bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Small‐Molecule Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based Dye for in vivo NIR‐IIa Fluorescence Bioimaging
Authors: Yang Zhicheng , Fan Xiaoxiao , Li He , Li Xinsheng , Li Sifan , Zhang Zhiyun , Lin Hui , Qian Jun , Hua Jianli
Published: August 2021

Organic small‐molecule fluorophores with near‐infrared IIa (NIR‐IIa) emission have great potential in pre‐clinical detection and inoperative imaging due to the high‐spatial resolution and deep penetration. However, developments of the NIR‐IIa fluorophores are still facing considerable challenges. In this work, a series of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐based fluorophores were designed and synthesized. Subsequently, nanomaterial T25@F127 with significant NIR‐IIa emission properties was rationally prepared by encapsulating DPP‐based fluorophore T25, and was selected for fluorescence angiography and cerebral vascular microscopic imaging with nearly 800 μm penetrating depth and excellent signal‐background ratio of 4.07 and 2.26 (at 250 and 400 μm), respectively. Furthermore, the nanomaterial T25@cRGD with tumor targeting ability can image tiny metastatic tumor on intestine with a small size of 0.3 mm×1.0 mm and high‐spatial resolution (SBR=3.84). This study demonstrates that the nanomaterials which encapsulated T25 behave as excellent NIR‐IIa fluorescence imaging agents and have a great potential for in vivo biological application.
Tonotopic distribution and inferior colliculus projection pattern of inhibitory and excitatory cell types in the lateral superior olive of Mongolian gerbils
Authors: Mellott Jeffrey G. , Dhar Matasha , Mafi Amir , Tokar Nick , Winters Bradley D.
Published: August 2021

Sound localization critically relies on brainstem neurons that compare information from the two ears. The conventional role of the lateral superior olive (LSO) is extraction of intensity differences; however, it is increasingly clear that relative timing, especially of transients, is also an important function. Cellular diversity within the LSO that is not well understood may underlie its multiple roles. There are glycinergic inhibitory and glutamatergic excitatory principal neurons in the LSO, however, there is some disagreement regarding their relative distribution and projection pattern. Here we employ in situ hybridization to definitively identify transmitter types combined with retrograde labeling of projections to the inferior colliculus (IC) to address these questions. Excitatory LSO neurons were more numerous (76%) than inhibitory ones. A smaller proportion of inhibitory neurons were IC‐projecting (45% vs. 64% for excitatory) suggesting that inhibitory LSO neurons may have more projections to other regions such the lateral lemniscus or more distributed IC projections. Inhibitory LSO neurons almost exclusively projected ipsilaterally making up a sizeable proportion (41%) of the transmitter type‐labeled ipsilateral IC projection from LSO and exhibited a moderate low frequency bias (10% difference H‐L). Two thirds of excitatory neurons projected contralaterally and had a slight high frequency bias (4%). One third of excitatory LSO neurons projected ipsilaterally to the IC and these cells were strongly biased toward the low frequency limb of the LSO (37%). This projection appears to be species specific in animals with good low frequency hearing suggesting that it may be a specialization for such ability.
Entropy‐Bounded Solutions to the One‐Dimensional Heat Conductive Compressible Navier‐Stokes Equations with Far Field Vacuum
Authors: Li Jinkai , Xin Zhouping
Published: August 2021

In the presence of vacuum, the physical entropy for polytropic gases behave singularly, and it is thus a challenge to study its dynamics. It is shown in this paper that the boundedness of the entropy can be propagated up to any finite time provided that the initial vacuum presents only at far fields with sufficiently slow decay of the initial density. More precisely, for the Cauchy problem of the one‐dimensional heat conductive compressible Navier‐Stokes equations, the global well‐posedness of strong solutions and uniform boundedness of the corresponding entropy are established, as long as the initial density vanishes only at far fields with a rate no more than . The main tools of proving the uniform boundedness of the entropy are some singularly weighted energy estimates carefully designed for the heat conductive compressible Navier‐Stokes equations and an elaborate De Giorgi type iteration technique for some classes of degenerate parabolic equations. The De Giorgi–type iterations are carried out to different equations in establishing the lower and upper bounds of the entropy. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Formation of Titanium Nitride, Titanium Carbide, and Silicon Carbide Surfaces by High Power Femtosecond Laser Treatment
Authors: Fedorov Rostislav , Lederle Felix , Li Mingji , Olszok Vinzent , Wöbbeking Karl , Schade Wolfgang , Hübner Eike G.
Published: August 2021

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Prof. Eike G. Hübner at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI, Goslar and Clausthal University of Technology, Clausthal‐Zellerfeld, Germany. The cover picture shows a titanium plate, on which the crystal structure (golden circle=Ti, blue circle=O/N/C) of isomorphous TiO, TiN or TiC, respectively, has been engraved by a high‐power high pulse repetition rate femtosecond laser process. The process allows for a fast and spatially resolved surface transformation of titanium to golden TiN, blue TiO/TiO2 or black TiC in an atmosphere of nitrogen, air or ethene/argon. The background represents a typical surface microstructure of these interstitial compounds obtained during this transformation. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.202100118.
Dormancy attributes in sunflower achenes (Helianthus annuusL.): I. Intraspecific variability
Authors: Arata Gonzalo J. , Riveira‐Rubin Mailén A. , Batlla Diego , Rodríguez María Verónica
Published: August 2021

Cultivated sunflowers (Helianthus annuusL.) display variable degrees of achene dormancy at harvest and persistence during storage, interfering with high‐quality hybrid seed production. Information on intraspecific variability for dormancy among cultivated sunflowers is scarce and was the subject of this work. A set of 21 sunflower genotypes of diverse origins (18 crop and 3 wild) was used for phenotyping dormancy traits. Experimental data included achene and embryo germination at different incubation temperatures, in water or abscisic acid (ABA), and different storage times postharvest. Multivariate analyses produced dormancy groups differing mostly in their patterns for dormancy expression along the thermal range and their dormancy release rate. The observed variability was interpreted as resulting from the overlap of two mechanisms: low temperature‐expressed dormancy (LTED), common to all genotypes; and thermo‐inhibition (TI) at high incubation temperatures, exclusive to some genotypes. Embryo responsiveness to ABA varied among genotypes and was positively related to LTED and TI, supporting that both responses share a common regulatory pathway operating in the embryo. We show that there is considerable intraspecific variability for dormancy attributes among cultivated sunflowers.
Opportunities and Limitations of Ionic Liquid‐ and Organic Carbonate Solvent‐Based Electrolytes for Mg‐Ion‐Based Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Küpers Verena , Dohmann Jan Frederik , Bieker Peter , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias , Kolek Martin
Published: August 2021

Dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) offer a great alternative to state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries, based on their high promises due to the absence of transition metals and the use of low‐cost materials, which could make them economically favorable targeting stationary energy storage applications. In addition, they are not limited by certain metal cations, and DIBs with a broad variety of utilized ions could be demonstrated over the last years. Herein, a systematic study of different electrolyte approaches for Mg‐ion‐based DIBs was conducted. A side‐by‐side comparison of Li‐ and Mg‐ion‐based electrolytes using activated carbon as negative electrode revealed the opportunities but also limitations of Mg‐ion‐based DIBs. Ethylene sulfite was successfully introduced as electrolyte additive and increased the specific discharge capacity significantly up to 93±2 mAh g−1 with coulombic efficiencies over 99 % and an excellent capacity retention of 88 % after 400 cycles. In addition, and for the first time, highly concentrated carbonate‐based electrolytes were employed for Mg‐ion‐based DIBs, showing adequate discharge capacities and high coulombic efficiencies.
Performance of a 50‐gene next generation sequencing panel with post‐centrifuge supernatant cytology fluid in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Tafoya Marissa , Judd Andrew , Chiotti Kelsey , Dearen Karen , Jiron Kassandra , Chabot‐Richards Devon , Broehm Cory J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Liquid based cytology (LBC) specimens are increasingly utilized for molecular analysis, as results are comparable to molecular analysis performed on traditional specimens (biopsy or cell block). However, there are few studies demonstrating the long‐term viability of DNA in LBC samples.

Methods

In this study, a 50‐gene next generation sequencing (NGS) panel was performed on DNA isolated from post‐centrifuged supernatant LBC samples of cases of non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma. Comparison was made to results of an identical NGS panel performed on a concurrent clinical sample (biopsy or cell block). Quality parameters including DNA concentration, total reads, amplicons with reads under 450 and 350, and variant allele fraction were also compared. For a subset of LBC samples, DNA was isolated after being held for varying extended lengths of time after collection (up to 41 days) at 5°C and results compared.

Results

Results of NGS mutation analysis were concordant between LBC samples and clinical samples. DNA concentration was on average higher in the LBC samples compared to the clinical samples. The remaining metrics were more variable, but illustrated the adequacy of LBC samples for NGS testing. DNA isolated from LBC samples held for longer periods of time was of good concentration. NGS analysis was successfully performed on all samples, with concordance with results of clinical samples.

Conclusion

DNA isolated directly from LBC fluid is suitable for NGS analysis. DNA is also stable in LBC preservative for extended periods of time before isolation and NGS analysis can subsequently be successfully performed.
An inducible Cldn11‐CreERT2 mouse line for selective targeting of lymphatic valves
Authors: Ortsäter Henrik , Hernández‐Vásquez Magda N. , Ulvmar Maria H. , Gow Alexander , Mäkinen Taija
Published: August 2021

Luminal valves of collecting lymphatic vessels are critical for maintaining unidirectional flow of lymph and their dysfunction underlies several forms of primary lymphedema. Here, we report on the generation of a transgenic mouse expressing the tamoxifen inducible CreERT2 under the control of Cldn11 promoter that allows, for the first time, selective and temporally controlled targeting of lymphatic valve endothelial cells. We show that within the vasculature CLDN11 is specifically expressed in lymphatic valves but is not required for their development as mice with a global loss of Cldn11 display normal valves in the mesentery. Tamoxifen treated Cldn11‐CreERT2 mice also carrying a fluorescent Cre‐reporter displayed reporter protein expression selectively in lymphatic valves and, to a lower degree, in venous valves. Analysis of developing vasculature further showed that Cldn11‐CreERT2‐mediated recombination is induced during valve leaflet formation, and efficient labeling of valve endothelial cells was observed in mature valves. The Cldn11‐CreERT2 mouse thus provides a valuable tool for functional studies of valves.
The importance of small natural features in forests—How the overgrowth of forest gaps affects indigenous flower supply and flower‐visiting insects and seed sets of six Campanula species
Authors: Braun‐Reichert Ralf , Rubanschi Sven , Poschlod Peter
Published: August 2021

The abandonment of historical land‐use forms within forests, such as grazing or coppicing, and atmospheric nitrogen deposition, has led to an increasing overgrowth of forest gaps and canopy closure in forest ecosystems of Central Europe. From 1945 to 2015, 81% of the forest gaps greater than 150 m2 within the study area transitioned into a closed forest.

This study investigated how the overgrowth process affects flower supply, flower visitors, and reproduction of Campanula species. Six native Campanula species with different light requirements were used as phytometers.

The forest gaps in the studied area are a feature of the historical European cultural landscape. We compared large gaps caused by human activities, small gaps caused by habitat conditions, and closed forests. In eight blocked replicates, each with the three habitat categories, we recorded the flower cover and number of indigenous flowering species in the immediate surroundings, and, of six Campanula species, flower visitors and seed production.

Forest gaps and their size positively affected the number of flowering plant species in the surrounding area, the number of all flower visitor groups, and the number of seeds produced by all six Campanula species. Flower cover in the surrounding area was higher in large gaps, but there was no difference between small gaps and closed forests. Among flower visitors, small bees varied the most between the three habitat categories, and flies varied the least. The effect on the number of seeds produced was particularly strong for three light‐demanding Campanula species.

The overgrowth of forest gaps negatively affected flower supply, flower‐visiting insects, and seed sets of six Campanula species. Forest gaps should be managed to maintain the reproduction of open forest plants and their pollinators.
Birth of Australopithecus
Authors: Madison Paige , Wood Bernard
Published: August 2021

The announcement of a fossilized child's skull discovered in a quarry in 1924 sub‐Saharan Africa might not have seemed destined to be a classic paper. This contribution focuses on anatomist Raymond Dart's 1925 paper in which he designated the Taungs skull the type specimen of Australopithecus africanus. We combine an account of Dart's training and experience, with a telling of the fossil's discovery, analysis, the initial response of a mostly skeptical community, and a review of subsequent discoveries that consolidated the case Dart made for a hitherto unknown human close relative. Dart's paper presented evidence that confirmed the prescience of Charles Darwin's prediction that Africa was the birthplace of modern humans. The Taungs skull's unique mix of great ape and human attributes eventually led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of human evolution.
Communicative gestures in 7–12‐month infants: A phylogenetic comparative approach
Authors: Rodrigues Evelina D. , Marôco João , Frota Sónia
Published: August 2021

Different methodologies applied in human and non‐human primate studies limit the comparisons that can be made. The early communicative gestures of 10 children between 7 and 12 months were analysed using a descriptive approach usually found in non‐human primate studies. Silent‐visual gestures were the most used, followed by contact and audible gestures. The use of the different modalities of gestures did not differ with the infants' gender or age, unlike findings from studies on great apes. However, signalers chose different gestural sensory modalities according to the attentional state of the audience, similarly to other great apes: more silent‐visual gestures were used when the visual attention of the recipient is present. Thus, intentionality in gestural communication was not only detected through behavioural cues but also supported by the use of different strategies according to the attentional state of the recipient. Importantly, this study suggests that human infants consider the attentional state of their partners during communication earlier in ontogeny than previously thought.
U.S. and Finnish high school science engagement during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Maestrales Sarah , Marias Dezendorf Rachel , Tang Xin , Salmela‐Aro Katariina , Bartz Kayla , Juuti Kalle , Lavonen Jari , Krajcik Joseph , Schneider Barbara
Published: August 2021

When the COVID‐19 pandemic struck, research teams in the United States and Finland were collaborating on a study to improve adolescent academic engagement in chemistry and physics and the impact remote teaching on academic, social, and emotional learning. The ongoing “Crafting Engaging Science Environments” (CESE) intervention afforded a rare data collection opportunity. In the United States, students were surveyed at the beginning of the school year and again in May, providing information for the same 751 students from before and during the pandemic. In Finland, 203 students were surveyed during remote learning. Findings from both countries during this period of remote learning revealed that students' academic engagement was positively correlated with participation in hands‐on, project‐based lessons. In Finland, results showed that situational engagement occurred in only 4.7% of sampled cases. In the United States, students show that academic engagement, primarily the aspect of challenge, was enhanced during remote learning. Engagement was in turn correlated with positive socioemotional constructs related to science learning. The study's findings emphasise the importance of finding ways to ensure equitable opportunities for students to participate in project‐based activities when learning remotely.
Whole tumor cell vaccines engineered to secrete GM‐CSF (GVAX)
Authors: Soiffer Robert J. , Kooshesh Kameron A. , Ho Vincent
Published: August 2021

Generation of immunity against cancer through vaccination has long been an elusive goal for tumor immunologists. Putative candidates for vaccination targets include oncofetal antigens, viral antigens, neoantigens, and differentiation antigens. The first attempts at cancer vaccination used injections of whole autologous tumor cells. However, these unmodified tumor cells did not engender a robust immune response. Subsequent efforts were focused at enhancing the immunogenicity of whole autologous tumor cell vaccines through genetic modification, often through virally mediated transduction of genes encoding immunostimulatory molecules. Of many immunostimulatory cytokines evaluated in the context of gene‐modified tumor cell vaccines, granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) emerged as the most potent in generating protective antitumor immunity. Vaccination using irradiated, GM‐CSF producing tumor cells (GVAX) consistently induced antitumor immunity across several experimental tumor models. The term GVAX can connote GM‐CSF secreting cell vaccines prepared with different vectors as well as vector targets including autologous tumor cells, allogeneic tumor cell lines, and bystander third party tumor cells lines. GVAX has been evaluated against solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and in the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. GVAX has been extensively studied in clinical trials, both alone and in conjunction with lymphodepleting chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and other vaccines.
Comparing conventional aerification practices with the core recycler
Authors: Henry Gerald , Bowling William Jackson , Tucker Kevin
Published: August 2021

Conventional aerification practices on putting greens involve soil core removal followed by sand topdressing, whereas the core recycler reutilizes sand from cores to replenish the soil. Recycling cores may reduce topdressing inputs, sustain plant and microbial activity, and increase fertilizer use efficiency. Research was conducted on a ‘Mini Verde’ ultradwarf bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] putting green established on a sand‐based profile meeting US Golf Association (USGA) specifications at the University of Georgia's golf course during summer in 2017. Treatments were arranged in an incomplete split‐block design; the main block was aerification method (conventional or core recycler) and the subplots were fertilizer treatments. The putting green was halved, with one side aerified to 7.6 cm with a hollow‐tine aerifier. Topdressing sand was applied at a rate of 237 m3 ha–1. The second half was aerified to the same specifications (cores not removed), topdressed at 118 m3 ha–1 (50% of the conventional rate), and passed over with the core recycler. We hypothesized that the aerification method and N fertility would influence organic matter (OM) content, carbon efflux, root biomass, turf color (TC), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The core recycler produced a greater OM percentage and change in root biomass than conventional aerification, which may be associated with higher TC and NDVI ratings in response to the core recycler treatment. However, OM retention may increase hydrophobic soil conditions and decrease putting green firmness, so rotating the core recycler with alternative techniques is warranted.
Prognostic value of right ventricular echocardiographic measures in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Lundorff Ingrid Josefine , Sengeløv Morten , Pedersen Sune , Modin Daniel , Bruun Niels Eske , Fritz‐Hansen Thomas , Biering‐Sørensen Tor , Godsk Jørgensen Peter
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with poor outcome in patients with heart failure. In order to better predict mortality in this patient group we wanted to compare the prognostic value of conventional and advanced RV echocardiographic measures.

Methods

Echocardiographic examinations were retrieved from 701 patients. End point was all‐cause mortality and follow‐up 100%. RV parameters were measured offline in accordance with current guidelines. Speckle tracking was derived using the algorithm originally designed for the left ventricle.

Results

During follow‐up (median: 39 months) 118 patients (16.8%) died. RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV free wall strain (FWS) remained associated with mortality after multivariable adjustment independent of Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (RV GLS: HR 1.07, 95%CI 1.02–1.13, p = 0.010, per 1% decrease) (RV FWS: HR 1.05, 95%CI 1.01–1.09, p = 0.010, per 1% decrease). This seemed to be caused by significant associations in men. All RV estimates provided prognostic information incremental to established risk factors and significantly increased C‐statistics.

Conclusions

RV GLS and FWS were associated with mortality in HFrEF patients after multivariable adjustment independent of TAPSE. TAPSE, however, remained as the strongest prognosticator in women. More research is needed to identify whether speckle tracking could be superior to conventional RV measures in identifying HFrEF patients with poor outcome.
Exogenous loading of miRNAs into small extracellular vesicles
Authors: de Abreu Ricardo C. , Ramos Cristiana V. , Becher Clarissa , Lino Miguel , Jesus Carlos , da Costa Martins Paula A. , Martins Patrícia A. T. , Moreno Maria João , Fernandes Hugo , Ferreira Lino
Published: August 2021

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), through their natural ability to interact with biological membranes and exploit endogenous processing pathways to convey biological information, are quintessential for the delivery of therapeutically relevant compounds, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins. Here, we used a fluorescently‐labelled miRNA to quantify the efficiency of different methods to modulate the cargo of sEVs. Our results showed that, compared with electroporation, heat shock, permeation by a detergent‐based compound (saponin) or cholesterol‐modification of the miRNA, Exo‐Fect was the most efficient method with > 50% transfection efficiency. Furthermore, qRT‐PCR data showed that, compared with native sEVs, Exo‐Fect modulation led to a > 1000‐fold upregulation of the miRNA of interest. Importantly, this upregulation was observed for sEVs isolated from multiple sources. The modulated sEVs were able to delivery miR‐155‐5p into a reporter cell line, confirming the successful delivery of the miRNA to the target cell and, more importantly, its functionality. Finally, we showed that the membrane of Exo‐Fect‐loaded sEVs was altered compared with native sEVs and that enhanced the internalization of Exo‐Fect‐loaded sEVs within the target cells and decreased the interaction of those modulated sEVs with lysosomes.
Spatial and temporal changes in dry spells in a Mediterranean area: Tuscany (central Italy), 1955–2017
Authors: Bartolini Giorgio , Betti Giulio , Gozzini Bernardo , Iannuccilli Maurizio , Magno Ramona , Messeri Gianni , Spolverini Niccolò , Torrigiani Tommaso , Vallorani Roberto , Grifoni Daniele
Published: August 2021

Global change affects precipitation and small modifications in rainfall regimes could compromise water availability, especially in areas characterized by a strong seasonality and a climate ranging from dry sub‐humid to semi‐arid. Drought, in particular, is a creeping phenomenon defined as an important temporary decrease in water availability below the expected value in a certain period and a specific area. Among the different methodologies for analysing drought periods, one of the most used is the evaluation of dry spells. The aim of this study is to investigate spatial and temporal changes in dry spells in Tuscany during the period 1955–2017, by using daily precipitation data. Changes in the number of dry days, maximum duration and 75th percentile of the duration of the dry spells were investigated. Three precipitation thresholds were selected: 1, 5 and 10 mm. The analyses were carried out at annual, September–May, September–November and December–May level. Theil–Sen nonparametric method was used to estimate the slope; Mann–Kendall test and a modification of it, which applies a trend‐free pre‐whitening (TFPW) method to the series having a serial correlation, were applied to look for statistically significant trends. The drought indicators showed increasing trends (some significant) especially at December–May and to a lesser extent at the annual and September–May level; the most pronounced increases were found in the southernmost areas of Tuscany. During September–November period, on the other hand, a prevalence of decreasing trends (rarely significant), with less pronounced decreases in the south of the region, were observed. Mediterranean area is considered a climate change “hot‐spot” from the viewpoint of vulnerability. An increase in long‐lasting dry spells, especially in southern Tuscany, can exacerbate the problems linked to water management and demand.
Embracing Complexity and Context to Improve Science Communication
Authors: Jakopak Rhiannon P. , Western Jessica , Monteith Kevin L.
Published: July 2021

Members of the public play a primary role in successful implementation of wildlife management plans, making communication between scientists and the public a vital component of wildlife management. Although there is substantial public interest in the health of ungulate populations, stakeholder perspectives can vary widely, rendering a single approach to communication ineffective. To improve science communication, we characterized perspectives regarding issues negatively affecting mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in Wyoming, USA. We used Q methodology, a mixed quantitative‐qualitative approach where participants ranked a series of statements followed by semi‐structured interviews, to identify shared perspectives. We interviewed individuals (n = 37) representing prominent stakeholder groups (e.g., ranchers, hunters, conservation non‐profits) in Wyoming. We identified 3 perspectives (52% of variance explained) that captured shared views regarding what factors are negatively affecting mule deer: bottom‐up (n = 17 participants; 26% variance), human contributions (n = 9; 14% variance), and top‐down (n = 8; 12% variance) perspectives. Most participants shared the idea that mule deer are being negatively affected, but participants diverged in views as to the primary issues. Perspectives ranged from being focused on bottom‐up factors (e.g., habitat fragmentation, condition of winter ranges) to top‐down factors (e.g., predation, disease) to factors focused on human contributions (e.g., human activity, public and political interests). Based on how participants diverged in perspectives and their interest in mule deer management, we discuss opportunities for scientists to improve communication by incorporating ecological complexity and nuance, moving towards a 2‐way dialogue of communication, and sharing their own first‐hand experiences in future communications with stakeholders. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of femoral head through miR‐206/HIF‐1α/BNIP3 axis
Authors: Zhang Shen‐Yao , Wang Fan , Zeng Xiang‐Jing , Huang Zhen , Dong Ke‐Fang
Published: August 2021

Declining autophagy and rising apoptosis are the main factors driving the development of steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH). Here, we showed that astragalus polysaccharide (APS) improved femoral head necrosis via regulation of cell autophagy and apoptosis through microRNA (miR)‐206/hypoxia inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1α)/BCL2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) axis. The expression of miR‐206, HIF‐1α, and BNIP3 in SONFH specimens and cell model were measured using qPCR. SONFH cell model was treated with APS. Cell autophagy was evaluated using LC3‐immunofluorescence assays. Flow cytometry was conducted to assess cell apoptosis. Apoptosis‐related proteins and autophagy‐related proteins were determined using western blot. Besides, dual‐luciferase reporter assay was employed to investigate the relationship between miR‐206 and HIF‐1α. Here we showed that miR‐206 expression was upregulated in SONFH tissues and cell model. APS promoted autophagy and inhibited apoptosis in SONFH cell model via downregulating miR‐206. What is more, HIF‐1α was the target of miR‐206. Knockdown of HIF‐1α reversed the recovery effect of miR‐206 inhibitor on SONFH cell model. Furthermore, BNIP3 was the target of HIF‐1α. HIF‐1α overexpression promoted autophagy and inhibited apoptosis, and knockdown of BNIP3 abolished the recovery effect of HIF‐1α overexpression in SONFH cell model. These results provided evidence that APS reduced miR‐206 expression, and the downregulated miR‐206 increased BNIP3 expression by targeting HIF‐1α to promote autophagy and inhibit bone cell apoptosis. Our research proved that APS effectively improved SONFH by regulating cell autophagy and apoptosis.
Slide Tracheoplasty for Repair of Complex Tracheoesophageal Fistulas
Authors: Kennedy Aimee A. , Hart Catherine K. , de Alarcon Alessandro , Putnam Philip E. , von Allmen Daniel , Lehenbauer David , Bryant Roosevelt , Torres‐Silva Cherie , Rutter Michael J.
Published: August 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Repair of large, recurrent, and complex tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) is challenging and numerous different surgical approaches exist. These various techniques each carry a set of risks and possible complications such as fistula recurrence, tracheal stenosis or pouches, esophageal stenosis, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Slide tracheoplasty is a reconstructive technique successfully used in many different airway pathologies, including TEF repair. This study examines the success, limits, and complications related to slide tracheoplasty for repair of complex TEFs.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Patients undergoing TEF repair using a cervical or thoracic approach slide tracheoplasty, at a single institution, between July 2008 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, comorbidities, TEF etiology and surgical history, slide tracheoplasty details and outcomes, and postoperative complication data were examined using descriptive statistics.

Results

Twenty‐six patients underwent 27 slide tracheoplasties for TEF (20 cervical approaches, 7 thoracic approaches) with a mean age of 5.2 years (IQR 0.7–7.6) at time of surgery. The most common TEF etiologies included congenital (n = 13), tracheostomy tube erosion (n = 5), and button battery ingestion (n = 4). Fistulas ranged in size from <0.5 mm to 4 cm and 59% had previous endoscopic or open repairs. There were two TEF recurrences (7.4%), one of which was successfully revised and the other which was treated with stent placement. Postoperative complications included dehiscence (3.7%), unilateral vocal fold paralysis (3.7%), and mild tracheal stenosis (18.5%).

Conclusions

Slide tracheoplasty is an effective surgical technique for treating complex congenital and acquired TEFs with lower rates of complications when compared to other techniques.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:1542–1547, 2022
The Impact of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux on Occurrence and Clinical Course of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Gluvajić Daša , Šereg‐Bahar Maja , Jerin Aleš , Janša Rado , Hočevar‐Boltežar Irena
Published: August 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) has been proposed both as a trigger for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) onset and as a factor favoring an aggressive clinical course.

Study Design

In this prospective study, 106 participants were recruited within a period of 24 months at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana.

Methods

This study compared a group of RRP patients (N = 36) with a group of LPR patients (N = 28) and a group of healthy participants (N = 42) based on Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Reflux Finding Scores (RFS), and saliva analyses (pH, pepsin concentration, bile acid concentration, and pepsin enzymatic activity).

Results

The RRP group compared to the LPR group showed a statistically significant difference only in RSI and RFS scores, while the RRP group compared to healthy controls showed significantly higher values in all tested parameters (RSI score, RFS, saliva pH, pepsin concentration, bile acids concentration, pepsin enzymatic activity).

Conclusions

LPR is common in RRP patients and significantly more prevalent compared to healthy controls. Our results show that saliva analyses are a better office‐based tool than RSI questionnaires and RFS scores for diagnosing LPR in RRP patients.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:619–625, 2022
Three regularization methods for identifying the initial value of homogeneous anomalous secondary diffusion equation
Authors: Yang Fan , Wu Hang‐Hang , Li Xiao‐Xiao
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the inverse problem of initial value identification for homogeneous anomalous diffusion equation with Riemann‐Liouville fractional derivative in time is studied. We prove that this kind of problem is ill‐posed. We analyze the optimal error bound of the problem under the source condition and apply the quasi‐boundary regularization method, fractional Landweber iterative regularization method, and Landweber iterative regularization method to solve this inverse problem. Based on the results of conditional stability, the error estimates between the exact solution and the regular solution are given under the priori and posteriori regularization parameter selection rules. Finally, three examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of these methods.
Method for fast lipid reconstruction and removal processing in1H MRSI of the brain
Authors: Adany Peter , Choi In‐Young , Lee Phil
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To develop a new rapid spatial filtering method for lipid removal, fast lipid reconstruction and removal processing (FLIP), which selectively isolates and removes interfering lipid signals from outside the brain in a full‐FOV 2D MRSI and whole‐brain 3D echo planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI).

Theory and Methods

FLIP uses regularized least‐squares regression based on spatial prior information from MRI to selectively remove lipid signals originating from the scalp and measure the brain metabolite signals with minimum cross contamination. FLIP is a noniterative approach, thus allowing a rapid processing speed, and uses only spatial information without any spectral priors. The performance of FLIP was compared with the Papoulis‐Gerchberg algorithm (PGA), Hankel singular value decomposition (HSVD), and fast image reconstruction with L2 regularization (L2).

Results

FLIP in both 2D and 3D MRSI resulted in consistent metabolite quantification in a greater number of voxels with less concentration variation than other algorithms, demonstrating effective and robust lipid‐removal performance. The percentage of voxels that met quality criteria with FLIP, PGA, HSVD, and L2 processing were 90%, 57%, 29%, and 42% in 2D MRSI, and 80%, 75%, 76%, and 74% in 3D EPSI, respectively. The quantification results of full‐FOV MRSI using FLIP were comparable to those of volume‐localized MRSI, while allowing significantly increased spatial coverage. FLIP performed the fastest in 2D MRSI.

Conclusion

FLIP is a new lipid‐removal algorithm that promises fast and effective lipid removal with improved volume coverage in MRSI.
Modified Crohn's disease exclusion diet is equally effective as exclusive enteral nutrition: Real‐world data
Authors: Niseteo Tena , Sila Sara , Trivić Ivana , Mišak Zrinjka , Kolaček Sanja , Hojsak Iva
Published: August 2021

Background

Data on the efficacy of the newly established dietetic treatment of Crohn's disease (CD), the CD exclusion diet (CDED), are scarce. The aim of this study was to provide real‐world data on the efficacy of CDED in comparison with exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) for remission induction.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of children diagnosed with CD who were treated with CDED + partial EN (PEN) or with EEN was performed. Eighty percent of the children assigned to CDED + PEN underwent 1–2 weeks of EEN prior to CDED + PEN. For all children, data from the medical charts were extracted before the introduction of diet therapy and at the end of EEN or CDED + PEN phase 1.

Results

A total of 61 patients (49.2% females; median age, 14.4 years [minimum: 6.7, maximum: 17.9]) were included in the study; 42 children (68.9%) achieved remission, 27 of 41 (65.9%) received EEN and 15 of 20 (75.0%) received CDED + PEN. There was no significant difference in the failure of nutrition therapy between the two groups (P = .469). Patients receiving CDED + PEN had significantly higher weight gain (P = .002) and increases in body mass index z‐score (P = .001) compared with patients who received EEN alone.

Conclusion

Treatment with CDED + PEN (with prior 1–2 weeks of EEN) has comparable efficacy to EEN therapy alone in inducing remission in children with CD, and it leads to better weight gain. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
A single bout of exercise improves vascular insulin sensitivity in adults with obesity
Authors: Heiston Emily M. , Liu Zhenqi , Ballantyne Anna , Kranz Sibylle , Malin Steven K.
Published: August 2021

Objective

This crossover study explored the impact of a single bout of exercise on insulin‐stimulated responses in conduit arteries and capillaries.

Methods

Twelve sedentary adults (49.5 [7.8] years; maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max]: 23.7 [5.4] mL/kg/min) with obesity (BMI 34.5 [4.3] kg/m2) completed a control and exercise bout (70% VO2max to expend 400 kcal). Sixteen hours later, participants underwent a 2‐hour euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp (90 mg/dL; 40 mU/m2/min) to determine vascular and metabolic insulin sensitivity. Endothelial and capillary functions were assessed by brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, respectively. Metabolized glucose infusion rate, substrate oxidation (indirect calorimetry), nonoxidative glucose disposal (NOGD), and inflammation were also determined.

Results

Exercise increased insulin‐stimulated preocclusion diameter (p = 0.01) and microvascular blood flow (condition effect: p = 0.04) compared with control. Furthermore, exercise improved metabolic insulin sensitivity by 21%, which paralleled rises in NOGD (p = 0.05) and decreases in soluble receptors for advanced glycation end products (condition effect: p = 0.01). Interestingly, changes in NOGD were related to increased insulin‐stimulated microvascular blood flow (r = 0.57, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

A single bout of exercise increases vascular insulin sensitivity in adults with obesity. Additional work is needed to determine vascular responses following different doses of exercise in order to design lifestyle prescriptions for reducing chronic disease risk.
Effect of hybridization on properties of natural and synthetic fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (2001–2020): A review
Authors: Gupta M. K. , Ramesh Manickam , Thomas Sabu
Published: August 2021

In the past two decades (2001–2020), researchers have been attracted toward hybrid composite materials reinforced with synthetic and natural fibers. Bio‐degradability and harmlessness to the environment are the major attributes of natural fibers, such qualities support these fibers to reinforce into composites. At the same time, higher moisture absorption and poor compatibility characteristics of natural fibers have forced to hybridize with other synthetic/natural fibers. Several researchers have already done the hybridization of natural fibers with synthetic/natural fibers to overcome the limitations of natural fibers. Due to this reason, we perform a literature review on the influence of hybridization on the properties of composites reinforced with synthetic and natural fibers. This review is made on resulting properties of hybrid composites such as mechanical, thermal, water absorption, tribological behavior, morphological characteristics, and other properties from the year 2001 to 2020.
Kawasaki disease associated pulmonary involvement in infants
Authors: He Tingyan , Yang Zhi , Wang Xiaoyu , Yang Jun
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self‐limited multisystemic vasculitis of unknown cause. Pulmonary involvement has been reported in case reports and limited small case series, which is not commonly recognized, especially in younger patients <1 year. Here, we describe clinical and radiological features of infants with KD‐associated pulmonary involvement (KD‐PI).

Methods

Infants with KD were retrospectively enrolled during the period January 2017 to December 2020 in Shenzhen Children's hospital. Patients with KD‐PI were matched 1:1 based on current age and sex with KD patients without clinically apparent PI. Clinical data were collected from inpatient or outpatient medical records, including clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters, radiological findings, management, and prognosis.

Results

Of 248 infant patients with KD, 34 presented with KD‐PI. Of these, 22 had only subtle respiratory symptoms. Compared to KD controls, patients with KD‐PI had significantly higher mean Kobayashi score (mean ± SD: 2.85 ± 1.94; p = .004), more had extremely high C‐reactive protein (≥10 mg/dl: 11/34, 32.3%; p = .0115) and procalcitonin levels (˃1 ng/ml: 16/34, 47%; p = .039), and more were administered with adjuvant corticosteroids as initial therapy (38.2% vs. 2.9%; p = .0005). Abnormal chest radiological findings included peripheral consolidation (97.0%), localized pleural thickening (73.0%), lobular septal thickening (70.6%), ground‐glass opacities (55.9%), linear opacities (35.3%), and pleural effusion (20.6%). No statistical difference was observed in the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs) between two groups either in the acute phase or follow‐up phase.

Conclusions

Higher use of adjuvant corticosteroids during initial therapy in our population may result in no difference in CAAs between the two groups despite higher levels of inflammation in KD‐PI. Those results suggest that use of adjuvant corticosteroids may be beneficial in this population.
Matteucci Effect and Single Domain Wall Propagation in Bistable Microwire under Applied Torsion
Authors: Jiménez Alejandro , Calle Esther , Fernandez-Roldan Jose A. , del Real Rafael P. , Varga Rastislav , Vázquez Manuel
Published: August 2021

Systematic experimental results on the Matteucci effect in torsioned magnetostrictive FeSiB microwire are introduced, observed during the propagation of a single domain wall (DW) under the action of axial driving magnetic field, Hdr. These data are discussed, reviewing current bibliography models and proposing new perspectives. The unidirectional DW velocity is quantified by voltage induced in tiny pickup coils along the microwire. The Matteucci electromotive force (emf) induced between the microwire's ends is associated with depinning and annihilation of the DW, introducing a new method to measure DW velocity. The emf amplitude is proportional to the DW velocity and the time derivative of the azimuthal magnetization, tailored by applied torsion. The data confirm the existence of net values of azimuthal magnetization and spontaneous torsion induced during fabrication. The clockwise/counterclockwise applied torsion dependence of Matteucci emf and DW velocity are experimentally determined for parallel and antiparallel Hdr. Asymmetric behaviors are observed for both, the sense of applied torsion and the direction of Hdr. The experimental data are discussed in terms of the magnetoelastic anisotropy introduced by torsion. Through analysis of the DW dynamics, such asymmetric behaviors are interpreted as a magnetochiral effect derived from the change of chirality of the propagating wall.
Synergistic Activation for Synthesis of Sulfur and Oxygen Co–Doped Porous Carbons and Their Application for Dye Adsorption and Supercapacitor
Authors: Li Xiaocong , Cui Junyan , Yuan Huiyu , Zhang Shaowei , Jia Quanli
Published: August 2021

Environmentally friendly activation strategies for synthesis of heteroatom‐doped porous carbons are extremely welcome. Here, K2SO4 and NaCl‐KCl were introduced simultaneously to prepare sulfur/oxygen co‐doped porous carbons (SPC). By adopting phenolic resin (PF) as the carbon source, the optimal SPC sample with a large surface area of 1838 m2 g−1 and pore volume of 1.18 cm3 g−1 was successfully prepared. Structure characterizations demonstrated that K2SO4 mainly accounted for the pore formation while NaCl‐KCl had a confinement effect on the carbon loss. Finally, as a multifunctional adsorbent, the maximum capacity for SPC‐1‐2‐5 towards Rhodamine B (RhB) reached 2532.3 mg g−1, showing a great potential in cleaning water. As an active electrode material for supercapacitor, the specific capacitance for SPC‐1‐2‐5 reached 296.7 F g−1 at the current density of 0.5 A g−1. And the specific capacitance retained 92.8 % after 10000 cycles at 5 A g−1, also demonstrating its excellent cycle stability in electrochemistry. This methodology of simultaneous activation and confinement could be extended to obtain new carbon materials for various applications.