bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mismatch repair deficiency: The what, how and why it is important
Authors: Olave Maria C. , Graham Rondell P.
Published: November 2021

The mismatch repair system is a major pathway that functions in the maintenance of genomic integrity. It is involved in mitotic and meiotic recombination, apoptosis, immunoglobulin gene rearrangement, somatic hypermutation, and other processes. Deficiencies in mismatch repair give rise to hypermutability and the phenomenon called microsatellite instability. Detection of deficient mismatch repair function or microsatellite instability is used diagnostically, predictively, and prognostically. Specifically, deficient mismatch repair function is used for screening of Lynch syndrome, determining patients who are likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibition, and to contributes to an understanding of which cancer patients may pursue a more aggressive clinical course. Microsatellite instability can be evaluated directly by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or indirectly by assessment of mismatch repair protein expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC), and mismatch repair function using next‐generation sequencing assays which evaluates homopolymer indels. In this article, we provide a concise practical review on mismatch repair deficiency (MMR‐d)/microsatellite instability (MSI), focusing on clinical testing, different testing methods, interpretation of findings, the predictive, and prognostic utility of MSI.
Intensity‐modulated proton radiation therapy as a radical treatment modality for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China: Cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Li Guo , Xia Yun‐Fei , Huang Yi‐Xiang , Okat Deniz , Qiu Bo , Doyen Jerome , Bondiau Pierre‐Yves , Benezery Karen , Gao Jin , Qian Chao‐Nan
Published: November 2021

Background

Compared to conventional intensity‐modulated photon radiation therapy (IMRT), intensity‐modulated proton radiation therapy (IMPT) has potential to reduce irradiation‐induced late toxicities while maintaining excellent tumor control in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the relevant cost‐effectiveness remains controversial.

Methods

A Markov decision tree analysis was performed under the assumption that IMPT offered normal tissue complication probability reduction (NTCP reduction) in long‐term dysphagia, xerostomia, and hearing loss, compared to IMRT. Base‐case evaluation was performed on T2N2M0 NPC of median age (43 years old). A Chinese societal willingness‐to‐pay threshold (33558 US dollars [$])/quality‐adjusted life‐year [QALY]) was adopted.

Results

For patients at median age and having NTCP reduction of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%, their incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were $102684.0/QALY, $43161.2/QALY, $24134.7/QALY, $13991.6/QALY, $8259.8/QALY, and $4436.1/QALY, respectively; IMPT should provide an NTCP reduction of ≥24% to be considered cost‐effective.

Conclusions

IMPT has potential to be cost‐effective for average Chinese NPC patients and should be validated clinically.
Dissipative heat for the Casson fluid flow past an expanding cylindrical surface
Authors: Pattnaik Pradyumna Kumar , Mishra Satyaranjan , Jena Swarnalata
Published: November 2021

A non‐Newtonian model is developed by considering the flow of non‐Newtonian Casson fluid past an expanding cylinder embedded in a porous medium. The novelty arises because of the conjunction of dissipative heat, and the additional heat source that enriches the heat transport phenomenon significantly. The application of the study is vital due to the flow of blood through the artery, a physiological study. Therefore, the study of Casson fluid plays an important role. The nonlinear partial differential equations that appeared in the formulation are now renovated to the coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations. However, a numerical technique associated with shooting‐based followed by Runge–Kutta fourth‐order is employed for the solution of these transformed equations. The uniqueness of diverse pertinent parameters on the flow phenomena is scrutinized through graphs and numerically simulated results presented in tables. The important observations are as follows; the magnetic parameter and permeability augment the shear rate coefficients, whereas the Casson parameter rendered the opposite impact. Furthermore, the non‐Newtonian Casson parameter retards the fluid temperature, and the curvature parameter significantly enhances it.
Confinement Related Phenomena in MoS2 Tubular Structures Grown from Vapour Phase
Authors: Remskar Maja , Hüttel Andreas K. , Shubina Tatiana V. , Seabaugh Alan , Fathipour Sara , Lawrowski Robert , Schreiner Rupert
Published: November 2021

We review recently discovered phenomena observed in the MoS2 tubular structures, which were synthesized by a lasting chemical transport reaction nearly at chemical equilibrium. Such MoS2 nanotubes are distinguished by low density of structural defects, thin walls and a high aspect ratio, which intrinsically provide a confined, edge‐free geometry. Quantum confinement with single electron conductance was recorded and a bright exciton photoluminescence with appearance of whispering gallery modes was observed. In addition, the field‐effect transistors and field emitters based on single MoS2 nanotubes were demonstrated. These discoveries revitalize research of MoS2 curved structures grown from vapour phase, which were reported several decades ago.
Personality traits and stress coping among obstetricians diagnosing and communicating fetal death: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Muin Dana Anais , Erlacher Janina , Leutgeb Stephanie , Toth Bettina , Felnhofer Anna
Published: November 2021

Objective

To assess obstetricians’ personality traits (empathy, locus of control [LoC], situational affect) and relate these to stress coping when making the diagnosis and delivering the news of late fetal death to parents.

Methods

Cross‐sectional questionnaire study.

Results

341 Austrian obstetricians (72.7% females) participated in this online survey. Participants’ mean age was 46.4 ± 10.8 years. The majority of participants (n = 158, 46.3%) had been previously involved in the diagnosis of fetal death and subsequent breaking news up to five times. We observed no gender‐specific differences in physicians’ stress coping, including situational affect, perceived stress, challenge, self‐concept, or perceived control, nor in internal or external LoC, and perspective taking. Female obstetricians showed significantly higher trait empathy and reported higher levels of distress regarding fetal death than males. Obstetricians with greater experience in dealing with fetal death (>11 times) reported a higher ability to cope with stress as reflected by lower situational affect, less perceived stress, less challenge, and higher situational control.

Conclusion

While obstetricians’ stress coping in diagnosing and communicating fetal death is independent of physicians’ gender, greater ability to empathize with the parents diminishes overall sense of control and affect over the situation, whereas increased level of clinical experience with fetal death supports all domains of control and stress coping.
Routine first trimester combined screening for preterm preeclampsia in Australia: A multicenter clinical implementation cohort study
Authors: Rolnik Daniel L. , Selvaratnam Roshan J. , Wertaschnigg Dagmar , Meagher Simon , Wallace Euan , Hyett Jon , da Silva Costa Fabricio , McLennan Andrew
Published: November 2021

Objective

To assess pregnancy outcomes following first trimester combined screening for preterm preeclampsia in Australia.

Methods

We compared pregnancy outcomes of women with singleton pregnancies who underwent first trimester combined preeclampsia screening with the Fetal Medicine Foundation algorithm between 2014 and 2017 in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, with those from women who received standard care. The primary outcomes were preterm preeclampsia and screening performance. Effect estimates were presented as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 29 618 women underwent combined screening and 301 566 women received standard care. Women who had combined screening were less likely to have preeclampsia, preterm birth, small neonates, and low Apgar scores than the general population. Women with high‐risk results (≥1 in 100) were more likely to develop preterm preeclampsia (2.1% vs. 0.7%, risk ratio [RR] 3.04, 95% CI 2.46–3.77), while low‐risk women (risk <1 in 100) had lower rates of preterm preeclampsia (0.2% vs. 0.7%, RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.19–0.35) and other pregnancy complications. Screening detected 65.2% (95% CI 56.4–73.2%) of all preterm preeclampsia cases, with improved performance after adjustment for treatment effect.

Conclusions

First trimester screening for preeclampsia in clinical practice identified a population at high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and low‐risk women who may be suitable for less intensive antenatal care.
Multispectral label‐free Raman spectroscopy can detect ovarian and endometrial cancer with high accuracy
Authors: David Sandryne , Plante Arthur , Dallaire Frédérick , Tremblay Jean‐Philippe , Sheehy Guillaume , Macdonald Elizabeth , Forrest Laura , Daneshmand Manijeh , Trudel Dominique , Wilson Brian C. , Hopkins Laura , Murugkar Sangeeta , Vanderhyden Barbara , Leblond Frédéric
Published: November 2021

Up to 70% of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed with advanced‐stage disease and the degree of cytoreduction is an important survival prognostic factor. The aim of this study was to evaluate if Raman spectroscopy could detect cancer from different organs within the abdominopelvic region, including the ovaries. A Raman spectroscopy probe was used to interrogate specimens from a cohort of nine patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery, including four ovarian cancer patients and three patients with endometrial cancer. A feature‐selection algorithm was developed to determine which spectral bands contributed to cancer detection and a machine‐learning model was trained. The model could detect cancer using only eight spectral bands. The receiver‐operating‐characteristic curve had an area‐under‐the‐curve of 0.96, corresponding to an accuracy, a sensitivity and a specificity of 90%, 93% and 88%, respectively. These results provide evidence multispectral Raman spectroscopy could be developed to detect ovarian cancer intraoperatively.
Study of the spatial scale stability of Mueller matrix parameters for textural characterization of biological tissues
Authors: Chen Yongtai , Chu Jinkui , Tang William C. , Zhang Ran , Zhao Mingyu , Xin Benda
Published: November 2021

Mueller matrix imaging polarimetry (MMIP) is a promising technique for the textural characterization of biological tissue structures. To reveal the influence of imaging magnification on the robustness of Mueller matrix parameters (MMPs), the spatial scale stability of MMPs was studied. We established a new MMIP detector and derived the mathematical model of the spatial scale stability of MMPs. The biological tissues with well‐defined structural components were imaged under different magnifications. Then, we compared and analyzed the textural features of the MMPs in the resulting images. The experimental results match the predictions of the mathematical model in these aspects: (a) magnification exhibits a strong nonlinear effect on the textural contrasts of MMPs images; (b) higher magnification does not necessarily lead to superior contrast for textural characterization; and (c) for different biological tissues, MMPs contrasts can be optimized differently, with some showing superior results. This study provides a reference for the experimental design and operation of the MMIP technique and is helpful for improving the characterization ability of MMPs.
Self‐assembling human skeletal organoids for disease modeling and drug testing
Authors: Abraham Diana M. , Herman Calvin , Witek Lukasz , Cronstein Bruce N. , Flores Roberto L. , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: November 2021

Skeletal conditions represent a considerable challenge to health systems globally. Barriers to effective therapeutic development include a lack of accurate preclinical tissue and disease models. Most recently, work was attempted to present a novel whole organ approach to modeling human bone and cartilage tissues. These self‐assembling skeletal organoids mimic the cellular milieu and extracellular organization present in native tissues. Bone organoids demonstrated osteogenesis and micro vessel formation, and cartilage organoids showed evidence of cartilage development and maturation. Skeletal organoids derived from both bone and cartilage tissues yielded spontaneous polarization of their cartilaginous and bone components. Using these hybrid skeletal organoids, we successfully generated “mini joint” cultures, which we used to model inflammatory disease and test Adenosine (A2A) receptor agonists as a therapeutic agent. The work and respective results indicated that skeletal organoids can be an effective biological model for tissue development and disease as well as to test therapeutic agents.
A comparison of treatment perspectives between adolescent males in residential treatment for substance use and their counselors
Authors: Balkin Richard S. , Russo G. Michael , Perryman Mandy L.
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate therapeutic progress for adolescent males in residential treatment for substance use and compare their perspective of treatment progress with their counselor's measures of therapeutic progress. Participants in this study were from a residential treatment facility for adolescent males (n = 13) with substance use problems and their respective counselors (n = 2). Improvement in areas of problem severity and coping were observed by both adolescents and counselors; limited progress was noted in commitment to follow‐up. Large discrepancies between adolescent clients and counselors related to therapeutic progress were found, with adolescent clients identifying much higher progress in problem severity, coping, and commitment to follow‐up than their counselors. Therapeutic gains for adolescent males in residential treatment for substance use might be small. Large differences may be apparent in how adolescent, male clients perceive their progress compared to how their counselors perceive client progress.
Virucidal effect of monogalactosyl diacylglyceride from a green microalga, Coccomyxa sp. KJ, against clinical isolates of SARS‐CoV‐2 as assessed by a plaque assay
Authors: Hayashi Kyoko , Asai Satomi , Umezawa Kazuo , Kakizoe Hidehumi , Miyachi Hayato , Morita Masanobu , Akaike Takaaki , Kuno Hitoshi , Komatsu Satoko , Watanabe Takumi , Kawahara Toshio
Published: November 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and is capable of human‐to‐human transmission and rapid global spread. Thus, the establishment of high‐quality viral detection and quantification methods, and the development of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 agents are critical.

Methods

Here, we present the rapid detection of infectious SARS‐CoV‐2 particles using a plaque assay with 0.5% agarose‐ME (Medium Electroosmosis) as an overlay medium.

Results

The plaques were capable of detecting the virus within 36–40 h post‐infection. In addition, we showed that a monogalactosyl diacylglyceride isolated from a microalga (Coccomyxa sp. KJ) could inactivate the clinical isolates of SARS‐CoV‐2 in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

These results would allow rapid quantification of the infectious virus titers and help develop more potent virucidal agents against SARS‐CoV‐2.
A sense of community at school and the subjective well‐being of Chilean students
Authors: Villarroel Alejandra , Alfaro Jaime , Reyes Fernando , Carrillo Gisela , Ditzel Loreto
Published: November 2021

Understand the degree to which a Sense of Community at School can predict the Life Satisfaction of Chilean students in the fifth and seventh grades. The classroom and school components will be presented separately. The research was designed as a descriptive study using a survey with a probabilistic sample made up of 1959 students (52.6% male and 47.4% female) in the fifth and seventh grades at elementary schools in the cities of Concepción and Santiago in Chile. A multiple linear regression analysis was done using the Multidimensional Scales of School Sense of Community (SOC‐S) and Classroom Sense of Community (SOC‐C) as predictors of life satisfaction measured with the Student Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS). Multigroup analysis was conducted to make comparisons by sex and grade. The dimension of “sense of belonging and emotional connection” of the SOC‐C and the dimension of “belonging” of the SOC‐S predict life satisfaction for fifth grade students. The additional dimension of “emotional connection” of the SOC‐S scale was included for the seventh‐grade students. The sense that one is part of the school community is a dimension that affects childhood life satisfaction. Its level of contribution varies by age, with the sense of belonging and emotional connection variables being the relevant ones.
Genetic susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma in chromosome 22q13.31, findings of a genome‐wide association study
Authors: Wang Zhanwei , Budhu Anuradha S , Shen Yi , Wong Linda Lou , Hernandez Brenda Y , Tiirikainen Maarit , Ma Xiaomei , Irwin Melinda L , Lu Lingeng , Zhao Hongyu , Lim Joseph K , Taddei Tamar , Mishra Lopa , Pawlish Karen , Stroup Antoinette , Brown Robert , Nguyen Mindie H , Koshiol Jill , Hernandez Maria O , Forgues Marshonna , Yang Hwai‐I , Lee Mei‐Hsuan , Huang Yu‐Han , Iwasaki Motoki , Goto Atsushi , Suzuki Shiori , Matsuda Koichi , Tanikawa Chizu , Kamatani Yoichiro , Mann Dean , Guarnera Maria , Shetty Kirti , Thomas Claire E , Yuan Jian‐Min , Khor Chiea Chuen , Koh Woon‐Puay , Risch Harvey , Wang Xin Wei , Yu Herbert
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, long‐term alcohol use, cigarette smoking, and obesity are the major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States, but the disease risk varies substantially among individuals with these factors, suggesting host susceptibility to and gene–environment interactions in HCC. To address genetic susceptibility to HCC, we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS).

Methods

Two case‐control studies on HCC were conducted in the United States. DNA samples were genotyped using the Illumian microarray chip with over 710 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We compared these SNPs between 705 HCC cases and 1455 population controls for their associations with HCC and verified our findings in additional studies.

Results

In this GWAS, we found that two SNPs were associated with HCC at P < 5E‐8 and six SNPs at P < 5E‐6 after adjusting for age, sex, and the top three principal components (PCs). Five of the SNPs in chromosome 22q13.31, three in PNPLA3 (rs2281135, rs2896019, and rs4823173) and two in SAMM50 (rs3761472, rs3827385), were replicated in a small US case‐control study and a cohort study in Singapore. The associations remained significant after adjusting for body mass index and HCV infection. Meta‐analysis of multiple datasets indicated that these SNPs were significantly associated with HCC.

Conclusions

SNPs in PNPLA3 and SAMM50 are known risk loci for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and are suspected to be associated with HCC. Our GWAS demonstrated the associations of these SNPs with HCC in a US population. Biological mechanisms underlying the relationship remain to be elucidated.
Atrophy of Ipsilesional Hippocampal Subfields Vary Over First Year After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Khlif Mohamed Salah , Werden Emilio , Bird Laura J. , Egorova‐Brumley Natalia , Brodtmann Amy
Published: November 2021

Background

The structural integrity of hippocampal subfields has been investigated in many neurological disorders and was shown to be better associated with cognitive performance than whole hippocampus. In stroke, hippocampal atrophy is linked to cognitive impairment, but it is unknown whether the hippocampal subfields atrophy differently.

Purpose

To evaluate longitudinal hippocampal subfield atrophy in first year poststroke, in comparison with atrophy in healthy individuals.

Study Type

Cohort.

Subjects

A total of 92 ischemic stroke (age: 67 ± 12 years, 63 men) and 39 healthy participants (age: 69 ± 7 years, 24 men).

Field Strength/Sequence

A3 T/T1‐MPRAGE, T2‐SPACE, and T2‐FLAIR.

Assessment

FreeSurfer (6.0) was used to delineate 12 hippocampal subfields. Whole hippocampal volume was computed as sum of subfield volumes excluding hippocampal fissure volume. Separate assessments were completed for contralesional and ipsilesional hippocampi.

Statistical Tests

A mixed‐effect regression model was used to compare subfield volumes cross‐sectionally between healthy and stroke groups and longitudinally between 3‐month and 12‐month timepoints. False discovery rate at 0.05 significance level was used to correct for multiple comparisons. Also, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess differentiation between healthy and stroke participants based on subfield volumes.

Results

There were no volume differences between groups at 3 months, but there was a significant difference (P = 0.027) in whole hippocampal volume reduction over time between control and stroke ipsilesionally. Thus, the ipsilesional whole hippocampal volume in stroke became significantly smaller (P = 0.035) at 12 months. The hippocampal tail was the highest single‐region contributor (22.7%) to ipsilesional hippocampal atrophy (1.19%) over 9 months. The cornu ammonis areas (CA1) subfield volume reduction was minimal in controls and stroke contralesionally but significant ipsilesionally (P = 0.007). CA1 volume significantly outperformed whole hippocampal volume (P < 0.01) in discriminating between stroke participants and healthy controls in ROC curve analysis.

Data Conclusion

Greater stroke‐induced effects were observed in the ipsilesional hippocampus anteriorly in CA1 and posteriorly in the hippocampal tail. Atrophy of CA1 and hippocampal tail may provide a better link to cognitive impairment than whole hippocampal atrophy.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Genetic diversity of rotavirus strains circulating in Norway before and after the introduction of rotavirus vaccination in children
Authors: Gibory Moustafa , Bruun Tone , Flem Elmira , Dembinski Jennifer Lynn , Haltbakk Ildri , Størdal Ketil , Nordbø Svein Arne , Jakobsen Kirsti , Haarr Elisebet , Leegaard Truls Michael , Dudman Susanne Gjeruldsen
Published: November 2021

Globally, rotavirus (RV) is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in young children under 5 years of age. Implementation of RV vaccination is expected to result in fewer cases of RV in the target population, but it is unknown if this also results in vaccine‐induced virus strain replacement. Rotarix, a monovalent vaccine based on G1P[8] RV, was introduced in Norway in the children's immunization program in September 2014. The main aim of this study was to describe the diversity of RV circulating pre and post introduction of the RV vaccine in Norway and investigate changes in genotype distribution during the first 4 years after implementation. A total of 1108 samples were collected from children under 5 years enrolled with AGE from five large hospitals in Norway and were analyzed for RV by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). All positive results were genotyped by multiplex semi‐nested reverse transcription PCR for identification of G and P types. In total, 487 of the 1108 (44%) samples, collected from the enrolled children, were positive for RV by EIA method which were further genotyped. G1P[8] was found to be the most common type of RV pre and post RV vaccine implementation followed by G9P[8]. There were neither geographical nor temporal differences in genotype dominance. Also, no apparent changes were shown in the genotype distribution in the postvaccine era for years from 2015 to 2018. In 21.4% of the cases, vaccine strains were detected. Continuous RV genotype surveillance is vital for assessing the effectiveness of a vaccine program and monitoring for any emergence of vaccine‐escape strains. Genotyping is also necessary to detect vaccine strains to avoid reporting false‐positive cases of active RV infection in newly vaccinated cases.
Effects of place of stimulation on the interaural time difference sensitivity in bilateral electrical intracochlear stimulations: Neurophysiological study in a rat model
Authors: Sunwoo Woongsang , Oh Seung‐Ha
Published: November 2021

We examined the sensitivity of the neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) in male and female rats to the interaural time differences (ITDs) conveyed in electrical pulse trains. Using bipolar pairs of electrodes that selectively activate the auditory nerve fibers at different intracochlear locations, we assessed whether the responses to electrical stimulation with ITDs in different frequency regions were processed differently. Most well‐isolated single units responded to the electrical stimulation in only one of the apical or basal cochlear regions, and they were classified as either apical or basal units. Regardless of the cochlear stimulating location, more than 70% of both apical and basal units were sensitive to ITDs of electrical stimulation. However, the pulse rate dependence of neural ITD sensitivity differed significantly depending on the location of the stimulation. Moreover, ITD discrimination thresholds and the relative incidence of ITD tuning type markedly differed between units activated by apical and basal stimulations. With apical stimulation, IC neurons had a higher incidence of peak‐type ITD function, which mostly exhibited the steepest position of the tuning curve within the rat's physiological ITD range of ±160 μs and, accordingly, had better ITD discrimination thresholds than those with basal stimulation. These results support the idea that ITD processing in the IC might be determined by functionally segregated frequency‐specific pathways from the cochlea to the auditory midbrain.
Spatio‐temporal analysis of copula‐based probabilistic multivariate drought index using CMIP6 model
Authors: Dixit Soumyashree , Jayakumar K. V.
Published: November 2021

Studies on multivariate drought assessment and the climate change impact on a river basin scale are limited in India. Drought monitoring is a challenging subject due to its dependence on different climatic variables. To overcome this, a copula‐based probabilistic multivariate drought index (MDI) has been developed which simultaneously represents the meteorological, hydrological and agricultural drought phenomenon. The four variate Archimedean copula is used in this study to integrate the precipitation, evapotranspiration, soil moisture and streamflow. Hydrologic variables like evapotranspiration, soil moisture and streamflow were simulated using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model. The future MDI is also analysed to identify the impact of climate change on drought phenomenon using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project‐6 Global Climate Models under four Socio‐Economic Shared Pathways. Drought characteristics like severity and duration were evaluated to identify the present and future drought events. The precipitation and minimum and maximum temperatures were identified to have increasing tendencies in the future scenarios. Most of the future scenarios showed lower drought duration and severity when compared to the reference period. The drought duration and severity are likely to decrease in the future time scales especially under the high emission scenarios. The present study used a novel approach to examine the drought from various perspectives and the study will be useful for drought mitigation and adaptation strategies over the basin.
Quasi‐biennial oscillation‐related surface air temperature change over the western North Pacific in late winter
Authors: Park Chang‐Hyun , Son Seok‐Woo , Lim Yuna , Choi Jung
Published: November 2021

The impact of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) on the surface air temperature (SAT) in the Northern Hemisphere extratropics is investigated. It is found that the QBO, defined as 70‐hPa zonal wind in the deep tropics, is negatively correlated with the SAT over the western North Pacific in February and March. Cold temperature anomaly appears during the QBO westerly phase. Such relationship is likely mediated by the subtropical jet. During the QBO westerly phase, a horseshoe‐shaped zonal wind anomaly forms in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere and is connected to the equatorward shift of the Asia‐Pacific jet. This equatorward jet shift is accompanied by a cyclonic circulation anomaly in the subtropical North Pacific and an anticyclonic circulation anomaly over northern Eurasia in the troposphere. The resultant temperature advection brings cold air to East Asia and the western North Pacific. This regional downward coupling in February and March, which is not sensitive to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, has become statistically significant in recent decades.
Calcitriol and enamel matrix derivative differentially regulated cemento‐induction and mineralization in human periodontal ligament‐derived cells
Authors: Hong Hsiang‐Hsi , Chou Ting‐An , Hong Adrienne , Huang Yi‐Fang , Yen Tzung‐Hai , Liang Chao‐Hua , Hong Alex , Hsiao Hui‐Yi , Nien Chung‐Yi
Published: November 2021

Background

Alveolar bone and cementum share many biological and developmental similarities. The mineralizing effect of calcitriol has been previously reported. Yet, its cemento‐inductivity has not been confirmed. This study evaluated the potential cemento‐inductivity effect of calcitriol and enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on human periodontal ligament‐derived cells (hPDLCs).

Methods

The hPDLCs obtained from extracted third molars or premolars were cultured with calcitriol, or EMD. Cementogenic gene expression was examined using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Expression analysis also included cementoblast‐specific markers, cementum protein 1 (CEMP1), cementum attachment protein (CAP), and recently reported cementoblast‐enriched genes, secreted frizzled related protein 1 (SFRP1), and Dickkopf‐related protein 1 (DKK1). Mineralization capacities were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red, and Von Kossa staining followed by scanning electron microscope imaging and element mapping.

Results

Among tested conditions, 10 nM calcitriol enhanced most cementogenic gene expression, transforming growth factor‐β1, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP‐2 and BMP‐4), core‐binding factor subunit alpha‐1/Runt‐related transcription factor 2, Type I collagen, ALP, bone sialoprotein, osteopontin), osteocalcin, CEMP1, and CAP, and Wnt signaling negative modulators, SFRP1 and DKK1, along with highest ALP activity and mineralization formation in hPDLCs. However, only moderate CEMP1 protein was observed. In contrast, EMD stimulated stronger CEMP1 and CAP protein, but presented weaker mineralization capacity, hinting at the possibility that strong stimulation of mineralization might dominate cemetogenic specific factors and vice versa.

Conclusions

Calcitriol demonstrated not only great osteoinductivity, but also the potential to induce cementogenic gene expression by initiating hPDLC differentiation and promoting mineralization. Compared with calcitriol, EMD promoted cemento‐inductivity in hPDLCs at a later time point via highly expressed CEMP1 and CAP protein, but with less mineralization. Thus, calcitriol and EMD could provide differential enhancement of cemento‐induction and mineralization, likely acting at various differentiation stages.
Effects of whole peanut within an energy‐restricted diet on inflammatory and oxidative processes in obese women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Oliveira Fialho Cristiane Gonçalves , Moreira Ana Paula Boroni , Bressan Josefina , de Cássia Gonçalves Alfenas Rita , Mattes Richard , Costa Neuza Maria Brunoro
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Peanut consumption has little effect on body weight, despite its high energy density and is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that the consumption of whole peanut would be associated with greater improvements in body composition, lipid profile, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

METHODOLOGY

Twenty‐four women with obesity [body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg m−2], 33.1 ± 8.7 years old, were assigned to three groups and consumed 56 g of whole peanut (WP), skinned peanut (SP), and no peanut (NP) and consumed energy‐restricted diets (250 kcal d−1 less than their customary diet) for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

WP group lost an average of 3.2 kg, while SP group lost 2.6 kg and the NP group 1.8 kg. However, only the groups that consumed peanuts showed a significant reduction in BMI. WP group presented lower body weight, BMI, waist circumference, total lean mass, and total body fat than the SP group in the eighth week. There was a significant reduction in total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) after 4 weeks of intervention, which was maintained in week‐8 for the WP and SP groups. In addition, there was an improvement in platelets and plasma homocysteine with WP group.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the regular intake of the whole peanut as part of an energy‐restricted diet showed health benefits since it enhanced body weight loss, besides improving body composition and reducing cholesterol, platelets, and homocysteine concentrations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Laryngeal Ultrasound Detects Vocal Fold Immobility in Adults
Authors: Su Erik , Hamilton Camille , Tawfik Daniel S. , Mariano Karley , Ginsburg Sarah , Conlon Thomas , Veten Ahmed , Fernandez Ernesto , Wong Kai‐Pun , Sidell Douglas R. , Haileselassie Bereketeab ,   Pediatric Research Collaborative for Critical Ultrasound
Published: November 2021

Laryngeal ultrasound (US) is becoming widely accepted for assessing true vocal fold immobility (TVFI), a potential complication of laryngeal and thyroid surgery. The objective of this project is to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of pooled evidence surrounding laryngeal US as a modality for diagnosing TVFI in adults at risk for the condition in comparison to laryngoscopy as a gold standard. Medical subject heading terms were used to search MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant citations from January 1, 2000, to June 30, 2020. Studies were included if they involved patients 16 years and older, where laryngeal US was compared to laryngoscopy for TVFI. Studies were excluded if there were insufficient data to compute a sensitivity/specificity table after attempting to contact the authors. Case reports, and case series were also excluded. The initial search returned 1357 citations. Of these, 109 were selected for review utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Thirty citations describing 6033 patients were included in the final meta‐analysis. A bivariate random effects meta‐analysis was performed, revealing a pooled sensitivity for laryngeal US of 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88–0.98), a specificity of 0.99 (95% CI 0.97–0.99), and a diagnostic odds ratio of 1328.2 (95% CI 294.0–5996.5). The area under the curve of the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.99 (95% CI 0.98–1.00). Laryngeal US demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for detecting VFI in the hands of clinicians directly providing care to patients.
Association Between Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Characteristics and Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer
Authors: Wen Baojie , Kong Wentao , Zhang Yidan , Xue Haiyan , Wu Min , Wang Feng
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features and molecular subtypes of breast cancer (BC).

Methods

A total of 116 patients (116 lesions) with pathologically diagnosed BC who received conventional ultrasound and CEUS before surgery were enrolled in this study. BC molecular subtypes were identified by postoperative pathological and immunohistochemical analysis as Luminal A (LA), Luminal B (LB), HER2 (H2) over‐expression, and triple‐negative (TN). Qualitative and quantitative CEUS characteristics were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance (continuous variables) or Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact probability method (categorical variables).

Results

There were significant differences in enhancement speed and enhancement degree among the four subtypes (P < .05). The area under the curve (AUC), time to peak (TTP), and peak intensity (PI) differed among the four subtypes (P < .05). The AUC of the LA subtype (305.1 ± 188.4) was significantly smaller compared with the H2 (535.7 ± 222.0, P = .007) and TN subtypes (496.6 ± 254.7, P = .019). In addition, TTP was shorter in the H2 subtype (19.8 ± 4.9) compared with the other subtypes, and was significantly shorter than in the LA subtype (26.3 ± 7.2, P = .008) and LB subtype (23.1 ± 6.7, P = .036). The PI of the LA subtype (4.7 ± 2.3) was significantly lower than that of the LB (6.6 ± 2.3, P = .027), H2 (7.4 ± 2.2, P = .005), and TN subtypes (6.9 ± 2.6, P = .014).

Conclusions

CEUS features differed significantly among different molecular subtypes of BC. The enhancement patterns and parameters may be important predictive features of different subtypes of BC.
Regional differentiation in the ecological effects of land cover change in China
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Yanxu , Cai Liping , Fan Donglin , Wang Yijia , Yao Ying
Published: November 2021

Land cover changes driven by either land degradation or land development have caused distinct alterations of the global environment. China has experienced a large area of land degradation and development, while the environmental responses to the national land cover changes are still vague. Based on remote‐sensed datasets, we analyzed the multiple ecological effects (temperature, biomass formation, and observed greenness) of land cover changes in China and their regional differences through neighbourhood analysis and Geogdetector, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for mitigating land degradation and sustainable land development. The results showed that the conversion of cultivated land to grassland and shrubland led to reductions in the greenness effect (−0.017) and biomass formation effect (−0.015 kg C m‐2), while the conversion of forest to grassland and shrubland led to a reduction in greenness (−0.01) and an increase in temperature (0.079°C). As the amplitude of the change in the land cover fraction increased, these trends became more obvious and irreversible. The same land cover change could have either positive or negative ecological effects in different climatic regions and at different elevation levels. In particular, the conversion of forests to grassland and shrubland had a warming effect on all climatic regions and elevation levels. The results can provide a regionally differentiated basis for improving China's current land use policy regarding the balance between cultivated land and natural land.
Microarthropods and vegetation as biological indicators of soil quality studied in poor sandy sites at former military facilities
Authors: Gruss Iwona , Twardowski Jacek , Nebeská Diana , Trögl Josef , Stefanovska Tatyana , Pidlisnyuk Valentina , Machová Iva
Published: November 2021

Biota play major roles in soil function and are highly sensitive to any disturbances including land degradation. However, it is not fully understood which organisms and what parameters can be useful in assessing soil quality. To fill this research gap we searched for good indicators of changes in environmental quality that could help to assess land degradation. Next to indicators using physical and chemical parameters, biological agents can also provide a lot of information. To obtain such knowledge we compared the soil quality of former military sites, which differed mainly in the texture, nutrients and organic carbon content based on fauna and vegetation indices. Among the fauna indices were Collembola and Acari abundance, Soil Biological Quality index (QBS‐ar), decomposition rate and feeding activity. The Ellenberg index was used as a vegetation indicator, in which the response to pH, nutrients, and moisture was analysed. The experiment was conducted at 2 former military sites in the Czech Republic. Site 2 was characterised by higher nutrient content and a more compact soil structure in comparison to site 1. It was found that almost all fauna and vegetation indices showed better soil quality in site 2. The significant changes were indicated by the Collembola abundance, QBS‐ar index and feeding activity, as well as response to pH considering vegetation indicators. Finally, we conclude the usefulness of biological indicators for monitoring the quality of soil, which can be adopted when making decisions concerning land use.
Oro‐pharyngo‐esophageal radionuclide scintigraphy predicts aspiration pneumonia risk and associated survival in post‐irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Ku Peter K. M. , Wang Ki , Vlantis Alexander C. , Tang Evelyn W. K. , Hui Thomas S. C. , Lai Ronald , Yeung Zenon W. C. , Cho Ryan H. W. , Law Thomas , Chan Simon Y. P. , Chan Becky Y. T. , Wong Jeffrey K. T. , van Hasselt Andrew , Tong Michael C. F.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To demonstrate that oro‐pharyngo‐esophageal radionuclide scintigraphy (OPERS) not only detects tracheobronchial aspiration after swallowing, but also quantifies the amount of aspiration and subsequent clearance.

Methods

Data collected between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed for aspiration pneumonia at 12 and 24‐months after OPERS. The predictive value for aspiration pneumonia on flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), and OPERS, and the overall survival of patients with or without aspiration were determined.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients treated with radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were reviewed. The incidence of aspiration detected on FEES, VFSS, and OPERS was 78.4%, 66.7%, and 44.4%, respectively. Using VFSS as a gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of OPERS for aspiration was 73.7% and 100%. The positive and negative predictive values for aspiration were 100% and 66.7%, respectively, with an overall accuracy of 82.8%. A history of aspiration pneumonia was one factor associated with a higher chance of subsequent aspiration pneumonia within 12 months (odds ratio: 15.5, 95% CI 1.67–145.8, p < .05) and 24 months (odds ratio: 23.8, 95% CI 3.69–152.89, p < .01) of the swallowing assessment. Aspiration detected by OPERS was a significant risk factor for future aspiration pneumonia at 12 and 24 months respectively. Significantly, better survival was associated with an absence of aspiration on OPERS only, but not on FEES or VFSS.

Conclusion

OPERS predicts the safety of swallowing, the incidence of subsequent aspiration pneumonia, and the survival prognosis in post‐irradiated NPC dysphagia patients.

Level of Evidence

3.
Carbonate chemistry in the microenvironment within cyanobacterial aggregates under present‐day and future pCO2 levels
Authors: Eichner Meri , Wolf‐Gladrow Dieter , Ploug Helle
Published: November 2021

Photosynthesis and respiration cause distinct chemical microenvironments within cyanobacterial aggregates. Here, we used microsensors and a diffusion–reaction model to characterize gradients in carbonate chemistry and investigate how these are affected by ocean acidification in Baltic vs. Pacific aggregates (Nodularia and Dolichospermum vs. Trichodesmium). Microsensor measurements of O2 and pH were performed under in situ and expected future pCO2 levels on Nodularia and Dolichospermum aggregates collected in the Baltic Sea. Under in situ conditions, O2 and pH levels within the aggregates covered ranges of 80–175% air saturation and 7.7–9.4 in dark and light, respectively. Carbon uptake in the light was predicted to reduce HCO3− by 100–150 μmol L−1 and CO2 by 3–6 μmol L−1 in the aggregate center compared to outside, inducing strong CO2 depletion (down to 0.5 μmol L−1 CO2 remaining in the center) even when assuming that HCO3− covered 80–90% of carbon uptake. Under ocean acidification conditions, enhanced CO2 availability allowed for significantly lower activity of carbon concentrating mechanisms, including a reduction of the contribution of HCO3− to carbon uptake by up to a factor of 10. The magnification of proton gradients under elevated pCO2 that was predicted based on a lower buffer capacity was observed in measurements despite a concurrent decrease in photosynthetic activity. In summary, we provide a quantitative image of the inorganic carbon environment in cyanobacterial aggregates under present‐day and expected future conditions, considering both the individual and combined effects of the chemical and biological processes that shape these environments.
Tolerance to a highly variable environment does not infer resilience to future ocean warming and acidification in a branching coral
Authors: Rathbone Michaela , Brown Kristen T. , Dove Sophie
Published: November 2021

Coral populations from reef habitats that experience extreme daily abiotic fluctuations have been suggested as candidates to survive and proliferate under future climate change. Few studies, however, have exposed corals from dynamic environments to the synergistic effects of ocean warming and acidification to investigate whether tolerance of present‐day environmental variability is maintained under future climate stress. This study assessed the impact of RCP2.6 (+0.8°C and +25 ppm) and RCP4.5 (+1.3°C and +66 ppm) ocean warming and acidification on the survivorship, primary calcification (i.e., extension), secondary calcification (i.e., densification), and protein densities ofIsopora paliferaoriginating from two distinct reef habitats (abiotically variable reef flat vs. stable reef slope) over 9 weeks. Temperature and pCO2were offset from a reef slope baseline temperature of 26.0°C ± 0.6°C and pCO2concentration of 559 ± 56 ppm, incorporating natural diurnal variability. A trade‐off was observed inI. paliferaoriginating from the reef flat, which significantly increased tissue protein densities but reduced densification relative to corals from the reef slope. Survivorship nor extension rates differed between corals originating from the variable or stable reef habitats. Mortality increased under RCP4.5 as extension rates increased, indicating that energetic investment in skeletal expansion becomes unsustainable under future climate stress. Increasing temperature and CO2reduced calcification rates irrespective of the corals originating reef habitat suggesting with future climate change, exposure to greater environmental variability may not benefit coral calcification. These results demonstrate that tolerance to present‐day abiotic variability does not necessarily infer resilience to moderate future ocean warming and acidification conditions.
Efficacy of laser CO2 treatment for refractory lymphedema secondary to cancer treatments
Authors: Menzer Christian , Aleisa Abdullah , Wilson Britney N. , Musthaq Shenara , Rossi Anthony
Published: November 2021

Lymphedema is a frequent debilitating condition among cancer patients. Daily supportive treatment may be necessary without long‐term improvement. We describe two cases with chronic refractory lymphedema treated with fractional 10,600 nm CO2 laser. A 61‐year‐old female with locally advanced cervical cancer presented with postsurgical edematous swelling of the vulva and mons pubis and recurring cellulitis due to chronic lymphangiectasia. After six treatments of fractional CO2 laser, she noticed an 80% reduction of lymphorrea, swelling, and frequency of cellulitis. A 32‐year old melanoma patient presented with refractory right lower leg lymphedema post right inguinal lymph node dissection and radiation. After fractional CO2 laser, she noted increased softness of her inguinal scar and a decrease of the lower leg edema. Fractional CO2 laser may be useful in addressing chronic refractory lymphedema. Further research should confirm our findings to consider fractional laser as a standard method in the treatment of chronic lymphedema.