bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The behavioral responses of a nocturnal burrowing marsupial (Lasiorhinus latifrons) to drone flight
Authors: Headland Taylor , Ostendorf Bertram , Taggart David
Published: August 2021

The use of drones in wildlife research and management is increasing. Recent evidence has demonstrated the impact of drones on animal behavior, but the response of nocturnal animals to drone flight remains unknown. Utilizing a lightweight commercial drone, the behavioral response of southern hairy‐nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) to drone flights was observed at Kooloola Station, Swan Reach, South Australia. All wombats flown over during both day and night flights responded behaviorally to the presence of drones. The response differed based on time of day. The most common night‐time behavior elicited by drone flight was retreat, compared to stationary alertness behavior observed for daytime drone flights. The behavioral response of the wombats increased as flight altitude decreased. The marked difference of behavior between day and night indicates that this has implications for studies using drones. The behavior observed during flights was altered due to the presence of the drone, and therefore, shrewd study design is important (i.e., acclimation period to drone flight). Considering the sensory adaptations of the target species and how this may impact its behavioral response when flying at night is essential.
A predictive model for dilated cardiomyopathy with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Liang Jiahua , Zhu Ruochen , Yang Yi , Li Rong , Hong Chuangxiong , Luo Chuanjin
Published: August 2021

Aims

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is defined as a serious cardiac disorder caused by the presence of left ventricular dilatation and contractile dysfunction in the absence of severe coronary artery disease and abnormal loading conditions. The incidence of cardiac death is markedly higher in patients with DCM with pulmonary hypertension (PH) than in DCM patients without PH. No previous studies have constructed a predictive model to predict PH in patients with DCM.

Methods

Data from 218 DCM patients (68.3% man; mean age 57.33) were collected. Patients were divided into low, intermediate and high PH‐risk groups based on the echocardiographic assessment at the tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity (TRV) in conjunction with the presence of echocardiographic signs from at least two different categories. Basic information, vital signs, comorbidities and biochemical data of each patient were determined. The impact of each parameter on PH probability was analysed by univariable and multivariable analyses, the data from which were employed to establish a predictive model. Finally, the discriminability, calibration ability and clinical efficacy of the model were verified for both the modelling group and the external validation group.

Results

We successfully applied a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis, systolic murmur (SM) at the tricuspid area, SM at the apex and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level to establish a model for predicting PH probability in DCM. The model was proven to have high accuracy and good discriminability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.889), calibration ability and clinical application value.

Conclusions

A model for predicting PH probability in patients with DCM was successfully established. The new model is reliable for predicting PH probability in DCM and has good clinical applicability.
Protein‐Polymer Bioconjugates Prepared by Post‐Polymerization Modification of Alternating Copolymers
Authors: Saxer Samantha , Erdogan Omer , Paniagua Cédric , Chavanieu Alain , Garric Xavier , Darcos Vincent
Published: August 2021

Protein‐polymer bioconjugates have shown great promise in biomedical and life science applications including drug delivery and diagnosis. The current bioconjugation strategies suffer from lack of efficiency and versatility. In this article, poly(styrene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) copolymers were first prepared by RAFT polymerization and characterized by different analytical techniques. Then, the poly(styrene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) precursors were functionalized with primary amine such as azidopropylamine and amino poly(ethylene glycol). The reaction of amino compounds with maleic anhydride was found to be a highly efficient, a versatile, and a facile chemical ligation reaction for the synthesis of macromolecules with quantitative yield under mild conditions. The main benefit is the incorporation of a wide range of functionality by easily changing the primary amine compound. For the amphiphilic graft copolymers based on poly(ethylene glycol), aggregation behavior in water was investigated. In a second part, azido‐functionalized polystyrene copolymers were used to prepare a new protein‐polymer bioconjugate by copper‐free click chemistry reaction.
Double‐effect of highly concentrated acetonitrile‐based electrolyte in organic lithium‐ion battery
Authors: Zhang Weisheng , Sun Huimin , Hu Pandeng , Huang Weiwei , Zhang Qichun
Published: August 2021

Organic electrode materials have become a hot research field in lithium‐ion batteries. However, the dissolution issue of organic materials (especially small molecules) in traditional electrolytes has become one of the important reasons to limit their application. The usage of highly concentrated electrolyte (HCE, >3 M) has been demonstrated to solve this problem, where the electrochemical performance of Pillar[5]quinone (P5Q) in 4.2 M LiTFSA/AN electrolyte was investigated. The HCE can avoid the reaction between acetonitrile molecules and lithium metal anode, reduce the dissolution of organic materials, and display excellent battery performance. At a current density of 0.2 C, a high specific capacity of 310 mAh g−1 (Ctheo = 446 mAh g−1) was maintained after 900 cycles, and the reversible capacity is higher than 113 mAh g−1 even at 10 C, indicating a good rate capability. This research would expand the new application of acetonitrile‐based electrolyte in organic secondary battery.

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A profound explanation of why eating green (wild) edible plants promote health and longevity
Authors: Åhlberg Mauri Kalervo
Published: August 2021

From 1970, research evidence has accumulated that the Mediterranean diet promotes health and longevity. Its main components include local (wild) green vegetables, citrus fruits, and olive oil (extra virgin). Since the 1990s, experimental research on phytochemicals to explain why plant food is healthy and promotes longevity has grown exponentially. Nowadays, molecular biology provides deep explanations for many experimentally found health‐promoting properties of plant species and their phytochemicals. The specialized approach is OK because it is the way research progresses. Mainly, nutritional researchers concentrate on a particular group of compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, carboxylic acids, fatty acids, and so forth. Science outside the research on nutrition deals with the same chemical compounds but which nutritional researchers generally do not follow. Plant biologists have found that all photosynthesizing plants share many compounds and ions. They are vital to plants. Some of the compounds and ions are also vital to humans. Plant biologists make a distinction between minerals, primary metabolites, and secondary metabolites. This distinction applies partly to humans. Plant minerals and primary metabolites often are essential to humans. Plant secondary metabolites are often not vital to humans but experimental research has shown that they promote health and longevity. Eating local wild edible plants (WEP) also promotes sustainability. WEPs are an ecosystem service. I have found 52 compounds and ions that all green edible plants share, promoting human health, well‐being, and longevity, and I present the evidence in this paper.
The Late Permian clastic–dominated carbonate shelf, Northwestern Pakistan: Implications for palaeoenvironments, palaeoclimate, and reservoir modelling
Authors: Wadood Bilal , Khan Suleman , Li Hong , Ali Nowrad
Published: August 2021

The Indus Basin of Pakistan has archived thick and laterally extensive Permian carbonates. The current study focuses on constraining the palaeoenvironments, reservoir potential, and ambient climatic conditions during the deposition of Late Permian clastic–dominated carbonates of the Chhidru Formation, Indus Basin, Pakistan. At outcrop, the unit shows laterally variable thicknesses of dominantly thick‐bedded, fossiliferous, channelized calcareous sandstone, and sandy limestone. The microscopic textural, compositional, and biotic attributes divulged four microfacies, arguing for the deposition in a range of diverse depositional environments including lagoonal to delta‐dominated middle shelf. The deposition of clastic‐rich carbonates of the Chhidru Formation on the underlying pure carbonates of the Wargal Formation hints strongly towards a sea‐level fall on the northwestern margin of the Indian Plate. The regression tightly correlates with the stratigraphic record of the adjacent continents, including South China, the Persian Gulf, and northern Gondwana regions. The abundance of detrital material indicates terrestrial influx to the basin, inhibiting the benthic activity and consequently resulting in poor microfossil content. Nevertheless, 11 age‐diagnostic foraminiferal taxa were identified, suggesting a Late Wuchiapingian to Changhsingian age. The X‐ray diffraction analysis of argillaceous horizons revealed several climate‐sensitive clay minerals. Based on the dominance of illite, palygorskite, sepiolite, and chlorite, an extremely arid and cold climate is suggested for the region during the time of deposition of the Chhidru Formation. Petrographic observations suggest reworking of sediments shed from the Indian Shield of the Aravalli system and Malani Range. The petrography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy revealed multiple diagenetic phases including marine, meteoric, and burial that have shaped the unit into a poor to moderate reservoir.
Measuring process control automation benefits through a human‐machine function allocation analysis
Authors: Cummings Mary L. , Benac David , Li Songpo , Harris James
Published: August 2021

Often technology is introduced into manufacturing and process control environments to partially automate tasks too complex to fully automate. However, it is not always clear how to measure the benefits of such projects. More often than not, automation eliminates but also shifts human work, and broad productivity measures can fail to capture such changes. To this end, this effort describes a manufacturing case study that looks at human‐machine allocation metrics involving a laboratory fermentation unit upgrade. Using a workflow monitoring and function allocation analytic approach, it was determined that upgrading an older microbial culture bioreactor (fermentor) to a new design with intelligent monitoring capabilities resulted in an approximate 17% reduction in dedicated human supervision. This workload reduction allowed scientists to spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time concentrating on other, more open‐ended problems that require more expertize. However, the new technology increased human efforts across other functions, suggesting potential mitigation paths for future technology development. This effort illustrates that the impact of new technology on human‐machine tasking can be quantified through a function allocation analysis and also provide diagnostic information, both of which are critical in understanding any overall added benefit of intelligent systems.
Proanthocyanidins attenuate the high glucose‐induced damage of retinal pigment epithelial cells by attenuating oxidative stress and inhibiting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Li Hongsong , Li Rong , Wang Lijun , Liao Dingying , Zhang Wenyi , Wang Jianming
Published: August 2021

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common diabetic complication known to cause vision impairment and blindness. Previous studies have demonstrated that proanthocyanidins (PACs), polyphenols that are naturally found in several plants and fruits, have powerful antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects on various cells. However, the effects and underlying mechanism of PACs against DR pathogenesis remain unknown. Here, we investigated the proliferation, apoptosis, and mechanisms of ARPE‐19 cells in response to oxidative stress and inflammation under high‐glucose conditions with or without PACs treatment. The Cell‐Counting Kit‐8 assay and western blot analysis showed that treatment with 10 μl PACs significantly increased cell proliferation and the expression level of Bcl‐2 in ARPE‐19 cells under high‐glucose conditions. Moreover, PACs attenuated the high glucose‐induced apoptosis, and the increased expression levels of caspase‐3 and Bax. Under high‐glucose conditions, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and levels of malondialdehyde increased, whereas the superoxide dismutase content decreased. Moreover, the expression level of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and the release of interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18 increased. PACs reversed all of these high glucose‐induced effects on ARPE‐19 cells. Additionally, exposure to nigericin sodium salt, an agonist of the NLRP3 inflammasome, upregulated expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome accompanied by the release of IL‐1β and IL‐18. Again, treatment with PACs markedly downregulated these effects. Collectively, these results demonstrate that PACs can prevent retinal pigment epithelial cells from high glucose‐induced injury via inhibiting the generation of ROS and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting PACs as a potential candidate for the management of DR.
Local anesthetic bupivacaine inhibits proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via suppressing PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling
Authors: Wang Lei , Guo Weijia , Guan Hongman , Yan Ni , Cai Xiaolan , Zhu Lili
Published: August 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Retrospective studies suggest that using local/regional anesthetic (LA/RA) is associated with better outcomes in primary HCC patients. In this study, we evaluated the effects of LA/RA bupivacaine in HCC cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The biological functions of bupivacaine in HCC cells were evaluated by transcriptome RNA sequencing, cell viability assay, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, western blot, wound healing assay, transwell cell migration assay, tumor xenograft formation, and lung metastasis assay. Bupivacaine suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis of HepG2 and SNU‐449 cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Bupivacaine treatment also decreased colony formation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 and SNU‐449 cells. In mouse models, bupivacaine repressed tumor xenograft growth and lung metastasis of HepG2 cells. Transcriptome sequencing of HepG2 cells suggested that PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways were suppressed by bupivacaine treatment. In western blot analysis, bupivacaine reduced the expression of total and phosphorylated Akt, mTOR, and MAPK. Furthermore, reactivated PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling by EGF or NRG1 partially reversed the effects of bupivacaine on cell growth, colony formation, and invasion of HCC cells. Local anesthetic bupivacaine suppressed proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis of HCC cells. Our results provided novel insights into the local anesthetic bupivacaine in the therapy of HCC patients.
Impact of Obesity on Brexpiprazole Pharmacokinetics: Proposal for Improved Initiation of Treatment
Authors: Bruno Christopher D. , Elmokadem Ahmed , Housand Conrad , Jordie Eric Burroughs , Chow Christina R. , Laughren Thomas P. , Greenblatt David J.
Published: August 2021

Brexpiprazole is an oral antipsychotic agent indicated for use in patients with schizophrenia or as adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder. As obesity (body mass index ≥35 kg/m2) has the potential to affect drug pharmacokinetics and is a common comorbidity of both schizophrenia and major depressive disorder, it is important to understand changes in brexpiprazole disposition in this population. This study uses a whole‐body physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to compare the pharmacokinetics of brexpiprazole in obese and normal‐weight (body mass index 18‐25 kg/m2) individuals known to be cytochrome P450 2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs) and poor metabolizers (PMs). The physiologically based pharmacokinetic simulations demonstrated significant differences in the time to effective concentrations between obese and normal‐weight individuals within metabolizer groups according to the label‐recommended titration. Simulations using an alternative dosing strategy of 1 week of twice‐daily dosing in obese EMs or 2 weeks of twice‐daily dosing in obese poor metabolizers, followed by a return to once‐daily dosing, yielded more consistent plasma concentrations between normal‐weight and obese patients without exceeding the area under the plasma concentration–time curve observed in the normal‐weight EMs. These alternative dosing strategies reduce the time to effective concentrations in obese patients and may improve clinical response to brexpiprazole.
Polypropylene as a selective support for the immobilization of lipolytic enzymes: hyper‐activation, purification and biotechnological applications
Authors: Sánchez‐Otero María‐Guadalupe , Quintana‐Castro Rodolfo , Rojas‐Vázquez Adela‐Sofía , Badillo‐Zeferino Giselle‐Lilian , Mondragón‐Vázquez Karina , Espinosa‐Luna Graciela , Kumar Nadda Ashok , Oliart‐Ros Rosa María
Published: August 2021

Lipases are the versatile biological catalysts used in a wide range of commercial synthetic applications. Microbial lipases have been widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, textile, oleochemical, paper, and bioenergy industries, in the composition of detergents, and in the production of polymers and enantiomerically pure chemical intermediates. Lipases have a unique lid opening mechanism that makes them interesting biocatalysts to catalyze reactions in hydrophobic environments. Water insoluble substrates have also been efficiently transformed by lipases in organic solvents. The use of lipases in industrial processes could be limited by the cost of their production, the difficulties in their recovery and disposal, or by the harsh conditions of some processes that could inactivate or denature the protein. The immobilization of enzymes helps overcome these physical and economical drawbacks, making the catalyst more active, stable, and reusable, resulting in the reduction of costs and of contaminating and harmful byproducts. Polypropylene has unique properties that aid in the activation of the lid opening mechanism and improve the catalytic efficiency of immobilized lipases. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the uses of polypropylene as a support for immobilization of lipolytic enzymes, the study of the immobilization procedure conditions, the characteristics of the immobilized enzymes, and the perspectives of their use in the future as a powerful tool in sustainable industry. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Phosphorus retention within a relic agricultural ditch in a constructed wetland
Authors: Duersch Bobby G. , Powers Matthew O. , Newman Sue , Ricca John G. , Bhadha Jehangir H. , Louda J. William
Published: August 2021

Stormwater treatment areas (STAs) are constructed wetlands established to capture phosphorus (P) from agricultural runoff before reaching the Florida Everglades. Retained P is primarily stored in wetland soils and sediments generated through a collection of interrelated physical, chemical, and biological processes. The amount of P and other elements (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, and Zn) retained in the flocculent (floc) and recently accreted soil (RAS) horizons from a relic agricultural ditch within Cell 4S of STA‐1E were compared with the surrounding marsh soils (upstream and downstream sites of the ditch). The amount of P retained in the ditch was significantly greater than the surrounding marsh soils and for all the elements in the floc horizon and five of the nine elements in the RAS horizon, suggesting that different processes or process rates influenced accumulation. Phosphorus species in the floc and RAS sediment horizons were identified and quantified using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and total P determined by microwave plasma–optical emission spectroscopy. In general, P forms were dominated by orthophosphate, sugar phosphates, nucleotides, DNA, and pyrophosphate, with varying relative abundances of species. Total P concentration significantly decreased from upstream to downstream of the ditch by an average of 28 and 35% for floc and RAS soils, respectively. The relatively high P accrual rate within the ditch suggested that relic ditches perpendicular to flow could reduce P transport to downstream soils and sediments and, in turn, help maintain low P levels in overlying water.
Human bronchial epithelial cell‐derived extracellular vesicle therapy for pulmonary fibrosis via inhibition of TGF‐β‐WNT crosstalk
Authors: Kadota Tsukasa , Fujita Yu , Araya Jun , Watanabe Naoaki , Fujimoto Shota , Kawamoto Hironori , Minagawa Shunsuke , Hara Hiromichi , Ohtsuka Takashi , Yamamoto Yusuke , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: August 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by devastating and progressive lung parenchymal fibrosis, resulting in poor patient prognosis. An aberrant recapitulation of developmental lung gene expression, including genes for transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and WNT, has been widely implicated in the pathogenic IPF wound healing process that results from repetitive alveolar epithelial injury. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to carry bioactive molecules and to be involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Here, we demonstrate that, by attenuating WNT signalling, human bronchial epithelial cell‐derived EVs (HBEC EVs) inhibit TGF‐β mediated induction of both myofibroblast differentiation and lung epithelial cellular senescence. This effect of HBEC EVs is more pronounced than that observed with mesenchymal stem cell‐derived EVs. Mechanistically, the HBEC EV microRNA (miRNA) cargo is primarily responsible for attenuating both myofibroblast differentiation and cellular senescence. This attenuation occurs via inhibition of canonical and non‐canonical WNT signalling pathways. Among enriched miRNA species present in HBEC EVs, miR‐16, miR‐26a, miR‐26b, miR‐141, miR‐148a, and miR‐200a are mechanistically involved in reducing WNT5A and WNT10B expression in LFs, and in reducing WNT3A, WNT5A, and WNT10B expression in HBECs. Mouse models utilizing intratracheal administration of EVs demonstrate efficient attenuation of bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis development accompanied by reduced expression of both β‐catenin and markers of cellular senescence. These findings indicate that EVs derived from normal resident lung HBECs may possess anti‐fibrotic properties. They further suggest that, via miRNA‐mediated inhibition of TGF‐β‐WNT crosstalk, HBEC EVs administration can be a promising anti‐fibrotic modality of treatment for IPF.
Inflammasome‐induced extracellular vesicles harbour distinct RNA signatures and alter bystander macrophage responses
Authors: Budden Christina F. , Gearing Linden J. , Kaiser Romina , Standke Lena , Hertzog Paul J. , Latz Eicke
Published: August 2021

Infectious organisms and damage of cells can activate inflammasomes, which mediate tissue inflammation and adaptive immunity. These mechanisms evolved to curb the spread of microbes and to induce repair of the damaged tissue. Chronic activation of inflammasomes, however, contributes to non‐resolving inflammatory responses that lead to immuno‐pathologies. Inflammasome‐activated cells undergo an inflammatory cell death associated with the release of potent pro‐inflammatory cytokines and poorly characterized extracellular vesicles (EVs). Since inflammasome‐induced EVs could signal inflammasome pathway activation in patients with chronic inflammation and modulate bystander cell activation, we performed a systems analysis of the ribonucleic acid (RNA) content and function of two EV classes. We show that EVs released from inflammasome‐activated macrophages carry a specific RNA signature and contain interferon β (IFNβ). EV‐associated IFNβ induces an interferon signature in bystander cells and results in dampening of NLRP3 inflammasome responses. EVs could, therefore, serve as biomarkers for inflammasome activation and act to prevent systemic hyper‐inflammatory states by restricting NLRP3 activation in bystander cells.
Psychosocial interventions for improving engagement in care and health and behavioural outcomes for adolescents and young people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Laurenzi Christina A , du Toit Stefani , Ameyan Wole , Melendez‐Torres GJ , Kara Tashmira , Brand Amanda , Chideya Yeukai , Abrahams Nina , Bradshaw Melissa , Page Daniel T , Ford Nathan , Sam‐Agudu Nadia A , Mark Daniella , Vitoria Marco , Penazzato Martina , Willis Nicola , Armstrong Alice , Skeen Sarah
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Adolescents and young people comprise a growing proportion of new HIV infections globally, yet current approaches do not effectively engage this group, and adolescent HIV‐related outcomes are the poorest among all age groups. Providing psychosocial interventions incorporating psychological, social, and/or behavioural approaches offer a potential pathway to improve engagement in care and health and behavioural outcomes among adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV).

Methods

A systematic search of all peer‐reviewed papers published between January 2000 and July 2020 was conducted through four electronic databases (Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus). We included randomized controlled trials evaluating psychosocial interventions aimed at improving engagement in care and health and behavioural outcomes of AYPLHIV aged 10 to 24 years.

Results and discussion

Thirty relevant studies were identified. Studies took place in the United States (n = 18, 60%), sub‐Saharan Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and Southeast Asia (Thailand). Outcomes of interest included adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), ART knowledge, viral load data, sexual risk behaviours, sexual risk knowledge, retention in care and linkage to care. Overall, psychosocial interventions for AYPLHIV showed important, small‐to‐moderate effects on adherence to ART (SMD = 0.3907, 95% CI: 0.1059 to 0.6754, 21 studies, n = 2647) and viral load (SMD = −0.2607, 95% CI −04518 to −0.0696, 12 studies, n = 1566). The psychosocial interventions reviewed did not demonstrate significant impacts on retention in care (n = 8), sexual risk behaviours and knowledge (n = 13), viral suppression (n = 4), undetectable viral load (n = 5) or linkage to care (n = 1) among AYPLHIV. No studies measured transition to adult services. Effective interventions employed various approaches, including digital and lay health worker delivery, which hold promise for scaling interventions in the context of COVID‐19.

Conclusions

This review highlights the potential of psychosocial interventions in improving health outcomes in AYPLHIV. However, more research needs to be conducted on interventions that can effectively reduce sexual risk behaviours of AYPLHIV, as well as those that can strengthen engagement in care. Further investment is needed to ensure that these interventions are cost‐effective, sustainable and resilient in the face of resource constraints and global challenges such as the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Music Teachers' Perceptions of, and approaches to, Creativity in the Greek‐Cypriot Primary Education
Authors: Makris Stavros , Welch Graham F. , Himonides Evangelos
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore music teachers' perceptions of, and approaches to, creativity in Primary education. Even though teachers' perceptions on creativity have been investigated broadly and extensively, qualitative research on music teachers' beliefs nurturing the students' creativity in Primary education are less common. In the present paper, data were collected through in‐depth interviews with 10 individuals in the Greek‐Cypriot Primary Education. The results of this exploratory study indicated that activities should include the promotion of the students' self‐action and autonomy, and the pedagogical initiatives that enable students to come up with original outputs in order to be creative. This understanding, in turn, provided the researchers with access to the teacher participants' perceptions of creativity: a multifaceted concept related to students' autonomy, initiative, and the application of imagination and unrestrained thinking to any musical activity. These findings offer some initial insights and are discussed with respect to their implications for policy and practice. Suggestions for future research are also made.
Knockdown of miR‐125b‐5p inhibits the proliferation and invasion of gastric carcinoma cells by targeting RYBP
Authors: Jin Fu‐E , Xie Bo , Xian Hong‐Zhen , Wang Ji‐Hai
Published: August 2021

Gastric carcinoma, one of the most aggressive and lethal human malignancies, is associated with poor prognosis despite progress in therapeutic strategies. This study examined the potential function and mechanism of action of microRNA‐125b‐5p (miR‐125b‐5p) in the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma. We recognized that miR‐125b‐5p was elevated in gastric carcinoma, and its decreased expression was associated with a better prognosis. Loss‐of‐function assays showed that miR‐125b‐5p suppression inhibited the proliferative and invasive abilities of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, RING1 and YY1‐binding protein (RYBP) was found to be target gene for miR‐125b‐5p action; miR‐125b‐5p negatively regulates RYBP expression. According to the results of rescue experiments, RYBP downregulation partially counteracted the miR‐125b‐5p silence‐mediated inhibitory function in gastric cancer progression. Collectively, these data elucidated the molecular mechanisms of the miR‐125b‐5p/RYBP axis in gastric cancer invasion and growth.
To Tube, or Not to Tube: Comparing Ventilation Techniques in Microlaryngeal Surgery
Authors: Syamal Mausumi N. , Hanisak Jill , Macfarlan Jennifer , Ortega Briana , Sataloff Robert T. , Benninger Michael S.
Published: August 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to compare ventilation techniques utilized in microlaryngeal surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Two‐hundred surgeries performed from May 1, 2018 to March 1, 2020 and stratified as intubated, intermittently intubated (AAIV) or apneic. Patient demographics, comorbidities, anesthetic agents, intraoperative parameters/events, and complications were studied and compared across the three groups using inferential analyses.

Results

Median body mass index in the AAIV group was significantly higher (33 vs. 29; P = .0117). Median oxygen nadirs were lower in AAIV cases (81% vs. 91–92%) while CO2 peak measurements were lower (33 mmHg vs. 48 mmHg) in the fully apneic cohort which were significantly shorter cases (P < .0001). CO2 peak measurements were comparable between AAIV and intubated cohorts (median 48.5 mmHg vs. 48.0 mmHg). Median apnea times were significantly prolonged by 2–5.5 minutes using nasal cannula and THRIVE/Optiflow in fully apneic cases when compared to no supplementary oxygenation (P = .0013). Systolic blood pressures following insertion of laryngoscope were higher (159.5 vs. 145 mmHg) and postoperative diastolic pressures were lower (68.5 vs. 76.5 mmHg) in fully apneic cases than intubated cases. No differences existed between frequencies of complications.

Conclusions

This study compares intubated, intermittently apneic, and fully apneic surgeries. No statistically significant differences were noted in comorbid conditions. While intraoperative hemodynamic fluctuations were more pronounced in the fully apneic cohort, and oxygenation distributions were lower in the AAIV cohort, no significant differences existed between events and complications. Apneic techniques are as safe and effective as traditional intubation.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2773–2781, 2021
High Molar Mass Polycarbonate via Dynamic Solution Transcarbonation Using Bis(methyl salicyl) Carbonate, an Activated Carbonate
Authors: Aerts Annelore , Kroonen Camiel , Kamps Jan Henk , Sijbesma Rint P. , Heuts Johan P. A.
Published: August 2021

High molar mass polycarbonate is synthesized via a solution transcarbonation of bis(methyl salicyl) carbonate and bisphenol‐A at temperatures between 60 and 160 °C without the removal of the condensate, allowing the incorporation of thermosensitive monomers into polycarbonate. Kinetic and equilibrium studies show that the polymerization is 20–30 times faster at 120 °C compared to 60 °C, whereas the equilibrium Mw increases from 11 × 103 g mol−1 at 120 °C to 16 × 103 g mol−1 at 60 °C. This polycondensation is characterized by very high equilibrium constants ranging from 0.8 × 103 at 160 °C to 4.1 × 103 at 60 °C, corresponding to standard enthalpies and entropies of polymerization: −19 kJ mol−1 < ΔH0 < −11 kJ mol−1 and 13 J mol−1 K−1 < ΔS0 < 28 J mol−1 K−1. Without removal of the condensate, the system is shown to be dynamic and completely reversible when changing the temperature. Good predictability of this polycondensation is reported, where only at very low starting monomer concentrations, the formation of cyclics leads to deviations from the predicted behavior.
The Cholinergic Brain in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Pasquini Jacopo , Brooks David J. , Pavese Nicola
Published: August 2021

The central cholinergic system includes the basal forebrain nuclei, mainly projecting to the cortex, the mesopontine tegmental nuclei, mainly projecting to the thalamus and subcortical structures, and other groups of projecting neurons and interneurons. This system regulates many functions of human behavior such as cognition, locomotion, and sleep. In Parkinson's disease (PD), disruption of central cholinergic transmission has been associated with cognitive decline, gait problems, freezing of gait (FOG), falls, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), neuropsychiatric manifestations, and olfactory dysfunction. Neuropathological and neuroimaging evidence suggests that basal forebrain pathology occurs simultaneously with nigrostriatal denervation, whereas pathology in the pontine nuclei may occur before the onset of motor symptoms. These studies have also detailed the clinical implications of cholinergic dysfunction in PD. Degeneration of basal forebrain nuclei and consequential cortical cholinergic denervation are associated with and may predict the subsequent development of cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Gait problems, FOG, and falls are associated with a complex dysfunction of both pontine and basal forebrain nuclei. Olfactory impairment is associated with cholinergic denervation of the limbic archicortex, specifically hippocampus and amygdala. Available evidence suggests that cholinergic dysfunction, alongside failure of the dopaminergic and other neurotransmitters systems, contributes to the generation of a specific set of clinical manifestations. Therefore, a “cholinergic phenotype” can be identified in people presenting with cognitive decline, falls, and RBD. In this review, we will summarize the organization of the central cholinergic system and the clinical correlates of cholinergic dysfunction in PD.
Results and interpretation of a fitting challenge for MR spectroscopy set up by the MRS study group of ISMRM
Authors: Marjańska Małgorzata , Deelchand Dinesh K. , Kreis Roland ,   the 2016 ISMRM MRS Study Group Fitting Challenge Team
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Fitting of MRS data plays an important role in the quantification of metabolite concentrations. Many different spectral fitting packages are used by the MRS community. A fitting challenge was set up to allow comparison of fitting methods on the basis of performance and robustness.

Methods

Synthetic data were generated for 28 datasets. Short‐echo time PRESS spectra were simulated using ideal pulses for the common metabolites at mostly near‐normal brain concentrations. Macromolecular contributions were also included. Modulations of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR); lineshape type and width; concentrations of γ‐aminobutyric acid, glutathione, and macromolecules; and inclusion of artifacts and lipid signals to mimic tumor spectra were included as challenges to be coped with.

Results

Twenty‐six submissions were evaluated. Visually, most fit packages performed well with mostly noise‐like residuals. However, striking differences in fit performance were found with bias problems also evident for well‐known packages. In addition, often error bounds were not appropriately estimated and deduced confidence limits misleading. Soft constraints as used in LCModel were found to substantially influence the fitting results and their dependence on SNR.

Conclusions

Substantial differences were found for accuracy and precision of fit results obtained by the multiple fit packages.
Impact of nationwide essential trace element shortages: A before‐after, single‐center analysis of hospitalized adults receiving home parenteral nutrition therapy
Authors: Zhang Bin , Yeh D. Dante , Ortiz‐Reyes Luis Alfonso , Chang Yuchiao , Quraishi Sadeq A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Recent data on the prevalence of essential trace element (ETE) deficiencies in home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients are scarce. We investigated whether ETE deficiencies are still an important issue for HPN patients and whether the prevalence of such deficiencies may be influenced by nationwide drug shortages.

Methods

We conducted a single‐institution, retrospective analysis from 2006 to 2015 of hospitalized HPN patients who continued PN during and in between hospitalizations. In subgroup analysis, patients were dichotomized as those with HPN duration <1 vs ≥1 year. Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) levels were abstracted for patients over the study period. Prevalence of ETE deficiency was compared using chi‐squared test for patients hospitalized during nonshortage vs shortage (2011–2014) periods.

Results

Ninety‐six patients were included in the analysis. Prevalence of ETE deficiency during nonshortage vs shortage periods was 48% vs 54% (Zn), 15% vs 21% (Cu), and 24% vs 48% (Se; P = .01), respectively. When comparing patients who received HPN <1 year vs ≥1 year, the prevalence of Se deficiency doubled during shortage in both subgroups (24% to 42% vs 26% to 49%); and Cu deficiency tripled during shortage period in the group receiving HPN ≥1 year (5% to 16%).

Conclusion

ETE deficiency is prevalent in hospitalized HPN patients and was exacerbated during nationwide shortages of parenteral supplements. Statistical significance may be limited by small sample size. Future studies are needed to determine optimal ETE supplementation strategies for minimizing the impacts of nationwide drug shortages on HPN patients.
Family members’ experiences with the spiritual care of older people living with dementia in nursing homes: A phenomenological hermeneutical study
Authors: Mlinar Reljić Nataša , Fekonja Zvonka , Kmetec Sergej , McSherry Wilfred , Kores Plesničar Blanka , Pajnkihar Majda
Published: August 2021

Aim

To illuminate family members experiences with the spiritual care provided to their family members living with dementia in nursing homes.

Design

A qualitative research design utilizing phenomenological hermeneutical approach.

Methods

Data were gathered by conducting twelve in‐depth interviews with family members of older people living with dementia in nursing homes and analysed using the phenomenological hermeneutical analysis. The COREQ guidance was used for reporting of this study.

Results

Finding revealed that family members were worried and fearful when nursing care was routinely provided with little consideration given to spiritual needs and lacking compassion. Findings affirm that “riendliness” is an essential aspect of respectful caring from the family members' perspective. Family members want compassionate, loving, caring and dignified nursing care for their relative living with dementia in the nursing homes.
Do trained nurses feel more psychologically safe?—Results from a multi‐level modelling approach
Authors: Seibert Melissa , Pfaff Holger , Scholten Nadine , Kuntz Ludwig
Published: August 2021

Aim

To analyse the associations between a nurse's psychological safety and her/his additional training.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey conducted between September 2015 and August 2016.

Methods

A multi‐level modelling approach was used considering unit membership. We used data from 1,239 questionnaires completed by nurses on 75 different German neonatal intensive care units, and 75 questionnaires completed by the corresponding leading nurse.

Results

We found the additional managerial training as a charge nurse to be a positive predictor for psychological safety (β = .346, p ≤ .05). Surprisingly, the additional clinical training in paediatric intensive care is negatively associated with psychological safety (β = −.192, p ≤ .01). Our model estimates that this negative association can be inhibited if the team's share of nurses with an additional clinical training increases (β = .313, p ≤ .05).
The utilization of birds at neolithic WF16, southern Jordan: Cut marks, body parts, and experimental skinning
Authors: White Judith , Khoury Fares , Greet Ben , Mithen Steven
Published: August 2021

WF16 is an early Neolithic settlement in southern Jordan with a large bird bone assemblage (Number of Identified Specimens [NISP] = 7808), representing 18 families. We explore how the birds were utilized by considering cut marks and body part representation for each of the families represented, also drawing on the experimental skinning of buzzards, the most common bird in the assemblage. We conclude that the bird bones accumulated from a mix of activities including the exploitation of a seasonally abundant supply of migratory birds for food; the acquisition of skins, feathers and talons for decorative, symbolic and practical purposes; and the trapping of wildfowl and gamebirds as a supplementary food source to large mammals.
Microvascular differences in individuals with obesity at risk of developing cardiovascular disease
Authors: van der Velden Anouk I. M. , van den Berg Bernard M. , de Mutsert Renée , van der Vlag Johan , Jukema J. Wouter , Rosendaal Frits R. , Rabelink Ton J. , Vink Hans
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study aimed to investigate microvascular differences in individuals with obesity at risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study, participant sublingual microcirculation was assessed with a newly developed GlycoCheck software (Microvascular Health Solutions Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah), which integrates red blood cell velocity within the smallest capillaries (4‐7 µm) and feed vessels (>10 µm). Framingham Risk Score was used to calculate 10‐year cardiovascular risk, divided into low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups. ANOVA was used to evaluate microvascular differences among the groups.

Results

A total of 813 participants were included. The high‐risk group (n = 168) was characterized by differences in the microvasculature compared with the low‐risk group (n = 392): the high‐risk group had a 49% reduction in the number of smallest capillaries and a 9.1‐µm/s (95% CI: 5.2‐12.9) higher red blood cell velocity in the feed vessels. No differences in velocity‐corrected perfused boundary regions were found.

Conclusions

It was observed that, with adding red blood cell velocity to the software, sidestream dark field imaging is able to detect microcirculatory differences in a cohort of individuals with obesity at risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
Melt electrowriting of poly(vinylidene difluoride) using a heated collector
Authors: Kade Juliane C. , Otto Paul F. , Luxenhofer Robert , Dalton Paul D.
Published: August 2021

Previous research on the melt electrowriting (MEW) of poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) resulted in electroactive fibers, however, printing more than five layers is challenging. Here, we investigate the influence of a heated collector to adjust the solidification rate of the PVDF jet so that it adheres sufficiently to each layer. A collector temperature of 110°C is required to improve fiber processing, resulting in a total of 20 fiber layers. For higher temperatures and higher layers, an interesting phenomenon occurred, where the intersection points of the fibers coalesced into periodic spheres of diameter 206 ± 52 μm (26G, 150°C collector temperature, 2000 mm/min, 10 layers in x‐ and y‐direction).The heated collector is an important component of a MEW printer that allows polymers with a high melting point to be processable with increased layers.
Infiltration of NK and plasma cells is associated with a distinct immune subset in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Backman Max , La Fleur Linnéa , Kurppa Pinja , Djureinovic Dijana , Elfving Hedvig , Brunnström Hans , Mattsson Johanna Sofia Margareta , Lindberg Amanda , Pontén Victor , Eltahir Mohamed , Mangsbo Sara , Gulyas Miklos , Isaksson Johan , Jirström Karin , Kärre Klas , Leandersson Karin , Mezheyeuski Artur , Pontén Fredrik , Strell Carina , Lindskog Cecilia , Botling Johan , Micke Patrick
Published: August 2021

Immune cells of the tumor microenvironment are central but erratic targets for immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to characterize novel patterns of immune cell infiltration in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in relation to its molecular and clinicopathologic characteristics. Lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, FOXP3+, CD45RO+), macrophages (CD163+), plasma cells (CD138+), NK cells (NKp46+), PD1+, and PD‐L1+ were annotated on a tissue microarray including 357 NSCLC cases. Somatic mutations were analyzed by targeted sequencing for 82 genes and a tumor mutational load score was estimated. Transcriptomic immune patterns were established in 197 patients based on RNA sequencing data. The immune cell infiltration was variable and showed only poor association with specific mutations. The previously defined immune phenotypic patterns, desert, inflamed, and immune excluded, comprised 30, 13, and 57% of cases, respectively. Notably, mRNA immune activation and high estimated tumor mutational load were unique only for the inflamed pattern. However, in the unsupervised cluster analysis, including all immune cell markers, these conceptual patterns were only weakly reproduced. Instead, four immune classes were identified: (1) high immune cell infiltration, (2) high immune cell infiltration with abundance of CD20+ B cells, (3) low immune cell infiltration, and (4) a phenotype with an imprint of plasma cells and NK cells. This latter class was linked to better survival despite exhibiting low expression of immune response‐related genes (e.g. CXCL9, GZMB, INFG, CTLA4). This compartment‐specific immune cell analysis in the context of the molecular and clinical background of NSCLC reveals two previously unrecognized immune classes. A refined immune classification, including traits of the humoral and innate immune response, is important to define the immunogenic potency of NSCLC in the era of immunotherapy. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.