bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroosmosis‐modulated bio‐flow of nanofluid through a rectangular peristaltic pump induced by complex traveling wave with zeta potential and heat source
Authors: Zeeshan Ahmed , Riaz Arshad , Alzahrani Faris
Published: August 2021

Electrokineticmicroperistaltic pumps are important biomechanical devices that help in targeted drugging of sick body parts. This article is focused on mathematical modeling and analysis of some important aspect of such flows in a rectangular duct with wall properties. Effects of zeta potential, heat source, and deby length are also studied. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the Newtonian base fluid are assumed as drugging material. A comparison of single‐walled CNTs and multiwalled CNTs is also presented. It is considered that the walls are flexible and encapsulating the region with limited permeability. The defined flow problem is modeled and analyzed analytically for the transport of CNT–water nanofluid. It is accepted that the flow is steady, nonturbulent, and propagating waves do have a considerably longer wavelength when compared to amplitude. The conditions and assumptions lead to a model of coupled partial differential equations of order two. The exact results using the eigenfunction expansion method are procured and shown accordingly. The predictions about the behavior of important parameters are displayed for single‐walled CNT and multiwalled CNT—water nanofluidic behavior—using figures. The impact of sundry parametersis are analyzed. The application of the current study involved a transporting/targeted drug delivery system using peristaltic micropumps and magnetic fields in pharmacological engineering.
A phosphogypsum‐based road material with enhanced mechanical properties for sustainable environmental remediation
Authors: Zmemla Raja , Benjdidia Mounir , Naifar Ikram , Sadik Chaouki , Elleuch Boubaker , Sdiri Ali
Published: August 2021

An integrated approach for sustainable use of phosphogypsum (PG) byproducts as road materials was developed. For the purpose of this study, several formulations of PG‐based material have been performed to evaluate its potential application for road base layers. Physico‐chemical properties, mechanical strengths and environmental aspects were simultaneously addressed. Both dynamic and batch leaching tests have been carried out to properly evaluate the leaching behavior of the prepared road mixture versus binder type and age of phosphogysum used. Commonly used geotechnical tests, including compressive strength, tensile strength as well as Young's modulus have been carried out on the prepared specimen. Strength development at different curing times was studied and compared to conventional road base materials. The obtained results indicated that the 28‐ and 360‐days strengths reached 2200 and 3500 kPa, respectively. Cement stabilized material showed higher strength values (both early age and final compressive strength) than conventional road base materials. Those encouraging properties were confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analyses. Further study focused on potentially toxic elements released from both original PG and newly prepared formulations. It was found that almost all contaminants studied were significantly immobilized in the formulations with high pH values. This may offer an efficient waste disposal concomitantly with reducing the demand for natural aggregates, therefore a significant gain in life cycle impacts and costs. This is a low cost and handy tool for sustainable environmental remediation via the use of byproducts that have no potential threat of contaminants leaching.
Uneven surface moisture as a driver of dune formation on ephemeral lake beds under conditions similar to the present day: A model‐based assessment from the Makgadikgadi Basin, northern Botswana
Authors: Richards Jenny , Burrough Sallie , Wiggs Giles , Hills Tiger , Thomas David , Moseki Molatlhegi
Published: August 2021

An association between salt pans or dry lake beds and distinctive crescentic lake‐floor sand mounds (1–10 m high, tens to hundreds of metres wide) is commonplace in desert systems. In the Makgadikgadi Basin of northern Botswana, a debate about the formative processes of these landforms has persisted despite numerous morphometric, sedimentary and geochronological analyses, with mound landforms variously inferred to be aeolian dunes, subaqueous dunes, spring mounds or shoreline remnants. We propose a new formative mechanism which draws on the interaction between uneven moisture distribution on the pan surface and mobile aeolian sediments. We use a numerical model (ViSTA), which couples vegetation and aeolian sand transport dynamics, together with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of a mound in the Makgadikgadi Basin to investigate the feasibility of this ‘sticky mound hypothesis’. We find that under a range of modelled environmental conditions, uneven moisture distribution on the pan surface can lead to the development and stabilization of crescentic aeolian dunes, with these dunes growing upwind from the point of initial deposition, corresponding with the chronological data gained from OSL dating of a mound feature. On removal of this moisture, the modelled dunes erode and dissipate. These findings suggest that the formative mechanism of the mounds could be dependent on the interaction between differential drying of the pan surface and the competence of the aeolian sediment transport system across the pan floor.
Fire‐retardant synergy of bis(1‐methoxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐piperidinyl)sebacate and melamine hydrobromide/aluminum diethylphosphinate in polypropylene
Authors: Yan Bo , Sun Mingmei , Tang Min , Wu Hongzhi , Tang Linsheng
Published: August 2021

The fire‐retardant synergy of bis(1‐methoxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐piperidinyl)sebacate (NORSM) and melamine hydrobromide (MHB)/aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADEP) in polypropylene (PP) has been studied using UL‐94 tests, limiting oxygen index (LOI) determination, and cone calorimetry tests (CCTs). The results indicate that NORSM exhibits exceptional fire‐retardant synergy with ADEP/MHB in PP. For a PP composite with 1.0 wt% of MHB and 1.5 wt% of ADEP, the LOI increased from 19.0% to 26.0%, fire retardation effectivity increased from 0.48 to 2.93, synergy effectivity was as high as 1.99, UL‐94 level was enhanced from none to V‐2, fire performance index increased from 56.4 to 84.8, and various heat release values decreased significantly when the PP composite just discussed combining 0.30 wt% of NORSM. NORSM plays a role in synergy with ADEP/MHB primarily through the following modes: radicals such as CH3O· and aminyl formed by the decomposition of NORSM; PO2·, PO·, and HPO· formed from ADEP; HBr formed from MHB; and quench active radicals such as HO· for combustion and breaking down the radical source, which terminates the chain oxidation reaction for combustion, leading to more exceptional fire retardation in the gaseous phase.
The dark side of informal institutions: How crime, corruption, and informality influence foreign firms' commitment
Authors: Bu Juan , Luo Yadong , Zhang Huan
Published: August 2021

Research Summary

This study focuses on three prevalent societal issues—crime, corruption, and informal sector—that constitute the dark side of informal institutions in developing countries. We argue that the dark side of informal institutions has the potential to impede foreign firms' desire and ability to commit to the host countries. The effects of these three forms on foreign firms differ depending on the type of local commitment. Analyzing the World Bank data of foreign firms in 36 developing countries, we find that (a) host country corruption is stronger in deterring foreign firms' long‐term investment, (b) host country informality is stronger in obstructing foreign firms' innovation output, and (c) host country crime is stronger in undermining foreign firms' production capacity utilization. Our analysis also shows that host country's efficient regulatory institutions and foreign firms' non‐market‐seeking motive are two important countervailing forces that attenuate the negative effects of the dark side of informal institutions.

Managerial Summary

Foreign firms investing in developing countries need to deal with some illegal yet widespread practices in these countries. Specifically, crime, corruption, and informal sector represent the most prevalent and important societal issues that exert informal constraints on foreign firms. This study examines how the negative informal institutions influence foreign firms. Our cross‐country analysis using the World Bank data shows that, among the three negative informal institutions, corruption has a stronger effect in deterring foreign firms' investment commitment, informal sector has a stronger effect in obstructing foreign firms' innovation commitment, and crime has a stronger effect in undermining foreign firms' production commitment. Moreover, these negative effects will be alleviated when the developing country has efficient regulatory institutions or when the foreign firm has a low market dependence on the developing country. Our findings provide implications for managers of multinational enterprises (MNEs) investing in developing countries and offer suggestions for policymakers on how to improve the institutional environment for foreign investment.
Individualized video recommendation modulates functional connectivity between large scale networks
Authors: Su Conghui , Zhou Hui , Wang Chunjie , Geng Fengji , Hu Yuzheng
Published: August 2021

With the emergence of AI‐powered recommender systems and their extensive use in the video streaming service, questions and concerns also arise. Why can recommended video content continuously capture users' attention? What is the impact of long‐term exposure to personalized video content on one's behaviors and brain functions? To address these questions, we designed an fMRI experiment presenting participants with personally recommended videos and generally recommended ones. To examine how large‐scale networks were modulated by personalized video content, graph theory analysis was applied to investigate the interaction between seven networks, including the ventral and dorsal attention networks (VAN, DAN), frontal–parietal network (FPN), salience network (SN), and three subnetworks of default mode network (dorsal medial prefrontal (dMPFC), Core, and medial temporal lobe (MTL)). Our results showed that viewing nonpersonalized video content mainly enhanced the connectivity in the DAN‐FPN‐Core pathway, whereas viewing personalized ones increased not only the connectivity in this pathway but also the DAN‐VAN‐dMPFC pathway. In addition, both personalized and nonpersonalized short videos decreased the couplings between SN and VAN as well as between two DMN subsystems, Core and MTL. Collectively, these findings uncovered distinct patterns of network interactions in response to short videos and provided insights into potential neural mechanisms by which human behaviors are biased by personally recommended content.
Adjuvant radiation and cetuximab improves local control in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Phase II study
Authors: Kreinbrink Paul J. , Mierzwa Michelle L. , Huth Brad , Redmond Kevin P. , Wise‐Draper Trisha M. , Casper Keith , Li Junan , Takiar Vinita
Published: August 2021

Background

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head/neck (CSCCHN) is common due to chronic sun exposure. As CSCCHN highly expresses EGFR, we prospectively studied postoperative concurrent cetuximab with radiotherapy for locally advanced CSCCHN (LA‐CSCCHN).

Materials and methods

Single‐institutional phase II trial of LA‐CSCCHN (NCT XXXX). Adjuvant radiation was given with concurrent cetuximab. Primary endpoint of 2‐year LRC and secondary objectives of 2‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and 2‐year OS were assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Twenty‐four patients ages 47–88 (median 71 years) were treated from 2014 to 2017. Fourteen patients had T3/4 disease, 5 had N1 disease, and 7 were N2/3. At median follow‐up of 42 months, median OS and DFS was not reached and 64 months. Two‐year OS was 75%, 2‐year DFS was 70.8%. LRC was 91.1% at 2 years. All grade 3 adverse events were related to skin toxicity (12.5% radiation‐related dermatitis, 16.7% cetuximab‐related rash).

Conclusions

LRC compares favorably to historical data examining postoperative radiation alone but requires further investigation.
Prospective Study of Withdrawal of Antiviral Therapy in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B after Prolonged Virological Response
Authors: Gara Naveen , Tana Michele M. , Kattapuram Meera , Auh Sungyoung , Sullivan Lauren , Fryzek Nancy , Walter Mary , Umarova Regina , Zhao Xiongce , Cloherty Gavin , Doo Edward , Heller Theo , Liang T. Jake , Ghany Marc G.
Published: August 2021

Nucleoside analogue (NA) therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is associated with improved clinical outcomes, but usually requires long‐term use. Whether treatment can be safely withdrawn and the factors associated with post‐withdrawal outcome are not well defined. To assess long‐term outcomes after stopping antiviral therapy, patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)–negative CHB who had received antiviral therapy for 4 or more years with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA (≤100 IU/mL) were prospectively withdrawn from antiviral therapy and monitored monthly for the initial 6 months and every 3 months thereafter. Those with clinical relapse were retreated according to severity of relapse. Fifteen patients were withdrawn from lamivudine (4), adefovir (5), or a combination of the two (6) after a mean treatment duration of 8.4 years. The mean age was 45 years, 13 were male, and 8 were initially HBeAg‐positive before treatment. After a mean follow‐up of 6.6 years, outcomes differed by pretreatment HBeAg status. All patients who were HBeAg+ before treatment experienced virological relapse (8 of 8); 6 of 8 experienced clinical relapse; 4 of 8 had ALT flares; 5 of 8 required re‐initiation of treatment, one of whom cleared hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); and 3 of 8 remained off treatment, one of whom cleared HBsAg. In contrast, 4 of 7 patients who were HBeAg‐negative before treatment experienced virological relapse, 3 of 7 experienced clinical relapse, and 1 of 7 had an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flare. None restarted treatment, and 4 of 7 cleared HBsAg. Low pre‐withdrawal HBsAg level was predictive of HBsAg loss. Conclusion: NA therapy can be safely withdrawn with long‐term remission and high rates of HBsAg loss in most HBeAg‐negative patients without cirrhosis. Patients who were initially HBeAg+ should not be withdrawn from treatment, because clinical relapse was frequent and often severe.
Examining the incentives and disincentives in the maintenance of Insecticide‐Treated Nets among householders in Ghana
Authors: Opoku Robert , Amoah Padmore Adusei , Nyamekye Kingsley Atta
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study explored the factors that affect the incentive to care for Insecticide‐Treated Nets (ITNs) among householders in the Shai‐Osudoku District of Ghana.

Methods

The study employed a descriptive qualitative design. Four in‐depth interviews (IDIs) and four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to gather the data from 38 participants. A thematic technique was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Householders were aware of the importance and use of ITNs. The factors underlying the motivation of householders to care for ITNs included their need to stay healthy; inadequate funds to acquire new ITNs and pay for healthcare cost; and their knowledge of the use and efficacy of ITNs. It was also found that obtaining the nets at no cost; limited time available to mend the ITNs; and limited knowledge on how to mend the ITNs disincentivised householders from effectively caring for the nets.

Conclusions

There is a need to rethink current ITN intervention programmes in ways that will improve the contents of public education messages and strengthen monitoring frameworks to ensure that householders take optimum care of their nets.
Role of reservoir regulation and groundwater feedback in a simulated ground‐soil‐vegetation continuum: A long‐term regional scale analysis
Authors: Wei Jianhui , Dong Ningpeng , Fersch Benjamin , Arnault Joël , Wagner Sven , Laux Patrick , Zhang Zhenyu , Yang Qianya , Yang Chuanguo , Shang Shasha , Gao Lu , Yu Zhongbo , Kunstmann Harald
Published: August 2021

The regional terrestrial water cycle is strongly altered by human activities. Among them, reservoir regulation is a way to spatially and temporally allocate water resources in a basin for multi‐purposes. However, it is still not sufficiently understood how reservoir regulation modifies the regional terrestrial‐ and subsequently, the atmospheric water cycle. To address this question, the representation of reservoir regulation into the terrestrial component of fully coupled regional Earth system models is required. In this study, an existing process‐based reservoir network module is implemented into NOAH‐HMS, that is, the terrestrial component of an atmospheric–hydrologic modelling system, namely, the WRF‐HMS. It allows to quantitatively differentiate role of reservoir regulation and of groundwater feedback in a simulated ground‐soil‐vegetation continuum. Our study focuses on the Poyang Lake basin, where the largest freshwater lake of China and reservoirs of different sizes are located. As compared to streamflow observations, the newly extended NOAH‐HMS slightly improves the streamflow and streamflow duration curves simulation for the Poyang Lake basin for the period 1979–1986. The inclusion of reservoir regulation leads to major changes in the simulated groundwater recharges and evaporation from reservoirs at local scale, but has minor effects on the simulated soil moisture and surface runoff at basin scale. The performed groundwater feedback sensitivity analysis shows that the strength of the groundwater feedback is not altered by the consideration of reservoir regulation. Furthermore, both reservoir regulation and groundwater feedback modify the partitioning of the simulated evapotranspiration, thus affecting the atmospheric water cycle in the Poyang Lake region. This finding motivates future research with our extended fully coupled atmospheric–hydrologic modelling system by the community.
The road to cervical cancer elimination in Malaysia: Evaluation of the impact and cost‐effectiveness of human papillomavirus screening with self‐collection and digital registry support
Authors: Keane Adam , Ng Chiu Wan , Simms Kate T. , Nguyen Diep , Woo Yin Ling , Saville Marion , Canfell Karen
Published: August 2021

The WHO has launched a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer through the scale‐up of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, cervical screening, and cervical cancer treatment. Malaysia has achieved high‐coverage HPV vaccination since 2010, but coverage of the existing cytology‐based program remains low. Pilot studies found HPV self‐sampling was acceptable and effective, with high follow‐up rates when a digital registry was used, and recently the Malaysian Government announced plans for a national HPV‐based screening program. We therefore evaluated the impact of primary HPV screening with self‐collection in Malaysia in the context of Malaysia's existing vaccination program. We used the “Policy1‐Cervix” modeling platform to assess health outcomes, cost‐effectiveness, resource use and cervical cancer elimination timing (the year when cervical cancer rates reach four cases per 100 000 women) of implementing primary HPV testing with self‐collection, assuming 70% routine‐screening coverage could be achieved. Based on available data, we assumed that compliance with follow‐up was 90% when a digital registry was used, but that compliance with follow‐up would be 50‐75% without the use of a digital registry. We found that the current vaccination program would prevent 27 000 to 32 200 cervical cancer cases and 11 700 to 14 000 deaths by 2070. HPV testing with a digital registry was cost‐effective (CER = $US 6953‐7549 < $US 11 373[<1×GDP per capita]) and could prevent an additional 15 900 to 17 800 cases and 9700 to 10 600 deaths by 2070, expediting national elimination by 11 to 20 years, to 2055 to 2059. If HPV screening were implemented without a digital registry, there would be 1800 to 4900 fewer deaths averted by 2070 and the program would be less cost‐effective. These results underline the importance of HPV testing as a key elimination pillar in Malaysia.
Establishment of nomograms for fetal vermis and brainstem structures in the midsagittal cranial plane by ultrasonography
Authors: Alpay Verda , Davutoglu Ebru Alıcı , Kaymak Didem , Madazli Riza
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To construct nomograms for the fetal cerebellar vermis and brainstem structures obtainable from the midsagittal plane of the brain by two‐dimensional sonography.

Methods

This was a prospective cross‐sectional study of 434 healthy fetuses in low‐risk singleton pregnancies between 18 and 35 gestational weeks. The following parameters were evaluated in the midsagittal cranial plane; cerebellar vermis anteroposterior diameter (APD), craniocaudal diameter (CCD), pons, midbrain and medulla oblongata APD and tectum length. The measurements were presented as growth charts according to gestational age.

Results

The mean ± SD, and 5%, 50%, 95% centile charts according to gestational age for vermis APD and CCD, pons, midbrain and medulla oblongata APD and tectum length were constructed. Pearson's correlation coefficients for vermis CCD and APD, pons, midbrain, medulla oblongata APD and tectum length by gestational week were 0.961, 0.929, 0.918, 0.761, 0.731 and 0.854, respectively (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The reference data provided in the present study would be helpful in the prenatal diagnosis of challenging fetal conditions with involvement of the brainstem and cerebellum.
Attitudes toward offering genetic counseling for psychiatric conditions among genetics healthcare practitioners in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study
Authors: Rowlatt Amy E. , McAllister Marion , Cuthbert Andrew
Published: August 2021

Psychiatric conditions affect a large proportion of the population. High heritability estimates have been reported for commonly diagnosed conditions, suggesting both environmental factors and genetic variation significantly contribute to the chance of psychiatric outcomes. Despite growing interest in the provision and receipt of genetic counseling services for these conditions, such specialized interventions are not routinely available in most healthcare systems, including in the United Kingdom (UK). This study examined the attitudes of fourteen National Health Service employed genetic counselors and clinical geneticists, from seven regional genetic centers, toward offering psychiatric genetic counseling (PGC) in the UK. A qualitative methodology was adopted and individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted either by telephone or face‐to‐face, audio recorded, transcribed in full and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants' attitudes were organized under three themes: “Demand,” “Readiness to Provide Support,” and “Patient Experience.” Participants cited key informational and resource needs which included increased workforce capacity, access to further psychological support for patients and more knowledge about the following: specific genes involved, available genetic testing, recurrence/occurrence risk figures, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, patient concerns associated with the impact of psychiatric conditions and interpersonal skills. While some participants appreciated the value of PGC, some reported apprehension and raised concerns around a lack of available genetic testing, the perceived utility of current management options, and a potential negative psychological impact of PGC. This study identified important barriers to the delivery of PGC in the UK by genetics healthcare practitioners. Our findings highlight the importance of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to delivering this intervention and the need for additional training. Further research is required to better understand demand for, nature of, and barriers to provision of PGC in the UK, particularly in terms of genetic counselors’ perceptions of their role.
Genetic counselor roles in the undiagnosed diseases network research study: Clinical care, collaboration, and curation
Authors: Kohler Jennefer N. , Glanton Emily , Boyd Brenna M. , Sillari Catherine H. , Marwaha Shruti ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Wheeler Matthew T.
Published: August 2021

Genetic counselors (GCs) are increasingly filling important positions on research study teams, but there is limited literature describing the roles of GCs in these settings. GCs on the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) study team serve in a variety of roles across the research network and provide an opportunity to better understand genetic counselor roles in research. To quantitatively characterize the tasks regularly performed and professional fulfillment derived from these tasks, two surveys were administered to UDN GCs in a stepwise fashion. Responses from the first, free‐response survey elicited the scope of tasks which informed development of a second structured, multiple‐select survey. In survey 2, respondents were asked to select which roles they performed. Across 19 respondents, roles in survey 2 received a total of 947 selections averaging approximately 10 selections per role. When asked to indicate what roles they performed, respondent selected a mean of 50 roles (range 22–70). Survey 2 data were analyzed via thematic coding of responses and hierarchical cluster analysis to identify patterns in responses. From the thematic analysis, 20 non‐overlapping codes emerged in seven categories: clinical interaction and care, communication, curation, leadership, participant management, research, and team management. Three themes emerged from the categories that represented the roles of GCs in the UDN: clinical care, collaboration, and curation. Cluster analyses showed that responses were more similar among individuals at the same institution than between institutions. This study highlights the ways GCs apply their unique skill set in the context of a clinical translational research network. Additionally, findings from this study reinforce the wide applicability of core skills that are part of genetic counseling training. Clinical literacy, genomics expertise and analysis, interpersonal, psychosocial and counseling skills, education, professional practice skills, and an understanding of research processes make genetic counselors well suited for such roles and poised to positively impact research experiences and outcomes for participants.
Assessing effectiveness and patient perceptions of a novel electronic medical record for the management of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kaazan Patricia , Li Tracy , Seow Warren , Bednarz Jana , Pipicella Joseph L , Krishnaprasad Krupa , Ng Watson , Williams Astrid‐Jane , Connor Susan J , Andrews Jane M
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

There is an increasing prevalence of chronic disease worldwide, resulting in multiple management challenges. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an exemplar chronic disease requiring coordinated longitudinal care. We propose that Crohn's Colitis Care (CCCare), a novel IBD‐specific, structured electronic medical record is effective at improving data capture and is acceptable to patients.

Methods

A comparison was made between IBD‐data completeness in usual records and CCCare. CCCare's acceptability to patients was assessed in two independent IBD patient cohorts and included:

• Overall ratings of acceptability.

• Factors associated with pre‐exposure acceptability ratings.

• Whether exposure and security concerns influenced acceptability ratings.

• Direct patient feedback through CCCare's patient portal.

Results

In all cases reviewed, there was data gain using structured CCCare fields compared with IBD documentation in usual medical records. The overall acceptability in the combined cohort (n = 310) was very high. More than three‐quarters of patients rated acceptability as >7 of 10. Self‐reported information technology (IT) literacy positively associated with acceptability. Exposure had a small positive affect on acceptability, whereas security concerns had little impact on acceptability. Patient portal feedback revealed that most patients are very likely to recommend CCCare to others (8.56 ± 2.2 [out of 10]).

Conclusion

CCCare is effective in supporting more complete IBD‐specific data capture compared with usual medical records. It is highly acceptable to patients, especially those with reasonable IT literacy. Patient concerns about privacy and security of electronic medical records (EMRs) did not significantly affect acceptability.
The use of probiotics can reduce the severity of experimental periodontitis in rats with metabolic syndrome: An immunoenzymatic and microtomographic study
Authors: Silva Giselle A. , Moreira André L. G. , Silva Pedro H. F. , Salvador Sérgio L. , Casarin Renato C. V. , Vicente Raphael M. , Ferreira Graziele C. , Tanus‐Santos José E. , Furlaneto Flávia A. C. , Messora Michel R.
Published: August 2021

Background

This study evaluated the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) in the development of periodontitis (PE), associated or not with metabolic syndrome, (MS) in rats.

Methods

Ninety‐six rats were grouped according to a food protocol: high‐fat diet for induction of MS or standard diet for the control groups (C). They were subdivided into groups with (+) and without (−) PE, receiving (*) or not (**) probiotic (PROB): C−**, CP−*, PE+**, PEP+*, MS− MSP−*, MSPE+**, and MSPEP+*. PROB administration started on the eighth week of the study and PE was induced on the 14th week by placing ligature on the animals' lower first molars. Euthanasia occurred in the 16th week. Biomolecular analyzes, immunoenzymatic assays, and microtomographic analyses were performed. The data obtained were analyzed statistically (P < 0.05).

Results

The PEP and MSPEP groups showed lower levels of alveolar bone loss when compared with the PE and MSPE groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The immunoenzymatic analysis showed higher levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β and a higher receptor activator of NF‐kappaB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio in the MSPE group when compared with the MSPEP group (P < 0.05). The PEP group showed lower levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL–6 when compared with the PE group. The use of PROB attenuated dyslipidemia parameters in animals with MS, with or without PE.

Conclusion

B. lactis HN019 reduced more significantly the severity of PE in rats with MS, modulating both systemic metabolic and immunoinflammatory parameters in periodontal tissues.
Effects of diets with various levels of forage rape (Brassica napus) on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and rumen microbiota of Hu lambs
Authors: Du Encun , Guo Wanzheng , Zhao Na , Chen Fang , Fan Qiwen , Zhang Wei , Huang Shaowen , Zhou Guangsheng , Fu Tingdong , Wei Jintao
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Apart from being an oil crop, forage rape (Brassica napus) can be used to feed ruminants. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pelleted total mixed ration (TMR) diets with various levels of forage rape on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, meat nutritional value and rumen microbiota of Hu lambs, which was important for the efficient utilization of forage rape and alleviating the shortage of high‐quality forage in China.

RESULTS

Lambs fed on diets with 200–400 g kg−1 forage rape had greater average daily gain (ADG) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed on diets with 0–100 g kg−1 of forage rape (P < 0.05). As dietary forage rape levels increased, the content of intramuscular α‐linolenic acid and a variety of amino acids in the muscle increased linearly (P < 0.05). No difference was found in carcass traits or meat quality among the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). However, the inclusion of forage rape increased the relative abundance of cellulolytic bacteria and short‐chain fatty acid producers, including Succiniclasticum, Fibrobacter and members of the Lachnospiraceae. Besides, Succiniclasticum was found to be positively correlated with the final body weight of lambs.

CONCLUSION

TMR diets that included 200–400 g kg−1 forage rape could improve the growth performance of lambs, and elevated the content of intramuscular α‐linolenic acid and a variety of amino acids in the muscle, accompanied by increased abundance of cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen.
Effects of flooding cultivation on the composition and quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta cv. Daikichi)
Authors: Yamanouchi Hiroki , Tokimura Kanae , Miura Nobuyuki , Ikezawa Kazuhiro , Onjo Michio , Minami Yuji , Kajiya Katsuko
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Taro (Colocasia esculenta cv. Daikichi) is believed to be one of the earliest cultivated tuber crops and it is a staple food in many parts of the world. The mother corm and side cormels (daughter and granddaughter tubers) form the major consumed parts; however, the former is rarely preferred. Taro is mainly cultivated using either unflooded or flooding cultivation, under dryland‐rainfed and wetland‐irrigated conditions, respectively. Although flooding cultivation has several advantages, such as lower risk of diseases, weeds, and insect pests, contributing to increased tuber yield, its effects on the quality characteristics of the tubers are largely unknown. In this study, the effects of controlled flooding cultivation on the quality of mother corm and side cormels were investigated. Their taste, color, physical properties, antioxidant activity, and starch, oxalic acid, nitrate ion, arabinogalactan (AG)/AG protein (AGP), γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), and total polyphenol content was compared with those under unflooded cultivation.

RESULTS

Flooding cultivation increased polyphenol levels and antioxidant activity and decreased oxalate, nitrate ion, GABA, and AG/AGP levels. Flooding cultivation also reduced the harshness and increased the hardness and stickiness of steamed mother corm paste, generally discarded under unflooded cultivation, thus rendering it suitable for consumption.

CONCLUSION

Controlled flooding cultivation has economic advantages and the potential to improve the quality of cultivated taro. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Evidence of formation of dye–surfactant ion pair micelle in the anionic surfactant mediated alkaline fading of methyl violet carbocation
Authors: Ghosh Dinesh C. , Sen Pratik K. , Pal Biswajit
Published: August 2021

In the submicellar solution of anionic surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT), the alkaline fading of methyl violet (MV+) carbocation has been studied spectrophotometrically in the temperature range 293–308 K. The interaction behavior of the dye carbocation with the anionic surfactant and the observed submicellar rate retardation is consistent with the ion pair and subsequent ion‐pair micelle formation. The change in the spectral pattern along with a change in the peak intensity and shoulder intensity with increasing surfactant concentrations indicates the shifting of the equilibrium between the helical and distorted helical isomers of MV+ owing to the existence of dye–surfactant ion pair, ion‐pair micelles, and dye‐embedded micelles. This dynamic dye–surfactant ion‐ion interaction has been corroborated by the tensiometric studies. The decrease in the fading rate and the change in the spectral pattern in the presence of anion, especially I–, support the existence of the dye–anion interaction. The premicellar rate inhibition and the corresponding interaction have been accounted for by the use of two kinetic models namely, Olson–Simonson and Piszkiewicz cooperativity models. The cooperativity index value suggested a 1:1 dye–surfactant association in both the surfactants. The ratio of the concentration of the premicellar complex and the free dye cation indicates appreciable binding. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters associated with the dye–surfactant complex have been explained in terms of dye–surfactant, dye–water, and surfactant–water interactions.
Implantable Doppler Removal After Free Flap Monitoring Among Head and Neck Microvascular Surgeons
Authors: Ong Adrian A. , Ducic Yadranko , Pipkorn Patrik , Wax Mark K.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Investigate current practice patterns of head and neck microvascular reconstructive surgeons when removing an implantable Doppler after free flap surgery.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey study.

Methods

Survey distributed to head and neck microvascular reconstructive surgeons. Data regarding years performing free tissue transfer, case numbers, management of implantable Doppler wire, and complications were collected.

Results

Eighty‐five responses were analyzed (38,000 cases). Sixty‐six responders (77.6%) use an implantable Doppler for postoperative monitoring, with 97% using the Cook‐Swartz Doppler Flow Monitoring System. Among this group, 65.2% pull the wire after monitoring was complete, 3% cut the wire, and 31.8% have both cut and pulled the wire. Of those who have cut and pulled the wire, 48% report cutting and pulling the wire with equal frequency, 43% formerly pulled the wire and now cut the wire, and 9% previously cut the wire but now pull the wire. Of those who pull the wire, there were two injuries to the pedicle requiring return to the operating for flap salvage, and one acute venous congestion. Of the nine who previously pulled the wire, six (67%) cited concerns with major bleeding/flap compromise as the reason for cutting the wire.

Conclusion

In this study, most surgeons use an implantable Doppler for monitoring of free flaps postoperatively. In extremely rare instances, pulling the implantable Doppler wire has resulted in flap compromise necessitating revision of the vascular anastomosis. Cutting the wire and leaving the proximal portion in the surgical site has been adopted as a management option.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:554–559, 2022
Climate change‐triggered land degradation and planetary health: A review
Authors: Talukder Byomkesh , Ganguli Nilanjana , Matthew Richard , vanLoon Gary W. , Hipel Keith W. , Orbinski James
Published: August 2021

Land is a vital natural resource for human socio‐ecological wellbeing. Around the world, land is being degraded due to various natural and anthropogenic factors such as flooding, wind erosion, agriculture and human settlement, and anthropogenic climate change. While significant research has been conducted on the separate dyads of: (1) anthropogenic climate change and land degradation and (2) land degradation and health, limited consideration has been given to the cause‐and‐effect relationships between anthropogenic climate change‐triggered land degradation and planetary health consequences. Using a systematic literature review and the driving force, pressure, state, exposure, effect (DPSEE) framework, this study synthesizes the complex causal relationships of anthropogenic climate change‐triggered land degradation and its planetary health consequences. Our findings demonstrate that anthropogenic climate change has induced and accelerated natural and anthropogenic land degradation through an array of pathways, resulting in planetary health consequences that can be grouped into six categories: (1) food and nutritional insecurity, (2) communicable and noncommunicable diseases, (3) livelihood insecurity, (4) physical and mental health, (5) health hazards related to extreme weather events, and (6) migration and conflict. Interlinkages exist between these six planetary health impact categories, adding to the complexity of the causal pathways. These collective impacts are hampering the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals around the world. The findings of this study and our DPSEE framework can help policymakers identify and integrate actions to better manage the planetary health impacts of climate change‐induced land degradation.
Quality and readability of online information on idiopathic subglottic stenosis
Authors: Heffernan Austin , Hu Amanda
Published: August 2021

Objective

Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (ISS) is a chronic condition characterized by disease recurrence and multiple surgeries. These frustrated patients may utilize the internet to research their condition. The aim of this study was to determine the quality and readability of online ISS information.

Methods

“Idiopathic subglottic stenosis” was entered into Google. The first 50 websites that met inclusion criteria were extracted. The DISCERN instrument, Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), and Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) assessed the quality and readability, respectively. Means, SDs, Pearson correlation coefficients, and two‐tailed Student's t‐test were calculated.

Results

The 50 websites consisted of 17 patient‐targeted and 33 professional‐targeted websites, plus 30 major and 20 minor websites. The overall DISCERN, FRES, and FKGL scores were 2.81 ± 0.99, 27.75 ± 15.27, and 13.65 ± 2.79, respectively (mean ± SD). Patient‐targeted websites had significantly lower quality (DISCERN [P < .00]) but were easier to read (lower FKGL [P < .00], higher FRES [P < .00]) than professional‐targeted websites. Minor websites had a significantly lower quality (DISCERN [P < 0.00]) but were easier to read (lower FKGL [P < .00], higher FRES [P < .00]) than major websites. There was a positive correlation between overall quality and difficulty in readability.

Conclusion

The quality of online ISS information was suboptimal. Resources were too difficult to comprehend and readability scores were above AMA and NIH recommendations. Improved online information is required to properly educate this patient population.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Solvent Responsive Shape Memory Polymers‐ Evolution, Current Status, and Future Outlook
Authors: Basak Sayan , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit
Published: August 2021

Solvent responsive shape memory polymers are smart shape morphing materials that can recover from a fixed shape when stimulated with solvents. Unlike thermally responsive shape memory polymers, these materials have numerous unique advantages that enabled them to grab the attention of the scientific community. Since early 2005, with the inception of the solvent‐induced recovery process, the shape memory polymer realm continued to evolve to circumscribe this novel stimulus. With this backdrop, this review attempts to highlight the development and the growth of solvent responsive shape memory polymers along with its recent trends. After introducing the concept of shape memory polymers, the review introduces how the idea of solvent‐induced shape memory polymer stemmed along with describing how the response behavior works. A variety of polymer systems are introduced that respond to water and various solvents together with their emerging application in biomedicine and typical sensing operations. Finally, the potentials and the future outlook for improvement are reviewed.
Systematic Assessment of 10 Biomarker Candidates Focusing on α‐Synuclein‐Related Disorders
Authors: Schulz Isabel , Kruse Niels , Gera Roland G. , Kremer Thomas , Cedarbaum Jesse , Barbour Robin , Zago Wagner , Schade Sebastian , Otte Birgit , Bartl Michael , Hutten Samantha J. , Trenkwalder Claudia , Mollenhauer Brit
Published: August 2021

Background

Objective diagnostic biomarkers are needed to support a clinical diagnosis.

Objectives

To analyze markers in various neurodegenerative disorders to identify diagnostic biomarker candidates for mainly α‐synuclein (aSyn)‐related disorders (ASRD) in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods

Upon initial testing of commercially available kits or published protocols for the quantification of the candidate markers, assays for the following were selected: total and phosphorylated aSyn (pS129aSyn), neurofilament light chain (NfL), phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH), tau protein (tau), ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL‐1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), calcium‐binding protein B (S100B), soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM‐2), and chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (YKL‐40). The cohort comprised participants with Parkinson's disease (PD, n = 151), multiple system atrophy (MSA, n = 17), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB, n = 45), tau protein‐related neurodegenerative disorders (n = 80, comprising patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP, n = 38), corticobasal syndrome (CBS, n = 16), Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 11), and frontotemporal degeneration/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTD/ALS, n = 15), as well as healthy controls (HC, n = 20). Receiver operating curves (ROC) with area under the curves (AUC) are given for each marker.

Results

CSF total aSyn was decreased. NfL, pNfH, UCHL‐1, GFAP, S100B, and sTREM‐2 were increased in patients with neurodegenerative disease versus HC (P < 0.05). As expected, some of the markers were highest in AD (i.e., UCHL‐1, GFAP, S100B, sTREM‐2, YKL‐40). Within ASRD, CSF NfL levels were higher in MSA than PD and DLB (P < 0.05). Comparing PD to HC, interesting serum markers were S100B (AUC: 0.86), sTREM2 (AUC: 0.87), and NfL (AUC: 0.78). CSF S100B and serum GFAP were highest in DLB.

Conclusions

Levels of most marker candidates tested in serum and CSF significantly differed between disease groups and HC. In the stratification of PD versus other tau‐ or aSyn‐related conditions, CSF NfL levels best discriminated PD and MSA. CSF S100B and serum GFAP best discriminated PD and DLB. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society.
Genetic and functional analyses detect one pathological NFATC1 mutation in a Chinese tricuspid atresia family.
Authors: Li Bojian , Li Tingting , Pu Tian , Liu Chunjie , Chen Sun , Sun Kun , Xu Rang
Published: August 2021

Background

Cardiac valvulogenesis is a highly conserved process among vertebrates and cause unidirectional flow of blood in the heart. It was precisely regulated by signal pathways such as VEGF, NOTCH, and WNT and transcriptional factors such as TWIST1, TBX20, NFATC1, and SOX9. Tricuspid atresia refers to morphological deficiency of the valve and confined right atrioventricular traffic due to tricuspid maldevelopment, and is one of the most common types of congenital valve defects.

Methods

We recruited a healthy couple with two fetuses aborted due to tricuspid atresia and identified related gene mutations using whole‐exome sequencing. We then discussed the pathogenic significance of this mutation by bioinformatic and functional analyses.

Results

PROVEAN, PolyPhen, MutationTaster, and HOPE indicated the mutation could change the protein function and cause disease; Western blotting showed the expression of NFATC1 c.964G>A mutation was lower than the wild type. What's more, dual‐luciferase reporter assay showed the transcriptional activity of NFATC1 was impact by mutation and the expression of downstream DEGS1 was influenced.

Conclusion

Taken together, the c.964G>A mutation might be pathological and related to the occurrence of disease. Our research tended to deepen the understanding of etiology of tricuspid atresia and gene function of NFATC1, and provide some references or suggestions for genetic diagnosis of tricuspid atresia.