bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homogenization of seismic point and extended sources
Authors: Capdeville Yann
Published: April 2021

Seismic sources are mostly modelled as point sources: moment tensors associated with the gradient of a Dirac distribution. Such sources contain an infinite range of scales and induce a discontinuity in the displacement wavefield. This makes the near-source wavefield expensive to model and the event location complex to invert, in particular for large events for which many point sources are required. In this work, we propose to apply the non-periodic two-scale homogenization method to the wave equation source term for both force and couple-sources. We show it is possible to replace the Dirac point source with a smooth source term, valid in a given seismic signal frequency band. The discontinuous wavefield near-source wavefield can be recovered using a corrector that needs to be added to the solution obtained solving the wave equation with the smooth source term. We show that, compared to classical applications of the two-scale homogenization method to heterogeneous media, the source term homogenization has some interesting particularities: for couple-sources, the leading term of the homogenization asymptotic expansion is dependent on the fine spatial scale, depending on the source type, only one or two first terms of the expansion are non-zero and there is no periodic case equivalent (the source term cannot be made spatially periodic). For heterogeneous media, two options are developed. In the first one, only the source is homogenized while the medium itself remains the same, including its discontinuities. In the second one, both the source and the medium are homogenized successively: first the medium and then the source. We present a set of tests in 1-D and 2-D, showing accurate results both in the far-source and near-source wavefields, before discussing the interest of this work in the forward and inverse problem contexts.
Seismic reflectivity and transmissivity parametrization with the effect of normal in situ stress
Authors: Chen Fubin , Zong Zhaoyun , Jiang Man
Published: April 2021

In situ stress has a significant effect on the properties of underground formations, including seismic wave velocity, porosity and permeability, and further affects seismic reflectivity and transmissivity. Research works on the effect of in situ stress are helpful to construct more precise seismic reflection and transmission coefficient equations. However, previous studies on seismic reflectivity equations did not take the effect of normal in situ stress into consideration. The mechanism of stress on seismic reflectivity and transmissivity is still ambiguous. In this study, we propose new explicit equations to help analyse the changes of seismic reflectivity and transmissivity under the effect of normal in situ stress. First, we deduce the Christoffel equation on the basis of solid acoustoelastic theory. Then, we utilize appropriate boundary conditions to formulate analytical equations of the reflectivity at the interface between two stressed formations, which can provide some new insights into the role of in situ stress. The shear wave birefringence will vanish because we assume that the wave propagates in the X–Z plane. Different rock models with different lithology and saturation are used to analyse the variation of seismic reflectivity and transmissivity with normal stress and incident angle at the interface. The main effect of normal stress on reflection and transmission coefficients is to change amplitude and critical incident angle. When the upper and lower layers are sandstones, the critical incident angle decreases with the increase of normal in situ stress, which is consistent with previous studies. In addition, the reflectivity equation can be degenerated to the Zoeppritz equation when the normal in situ stress vanishes, which further validates that the equation proposed is correct. Seismic reflectivity equations that couple the effect of stress can lay a foundation for direct prediction of in situ stress.
The number of the CTCF binding sites of the H19/IGF2:IG-DMR correlates with DNA methylation and expression imprinting in a humanized mouse model
Authors: Freschi Andrea , Del Prete Rosita , Pignata Laura , Cecere Francesco , Manfrevola Francesco , Mattia Monica , Cobellis Gilda , Sparago Angela , Bartolomei Marisa S , Riccio Andrea , Cerrato Flavia
Published: April 2021

The reciprocal parent of origin-specific expression of H19 and IGF2 is controlled by the H19/IGF2:IG-DMR (IC1), whose maternal allele is unmethylated and acts as a CTCF-dependent insulator. In humans, internal IC1 deletions are associated with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS), depending on their parental origin. These genetic mutations result in aberrant DNA methylation, deregulation of IGF2/H19 and disease with incomplete penetrance. However, the mechanism linking the microdeletions to altered molecular and clinical phenotypes remains unclear. To address this issue, we have previously generated and characterized two knock-in mouse lines with the human wild-type (hIC1wt) or mutant (hIC1∆2.2) IC1 allele replacing the endogenous mouse IC1 (mIC1). Here, we report an additional knock-in line carrying a mutant hIC1 allele with an internal 1.8 kb deletion (hIC1∆1.8). The phenotype of these mice is different from that of the hIC1∆2.2-carrying mice, partially resembling hIC1wt animals. Indeed, proper H19 and Igf2 imprinting and normal growth phenotype were evident in the mice with maternal transmission of hIC1Δ1.8, while low DNA methylation and non-viable phenotype characterize its paternal transmission. In contrast to hIC1wt, E15.5 embryos that paternally inherit hIC1Δ1.8 displayed variegated hIC1 methylation. In addition, increased Igf2 expression, correlating with increased body weight, was found in one third of these mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments in mouse embryonic stem cells carrying the three different hIC1 alleles demonstrate that the number of CTCF target sites influences its binding to hIC1, indicating that in the mouse, CTCF binding is key to determining hIC1 methylation and Igf2 expression.
Proteomic analysis identifies key differences in the cardiac interactomes of dystrophin and micro-dystrophin
Authors: Wang Hong , Marrosu Elena , Brayson Daniel , Wasala Nalinda B , Johnson Eric K , Scott Charlotte S , Yue Yongping , Hau Kwan-Leong , Trask Aaron J , Froehner Stan C , Adams Marvin E , Zhang Liwen , Duan Dongsheng , Montanaro Federica
Published: April 2021

ΔR4-R23/ΔCT micro-dystrophin (μDys) is a miniaturized version of dystrophin currently evaluated in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene therapy trial to treat skeletal and cardiac muscle disease. In pre-clinical studies, μDys efficiently rescues cardiac histopathology, but only partially normalizes cardiac function. To gain insights into factors that may impact the cardiac therapeutic efficacy of μDys, we compared by mass spectrometry the composition of purified dystrophin and μDys protein complexes in the mouse heart. We report that compared to dystrophin, μDys has altered associations with α1- and β2-syntrophins, as well as cavins, a group of caveolae-associated signaling proteins. In particular, we found that membrane localization of cavin-1 and cavin-4 in cardiomyocytes requires dystrophin and is profoundly disrupted in the heart of mdx5cv mice, a model of DMD. Following cardiac stress/damage, membrane-associated cavin-4 recruits the signaling molecule ERK to caveolae, which activates key cardio-protective responses. Evaluation of ERK signaling revealed a profound inhibition, below physiological baseline, in the mdx5cv mouse heart. Expression of μDys in mdx5cv mice prevented the development of cardiac histopathology but did not rescue membrane localization of cavins nor did it normalize ERK signaling. Our study provides the first comparative analysis of purified protein complexes assembled in vivo by full-length dystrophin and a therapeutic micro-dystrophin construct. This has revealed disruptions in cavins and ERK signaling that may contribute to DMD cardiomyopathy. This new knowledge is important for ongoing efforts to prevent and treat heart disease in DMD patients.
Tail Base Deflection but not Tail Curvature Varies with Speed in Lizards: Results from an Automated Tracking Analysis Pipeline
Authors: Schultz Johanna T , Cieri Robert L , Proost Tasmin , Pilai Rishab , Hodgson Mitchell , Plum Fabian , Clemente Christofer J
Published: April 2021

Tail movement is an important component of vertebrate locomotion and likely contributes to dynamic stability during steady-state locomotion. Previous results suggest that the tail plays a significant role in lizard locomotion, but little data are available on tail motion during locomotion and how it differs with morphological, ecological, and phylogenetic parameters. We collected high-speed vertical climbing and horizontal locomotion video data from 43 lizard species from four taxonomic groups (Agamidae, Gekkota, Scincidae, and Varanidae) across four habitats. We introduce a new semi-automated and generalizable analysis pipeline for tail and spine motion analysis including markerless pose-estimation, semi-automated kinematic recognition, and muti-species data analysis. We found that step length relative to snout-vent length (SVL) increased with tail length relative to SVL. Examining spine cycles agnostic to limb stride phase, we found that ranges of inter-tail bending compared with inter-spine bending increased with relative tail length, while ranges of tail deflection relative to spine deflection increased with relative speed. Considering stepwise strides, we found the angular velocity and acceleration of the tail center of mass increased with relative speed. These results will provide general insights into the biomechanics of tails in sprawling locomotion enabling biomimetic applications in robotics, and a better understanding of vertebrate form and function. We look forward to adding more species, behaviors, and locomotor speeds to our analysis pipeline through collaboration with other research groups.
HIV, Placental Pathology, and Birth Outcomes—a Brief Overview
Authors: Bruce-Brand Cassandra , Wright Colleen A , Schubert Pawel T
Published: April 2021

The spectrum of placental pathology in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is vast. Features observed are not only limited to the effects of the virus itself but may include that of coinfections such as tuberculosis and syphilis. The presence of other comorbidities and changes as a result of antiretroviral therapy may further confound the histologic findings. There is a paucity of unbiased information of the effects of maternal HIV on the placenta and how these changes relate to birth outcomes. Antiretroviral therapy, now in widespread use, has altered the course of maternal HIV disease and it is unknown whether this has altered the pathophysiology of HIV on the placenta. HIV-associated placental findings that have been most well described include acute chorioamnionitis, low placental weight, and maternal vascular malperfusion, with a tendency towards lower rates of chronic villitis.
A Piece of the Puzzle: The Role of Molecular Testing in Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Willis Zachary I , de St. Maurice Annabelle
Published: April 2021

Molecular testing may have an important role in expediting the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Pediatric infectious diseases specialists need to be cognizant of the strengths and limitations of these existing and emerging technologies in order to ensure that they are used and interpreted appropriately.
Improved time-delay lens modelling and H0 inference with transient sources
Authors: Ding Xuheng , Liao Kai , Birrer Simon , Shajib Anowar J , Treu Tommaso , Yang Lilan
Published: April 2021

Strongly lensed explosive transients such as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, fast radio bursts, and gravitational waves are very promising tools to determine the Hubble constant (H0) in the near future in addition to strongly lensed quasars. In this work, we show that the transient nature of the point source provides an advantage over quasars: The lensed host galaxy can be observed before or after the transient’s appearance. Therefore, the lens model can be derived from images free of contamination from bright point sources. We quantify this advantage by comparing the precision of a lens model obtained from the same lenses with and without point sources. Based on Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) observations with the same sets of lensing parameters, we simulate realistic mock data sets of 48 quasar lensing systems (i.e. adding AGN in the galaxy centre) and 48 galaxy–galaxy lensing systems (assuming the transient source is not visible but the time delay and image positions have been or will be measured). We then model the images and compare the inferences of the lens model parameters and H0. We find that the precision of the lens models (in terms of the deflector mass slope) is better by a factor of 4.1 for the sample without lensed point sources, resulting in an increase of H0 precision by a factor of 2.9. The opportunity to observe the lens systems without the transient point sources provides an additional advantage for time-delay cosmography over lensed quasars. It facilitates the determination of higher signal-to-noise stellar kinematics of the main deflector, and thus its mass density profile, which, in turn plays a key role in breaking the mass-sheet degeneracy and constraining H0.
The influence of the spiral arm parameters on radial migration in late-type-like galaxies
Authors: Martínez-Bautista Gerardo , Velázquez Héctor , Pérez-Villegas Angeles , Moreno Edmundo
Published: April 2021

We performed test-particle simulations of a spiral late-type-like galaxy to study the radial migration in a steady potential. Our model includes a bulge, a disc, a dark matter halo, and spiral arms represented by a cosine potential. We varied the structural and dynamical parameters of the spiral arms to study the influence of each configuration on the stellar orbits, such as the pitch angle, the radial scale length, and the pattern speed. We analysed the changes in the z component of the angular momentum (Lz), radius (R), and eccentricity of individual stars at different times. We found that the stellar orbits are affected by radial migration in all cases. Also, we found that the most relevant parameter to the radial migration phenomenon, in co-rotation, is the radial scale length of the spiral arms.
Parameter estimation of hairy Kerr black holes from its shadow and constraints from M87*
Authors: Afrin Misba , Kumar Rahul , Ghosh Sushant G
Published: April 2021

The recently obtained hairy Kerr black holes, due to additional sources or surrounding fluid, like dark matter, with conserved energy-momentum tensor, have a deviation α and primary hair l0, apart from rotation parameter a and mass M. In the wake of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) observations of the supermassive black hole M87*, a recent surge in interest in black hole shadows suggests comparing the black holes in general relativity and modified theories of gravity to assess these models’ differences. Motivated by this, we take on an extensive study of the rotating hairy Kerr black holes, which encompasses, in particular cases, the Kerr black hole (α = 0). We investigate ergosphere and shadows of the black holes to infer that their size and shape are affected due to the l0 and are found to harbour a richer chaotic structure. In particular, the hairy Kerr black holes possess smaller size but more distorted shadows when compared with Kerr black holes. We also estimate the parameters l0 and a associated with hairy Kerr black holes using the shadow observables. The inferred circularity deviation ΔC ≤ 0.1 for the M87* black hole is satisfied, whereas shadow angular diameter θd = 42 ± 3μas, within 1σ region, for a given choice of α, places bounds on the parameters a and l0. Interestingly, the shadow axial ratio obeying 1 < Dx ≲ 4/3 is in agreement with the EHT results and thus eventuates in the hairy Kerr black holes being suitable candidates for astrophysical black holes.
Virial shocks are suppressed in cosmic ray-dominated galaxy haloes
Authors: Ji Suoqing , Kereš Dušan , Chan T K , Stern Jonathan , Hummels Cameron B , Hopkins Philip F , Quataert Eliot , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André
Published: April 2021

We study the impact of cosmic rays (CRs) on the structure of virial shocks, using a large suite of high-resolution cosmological FIRE-2 simulations accounting for CR injection by supernovae. In Milky Way-mass, low-redshift (z ≲ 1−2) haloes, which are expected to form ‘hot haloes’ with slowly cooling gas in quasi-hydrostatic equilibrium (with a stable virial shock), our simulations without CRs do exhibit clear virial shocks. The cooler phase condensing out from inflows becomes pressure confined to overdense clumps, embedded in low-density, volume-filling hot gas with volume-weighted cooling time longer than inflow time. The gas thus transitions sharply from cool free-falling inflow, to hot and thermal-pressure supported at approximately the virial radius (≈Rvir), and the shock is quasi-spherical. With CRs, we previously argued that haloes in this particular mass and redshift range build up CR-pressure-dominated gaseous haloes. Here, we show that when CR pressure dominates over thermal pressure, there is no significant virial shock. Instead, inflowing gas is gradually decelerated by the CR pressure gradient and the gas is relatively subsonic out to and even beyond Rvir. Rapid cooling also maintains subvirial temperatures in the inflowing gas within ∼Rvir.
NSrp70 is a lymphocyte-essential splicing factor that controls thymocyte development
Authors: Kim Chang-Hyun , Park Sang-Moo , Lee Sun-jae , Kim Young-Dae , Jang Se-Hwan , Woo Seon-Min , Kwon Taeg-Kyu , Park Zee-Yong , Chung Ik-Joo , Kim Hye-Ran , Jun Chang-Duk
Published: April 2021

Alternative pre-mRNA splicing is a critical step to generate multiple transcripts, thereby dramatically enlarging the proteomic diversity. Thus, a common feature of most alternative splicing factor knockout models is lethality. However, little is known about lineage-specific alternative splicing regulators in a physiological setting. Here, we report that NSrp70 is selectively expressed in developing thymocytes, highest at the double-positive (DP) stage. Global splicing and transcriptional profiling revealed that NSrp70 regulates the cell cycle and survival of thymocytes by controlling the alternative processing of various RNA splicing factors, including the oncogenic splicing factor SRSF1. A conditional-knockout of Nsrp1 (NSrp70-cKO) using CD4Cre developed severe defects in T cell maturation to single-positive thymocytes, due to insufficient T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and uncontrolled cell growth and death. Mice displayed severe peripheral lymphopenia and could not optimally control tumor growth. This study establishes a model to address the function of lymphoid-lineage-specific alternative splicing factor NSrp70 in a thymic T cell developmental pathway.
Twitter Surveillance at the Intersection of the Triangulum
Authors: Majmundar Anuja , Allem Jon-Patrick , Cruz Tess Boley , Unger Jennifer B , Pentz Mary Ann
Published: April 2021

Introduction

A holistic public health surveillance approach can help capture the public’s tobacco and marijuana-related attitudes and behaviors. Using publicly available data from Twitter, this is one of the first studies to describe key topics of discussions related to each intersection (e-cigarette, combustible tobacco, and marijuana) of the Triangulum framework.

Aims and Methods

Twitter posts (n = 999 447) containing marijuana, e-cigarette, and combustible tobacco terms were collected from January 1, 2018 to December 23, 2019. Posts to Twitter with co-occurring mentions of keywords associated with the Triangulum were defined as an intersection (e-cigarettes and combustible tobacco, combustible tobacco and marijuana, e-cigarettes and marijuana, and marijuana, e-cigarettes and combustible tobacco). Text classifiers and unsupervised machine learning were used to identify predominant topics in posts.

Results

Product Features and Cartridges were commonly referenced at the intersection of e-cigarette and marijuana-related conversations. Blunts and Cigars and Drugs and Alcohol were commonly referenced at the intersection of combustible tobacco and marijuana-related discussions. Flavors and Health Risks were discussed at the intersection of e-cigarette and combustible-related conversations, while discussions about Illicit products and Health risks were key topics of discussion when e-cigarettes, combustible tobacco, and marijuana were referenced all together in a single post.

Conclusion

By examining intersections of marijuana and tobacco products, this study offers inputs for designing comprehensive FDA regulations including regulating product features associated with appeal, improving enforcement to curb sales of illicit products, and informing the FDA’s product review and standards procedures for tobacco products that can be used with marijuana.

Implications

This study is the first to leverage the Triangulum framework and Twitter data to describe key topics of discussions at the intersection of e-cigarette, combustible tobacco, and marijuana. Real-time health communication interventions can identify Twitter users posting in the context of e-cigarettes, combustible tobacco, and marijuana by automated methods and deliver tailored messages. This study also demonstrates the utility of Twitter data for surveillance of complex and evolving health behaviors.
A Combined Microsurgical and Endovascular Approach to Giant Paraclinoid Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Pojskić Mirza , Arnautović Kenan I , Ibn Essayed Walid , Al-Mefty Ossama
Published: April 2021

Giant paraclinoid aneurysm remains a treatment challenge because of their complex anatomy and surgical difficulties stems frequently from a calcified or atherosclerotic aneurysmal neck and compression of the optic pathways.1–9
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To improve exposure, facilitate the dissection of the aneurysm, assure vascular control, reduce brain retraction and temporary occlusion time, and enable simultaneous treatment of possible associated aneurysms, we combined the cranio-orbital zygomatic (COZ) approach
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with endovascular balloon occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and suction decompression of the aneurysm.
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The patient is a 50-yr-old female who presented with headache and hemianopsia. MRI, CT, and 4-vessel angiography revealed a giant right ophthalmic paraclinoid partially thrombosed aneurysm. Surgery was performed via right COZ approach with removal of the anterior clinoid. Unroofing the optic canal and opening the falciform ligament and the optic sheath, allowing the dissection and mobilization of the optic nerve from the aneurysm and the origin of ophthalmic artery. The endovascular team placed a deflated, double lumen balloon catheter in the ICA 2 cm above the common carotid bifurcation. Proximal control is achieved by inflating the balloon. Distal control is then gained by temporary clipping just proximal of the origin of PcomA.
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Retrograde suction decompression through the catheter partially collapses and softens the aneurysm.
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4

,
6–8
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Carotid occlusion was applied twice, 2:47 and 2:57 min. Intraoperative angiogram revealed the obliteration of the aneurysm and the patency of the carotid and ophthalmic artery. The patient recovered well, and visual deficit resolved and was neurologically intact. Patient consented for surgery.

Illustrations in video reprinted with minimal modification from Surgical Neurology, vol 50, issue 6, Arnautović KI, Al-Mefty O, Angtuaco E, A combined microsurgical skull-base and endovascular approach to giant and large paraclinoid aneuroysms, 504–518,
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Copyright 1998, with permission from Elsevier Science Inc.
Putting Our Shoulder to the Wheel: Current Understanding and Gaps in Nerve Ablation for Chronic Shoulder Pain
Authors: Eckmann Maxim S , McCormick Zachary L , Beal Colby , Julia Jonathan , Cheney Cole W , Nagpal Ameet S
Published: April 2021

Shoulder pain is prevalent, burdensome, and functionally limiting, with diverse pathology and associated treatments. This narrative review provides a summary of relevant neuroanatomy, proposed ablation targets, safety and efficacy concerns for ablation targets, and current research gaps. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of peripheral sensory nerves is a well-established treatment for chronic joint and spine pain, but it is relatively nascent for shoulder pain. Cadaveric studies demonstrate the shoulder joint is innervated by articular branches of the suprascapular nerve, axillary nerve, lateral pectoral nerve, and upper and lower subscapular nerves. Shoulder articular branch RFA appears to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic shoulder pain, but there are currently no widely accepted protocols for ablation targets. There are also no randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing safety and efficacy of proposed targets or the prognostic value of articular blocks. Future research studies should prioritize categorical data, use appropriate functional measures as primary endpoints, and would ideally include a large-scale RCT.
ICD-10 Coding of Musculoskeletal Conditions in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Coleman Brian C , Goulet Joseph L , Higgins Diana M , Bathulapalli Harini , Kawecki Todd , Ruser Christopher B , Bastian Lori A , Martino Steve , Piette John D , Edmond Sara N , Heapy Alicia A
Published: April 2021

Objective

We describe the most frequently used musculoskeletal diagnoses in Veterans Health Administration care. We report the number of visits and patients associated with common musculoskeletal International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes and compare trends across primary and specialty care settings.

Design

Secondary analysis of a longitudinal cohort study.

Subjects

Veterans included in the Musculoskeletal Diagnosis Cohort with a musculoskeletal diagnosis from October 1, 2015, through September 30, 2017.

Methods

We obtained counts and proportions of all musculoskeletal diagnosis codes used and the number of unique patients with each musculoskeletal diagnosis. Diagnosis use was compared between primary and specialty care settings.

Results

Of more than 6,400 possible ICD-10 M-codes describing “Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue,” 5,723 codes were used at least once. The most frequently used ICD-10 M-code was “Low Back Pain” (18.3%), followed by “Cervicalgia” (3.6%). Collectively, the 100 most frequently used codes accounted for 80% of M-coded visit diagnoses, and 95% of patients had at least one of these diagnoses. The most common diagnoses (spinal pain, joint pain, osteoarthritis) were used similarly in primary and specialty care settings.

Conclusion

A diverse sample of all available musculoskeletal diagnosis codes were used; however, less than 2% of all possible codes accounted for 80% of the diagnoses used. This trend was consistent across primary and specialty care settings. The most frequently used diagnosis codes describe the types of musculoskeletal conditions, among a large pool of potential diagnoses, that prompt veterans to present to the Veterans Health Administration for musculoskeletal care.
Influence of furnace baking on Q–E behavior of superconducting accelerating cavities
Authors: Ito H , Araki H , Takahashi K , Umemori K
Published: April 2021

The performance of superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities depends on the condition of the niobium surface. Recently, various heat treatment methods have been investigated to achieve an unprecedentedly high quality factor (Q) and high accelerating field (E). We report the influence of a new baking process called furnace baking on the Q–E behavior of 1.3 GHz SRF cavities. Furnace baking is performed as the final step of the cavity surface treatment; the cavities are heated in a vacuum furnace for 3 h, followed by high-pressure rinsing and radio-frequency measurement. This method is simpler and potentially more reliable than previously reported heat treatment methods, and it is therefore easier to apply to the SRF cavities. We find that the quality factor is increased after furnace baking at temperatures ranging from 300 $^\circ$C to 400 $^\circ$C, while a strong decrease in the quality factor at for a high accelerating field is observed after furnace baking at temperatures ranging from 600 $^\circ$C to 800 $^\circ$C. We find significant differences in the surface resistance for various processing temperatures.
¿Mejorando La Raza?: The Political Undertones of Latinos’ Skin Color in the United States
Authors: Ostfeld Mara C , Yadon Nicole D
Published: April 2021

The meaning of skin color in America has often been understood in the context of Black–White racial dynamics. However, as the soon-to-be largest ethnoracial group in the United States, Latinos are positioned to reshape the meaning of color and its relationship with many consequential outcomes. Drawing upon a survey that incorporates both the newly validated, interval-level Yadon–Ostfeld Skin Color Scale for human assessments of skin color, as well as more socially objective machine ratings of skin color, we are able to differentiate the physiological and social connotations of skin color. Our findings illustrate that politics are intertwined with how Latinos label their skin color. Latinos who overestimate their lightness (darkness) take less (more) liberal positions on racialized political issues than those who do not. Overall, we illuminate how skin color identification operates as a political statement for many Latinos, as well as how these patterns magnify racialized inequalities in America.
Curcumin relieves the arecoline-induced fibrosis of oral mucosal fibroblasts via inhibiting HIF-1α/TGF-β/CTGF signaling pathway: an in vitro study
Authors: Zhang Lin , Tan Jin , Liu Yi-Ping , Liu Xun , Luo Mang
Published: April 2021

Oral submacosal fibrosis (OSF) has been recognized as one of the oral potentially malignant disorders. Areca nut chewing is implicated in this pathological fibrosis. The current treatments for OSF have failed to achieve the desired curative effect. Here, we propose that curcumin has excellent therapeutic effect on OSF and explore its specific mechanism. Transwell assay was performed to detected cell migration. Flow cytometry was used to measured apoptosis. And MTT assay was performed to test cell viability. Gene and protein levels were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting. Our results displayed that curcumin treatment reduced fibrosis-related molecules (collagen type I alpha 1, collagen type III alpha 1, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 2) in arecoline-treated oral mucosal fibroblasts and elevated matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression. Additionally, curcumin could suppress cell proliferation and migration, and enhance the apoptosis of arecoline-treated normal oral mucosal fibroblasts. Most importantly, the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expressions in arecoline-treated normal oral mucosal fibroblasts were reduced after exposure to curcumin, whereas the activation of HIF-1α/TGF-β/CTGF axis reversed curcumin’s effect on improving fibrosis of arecoline-treated normal oral mucosal fibroblasts. Therefore, curcumin alleviated oral submucosal fibrosis via inhibiting HIF-1α/TGF-β/CTGF axis. In summary, curcumin effectively inhibited the migration and proliferation and promoted apoptosis in arecoline-induced normal oral mucosal fibroblasts by inactivating HIF-1α/TGF-β/CTGF pathway. And curcumin might be a potential therapeutic drug for OSF treatment.
Use of Telemedicine in Pediatric Orthopaedics Prior to the Pandemic: A Survey of POSNA Members
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Pooya , Meyer Zachary , Vanderhave Kelly , Lovejoy John
Published: April 2021

Background:

Telemedicine, or telehealth, is broadly defined as the use of technology to deliver health care or health education at distance. Synchronous communication telemedicine, which involves the use of real time audio and video between patient and provider, is a developing field and its use in the pediatric orthopaedic population is not well defined. To better understand the existing use of and challenges posed by telemedicine for pediatric orthopaedic providers, the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) practice management committee conducted a survey of current POSNA members.

Methods:

A 33-question survey was created by the POSNA Practice Management Committee, piloted among committee members and approved by the POSNA Evidence Based Practice Committee. A total of 167 responses were complete (75% complete response rate). Telemedicine use questions referred to the use of synchronous communication telemedicine.

Results:

A total of 50% reported being “moderately” or “not really” familiar with telemedicine. Sixty percent of study participants reported their hospital systems utilize telemedicine; however, only 40% reported utilizing telemedicine in their own practice. Sixty-seven percent indicated interest in telemedicine training. Telemedicine was utilized for a variety of patient pathology and visit types 57% of study participants did not bill for telemedicine services. Sixty-three percent were unaware of their states’ billing rules regarding telemedicine.

Conclusion:

The survey is an attempt to understand the current landscape of telemedicine use within pediatric orthopaedics. Currently, a minority of survey participants utilize synchronous communication telemedicine. There is a desire for telemedicine training and best billing practices education. Further study to evaluate the limitations and efficacy of telemedicine in the pediatric orthopaedic population will be necessary as its use increases.
Synovial Sarcoma of the Hand and Foot
Authors: Patel Riddhi R. , Lupo Philip J. , Bishop Andrew J. , Lin Patrick P. , Delclos George L. , Lazar Alexander J. , Benjamin Robert S. , Araujo Dejka M.
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Synovial sarcomas (SS) arising in distal extremities are rare and have been studied using mostly case reports and small series. We aimed to evaluate clinical presentation and survival outcomes for patients with hand or foot SS.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of 84 patients diagnosed with primary hand (n=20) and foot (n=64) SS between 1979 and 2019. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival and metastasis-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Cox-proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the hazard ratios.

Results:

Of 84 patients, 63 (75%) presented with localized disease with 36 years median age at diagnosis (range: 4 to 76) and 21 (25%) with metastasis with 30 years median age at diagnosis (range: 15 to 64). Among patients presenting with localized disease, (1) 5 years-PFS, OS, local recurrence-free survival, and metastasis-free survival rates were 82%, 88%, 100%, and 86%, respectively. (2) Tumor size <3.0 cm corresponded to 95% 5 years-PFS (vs. 84% for 3.0 to 4.9 cm, 53% for ≥5.0 cm; P=0.007) and 100% 5 years-OS (vs. 77% for ≥3.0 cm; P=0.04). (3) Patients with ≥5.0 cm (vs. <3.0 cm) tumor size had 7.99 (95% confidence interval: 1.68, 37.91) times higher hazard of progression. Remarkably, patients presenting with metastasis had 50% 5 years-OS rate. Also, younger age (15 to 39 vs. 40 y and above) predicted better OS among patients presenting with localized disease (P=0.04) and with metastasis (P=0.03).

Conclusions:

Survival outcomes are favorable for younger patients with <3.0 cm hand or foot SS. Local control is excellent, but we observed larger tumor size to be associated with poorer outcomes. Therefore, we recommend consideration of systemic therapy for patients with ≥3.0 cm hand or foot SS.
Preschool Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Telephone Medication Management at Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric Network Sites
Authors: Harstad Elizabeth , Shults Justine , Barbaresi William , Bax Ami , Cacia Jaclyn , Deavenport-Saman Alexis , Friedman Sandra , LaRosa Angela , Loe Irene , Mittal Shruti , Vanderbilt Douglas , Blum Nathan
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To understand developmental-behavioral pediatricians' (DBPs') use of clinic versus telephone encounters for preschool attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication management. Understanding use of telephone encounters for pharmacologic management of ADHD in preschoolers may inform care for children with ADHD.

Methods:

DBP investigators within Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Research Network abstracted data from medical records of 503 children aged younger than 72 months treated for ADHD with medication by a DBP clinician between January 1, 2013, and July 1, 2017, across 7 sites. We abstracted data about medication treatment episodes (defined as start and end/change of a specific type, dose, and frequency of ADHD medication) and encounter type (clinic vs telephone). We present descriptive statistics related to encounter types and χ2 analyses to compare frequencies across reasons for the end of treatment episode and across sites.

Results:

The study included 503 participants with a total of 1734 treatment episodes. The initial medication was started via a clinic encounter 85.9% of the time and via telephone encounters 14.1% of the time. When evaluating reasons for end of treatment episode, decreases in dose/frequency of medication were less common for clinic versus telephone encounters (27% vs 73%; p < 0.001) and adding an additional medication was more common at clinic versus telephone encounters (64% vs 36% p < 0.001). Sites varied significantly in frequency of telephone encounters, ranging from 16.9% to 68.9% (mean 45.7%).

Conclusion:

Telephone encounters were used for pharmacologic management of ADHD in preschoolers to varying degrees across 7 DBP sites. These findings suggest that telephone management serves an important role in ADHD care.
Comparison Between Cyanoacrylate Embolization and Radiofrequency Ablation for Superficial Venous Incompetence: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Mingyi , Mou Shuangmeng , Dai Gengwu , Hu Jinliang
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Chronic venous disease is a debilitating condition involving great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of cyanoacrylate embolization (CAE) versus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with incompetent GSVs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched. The primary outcomes were the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ), closure rate, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 378 and 590 patients who underwent CAE and RFA, respectively. Cyanoacrylate embolization was comparable with RFA in VCSS (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.18 to 0.12, p = .686), AVVQ (WMD = −0.08, 95% CI: −0.38 to 0.21, p = .570), closure rate (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.18–2.01, p = .414), and VAS (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.24, 95% CI: −0.59 to 1.06, p = .523). There were no significant differences between CAE and RFA regarding the occurrence of phlebitis (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.70–2.13, p = .479) and pigmentation (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.18–1.31, p = .153), but CAE had a lower risk of ecchymosis (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.25–0.81, p = .007) and paresthesia (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03–0.99, p = .049).

CONCLUSION

Cyanoacrylate embolization and RFA demonstrated no significant differences in VCSS, AVVQ, closure rate, and pain score for patients with incompetent GSVs. Patients in the CAE group had a lower risk of ecchymosis and paresthesia compared with the RFA group.
Evaluation of Public Interest in Mohs Surgery and Other Elective Surgical Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ratushny Vladimir , Moore Kevin , Do Daihung
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

The reallocation of health care resources to focus on the acute care needs of COVID-19 patients leads to a delay and deferral of outpatient surgical procedures such as Mohs surgery.

OBJECTIVE

Planning for the resumption of regular outpatient surgical care and preparing for future surges in COVID-19 cases requires identifying surrogate markers of health care demand.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

United States national and state-based Google search data for “Mohs surgery” and other common elective surgical and cosmetic procedures were evaluated. These were compared with national and state-wide COVID-19 case number and death data from the Johns Hopkins University. Pearson correlation coefficients were generated to assess the association between COVID-19 cases and deaths with Google search trends.

RESULTS

Search volume for “Mohs surgery” and other elective surgical and cosmetic procedures significantly decreased as the number of new deaths from COVID-19 increased. Statistically significant inverse correlation was noted between “Mohs surgery” search volume and new COVID-19 deaths on a national and state-based level.

CONCLUSION

Search metric analysis may be used as part of a big data model to help predict health care demand during the reopening phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Long Noncoding RNA Small Nuclear RNA Host Gene 7 Knockdown Protects Mouse Cardiac Fibroblasts Against Myocardial Infarction by Regulating miR-455-3p/Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor Axis
Authors: Peng Qingkui , Li Ling , Bi Xiuping
Published: April 2021

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of heart failure all over the world. Long noncoding RNAs have been reported to be associated with the development of MI. In this article, we aimed to explore the effects of long noncoding RNA small nuclear RNA host gene 7 (SNHG7) on MI and the possible mechanism. In this study, an MI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery of mice. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) derived from neonatal mice were activated by angiotensin II (Ang-II) treatment. The expression of SNHG7 and miR-455-3p was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein levels of platelet-activating factor receptor (PTAFR) and fibrosis-related proteins were analyzed by western blot assay. Cell apoptosis of CFs was monitored by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to evaluate inflammatory responses in CFs. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the target relationship between miR-455-3p and SNHG7 or PTAFR. LncRNA SNHG7 and PTAFR were upregulated, whereas miR-455-3p was downregulated in cardiac tissues of mice with MI and Ang-II-induced CFs. SNHG7 depletion or miR-455-3p overexpression attenuated Ang-II-induced apoptosis, fibrosis, and inflammation in CFs, which was severally weakened by miR-455-3p inhibition or PTAFR upregulation. LncRNA SNHG7 targeted miR-455-3p, and PTAFR was a target of miR-455-3p. LncRNA SNHG7 depletion exerted protective roles in apoptosis, fibrosis, and inflammation in Ang-II-induced CFs by regulating miR-455-3p/PTAFR axis, providing a potential molecular target for MI therapy.
Aromatherapy in Obstetrics: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: BERTONE ANNA C. , DEKKER REBECCA L.
Published: April 2021

Aromatherapy is the use of highly concentrated aromatic plant oils administered in various ways for a wide range of therapeutic indications. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the evidence on aromatherapy during the perinatal period. There is research on the prenatal use of aromatherapy to treat nausea and vomiting, reduce stress, and support immune function; the intrapartum use of aromatherapy for labor pain/anxiety and labor progress; and the postpartum use of aromatherapy for postcesarean symptoms, perineal trauma, sleep, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Overall, the evidence suggests that aromatherapy can be administered safely and effectively in obstetrics.
Endocan: a new marker of endothelial function
Authors: Balta Sevket , Balta Ilknur , Mikhailidis Dimitri P.
Published: April 2021

Purpose of review

To consider the role of endocan as an inflammatory marker in cardiovascular diseases.

Recent findings

Endocan, an endothelial inflammatory marker, is associated with cardiovascular disease.

Vascular endothelial inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases by influencing thrombogenesis, tumour invasion and secretion of bioactive mediators. We discuss the role of endocan mainly in the context of cardiology.
Scientific mapping of the research output on hypertension in children and adolescents, 2010–2018
Authors: Abad-García María-Francisca , González-Teruel Aurora , Bolaños-Pizarro Máxima , Lurbe I. Ferrer Empar
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The area of pediatric hypertension (HTN) research has seen substantial progress over the last two decades, but no bibliometric analysis has yet been undertaken to describe these advances. This study aims to describe the published research examining HTN in children and adolescents from 2000 to 2018.

Methods:

Articles were retrieved using PubMed and the Web of Science. Analyses were performed to quantify the evolution of scientific output, identifying the leading journals, authors, and countries as well as the existing collaboration networks. Likewise, we identified the most cited articles, describing their document type, main topic focus, and the age of the patients studied.

Results:

In total, we identified 8317 articles in the Web of Science. The annual number of publications doubled over the study period. Articles were published in 1415 journals, mainly in the categories of Peripheral & Vascular Diseases and Pediatrics. The USA dominated scientific production in the field. Regarding researcher productivity, the top 202 authors participated in 20% of the articles, and there were 47 stable research clusters, with the largest component made up of 17 authors. Altogether, there were 145 most cited articles, with an irregular annual distribution; about half focus on HTN itself, while the rest study associated disorders and conditions.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to analyze scientific output on HTN in children and adolescents. The snapshot that emerges is of a research area that is growing but is still in a relatively early phase of development.