bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Person‐centered communication about weight and weight management: Focus group discussions in a diverse sample of women with nonmetastatic breast cancer and obesity
Authors: Nyrop Kirsten A. , O’Hare Erin A. , Teal Randall , Stein Kathryn , Muss Hyman B. , Charlot Marjory
Published: August 2021

Background

Women with obesity are at higher risk for high‐grade and/or advanced‐stage breast cancer in comparison with women without obesity. Many women with a high body mass index (BMI) at breast cancer diagnosis experience further weight gain during and after treatment. This study investigated Black and White patient perspectives on conversations with their oncologists about weight and weight management.

Methods

Focus groups using a virtual platform (Zoom) were conducted with women after primary treatment for stage I to III breast cancer who were 21 years or older and had a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2: 2 with Black women (n = 12) and 2 with White women (n = 14).

Results

Participants asked that their oncologists be “transparent” about weight gain as a potential side effect of their cancer treatment and how excess weight might affect their prognosis and survival. They asked to be “seen as an individual” to facilitate both person‐centered and culturally appropriate conversations about behavioral changes needed for weight management. Participants urged clinicians to take the lead in initiating conversations about weight to underscore its importance in cancer care and survivorship. They welcomed actionable recommendations about nutrition and exercise from either the oncology clinician or a specialist. Participants offered specific suggestions on how clinicians could initiate weight‐related conversations, beginning with questions eliciting patients' perspectives on their weight and lifestyle.

Conclusions

Many women with early‐stage breast cancer and obesity have concerns about weight and weight gain and urge their oncologists to use an active and personalized approach in recommending and supporting efforts at weight management.

Lay Summary

Focus group discussions with Black and White women with early‐stage breast cancer and obesity have elicited patient perspectives on conversations with their oncologists about weight and weight management.

Many patients have concerns about weight and weight gain and urge their oncologists to use an active and personalized approach in recommending and supporting efforts at weight management.
A positive HPV test with positive p16/Ki‐67 double staining in self‐sampled vaginal material is an accurate tool to detect women at risk for cervical cancer
Authors: Lorenzi Noely P. C. , Termini Lara , Ferreira‐Filho Edson S. , Nunes Rafaella A. L. , Silva Gabriela A. F. , Lepique Ana P. , Longatto‐Filho Adhemar , Tacla Maricy , Baracat Edmund C. , Villa Luisa L. , Soares‐Júnior José M.
Published: August 2021

Background

The development of efficient strategies for managing high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV)–positive women is a major challenge when human papillomavirus–based primary screening is being performed. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of HR‐HPV testing based on self‐collection (SC) and HR‐HPV testing based on collection by a health professional (HP) and to assess the potential usefulness of HR‐HPV testing combined with testing with the biomarkers p16/Ki‐67, α‐mannosidase, and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2).

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 232 women admitted for colposcopy because of an abnormal Papanicolaou smear. The collected material underwent liquid‐based cytology, HR‐HPV detection, and immunocytochemical testing (p16/Ki‐67, α‐mannosidase, and SOD2). The gold standard was the histopathological result; the positive reference was CIN2+.

Results

The overall accuracy of HR‐HPV testing was 76.6%; the results for the SC group (78.1%) and the HP group (75.2%) were similar. The positive predictive values (HP, 76.5%; SC, 80.0%), the negative predictive values (HP, 66.7%; SC, 64.3%), the positive likelihood values (HP, 1.35; SC, 1.36), and the negative likelihood values (HP, 0.21; SC, 0.19) were also similar. p16/Ki‐67 showed higher sensitivity than the other 2 biomarkers: 78.1% versus 45.8% for α‐mannosidase and 44.5% for SOD2. The specificities of the biomarkers were equivalent: 71.4% for p16/Ki‐67, 77.8% for α‐mannosidase, and 71.2% for SOD2. In the HP group, accuracy also leaned more heavily toward the final score (using α‐mannosidase and SOD2) without statistical significance (80.8% vs 77.9%). The contrast with the SC group yielded the same level of accuracy.

Conclusions

SC, when associated with testing with biomarkers, is as accurate as collection by HPs in the detection of women at risk for cervical cancer.
A numerical model for lithium plasma process in a hybrid microwave ion source
Authors: Cui Bujian , Peng Shixiang , Wu Wenbin , Ma Tenghao , Jiang Yaoxiang , Li Kai , Zhang Ailin , Sun Jiang , Zhang Jingfeng , Guo Zhiyu , Chen Jiaer
Published: August 2021

Lithium ions are widely used in many scientific fields; in order to get these ions, it is necessary to study lithium plasma process thoroughly. Recently, a hybrid 7Li3+ ion source has been designed and tested at Peking University (PKU). To understand the lithium plasma behaviour inside the plasma chamber and to provide some guidelines for ion source optimization to generate 7Li3+, a numerical model based on the plasma equilibrium equations is developed in this work, which is helpful not only for our ion source, but also for understanding the physical process of lithium plasma from ECR ion sources with different frequencies. This model can describe the density and fraction of lithium ions in various system parameters. The dependences of the Li+, Li2+, and Li3+ ion density and fraction on electron temperature, gas pressure, microwave power, surface ionizer, and the magnetic field are investigated systematically.
Woody encroachment happens via intensification, not extensification, of species ranges in an African savanna
Authors: Zhou Yong , Tingley Morgan W. , Case Madelon F. , Coetsee Corli , Kiker Gregory A. , Scholtz Rheinhardt , Venter Freek J. , Staver A. Carla
Published: August 2021

Widespread woody encroachment is a prominent concern for savanna systems as it is often accompanied by losses in productivity and biodiversity. Extensive ecosystem‐level work has advanced our understanding of its causes and consequences. However, there is still debate over whether local management can override regional and global drivers of woody encroachment, and it remains largely unknown how encroachment influences woody community assemblages. Here, we examined species‐level changes in woody plant distributions and size structure from the late 1980s to the late 2000s based on spatially intensive ground‐based surveys across Kruger National Park, South Africa. This study region spans broad gradients in rainfall, soil texture, fire frequency, elephant density, and other topographic variables. Species‐level changes in frequency of occurrence and size class proportion reflected widespread woody encroachment primarily byDichrostachys cinereaandCombretum apiculatum, and a loss of large trees mostly ofSclerocarya birreaandAcacia nigrescens. Environmental variables determining woody species distributions across Kruger varied among species but did not change substantially between two sampling times, indicating that woody encroachers were thickening within their existing ranges. Overall, more areas across Kruger were found to have an increased number of common woody species through time, which indicated an increase in stem density. These areas were generally associated with decreasing fire frequency and rainfall but increasing elephant density. Our results suggest that woody encroachment is a widespread but highly variable trend across landscapes in Kruger National Park and potentially reflects an erosion of local heterogeneity in woody community assemblages. Many savanna managers, including in Kruger, aim to manage for heterogeneity in order to promote biodiversity, where homogenization of vegetation structure counters this specific goal. Increasing fire frequency has some potential as a local intervention. However, many common species increased in commonness even under near‐constant disturbance conditions, which likely limits the potential for managing woody encroachment in the face of drivers beyond the scope of local control. Regular field sampling coupled with targeted fire management will enable more accurate monitoring of the rate of encroachment intensification.
Habitat‐linked genetic structure for white‐crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys): Local factors shape population genetic structure
Authors: Welke Catherine A. , Graham Brendan , Conover Ross R. , Rivers James W. , Burg Theresa M.
Published: August 2021

Ecological, environmental, and geographic factors all influence genetic structure. Species with broad distributions are ideal systems because they cover a range of ecological and environmental conditions allowing us to test which components predict genetic structure. This study presents a novel, broad geographic approach using molecular markers, morphology, and habitat modeling to investigate rangewide and local barriers causing contemporary genetic differentiation within the geographical range of three white‐crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) subspecies: Z. l. gambelii, Z. l. oriantha, and Z. l. pugetensis. Three types of genetic markers showed geographic distance between sampling sites, elevation, and ecosystem type are key factors contributing to population genetic structure. Microsatellite markers revealed white‐crowned sparrows do not group by subspecies, but instead indicated four groupings at a rangewide scale and two groupings based on coniferous and deciduous ecosystems at a local scale. Our analyses of morphological variation also revealed habitat differences; sparrows from deciduous ecosystems are larger than individuals from coniferous ecosystems based on principal component analyses. Habitat modeling showed isolation by distance was prevalent in describing genetic structure, but isolation by resistance also had a small but significant influence. Not only do these findings have implications concerning the accuracy of subspecies delineations, they also highlight the critical role of local factors such as habitat in shaping contemporary population genetic structure of species with high dispersal ability.
Parasites rather than phoronts:Teratorhabditis synpapillatanematodes reduce lifespan of theirRhynchophorus ferrugineushost in a life stage‐dependent manner
Authors: Ibrahim Manel , Loulou Ameni , Brouk Anissa , Muller Arthur , Machado Ricardo A. R. , Kallel Sadreddine
Published: August 2021

Rhynchophorus ferrugineusOlivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) red palm weevils are often reported in association with different organisms including nematodes. The significance of this interaction and whether nematodes can influence their life‐history traits is unclear. We collectedRhynchophorus ferrugineusred palm weevils at different developmental stages and locations in Tunisia, observed and dissected them in search for nematodes and other interacting organisms, established laboratory colonies and identified the nematodes associated with them, and conducted nematode–insect interaction assays to determine the capacity of the nematodes to influence their life‐history traits. We observedBeauveria bassianafungi in larvae, nymph, and adults;CentrouropodaandUroobovellaacari associated with the adults, andTeratorhabditis synpapillatanematodes associated with larvae and adults. Nematode–insect interaction bioassays revealed thatT.synpapillatanematodes reduce the lifespan of the insect larvae in a population‐dependent manner, but do not influence the lifespan of adults. Our study uncovers an important factor that may determine population dynamics of this important palm pests and provides evidence to conclude that these organisms establish a parasitic relationship, rather than a phoretic relationship.
Infection prevalence and density of a pathogenic trematode parasite decrease with stream order along a river continuum
Authors: Falke Landon P. , Preston Daniel L.
Published: August 2021

In lotic ecosystems, the River Continuum Concept (RCC) provides a framework for understanding changes in environmental factors and free‐living communities, yet how parasite populations shift along river continua remains less clear. We quantified infections by a pathogenic trematode parasite (Nanophyetus salmincola) in >14,000 host snails across 130 stream reaches spanning 165 km in the Willamette River Basin in western Oregon, USA. Environmental factors—including flow volume, temperature, benthic algae, canopy cover, woody debris, and land cover—changed predictably with stream order, consistent with the RCC. From first‐ to eighth‐order reaches, infection prevalence decreased by ˜42‐fold and infected snail density, a measure of disease risk to fish hosts, decreased ˜3‐fold. Infected snail density, but not prevalence, was positively associated with snail biomass density, and individual infection probability increased strongly with host size. Shifts in snail population characteristics across stream orders, however, did not explain the observed changes in N. salmincola populations, suggesting that environmental variables and corresponding changes in non‐snail hosts explain the downstream decrease in infections. Our findings show predictable spatial variation in disease risk to vertebrate hosts from N. salmincola and indicate the RCC can help explain shifts in parasite populations in lotic ecosystems.
Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) detection by infrared flukeprints from aerial survey imagery
Authors: Florko Katie R. N. , Carlyle Cody G. , Young Brent G. , Yurkowski David J. , Michel Christine , Ferguson Steven H.
Published: August 2021

Visual and observer aerial surveys are important for monitoring wildlife populations but are subject to visibility biases where animals may go undetected. The use of infrared technology in aerial surveys has the potential to reduce visibility biases, both when recording data and in the retrospective processing of the footage, and thus complements visible wavelength photography. We used infrared video during marine mammal surveys in the high‐Arctic and indirectly detected narwhal (Monodon monoceros) via their thermal flukeprints (i.e., thermo‐stratified water mixing from fluke strokes). This novel indicator persisted for a longer duration than when the animal was at the water's surface, which likely improved the probability of an animal being observed by increasing the duration of its detectability. Using infrared to complement aerial photographic surveys may assist in monitoring whales, especially in remote areas. Our results highlight how infrared technology may be used to develop automatic detection and remote‐monitoring methodology.
Evaluating the efficacy and decay of lures for improving carnivore detections with camera traps
Authors: Avrin Alexandra C. , Pekins Charles E. , Sperry Jinelle H. , Allen Maximilian L.
Published: August 2021

Abundance and occupancy estimates are essential to wildlife research, but are often hampered by limited detections, especially for cryptic species like carnivores. While scientists can account for limited detections during statistical analyses, increasing detections in the field is the best way to reduce uncertainty. Camera traps are an effective, noninvasive method of monitoring wildlife, and using attractants with camera traps can increase the likelihood of detecting carnivores. We tested two scent lures (sardines and fatty acid tablets) against a control of no lure to determine whether either lure increased detections of six carnivore species, bobcat (Lynx rufus), coyote (Canis latrans), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), striped skunk (Memphitis memphitis), and ringtail (Bassariscus astutus). We also examined how detection of carnivores was affected as the lure decayed over time. We used occupancy modeling for each species to determine whether either lure increased detection probability. We then modeled how lure decay affected carnivore detections and determined the optimal length of deployment using generalized linear mixed models. Sardines increased detections across all carnivores, but also had a high rate of decay and were no different than the control at day 18. Fatty acid tablets decayed more slowly, but were not significantly different from the control at any point. Among species, detections of gray foxes and raccoons increased with both sardines and fatty acid tablets, while detections of ringtails increased only with sardines, and other species did not respond significantly to either lure. Our analysis shows that lures can increase detections of carnivores, but species‐specific responses and study objectives must be considered when choosing a lure. These results will allow future researchers to improve the accuracy of abundance and occupancy estimates through increased detections of difficult to study species which ultimately leads to better conservation and management of those species.
A new data‐driven riparian revegetation design method
Authors: Bair John H. , Loya Sunny , Powell Brian , Lee James C.
Published: August 2021

Hydrologic and physical gradients influence vegetation zonation and can form the basis of riparian revegetation design. We present a new data‐driven method to develop riparian revegetation designs by relating the ground height above river (HAR) or a low streamflow water surface as a groundwater proxy to existing vegetation cover types and applying those relationships to design conditions. Steps in the process are as follows: (1) map existing vegetation within the riparian corridor; (2) construct existing and design topographic and groundwater digital elevation models (DEMs), and then difference those DEMs to create a HAR detrended DEM (HAR dtDEM); (3) define existing vegetation habitat zones using the relationship between existing HAR dtDEM and mapped vegetation cover types; (4) apply habitat zone boundaries to detrended design topography; and (5) develop planting schematics using habitat zones and detrended design topography. We developed a revegetation design for a rehabilitation site on the Trinity River, California, using the HAR dtDEM method. We used a data‐driven method to define five habitat zones in riparian areas: aquatic, emergent margin, mesic, mesic–xeric transition, and xeric zones. Zonal boundaries were identified using four criteria: (1) capillary fringe elevation above the low flow water surface, (2) shifts from herbaceous to woody‐dominated cover types, (3) a difference equal to or >0.5 m between two adjacent ranked cover types, and (4) locations where a linear trendline intersected median HAR values or where a group of regression residuals changed from positive to negative or vice versa. The capillary fringe height was the most effective method when determining vegetation zones near the channel. The shift between herbaceous and woody‐dominated cover types defined the boundary between the emergent margin and mesic zone. Elevation increases >0.5 m between adjacent ranked cover types defined the upper and lower mesic–xeric transition zone boundaries best. Comparing linear residuals was most useful for separating drier cover types occurring on higher ground surfaces. Existing habitat zone boundaries were applied to detrended design topography to direct which selected native plant species could be arranged within habitat zones to improve planting survival and increase ecological function following rehabilitation.
Prognostic factors of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a systematic review
Authors: Lu Xiaojia , Li Pengyang , Teng Catherine , Cai Peng , Jin Ling , Li Chenlin , Liu Qi , Pan Su , Dixon Richard A.F. , Wang Bin
Published: August 2021

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), characterized by reversible ventricular dysfunction, has similar mortality to acute coronary syndrome. With the growing interest in the diagnosis of and interventions for TCM, many risk factors had been found to affect the prognosis of TCM patients, such as age, sex, and pre‐existing diseases. Because of the incomplete understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanism in TCM, evidence‐based medical therapy for this condition is lacking. Early intervention on risk factors may improve the outcomes of TCM. In this review, we sought to provide up‐to‐date evidence on risk factors and medical therapies that affect TCM outcome. We found that male sex, physical triggers, and certain comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, malignant disease, higher body mass index, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and anaemia were associated with poor TCM prognosis. In contrast, race, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, and mood disorders were not clearly associated with TCM prognosis. We also reviewed the effect of medical therapies on TCM outcome, including angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, β‐blockers, calcium channel blockers, and statins. The evidence that these medications confer a survival benefit on TCM patients is limited. Understanding these prognostic factors could help develop risk‐stratification tools for TCM and establish effective prevention and interventions for this not‐so‐benign condition. Further multicentre clinical studies with large samples and meta‐analyses of findings from previous studies are needed to address the inconsistent findings among the many potential risk factors for TCM.
Effect of the Substituent and Amino Group Position on the Lipase‐Catalyzed Resolution of γ‐Amino Esters: A Molecular Docking Study Shedding Light on Candida antarctica lipase B Enantioselectivity
Authors: Ortega‐Rojas Marina A. , Castillo Edmundo , Razo‐Hernández Rodrigo Said , Pastor Nina , Juaristi Eusebio , Escalante Jaime
Published: August 2021

The kinetic resolution of N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl γ‐amino methyl esters bearing different stereocenters at alpha (γ2), beta (γ3), or gamma (γ4) positions was carried out by enantioselective hydrolysis with Candida antarctica lipase B (CaLB) in 2‐methyl‐2‐butanol solvent. The results show that the process is significantly less enantioselective for the γ2‐amino methyl ester (E=2.5), the γ3‐amino methyl ester (E=7.6), and the γ4‐amino methyl ester (E=8.3) when compared with the kinetic resolution of analogous N‐protected β3‐amino esters (E>80). Based on these results, molecular docking studies were carried out, through which particular regions in the CaLB catalytic cavity were analyzed. The steric exclusion region composed of Ile189 and Val190 residues, together with the amino bonding region that induces a hydrogen bond with the Asp134 residue, appear to be responsible for the high selectivity in the resolution of carboxylic acid derivatives with beta stereocenters. This interaction is well preserved for β‐amino esters as substrates. By contrast, γ‐amino esters exhibit greater conformational diversity, so the effectiveness of the interaction is reduced, which apparently is responsible for the loss of enantioselectivity in the resolution process.
Chemical and quality evaluation of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei: Influence of strains on flesh nutrition
Authors: Li Xiao , Wang Ying , Li Hongyan , Jiang Xiaodong , Ji Lei , Liu Tianhong , Sun Yuanqin
Published: August 2021

The Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, is an important fisheries resource in China. To investigate the differences in nutritional quality among strains, we analyzed and compared the basic muscle nutritional components, amino acid (hydrolyzed and free) compositions, and fatty acid compositions among four L. vannamei strains (Universal, KH‐1, Syaqua, and common). The result showed that under an efficiency aquaculture model, all four strains had high protein (21.1%‐22.3%) and low fat (0.8%‐1.1%). The Universal strain was highest in protein and fat as well as essential amino acid score (147.97). The Syaqua strain had the highest levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (44.88%). The KH‐1 strain had the highest free amino acid content (2.68%), which contributes to the taste. Our findings revealed that strain‐specific variability exists in chemical composition of the shrimp L. vannamei under controlled condition, which may provide buying reference for consumers.
US Interstate Natural Gas Pipelines: Supreme Court Decision Reveals a Constitutional High‐Wire Act
Authors: Makholm Jeff D.
Published: August 2021

On June 29th, 2021 the US Supreme Court confirmed by the narrowest of margins what for more than 80 years was always assumed to be true for US interstate natural gas pipelines, by the industry and economists such as myself. We assumed that the 1938 Natural Gas Act (NGA), through its Section 7(c) certification process, gave pipeline companies possessing a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) “certificate of public convenience and necessity” the ability to invoke eminent domain throughout the United States. Such eminent domain authority stems from the US Constitution's Commerce Clause, which permits interstate gas pipelines to pursue court action if they cannot negotiate acceptable terms of transfer with private and public landowners in the states and localities they transit, to establish a fair value for “taken” land for a route authorized by the FERC.
Internet traffic prediction with deep neural networks
Authors: Jiang Weiwei
Published: August 2021

With the evolution of Internet, traffic prediction has been more important than ever, because better resource allocation and network management schemes are based on the precise prediction of future demands. Formulated as a time series prediction problem, different solutions have been proposed, including linear statistical models and non‐linear machine learning models. However, there lacks of a comprehensive evaluation of the recently developed deep neural networks for this important problem, which we aim to fill in this letter. Based on an open Internet bandwidth usage dataset collected for 6 months, 13 deep neural networks are evaluated and compared with five baseline models. The experiments demonstrate that all deep neural networks outperform baseline models, in particular among them InceptionTime achieves the lowest prediction error, in terms of RMSE and MAE. As a benchmark for future studies, the dataset, code, and results are publicly available in a Github repository.
The Science Writing of Deaf Developing Bilinguals
Authors: Scott Jessica , Dostal Hannah , Gabriel Rachael , Graham Shannon
Published: August 2021

Disciplinary literacy (DL) is an important facet of adolescent literacy development. However, for adolescents who struggle with literacy, opportunities to engage with DL and advanced concepts are often withheld in favor of focus on basic skills. Deaf or hard‐of‐hearing (dhh) children, for example, are at a higher risk for experiencing language deprivation due to limited access to language. Rather than waiting to introduce DL skills and advanced content, literacy skills can be taught within disciplinary contexts using tools that draw attention to students’ language and literacy needs. As an illustration, science writing of dhh adolescents was evaluated by individuals in deaf‐related fields and science‐related fields. This has implications for teachers of language learners, especially those who are dhh. For example, the students’ writing demonstrated that though these students are still developing their knowledge of English, they are using a number of features of DL to demonstrate their content knowledge.
The selection and identification of compound housekeeping genes for quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis in rat fetal kidney
Authors: Zhao Xiaoqi , Chen Haiyun , Zhu Yanan , Liu Yi , Gao Lili , Wang Hui , Ao Ying
Published: August 2021

During quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) data analysis, the selection of optimal housekeeping gene is necessary to ensure the accuracy of results. It is noteworthy that housekeeping genes commonly used in adult studies may not be applicable for fetus. However, the stability analysis of housekeeping gene in fetal kidney has not been reported. This study intends to screen the applicable compound housekeeping genes in rat fetal kidney. In this study, eight housekeeping genes used in kidney studies based on literature reports (GAPDH, ACTB, 18S, HPRT, YWHAZ, HMBS, PPIA, and TBP) were selected as the research object. Their expression levels in the rat fetal kidney in physiological condition and the intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) model induced by prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) (0.2 mg/kg·day from gestation Days 9 to 20) was measured. Furthermore, these eight housekeeping genes were used to conduct relative quantitative analysis of nephrin expression in the fetal kidney in PDE‐induced IUGR model, to compare the influence of choosing different housekeeping gene on data analysis of nephrin expression and to verify the reliability of selected compound housekeeping genes. In this study, stable housekeeping genes of fetal kidney tissues in PDE‐induced IUGR model were identified: ACTB, GAPDH, TBP, and HMBS for males; ACTB, YWHAZ, and GAPDH for females. Besides, our results suggest that ACTB + GAPDH were the best compound housekeeping genes for normalization analysis in male fetal kidney studies, and ACTB + YWHAZ in females. This study will provide an experimental evidence basis for the selection of housekeeping genes in the RT‐qPCR experiment in renal development toxicology‐related models.
A collagen‐silica‐based biocomposite for potential application in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Alvarez Echazú María , Renou Sandra , Alvarez Gisela , Desimone Martin , Olmedo Daniel
Published: August 2021

Bone is a hierarchical material that has inspired the design of biopolymer‐derived biocomposites for tissue engineering purposes. The present study sought to synthesize and perform the physicochemical characterization and biocompatibility of a collagen‐silica‐based biocomposite for potential application in bone tissue engineering. Ultrastructure, biodegradability, swelling behavior, and biocompatibility properties were analyzed to gain insight into the advantages and limitations to the use of this biomaterial as a bone substitute. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed a packed‐collagen fibril matrix and silica particles in the biocomposite three‐dimensional structure. As shown by analysis of in vitro swelling behavior and biodegradability, it would seem that the material swelled soon after implantation and then suffered degradation. Biocompatibility properties were analyzed in vivo 14‐days postimplantation using an experimental model in Wistar rats. The biocomposite was placed inside the hematopoietic bone marrow compartment of both tibiae (n = 16). Newly formed woven bone was observed in response to both materials. Unlike the pure‐collagen‐tissue interface, extensive areas of osseointegration were observed at the biocomposite‐tissue interface, which would indicate that silica particles stimulated new bone formation. Agglomerates of finely particulate material with no inflammatory infiltrate or multinucleated giant cells were observed in the bone marrow implanted with the biocomposite. The biocomposite showed good biocompatibility properties. Further studies are necessary to evaluate their biological behavior over time.
Femtosecond relaxation dynamics of two‐dimensional BiOI nanoplatelets as efficient photocatalysts
Authors: Bhosale Atul H. , Narra Sudhakar , Bhosale Sumit S. , Liao Po‐Sen , Ohta Nobuhiro , Diau Eric Wei‐Guang
Published: August 2021

The structural and optical properties of pristine and photoactivated surfaces of facet [001] of 2D BiOI nanoplatelet powders synthesized with an antisolvent method were studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscope, X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), visible–near infrared (vis–NIR) absorption, and transient absorption spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized BiOI nanoplatelets possessed a tetragonal structure with length 200–400 nm and thickness less than 50 nm. XRD analysis showed that the photoactivation did not affect the crystal structure. In contrast, the XPS analysis showed vacancies associated with elements Bi, I, and O. The band gaps estimated from the diffuse reflectance spectra of pristine and photoactivated samples are 1.83 and 1.80 eV, respectively. Femtosecond transient‐absorption spectra measured in the vis–NIR (2.25–0.9 eV) region showed photobleach bands associated with the band edge, shallow trap, and deep trap states. A global fit of the transient spectral profiles showed that all bands decay synchronously for both pristine and photoactivated samples, but the photoactivated samples showed a greater magnitude of carrier‐carrier annihilation following photoexcitation due to photodoping caused by defects. A carrier‐relaxation model involving thermal equilibrium between band‐edge, shallow, and deep trap states is proposed to explain the synchronous decay of all bands.
Comparison of inhibitory effects of irreversible and reversible Btk inhibitors on platelet function
Authors: Tullemans Bibian M.E. , Karel Mieke F.A. , Léopold Valentine , ten Brink Marieke S. , Baaten Constance C.F.M.J. , Maas Sanne L. , de Vos Alex F. , Eble Johannes A. , Nijziel Marten R. , van der Vorst Emiel P.C. , Cosemans Judith M.E.M. , Heemskerk Johan W.M. , Claushuis Theodora A.M. , Kuijpers Marijke J.E.
Published: August 2021

All irreversible Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) inhibitors including ibrutinib and acalabrutinib induce platelet dysfunction and increased bleeding risk. New reversible Btk inhibitors were developed, like MK‐1026. The mechanism underlying increased bleeding tendency with Btk inhibitors remains unclear. We investigated the effects of ibrutinib, acalabrutinib and MK‐1026 on platelet function in healthy volunteers, patients and Btk‐deficient mice, together with off‐target effects on tyrosine kinase phosphorylation. All inhibitors suppressed GPVI‐ and CLEC‐2‐mediated platelet aggregation, activation and secretion in a dose‐dependent manner. Only ibrutinib inhibited thrombus formation on vWF‐co‐coated surfaces, while on collagen this was not affected. In blood from Btk‐deficient mice, collagen‐induced thrombus formation under flow was reduced, but preincubation with either inhibitor was without additional effects. MK‐1026 showed less off‐target effects upon GPVI‐induced TK phosphorylation as compared to ibrutinib and acalabrutinib. In ibrutinib‐treated patients, GPVI‐stimulated platelet activation, and adhesion on vWF‐co‐coated surfaces were inhibited, while CLEC‐2 stimulation induced variable responses. The dual inhibition of GPVI and CLEC‐2 signalling by Btk inhibitors might account for the increased bleeding tendency, with ibrutinib causing more high‐grade bleedings due to additional inhibition of platelet‐vWF interaction. As MK‐1026 showed less off‐target effects and only affected activation of isolated platelets, it might be promising for future treatment.
Use of integrated metabolomics, transcriptomics, and signal protein profile to characterize the effector function and associated metabotype of polarized macrophage phenotypes
Authors: Anders Catherine B , Lawton Tyler MW , Smith Hannah L , Garret Jamie , Doucette Margaret M , Ammons Mary Cloud B
Published: August 2021

MΦs display remarkable plasticity and the ability to activate diverse responses to a host of intracellular and external stimuli. Despite extensive characterization of M1 MΦs and a broad set of M2 MΦs, comprehensive characterization of functional phenotype and associated metabotype driving this diverse MΦ activation remains. Herein, an ex vivo model was utilized to produce 6 MΦ functional phenotypes. Isolated CD14+ PBMCs were differentiated into resting M0 MΦs, and then polarized into M1 (IFN-γ/LPS), M2a (IL-4/IL-13), M2b (IC/LPS), M2c (IL-10), and M2d (IL-6/LIF) MΦs. The MΦs were profiled using a bioanalyte matrix of 4 cell surface markers, ∼50 secreted proteins, ∼800 expressed myeloid genes, and ∼450 identified metabolites relative to M0 MΦs. Signal protein and expressed gene profiles grouped the MΦs into inflammatory (M1 and M2b) and wound resolution (M2a, M2c, and M2d) phenotypes; however, each had a unique metabolic profile. While both M1 and M2b MΦs shared metabotype profiles consistent with an inflammatory signature; key differences were observed in the TCA cycle, FAO, and OXPHOS. Additionally, M2a, M2c, and M2d MΦs all profiled as tissue repair MΦs; however, metabotype differences were observed in multiple pathways including hexosamine, polyamine, and fatty acid metabolism. These metabolic and other key functional distinctions suggest phagocytic and proliferative functions for M2a MΦs, and angiogenesis and ECM assembly capabilities for M2b, M2c, and M2d MΦs. By integrating metabolomics into a systems analysis of MΦ phenotypes, we provide the most comprehensive map of MΦ diversity to date, along with the global metabolic shifts that correlate to MΦ functional plasticity in these phenotypes.
Intra‐His bundle block with Wenckebach phenomenon
Authors: Kumar Sharath , Thomas Garry , Newman David , Crystal Eugene , Lashevsky Ilan
Published: August 2021

A 66‐year‐old lady presented with shortness of breath and a Wenckebach atrioventricular (AV) conduction pattern on the ECG. The electrophysiologic study showed split‐His potentials and intra‐Hisian Wenckebach. The case highlights the interesting finding of Wenckebach conduction in the His bundle.
Preparation and Characterization of Alpha Gel Formed by Fatty Alcohol and Amino Acid Surfactants
Authors: Ren Hui , Tang Xiaoqin , Chen Minghua
Published: August 2021

α‐Gel, as a specific lamellar liquid crystal structure, presents unique parameters and attracts broad interest. However, conventional formation of α‐gel involves surfactants that have a long alkyl chain (more than 14 carbons), resulted in limited application into personal care products due to their low Krafft temperature. In this study, a simple way to generate α‐gel was developed using sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, an amino‐acid‐based surfactant containing an alkyl chain with less than 12 carbons. The desired structure was analyzed and discussed. The method, when extended to other amino acid‐based surfactants, gave positive results.
Determination of polyhalogenated carbazoles in waters at low nanogram‐per‐liter concentrations with solid‐phase disk extraction
Authors: Hu Hongmei , Zhao Meirong , Jin Hangbiao
Published: August 2021

Polyhalogenated carbazoles, a class of emerging contaminants with persistence and dioxin‐like toxicity, have received increasing attention in recent years. In this study, a simple, rapid, sensitive, and high throughput method based on solid‐phase disk extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was described for the determination of polyhalogenated carbazoles in low nanogram‐per‐liter range in water samples. The proposed solid‐phase disk extraction method was initially optimized, and the optimum experimental conditions found were 1 L water sample (pH 6‐9) extracted and enriched by Empore 3‐stn octadecyl disk at flow rate of 5 to 50 mL/min and eluted by 5 mL of acetone and 3 × 10 mL methylene dichloride. The linearity of the method ranged from 0.2 to 50 ng/L for carbazole and 11 polyhalogenated carbazoles, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9951 to 0.9996. The limits of detection were in the low nanogram per liter level, ranging from 0.018 to 0.12 ng/L. Finally, the optimized method was applied for determining trace levels of carbazole and 11 polyhalogenated carbazoles in tap water and seawater samples with good recovery of 86.6–112.8%. Carbazole and 3–7 polyhalogenated carbazoles were detected, and 3,6‐dichlorocarbazole was the predominant congener both in tap water and seawater.
Distinguishing Among Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder in a Community Sample of Women
Authors: Cyr Gaëlle , Godbout Natacha , Cloitre Marylene , Bélanger Claude
Published: August 2021

The diagnosis of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) was included in the ICD‐11 in 2018. Debates are still ongoing in the scientific community regarding the conceptual distinction between CPTSD symptoms and those of comorbid PTSD and borderline personality disorder (BPD). The present study aimed to determine whether (a) patterns of symptoms reported by women in a community sample would reveal a CPTSD profile distinct from PTSD and BPD profiles and (b) the resulting profiles could be compared on measures of cumulative childhood trauma exposure, dissociation, and life satisfaction. Women who reported at least one potentially traumatic experience (N = 438) completed questionnaires assessing PTSD, CPTSD, and BPD symptoms. We performed latent profile analyses testing seven models, with the five‐profile model emerging as the most appropriate solution. The profiles were characterized as “high PTSD symptoms” (12.0%), “high CPTSD symptoms” (7.6%), “high BPD symptoms” (9.9%), “high CPTSD and BPD symptoms” (3.8%), and “low symptoms” (66.7%). Group comparisons revealed that the profiles characterized by high CPTSD symptoms, high BPD symptoms, and high CPTSD and BPD symptoms tended to include participants with higher levels of cumulative childhood trauma exposure and symptoms of dissociation and lower ratings of life satisfaction compared to the profiles characterized by high PTSD symptoms and low symptoms, ds = 0.55–1.06. These findings support the distinction between ICD‐11 CPTSD symptoms and those of PTSD and BPD, promoting an integrative approach to understanding trauma sequelae, diagnosis, and treatment.
Somatic Symptom Severity, Not Injury Severity, Predicts Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder in Wounded Service Members
Authors: Soumoff Alyssa A. , Clark Neil G. , Spinks Elizabeth A. , Kemezis Patricia A. , Raiciulescu Sorana , Driscoll Mercedes Y. , Kim Sharon Y. , Benedek David M. , Choi Kwang H.
Published: August 2021

Although previous studies have reported an association between patient‐reported somatic symptom severity and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) in injured military service members (SMs), conclusions from other studies regarding the association between clinician‐determined injury severity and PTSD or MDD remain unclear. The present study investigated whether somatic symptoms or injury severity predict the development of probable PTSD or MDD in wounded SMs medically evacuated from combat areas. Data including SM demographic characteristics, clinician‐determined injury severity (i.e., Injury Severity Score [ISS] and Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] values), and self‐report assessments of PTSD (PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version), MDD (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]–9), and somatic symptoms (PHQ‐15) were analyzed. A total of 2,217 SMs completed at least one self‐assessment between 2003 and 2014, with 425 having completed assessments at each assessment period (AP), conducted 1–75 (AP1), 76–165 (AP2), and 166–255 (AP3) days postinjury. Between AP1 and AP3, the rates of probable PTSD and MDD increased from 3.0% to 11.7% and from 2.8% to 9.2%, respectively. Somatic symptom severity at AP1 predicted probable PTSD and MDD at all three APs, odds ratios (ORs) = 3.5–11.5; however, ISS values did not predict probable PTSD or MDD at any AP, ORs = 0.6–0.9. This suggests that the initial severity of self‐reported somatic symptoms rather than clinician‐determined injury severity predicts the development of probable PTSD and MDD in wounded SMs.
Juvenile Angiofibroma: What Is on Stage?
Authors: Bignami Maurizio , Pietrobon Giacomo , Arosio Alberto D. , Fazio Enrico , Nocchi Cardim Larissa , Strocchi Sabina , Molinaro Stefano , Agosti Edoardo , Karligkiotis Apostolos , Battaglia Paolo , Castelnuovo Paolo , Giorgianni Andrea
Published: August 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of the present study is to validate and compare four of the most widely used staging systems for juvenile angiofibroma on a homogeneous cohort of patients.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients treated with endoscopic or endoscopic‐assisted surgical resection between 1999 and 2020 was carried out. Each case was classified according to the following staging systems: Andrews‐Fisch (1989), Radkowski (1996), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2010), and Janakiram (2017). Spearman's rank correlation test and areas under the curve of receiver operator curves were used to assess the correlation between outcomes of interests (blood loss, surgical time, need for transfusion, and persistence of disease) and stage of disease.

Results

Seventy‐nine patients were included, with a median follow‐up time of 25 months (range 12–127 months). Median surgical time was 217 minutes (range 52–625). Median blood loss was 500 mL (range 40–5200) and 27 patients (34.2%) required blood transfusions. Seven patients (8.9%) showed persistence of disease. All classification systems showed a similar association with blood loss, surgical time, persistence of disease, and need for transfusion.

Conclusions

Involvement of the infratemporal fossa and intracranial extension was identified as red flags for surgical planning and preoperative counseling, as associated with increased risk for transfusion and persistent/recurrent disease, respectively. No classification system was found to be better than the others in predicting the most important outcomes. Therefore, the simplest and most easily applicable system would be the preferred one to be used in clinical practice.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:1160–1165, 2022
Radiofrequency Ablation and Autonomous Functioning Thyroid Nodules: Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Muhammad Haris , Tehreem Aniqa , Russell Jonathon O. , Tufano Ralph P.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) have long been treated with either surgery or radioactive iodine (RAI). Being an invasive procedure, even thyroid lobectomy for this condition is associated with complications such as anesthesia side effects, scarring, iatrogenic hypothyroidism, and injury to other structures. Similarly, RAI is associated with hypothyroidism and may require multiple courses. Therefore, minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are being advocated as an alternative treatment for AFTNs. To date, only few studies have been published on this topic and are largely on European and Asian populations. The aim of this review is to assess the efficacy and safety of RFA as a potential alternative for treatment of AFTNs compared to conventional surgery and radioiodine.

Methods/Study design

Comprehensive PubMed and Embase searches were performed using the following terms such as (autonomously functioning thyroid nodules and radiofrequency ablation), (radiofrequency ablation and hyperthyroidism), and (radiofrequency ablation and toxic thyroid nodule). Both prospective and retrospective studies were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria specified in the text.

Results

Initially, 57 studies were identified and after excluding 47 studies, finally 10 studies were included in the review.

Conclusion

Although surgery remains the first line treatment for AFTN. However, RFA is a safe option compared to RAI or surgery, especially in patients who are high‐risk surgical candidates or have absolute contraindications to RAI. Currently, trials with follow‐up greater than or equal to 5 years are warranted. It will aid in formulating a standardized surveillance protocol and also generalize RFA's use for AFTN. Laryngoscope, 132:906–914, 2022