bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifetime Allergy Symptoms in IgG4‐Related Disease: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Sanders Samantha , Fu Xiaoqing , Zhang Yuqing , Perugino Cory A. , Wallwork Rachel , Della‐Torre Emanuel , Harvey Liam , Harkness Tyler , Long Aidan , Choi Hyon K. , Stone John H. , Wallace Zachary S.
Published: December 2020

Objective

The etiology of IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is unknown, and there has been controversy over the significance of allergic conditions in IgG4‐RD. We examined the prevalence of lifetime allergy symptoms in IgG4‐RD and the association between these and IgG4‐RD.

Methods

We identified IgG4‐RD patients and non‐IgG4‐RD controls without autoimmune conditions seen at a single center. IgG4‐RD patients were classified using the American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology classification criteria. Allergy symptoms were ascertained by questionnaire. We assessed the association of IgG4‐RD features with allergy symptoms. We compared the proportion of cases and controls with allergy symptoms using conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) after matching cases and controls 1:1 by age and sex.

Results

Lifetime allergy symptoms were reported by 165 (71%) of 231 IgG4‐RD patients. Aeroallergen symptoms were most commonly reported (n = 135, 58%), followed by skin allergy symptoms (n = 97, 42%) and food allergy symptoms (n = 47, 20%). IgG4‐RD cases with a history of allergy symptoms were more likely to have head and neck involvement (OR 2.0 [95% CI 1.1–3.6]) and peripheral eosinophilia (OR 3.3 [95% CI 1.2–9.0]) than those without allergy symptoms. The prevalence of any allergy symptoms was similar between cases and controls (OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.4–1.1]); this remained consistent after stratifying by head and neck involvement.

Conclusion

Lifetime allergy symptoms are common in IgG4‐RD but are not reported more often in IgG4‐RD compared to non‐IgG4‐RD patients without autoimmune conditions. These findings suggest that allergies are not uniquely associated with the pathogenesis or presentation of IgG4‐RD.
Freeze‐Thawing Chitosan/Ions Hydrogel Coated Gauzes Releasing Multiple Metal Ions on Demand for Improved Infected Wound Healing
Authors: Xiao Jian , Zhou Yajiao , Ye Mengqi , An Ying , Wang Kangning , Wu Qiuji , Song Liwan , Zhang Junwen , He Huacheng , Zhang Qianwen , Wu Jiang
Published: December 2020

Imbalance of metal ions in the wound microenvironment is a key factor that leads to delayed wound healing. However, single metal administration to enhance wound repair is usually not enough due to the overlapping nature of the wound healing phases. Herein, a facile freeze‐thawing strategy is developed to incorporate chitosan/ions hydrogel into medical gauzes to realize on‐demand release of multiple ions to accelerate wound healing. In vitro study reveals that the gauzes can temporally release multiple metal ions on demand, and the released metal ions show effectiveness in killing bacteria and expediting cell migration. In vivo studies demonstrate that the metal ions loaded gauzes can efficiently enhance infected wound healing. Further histological analysis find that these metal ion‐loaded gauzes accelerate wound healing by promoting granulation formation, collagen deposition and maturation, re‐epithelization, angiogenesis, and inhibiting inflammation via regulating the expression of inflammatory factors (e.g., tumor necrosis factor‐α) and polarization of macrophages. Thus, this novel metal ions delivery system has great potential in infected tissue repair and antibacterial applications.
Stoichiometry and Termination Control of LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Bilayer Interfaces
Authors: Yan Hong , Börgers Jacqueline Marie , Rose Marc‐André , Baeumer Christoph , Kim Bongju , Jin Lei , Dittmann Regina , Gunkel Felix
Published: December 2020

Driven by the interest in fundamental physics and potential applications in novel electronic devices, intense effort is devoted to integration of oxide‐based 2D electron gases (2DEGs) with other functional materials. As a classic model system, LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (LAO/STO) has gained significant attentions. However, due to limitations in synthesis and high demands on the involved thin films, the formation of conductive interfaces between artificially grown STO and LAO thin films is an extreme challenge; oftentimes these interfaces remain insulating or show poor transport properties, which inhibits the development of all‐thin‐film devices. Here, by adopting high temperature growth to achieve step‐flow growth mode and fine‐tuning the laser fluence during pulsed laser deposition, high quality homoepitaxial STO thin films with sufficiently low point‐defect concentration and controllable surface termination are obtained. Fully metallic 2DEGs are then realized at interfaces between STO thin films and both crystalline and amorphous LAO overlayers. The observed slightly reduced mobility in the bilayer LAO/STO/STO structures as compared with single‐layer LAO/STO structures is related to residual defect formation during STO synthesis, yielding a disordered metallic oxide system. The results give prospect of multilayer interfaces potentially accessible in superlattice structures and provide a reliable starting point for back‐gated all‐thin‐film field‐effect devices.
The Functional Deubiquitinating Enzymes in Control of Innate Antiviral Immunity
Authors: Zong Zhi , Zhang Zhengkui , Wu Liming , Zhang Long , Zhou Fangfang
Published: December 2020

Innate antiviral immunity is the first line of host defense against invading viral pathogens. Immunity activation primarily relies on the recognition of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Viral proteins or nucleic acids mainly engage three classes of PRRs: Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), retinoic acid‐inducible gene I (RIG‐I)‐like receptors (RLRs), and DNA sensor cyclic GMP‐AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS). These receptors initiate a series of signaling cascades that lead to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferon (IFN‐I) in response to viral infection. This system requires precise regulation to avoid aberrant activation. Emerging evidence has unveiled the crucial roles that the ubiquitin system, especially deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), play in controlling immune responses. In this review, an overview of the most current findings on the function of DUBs in the innate antiviral immune pathways is provided. Insights into the role of viral DUBs in counteracting host immune responses are also provided. Furthermore, the prospects and challenges of utilizing DUBs as therapeutic targets for infectious diseases are discussed.
Influence of food safety standards on trade: Evidence from the pistachio sector
Authors: Rabadán Adrián , Triguero Ángela
Published: December 2020

This paper analyses the influence of food safety standards related to aflatoxin contamination on the pistachio trade of the world's two leading pistachio producers (the United States and Iran) during the period 1996–2014. Using diverse econometric procedures, the estimation of extended gravity models shows that both countries benefit from stricter food safety standards imposed by importing countries. The results also show that US exports are not negatively affected by the distance from the importer (higher differentiation), while the impact of distance on the Iranian pistachio trade is negative. The results reveal that stricter food safety requirements are positive for both producing countries, regardless of their level of economic development, resulting in a “win–win” scenario. However, the findings also confirm that other variables, such as distance, the role of producers' associations and quality perception, should be considered. [EconLit citations: F10, F63, I18, Q17].
Study of filtered interphase heat transfer using highly resolved CFD–DEM simulations
Authors: Lei He , Zhu Li‐Tao , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: December 2020

Accurately predicting the complex inhomogeneous heat transfer behavior in gas–solid fluidized beds is of fundamental importance. In this work, we constitute an enhanced filtered interphase heat transfer coefficient (IHTC) closure by systematically filtering the dataset from highly resolved three‐dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics–discrete element model simulations. Particularly, effects of several potential filtered variable markers on filtered IHTC predictions are examined by statistical analysis. We reveal the formulated filtered IHTC correction closure manifests a systematic dependence on filtered interphase temperature difference as an additional marker. The proposed closure shows good agreement with the filtered fine‐grid simulation data in an a priori analysis. Moreover, the difference of filtered IHTC corrections deduced from 3D Euler–Euler and Euler–Lagrange simulations is quantified. Finally, the comparative analysis between our proposed filtered IHTC formulation and those in literature is implemented. This work holds a potential to facilitate the development of thermal gas–solid flow modeling.
Impact of weir design on entrained liquid in tray columns
Authors: Schulz Jonas , Usslar Michelle , Bart Hans‐Jörg
Published: December 2020

Malfunction of the counter‐current flow inside tray columns by entrainment of the liquid phase to higher stages depends on operation parameters but also internal design. The article covers the impact of weir design in terms of triangular notched and picket fence weirs on entrainment above sieve trays. A capture tray enables collection and weighing of the entrained liquid, while an image‐based measurement technique additionally observes the respective droplet regime. Experimental results identify lower entrainment rates in case of advancing weir heights and use of a picket fence design. Still, tray designers should preset the desired operation range, as advancing weir heights and picket fence design limit the liquid tray capacity. Furthermore, image analysis enables an extrapolation of the locally detected liquid to an integral entrainment rate for comparison with the conservative capture tray method, as calculated entrainment correlations do not meet the experimental data at each operating point.
Velocity of the falling dispersal units in Zelkova abelicea: remarkable evolutionary conservation within the relict tree genus
Authors: Certini Daniele , Fazan Laurence , Nakayama Naomi , Viola Ignazio Maria , Kozlowski Gregor
Published: December 2020

PREMISE

Seed dispersal is extremely important for the recovery and restoration of forest communities. Relict tree genus Zelkova possesses a unique dispersal mechanism: mature fruits fall with the entire twig, and the dried leaves that are still attached function as a drag‐enhancing appendage, carrying the fruits away from the parent tree. This singular adaptation has never been investigated in Z. abelicea.

METHODS

Drop tests with dispersal units and individual fruits of Z. abelicea were performed in controlled conditions to measure their dispersal velocity and to define their flight mode.

RESULTS

Zelkova abelicea uses both slowly falling dispersal units with chaotic motion, as well as fast falling individual fruits using a straight path. The falling velocity of Z. abelicea dispersal units is 1.53 m s‐1, which is virtually identical to that of the East Asiatic Z. serrata (1.51 m s‐1). In contrast, the falling velocity of individual fruits was m s‐1 (Z. serrata: 5.36 m s‐1).

CONCLUSIONS

Members of the genus Zelkova, growing today in distant regions, show remarkable evolutionary conservation of the velocity and flight mechanics of their dispersal units. This is surprising because the Mediterranean and East Asiatic Zelkova species have been separated at least 15–20 mya. Zelkova abelicea, although growing in the Mediterranean with completely different forest structure and composition, still uses the same dispersal mechanism. The dispersal capacity of the genus Zelkova is less efficient than that of other wind dispersed trees, and it presumably evolved for short‐distance ecological spread and not for long‐distance biogeographical dispersal.
Incidence and related factors of hypoxia associated with elderly femoral neck fractures in the emergency department setting
Authors: Hongo Takashi , Naito Hiromichi , Fujiwara Toshifumi , Inaba Mototaka , Fujisaki Noritomo , Nakao Atsunori
Published: December 2020

Aim

Femoral neck fractures in elderly patients needing oxygen therapy are often encountered in the emergency department. This single‐center, retrospective, observational study aimed to examine the frequency, cause, and factors related to hypoxia in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures.

Methods

We analyzed data from 241 patients admitted to Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital (Okayama, Japan) from April 2016 to March 2019. Hypoxia was defined as PaO2 / FiO2 ratio under 300. The independent factors for hypoxia were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

There were 194 patients who met the study inclusion criteria, 148 in the non‐hypoxia group and 46 in the hypoxia group. The hypoxia group included patients with pneumonia (n = 3), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 2), pulmonary edema (n = 1), and pulmonary embolization (n = 1). The cause of hypoxia was undetermined in 39 cases. However, occult fat embolism syndrome was suspected in 29 of these 39 cases based on Gurd and Wilson criteria after considering clinical examination results. Barthel indexes were significantly lower in the hypoxia group on discharge. Age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.14; P = 0.038), D‐dimer (adjusted OR 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00–1.03; P = 0.005), and transtricuspid pressure gradient (adjusted OR 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00–1.07; P = 0.015) were independently associated with the hypoxia.

Conclusion

We found that hypoxia, including undetermined hypoxia, was commonly encountered in the emergency department. Hypoxia in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures was associated with age, D‐dimer, and transtricuspid pressure gradient and needs further investigation.
Graphene oxide modified waterborne polyurethane‐based dye with high color‐fastness performance
Authors: Guo Song , Liu Na , Ding Wei , Pang Xiaoyan , Ding Zhiwen , Chen Yongfang
Published: December 2020

Graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated into waterborne polyurethane‐based polymeric dyes to prepare GO modified polymeric dyes for further improving the performances of waterborne polyurethane‐based dyes. Structure properties of the prepared polymeric dyes were analyzed using FTIR and UV–Vis spectrophotometers. The fastnesses to dry‐wet rubbing, thermal migration, light, and the mechanical properties of the GO modified polymeric dye films were further investigated. The introduction of GO might lower the tensile strength and the elongation at break of polymeric dye films. Meanwhile, the color of modified polymeric dye films turned to be darker as the GO dosage increased. Moreover, most of the above‐mentioned properties could be enhanced considerably. In particular, the dry‐wet rubbing and thermal migration fastness of modified polymeric dye films could be enhanced up to grade 5. This suggests that the GO modified waterborne polyurethane‐based dye has the potential to be used in leather finishing coloring with high performance.
Issues in Teaching Vascular Anatomy: Thoughts and Suggestions from the Clinician's Point of View
Authors: Georgakarakos Efstratios , Fiska Aliki
Published: December 2020

The role of anatomy in modern curricula is under reform due to competency of other rapidly evolving subjects and the rapid evolution of several practical aspects and applications dictating modernization of teaching methods as well as of teaching demands. Moreover, modern practice of medicine has put the arterial and vascular system in the center of numerous minimally invasive techniques. Therefore, regardless of their specialty, most doctors should have a very clear and precise knowledge of the vascular anatomy and the basic access techniques from the early years. This viewpoint commentary reflects the experience of the two authors in applying the principles and content of surgical vascular anatomy in undergraduate anatomy teaching and discusses the rationale of this. Moreover, it is suggested that cadaveric dissections should be modified with emphasis on standard surgical vascular exposures and the multidisciplinary teaching of vascular anatomy as a means not only to gain optimal long‐term knowledge retention, but also to emphasize through realistic examples on the practical clinical value of vascular anatomy.
Protein quality and quantity of quality protein maize (QPM) and non‐QPM hybrids under optimal and low nitrogen conditions
Authors: Shawa Hilda , van Biljon Angeline , Labuschagne Maryke T.
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

Quality protein maize (QPM) nutritional quality involves high total protein content but reduced zein accumulation in maize endosperm, leading to increased non‐zein proteins, hence higher levels of essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low nitrogen (N) conditions in one location, and optimum conditions in three locations, on zein proteins in 10 QPM hybrids developed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) compared to two non‐QPM checks.

Findings

With a few exceptions, total protein content, and γ‐ and α‐zein peak areas were significantly reduced under low N compared to optimal conditions, while β‐zein increased. Non‐QPM hybrids had higher protein content than QPM hybrids, and QPM hybrids had higher γ‐zein than non‐QPM in all environments. Higher α‐zein values than other zein types were observed in non‐QPM than in QPM genotypes in all environments.

Significance and novelty

Low N significantly reduced protein content and all the zein fractions except for β‐zeins, which were increased. The advantages of a decrease in zein fractions in QPM under low N conditions were offset by a large decrease in grain protein content.
Spinal cord compression due to extramedullary hematopoiesis in patient with Beta thalassemia major
Authors: Subahi Eihab A. , Abdelrazek Mohamed , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: December 2020

Extramedullary hematopoiesis can occur in patients with beta thalassemia major, which can lead to spinal cord compression. In such cases, the use of radiotherapy can be sufficient for the complete resolution of neurological symptoms.
Slurry Phase Hydrogenation of CO2 to Methanol Using Supported In2O3 Catalysts as Promising Approach for Chemical Energy Storage
Authors: Schühle Patrick , Reichenberger Sven , Marzun Galina , Albert Jakob
Published: December 2020

A promising approach for chemical energy storage from fluctuating renewable electricity is methanol synthesis from CO2 and hydrogen in a slurry reactor concept, due to efficient heat storage and easy reactor control. In combination with a promising In2O3/ZrO2 catalyst and mineral oil as carrier liquid, efficient methanol production under a wide range of changing process conditions is shown for the first time. A maximum methanol productivity of 2.1 gMeOHgIn−1h−1 and multiple recycling stability of the catalyst and the carrier liquid was achieved, showing no significant decrease in methanol yields.
Gas solid contact efficiency of pyridine synthesis reactors
Authors: Zhou Shuaishuai , Qiao Congzhen , Yang Hao , Lu Chunxi , Liu Mengxi
Published: December 2020

The gas phase pyridine synthesis process is usually carried out in a fluidized bed reactor. The contact efficiency between the reactants and the catalysts has great influence on the reactor performance. In this paper, three fluidized bed reactors with different flow patterns were used to investigate the contact efficiency. The superficial contact efficiency index (SCEI) was defined and used in this paper to quantify the contact efficiency inside these reactors. To obtain the values of the SCEI, the ideal reactor model was constructed. The results showed that the SCEI average value decreased as the flow pattern shifted from fast fluidization to bubbling fluidization; these values were 0.86, 0.55, and 0.19 for the fast fluidized bed reactor, turbulent fluidized bed reactor, and bubbling fluidized bed reactor, respectively. An empirical correlation was proposed in this paper to predict the SCEI under different operating conditions. The model prediction results agreed well with experimental results with an average prediction error of 8%.
Survival benefit with adjuvant radiotherapy after resection of distal cholangiocarcinoma: A propensity‐matched National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Kamarajah Sivesh K. , Bednar Filip , Cho Clifford S. , Nathan Hari
Published: December 2020

Background

No convincing evidence for the benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) following resection of distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) exists, especially for lower‐risk (margin‐ or node‐negative) disease. Hence, the association of adjuvant RT on survival after surgical resection of dCCA was compared with no adjuvant RT (noRT).

Methods

Using National Cancer Database data from 2004 to 2016, patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for nonmetastatic dCCA were identified. Patients with neoadjuvant RT and chemotherapy and survival <6 months were excluded. Propensity score matching was used to account for treatment‐selection bias. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was then used to analyze the association of adjuvant RT with survival.

Results

Of 2162 (34%) adjuvant RT and 4155 (66%) noRT patients, 1509 adjuvant RT and 1509 noRT patients remained in the cohort after matching. The rates of node‐negative disease (N0), node‐positive disease (N+), and unknown node status (Nx) were 39%, 51%, and 10%, respectively. After matching, adjuvant RT was associated with improved survival (median, 29.3 vs 26.8 months; P < .001), which remained after multivariable adjustment (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80‐0.93; P < .001). Multivariable interaction analyses showed this benefit was seen irrespective of nodal status (N0: HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.66‐0.89; P < .001; N+: HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71‐0.89; P < .001) and margin status (R0: HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.50‐0.67; P < .001; R1: HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78‐0.96; P = .007). Stratified analyses by nodal and margin status demonstrated consistent results.

Conclusions

Adjuvant RT after dCCA resection was associated with a survival benefit in patients, even in patients with margin‐ or node‐negative resections. Adjuvant RT should be considered routinely irrespective of margin and nodal status after resection for dCCA.

Lay Summary

Adjuvant radiotherapy after resection of distal cholangiocarcinoma was associated with a survival benefit in patients, even in patients with margin‐negative or node‐negative resections.

Adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered routinely irrespective of margin and nodal status after resection of distal cholangiocarcinoma.
Feasibility and acceptability of the “Day 100 Talk”: An interdisciplinary communication intervention during the first six months of childhood cancer treatment
Authors: Feraco Angela M. , McCarthy Sarah R. , Revette Anna C. , Stevens Sarah E. , Das P. Jeet , Al‐Sayegh Hasan , Ma Clement , Tulsky James A. , Wolfe Joanne
Published: December 2020

Background

Communication gaps arise early in the childhood cancer trajectory and may persist. The authors conducted a pilot study of the feasibility and acceptability of a communication intervention, the Day 100 Talk (D100). D100 involves an interprofessional family conference during initial months of treatment between oncologists, psychosocial clinicians, and parents, facilitated by a 3‐part conversation tool.

Methods

The authors enrolled English‐speaking parents of children with nonrelapsed, nonprogressive cancer who were receiving continuity care from enrolled pediatric oncologists and psychosocial clinicians at a single site. The a priori feasibility threshold was 60% parent completion of the D100 intervention. Surveys from parents and professionals and debrief interviews with professionals assessed D100 acceptability.

Results

Thirty‐seven parents (77%) and 38 oncology professionals (67%) enrolled. Twenty of 33 evaluable parents (61%) participated in a D100 family conference. Most commonly, parents did not complete the D100 intervention because of scheduling difficulties related to clinical team constraints. All 17 parents who completed a post‐D100 survey agreed or strongly agreed that D100 participation was helpful. In debrief interviews, professionals identified D100 benefits, namely, stepping back to the big picture and getting on the same page, and barriers related to logistical challenges and professionals' anticipatory dread.

Conclusions

The D100 intervention pilot demonstrates high acceptability among parents of children with cancer. Despite meeting the prespecified feasibility threshold, findings highlight important barriers to D100 dissemination, namely, perceived burdens on professionals. Potential strategies to reduce burden may include using virtual visit platforms, incorporating D100 elements across multiple visits, or prioritizing intervention delivery to parents with the greatest need for enhanced communication.
Inclusion of extranodal extension in the lymph node classification of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Amit Moran , Liu Chuan , Gleber‐Netto Frederico O. , Kini Sameer , Tam Samantha , Benov Avi , Aashiq Mohamed , El‐Naggar Adel K. , Moreno Amy C. , Rosenthal David I. , Glisson Bonnie S. , Ferrarotto Renata , Wong Michael K. , Migden Michael R. , Baruch Erez N. , Li Guojun , Khanna Anshu , Goepfert Ryan P. , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Weber Randal S. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Gross Neil D.
Published: December 2020

Background

The prognostic performance of the recently updated American Joint Committee on Cancer lymph node classification of cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not been validated. The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic role of extranodal extension (ENE) in cutaneous HNSCC.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 1258 patients with cutaneous HNSCC who underwent surgery with or without adjuvant therapy between 1995 and 2019 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The primary outcome was disease‐specific survival (DSS). Local, regional, and distant metastases‐free survival were secondary outcomes. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) and a Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to assess the fitness of staging models.

Results

No significant differences in 5‐year DSS were observed between patients with pathologic lymph node‐negative (pN0) disease (67.4%) and those with pN‐positive/ENE‐negative disease (68.2%; hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.61‐1.79) or between patients with pN‐positive/ENE‐negative disease and those with pN‐positive/ENE‐positive disease (52.7%; hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.31‐1.01). The RPA‐derived model achieved better stratification between high‐risk patients (category III, ENE‐positive with >2 positive lymph nodes) and low‐risk patients (category I, pN0; category II, ENE‐positive/pN1 and ENE‐negative with >2 positive lymph nodes). The performance of the RPA‐derived model was better than that of the pathologic TNM classification (Akaike information criterion score, 1167 compared with 1176; Bayesian information criterion score, 1175 compared with 1195).

Conclusions

The number of metastatic lymph nodes and the presence of ENE are independent prognostic factors for DSS in cutaneous HNSCC, and incorporation of these factors in staging systems improves the performance of the American Joint Committee on Cancer lymph node classification.
Sex and age influence gonadal steroid hormone receptor distributions relative to estrogen receptor β‐containing neurons in the mouse hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus
Authors: Contoreggi Natalina H. , Mazid Sanoara , Goldstein Lily B. , Park John , Ovalles Astrid C. , Waters Elizabeth M. , Glass Michael J. , Milner Teresa A.
Published: December 2020

Within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), estrogen receptor (ER) β and other gonadal hormone receptors play a role in central cardiovascular processes. However, the influence of sex and age on the cellular and subcellular relationships of ERβ with ERα, G‐protein ER (GPER1), as well as progestin and androgen receptors (PR and AR) in the PVN is uncertain. In young (2‐ to 3‐month‐old) females and males, ERβ‐enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) containing neurons were approximately four times greater than ERα‐labeled and PR‐labeled nuclei in the PVN. In subdivisions of the PVN, young females, compared to males, had: (1) more ERβ‐EGFP neurons in neuroendocrine rostral regions; (2) fewer ERα‐labeled nuclei in neuroendocrine and autonomic projecting medial subregions; and (3) more ERα‐labeled nuclei in an autonomic projecting caudal region. In contrast, young males, compared to females, had approximately 20 times more AR‐labeled nuclei, which often colocalized with ERβ‐EGFP in neuroendocrine (approximately 70%) and autonomic (approximately 50%) projecting subregions. Ultrastructurally, in soma and dendrites, PVN ERβ‐EGFP colocalized primarily with extranuclear AR (approximately 85% soma) and GPER1 (approximately 70% soma). Aged (12‐ to 24‐month‐old) males had more ERβ‐EGFP neurons in a rostral neuroendocrine subregion compared to aged females and females with accelerated ovarian failure (AOF) and in a caudal autonomic subregion compared to post‐AOF females. Late‐aged (18‐ to 24‐month‐old) females compared to early‐aged (12‐ to 14‐month‐old) females and AOF females had fewer AR‐labeled nuclei in neuroendrocrine and autonomic projecting subregions. These findings indicate that gonadal steroids may directly and indirectly influence PVN neurons via nuclear and extranuclear gonadal hormone receptors in a sex‐specific manner.
Measuring Mitochondrial Respiration in Previously Frozen Biological Samples
Authors: Osto Corey , Benador Ilan Y. , Ngo Jennifer , Liesa Marc , Stiles Linsey , Acin‐Perez Rebeca , Shirihai Orian S.
Published: December 2020

Measuring oxygen consumption allows for the role of mitochondrial function in biological phenomena and mitochondrial diseases to be determined. Although respirometry has become a common approach in disease research, current methods are limited by the necessity to process and measure tissue samples within 1 hr of acquisition. Detailed by Acin‐Perez and colleagues, a new respirometry approach designed for previously frozen tissue samples eliminates these hurdles for mitochondrial study. This technique allows for the measurement of maximal respiratory capacity in samples frozen for long‐term storage before testing. This protocol article describes the optimal tissue isolation methods and the combination of substrates to define electron transport chain function at high resolution in previously frozen tissue samples. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: Sample collection, storage, and homogenization for previously frozen tissue respirometry

Basic Protocol 2: Running a Seahorse respirometry assay using previously frozen tissue samples

Basic Protocol 3: Normalization to mitochondrial content for previously frozen tissue respirometry
After cyclophosphamide exposure, granulosa cells recover their anti‐müllerian hormone‐producing ability but not their numbers
Authors: Kim Jihyun , You Sooseong
Published: December 2020

Anti‐müllerian hormone (AMH) produced by granulosa cells (GCs), reserves the ovarian follicle pool for future recruitment and ovulation. However, women who have undergone cyclophosphamide (Cy) treatment have decreased AMH levels due to damaged GCs. This study establishes flow cytometry protocols for identification of GCs and investigates the cause of the Cy‐induced AMH decrease by analyzing the number of GCs and their AMH production at the single cell level. Over 2 weeks, C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected 6 times with 100 mg/kg Cy and sacrificed either immediately or 4 weeks after Cy treatment. Twenty‐four hours post‐Cy exposure, a decrease in serum AMH levels was seen due to a reduction in the number of follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)+AMH+ GCs and their ability to produce AMH. However, 4 weeks after Cy treatment, serum AMH levels were still decreased due to the decreased number of FSHR+AMH+ GCs, however, their AMH‐producing ability was unaltered. Consistently, in vitro, Cy‐induced low AMH production in FSHR+AMH+ hGL5 cells (immortalized human GCs) was restored 24 h after Cy treatment, although their numbers remained decreased. Thus, the surviving GCs after Cy exposure had intact AMH‐producing ability. In future, an effort to minimize GC death by Cy treatment is required, while maintaining its therapeutic effects.
Forever young: Linking regeneration and genome size in salamanders
Authors: Sessions Stanley K. , Wake David B.
Published: December 2020

Background

Salamanders stand out among vertebrate animals in two key characteristics: their ability to regenerate body parts, and their large and variable genome sizes.

Results

Here we show how to unite seemingly disparate facets of salamander biology, regeneration ability, and genome size variation, into one synthetic view. Large and variable genome sizes may be the key to understanding the prodigious ability of most salamanders to regenerate damaged or lost body parts. We report a correlate of genome size variation that has been previously neglected: the impacts of genome size on the structure and function of the genes themselves. Salamanders are, in essence, paradoxically much younger, especially at the cellular level than their chronological age would suggest.

Conclusions

Because of the large size and range of variation in genome size in salamanders, we hypothesize that this relationship uncouples a dynamic interaction between growth and differentiation in processes of morphogenesis, pattern formation, and regeneration in ways that are unique among vertebrates.
Developmental origins of mechanical homeostasis in the aorta
Authors: Murtada Sae‐Il , Kawamura Yuki , Li Guangxin , Schwartz Martin A. , Tellides George , Humphrey Jay D.
Published: December 2020

Background

Mechanical homeostasis promotes proper aortic structure and function. Pathological conditions may arise, in part, from compromised or lost homeostasis. There is thus a need to quantify the homeostatic state and when it emerges. Here we quantify changes in mechanical loading, geometry, structure, and function of the murine aorta from the late prenatal period into maturity.

Results

Our data suggest that a homeostatic set‐point is established by postnatal day P2 for the flow‐induced shear stress experienced by endothelial cells; this value deviates from its set‐point from P10 to P21 due to asynchronous changes in mechanical loading (flow, pressure) and geometry (radius, wall thickness), but is restored thereafter consistent with homeostasis. Smooth muscle contractility also decreases during this period of heightened matrix deposition but is also restored in maturity. The pressure‐induced mechanical stress experienced by intramural cells initially remains low despite increasing blood pressure, and then increases while extracellular matrix accumulates.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that cell‐level mechanical homeostasis emerges soon after birth to allow mechanosensitive cells to guide aortic development, with deposition of matrix after P2 increasingly stress shielding intramural cells. The associated tissue‐level set‐points that emerge for intramural stress can be used to assess and model the aorta that matures biomechanically by P56.
Intra‐accumbal dopaminergic system modulates the restraint stress‐induced antinociceptive behaviours in persistent inflammatory pain
Authors: Faramarzi Golnaz , Charmchi Elham , Salehi Sakineh , Zendehdel Morteza , Haghparast Abbas
Published: December 2020

Background

Stress activates several neural pathways that inhibit pain sensation. Nucleus accumbens (NAc), as an important component of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, has a major role in pain modulation and is differentially affected by stress. Based on the nature of stressors, the direction of this effect is controversial. We previously showed that forced swim stress‐induced analgesia through activation of NAc dopamine receptors. In this study, we aimed to examine the role of dopamine receptors within the NAc in restraint stress (RS)‐induced analgesia.

Methods

Male Wistar rats weighing 230–250 g were unilaterally implanted with a cannula into the NAc. D1‐like dopamine receptor antagonist, SCH‐23390 (0.25, 1 and 4 µg/0.5 µL saline), or D2‐like dopamine receptor antagonist, Sulpiride (0.25, 1 and 4µg/0.5µl DMSO), were microinjected into NAc in two separate super groups 5 min prior to exposure to RS. Their control groups just received intra‐accumbal saline or DMSO (0.5 µl) respectively. The formalin test was performed after animals were subjected to RS using Plexiglas tubes.

Results

The results demonstrated that RS produces analgesia in both phases of the formalin test. Intra‐NAc injection of SCH‐23390 equally reduced RS‐induced analgesia in both early and late phases of the formalin test, while Sulpiride reduced RS‐induced analgesia just at the late phase.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the dopaminergic system might act as a potential endogenous pain control system in stress conditions. However, the lack of evaluation of the role of the dopaminergic system in RS‐induced antinociception in acute pain conditions is considered as a limitation for this study. In addition, a comprehensive evaluation of this endogenous pain control system in animal and clinical studies will guide future efforts for developing more effective medication.

Significance

Restraint stress (RS) induces the antinociceptive behaviors in both phases of formalin test. Blockade of intra‐accumbal dopamine receptors impresses the antinociception induced by RS. Blockade of D1‐like dopamine receptor equally reduced RS‐induced analgesia in both early and late phases of the formalin test. Blockade of D2‐like dopamine receptor reduced RS‐induced analgesia just at the late phase.
Determination of sulfonamide antibiotics in fish and shrimp samples based on magnetic carbon nanotube dummy molecularly imprinted polymer extraction followed by UPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Gao Lei , Qin Dongli , Chen Zhongxiang , Wu Song , Tang Shizhan , Wang Peng
Published: December 2020

In this study, a novel purification method using magnetic solid‐phase extraction (MSPE) based on magnetic carbon nanotube dummy molecularly imprinted polymer (MCNTMIP) nanocomposite was investigated for separation and enrichment of sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) in fish and shrimp samples. The MCNTMIP nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by applying carbon nanotubes as supporting template, methacrylic acid as functional monomer, sulfabenzamide as the dummy template for SAs, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinking agent, then was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry and vibrating sample magnetometry. The adsorption performance of MCNTMIP was evaluated by binding experiments, including static adsorption, kinetic adsorption, and selectivity recognition study. The results confirmed that an imprinted polymer layer was successfully constructed on the surface of the MCNTMIP and this sorbent has advantages of simple magnetic separation, specific molecular recognition, and high adsorption capacity. Combined with ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS), we developed a rapid, sensitive, efficient MSPE method for detecting SAs analytes. Under the optimal conditions, the limits of detection were low to 0.1 μg/kg, and the recoveries of SAs analytes were ranged between 90.2 and 99.9%. In addition, the precision values were ranged between 0.5 and 9.1%. This method was successfully applied to analyze SAs in fish and shrimp samples with satisfactory recoveries.
Regulatory influences of methyl jasmonate and calcium chloride on chilling injury of banana fruit during cold storage and ripening
Authors: Elbagoury Mostafa M. , Turoop Losenge , Runo Steven , Sila Daniel N.
Published: December 2020

Fruit quality is preserved through cold storage, but climacteric fruits are prone to chilling injury (CI) which limits their shelf life and marketability. Two postharvest treatments, 1 mM methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and 4% (wt/vol) calcium chloride (Ca2+), were separately used to investigate their influences on chilling injury (CI) incidence and fruit quality in unpacked banana cultivar “Grand Nain” during cold storage and subsequent ripening. Banana fruits were dipped for 2 min in aqueous emulsions containing 1% Tween‐80—used here as a surfactant with untreated fruits being used as control. Fruits were stored at 10 ± 2 or optimal 14 ± 2°C temperature and relative humidity 85%–90% for a 20‐day cold storage period and then removed from cold storage at 5, 10, 15, and 20 days followed by ripening at 22 ± 2°C. Treatments with MeJA or Ca2+ significantly reduced CI in banana fruit during cold storage and subsequent ripening temperature. Untreated controls exhibited increased CI, weight loss, and decreased hue angle, as well as firmness. In contrast, the aforementioned changes were considerably delayed after treatments with MeJA or Ca2+. Application of MeJA or Ca2+ also increased total phenolic compound contents and maintenance of total antioxidant activity throughout cold storage and during ripening periods as compared to that of the control. These findings indicate that coating bananas with 1 mM MeJA or 4% (wt/vol) Ca2+ can improve the postharvest quality and shelf life of fruits, and it can ameliorate chilling injury during cold storage and at ripening temperature.
Social cognition in the blind brain: A coordinate‐based meta‐analysis
Authors: Arioli Maria , Ricciardi Emiliano , Cattaneo Zaira
Published: December 2020

Social cognition skills are typically acquired on the basis of visual information (e.g., the observation of gaze, facial expressions, gestures). In light of this, a critical issue is whether and how the lack of visual experience affects neurocognitive mechanisms underlying social skills. This issue has been largely neglected in the literature on blindness, despite difficulties in social interactions may be particular salient in the life of blind individuals (especially children). Here we provide a meta‐analysis of neuroimaging studies reporting brain activations associated to the representation of self and others' in early blind individuals and in sighted controls. Our results indicate that early blindness does not critically impact on the development of the “social brain,” with social tasks performed on the basis of auditory or tactile information driving consistent activations in nodes of the action observation network, typically active during actual observation of others in sighted individuals. Interestingly though, activations along this network appeared more left‐lateralized in the blind than in sighted participants. These results may have important implications for the development of specific training programs to improve social skills in blind children and young adults.
The relationship between hippocampal subfield volumes and autobiographical memory persistence
Authors: Barry Daniel N. , Clark Ian A. , Maguire Eleanor A.
Published: December 2020

Structural integrity of the human hippocampus is widely acknowledged to be necessary for the successful encoding and retrieval of autobiographical memories. However, evidence for an association between hippocampal volume and the ability to recall such memories in healthy individuals is mixed. Here we examined this issue further by combining two approaches. First, we focused on the anatomically distinct subregions of the hippocampus where more nuanced associations may be expressed compared to considering the whole hippocampal volume. A manual segmentation protocol of hippocampal subregions allowed us to separately calculate the volumes of the dentate gyrus/CA4, CA3/2, CA1, subiculum, pre/parasubiculum and uncus. Second, a critical feature of autobiographical memories is that they can span long time periods, and so we sought to consider how memory details persist over time by conducting a longitudinal study whereby participants had to recall the same autobiographical memories on two visits spaced 8 months apart. Overall, we found that there was no difference in the total number of internal (episodic) details produced at Visits 1 and 2. However, further probing of detail subcategories revealed that specifically the amount of subjective thoughts and emotions included during recall had declined significantly by the second visit. We also observed a strong correlation between left pre/parasubiculum volume and the amount of autobiographical memory internal details produced over time. This positive relationship was evident for particular facets of the memories, with remembered events, perceptual observations and thoughts and emotions benefitting from greater volume of the left pre/parasubiculum. These preliminary findings expand upon existing functional neuroimaging evidence by highlighting a potential link between left pre/parasubiculum volume and autobiographical memory. A larger pre/parasubiculum appears not only to protect against memory decay, but may possibly enhance memory persistence, inviting further scrutiny of the role of this brain region in remote autobiographical memory retrieval.
Watershed studies at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest: Building on a long legacy of research with new approaches and sources of data
Authors: Campbell John L. , Rustad Lindsey E. , Bailey Scott W. , Bernhardt Emily S. , Driscoll Charles T. , Green Mark B. , Groffman Peter M. , Lovett Gary M. , McDowell William H. , McGuire Kevin J. , Rosi Emma J.
Published: December 2020

The Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF) was established in 1955 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service out of concerns about the effects of logging increasing flooding and erosion. To address this issue, within the HBEF hydrological and micrometeorological monitoring was initiated in small watersheds designated for harvesting experiments. The Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study (HBES) originated in 1963, with the idea of using the small watershed approach to study element fluxes and cycling and the response of forest ecosystems to disturbances, such as forest management practices and air pollution. Early evidence of acid rain was documented at the HBEF and research by scientists at the site helped shape acid rain mitigation policies. New lines of investigation at the HBEF have built on the long legacy of watershed research resulting in a shift from comparing inputs and outputs and quantifying pools and fluxes to a more mechanistic understanding of ecosystem processes within watersheds. For example, hydropedological studies have shed light on linkages between hydrologic flow paths and soil development that provide valuable perspective for managing forests and understanding stream water quality. New high frequency in situ stream chemistry sensors are providing insights about extreme events and diurnal patterns that were indiscernible with traditional weekly sampling. Additionally, tools are being developed for visual and auditory data exploration and discovery by a broad audience. Given the unprecedented environmental change that is occurring, data from the small watersheds at the HBEF are more relevant now than ever and will continue to serve as a basis for sound environmental decision‐making.