bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cardiovascular toxicity of clozapine in embryonic zebrafish and RNA sequencing‐based transcriptome analysis
Authors: Ding Zijiao , Jia Huiting , Yang Ziqian , Yao Nan , Wang Yunyun
Published: August 2023

Clozapine (CLZ) is the most prescribed medication for treating refractory schizophrenia but is associated with significant cardiovascular toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the cardiovascular toxicity induced by CLZ using zebrafish as a model animal. For this purpose, zebrafish developed to 80‐h post‐fertilization were exposed to different CLZ concentration solutions for 24 h followed by cardiac morphological observations in yolk sac edema, pericardial edema, and blood coagulation, in addition to increased SV‐BA distance, functionally manifested as bradycardia, and decreased cardiac ejection fraction using the untreated embryos as control. At the same time, RNA sequencing was used to study the possible molecular mechanism of CLZ‐induced cardiovascular toxicity. The results indicated that compared to the control group, the experimental groups possessed a total of 5888 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), where gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment of analysis indicated that DEGs were mainly enriched in the pathways related to ion channels. These findings may provide new insights and directions for the subsequent in‐depth study of the molecular mechanism of CLZ‐induced cardiovascular toxicity.
Physicochemical and biological analysis of composite biomaterials containing hydroxyapatite for biological applications
Authors: Bańkosz Magdalena , Urbaniak Mateusz M. , Szwed Aleksandra , Rudnicka Karolina , Włodarczyk Marcin , Drabczyk Anna , Kudłacik‐Kramarczyk Sonia , Tyliszczak Bożena , Sobczak‐Kupiec Agnieszka
Published: August 2023

Bone tissue regeneration is one of the main areas of tissue engineering. A particularly important aspect is the development of new innovative composite materials intended for bone tissue engineering and/or bone substitution. In this article, the synthesis and characterization of ceramic‐polymer composites based on polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly(vinyl alcohol) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) have been presented. The first part of the work deals with the synthesis and characterization of the ceramic phase. It was demonstrated that the obtained calcium phosphate is characterized by a heterogeneity and porosity indicating simultaneously its large specific surface area. Additionally, in the wound healing test, it was shown that the obtained powder supports the regeneration of L929 cells. Next, HAp‐containing composite materials were obtained in the waste‐free photopolymerization process and characterized in detail. It was proved that the obtained composites were characterized by sorption properties and stability during 12‐day incubation in simulated physiological liquids. Importantly, the obtained composites showed no cytotoxic effect against the L929 murine fibroblasts – the cell viability was 94.5%. Then, confocal microscopy allowed to observe that murine fibroblasts effectively colonized the surface of the obtained polymer‐ceramic composites, covering the entire surface of the biomaterial. Thus, the obtained results confirm the high potential of the obtained composites in the application of bone tissue regenerative medicine.
Cardiovascular Safety in Postmenopausal Women and Men With Osteoporosis Treated With Denosumab and Zoledronic Acid: A Post‐Authorization Safety Study
Authors: Spangler Leslie , Nielson Carrie M. , Brookhart M. Alan , Hernandez Rohini K. , Stad Robert Kees , Lin Tzu‐Chieh
Published: August 2023

Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease are common in older adults. Treatment of osteoporosis reduces the burden of debilitating fractures; however, it is important to understand the benefit versus risk of treatment. This study evaluates the risk of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and myocardial infarction (MI) among postmenopausal women and men initiating osteoporosis treatment with denosumab (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand [RANKL] inhibitor) or zoledronic acid (bisphosphonate) between October 2010 and June 2019. A retrospective cohort study employing the new user/active comparator design was conducted. Analyses were conducted separately in two national US commercial databases, MarketScan® and Optum® for reproducibility. Inverse probability of treatment and censoring weighting was employed to control for confounding and informative censoring. Cumulative risks at 6‐month, 12‐month, and 36‐month time points were calculated and adjusted risk ratios and differences (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) were estimated. In MarketScan® and Optum® databases, 96,611 and 73,127 patients met all study eligibility criteria, respectively. At 36 months, the risk ratio estimates (zoledronic acid referent group) were 1.22 (95% CI, 0.77–1.66) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.63–1.32) for MI and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.61–1.40) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.56–1.17) for stroke in MarketScan and Optum, respectively. Most of the treatment associations across the other time periods and outcomes also had 95% CIs including the null value. In these large samples of real‐world US patients, no increased risk in MI and stroke were identified for up to 36 months of treatment in denosumab users compared with zoledronic acid users. © 2023 Amgen. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on source plasma donations
Authors: Covington Mischa L. , Voma Chesinta , Stowell Sean R.
Published: August 2023

While the COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted many aspects of healthcare, including routine blood donations, the impact of COVID‐19 on the donation of source plasma critical to many aspects of patient care, including apheresis procedures, has been more difficult to define. As production of plasma‐derived medicinal products (PDMPs) can take up to a year, shortages in source plasma donations may not be immediately appreciated. Given current shortages in PDMPs, in particular albumin, we examined the impact of COVID‐19 on source plasma donations. Our data demonstrate that source plasma donations were disproportionately impacted by COVID‐19 and that these shortages remained until the latter half of 2022. Given the time delay in PDMP manufacturing, these results suggest that while source plasma donation levels are returning to pre‐pandemic levels, shortages in PDMPs may not be quickly overcome. These results also highlight the unique vulnerabilities in plasma sourcing that may continue to manifest as PDMP shortages for years to come.
Study of mechanical, optical, and thermoelectric characteristics ofBa2XMoO6(X = Zn, Cd) double perovskite for energy harvesting
Authors: Al‐Qaisi Samah , Rached Habib , Alrebdi Tahani A. , Bouzgarrou S. , Behera Debidatta , Mukherjee Sanat Kumar , Khuili Mohamed , Adam Mohamed , Verma Ajay Singh , Ezzeldien Mohammed
Published: August 2023

The double perovskites are become the emerging aspirant to fulfill the demand of energy. Therefore, the optoelectronic, elastic and transport characteristics of Ba2XMoO6(X = Zn, Cd) are addressed systemically. The elastic constants show the mechanical stability. The nature of Ba2ZnMoO6is brittle and Ba2CdMoO6is ductile with large values of Debye temperature covalent bonding. The electronic band structures exhibit band gaps of 2.81 and 2.98 eV, which increase their importance for optoelectronic applications. The absorption of light energy, optical loss, refractive index, polarization of light energy are addressed in the energy range zero to 14 eV. Furthermore, thermoelectric characteristics are computed against chemical potentials at 300, 600, and 900 K. The chemical potential decides the p‐type nature, with holes as majority carriers. The increasing temperature increases the power factor and figure of merit. Therefore, the optoelectronic and thermoelectric characteristics reveals the importance of studied DPs for energy applications.
Development and validation of a scale assessing parental varied responses to Chinese adolescents' negative emotions
Authors: Ding Ruyi , Liu Jin , Luo Yuhan , He Wei
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Parental responses to children's negative emotions (PRCNE) constitute a critical construct in the study of emotion socialization in children and adolescents. The objective of this research was to develop and validate a concise scale for assessing how adolescents perceive PRCNE in a Chinese context, resulting in the creation of the parental varied responses to Chinese adolescents' negative emotions (PVRCANE) scale. The PVRCANE aims to evaluate seven forms of PRCNE, including the six types encompassed by the commonly used Coping with Children's Negative Emotions Scale‐Adolescent Version (CCNES‐AV), as well as an additional, culturally specific category frequently seen in Chinese families: didactic talk and teaching.

Methods

In Study 1, a group of participants (N = 901, Mage = 13.39 years, SD = 0.92) completed the initial PVRCANE and the CCNES‐Adolescent Version. In Study 2: A separate group of participants (N = 320, Mage = 13.54 years, SD = 0.57) filled in PVRCANE and scales evaluating parental socialization goals and adolescents' depressive symptoms.

Results

In Study 1, factor analyses showed that a four‐factor structure best fit the data, leading to the final version of the PVRCANE, which includes 35 items. PVRCANE scores exhibited good internal consistency (Omega > 0.79) and convergent validity, demonstrated by their close correlation with traditional CCNES scores. Study 2 confirmed the PVRCANE's measurement invariance for both male and female parents and demonstrated criterion validity by showing significant relationships between PVRCANE scores, parental socialization goals, and adolescents' symptoms of depression.

Conclusion

The PVRCANE is a brief, valid, and reliable scale for assessing PRCNE in Chinese adolescents. The study concludes with a discussion on future directions and how this research enhances the existing literature on emotion socialization, with a particular emphasis on the scale's potential application in other cultural settings.
The fear of letting go and the Ivory Tower of dental educational training
Authors: Brondani Mario , Dawson Aimee‐Brennan , Jessani Abbas , Donnelly Leeann
Published: August 2023

Issue

Clinical training in dental education is complex and happens mostly within a well‐controlled environment such as a university dental clinic where oral health care services are delivered; it is mostly student‐centered. While such training is important, it is also possible to augment and enhance it by training predoctoral dental students outside such a clinic within off‐site community‐based placements using a more person‐centered approach. However, there seems to exist a reluctance in recognizing and utilizing the work produced in these off‐site placements holistically as an integral part of students’ clinical assessment.

Approach

Community‐based clinical experience adds value to the training of our predoctoral dental students. This perspective describes the benefits of community placements and recognizes their importance in the clinical and professional development of a future graduate. It also presents a way to assess students’ performance that by‐and‐large mirrors that of the university dental clinic while striking a balance between student‐centered education and person‐centered care.

Impact

In this perspective, we argue that the clinical work delivered at a community placement ought to be weighted equitably with the clinical work delivered at a university clinic when assessing students’ competency as a whole. Our message is to keep a balance of student‐centered education and person‐centered care to the benefit of all those involved.
Survey of organ‐derived small extracellular vesicles and particles (sEVPs) to identify selective protein markers in mouse serum
Authors: Abdelmohsen Kotb , Herman Allison B. , Carr Angelica E. , Henry‐Smith Charnae’ A. , Rossi Martina , Meng Qiong , Yang Jen‐Hao , Tsitsipatis Dimitrios , Bangura Alhassan , Munk Rachel , Martindale Jennifer L. , Nogueras‐Ortiz Carlos J. , Hao Jon , Gong Yi , Liu Yie , Cui Chang‐Yi , Hartnell Lisa M. , Price Nathan L. , Ferrucci Luigi , Kapogiannis Dimitrios , de Cabo Rafael , Gorospe Myriam
Published: August 2023

Extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) are secreted by organs across the body into different circulatory systems, including the bloodstream, and reflect pathophysiologic conditions of the organ. However, the heterogeneity of EVPs in the blood makes it challenging to determine their organ of origin. We hypothesized that small (s)EVPs (<100 nm in diameter) in the bloodstream carry distinctive protein signatures associated with each originating organ, and we investigated this possibility by studying the proteomes of sEVPs produced by six major organs (brain, liver, lung, heart, kidney, and fat). We found that each organ contained distinctive sEVP proteins: 68 proteins were preferentially found in brain sEVPs, 194 in liver, 39 in lung, 15 in heart, 29 in kidney, and 33 in fat. Furthermore, we isolated sEVPs from blood and validated the presence of sEVP proteins associated with the brain (DPP6, SYT1, DNM1L), liver (FABPL, ARG1, ASGR1/2), lung (SFPTA), heart (CPT1B), kidney (SLC31), and fat (GDN). We further discovered altered levels of these proteins in serum sEVPs obtained from old mice compared to young mice. In sum, we have cataloged sEVP proteins that can serve as potential biomarkers for organ identification in serum and show differential expression with age.
Acyclic graphs with at least 2ℓ + 1 vertices are ℓ‐recognizable
Authors: Kostochka Alexandr V. , Nahvi Mina , West Douglas B. , Zirlin Dara
Published: August 2023

The ‐deck of an ‐vertex graph is the multiset of subgraphs obtained from it by deleting vertices. A family of ‐vertex graphs is ‐recognizable if every graph having the same ‐deck as a graph in the family is also in the family. We prove that the family of ‐vertex graphs with no cycles is ‐recognizable when (except for ). As a consequence, the family of ‐vertex trees is ‐recognizable when and . It is known that this fails when .
Development of precision therapies for rare inborn errors of metabolism: Functional investigations in cell culture models
Authors: Didiasova Miroslava , Banning Antje , Tikkanen Ritva
Published: August 2023

Due to the low number of patients, rare genetic diseases are a special challenge for the development of therapies, especially for diseases that result from numerous, patient‐specific pathogenic variants. Precision medicine makes use of various kinds of molecular information about a specific variant, so that the possibilities for an effective therapy based on the molecular features of the variants can be elucidated. The attention to personalized precision therapies has increased among scientists and clinicians, since the “single drug for all patients” approach does not allow the classification of individuals in subgroups according to the differences in the disease genotype or phenotype. This review article summarizes some approaches of personalized precision medicine that can be used for a cost‐effective and fast development of therapies, even for single patients. We have focused on specific examples on inborn errors of metabolism, with special attention on drug repurposing. Furthermore, we provide an overview of cell culture models that are suitable for precision medicine approaches.
The roar of Rancho La Brea? Comparative anatomy of modern and fossil felid hyoid bones
Authors: Deutsch Ashley R. , Brian Langerhans R. , Flores Deanna , Hartstone‐Rose Adam
Published: August 2023

Animal vocalization is broadly recognized as ecologically and evolutionarily important. In mammals, hyoid elements may influence vocalization repertoires because the hyoid apparatus anchors vocal tissues, and its morphology can be associated with variation in surrounding soft‐tissue vocal anatomy. Thus, fossil hyoid morphology has the potential to shed light on vocalizations in extinct taxa. Yet, we know little about the hyoid morphology of extinct species because hyoid elements are rare in the fossil record. An exception is found in the Rancho La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles, California, where enough hyoids have been preserved to allow for quantitative analyses. The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum houses one of the largest and most diverse collections of carnivore fossils, including hyoid elements from the extinct felids Smilodon fatalis and Panthera atrox. Here, we found that extant members of Felinae (purring cats) and Panthera (roaring cats) showed characteristic differences in hyoid size and shape that suggest possible functional relationships with vocalization. The two extinct taxa had larger and more robust hyoids than extant felids, potentially reflecting the ability to produce lower frequency vocalizations as well as more substantial muscles associated with swallowing and respiration. Based on the shape of the hyoid elements, Panthera atrox resembled roaring cats, while Smilodon fatalis was quite variable and, contrary to suggestions from previous research, more similar overall to purring felids. Thus P. atrox may have roared and S. fatalis may have produced vocalizations similar to extant purring cats but at a lower frequency. Due to the confounding of vocalization repertoire and phylogenetic history in extant Felidae, we cannot distinguish between morphological signals related to vocalization behavior and those related to shared evolutionary history unrelated to vocalization.
Functional role of lacunar and muscular systems in the externa of Peltogasterella gracilis (Cirripedia: Rhizocephala)
Authors: Arbuzova Natalia A. , Lianguzova Anastasia D. , Iliutkin Stanislav A. , Laskova Ekaterina P. , Gafarova Elizaveta R. , Miroliubov Aleksei A.
Published: August 2023

One of the most conspicuous traits of parasitic organisms is a well‐developed reproductive system. In Rhizocephala (“Crustacea”: Cirripedia) it is believed to be nested in the externa—a “reproductive part” located outside of the host. However, it is not clear how nutrients are transported to the externa. Several authors described a system of lacunae in the externa, and muscular contractions probably enable transport through these cavities. The aim of our study was to visualize (using microcomputed tomography and confocal laser scanning microscopy) and describe lacunar and muscular systems in the externa of Peltogasterella gracilis (fam. Peltogasterellidae). The lacunar system consists of “ventral” lacuna and several protrusions. The “ventral” lacuna is probably responsible for visceral mass nutrition, and mantle protrusions are associated with the mantle nutrition. The gross organization of the muscular system mostly corresponds to previous descriptions in other rhizocephalan species. Nonetheless, we observed several features of the externa morphology that had not been described before such as a muscular thickening in the proximal externa's part and a stalk plug disk. The muscular thickening might play a role of a propulsatory organ, helping to transport liquid through the lacunar system. The plug disk might fill the hole in the host's cuticle after the old externa drop off. The results allow us to make first assumptions on transport mechanisms in Rhizocephala.
Unbiased and biased chemometric analysis of LC‐MS data from human urine following coffee intake
Authors: Said Inamullah Hakeem , Truex Johnathan Douglas , Haka Sara , Petrov Dimitar D. , Kuhnert Nikolai
Published: August 2023

We carried out a human volunteer study with 14 participants, eight of whom were asked to consume one cup of coffee at four different time points. Urine samples were collected at eight time points and analyzed by HPLC‐MS analysis. The LC‐MS data were subjected to unsupervised multivariate statistical analysis (principal component analysis) followed by supervised multivariate analysis (linear discriminant analysis). In an unbiased approach, in the absence of data preselection and filtering, the most important features explaining differences between coffee consumers and the control group observed showed variations in endogenous human hormonal steroid metabolites as well as xanthine derivatives. Only after a biased data treatment data revealed differences between the sample groups based on literature reported chlorogenic acid metabolites resulting directly from coffee intake. Such analysis could confirm the presence of 21 previously reported chlorogenic acid plasma metabolites as urinary metabolites. The application of tandem MS molecular networking revealed the presence of five bioavailable chlorogenic acid derivatives in urine previously not reported, including both quinic acid lactone and dimethoxy caffeoyl esters. Selected cinnamic acids were quantified in urine.
Compact ACS‐fed frequency reconfigurable octa‐band antenna for wireless portable systems
Authors: Sreelakshmi Koduri
Published: August 2023

In this article, the design and analysis of a compact octa‐band antenna employing the PIN diode to realize frequency reconfigurable characteristics is presented. The presented antenna is backed by a partial ground plane and printed on top of a 1.53 mm thicker FR4 substrate. The antenna size is very compact (25 mm × 14 mm × 1.53 mm), and can be readily incorporated with many other RF front‐end circuits. The presented antenna consists of a semi‐heptagonal, semi‐hexagonal, inverted L‐shaped, and inverted Z‐shaped monopoles. Depending on the position of the lumped element switch, the presented antenna can operate in eight different frequency modes. The investigated antenna realizes Penta/Triple band characteristics by turning ON/OFF the PIN diode positioned between the inverted L‐shaped monopole and feedline. While in ON state, the investigated antenna covers five unique frequencies 1.82 GHz (DCS/5G NR n70), 2.43 GHz (Bluetooth/RFID), 3.75 GHz (LTE 42–43/5G NR n77/Wi‐MAX), 5.4 GHz (U‐NII‐2A & ‐2B), and 5.84 GHz (U‐NII‐3 & V2X) and in OFF state, the antenna covers three unique frequencies 1.95 GHz (PCS/UMTS/LTE 34–37), 2.59 GHz (LTE 2500 & WLAN 2.4 GHz), 4.71 GHz (5G NR n79 & WLAN 5GHz) for wireless applications. The investigated antenna exhibits excellent impedance bandwidths of 1.69–1.9 GHz (BW = 11.6%), 1.8–2.1 GHz (BW = 15.4%), 2.37–2.56 GHz (BW = 7.7%), 2.4–2.7 GHz (BW = 11.8%), 3.49–4.2 GHz (BW = 18.4%), 4.3–5.55 GHz (BW = 25.4%), 5.2–5.52 GHz (BW = 6%), and 5.78–5.9 GHz (BW = 5.5%) at 1.82/1.95/2.43/2.59/3.75/4.71/5.4, and 5.84 GHz, respectively. The measurements demonstrate that the designed antenna has omnidirectional radiation characteristics with 1.15–4.4 dBi gain. The proposed design's simulated and measured results are compared, and show good agreement.
Interdecadal changes in the interannual variations in spring precipitation over the Tarim Basin
Authors: Xie QianJia , Jia XiaoJing , Chen XinHai , Dong Wei
Published: August 2023

The year‐to‐year fluctuation and total amount of spring precipitation over the Tarim Basin (TB) (SPTB) have both significantly increased after 1985. The data are then divided into two subperiods, that is, 1961–1985 (P1) and 1986–2020 (P2), and the contributions from various climate factors, including the North Atlantic and Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures (SSTs), as well as from Tibetan Plateau (TP) snow, to the interdecadal changes from P1 to P2 are examined. In P1, the SPTB‐related atmospheric circulation anomalies display a zonal wave‐like pattern dominating the middle–high North Atlantic‐Eurasian continent. In contrast, in P2, the SPTB‐related atmospheric circulation anomalies feature a meridional tripole pattern prevailing over the North Atlantic and western Europe. The observational analysis indicates that abnormally low pressure in the north and high pressure in the southwest of the TB are the key atmospheric systems that influence moisture transportation to the Tarim Basin and consequently impact the variability of the SPTB. The anomalous SSTs in the North Atlantic and Indian Ocean play a significant role in inducing changes in the SPTB by regulating the moisture transport pathway in the vicinity of the TB. In P1, the SSTs in both the North Atlantic and the tropical Indian Ocean contribute to the SPTB mainly in the periphery of the TB, while in P2, they contribute to the SPTB in most of the TB. In addition, the snow cover over TP also contributes to the SPTB changes. Distinguished from the effects of oceanic SST, the TP snow primarily influences the variability of the SPTB within the central region of the TP during P1 and around the periphery of the TP during P2.
Elective surgery cancellations due to suboptimal medicine management: a retrospective single site study
Authors: Ziser Kate Elizabeth Doreen , King Jessica Barbara , Alkass Natasha , Dunsdon Jane Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Background

Elective surgery cancellations and delays are associated with negative financial and staffing ramifications, adverse clinical outcomes, and poor patient outcomes. The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia, performs approximately 15 000 elective surgeries per year and medication optimisation is pivotal in preparing a patient for surgery to avoid same day of surgery theatre cancellations. Ideally, patients are seen in a multidisciplinary pre‐admission clinic for optimisation of their health and medicines, and to provide education regarding their surgery.

Aim

To calculate the incidence of elective surgery cancellations due to medication misadventure over a 12‐month period.

Method

A retrospective audit at a tertiary Queensland Hospital was conducted over a 12‐month period (April 2021–March 2022), including patients who had their elective surgeries cancelled. The medical records from the hospital's digital databases for patients who were identified by the hospital coding service as ‘unfit for surgery’ were screened to see if the reason for the surgery cancellation was due to medication misadventure. The project was reviewed by the Metro South Human Research Ethics Committee and deemed exempt from further review (Ref No: CM20221651).

Results

The surgery cancellation rate was 50% (n = 6626 cancelled surgeries from 13 255 total surgeries booked). The same day of surgery cancellation rate was 5.5% (n = 734). Medication misadventure resulting from suboptimal medicine management was responsible for 1% (n = 66 out of 6626 surgery cancellations). A total of 41% (n = 27) of patients had their surgery cancelled ahead of time by the pharmacist due to a medication not being withheld for long enough, which prevented a same‐day cancellation.

Conclusion

Having a pre‐admission clinic pharmacist improves preoperative medication optimisation and has been proven to avoid same‐day cancellations.
Rapid identification of chemical compositions of three species of Schisandra chinensis by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole‐orbitrap‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Shu Lexin , Qiu Huixin , Zhang Shumin , Xue Jing , Liu Sitong , Qian Jun , Chen Siyue , Xu Yanyan , Li Yubo
Published: August 2023

Schisandra chinensis is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has played an important role in the field of medicine and food. In this study, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole‐orbitrap‐mass spectrometry was used to rapidly classify and identify the chemical compositions. Note that 32, 28, and 30 kinds of compounds were successfully identified from northern Schisandra chinensis, vinegar‐processed Schisandra chinensis, and wine‐processed Schisandra chinensis, respectively. The cleavage patterns of various components including lignans, organic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids were summarized, and the effects of different processing methods on Schisandra chinensis were analyzed through chemical composition. This method realized the rapid classification and identification of raw Schisandra chinensis and two different processed products, and provided references for improving the traditional processing methods, strengthening quality control, and ensuring safe clinical application.
Method for Collecting Single Epithelial Cells from the Mouse Larynx
Authors: Khan Mohammed Imran , Easwaran Meena , Martinez Joshua D. , Kimura Akari , Erickson‐DiRenzo Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Objective

The larynx is lined by specialized epithelial cell populations. Studying molecular changes occurring in individual epithelial cell types requires a reliable method for removing these cells from the larynx. Our objective was to develop a method to harvest individual epithelial cells from the mouse larynx while minimizing contamination from non‐laryngeal sites and non‐epithelial laryngeal cells.

Methods

Mice were euthanized, and the larynx was carefully exposed and separated from non‐laryngeal sites. A small dental brush was inserted into the laryngeal inlet and rotated to obtain epithelial cells. Cells were transferred to collection media, counted, and cytospin preparations stained for laryngeal epithelial (i.e., Pan‐Keratin, EpCAM, NGFR, p63, K5, β‐tubulin, MUC5AC) and non‐epithelial (i.e., vimentin) cell markers. Histopathology was completed on brushed laryngeal tissue sections to evaluate the depth of cell collection. Preliminary Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) was performed to confirm this method can capture diverse laryngeal cell types.

Results

We collected 6000–8000 cells from a single larynx and 35000–40000 cells from combining brushings from three tissues. Histopathology demonstrated brushing removed the epithelial layer of the larynx and some underlying tissue. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated the phenotype of harvested cells was primarily epithelial. Preliminary scRNA‐seq was successfully conducted and displayed nine unique cell clusters.

Conclusion

We developed a reliable method of harvesting individual epithelial cells from the mouse larynx. This method will be useful for collection of laryngeal cells for a variety of downstream cellular and molecular assays, including scRNA‐seq, protein analyses, and cell‐culture‐based experiments, following laryngeal injury.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:786–794, 2024
Bilateral Functional Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Presbyphonia in a Sheep Model
Authors: Kirsch Andrijana , Gerstenberger Claus , Jakubaß Bernhard , Tschernitz Magdalena , Perkins Justin D. , Groselj‐Strele Andrea , Lanmüller Hermann , Jarvis Jonathan C. , Kniesburges Stefan , Döllinger Michael , Gugatschka Markus
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aim of the study was to increase muscle volume and improve phonation characteristics of the aged ovine larynx by functional electrical stimulation (FES) using a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Methods

Stimulation electrodes were placed bilaterally near the terminal adduction branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLN). The electrodes were connected to battery powered pulse generators implanted subcutaneously at the neck region. Training patterns were programmed by an external programmer using a bidirectional radio frequency link. Training sessions were repeated automatically by the implant every other day for 1 week followed by every day for 8 weeks in the awake animal. Another group of animals were used as sham, with electrodes positioned but not connected to an implant. Outcome parameters included gene expression analysis, histological assessment of muscle fiber size, functional analysis, and volumetric measurements based on three‐dimensional reconstructions of the entire thyroarytenoid muscle (TAM).

Results

Increase in minimal muscle fiber diameter and an improvement in vocal efficiency were observed following FES, compared with sham animals.

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate beneficial effects in the TAM of FES at molecular, histological, and functional levels. FES of the terminal branches of the RLN reversed the effects of age‐related changes and improved vocal efficiency.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:848–854, 2024
Grazing regulates soil N cycling of annual pastures by enhancing soil N turnover in arid climate condition
Authors: Guo Yarong , Ning Jiao , Lou Shanning , Zhang Cheng , Zhu Wanhe , Hou Fujiang
Published: August 2023

Nitrogen is the second limited factor in arid regions. Little information is available on soil N cycling and availability under grazing in arid regions, which is required to evaluate land‐use management with respect to soil N availability and dynamics. In 2011, we established a rotational grazing field experiment in arid grassland. We conducted experiments to explore the effects of herbivores grazing on soil net N mineralization and N processes via changes in soil temperature, moisture, pH, and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) in 2016 and 2017. Our results showed that grazing did not alter soil N mineralization because higher soil moisture and soil MBN under grazing had positive and negative effects on soil N mineralization, thereby balancing soil N mineralization. Plant N uptake at the grazing plots was, nevertheless, 23% higher than that at the non‐grazing plots. These demonstrated that grazing potentially improved soil inorganic N availability and alleviated soil N limitation in arid regions. Soil nitrification was main pathway of N transformation in arid regions. Grazing improved soil accumulation of NO3− content, resulting in environmental problems (such as N2O emission and N leaching); however, grazing had a little effect (~15% increase) on soil N leaching and (~7% decrease) on N2O emission. These N processes reflect important mechanisms of resilience and ecosystem stability under grazing in an N‐limited environment. Our results provide an important perspective for grassland management, aiming to maintain soil N supplying capacity in annual pasture sustainably. Overall, our study suggests that grazing is an effective management practice for the sustainable usage of local grasslands, as it improves soil physicochemical and biological properties, which, in turn, increases N supply.
New concept of permafrost degradation monitoring based on photonics technologies: Case study from Calypsostranda (Bellsund, Svalbard)
Authors: Zagórski Piotr , Dobrowolski Radosław , Paździor Adam , Nasiłowski Tomasz , Kultys Kamil , Misztal Kamil , Piątek Paweł , Lis Daniel , Polakowski Cezary , Łukowski Mateusz , Berus Wojciech , Mergo Paweł , Bieganowski Andrzej
Published: August 2023

Ground temperature measurements are crucial for a better understanding of changes in the natural environment, especially in the Arctic. Previous measurement systems provided accurate measurements; however, their most significant disadvantage was the relatively low spatial resolution, including in the vertical profile. The aim of this work was to develop and initially validate a new, original temperature measurement system based on the photonic sensing technique of optical frequency‐domain reflectometry (OFDR). The system consists of a fibre‐optic sensor, an interrogator, and an automatic data acquisition system. Such fibre‐optic sensors allow a significant increase in spatial resolution. Data on precise temperature distribution in the ground profile will allow for a detailed determination of the changes in the thickness of the permafrost active layer (PAL) and, as a consequence, a better description of the current state of the permafrost and the layers above it in relation to their progressive degradation. In the longer term, it will make a better prediction of the pace of possible changes in the polar environment and will open up previously unavailable opportunities in the field of climate change monitoring and forecasting.
Warming experiment indicates that increasing global temperatures may not affect windows of opportunity for salt marsh seedlings
Authors: Ostertag Eva Julia Marie , Jensen Kai , Unger Viktoria , Nolte Stefanie
Published: August 2023

With increasing global temperatures, it remains unclear, how seedling emergence and survival will be affected in highly dynamic ecosystems like salt marshes. Our study combines passive and active warming treatments with the natural inundation dynamics of salt marshes. We studied the effects of active soil and passive air warming (ambient temperature, + 1.5°C and + 3.0°C) on seedling numbers of different species in three salt marsh zones (pioneer zone, low marsh, and high marsh) and on seedling survival (lifespan), seedling diversity and species richness in two salt marsh zones (low marsh and high marsh) in situ. We found a significant influence of warming on Shannon diversity at two dates, but we found no significant effects of warming on seedling number and survival. However, we found trends, which differed between zones. In the pioneer zone, seedling numbers were slightly higher in the warming treatments than in the ambient treatment from April to June. Whereas, in the high marsh, seedling numbers decreased more in the warming treatments during the same period. The median lifespan was slightly reduced under warming treatments. We conclude warming might have increased drought stress for seedlings in the high marsh, which led to the trend of lower seedling numbers and shorter survival times. Seedling number decreased with elevation, which could be attributed to both species‐specific strategies and differences in available space. Median survival differed significantly between species, which we assume is due to differing life‐history traits like seed size and if the species are annual or perennial.
Culture clash or collaboration? Unraveling the role of hierarchical organizational culture in International Financial Reporting Standards adoption
Authors: Bansal Manish
Published: August 2023

This research study investigates the influence of organizational culture on the quality of earnings when adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The results reveal a positive association between hierarchical organizational culture and earnings quality, indicating that organizations with strong hierarchical cultures tend to generate high‐quality financial reports during the implementation of IFRS. This finding aligns with the principles of contingency theory, which suggests that hierarchical cultures are particularly effective in ensuring accurate and reliable financial reporting, especially in situations characterized by high uncertainty or complexity. Based on these findings, the study recommends the cultivation of a favorable organizational culture to maximize the benefits of IFRS in terms of higher earnings quality under the new accounting standards. By nurturing a hierarchical culture that prioritizes accuracy, accountability, and compliance, organizations can enhance their ability to produce reliable financial reports and effectively meet the requirements of IFRS. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the relationship between organizational culture, IFRS adoption, and earnings quality. The practical implications derived from these findings emphasize the significance of fostering a supportive organizational culture to harness the positive impact of IFRS on earnings quality.
A case report of a novel HIST1H1E mutation and a review of the bibliography to evaluate the genotype–phenotype correlations
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Zhang Yinhong , Lv Tao , He Jing , Zhu Baosheng
Published: August 2023

Background

HIST1H1E is a member of the H1 gene family. Excess de novo likely gene‐disruptive variants involving the C‐terminal tail of HIST1H1E have been reported in neurodevelopmental disorders. Although clinical phenotypes in some patients have been described in single studies, few studies have reviewed the genotype and phenotype relationships using a relatively large cohort of patients with HIST1H1E variants.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the proband. The variant was validated using Sanger sequencing in both proband and parents. Published HIST1H1E variants in neuropsychiatric disorders were reviewed.

Results

Herein, we reported a new de novo frameshift mutation in HIST1H1E (NM_005321.2, c.416_419dupAGAA, p.Ala141GlufsTer56) in an individual with Rahman syndrome. To explore the genotype–phenotype correlations for HIST1H1E variants in neurodevelopmental disorders, we comprehensively curated and summarized 23 variants and the clinical features from 52 patients. Our findings revealed that likely gene‐disrupting variants in HIST1H1E contribute to a wide range of neurodevelopmental phenotypes. We observed the common phenotypes including craniofacial features, ID, hypotonia, and autism/behavior problem in patients with HIST1H1E variants. While the different genotypes corresponding to different phenotypes or the same phenotype were also observed.

Conclusion

These data provide scientific evidence for the genetic diagnosis and precision clinical management.
Hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with riboflavin‐responsive multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Zhang Huiqiu , Zhao Rongjuan , Ma Jing , Zhang Jingfei , Wang Juan , Chang Xueli , Guo Junhong , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2023

Introduction/Aims

Riboflavin‐responsive multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (RR‐MADD) is an autosomal recessive disease chiefly caused by variants of ETFDH affecting fatty acid metabolism. In our cohort, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) was common. In this study we aimed to identify the association between RR‐MADD and HHcy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 13 patients with RR‐MADD. Thirty‐three healthy controls were recruited, and logistic regression was used to investigate the association between RR‐MADD and HHcy. Muscle tissues from six patients and six controls without myopathies were collected to measure the levels of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), an active form of riboflavin. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed to identify the disease‐associated variants.

Results

The RR‐MADD patients had a higher prevalence of HHcy (9 of 12) than controls (6 of 33, P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, RR‐MADD was positively related to HHcy (P = .014). Muscular FAD levels were decreased in RR‐MADD patients (P = .006). Thirteen variants (8 reported and 5 novel) were identified in ETFDH. Of these, c.250G > A was the most common pathogenic variant with an allelic frequency of 4 of 20.

Discussion

HHcy was associated with RR‐MADD and may aid in the diagnosis of the disease. Our findings expand the mutational spectrum of RR‐MADD.
A hypoplastic model for hydrate‐bearing sand considering hydrate saturation and grain breakage
Authors: Qian Haoyong , Wu Wei , Xu Chengshun , Du Xiuli
Published: August 2023

We present a hypoplastic model to capture the mechanical responses of hydrate‐bearing sands by incorporating hydrate saturation and grain breakage. In our model, a new degradation scalar is introduced to account for the effects of hydrate bonding evolution on strength. We also adopt the variable critical state line to assess the effects of hydrate saturation and relative breakage ratio at high confining pressure. This model is validated by modeling a series of laboratory tests.
‘Do we need doulas…?’ – Perspectives of maternity care managers on the role of doulas in Poland
Authors: Wójcik‐Brylska Katarzyna , Pawlicka Paulina , Tataj‐Puzyna Urszula , Szlendak Beata , Baranowska Barbara
Published: August 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study was to analyse perinatal care managers' perspectives on the role of doulas in Poland and to consider how managers' perspectives might affect the opportunities for doulas to practice in individual hospitals.

Design

This is a qualitative descriptive study.

Method

The total of 17 hospitals was selected for the study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 manager staff members.

Results

Three groups of facilities were identified: ‘0’ (n = 6) – refused to give interviews, ‘A’ (n = 8) – marginal experience in working with doulas, and ‘B’ (n = 3) – regular experience in working with doulas. The hospitals from Group A showed indifference towards working with doulas. Group B declared a positive attitude towards such cooperation. Attitudes towards doulas vary among executives and are related to the frequency of doula‐assisted births. Our results indicate factors that may influence the attitude of medical staff towards doulas and which may contribute to improve future initiatives meant to facilitate collaboration between midwives and doulas.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study explored the lived experiences of perinatal care managers.
Developing a talent management framework for domestically and internationally trained nurses and midwives in healthcare organizations: A mixed‐methods research protocol
Authors: Berkery Elaine , Ryan Nuala , O'Malley Bernadette , Purtill Helen , O'Donnell Claire
Published: August 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to gather evidence on talent management practices for nurses and midwives in an Irish hospital group, to identify any shortcomings in the current practices and to develop an evidence‐based talent management framework for the hospital group.

Design

This paper details a protocol for a mixed methods research study that will be used to (1) identify, critically evaluate and summarize academic scholarship on talent management strategies for both domestically and internationally trained nurses and midwives, leading to the development of a model of talent management for this study, (2) gather evidence from both domestic and internationally trained nurses and midwives, via questionnaires and focus groups within the hospital group on current talent management practices and (3) use the model previously developed to organize our findings and develop a talent management framework for the hospital group.

Methods

The study will adapt a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data will be analysed using SPSS, and qualitative data will be analysed using NVivo.

Results

Our findings will support a stakeholder approach to the development of talent management practices for both domestic and internationally trained nurses and midwives in healthcare organizations. Doing so should improve the pipeline of suitably qualified nurses and midwives for future roles, by assisting nurses and midwives to identify career paths and future educational opportunities. From an organizational perspective, this research will allow healthcare organizations to adapt their current workforce planning strategies, tailoring them to the needs of the current workforce, which should reduce turnover, ensuring a highly skilled workforce, with the appropriate numbers to provide the care required within that healthcare setting.

No Patient of Public Contribution

Contributions will be sought from nursing and midwifery staff and management within the hospital group.
Presurgical microstructural coherence predicts cognitive change for bariatric surgery patients
Authors: Chen Alexa K. , Gullett Joseph M. , Williamson John B. , Cohen Ronald A.
Published: August 2023

Objective

This observational study examined the relationship between presurgical white matter microstructural coherence and cognitive change after weight loss. It was hypothesized that higher baseline fractional anisotropy (FA) would predict greater baseline and change cognition.

Methods

A sample of 24 adults (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) underwent neuropsychological assessment at baseline and 12 weeks after bariatric surgery. A magnetic resonance imaging brain scan was administered at baseline and processed through Tract‐Based Spatial Statistics to compute FA in white matter tracts of interest. Composite scores for attention, learning, processing speed, executive function, verbal fluency, working memory, and overall cognition were calculated.

Results

As expected, FA in some tracts of interest was significantly (p < 0.05) positively associated with change in cognition. Inverse relationships were observed between baseline FA and presurgical cognition, which may be explained by increased medial and radial diffusivity and preserved axonal diffusivity. Cognition generally improved after surgery; however, relative but clinically nonsignificant deterioration was observed on learning measures. Poorer baseline cognitive performance was associated with greater postsurgical cognitive improvement.

Conclusions

Presurgical microstructural coherence is associated with magnitude of cognitive change after weight loss. An observed reduction in learning suggests that bariatric surgery may lead to negative outcomes in some cognitive domains, at least temporarily.