bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in the Returns to Education for Males by Disability Status and Age of Disability Onset
Authors: Hollenbeck Kevin , Kimmel Jean
Published: July 2021

We examine linkages between disability and the returns to education for males, incorporating the role that age of disability onset may play in these returns. Our analyses are based on the 1993 Panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation and exploit detailed information regarding productivity‐related functional limitations. We estimate a three‐state switching regression model that includes a Heckman‐type employment correction. The coefficient estimates vary by disability status—early‐onset disability, late‐onset disability, and non‐disabled. Our research contributes to the disability literature by providing details on the role that education may play in the lives of persons with disabilities, depending on the age at which the disability first manifests itself. Overall, we find that males who experience disability onset after reaching adulthood experience substantial wage returns to education, larger than the returns for the non‐disabled population. The average wages of individuals with poor health or disability, regardless of age of onset, are below those of the non‐disabled, however, so education may serve as a buffer to protect against potential negative wage effects of becoming disabled, but this “insurance” is not sufficient to close the gap.
Inequality, Nonhomothetic Preferences, and Trade: A Gravity Approach
Authors: Dalgin Muhammed , Trindade Vitor , Mitra Devashish
Published: July 2021

We construct the first direct classification of goods as luxuries or necessities that is compatible with international trade data. We then use it to test an idea that has not been tested directly in the literature: Countries' income distributions are important determinants of their import demand, and, in particular, of the difference in their import demands of luxuries versus necessities. We interpret this result with the aid of a model in which preferences are nonhomothetic, thus relaxing a long‐held and standard—but empirically dubious—assumption in the theory of international trade. Our model is strongly borne out by the results: Imports of luxuries increase with the importing country's inequality, and imports of necessities decrease with it. Our calculations imply that if income distribution in the United States became as equal as in Canada, the United States would import about 9‐13% fewer luxury goods and 13‐19% more necessities.
Selling the Game: Estimating the Economic Impact of Professional Sports through Taxable Sales
Authors: Baade Robert A. , Baumann Robert , Matheson Victor A.
Published: July 2021

Sports leagues, franchises, and civic boosters tout the economic benefits of professional sports as an incentive for host cities to construct new stadiums or arenas at considerable public expense. Past league‐sponsored studies have estimated that new stadiums, franchises, and mega‐events such as the Super Bowl increase economic activity by potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in host cities. A detailed regression analysis of taxable sales in Florida over the period extending from 1980 to 2005 fails to support these claims. New stadiums, arenas, and franchises, as well as mega‐events, appear to be as likely to reduce taxable sales as increase them. Similarly, strikes and lockouts in professional sports have not systematically lead to reductions in local taxable sales.
Ranking Economics Journals, Economics Departments, and Economists Using Teaching‐Focused Research Productivity
Authors: Lo Melody , Wong M. C. Sunny , Mixon Franklin G.
Published: July 2021

This paper constructs new rankings of economics journals, economics departments, and economists that employ a measure of teaching‐focused research productivity, an area of growing importance in recent years. The ranking methodologies presented here use information from articles that were published from 1991 through the early part of 2005 within the Journal of Economic Literature's “economic education” classifications (A200‐A290). The Journal of Economic Literature tops the list of journals, followed by the Review of Economics and Statistics and the American Economic Review. Among the top institutions are Vanderbilt University, Indiana University, and the University of Wisconsin. Others that rank high here, such as Oberlin College and Denison University, do not often fare as well using methodologies that evaluate more traditional types of economics research. Finally, among the economists we find that John Siegfried, William Becker, and Michael Watts are ranked above other economists.
Self‐Policing in a Targeted Enforcement Regime
Authors: Stafford Sarah L.
Published: July 2021

This paper adds to the debate over whether self‐policing can increase environmental protection by considering an issue that has been ignored in previous models—that self‐policing may influence future enforcement. The model combines self‐policing with targeted enforcement and allows for both deliberate and inadvertent violations. As expected, rewarding self‐policers with more lenient future enforcement increases auditing, remediation, and disclosure of inadvertent violations. Self‐policing can also serve as a complement to deliberate compliance and can thus further increase environmental performance. However, under reasonable conditions, self‐policing can be a substitute for deliberate compliance and could therefore be detrimental to environmental protection.
Another Look at Yield Spreads: The Role of Liquidity
Authors: Kim Dong Heon
Published: July 2021

Liquidity plays an important role in explaining how banks determine their allocation of funds. This paper examines whether this fact can explain yield spreads and the term structure of interest rates. The paper models banks' demand for liquidity in a manner similar to that often used to study household liquidity needs, namely, by using a cash‐in‐advance type model. The paper finds that the cash‐in‐advance constraint (liquidity constraint) plays an important role in determining yield spreads. The empirical part of the paper shows that the expectations hypothesis might be salvaged when account is taken of the liquidity premium and the risk premium.
Do Real Exchange Rates Follow a Nonlinear Mean Reverting Process in Developing Countries?
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Kutan Ali M. , Zhou Su
Published: July 2021

In an effort to fight relatively high inflation, many developing countries try to manage their nominal exchange rates through official intervention. In addition, developing countries tend to have high transportation costs, tariffs, and nontariff barriers. These factors are among the sources of generating nonlinearity in real exchange rates and hence some nonlinear adjustment toward purchasing power parity (PPP) in developing countries. In this paper, we employ monthly real effective exchange rate (REER) data of 88 developing countries and test the null of nonstationarity versus an alternative of linear stationarity by the means of a conventional unit root test and compare the results with those obtained from a new test in which the null is the same but the alternative hypothesis is nonlinear stationarity. The latter test supports the PPP theory in more developing countries compared with the former test, suggesting that nonlinear adjustment toward PPP in developing countries is an important phenomenon. Reported country characterizations indicate that reversion in REER occurs more often for high‐inflation countries and for countries with high flexibility in their exchange rates.
Widespread Corruption in Sports Gambling: Fact or Fiction?
Authors: Borghesi Richard
Published: July 2021

We examine whether point‐shaving is widespread in National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball by comparing bet and game outcomes with those in professional sports. Results suggest that unusual patterns previously suspected to be indicators of point‐shaving are ubiquitous throughout sports and unlikely to be caused by corruption. We suggest that line shading by sports books may explain the anomalies in game and bet outcome distributions.
What about Mom? The Forgotten Beneficiary of the Medicaid Expansions
Authors: Kutinova Andrea , Conway Karen Smith
Published: July 2021

This paper contributes to evidence regarding the effectiveness of the Medicaid expansions by focusing on a key beneficiary—the mother—who has previously been overlooked. Using the Natality Detail Files for 1989‐1996, we estimate the relationship between Medicaid eligibility and maternal health outcomes for several treatment groups and a control group. Potential biases caused by improved reporting are addressed by using a “straw man” maternal complication not preventable with prenatal care. Our results indicate that increased Medicaid eligibility may have led to fewer preventable maternal complications among women most likely to have benefited from the Medicaid expansions.
Openness, Lobbying, and Provision of Infrastructure
Authors: Chakravorty Ujjayant , Mazumdar Joy
Published: July 2021

Casual empirical evidence suggests that infrastructure provision is higher in economies that are open to world trade. We develop a model of imperfect competition to show that open economies are likely to provide more infrastructure than closed economies. If infrastructure is financed by taxing a producer lobby, the open economy will overprovide while the closed economy will underinvest; an open economy approaches optimal provision when this lobby group is small in size. If financing of infrastructure is done by taxing the whole population, the closed‐economy outcome may be preferred relative to that of the open economy.
Enhanced water and oxygen barrier performance of flexible polyurethane membranes for biomedical application
Authors: Marcano Aracelys , Fatyeyeva Kateryna , Koun Malys , Dubuis Pascal , Grimme Marc , Chappey Corinne , Marais Stéphane
Published: July 2021

In order to improve water and oxygen barrier properties, the surface of two commercial medical grade polyurethane (PU) membranes (Chronoflex® AR‐LT and Bionate® II) was modified by a spray deposited film of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) (EVOH). The influence of the temperature, the deposited layer thickness and the EVOH ethylene group percentage (27%, 32%, and 44% for EVOH27, EVOH32, and EVOH44, respectively) on the barrier properties of the PU/EVOH multilayered membranes was investigated. The increase of the EVOH layer thickness leads to higher oxygen barrier properties (the highest barrier improvement factor of 412 was obtained). However, in case of the deposited layer thickness higher than 18 μm, microcracks appeared on the treated surface promote a significant loss of the barrier effect. Due to its higher crystallinity degree, EVOH27 provides a higher oxygen barrier effect compared to EVOH32 and EVOH44. On the contrary, an increase of the water barrier properties was observed with the increase of the percentage of ethylene groups. Moreover, the delamination of the EVOH layer was noted after water permeation, especially in case of EVOH44, which is the most hydrophobic layer. Nevertheless, significant decrease of the water and oxygen permeability of the modified PU membranes was achieved, thus showing the benefit of using the EVOH spray deposition for the biomedical application, which requires high performance material with flexible and barrier properties.
Comparison of potential inhibitors and targeting fat mass and obesity‐associated protein causing diabesity through docking and molecular dynamics strategies
Authors: Kumar S Udhaya , Rajan Bithia , Kumar D Thirumal , Cathryn R Hephzibah , Das Samprita , Zayed Hatem , Emmanuel Jebaraj Walter Charles , Ramanathan Gnanasambandan , Priya Doss. C George
Published: July 2021

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified an association between polymorphisms in the FTO gene and obesity. The FTO: rs9939609, an intronic variant, is considered a risk allele for developing diabesity in homozygous and heterozygous forms. This study aimed to investigate the molecular structure of the available inhibitors specific to the FTO mutations along with the rs9939609 variant. We identified the best‐suited inhibitor molecules for each mutant type containing the rs9939609 risk allele. Missense mutations unique to obesity and containing the risk allele of rs9939609 were retrieved from dbSNP for this study. Further stability testing for the mutations were carried out using DynaMut and iStable tools. Three mutations (G187A, M223V, and I492V) were highly destabilizing the FTO structure. These three mutants and native FTO were docked with each of the nine‐inhibitor molecules collected from literature studies with the help of PyRx and AutoDock. Further structural behavior of the mutants and native FTO were identified with molecular dynamics simulations and MM‐PBSA analyses, along with the 19complex inhibitor compound. We found the compound 19complex exhibited better binding interactions and is the top candidate inhibitor for the M223V and I492V mutants. This study provided insights into the structural changes caused due to mutations in FTO, and the binding mechanism of the inhibitor molecules. It could aid in developing antiobesity drugs for treating patients with mutations and risk alleles predisposing to obesity.
Identification of novel inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease (Mpro) from Withania sp. by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Verma Surjeet , Patel Chirag N. , Chandra Muktesh
Published: July 2021

Since December 2019, coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has claimed the lives of millions of people across the globe. To date, no medicine is available for the responsible virus SARS‐CoV‐2. 3CLpro, that is, 3‐chymotrypsin‐like protease, the main protease (Mpro), has an important role in cleaving pp1a and pp1ab polyproteins. This Mpro serves as an important target in drug designing against COVID‐19. Herein, the study includes the investigation, screening, and identification of potent leads from (Withania sps.), against SARS‐CoV‐2, using virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Seventy‐three natural compounds from this important medicinal plant were screened. The Binding affinity was used to identify the most probable target to inhibit the Mpro, compounds 27‐hydroxywithanolide F (W32, −11.5 kcal/mol), withanolide A (W56, −11.4 kcal/mol), and withacoagulin H (W30, −11.1 kcal/mol) showed highest binding energy. Lipinski's rule, followed by drug‐likability and likeness screening, resulted in 36 molecules. Further, MD simulation of 50 ns predicted withacoagulin H possessing strong binding affinity and hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the active site. The binding free energy calculation showed the most negative energy of withacoagulin H (−63.463 KJ/mol) compared to other selected compounds. The study also compared the bonding energy of already reported repurposed and newly synthesized drugs. Further, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion predictions were made to found a good balance of potency. Hence the following screened compounds from Withania sps. could serve as the potential leads for drug development against COVID‐19.
CD146 expression regulates osteochondrogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells
Authors: Scioli Maria Giovanna , Storti Gabriele , Bielli Alessandra , Sanchez Massimo , Scimeca Manuel , Gimble Jeffrey M. , Cervelli Valerio , Orlandi Augusto
Published: July 2021

Tissue engineering aims to develop innovative approaches to repair tissue defects. The use of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) in tissue regeneration was extensively investigated for osteochondrogenesis. Among the ASC population, ASCs expressing the CD146 were demonstrated to be multipotent and considered as perivascular stem cells, although the functional role of CD146 expression in these cells remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the influence of CD146 expression on osteochondrogenic differentiation of ASCs. Our results showed that, in two‐dimensional culture systems, sorted CD146+ ASCs proliferated less and displayed higher adipogenic and chondrogenic potential than CD146− ASCs. The latter demonstrated a higher osteogenic capacity. Besides this, CD146+ ASCs in three‐dimensional Matrigel/endothelial growth medium (EGM) cultures showed the highest angiogenic capability. When cultured in three‐dimensional collagen scaffolds, CD146+ ASCs showed a spontaneous chondrogenic differentiation, further enhanced by the EGM medium's addition. Finally, CD146− ASCs seeded on hexafluoroisopropanol silk scaffolds displayed a greater spontaneous osteogenetic capacity. Altogether, these findings demonstrated a functional and relevant influence of CD146 expression in ASC properties and osteochondrogenic commitment. Exploiting the combination of specific differentiation properties of ASC subpopulations and appropriate culture systems could represent a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of new regenerative therapies.
Unusual foreign body spontaneously discharged from the submandibular gland: A case report
Authors: Luo Wei‐Dong , Jia Yi‐Ping , Gong Jian , Zhao Qin
Published: July 2021

Obstructive sialadenitis of the submandibular gland is most often caused by sialolithiasis and rarely by a foreign body. Here, we describe a patient with acute submandibular inflammation caused by a bamboo splinter. Transcutaneous and transoral ultrasound precisely located the splinter within Wharton's duct. Shortly thereafter, the bamboo splinter was spontaneously discharged while eating, which allowed complete remission of pain and swelling. Ultrasound confirmed the absence of the foreign body within Wharton's duct and relief of sialadenitis. Combined use of transcutaneous and transoral ultrasound can provide detailed information regarding the submandibular gland and foreign bodies, which enables proper treatment planning and adequate follow‐up.
Quantification of increased MUC5AC expression in airway mucus of smoker using an automated image‐based approach
Authors: Groiss Silvia , Somvilla Ina , Daxböck Christine , Fuchs Julia , Lang‐Olip Ingrid , Stiegler Philipp , Leber Bettina , Liegl‐Atzwanger Bernadette , Brislinger Dagmar
Published: July 2021

Microscopic analysis of mucus quantity and composition is crucial in research and diagnostics on muco‐obstructive diseases. Currently used image‐based methods are unable to extract concrete numeric values of mucosal proteins, especially on the expression of the key mucosal proteins MUC5AC and MUC5B. Since their levels increase under pathologic conditions such as extensive exposure to cigarette smoke, it is imperative to quantify them to improve treatment strategies of pulmonary diseases. This study presents a simple, image‐based, and high‐processing computational method that allows determining the ratio of MUC5AC and MUC5B within the overall airway mucus while providing information on their spatial distribution. The presented pipeline was optimized for automated downstream analysis using a combination of bright field and immunofluorescence imaging suitable for tracheal and bronchial tissue samples, and air–liquid interface (ALI) cell cultures. To validate our approach, we compared tracheal tissue and ALI cell cultures of isolated primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells derived from smokers and nonsmokers. Our data indicated 18‐fold higher levels of MUC5AC in submucosal glands of smokers covering about 8% of mucosal areas compared to <1% in nonsmoking individuals, confirming results of previous studies. We further identified a subpopulation of nonsmokers with slightly elevated glandular MUC5AC levels suggesting moderate exposure to second‐hand smoke or fine particulate air pollution. Overall, this study demonstrates a novel, user‐friendly and freely available tool for digital pathology and the analysis of therapeutic interventions tested in ALI cell cultures.
Survival, stent patency, and cost‐effectiveness of plastic biliary stent versus metal biliary stent for palliation in malignant biliary obstruction in a developing country tertiary hospital
Authors: Farani Muthia , Saldi Siti R F , Maulahela Hasan , Abdullah Murdani , Syam Ari F , Makmum Dadang
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim

Patients with advanced malignant obstructive jaundice often require biliary drainage. Resources restraint makes clinicians need to outweigh effectiveness of each biliary stents and their costs. Hence, a cost‐effectiveness analysis is necessary.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was done on malignant biliary obstruction patients undergoing palliative biliary stenting between January 2015 and December 2018. We evaluated 180‐day survival rate using log‐rank test and stent patency duration using Mann–Whitney U test. Effectiveness was defined as stent patency, while cost was calculated using hospital perspective using decision tree model and reported as incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio.

Results

A total of 81 men and 83 women were enrolled in this study. One hundred and eighty days survival rate was 35.9% (median 76 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] 50–102 days) and 33.3% (median 55 days, 95% CI 32–78 days), while average stent patency was 123 (8) days versus 149 (13) days for plastic and metal stent groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Metal stent could save Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) 1 217 750 to get additional 26 days of patency.

Conclusion

There were no differences in survival and stent patency between the two groups. Metal biliary stent is more cost‐effective than plastic stent for palliation in malignant biliary obstruction.
Feasibility of bone marrow sparing volumetric modulated arc therapy to spare active bone marrow in cervical and vaginal cancer patients: a retrospective dosimetric analysis
Authors: Beavan Michaela , Dundas Kylie , Hudson Felicity , Surjan Yolanda , Lau Annie , Deshpande Shrikant , Lim Karen , Do Viet
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical and vaginal cancer. It is associated with high haematological toxicity (HT) that can lead to treatment interruptions and cancelled chemotherapy cycles, reducing the potential effectiveness of this regimen. Bone marrow sparing (BMS) utilising volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is one method to reduce dose to the active bone marrow (ABM) so that HT rates are reduced. The aim of this paper was to assess whether BMS‐VMAT can effectively spare the ABM whilst maintaining clinically acceptable target and organ‐at‐risk (OAR) doses.

Methods

Twenty gynaecological cancer patients treated with definitive CRT at the Liverpool/Macarthur Cancer Therapy centres between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively included. ABM was delineated based on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging. Weekly blood tests and ABM dose parameters at the V10Gy, V20Gy, V30Gy, V40Gy and Dmean were assessed on original plans for any potential correlation with grade 2+ HT. Replanned with VMAT for BMS, various dose parameters were compared with the original plan to assess for any significant differences.

Results

Active bone marrow doses were significantly reduced (P < 0.001 for all parameters) in BMS‐VMAT plans, and significant improvements in target and OAR coverage were found compared with the original plans. Compared with VMAT only, target and OARs were comparable. No significant correlations between HT and ABM doses were found.

Conclusion

Bone marrow sparing volumetric modulated arc therapy can significantly reduce dose to the active bone marrow whilst maintaining acceptable target and OAR doses. Future prospective trials are needed to evaluate the clinical impact of BMS on toxicity and compliance.
Apraglutide, a novel glucagon‐like peptide‐2 analog, improves fluid absorption in patients with short bowel syndrome intestinal failure: Findings from a placebo‐controlled, randomized phase 2 trial
Authors: Eliasson Johanna , Hvistendahl Mark K. , Freund Nanna , Bolognani Federico , Meyer Christian , Jeppesen Palle B.
Published: July 2021

Background

Treatment with glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2) analogs improve intestinal adaptation in patients with short bowel syndrome–associated intestinal failure (SBS‐IF) and may reduce parenteral support requirements. Apraglutide is a novel, long‐acting GLP‐2 analog designed for once‐weekly dosing. This trial investigated the safety and efficacy of apraglutide in patients with SBS‐IF.

Methods

In this placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized, crossover phase 2 trial, eight adults with SBS‐IF were treated with once‐weekly 5‐mg apraglutide doses and placebo for 4 weeks, followed by once‐weekly 10‐mg apraglutide doses for 4 weeks, with a washout period of 6–10 weeks between treatments. Safety was the primary end point. Secondary end points included changes from baseline in urine volume output compared with placebo, collected for 48 h before and after each treatment period.

Results

Common treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate and included polyuria, decreased stoma output, stoma complications, decreased thirst, and edema. No serious AEs were considered to be related to apraglutide treatment. The safety profile was comparable for the lower and higher doses. Treatment with once‐weekly 5‐ and 10‐mg apraglutide doses significantly increased urine volume output by an adjusted mean of 714 ml/day (95% CI, 490–939; P < .05) and 795 ml/day (95% CI, 195–1394; P < .05), respectively, compared with placebo, with no significant differences between doses.

Conclusions

Once‐weekly apraglutide was well tolerated at both tested doses and significantly increased urine volume output, providing evidence for increased intestinal fluid absorption. A phase 3 trial is underway in adults with SBS‐IF.
Revisiting the abandoned shorelines of Lake George, Australia: a refined optical dating framework
Authors: Jankowski N. R. , Cohen T. J. , Larsen J. , Larsen A. , May J.‐H.
Published: July 2021

Abandoned shorelines are an important archive used to constrain past fluctuations in the hydrological balance of lakes around the globe. Within Australia, the shorelines preserved at Lake George, NSW, form one of the few shoreline archives in the south‐east of the continent that record palaeoenvironmental conditions throughout the late Quaternary. Here, we examined and tested the lake‐level record for Lake George constructed in the 1970s by dating a well‐preserved shoreline sequence at Luckdale, on the lake's eastern shore, using single‐grain optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. Ten stratigraphic units were identified, and these suggest a late Quaternary highstand for Lake George in MIS 3, with fluctuations superimposed upon an overall drying trend throughout MIS 2 and into the present. At Luckdale, the highest four shoreline‐associated units were deposited ~13 to 19 m above lake base and date to between 39 ± 2 and 29 ± 1 ka ago. Our study pushes back the timing of maximum lake depth at Lake George to at least MIS 3, rather than MIS 2. The overall drying trend is supported by similar reductions in both Riverine Plain fluvial activity and other associated lake‐level records from within the Murray basin.
Factors Affecting Wetland Use by Spring Migrating Ducks in the Southern Prairie Pothole Region
Authors: Ballard Derek C. , Jones Orrin E. , Janke Adam K.
Published: July 2021

There is increasing recognition of the importance of wetlands in the prairie pothole region (PPR) of the northern United States for stopover habitat for spring‐migrating waterfowl. The quality and quantity of stopover habitat found near breeding areas can affect speed and success of migration and subsequent breeding events. Conservation and management of wetlands in the region has traditionally focused narrowly on reproductive phases of the life cycle, and little to no research has examined how ducks use a diversity of available wetlands in the region during migration. We conducted weekly surveys on 1,061 wetlands during spring 2018 and 2019 to examine factors affecting duck use of wetlands in the intensively modified southern PPR landscape of Iowa, USA, for wetland restoration and conservation strategies. We compared wetland types, which included farmed, seasonal, and semi‐permanent wetlands, and lakes. The highest duck use per unit area occurred on semi‐permanent wetlands, followed by seasonal, and then farmed wetlands, and lakes. Ducks were highly clustered in our study, with 75% of all use‐days occurring on only 37 wetlands comprising 41% of all wetland area surveyed. We used hurdle models to examine how local and landscape factors measured within and around wetlands influenced duck use during spring migration. Multiple factors related to duck use at local and landscape scales, such as wetland area, vegetation abundance, and number of wetlands in the surrounding landscape. Among semi‐permanent wetlands, local factors within wetlands were more important than landscape factors in determining duck use. Collectively, our findings suggest semi‐permanent wetlands within the PPR play a key role in transitioning birds from wintering areas to breeding areas and that management of semi‐permanent wetlands should promote interspersion of emergent vegetation and open water and growth of submersed aquatic plants to improve their function for migrants. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Aesthesiometer‐Based Testing for Laryngopharyngeal Hyposensitivity
Authors: Strohl Madeleine P. , David Abel P. , Dwyer Christopher D. , Rosen Clark A. , Young VyVy N. , Chang Jolie L. , Cheung Steven W.
Published: July 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To develop a method for threshold estimation of the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) response using Cheung‐Bearelly monofilaments.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Twenty‐two healthy adults (12 men, 10 women) were tested for LAR response outcome using 30 mm 5–0 and 4–0 nylon monofilaments. Tactile stimuli were delivered to the aryepiglottic (AE) fold and medial pyriform sinus (MPS). Dichotomous classifier features and performance (area under the curve (AUC)), the LAR response outcome agreement and disagreement matrix, and test–retest reliability were examined. From those data, a test protocol that would minimize patient burden to estimate the LAR triggering threshold was formulated.

Results

Classifier performance of 5–0 monofilament stimulation of the AE fold (sensitivity = 0.63, specificity = 0.63, PPV = 0.74, NPV = 0.25) and MPS (sensitivity = 0.45, specificity = 0.77, PPV = 0.74, NPV = 0.23,) was slightly below that of 4–0 monofilament stimulation of the AE fold (sensitivity = 0.82, specificity = 0.50, PPV = 0.82, NPV = 0.50) and MPS (sensitivity = 0.84, specificity = 0.64, PPV = 0.90, NPV = 0.56), based on AUC. LAR response outcome agreement for 5–0 and 4–0 stimulations was high (93%) for 5–0 positive response, but low (29%) for 5–0 negative response. Aesthesiometer test–retest reliability for LAR response outcome was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97).

Conclusions

Threshold estimation of the LAR response may be operationalized by adopting a decision tree protocol. For negative LAR response to initial 5–0 monofilament stimulation and positive response to subsequent 4–0 monofilament stimulation, the higher threshold is confirmed. Positive LAR response to 5–0 or 4–0 monofilament stimulation is expected in over 90% of asymptomatic adults. Negative LAR response to 4–0 monofilament stimulation identifies patients at risk for laryngopharyngeal hyposensitivity.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 132:163–168, 2022
Slide Tracheoplasty for Congenital Tracheal Stenosis Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wu Yuhao , Wang Gang , Dai Jiangtao , Li Hongbo , Li Yonggang , Wu Chun , Wei Guanghui
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) is a rare but life‐threatening condition in children. At present, slide tracheoplasty has been advocated as the preferred technique for most cases of CTS. However, the morbidity and mortality subsequent to slide tracheoplasty need further elaboration. Therefore, a meta‐analysis was performed on the outcomes of slide tracheoplasty in children with CTS.

Study Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library CENTRAL, were systematically searched for the period from January 1990 to March 2021 for literature that reported clinical outcomes of slide tracheoplasty for children with CTS. Meta‐regression and subgroup analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for in‐hospital mortality and airway reinterventions.

Results

A total of 25 studies involving 577 patients were included. For children with CTS, in‐hospital and overall mortality after slide tracheoplasty was 6.1% (95% CI = 4.2%–8.0%) and 9.7% (95% CI = 7.3%–12.1%), respectively. The incidence of airway reinterventions was 23.0% (95% CI = 15.6%–30.5%). The length of postoperative ventilation and hospital stay was 6.8 days (95% CI = 5.1–8.4 days) and 19.2 days (95% CI = 15.8–22.7 days), respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in 46.6% (95% CI = 35.8%–57.4%) of all patients. Meta‐regression analysis showed that a higher proportion of the recently published studies reported significantly better in‐hospital survival (coefficient −0.011, P = .021).

Conclusions

In conclusion, in‐hospital mortality after slide tracheoplasty is 6.1%, and the incidence of airway reinterventions is 23.0%. In‐hospital mortality after slide tracheoplasty has decreased chronologically.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 132:1532–1541, 2022
Clinical and histologic evaluation of a fractional radiofrequency treatment of wrinkles and skin texture with novel 1‐mm long ultra‐thin electrode pins
Authors: Kauvar Arielle N. B. , Gershonowitz Amikam
Published: July 2021

Background

Fractional radiofrequency (RF) microneedling technologies have shown effectiveness in treating skin laxity and wrinkles. We report the first experience using a novel device with 1‐mm long ultrathin electrodes that utilizes a smooth RF‐assisted ablation mode.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of treatment with a fractional RF device using 1.0‐mm long × 0.15‐mm diameter ultrathin electrode tips for improvement of facial skin texture and wrinkles.

Methods and Materials

This was a prospective, open‐label, intraindividual‐controlled trial. Nine participants (mean age: 47.6, Fitzpatrick skin type II–IV, Fitzpatrick Elastosis Wrinkle Scale [FEWS] score: 3–6) underwent six treatment sessions with a fractional RF technology utilizing an array of 6 × 6 1‐mm long ultrathin electrodes. Treatment effectiveness was assessed by FEWS and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Safety and tolerance were evaluated.

Results

Three months after the sixth treatment session, blinded, investigator‐assessed FEWS decreased from baseline 4.33 ± 0.67–3.33 ± 0.67 (p < 0.005); 88.9% of participants showed overall skin improvement using the physician‐assessed GAIS, and all of the participants reported improvement in skin texture and wrinkles. Treatment was well tolerated, with no adverse events and no downtime. Histological analysis in a porcine model showed a fractional pattern of epidermal ablation and dermal coagulation with intervening zones of normal healthy tissue. These changes were followed by progressive epithelialization over a period of 13 days.

Conclusion

The fractional RF technology with the novel 1.0 long × 0.15 mm ultrathin electrodes tips was effective in improving skin texture and wrinkles without impacting the participants' daily activities.
Improved oxidation and hot corrosion resistance of Ta‐doped NiAlY alloy at 750°C
Authors: Yu Miao , Xu Kai , Zhou Dapeng , Cui Tiancheng , Li Rongzhi , Pu Jibin , Li Changsheng , Li Ying
Published: July 2021

The oxidation and hot corrosion behaviors of the NiCrAlY, NiAlY, and Ni–xTa–Al–Y alloys (x = 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt%) were investigated at 750°C. The doped Ta promoted the formation of the protective α‐Al2O3 scales. The NiTaAlY alloys exhibited an improved oxidation resistance compared with the NiAlY alloy. Under the NaCl‐induced hot corrosion test, the addition of Ta reduced the consumption of Al and inhibited the internal corrosion of the alloys. The Ni–xTa–Al–Y alloys (x = 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt%) showed better resistance to the NaCl‐induced hot corrosion. Moreover, the hot corrosion mechanism of the tested alloys was also discussed.
International Multicenter Analysis of Brain Structure Across Clinical Stages of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Laansma Max A. , Bright Joanna K. , Al‐Bachari Sarah , Anderson Tim J. , Ard Tyler , Assogna Francesca , Baquero Katherine A. , Berendse Henk W. , Blair Jamie , Cendes Fernando , Dalrymple‐Alford John C. , de Bie Rob M.A. , Debove Ines , Dirkx Michiel F. , Druzgal Jason , Emsley Hedley C.A. , Garraux Gäetan , Guimarães Rachel P. , Gutman Boris A. , Helmich Rick C. , Klein Johannes C. , Mackay Clare E. , McMillan Corey T. , Melzer Tracy R. , Parkes Laura M. , Piras Fabrizio , Pitcher Toni L. , Poston Kathleen L. , Rango Mario , Ribeiro Letícia F. , Rocha Cristiane S. , Rummel Christian , Santos Lucas S.R. , Schmidt Reinhold , Schwingenschuh Petra , Spalletta Gianfranco , Squarcina Letizia , van den Heuvel Odile A. , Vriend Chris , Wang Jiun‐Jie , Weintraub Daniel , Wiest Roland , Yasuda Clarissa L. , Jahanshad Neda , Thompson Paul M. , van der Werf Ysbrand D. ,   The ENIGMA‐Parkinson's Study
Published: July 2021

Background

Brain structure abnormalities throughout the course of Parkinson's disease have yet to be fully elucidated.

Objective

Using a multicenter approach and harmonized analysis methods, we aimed to shed light on Parkinson's disease stage‐specific profiles of pathology, as suggested by in vivo neuroimaging.

Methods

Individual brain MRI and clinical data from 2357 Parkinson's disease patients and 1182 healthy controls were collected from 19 sources. We analyzed regional cortical thickness, cortical surface area, and subcortical volume using mixed‐effects models. Patients grouped according to Hoehn and Yahr stage were compared with age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Within the patient sample, we investigated associations with Montreal Cognitive Assessment score.

Results

Overall, patients showed a thinner cortex in 38 of 68 regions compared with controls (dmax = −0.20, dmin = −0.09). The bilateral putamen (dleft = −0.14, dright = −0.14) and left amygdala (d = −0.13) were smaller in patients, whereas the left thalamus was larger (d = 0.13). Analysis of staging demonstrated an initial presentation of thinner occipital, parietal, and temporal cortices, extending toward rostrally located cortical regions with increased disease severity. From stage 2 and onward, the bilateral putamen and amygdala were consistently smaller with larger differences denoting each increment. Poorer cognition was associated with widespread cortical thinning and lower volumes of core limbic structures.

Conclusions

Our findings offer robust and novel imaging signatures that are generally incremental across but in certain regions specific to disease stages. Our findings highlight the importance of adequately powered multicenter collaborations. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Bilateral Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy for Essential Tremor (BEST‐FUS Phase 2 Trial)
Authors: Iorio‐Morin Christian , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Sarica Can , Zemmar Ajmal , Levesque Mathieu , Brisebois Simon , Germann Jurgen , Loh Aaron , Boutet Alexandre , Elias Gavin J.B. , Azevedo Paula , Adam Elizabeth , Patel Urmi , Lenis Martha , Kalia Suneil K. , Hodaie Mojgan , Fasano Alfonso , Lozano Andres M.
Published: July 2021

Background

In patients with medically refractory essential tremor, unilateral magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy can improve contralateral tremor. However, this procedure does not address ipsilateral symptoms.

Objective

The objective of the current study was to determine whether bilateral thalamotomies can be performed with an acceptable safety profile where benefits outweigh adverse effects.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, single‐arm, single‐blinded phase 2 trial of second‐side magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy in patients with essential tremor. Patients were followed for 3 months. The primary outcome was the change in quality of life relative to baseline, as well as the answer to the question “Given what you know now, would you treat the second side again?”. Secondary outcomes included tremor, gait, speech, and adverse effects.

Results

Ten patients were analyzed. The study met both primary outcomes, with the intervention resulting in clinically significant improvement in quality of life at 3 months (mean Quality of Life in Essential Tremor score difference, 19.7; 95%CI, 8.0–31.4; P = 0.004) and all patients reporting that they would elect to receive the second‐side treatment again. Tremor significantly improved in all patients. Seven experienced mild adverse effects, including 2 with transient gait impairment and a fall, 1 with dysarthria and dysphagia, and 1 with mild dysphagia persisting at 3 months.

Conclusions

Staged bilateral magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy can be performed with a reasonable safety profile similar to that seen with unilateral thalamotomy and improves the tremor and quality of life of patients with essential tremor. Longer‐term follow‐up and continued accrual in the phase 3 trial will be required to validate these findings. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Recommendation of premarital genetic screening in the Syrian Jewish community based on mutation carrier frequencies within Syrian Jewish cohorts
Authors: Zeevi David A. , Chung Wendy K. , Levi Chaim , Scher Sholem Y. , Bringer Rachel , Kahan Yael , Muallem Hagit , Benel Rinat , Hirsch Yoel , Weiden Tzvi , Ekstein Ahron , Ekstein Josef
Published: July 2021

Background

There is a paucity of information available regarding the carrier frequency for autosomal recessive pathogenic variants among Syrian Jews. This report provides data to support carrier screening for a group of autosomal recessive conditions among Syrian Jews based on the population frequency of 40 different pathogenic variants in a cohort of over 3800 individuals with Syrian Jewish ancestry.

Methods

High throughput PCR amplicon sequencing was used to genotype 40 disease‐causing variants in 3840 and 5279 individuals of Syrian and Iranian Jewish ancestry, respectively. These data were compared with Ashkenazi Jewish carrier frequencies for the same variants, based on roughly 370,000 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals in the Dor Yeshorim database.

Results

Carrier screening identified pathogenic variants shared among Syrian, Iranian, and Ashkenazi Jewish groups. In addition, alleles unique to each group were identified. Importantly, 8.2% of 3401 individuals of mixed Syrian Jewish ancestry were carriers for at least one pathogenic variant.

Conclusion

The findings of this study support the clinical usefulness of premarital genetic screening for individuals with Syrian Jewish ancestry to reduce the incidence of autosomal recessive disease among persons with Syrian Jewish heritage.
Mosaic proximal trisomy 13q and regular trisomy 13 in a female patient with long survival: Involvement of an incomplete trisomic rescue and a chromothripsis event
Authors: Morán‐Barroso Verónica Fabiola , Cervantes Alicia , Rivera‐Vega María del Refugio , del Castillo‐Moreno Adriana , Moreno‐Chacón Alejandra , Mejía‐Cauich Estefanía , Contreras‐Ortiz Laura Eréndira , Fernández‐Ramírez Fernando
Published: July 2021

Background

Trisomy 13 or Patau syndrome has a prevalence of 1:10,000–20,000 and is characterized by microcephaly, microphthalmia, polydactyly, as well as other dysmorphic features and malformations, with a patient survival of 13% in the first year. Trisomy 13 presents either as a free chromosome 13 trisomy or associated with a chromosomal Robertsonian translocation, as partial trisomy affecting proximal or distal 13q regions, and also as a mosaic. Mosaic trisomy 13 shows a highly variable phenotype, displaying from mild to severe affectations. We present a 12‐year‐old Mexican female patient with intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, polymenorrhea, and long survival, whose initial cytogenetic study referred to a small supernumerary marker chromosome.

Methods

GTG banding karyotype, high‐resolution chromosomal microarray, and fluorescent in situ hybridization analyses were performed in peripheral blood cells.

Results

Our analyses demonstrated a de novo mosaicism in our patient, constituted by proximal trisomy 13q10‐q14.3 (82%) and free trisomy 13 (18%) cell lines. Her final chromosomal complement is mos 47,XX,+del(13)(q14.3)[25]/47,XX,+13[7].ish del(13)(RB1+)[17]/13q14(RB1x3)[2].arr[GRCh37] 13q11q14.3(19436286_51726415)x3,13q11q34(19436286_115107733)x2‐3 dn.

Conclusions

The wide spectrum of clinical manifestations observed in our patient mainly results from the proximal trisomy 13q, and her phenotype is modified by the presence of a free trisomy 13 cell line. We propose that her mosaicism probably derived from a trisomic zygote that underwent a failed trisomic rescue associated with chromothripsis, originating the cell line with partial 13q proximal trisomy, whose selective advantage could explain the long survival of our patient.
Development of a DNA damage model that accommodates different cellular oxygen concentrations and radiation qualities
Authors: Zhu Hongyu , Li Junli , Deng Xiaowu , Qiu Rui , Wu Zhen , Zhang Hui
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Research regarding cellular responses at different oxygen concentrations (OCs) is of immense interest within the field of radiobiology. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a mechanistic model to analyze cellular responses at different OCs.

Methods

A DNA damage model (the different cell oxygen level DNA damage [DICOLDD] model) that examines the oxygen effect was developed based on the oxygen fixation hypothesis, which states that dissolved oxygen can modify the reaction kinetics of DNA‐derived radicals generated by ionizing radiation. The generation of DNA‐derived radicals was simulated using the Monte Carlo method. The decay of DNA‐derived radicals due to the competing processes of chemical repair, oxygen fixation, and intrinsic damaging was described using differential equations. The DICOLDD model was fitted to the previous experimental data obtained under different irradiation configurations and validated by calculating the yields of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) after exposure to 137Cs as well as cell survival fractions (SFs) using a mechanistic model of cellular survival. Moreover, we used the DICOLDD model to calculate DNA DSB damage yields after irradiation with 0.5–50 MeV protons.

Results

Generally, DSB yields calculated after exposure to 137Cs at different OCs correspond to statistical uncertainties of previous experimental results. Calculated SFs of CHO and V79 cells exposed to photons, protons, and alpha particles at different OCs generally concur with those obtained in previous studies. Our results demonstrated that the variation in DSB yields was less than 10% when the cellular OC decreased from 21% to 5%. Additionally, DSB yields changed drastically when OC dropped below 1%.

Conclusions

We developed a DNA damage model to evaluate the oxygen effect and provide evidence that a reaction‐kinetic model of DNA‐derived radicals induced by ionizing radiation suffices to explain the observed oxygen effects. Therefore, the DICOLDD model is a powerful tool for the analysis of cellular responses at different OCs after exposure to different types of radiation.