Hilliard precision thermopliers, on an upper central incisor to tip it in the palatal and vestibular directions.

Materials and methods

A total of 10 aligners made from Ideal Clear® (polyethylene terephthalate glycol copolyester, PET-G) with a thickness of 1 mm were used in force analysis. Different-sized spot-thermoformed protuberances (bumps) were generated by activating the thermoplier (thin and thick) up to 30°, 60° and 90° in the centre of the palatal and vestibular surfaces of the aligner in 15° steps. The tipping (Fx) and intrusive (Fz) force components were measured on the isolated upper central incisor as part of a standardized resin model, with or without vertical loading by a weight equivalent.

Results

Thermoplier activation at 30°, 60° and 90° resulted in different bump heights. The analysis revealed significantly higher Fx and Fz values with increasing bump heights for every activation step in all cases (p < 0.0001, respectively). Overall, the values of the Fx force component were higher than those observed for Fz. Significant differences between the palatal and vestibular tipping procedures were found depending on the resulting force components when the thin thermoplier was used; in contrast, the thick thermoplier resulted in a larger dispersion of the force magnitudes.

Conclusions

Aligners modified with Hilliard precision thermopliers showed altered biomechanical parameters. This approach could be an option for treatment modification.

Clinical relevance

The instrumental examination provided informative results for daily practice, as activation, force dosage and different force values under chewing pressure can be estimated more precisely based on the determined force levels.