bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Provenance analysis of Jurassic basins along Chaling–Chenzhou–Linwu Fault, South China: Implications for palaeogeographic reconstruction and Mesozoic tectonic transition
Authors: Xu Xianbing , Liang Chenghua , Chen Jiaju , Xu Yadong
Published: December 2020

Tectonic transition from the Tethys to Palaeo‐Pacific regimes occurred during the Mesozoic in the South China Block. But the switching time and palaeogeographic pattern are still controversial. The Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic Longhai and Sandu basins along the NNE‐striking Chaling–Chenzhou–Linwu Fault were selected for provenance analysis and palaeogeographic reconstruction. Detrital zircons of all six samples from the Lower and Middle Jurassic yield peak ages of 250 ~ 400 Ma, 407 ~ 497 Ma, 562 ~ 1,167, 1,603 ~ 2,170 Ma, and 2,270 ~ 2,800 Ma, revealing pre‐Triassic tectono‐thermal events occurred within or beyond the South China Block. Late Triassic (207 ~ 236 Ma) and Early Jurassic (186 ~ 198 Ma) detrital zircons are also preserved in the Lower and Middle Jurassic. Composition and content variations of zircon ages in the Longhai Basin imply Jurassic stratigraphic inversion, which was caused by Middle Jurassic top‐to‐the‐SE thrusting of the Chaling–Chenzhou–Linwu Fault. Cathodoluminescence images, Th/U ratios, and rare earth elements patterns show that almost all analyzed zircons are of magmatic origin. Y versus U/Yb and Nb/Yb versus U/Yb discrimination diagrams indicate that 250 ~ 400 Ma, 207 ~ 250 Ma, and 186 ~ 198 Ma detrital zircons are continental zircons derived from Late Palaeozoic, Triassic, and Early Jurassic continental arcs, respectively. Provenance analysis indicate that the Middle and Lower Jurassic in the Longhai Basin were derived from the Nanling tectonic belt to the south, whereas the Lower Jurassic in the Sandu Basin from the Wuyishan domain to the east. The source‐to‐sink systems indicate that an NNE‐striking watershed occurred during Early to Middle Jurassic and separated the Longhai and Sandu basins. Tectonic uplift of the NNE‐striking watershed resulted from by Late Triassic transpression along the Chaling–Chenzhou–Linwu Fault. Combining these with two‐stage tectonic deformation and granitoids in the South China Block, the Mesozoic tectonic transition from the Tethys regime to the Palaeo‐Pacific regime occurred during the Late Triassic.
Regionally diverse astrocyte subtypes and their heterogeneous response to EAE
Authors: Borggrewe Malte , Grit Corien , Vainchtein Ilia D. , Brouwer Nieske , Wesseling Evelyn M. , Laman Jon D. , Eggen Bart J. L. , Kooistra Susanne M. , Boddeke Erik W. G. M.
Published: December 2020

Astrocytes fulfil many functions in the central nervous system (CNS), including contribution to the blood brain barrier, synapse formation, and trophic support. In addition, they can mount an inflammatory response and are heterogeneous in morphology and function. To extensively characterize astrocyte subtypes, we FACS‐isolated and gene expression profiled distinct astrocyte subtypes from three central nervous system regions; forebrain, hindbrain and spinal cord. Astrocyte subpopulations were separated based on GLAST/SLC1A3 and ACSA‐2/ATP1B2 cell surface expression. The local brain environment proved key in establishing different transcriptional programs in astrocyte subtypes. Transcriptional differences between subtypes were also apparent in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, where these astrocyte subtypes showed distinct responses. While gene expression signatures associated with blood–brain barrier maintenance were lost, signatures involved in neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity were increased in spinal cord astrocytes, especially during acute disease stages. In chronic stages of EAE, this reactive astrocyte signature was slightly decreased, while obtaining a more proliferative profile, which might be relevant for glia scar formation and tissue regeneration. Morphological heterogeneity of astrocytes previously indicated the presence of astrocyte subtypes, and here we show diversity based on transcriptome variation associated with brain regions and differential responsiveness to a neuroinflammatory insult (EAE).
Global fund: Analyzing 10 Years of bridging health inequalities
Authors: Olufadewa Isaac Iyinoluwa , Adesina Miracle Ayomikun , Oladele Ruth Ifeoluwa , Oladoye Moyinoluwa Joshua , Eke Nnenne Florence‐Ayambem
Published: December 2020

The Global Fund is a non‐profit organization founded by Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, Kofi Annan, Amir Attaran, and Jeffrey Sachs on the 28th January, 2002. Each year, about US$ 4 billion is invested to support programs and organizations led by local experts in various communities towards developing strategies and ways in which these three (HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis) diseases could be fought. The Global Fund has supported various innovative strategies used in tackling these infectious diseases. It is also worthy of note that 38 million lives have been saved through the Global Funds Partnership resulting in a 50% decline in mortality rate caused by tuberculosis, AIDS and Malaria in these reached countries. However, the Global Fund is not without its challenges as there has been lack of fund commitment from the G8 countries who instituted the idea in the first place. Another limitation being experienced is the poor risk management that has resulted in discrepancies of over US$4 million discovered in the Global Fund grants received by Nigeria as of 2016. This study discusses the current state of the Global Fund and suggests recommendations to policymakers that could be instrumental in strengthening health systems and achieving increased impact.
The role of hydrological processes in ecosystem conservation: Comprehensive water management for a wetland in an arid climate
Authors: Lomeli‐Banda Marcelo A. , Ramírez‐Hernández Jorge , Rodríguez‐Burgueño Jesús Eliana , Salazar‐Briones Carlos
Published: December 2020

Water agreements between Mexico and the United States have been crucial to preserving and restoring the Colorado River Delta's wetlands. Nowadays, increased water demand and climate change in the Colorado River Basin could threaten the conservation of the Ciénega de Santa Clara, a 4709 ha coastal wetland at the Sonoran Desert's edge. The international Ramsar convention recognizes the Ciénega de Santa Clara ecosystem for providing vital ecological services, including habitat for endemic, endangered, and migratory species. The hydrology of this wetland has not been completely understood since the 2010–2011 trial run of the Yuma Desalting Plant. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify and quantify the hydrological elements essential for the conservation of this wetland, under three scenarios: (a) normal inflow conditions of the water source – the Wellton‐Mohawk canal; (b) inflow reductions, and; (c) an increase of temperature due to global warming. Water and mass balances estimates were conducted every month during 2014–2015; in situ measurements of inflows were carried out on Southern International Boundary in Wellton‐Mohawk canal, the Riíto Drain, groundwater, and precipitation: evapotranspiration outputs were estimated using local weather stations and Penman‐Monteith formulations. Temperature increases were based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections for the next 100 years. Results showed disconnection in the surface flow of water from the wetland to the adjacent Gulf of California. This behaviour was observed mainly in the summer months in the three scenarios. The disconnections reduced the wetland area and water storage. The hydrological functionality of the Ciénega de Santa Clara wetland depends on the water supply from the Wellton‐Mohawk canal, with a minimum continuous discharge of 5.10 m3 s−1 during the summer months.
Regional crop water use assessment using Landsat‐derived evapotranspiration
Authors: Bawa Arun , Senay Gabriel B. , Kumar Sandeep
Published: December 2020

Reliable information on water use and availability at basin and field scales are important to ensure the optimized constructive uses of available water resources. This study was conducted with the specific objective to estimate Landsat‐based actual evapotranspiration (ETa) using the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop) model across the state of South Dakota (SD), USA for the 1986–2018 (33‐year) period. Validated ETa estimations (r2 = 0.91, PBIAS = −4%, and %RMSE = 11.8%) were further used to understand the crop water‐use characteristics and existing historic mono‐directional (increasing/decreasing) trends over the eastern (ESD) and western (WSD) regions of SD. The crop water‐use characteristics indicated that the annual cropland water uses across the ESD and WSD were more or less met by the precipitation amounts in the area. The ample water supply and distribution have led to high rainfed and low percentage of irrigated cropland (~2.5%) in the state. The WSD faced greater crop‐water use reductions than the ESD during drought periods. The landscape ETa responses across the state were found to be more sensitive than precipitation for the drought impact assessments. The Mann Kendall trend analysis revealed the absence of a significant trend (p > 0.05) in annual ETa at a regional scale due to the varying weather conditions in the state. However, about 12% and 9% cropland areas in the ESD and WSD, respectively, revealed a significant mono‐directional trend at pixel scale ETa. Most of the pixels under significant trend showed an increasing trend that can be explained by the shift in agricultural practices, increased irrigated cropland area, higher productions, moisture regime shifts, and decreased risk of farming in the dry areas. The decreasing trend pixels were clustered in mid‐eastern SD and could be the result of dynamic conversion of wetlands to croplands and decreased irrigation practices in the region. This study also demonstrates the tremendous potential and robustness of the SSEBop model, Landsat imagery, and remote sensing‐based ETa modelling approaches in estimating consistent spatially distributed evapotranspiration.
Does COVID‐19 contribute to development of neurological disease?
Authors: Mahalakshmi Arehally M. , Ray Bipul , Tuladhar Sunanda , Bhat Abid , Paneyala Shasthara , Patteswari Duraisamy , Sakharkar Meena Kishore , Hamdan Hamdan , Ojcius David M. , Bolla Srinivasa Rao , Essa Musthafa Mohamed , Chidambaram Saravana Babu , Qoronfleh M. Walid
Published: December 2020

Background

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been associated primarily with pneumonia, recent data show that the causative agent of COVID‐19, the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), can infect a large number of vital organs beyond the lungs, such as the heart, kidneys, and the brain. Thus, there is evidence showing possible retrograde transmission of the virus from the olfactory epithelium to regions of the brain stem.

Methods

This is a literature review article. The research design method is an evidence‐based rapid review. The present discourse aim is first to scrutinize and assess the available literature on COVID‐19 repercussion on the central nervous system (CNS). Standard literature and database searches were implemented, gathered relevant material, and extracted information was then assessed.

Results

The angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors being the receptor for the virus, the threat to the central nervous system is expected. Neurons and glial cells express ACE2 receptors in the CNS, and recent studies suggest that activated glial cells contribute to neuroinflammation and the devastating effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on the CNS. The SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced immune‐mediated demyelinating disease, cerebrovascular damage, neurodegeneration, and depression are some of the neurological complications discussed here.

Conclusion

This review correlates present clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 patients with possible neurological consequences in the future, thus preparing healthcare providers for possible future consequences of COVID‐19.
Transposing the preventive restructuring directive 2019 into French insolvency law: Rethinking the role of the judge and rebalancing creditors' rights
Authors: Ghio Emilie
Published: December 2020

In June 2019, the European Union adopted the Directive on Preventive Restructuring Frameworks. The objective of the Directive is to introduce a level‐playing field across all Member States in the area of pre‐insolvency restructuring. Member States have until 2021 to transpose the Directive into their domestic insolvency regimes. In April 2019, the French legislator adopted the “Pacte Law”, whose aim is, inter alia, the transposition of the European Directive on Preventive Restructuring. Although five preventive restructuring tools already exist in the French regime, the transposition of the Directive will have an impact on current restructuring practices as it will require: (i) rebalancing the involvement and role of judicial authorities in preventive restructuring proceedings; and (ii) rebalancing the involvement of, and protection granted to, creditors.
Investigating the determinants of commercial bank interest rate spreads in Lesotho: Evidence from autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL)andnon‐linear ARDLapproaches
Authors: Damane Moeti
Published: December 2020

This article investigates the determinants of commercial bank interest rate spreads in Lesotho using monthly time series data from January 2009 to December 2018. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach is used to measure long‐run co‐integration while the non‐linear ARDL (NARDL) model is used to test validity of long‐run symmetric effects. The bounds tests revealed existence of long‐run co‐integration between the study variables. Inflation and the Treasury bill rate have a positive and statistically significant impact on interest margins while the deposit rate has a negative and significant effect. The pass‐through of inflation and the deposit rate to interest margins is less than one, respectively. This confirms that inflation affects banks' lending rates with a second round effect while deposit liabilities are not the only source of credit financing for banks. The null hypothesis of long‐run symmetry is rejected for Treasury bill rates. Authorities are advised to ensure price and general macroeconomic stability while also pursuing policies aimed at maximizing savings.
Socioeconomic and psychological correlates of postpartum depression at 6 months in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Valdes Viviane , Berens Anne E. , Nelson Charles A.
Published: December 2020

To current study aimed to estimate the point prevalence and identify correlates of postpartum depression (PPD) in a sample of mothers in Dhaka. A total of 235 participants from low‐ and middle‐SES neighbourhoods in Dhaka completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and other assessments of socioeconomic and psychological factors at 24 weeks postpartum. Regression models were fit to explore potential correlates of PPD. The estimated prevalence of high PPD risk in the current sample is 24.3%. In multivariable linear regression models, recent life events, perceived stress and household resources (e.g., access to cooking gas, telephone, furniture, electricity, television, etc.) were significantly associated with PPD. The association of social support with PPD when controlling for other variables was sensitive to the choice of social support measure, highlighting an important methodological issue. The point prevalence of PPD among poor, urban mothers in Bangladesh ranges from 12.3 to 28.5%, with psychological risk factors and household resources as strong correlates.
MiR‐770 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma migration and invasion by regulating the Sirt7/Smad4 pathway
Authors: Jia Bin , Zhang Sanke , Wu Shuang , Zhu Qiuyu , Li Wenlu
Published: December 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignant cancer with unfavorable prognosis, and the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical contributor to OSCC metastasis. Recently, we have shown that sirtuin 7 (Sirt7) is associated with EMT and OSCC metastasis by acetylating small mother against decapentaplegic 4 (Smad4). Nonetheless, the mechanism of Sirt7 downregulation in OSCC cells remains unknown. This study analyzed the potential microRNAs that were predicted to regulate Sirt7 expression by online databases. We identified miR‐770 as an upstream regulator of Sirt7 that targets its 3′‐untranslated region. The expression of miR‐770 was observed to be negatively correlated with the mRNA expression of Sirt7 in metastatic OSCC tumors, and higher miR‐770 expression was correlated with poorer OSCC patient survival. Our in vitro data indicated that miR‐770 promoted OSCC cell migration and invasion, and this process was dependent on Sirt7/Smad4 signaling. Furthermore, in vivo metastasis experiments indicated that miR‐770 overexpression led to more prominent OSCC metastasis and downregulated Sirt7 expression. Collectively, our results revealed a new role of Sirt7 downregulation in metastatic OSCC and suggested that miR‐770 is a potential target in counteracting OSCC metastasis.
Improved accuracy of quantitative birefringence imaging by polarization sensitive OCT with simple noise correction and its application to neuroimaging
Authors: Baumann Bernhard , Harper Danielle J. , Eugui Pablo , Gesperger Johanna , Lichtenegger Antonia , Merkle Conrad W. , Augustin Marco , Woehrer Adelheid
Published: December 2020

Polarization‐sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS‐OCT) enables three‐dimensional imaging of biological tissues based on the inherent contrast provided by scattering and polarization properties. In fibrous tissue such as the white matter of the brain, PS‐OCT allows quantitative mapping of tissue birefringence. For the popular PS‐OCT layout using a single circular input state, birefringence measurements are based on a straight‐forward evaluation of phase retardation data. However, the accuracy of these measurements strongly depends on the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and is prone to mapping artifacts when the SNR is low. Here we present a simple yet effective approach for improving the accuracy of PS‐OCT phase retardation and birefringence measurements. By performing a noise bias correction of the detected OCT signal amplitudes, the impact of the noise floor on retardation measurements can be markedly reduced. We present simulation data to illustrate the influence of the noise bias correction on phase retardation measurements and support our analysis with real‐world PS‐OCT image data.
Genome-wide Association Studies Reveal Novel Locus With Sex-/Therapy-Specific Fracture Risk Effects in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Im Cindy , Li Nan , Moon Wonjong , Liu Qi , Morton Lindsay M , Leisenring Wendy M , Howell Rebecca M , Chow Eric J , Sklar Charles A , Wilson Carmen L , Wang Zhaoming , Sapkota Yadav , Chemaitilly Wassim , Ness Kirsten K , Hudson Melissa M , Robison Leslie L , Bhatia Smita , Armstrong Gregory T , Yasui Yutaka
Published: December 2020

Childhood cancer survivors treated with radiation therapy (RT) and osteotoxic chemotherapies are at increased risk for fractures. However, understanding of how genetic and clinical susceptibility factors jointly contribute to fracture risk among survivors is limited. To address this gap, we conducted genome-wide association studies of fracture risk after cancer diagnosis in 2453 participants of European ancestry from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) with 930 incident fractures using Cox regression models (ie, time-to-event analysis) and prioritized sex- and treatment-stratified genetic associations. We performed replication analyses in 1417 survivors of European ancestry with 652 incident fractures from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study (SJLIFE). In discovery, we identified a genome-wide significant (p < 5 × 10−8) fracture risk locus, 16p13.3 (HAGHL), among female CCSS survivors (n = 1289) with strong evidence of sex-specific effects (psex-heterogeneity < 7 × 10−6). Combining discovery and replication data, rs1406815 showed the strongest association (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.43, p = 8.2 × 10−9; n = 1935 women) at this locus. In treatment-stratified analyses in the discovery cohort, the association between rs1406815 and fracture risk among female survivors with no RT exposures was weak (HR = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95–1.57, p = 0.11) but increased substantially among those with greater head/neck RT doses (any RT: HR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.54–2.28, p = 2.4 × 10−10; >36 Gray only: HR = 3.79, 95% CI 1.95–7.34, p = 8.2 × 10−5). These head/neck RT-specific HAGHL single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects were replicated in female SJLIFE survivors. In silico bioinformatics analyses suggest these fracture risk alleles regulate HAGHL gene expression and related bone resorption pathways. Genetic risk profiles integrating this locus may help identify female survivors who would benefit from targeted interventions to reduce fracture risk. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of lipase from Aspergillus melleus and its biocatalytic performance for degradation of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)
Authors: Amin Misbah , Bhatti Haq N , Bilal Muhammad
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Lipases are an interesting class of enzymes that can be used as biocatalysts for poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) degradation. This work reports on the biochemical characterization of a lipase produced through solid‐state fermentation by Aspergillus melleus and its application to degrade poly(ɛ‐caprolactone).

RESULTS

Lipase demonstrated the best activity and remained stable even after 24 h at an optimal pH of 7.5 and 40 °C. The Km and Vmax values for p‐nitrophenyl palmitate hydrolysis derived from Lineweaver–Burk plot were 0.286 mmol L−1 and 142.86 μmol mL−1 min−1, respectively. Thermal inactivation studies revealed a half‐life of 1732.5 min (28.88 h) at 40 °C, and dramatically reduced at elevated temperatures. The activation energy for substrate hydrolysis was 28.81 kJ mol−1, whereas the entropy, enthalpy (ΔH°) and free energy (ΔG°) of thermal inactivation of lipase were determined to be 168.73 J mol−1 K−1, 160.60 and 107.79 kJ mol−1, respectively, at 40 °C. Increase in temperature showed a decline in ΔG°, but ∆H* remained constant. Incubation with organic solvents did not influence the enzyme stability; however, urea and guanidine hydrochloride reduced the lipase activity. Under optimal operating conditions, the enzyme presented excellent biocatalytic ability to poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) film degradation, leading to 53% weight loss. Characterization techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy, corroborated the effective biodegradation of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, broad working pH, marked stability in the presence of organic solvents, and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) degradation constitutes a lipase from A. melleus as a promising candidate for large‐scale bioremediation of solid waste.
Evaluation of a pipeline program at strengthening applications, increasing diversity, and increasing access to care
Authors: Greenway Ryan A. , Scott JoAnna M. , Loveless Ellyce C. , Bigham Richard R. , Simmer‐Beck Melanie L.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes of a dental pipeline program at strengthening dental school applications, growing the diversity of dental students, and increasing access to care

Methods

This program evaluation used a descriptive and quasi‐experimental retrospective study design. Researchers analyzed secondary data, from a dental pipeline program, for the years 2011–2018. Descriptive statistics were used to describe short‐term and intermediate outcomes and impact. Associations were tested using paired t‐test, 2‐sample t‐test, analysis of variance, and chi‐squared test

Results

Ninety‐eight scholars completed the 10‐week program. The majority of scholars were female (70%), non‐Hispanic or Latino (76%), non‐White (72%), and pursuing baccalaureate degrees (94%). After completing the program, the mean Dental Admission Test (DAT) Academic Average Score (AAS) increased (16.0 vs. 17.5, P < 0.01). Significant associations were revealed between post‐program DAT AAS and being accepted into dental school (P = 0.02). Associations remained when stratified by gender (male P = 0.01) and ethnicity (P = 0.03). The majority of scholars (71%) applied to the host school. Over half of the scholars matriculated to dental school (55%). Twenty‐nine scholars (30%) graduated from the host school. Graduates report choosing careers in private practice (38%), public health (24%), corporate dentistry (17%), and the military (3%)

Conclusion

Dental pipeline programs are effective at strengthening dental school applications, increasing DAT AAS, growing the diversity of dental students, and increasing access to care. Dental education needs to examine barriers dental pipeline programs do not typically address, such as the high cost of applying to dental school, and identify additional ways to support underrepresented minority students entering into dentistry.
An efficient method for 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolinium ion formation, leading to a facile introduction of nucleophiles
Authors: Shimizu Makoto , Kawamura Takato , Fukumoto Shinya , Mizota Isao , Zhu Yusong
Published: December 2020

The ketene silyl acetal derived from ethyl 2‐benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline‐1‐carboxylate undergoes a rapid oxidation reaction with N‐bromosuccinimide to form 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolinium ion, which reacts with Grignard reagents to give 1,1‐disubstituted tetrahydroisoquinolines in good yields.
Clinical, biochemical, and molecular characterization of mild (nonclassic) rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata
Authors: Fallatah Wedad , Schouten Monica , Yergeau Christine , Di Pietro Erminia , Engelen Marc , Waterham Hans R. , Poll‐The Bwee Tien , Braverman Nancy
Published: December 2020

Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is a heterogenous group of disorders due to defects in genes encoding peroxisomal proteins required for plasmalogen (PL) biosynthesis, specifically PEX7 and PEX5 receptors, or GNPAT, AGPS and FAR1 enzymes. Most patients have congenital cataract and skeletal dysplasia. In the classic form, there is profound growth restriction and psychomotor delays, with most patients not advancing past infantile developmental milestones. Disease severity correlates to erythrocyte PL levels, which are almost undetectable in severe (classic) RCDP. In milder (nonclassic) forms, residual PL levels are associated with improved growth and development. However, the clinical course of this milder group remains largely unknown as only a few cases were reported. Using as inclusion criteria the ability to communicate and walk, we identified 16 individuals from five countries, ages 5‐37 years, and describe their clinical, biochemical and molecular profiles. The average age at diagnosis was 2.6 years and most had cataract, growth deficiency, joint contractures, and developmental delays. Other major symptoms were learning disability (87%), behavioral issues (56%), seizures (43%), and cardiac defects (31%). All patients had decreased C16:0 PL levels that were higher than in classic RCDP, and up to 43% of average controls. Plasma phytanic acid levels were elevated in most patients. There were several common, and four novel, PEX7, and GNPAT hypomorphic alleles in this cohort. These results can be used to support earlier diagnosis and improve management in patients with mild RCDP.
Chemical comparison of the raw and processed Farfarae Flos by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry based metabolomic approach
Authors: Cao Jianhua , Lu Zijuan , Qin Xuemei , Li Zhenyu
Published: December 2020

Farfarae Flos (FF) has been used in China for a long time as an anti‐tussive and expectorant herbal drugs, and it was usually honey‐fried FF (HFF). To clarify the mechanism of honey processing, it is important to know the chemical difference between FF and HFF firstly. In this study, UHPLC‐Orbitrap‐MS was used to characterize the chemical compounds in FF, honey and HFF. Then the metabolomic approach based on UHPLC‐Orbitrap‐MS revealed 68 differential compounds between the FF and HFF, and chemical reactions occurring during processing were also proposed to elucidate the honey processing mechanisms of FF. In order to investigate the chemical difference between FF and HFF comprehensively and accurately, the components derived from the honey and the moisture content in FF and HFF were considered for the first time. In summary, this study investigated the chemical differences between FF and HFF in a holistic way, which laid the basis for the quality control of HFF and further explaining the honey processing mechanisms of FF. In addition, eight native compounds derived from the honey could be used as the index to authenticate the HFF prepared by the genuine honey.
Association between routine biomarkers and atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing implantation of a dual‐chamber pacemaker
Authors: Kyrlas Konstantinos , Liu Tong , Bazoukis George , Plakoutsi Sofia , Liberopoulos Evangelos , Milionis Haralampos , Korantzopoulos Panagiotis
Published: December 2020

Background

Elderly patients having a permanent pacemaker frequently have atrial remodeling. We examined the association between routine biomarkers and atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients receiving a dual‐chamber pacemaker for sinus node disease (SND) or second‐/third‐degree atrioventricular block.

Methods

We recorded clinical, laboratory, and electrocardiographic parameters as well as pacemaker lead parameters at implantation. The final analysis included 217 patients with SND and 393 patients with atrioventricular block. Notably, 102/217 (47%) of the SND patients (median age: 77 years, 54% men) and 54/393 (14%) of the atrioventricular block patients (median age: 79 years, 54% men) had AF history (paroxysmal or persistent).

Results

Multivariable analysis showed that red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.05‐1.36; P = .05) and serum γ‐glutamyl transferase (γGT) levels (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.28; P = .04) were independently associated with AF history in patients with SND. In ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.648; P < .01 for RDW, and 0.753; P < .01 for γGT. A RDW cut‐off point of 14 was associated with AF with a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 68%, while a γGT cut‐off point of 21 was associated with AF with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 65%. In patients with second‐/third‐degree atrioventricular block, there were no significant independent correlations between AF and the parameters studied.

Conclusions

In elderly patients with SND, RDW and γGT have an independent association with AF history. Our study failed to show any corresponding associations in patients with advanced disorders of atrioventricular conduction.
Biomechanical analysis of arthroscopically assisted latissimus dorsi transfer fixation for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears—Knotless versus knotted anchors
Authors: Ernstbrunner Lukas , Borbas Paul , Rohner Marco , Brun Sascha , Bachmann Elias , Bouaicha Samy , Wieser Karl
Published: December 2020

We compared the construct stability of traditional knotted techniques with modern knotless anchor systems used in arthroscopically assisted latissimus dorsi transfers (aLDTs) for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Eighteen cadaveric shoulders were age‐ and gender‐matched to the following three groups: knotted group (two knotted anchors); knotless group (two knotless anchors); and triple anchor group (two knotless anchors; one all‐suture anchor at the apex of the humeral head). All tendons were cyclically loaded in line of the aLDT over 400 cycles followed by a load to failure test. Outcome measures were the ultimate load to failure, elongation, construct stiffness, and failure modes. The triple anchor group revealed the highest ultimate load to failure (431 ± 78 N) compared with the knotted (326 ± 52 N; p = .022) and knotless (353 ± 105 N; p = .129) groups. Total elongation and construct stiffness were not significantly different comparing all three groups. The failure modes were: anchor pull‐out in all specimen of the knotted group; three (50%) anchor pull‐out and three suture pull‐out in the knotless group (p = .046); four (67%) anchor pull‐out, one (17%) suture pull‐out and one tendon pull‐out in the triple anchor group. Biomechanical analyses of knotless fixation techniques for aLDTs show similar construct stability and elongation compared with the traditional, knotted techniques. Bone fixation seems to be improved with the knotless anchor systems. In our practice, we continue to use the knotless fixation technique for aLDT and in the situation of weak, osteoporotic bone, we add a third (all‐suture) anchor to improve construct stability.
Locally delivered adjuvant biofilm‐penetrating antibiotics rescue impaired endochondral fracture healing caused by MRSA infection
Authors: Cahill Sean V. , Kwon Hyuk‐Kwon , Back Jungho , Lee Inkyu , Lee Saelim , Alder Kareme D. , Hao Zichen , Yu Kristin E. , Dussik Christopher M. , Kyriakides Themis R. , Lee Francis Y.
Published: December 2020

Infection is a devastating complication following an open fracture. We investigated whether local rifampin‐loaded hydrogel can combat infection and improve healing in a murine model of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) osteomyelitis. A transverse fracture was made at the tibia midshaft of C57BL/6J mice aged 10–12 weeks and stabilized with an intramedullary pin. A total of 1 × 106 colony‐forming units (CFU) of MRSA was inoculated. A collagen‐based hydrogel containing low‐dose (60 μg) and high‐dose (300 μg) rifampin was applied before closure. Postoperative treatment response was assessed through bacterial CFU counts from tissue and hardware, tibial radiographs and microcomputed tomography (μCT), immunohistochemistry, and histological analyses. All untreated MRSA‐infected fractures progressed to nonunion by 28 days with profuse MRSA colonization. Infected fractures demonstrated decreased soft callus formation on safranin O stain compared to controls. Areas of dense interleukin‐1β stain were associated with poor callus formation. High‐dose rifampin hydrogels reduced the average MRSA load in tissue (p < 0.0001) and implants (p = 0.041). Low‐dose rifampin hydrogels reduced tissue bacterial load by 50% (p = 0.021). Among sterile models, 88% achieved union compared to 0% of those infected. Mean radiographic union scale in tibia scores improved from 6 to 8.7 with high‐dose rifampin hydrogel (p = 0.024) and to 10 with combination local/systemic rifampin therapy (p < 0.0001). μCT demonstrated reactive bone formation in MRSA infection. Histology demonstrated restored fracture healing with bacterial elimination. Rifampin‐loaded hydrogels suppressed osteomyelitis, prevented implant colonization, and improved healing. Systemic rifampin was more effective at eliminating infection and improving fracture healing. Further investigation into rifampin‐loaded hydrogels is required to correlate these findings with clinical efficacy.
Aggregation Behavior of Mixed Micellar System of Dodecyl Sulfate‐Based Surface‐Active Ionic Liquids and Anionic Surfactant in Aqueous Media
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Kaur Gagandeep
Published: December 2020

Mixed micellization behavior of dodecyl sulfate‐based ionic liquids, i.e., 1‐propyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dodecyl sulfate [C3mim][DS] and 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dodecyl sulfate [C6mim][DS] with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), is investigated at (298.15, 308.15, and 318.15) K in aqueous medium. For this, the conductometric measurements are carried out to evaluate the critical micelle concentrations (cmc), ideal critical micelle concentration (cmc*), degree of counterion dissociation (g), thermodynamic parameters, micellar mole fraction of ionic liquids, and interaction parameter (β) of the mixed system based on the different proposed models given in the literature. Further surface tension measurements have been carried out to confirm the value of cmc obtained via a conductivity study for all the studied systems at 298.15 K. Other surface parameters, such as surface tension at cmc (γcmc), surface pressure (ᴨcmc), surface excess (Γmax), and minimum area per molecule (Amin), have also been evaluated for both the systems.
Purification, characterization, immobilization and kinetic studies of catalase from a novel sourceSechium edule
Authors: Takio Nene , Yadav Meera , Barman Mridusmita , Yadav Hardeo Singh
Published: December 2020

A catalase from a novel sourceSechium edule(squash) has been purified to homogeneity using ammonium sulfate fractional precipitation, dialysis, and anion exchange chromatography on Diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose in sodium acetate buffer pH 6.0. The purity of the enzyme was analyzed by SDS‐PAGE. The molecular weight of the enzyme using the SDS‐PAGE method was found to be 55 kDa with specific activity 6.35 U/mg. The molecular weight of the enzyme was further confirmed by the INTACT mass spectrometric technique and found to be 52.5 kDa. The Reinheitzahl (Rz) value of the enzyme was 1.5. The MALDI‐TOF analysis of the purified enzyme showed that it contains 529 amino acid residues. TheKm,Vmax,optimum pH, and optimum temperature of the free enzyme using H2O2as the substrate were found to be 0.03 mM, 200 μmol/min, 7.6, and 24°C, respectively. The purified enzyme was immobilized on chitosan beads which was prepared by extracting the chitosan fromCornu aspersum(garden snail) having highest degree of deacetylation%. The kinetic characteristics,Km,Vmax,optimum pH, and optimum temperature of the immobilized catalase were found to be 0.065 mM, 250 μmol/min, 7.6, and 41°C, respectively. The immobilized catalase is more thermostable in comparison to free catalase.
Presenting Symptom as a Predictor of Clinical course in Juvenile Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Mudd Pamela , Wikner Emily , Rana Md Sohel , Zalzal George
Published: December 2020

Objective/Hypothesis

Determine if the presentation of voice versus airway symptoms at the time of diagnosis of juvenile recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) correlates with treatment and outcomes.

Study Design

Original report, Retrospective review.

Methods

Twenty year retrospective review of all patients with JORRP presenting at any time in treatment to a single tertiary children's hospital between 1997 and 2017.

Results

Fifty‐four patients presented with a diagnosis of JORRP during the 20 year study period. Of these, 32 were female and 22 were male. African American children made up the majority of the patients (65%), with 19% identifying as Caucasian, 9% Hispanic, and 7% Asian. Fifteen of the children presented initially to the ENT clinic (87% with hoarseness), 12 to the emergency department (92% with airway concerns), 11 to the voice clinic, and the remaining 12 at outside hospitals or clinics and care were transferred. Voice symptoms, namely hoarseness, was the presenting symptom in 31 (57%), airway symptoms, namely respiratory distress or stridor was predominate in 17 (32%), and the presenting symptom was unknown in six cases (11%). Children presenting with airway symptoms were younger at presentation (median 2.1 years, range 0.38–8.77 years) than those presenting with voice symptoms (median 6.7 years, range 0.98–15.13 years), and after adjusting for age underwent a greater number of surgeries in the first year to control disease.

Conclusions

Patients who present with airway symptoms present younger and have an increased number of surgeries in the first year compared to those presenting with voice complaints.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1670–1675, 2021
Endoscopic Endonasal Prelacrimal Approach: Radiological Considerations, Morbidity, and Outcomes
Authors: Arosio Alberto Daniele , Valentini Marco , Canevari Frank Rikki , Volpi Luca , Karligkiotis Apostolos , Terzakis Dimitris , Battaglia Paolo , Georgalas Christos , Bignami Maurizio , Castelnuovo Paolo , Turri‐Zanoni Mario
Published: December 2020

Objective/Hypothesis

This study describes a multicentric experience with the use of prelacrimal approach (PLA), focusing on preoperative radiological parameters potentially associated with surgical outcomes and postoperative morbidity.

Study Design

Retrospective case‐series.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing PLA in three European referral centers was performed. The post‐operative morbidity was analyzed in relation to two radiological parameters: width of prelacrimal recess (WPR) and internal angle of pyriform notch (APN).

Results

The study included 28 patients affected by Schneiderian papilloma (20 cases), inflammatory disease (6 cases), schwannoma (1 case), and osteoma (1 case). The most reported sequela was paresthesia of ipsilateral anterior superior alveolar process (25% of the cases). An association between post‐operative morbidity and APN was observed (P = .047).

Conclusions

Preoperative radiological evaluation of WPR is crucial in understanding the feasibility of the approach, while APN measurement may predict postoperative morbidity, which is paramount in the patients' counseling.

Level of Evidence

4 case‐seriesLaryngoscope, 131:1715–1721, 2021
Naked Mole‐Rat, a Rodent with an Apolipoprotein A‐I Dimer
Authors: Puppione Don L. , Tran Denise P. , Zenaidee Muhammad A. , Charugundla Sarada , Whitelegge Julian P. , Buffenstein Rochelle
Published: December 2020

A variety of rodents have been used as experimental animals in metabolic studies of plasma lipids and lipoproteins. These studies have included understanding the functional role of apolipoprotein A‐I, the major protein on the surface of HDL. Reviewing the genomic database for entries for rodent apoA‐I genes, it was discovered that the naked mole‐rat (Heterocephalus glaber) gene encoded a protein with a cysteine at residue 28. Previously, two cases have been reported in which human heterozygotes had apoA‐I with cysteine at residues 173 (apoA‐I Milano) or at 151 (apoA‐I Paris). Interestingly, both groups, in spite of having low levels of HDL and moderately elevated plasma triacylglycerols, had no evidence of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the presence of the cysteine enabled the apoA‐I to form both homodimers and heterodimers. Prior to this report, no other mammalian apoA‐I has been found with a cysteine in its sequence. In addition, the encoded naked mole‐rat protein had different amino acids at sites that were conserved in all other mammals. These differences resulted in naked mole‐rat apoA‐I having an unexpected neutral pI value, whereas other mammalian apoA‐I have negative pI values. To verify these sequence differences and to determine if the N‐terminal location of C28 precluded dimer formation, we conducted mass spectrometry analyses of apoA‐I and other proteins associated with HDL. Consistent with the genomic data, our analyses confirmed the presence of C28 and the formation of a homodimer. Analysis of plasma lipids surprisingly revealed a profile similar to the human heterozygotes.
Coastal phytoplankton responses to atmospheric deposition during summer
Authors: Zhou Weiwen , Li Qian P. , Wu Zhengchao
Published: December 2020

The northern South China Sea is subject to an increasing influence of aerosol loading, particularly over the past decades owing to the fast economic growth of mainland China. To study the response of the coastal phytoplankton community to atmospheric deposition, we performed onboard microcosm experiments at various coastal regions of the northern South China Sea, including a river plume zone and the two major upwelling zones. We found that the addition of aerosol and rainwater significantly increased the micro‐phytoplankton size‐fraction by 2.3–5.4‐folds regardless of the type of preexisting nutrient limitation in the phytoplankton community. There were three types of distinct responses to the manipulation additions observed: positive, negligible, or even negative effects. A significant inhibition effect (27–74% decrease) in the Qiongdong upwelling zone could be attributed to elevated metal toxicity on the phytoplankton community seeding from the subsurface after it had been brought up to the surface due to an outcrop of the thermocline. While Prochlorococcus growth was uniformly inhibited by the additions, both positive and negative effects were observed for the remainder of the picoplankton community. P‐limited Synechococcus was stimulated by aerosol and rainwater additions (1.2–2.8‐folds increase), whereas N‐limited Synechococcus was inhibited (decreased by 9–28%). Our results suggest that coastal phytoplankton responses to atmospheric depositions are regulated by both the fertilizing effects of aerosol nutrients and the toxic effects of aerosol metals. Our findings highlight the critical role of atmospheric depositions on spatial change of phytoplankton biomass and community structure in the coastal ocean, which could greatly affect ecosystem dynamics and biogeochemical cycles of the shelf sea.
A simulation study of steric effects on the anodic dissolution at high current densities
Authors: Köhn Christoph , van Laethem Dries , Deconinck Johan , Hubin Annick
Published: December 2020

Electrochemical machining (ECM) and electropolishing are examples of anodic dissolution used in a wide variety of applications. Proper simulations of ECM require the establishment of a so‐called gel layer of liquid metal salt, responsible for the depletion of water close to the surface such that the oxygen evolution is reduced. However, this effect is neglected in many simulation efforts, although it is significant to improve the accuracy of the machining process. Some authors consider this effect by an engineered “water‐repelling” function that depends on the local metal ion concentration. As an alternative, we discuss the theoretical description and the implementation of modified Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations taking into account expressions in which each ion has its own maximum concentration and corresponding steric limit. We investigate a basic system of water, sodium chloride, and iron ions. Simulations pending on the local metal ion concentration for current densities show that the modified model works; steric effects become important for large current densities and the formation of a resistive gel layer is responsible for the reduction of water at the electrode. We observe that the electrostatic potential resulting from space charge effects is not affected by implementing the different species sizes. Further research is needed to explore the applicability of industrial simulation tools.
STN‐DBS Increases Proactive but Not Retroactive Interference During Verbal Learning in PD
Authors: Georgiev Dejan , Roškar Sanja , Čuš Anja , Wilkinson Leonora , Jahanshahi Marjan
Published: December 2020

Background

Proactive interference (PI) refers to the interference of previously learned materials with new learning and reflects the failure of inhibitory processes in memory. Retroactive interference (RI) refers to the unfavorable effect of new learning on the later recall of previously learned information. Although subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) does not affect global cognition in Parkinson's disease (PD), it has negative effects on specific aspects of cognition, including verbal fluency and executive inhibitory control of action.To this end, we set to test the acute effect of STN‐DBS on PI and RI during verbal learning.

Methods

Twenty PD patients with STN‐DBS were tested on the California Verbal Learning Test‐II using an ON/OFF stimulation design.

Results

The results showed that stimulation increased PI ON stimulation (P = 0.012) but had no effect on RI (P = 0.816).

Conclusions

Our results extend the role of STN to the inhibitory control that is required during memory encoding or recall for prevention of PI. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society