bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Geometric Structure and Feeding Behavior of Casting on Freckle Formation during Directional Solidification of a Ni‐Based Single‐Crystal Superalloy
Authors: Han Dongyu , Jiang Weiguo , Xiao Jiuhan , Li Kaiwen , Lu Yuzhang , Lou Langhong
Published: March 2021

Determining the effect of casting geometric structure on freckle formation is important in designing the directional solidification parameter of single‐crystal superalloy castings. In this research, single‐crystal castings of a third‐generation nickel (Ni)‐based superalloy with different thicknesses and structures are prepared by conventional Bridgman high‐rate‐solidification technique at withdrawal rates of 1, 3, and 6 mm min–1. The experimental results show that the freckles in castings with expansion structures are severer than those with contraction structures at a withdrawal rate of 1 mm min–1, and vice versa at withdrawal rates of 3 and 6 mm min–1. It is found that the larger casting thickness tends to promote the freckle formation at the same withdrawal rate. Furthermore, a lower tendency is displayed at the withdrawal rate of 3 mm min–1 in freckle formation, whereas an increased tendency is displayed at the withdrawal rate of 6 mm min–1. The different withdrawal rates, thicknesses, and structures of casting cause differences in cooling rate, shrinkage flow, and mushy zone morphology, which are believed to be responsible for the tendency of freckle formation.
Early Toxic Effects in a Central American Native Fish (Parachromis dovii) Exposed to Chlorpyrifos and Difenoconazole
Authors: Jiménez Katherine , Solano Karla , Scholz Carola , Redondo-López Sergei , Mena Freylan
Published: March 2021

In Costa Rica, agriculture is one of the most important economic activities. Chlorpyrifos and difenoconazole have been identified as agrochemicals widely used in banana and pineapple crops in the Caribbean area of the country and are constantly recorded in aquatic ecosystems. The toxicity of these pesticides in Parachromis dovii was studied. Median lethal concentrations (LC50s) for each substance were obtained from 96-h acute tests. Then, fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of both substances (10% of LC50), individually and in mixture, to evaluate biomarker responses. Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activities as well as lipid peroxidation were measured in liver and gill tissues as markers of biotransformation and oxidative stress processes. Cholinesterase activity in brain and muscle tissue was also quantified as a biomarker of toxicity. The LC50s were 55.34 μg/L (95% confidence interval [CI] 51.06–59.98) for chlorpyrifos and 3250 μg/L (95% CI 2770–3810) for difenoconazole. Regarding the biomarkers, a significant inhibition of brain and muscle cholinesterase activity was recorded in fish exposed to 5.50 μg/L of chlorpyrifos. This activity was not affected when fish were exposed to the mixture of chlorpyrifos with difenoconazole. Significant changes in lactate dehydrogenase activity were observed in fish exposed to 325 μg/L of difenoconazole, whereas fish exposed to the mixture showed a significant increase in EROD activity in the liver. These results suggest harmful effects of chlorpyrifos insecticide at environmentally relevant concentrations. There is also evidence for an interaction of the 2 substances that affects the biotransformation metabolism at sublethal levels of exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1938–1947. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

CPF and DFZ have been identified as agrochemicals widely used in banana and pineapple crops in the Caribbean area of the country and are constantly recorded in aquatic ecosystems. When the fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of both substances (10% of LC50): significant inhibition of brain and muscle ChE activity was recorded in fish exposed to 5.50 μg/L of CPF, LDH were observed in fish exposed to 325 μg/L of DFZ, whereas fish exposed to the mixture showed a significant increase in EROD activity in the liver. CPF = chlorpyrifos; DFZ = difenoconazole; LC50 = median lethal concentration; ChE = cholinesterase; LDH = lactate dehydrogenase; EROD = ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase.
Effects of Zinc in an Outdoor Freshwater Microcosm System
Authors: Hoang Tham C. , Brausch John M. , Cichra Mary F. , Phlips Edward J. , Van Genderen Eric , Rand Gary M.
Published: March 2021

A long-term exposure outdoor microcosm study was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) on zooplankton, phytoplankton, and periphyton in a freshwater system. Five Zn treatment concentrations (nominal: 8, 20, 40, 80, and 160 μg/L Zn) and an untreated control with 3 replicates each were used. Various physical and chemical characteristics of the microcosms and biological assessment endpoints (e.g., total abundance, group abundance, species richness, chlorophyll a, etc.) were measured to determine the effects of Zn over time. In general, physical and chemical characteristics (e.g., total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, pH, dissolved organic carbon) of water fluctuated over time, but they were not significantly different within treatments and controls during the study. Zinc significantly affected the population dynamics and community structure of plankton. The effects occurred 7 d after initial treatment exposures began and continued to the end of the treatment phase, especially at the high treatment concentrations. Total and group abundance, species richness, the Shannon index, and chlorophyll a concentrations for high Zn treatment concentrations were significantly lower than the controls during the treatment phase. The no-observed-effect, lowest-observed-effect, and median effect concentrations were generally lower than the literature-reported results from single-species toxicity tests for fish and invertebrates, suggesting that plankton are more sensitive to Zn than planktivores. Although primary producers play an important role in the ecosystem, they have not been consistently incorporated into numerical environmental quality criteria for freshwater organisms, at least in the United States. The results of the present study are useful for development of environmental quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems and ecological risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2051–2070. © 2021 SETAC
Seed morphology and post‐seminal development in Leiothrix Ruhland (Eriocaulaceae, Poales)
Authors: Silva Mascarenhas Ana Angélica , Scatena Vera Lucia
Published: March 2021

The genus Leiothrix (Eriocaulaceae) is restricted to South America, where most species occur in the Espinhaço mountain chain in Brazil. Seed ornamentation has a distinctive origin in the family and in most species of Leiothrix the seed coat has a striated pattern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological aspects of seeds of Leiothrix as well as the post‐seminal development. Leiothrix seeds are elliptical or oval, the seed coat has a primary sculpture of isodiametric or hexagonal cells with concave periclinal walls and straight or sinuose anticlinal walls. Most species also have a secondary sculpture, which forms the striate ornamentation and this may be continuous or discontinuous with isolated, connected or cruciform annular striae. A comparative table of seed characters shows that most of them corroborate the current circumscription of the subgenera of Leiothrix. The seed coat striae expand with wetting and may help in seed imbibition during germination. Leiothrix seeds show a high germination rate and the post‐seminal development pattern is similar to that described for other species of Eriocaulaceae.
Comparison and optimization of conventional and ultrasound‐assisted solvent extraction for synthetization of lemongrass (Cymbopogon)‐infused cooking oil
Authors: Lim Soh Fong , Hamdan Adirah , David Chua Sing Ngie , Lim Bee Huah
Published: March 2021

The lemongrass plant, which is widely cultivated in Asia, Australia, and Africa, has been reported to have many significant health benefits such as antimicrobial, insecticide, anticancer, fight fever, and disinfection. Therefore, it is an added benefit to have lemongrass compounds in cooking oil. This study was aimed to compare the conventional (CSE), and ultrasound‐assisted solvent extraction (UASE) for citral compounds from lemongrass (Cymbopogon) leaves and to optimize the best extraction method using the response surface methodology (RSM) and ANOVA. RSM design of experiments using three types of cooking oils; palm oil, sunflower oil, and corn oil. The effect of three independent variables, which are temperature (48.2–81.8°C), extraction time (4.8–55.2 min), and solvent to leaves ratio (5.3–18.7), was investigated. The characterization of lemongrass‐infused cooking oil was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (GC‐MS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis for confirmation of the citral compound extraction. This extraction process is optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for producing the lemongrass‐infused cooking oil. After optimization, the UASE process gives 1.009 × 106 maximum citral area for palm oil and 1.767 × 106 maximum citral area for sunflower oil. CSE process only can give 2.025 × 105 and 2.179 × 105 citral area in the GC‐MS spectrum for palm oil and sunflower oil respectively. For both the UASE and the CSE, the optimum operating conditions are 81.8°C of extraction temperature and 55.2 min of extraction time except for lemongrass‐infused palm oil in the CSE process with 45 min extraction time. The optimum solvent to leaves ratio varies from 5.3:1 to 12.9:1. This study found that corn oil cannot be used as a solvent to extract lemongrass‐infused cooking oil due to the insignificant changes and no citral peak. The lemongrass (Cymbopogon)‐infused palm oil and sunflower oil extracted using the UASE have a higher maximum citral area than the CSE process.
When dementia is misdiagnosed
Authors: Howard Robert , Schott Jonathan M.
Published: March 2021

Key Points

Dementia diagnoses are sometimes made incorrectly, particularly in younger patients

Reversing a dementia diagnosis is difficult for clinicians and patients

Dementia diagnosis pathways should include facility for review and possible reversal of diagnosis
Civic Learning, Science, and Structural Racism
Authors: Evans Kiameesha R. , Gusmano Michael K.
Published: March 2021

Vaccine hesitancy is a major public health challenge, and racial disparities in the acceptance of vaccines is a particular concern. In this essay, we draw on interviews with mothers of Black male adolescents to offer insights into the reasons for the low rate of vaccination against the human papillomavirus among this group of adolescents. Based on these conversations, we argue that increasing the acceptance of HPV and other vaccines cannot be accomplished merely by providing people with more facts. Instead, we must address the pervasive racial discrimination in the United States that undermines trust in social institutions, including the health care system. In the short term, it may be helpful to increase the number of clinicians of color working in the health system, but more fundamental changes are required. The U.S. must adopt and implement policies that dismantle structural racism if it hopes to produce greater trust and community‐oriented thinking on behalf of people who have been exploited for centuries.
White Privilege, White Poverty: Reckoning with Class and Race in America
Authors: Blacksher Erika , Valles Sean A.
Published: March 2021

This essay argues that a failure to think and talk critically and candidly about White privilege and White poverty is a key threat to the United States of America's precarious democracy. Whiteness frames one of America's most pressing collective challenges—the poor state of the nation's health, which lags behind other wealthy nations and is marred by deep and entrenched class‐ and race‐based inequities. The broadscale remedies experts recommend demand what is in short supply: trust in evidence, experts, government, and one another. The authors’ prescription is threefold, beginning with a call for intersectional health studies and reports that avoid one‐dimensional misrepresentations of widespread health problems as simply Black or White problems. Second, there is the need for a “critical consciousness” about race and class. Lastly, the essay calls for widescale opportunities for Americans to engage in cross‐racial and cross‐class democratic conversations about their struggles and aspirations in search of common ground.
Identification and management of late dysfunction in survivors of head and neck cancer: Implementation and outcomes of an interdisciplinary quality of life (IQOL) clinic
Authors: Ebersole Barbara , McCarroll Liane , Ridge John A. , Liu Jeffrey C. , Bauman Jessica , Donnelly Steven , Galloway Thomas J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Identifying and treating late dysfunction in survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) is important; however, an effective way to do so is not established.

Methods

A quality improvement initiative altering our HNC survivorship clinic to include surveillance by rehabilitation providers was undertaken. The nature of dysfunction identified, along with the number and type of referrals to ancillary/support services were collected and compared to baseline.

Results

The baseline, single‐provider, clinic evaluated 61 patients and referred 2 (3%) to ancillary/support services. Fifty‐seven patients were evaluated in the interdisciplinary clinic, with 36 (63%) referred to at least one ancillary/support service for new/progressive dysfunction. Of 59 referrals made, 22 (37%) were for dysphagia, 17(29%) were for neck/shoulder dysfunction, and 28 (47%) were attended by the patient.

Conclusion

Many HNC survivors exhibit late dysfunction appropriate for referral to ancillary/support services. A survivorship clinic including surveillance by rehabilitation specialists may optimize identification of dysfunction.
Comments on: Ye and Zhang (2019) ‘visualizing the knowledge structure of medication‐adherence research: A bibliometric analysis (1997–2016)’, International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 34: 1333–1353
Authors: Ho Yuh‐Shan
Published: March 2021

Ye and Zhang used inappropriate search keywords, databases, and methods published a bibliometric paper in the International Journal of Health Planning and Management. The comment pointed out the problems, evidence, and improved methods of the study. The authors missed many medication‐adherence documents. However, many documents not related to medication‐adherence are included. Finally, appropriate search keywords and methods are proposed.
Cytotoxicity evaluation of iron nitride nanoparticles for biomedical applications
Authors: Shibata Misaki , Kanetaka Hiroyasu , Furuya Maiko , Yokota Kotone , Ogawa Tomoyuki , Kawashita Masakazu
Published: March 2021

Magnetic nanoparticles are widely studied for their use in various therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. As biomaterials, their biocompatibility is as important as their magnetic properties. Iron nitride (FexNy) has excellent magnetic properties, and thus FexNy nanoparticles could be useful as potential biomaterials. However, the biocompatibility of FexNy nanoparticles is yet to be investigated. In this study, we assessed the biocompatibility of FexNy nanoparticles by evaluating their direct‐contact cytotoxicity compared with that of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs). Rat fibroblasts were incubated with the nanoparticle samples dispersed in culture medium at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg/ml. The DNA concentration measurement, MTT assay, and trypan blue exclusion test were conducted after days 1 and 3 of incubation. After day 1, the cell viability decreased, and cell death increased with increasing sample concentration when compared with the control. However, after day 3, there were no significant differences when compared with the control, irrespective of the sample concentrations. Further, there were no significant differences between the FexNy nanoparticles and MNPs at the same concentrations in all the cytotoxicity evaluation tests. Therefore, it is suggested that FexNy nanoparticles might be as cytocompatible as the conventional MNPs.
Local treatment of experimental mandibular osteomyelitis with an injectable biomimetic gentamicin hydrogel using a new rabbit model
Authors: Eltawila Ahmed Maher , Hassan Mohamad Nageeb , Safaan Shimaa Mohamed , Abd El‐Fattah Ahmed , Zakaria Osama , El‐Khordagui Labiba K. , Kandil Sherif
Published: March 2021

Mandibular osteomyelitis (OM) is a challenging disease. Our objective was to assess a new OM model in rabbits induced by arsenic trioxide and to assess the efficacy of local treatment of OM using injectable gentamicin‐collagen hydrogels (GNT‐COLL). OM was induced unilaterally by controlled confinement of arsenic trioxide paste to the root canal of lower incisors of rabbits, while OM progression was characterized for 16 weeks. On the other hand, two injectable COLL hydrogels functionalized with GNT were prepared and characterized for physicochemical properties; a simple GNT‐COLL and a nanohydroxyapatite (nHA)‐ loaded hydrogel (GNT‐COLL/nHA). The two hydrogels were evaluated to treat OM model, while a multidose intramuscular GNT solution served as positive control. Outcomes were assessed by standard methods at 4 and 12 weeks post‐surgery. The clinical, radiographical, and histopathological findings provided evidence for the validity of the arsenic‐induced OM. The results demonstrated that a single intra‐lesional injection of the two hydrogels was more suppressive to OM compared to multidose systemic GNT. The composite GNT‐COLL/nHA hydrogel proved to induce early preservation of alveolar bone (ridge) length and higher amount of bone area\total area at 4 weeks (40.53% ± 2.34) followed by GNT‐COLL (32.21% ± 0.72). On the other hand, the positive control group revealed the least ridge length and bone area\total area (26.22% ± 1.32) at 4 weeks. Both hydrogels successfully arrested OM with no signs of recurrence for up to 12 weeks. Therefore, results support the greater advantages of the composite hydrogel as an osteogenic/antibiotic delivery system in OM treatment.
A comprehensive review summarizing the recent biomedical applications of functionalized carbon nanofibers
Authors: Abdo Ghada G. , Zagho Moustafa M. , Al Moustafa Ala‐Eddin , Khalil Ashraf , Elzatahry Ahmed A.
Published: March 2021

Since the discovery and fabrication of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) over a decade ago, scientists foster to discover novel myriad potential applications for this material in both biomedicine and industry. The unique economic viability, mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal, and structural properties of CNFs led to their rapid emergence. CNFs become an artificial intelligence platform for different uses, including a wide range of biomedical applications. Furthermore, CNFs have exceptionally large surface areas that make them flexible for tailoring and functionalization on demand. This review highlights the recent progress and achievements of CNFs in a wide range of biomedical fields, including cancer therapy, biosensing, tissue engineering, and wound dressing. Besides the synthetic techniques of CNFs, their potential toxicity and limitations, as biomaterials in real clinical settings, will be presented. This review discusses CNF's future investigations in other biomedical fields, including gene delivery and bioimaging and CNFs risk assessment.
Role of the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in the cytotoxicity of bisphenol S in SK‐N‐SH cells
Authors: He Qing‐zhi , Zhu Bi‐qi , Xu Xiao‐na , Zeng Huai‐cai
Published: March 2021

Bisphenol S (BPS) is associated with neurotoxicity, but its molecular mechanisms are unclear. Our aim was to investigate the role of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase B (TrkB)/cAMP‐response element‐binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in BPS‐induced cytotoxicity in SK‐N‐SH cells. The cells were treated with various concentrations of BPS, and cell viability, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the BDNF, cleaved‐caspase‐3, B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2), Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax), TrkB, CREB, and phospho‐CREB (p‐CREB) levels were determined. The effects of pretreatment with the TrkB activator 7,8‐dihydroxyflavone (7,8‐DHF) were also explored. BPS decreased SK‐N‐SH cell viability and altered their morphology. Their apoptosis rate was increased, as were the levels of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved‐caspase‐3, but MMP was decreased. Thus, BPS may induce mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis pathways. BPS also reduced the BDNF, TrkB, and p‐CREB levels, and pretreatment with 7,8‐DHF alleviated its cytotoxic effects. Thus, BPS‐induced cytotoxicity might be mediated by the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway.
Secret lives and gender fluidity of people living with HIV in Hyderabad, India
Authors: Azhar Sameena , Vaudrey Jason , Gandham Sabitha , Burr Sean , Oruganti Ganesh , Yeldandi Vijay
Published: March 2021

This mixed‐methods study sought to explore gender fluidity among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Hyderabad, India, almost all of whom did not identify as hijra. Sixteen gender‐nonconforming people living with HIV completed both surveys and in‐depth interviews, exploring their experiences with HIV and gender nonconformity stigma. Interviews were conducted in Hindi and Telugu, digitally audio‐recorded, then subsequently translated and analyzed in English, using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Our study highlighted three categories of gender expression: (1) “We have to maintain secrecy about our hijra life”: Living secret lives; (2) “What happens if my neighbor sees me here?”: Contextual disclosure; (3) “Twenty‐four hours a day I will wear a sari”: Being fully out. Analysis revealed that many gender‐nonconforming people reported identifying with two distinct gender identities: one in the daylight, where they identified as men and fulfilled a role of husband and father with their family, and another at night where they identified otherwise—as women, as third gender, as kothis, hijra, transgender. Themes reinforce a phenomenological interpretation of gender identity and expression in the south Indian context, which is grounded in practices regarding identity's embodiment in clothing, vocal intonation, makeup, and context.
RETRACTED: Experiential marketing: Will it affect customer citizenship behavior? An empirical study of multiple mediation model in Thailand
Authors: Wang Zichen
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the consumer's experience of sense, feel, thinking, action, and relate experience in the shopping process whether the consumer is willing to voluntarily make beneficial behaviors for the enterprise. The study also aimed to assess the mediating effect of subjective well‐being, brand identity, and received service fairness in the relationship between experimental marketing and customer citizenship behavior. Convenient sampling techniques were used to select samples. After deleting invalid questionnaires, a total of 109 valid questionnaires were recovered for data analysis. The analysis results after using SmartPLS for the structural model show that experience marketing will have a significant positive effect on customer citizenship behavior. The findings of this study extend the company's understanding of the relationship between consumer shopping experience in online shopping platforms, consumer subject well‐being, brand identity, perceived service fairness, and customer citizenship behavior. At the same time, this study also provides discussion and enlightenment for the companies that operate online shopping supermarkets, limitations, and suggestions for future research.
Digital next‐generation sequencing of cell‐free DNA for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Takano Shinichi , Fukasawa Mitsuharu , Shindo Hiroko , Takahashi Ei , Fukasawa Yoshimitsu , Kawakami Satoshi , Hayakawa Hiroshi , Kuratomi Natsuhiko , Kadokura Makoto , Maekawa Shinya , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim

The clinical applicability of digital next‐generation sequencing (dNGS), which eliminates polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing error‐derived noise by using molecular barcodes (MBs), has not been fully evaluated. We evaluated the utility of dNGS of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in liquid biopsies obtained from patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Fifty‐eight patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) were included. Samples were subjected to sequencing of 50 cancer‐related genes using next‐generation sequencing (NGS). The results were used as reference gene alterations. NGS of cfDNA from plasma was performed for patients with a mutant allele frequency (MAF) >1% and an absolute mutant number > 10 copies/plasma mL in KRAS or GNAS by digital PCR. Sequence readings with and without MBs were compared with reference to EUS‐FNA‐derived gene alterations.

Results

The concordance rate between dNGS of cfDNA and EUS‐FNA‐derived gene alterations was higher with than without MBs (p = 0.039), and MAF cut‐off values in dNGS could be decreased to 0.2%. dNGS using MBs eliminated PCR and sequencing error by 74% and 68% for TP53 and all genes, respectively. Overall, dNGS detected mutations in KRAS (45%) and TP53 (26%) and copy number alterations in CCND2, CCND3, CDK4, FGFR1, and MYC, which are targets of molecular‐targeted drugs.

Conclusions

dNGS of cfDNA using MBs is useful for accurate detection of gene alterations even with low levels of MAFs. These results may be used to inform the development of diagnostics and therapeutics that can improve the prognosis of pancreatic cancer.
Calcineurin inhibitors in steroid and anti‐TNF‐alpha refractory immune checkpoint inhibitor colitis
Authors: Zhang Eva , Kiely Christopher , Sandanayake Neomal , Tattersall Stephen
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) colitis is an increasingly common problem encountered as the use of checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) grows in the management of cancers. Corticosteroids and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐alpha inhibitors are widely recommended in the management of ICI colitis; however, the experience is limited when patients are refractory. Different authors have reported success with vedolizumab, mycophenolate, and cyclosporine. This case series describes our experience with calcineurin inhibitors in the management of corticosteroid and anti‐TNF‐alpha refractory ICI colitis.

Methods

Data from electronic medical records were identified and reviewed retrospectively from a cohort of patients treated at a single oncology center. All patients who were identified between March 2018 and May 2020 with ICI colitis refractory to treatment with infliximab and corticosteroids were included.

Results

There were 11 patients who developed ICI colitis after receiving CPIs for advanced melanoma and required rescue therapy with either cyclosporine or tacrolimus after treatment failure of infliximab. Median age was 53 (±8.48) years, with nine patients (81%) receiving combination Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA‐4) / programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) immunotherapy. Median time after first CPI infusion to ICI colitis was 4.43 (±19.53) weeks. The median time from onset of symptoms to commencement of rescue therapy with calcineurin inhibitors was 70 days (±66.06). Eight of the 11 patients (72.7%) responded to calcineurin inhibition. In patients who responded, calcineurin inhibitors were continued for a median of 54 (±28.96) days.

Conclusion

The calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporine and tacrolimus appear to be a safe and effective option for the management of patients with infliximab‐refractory ICI colitis. The therapeutic benefit is observed rapidly, and adverse effects appear to be limited with close monitoring.
Timing of HIV testing among pregnant and breastfeeding women and risk of mother‐to‐child HIV transmission in Malawi: a sampling‐based cohort study
Authors: Chagomerana Maganizo B , Edwards Jessie K , Zalla Lauren C , Carbone Nicole B , Banda Godfrey T , Mofolo Innocent A , Hosseinipour Mina C , Herce Michael E
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Pregnant women living with HIV can achieve viral suppression and prevent HIV mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) with timely HIV testing and early ART initiation and maintenance. Although it is recommended that pregnant women undergo HIV testing early in antenatal care in Malawi, many women test positive during breastfeeding because they did not have their HIV status ascertained during pregnancy, or they tested negative during pregnancy but seroconverted postpartum. We sought to estimate the association between the timing of last positive HIV test (during pregnancy vs. breastfeeding) and outcomes of maternal viral suppression and MTCT in Malawi’s PMTCT programme.

Methods

We conducted a two‐stage cohort study among mother–infant pairs in 30 randomly selected high‐volume health facilities across five nationally representative districts of Malawi between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017. Log‐binomial regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and risk ratios (RR) for associations between timing of last positive HIV test (i.e. breastfeeding vs. pregnancy) and maternal viral suppression and MTCT, controlling for confounding using inverse probability weighting.

Results

Of 822 mother–infant pairs who had available information on the timing of the last positive HIV test, 102 mothers (12.4%) had their last positive test during breastfeeding. Women who lived one to two hours (PR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.29 to 3.58) or >2 hours (PR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.37 to 4.10) travel time to the nearest health facility were more likely to have had their last positive HIV test during breastfeeding compared to women living <1 hour travel time to the nearest health facility. The risk of unsuppressed VL did not differ between women who had their last positive HIV test during breastfeeding versus pregnancy (adjusted RR [aRR] = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.48 to 1.57). MTCT risk was higher among women who had their last positive HIV test during breastfeeding compared to women who had it during pregnancy (aRR = 6.57; 95% CI: 3.37 to 12.81).

Conclusions

MTCT in Malawi occurred disproportionately among women with a last positive HIV test during breastfeeding. Testing delayed until the postpartum period may lead to higher MTCT. To optimize maternal and child health outcomes, PMTCT programmes should focus on early ART initiation and providing targeted testing, prevention, treatment and support to breastfeeding women.
An analysis of radiographer preliminary image evaluation – A focus on common false negatives
Authors: Alexander‐Bates Isobel , Neep Michael J. , Davis Benjamin , Starkey Deborah
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Preliminary image evaluation (PIE) is a mechanism whereby radiographers provide a preliminary evaluation of whether pathology is present in their radiographs, typically acquired within the emergency department (ED). PIE provides referrers with a timely communication of pathology prior to the availability of a radiology report. The purpose of this study was to determine the most common radiographer PIE false‐negative interpretations.

Methods

Each month over a two‐year period, 100 PIEs of adult and paediatric patients were randomly reviewed in a metropolitan hospital ED. The radiographer’s PIE was compared with the radiologist’s report and categorised into basic quality indicators; true positive, true negative, false positive and false negative. The anatomical regions which most commonly indicated a false‐negative interpretation were further analysed.

Results

2402 cases were reviewed which resulted in an overall PIE accuracy of 88.7%. Wrists, hands, phalanges (upper), ankles, feet and phalanges (lower) reporting the highest false‐negative or false‐negative/true‐positive interpretations (60/116). Of the 60 false‐negative PIEs, 68 pathologies were identified. 41.1% (28/68) of the pathology not identified were in the phalanges. Within these regions, examinations with multiple injuries commonly reported false negatives (17/60).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the most common false‐negative radiographer PIEs were within the upper and lower distal extremities. Specifically, the phalanges and examinations demonstrating multiple injuries reported high levels of misinterpretation. The misinterpretation in multi‐injury examinations could be attributed to ‘Subsequent Search Miss (SSM)’ error. These results provide valuable insights into areas of emphasis when providing image interpretation education.
Test–retest reliability of hippocampal subfield volumes in a developmental sample: Implications for longitudinal developmental studies
Authors: Homayouni Roya , Yu Qijing , Ramesh Sruthi , Tang Lingfei , Daugherty Ana M. , Ofen Noa
Published: March 2021

The hippocampus (Hc) is composed of cytoarchitectonically distinct subfields: dentate gyrus (DG), cornu ammonis sectors 1‐3 (CA1‐3), and subiculum. Limited evidence suggests differential maturation rates across the Hc subfields. While longitudinal studies are essential in demonstrating differential development of Hc subfields, a prerequisite for interpreting meaningful longitudinal effects is establishing test–retest consistency of Hc subfield volumes measured in vivo over time. Here, we examined test–retest consistency of Hc subfield volumes measured from structural MR images in two independent developmental samples. Sample One (n = 28, ages 7–20 years, M = 12.64, SD = 3.35) and Sample Two (n = 28, ages 7–17 years, M = 11.72, SD = 2.88) underwent MRI twice with a 1‐month and a 2‐year delay, respectively. High‐resolution PD‐TSE‐T2‐weighted MR images (0.4 × 0.4 × 2 mm3) were collected and manually traced using a longitudinal manual demarcation protocol. In both samples, we found excellent consistency of Hc subfield volumes between the two visits, assessed by two‐way mixed intraclass correlation (ICC (3) single measures ≥ 0.87), and no difference between children and adolescents. The results further indicated that discrepancies between repeated measures were not related to Hc subfield volumes, or visit number. In addition to high consistency, with the applied longitudinal protocol, we detected significant variability in Hc subfield volume changes over the 2‐year delay, implying high sensitivity of the method in detecting individual differences. Establishing unbiased, high longitudinal consistency of Hc subfield volume measurements optimizes statistical power of a hypothesis test and reduces standard error of the estimate, together improving external validity of the measures in constructing theoretical models of memory development.
Prediction of summer extreme hot days in China using the SINTEX‐F2
Authors: Lu Xinyu , Yuan Chaoxia , Yang Mengzhou , Doi Takeshi , Wahiduzzaman Md , Luo Jing‐Jia
Published: March 2021

Accurate prediction of extreme weather and climate is crucial for their devastating impacts on our society and environment. Here, predictability of frequency of summer (June–August) extreme hot days (SEHDs) in China has been assessed in the SINTEX‐F2 seasonal forecast system during the period of 1983–2015. The hindcast had 12 ensemble members and was initialized on the first day of March, April and May, respectively. Results show that overall, the SINTEX‐F2 predicts more regions with good prediction skills at shorter lead time due to its better capture of the linear trends. Whereas, in Southwest China and eastern Tibetan Plateau, the prediction skills are consistently increased at shorter lead time even without the impacts of linear trends; the correlation coefficients between the region‐mean anomalies in the observed and predicted SEHD frequencies are 0.74, 0.68 and 0.61 at 1–3 month lead, respectively, and they remain as high as 0.56, 0.49 and 0.40 when the linear trends are removed. This is because the SINTEX‐F2 can reproduce the observed influences of Indian Ocean Basin Mode (IOBM) on the SEHD frequency. The warm IOBM can cause anomalous ascending and strong divergence in the upper troposphere over the tropical Indian Ocean and Indian subcontinent. The strong divergence causes direct convergence and descending over Southwestern China and eastern Tibetan Plateau. It also causes substantial descending over the western North Pacific that can introduce anomalous cyclonic circulation over northeastern Asia via the Pacific‐Japan or East‐Asia pattern. The latter serves as a source of wave energies, excites the Rossby waves meandering westward in the mid‐latitude, and enhances the anticyclonic circulation anomalies over Southwestern China and eastern Tibetan Plateau.
The Modic‐endplate‐complex phenotype in cervical spine patients: Association with symptoms and outcomes
Authors: Baker James D. , Sayari Arash J. , Harada Garrett K. , Tao Youping , Louie Philip K. , Basques Bryce A. , Galbusera Fabio , Niemeyer Frank , Wilke Hans‐Joachim , An Howard S. , Samartzis Dino
Published: March 2021

This study describes a novel, combined Modic changes (MC) and structural endplate abnormality phenotype of the cervical spine, which we have termed the Modic‐Endplate‐Complex (MEC), and its association with preoperative symptoms and outcomes in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) patients. This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data at a single institution. Preoperative cervical magnetic resonance imagings were used to assess the presence of MC and endplate abnormalities. Patients were divided into four groups: MC‐only, endplate abnormality‐only, the MEC and controls. The MEC was defined as the presence of both a MC and endplate abnormality in the cervical spine. Phenotypes were further stratified by location and compared to controls. Associations with patient‐reported outcome measures were assessed using regression controlling for baseline characteristics. A total of 628 patients were included, with 84 MC‐only, 166 endplate abnormality‐only, and 187 MEC patients. Both MC (p < 0.001) and endplate abnormalities (p < 0.001) were independently associated with one another. MC at the adjacent level (p = 0.018), endplate abnormalities (regardless of location) (p = 0.001), and the MEC within the fusion segment (p = 0.027) were all associated with higher Neck Disability Index scores. Both MC within the fusion segment (p = 0.008) and endplate abnormalities within the fusion segment (p = 0.017) associated with lower Veteran's Rand 12‐item scores. MC and structural endplate abnormalities commonly manifest concomitantly in patients indicated for ACDF for degenerative pathology. Patients with the endplate pathology, including the MEC phenotype, reported significantly higher levels of postoperative disability following ACDF. These findings add valuable data to the prognostic assessment of degenerative cervical spine patients.
Tooth loss in periodontally compromised patients: Retrospective long‐term results 10 years after active periodontal therapy – tooth‐related outcomes
Authors: Petsos Hari , Ramich Tatjana , Nickles Katrin , Dannewitz Bettina , Pfeifer Leon , Zuhr Otto , Eickholz Peter
Published: March 2021

Background

Estimating prognosis of periodontally affected teeth at the beginning of supportive periodontal care (SPC) is an important component for further treatment planning. This study aimed to evaluate tooth loss (TL) during 10 years of SPC in periodontally compromised patients and to identify tooth‐related factors affecting TL.

Methods

Patients were re‐examined 120 ± 12 months after accomplishment of active periodontal therapy. TL was defined as primary outcome variable and tooth‐related factors (abutment status, furcation involvement [FI], tooth mobility, mean periodontal probing depth [PD], and clinical attachment level [CAL] at beginning of SPC, and initial bone loss [BL]) were estimated based on an adjusted regression analyses model.

Results

Ninety‐seven patients (51 females and 46 males; mean age, 65.3 ± 11 years) lost 119 of 2,323 teeth (overall TL [OTL]: 0.12 teeth/patient/y) during 10 years of SPC. Forty of these teeth (33.6%) were lost for periodontal reasons (TLP; 0.04 teeth/patient/y). Significantly more teeth were lost due to other reasons (P <0.0001). TLP (OTL) only occurred in 5.9% (14.7%) of all teeth, when BL was at least 80%. Use as abutment tooth, FI degree III, tooth mobility degrees I and II, mean PD, and CAL positively correlated with OTL (P <0.05). For TLP, FI and tooth mobility degree III as well as mean CAL were identified as tooth‐related prognostic factors (P <0.05).

Conclusions

During 10 years of SPC, most of the teeth (93.4%) of periodontally compromised patients were retained, showing the positive effect of a well‐established treatment concept. Well‐known tooth‐related prognostic factors were confirmed.
Detection of DNA bases and environmentally relevant biomolecules and monitoring ssDNA hybridization by noble metal nanoparticles decorated graphene nanosheets as ultrasensitive G‐SERS platforms
Authors: Gupta Sanju , Banaszak Alexander
Published: March 2021

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and graphene‐mediated surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (G‐SERS) are attractive analytical techniques for the detection of chemical and biological molecules at a single‐molecule level registering their chemical fingerprints. Graphene‐based surface enhancement (or G‐SERS) boosted traditional SERS phenomenon producing signal enhancement from both electromagnetic (EM) and chemical enhancement (CE) mechanisms. Thus, graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets coated with silver (Ag [30 nm]) and gold (Au [40 nm]) nanoparticles smart array platforms, for direct detection and differentiation of DNA bases, namely, adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), thymine (T), and environmental relevant β‐carotene (β‐C) and malachite green (MG) biomolecules, are developed. The size and interparticle gap were controlled via dispersion and loading on GO surface to achieve optimal enhancement factors. The morphology of these substrates was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The Raman spectra consisted of discrete bands occurring at (A: 732.8 cm−1; C: 792 cm−1; G: 658 cm−1; T: 796 cm−1; β‐C: 1416 cm−1; MG: 1174 cm−1) that are characteristic of molecular modes of vibration and serve as chemical fingerprint of three‐dimensional structure, intramolecular interaction and steady‐state dynamics, of biomolecule ensemble. The GO‐decorated nanoparticles are capable of sensitive biomolecular detection over a broad concentration range 100 nM to 100 μM with limit of detection (LOD) noted at <1 ppm for A, C, G, T, β‐C, and MG. Moreover, the experimental results illustrated five to six orders of magnitude signal enhancement in the following order: GO/Ag30 > GO/Au40 > Ag30 > Au40 > GO. Moreover, ssDNA probe and complementary target C‐ssDNA were monitored simultaneously during hybridization on the same substrates assigned confidently to base, local chemical structure, and global conformation of resulting dsDNA. The experimental findings suggest a strong GO‐nanoparticle coupling leading to interfacial orbital hybridization (charge transfer) and polarization affected by biomolecule orientation, and it will help in designing ultrasensitive platforms covering range of inorganic nanoparticles and nanostructured surfaces for a wealth of biomedicine and environmental applications.
Role of colony‐forming tissue stem cells in the macula flava of the human vocal fold in vivo
Authors: Sato Kiminori , Chitose Shun‐ichi , Sato Kiminobu , Sato Fumihiko , Ono Takeharu , Umeno Hirohito
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Our previous investigations showed that tissue stem cells in the maculae flavae (a stem cell niche) form colonies in vivo like stem cells in vitro. However, the roles of colony‐forming cells in the maculae flavae in vivo have not yet been determined.

This study investigated the metabolism of the colony‐forming tissue stem cells in the maculae flavae of the human adult vocal fold.

Study design

Histologic analysis of the human vocal folds.

Methods

Three normal human adult vocal folds were investigated under transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy including immunohistochemistry.

Results

Mitochondrial cristae of the colony‐forming cells in the maculae flavae were sparse. Hence, the microstructural features of the mitochondria suggested that their metabolic activity and oxidative phosphorylation were low. Colony‐forming cells strongly expressed glucose transporter‐1 and glycolytic enzymes (hexokinase II, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase A). The colony‐forming cells did not express phosphofructokinase‐1 but did express glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase indicating the cells relied more on the pentose phosphate pathway. Since the colony‐forming cells expressed lactate dehydrogenase A, cells seemed to rely more on anaerobic glycolysis in an anaerobic microenvironment.

Conclusions

The present study is consistent with the hypothesis that the colony‐forming tissue stem cells in the maculae flavae of the human adult vocal fold seemed to rely more on anaerobic glycolysis using the pentose phosphate pathway for energy supply in vivo. Microstructural features of the mitochondria and expressed glycolytic enzymes of the colony‐forming cells in the maculae flavae suggested that the oxidative phosphorylation activity was low.

In an anaerobic microenvironment in vivo, there is likely a complex cross‐talk regarding the metabolism between the colony‐forming aggregated cells along the adhesion machinery and chemical signaling pathways, which reduces toxic oxygen species and is favorable to maintaining the stemness and undifferentiated states of the tissue stem cells.

Level of Evidence

NA.
On the matter of phytoplankton: A novel method using 3D computer models to calculate biovolume of microorganisms
Authors: Mohan Joseph , Saros Jasmine , Stone Jeffery R.
Published: March 2021

We develop a new method that allows for more accurate biovolume calculations of microorganisms. This method also allows the volume of individual skeletal features of microorganisms to be analyzed separately so that estimates of the resource cost per evolutionary adaptations may be assessed. We also provide a means to link community changes to alterations in nutrient cycles, ecosystem function, and rock‐forming processes by plankton. This method integrates computer‐aided design software from engineering and architecture into biological applications. Our method substantially improves the accuracy of biovolume estimates for species which currently rely upon simple geometric models that preclude the presence of ultrastructure in microorganism skeletons. In addition, using simple shapes to represent the skeletal form of microorganisms prohibits the exploration of resource cost that various adaptations, for example, spines for protection from grazers, have imposed upon plankton. Thus, integrating architectural and engineering approaches more broadly into biovolume estimations produces new insight into the physiology of microorganisms that can turn speculations into quantitative analyses.