bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an Active-Cooling System for Improving Residual-Limb Skin Care in Persons with Lower-Limb Amputation
Authors: Farrell Todd , McCracken Patricia , Lloyd Alexandria , Falbo Kierra , Walker Nicole , Hansen Andrew , Sauerbrey Matthew , Johansson Jennifer , Rozell Brianna , Lawrence Kevin , Myers Ryan , DiMatteo Kristian , Hunt Thane , Dupnik Michaelina , Koehler-McNicholas Sara
Published: May 2022

Increases in residual-limb temperatures can occur simply by donning a lower-limb prosthesis and walking. Intrasocket temperatures can also remain elevated long after an activity ends. To address problems associated with activity-related increases in intrasocket temperatures (e.g., discomfort, decreased prosthesis use, lost suspension, residual-limb skin breakdown), an innovative Intrasocket Cooling Element (ICE) system has been developed and tested on ten, transtibial prosthesis users. This report describes the design of the thermo-electric driven, active-cooling ICE system and presents the results of both in-laboratory and at-home testing. Given the capacity for the ICE system to moderate intrasocket temperatures during controlled bouts of in-laboratory exercise, future testing will explore the potential for this technology to reduce the incidence of residual-limb skin issues and improve quality of life outcome measures among a cohort of lower-limb prosthesis users.
A Low-Cost, Open-Source Solution to the Covid-19 Ventilator Shortage
Authors: Danna Mason , George Evan , Ranganathan Sanjana , Richards Zachary I. , Sims R. Kenneth , Berens Pauline M. , Deshpande Priyanka S. , Gnanashanmugam Swami
Published: May 2022

Mechanical ventilators are beneficial in treating and managing various respiratory diseases, including interstitial pneumonia associated with Coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has led to the emergence of a worldwide need for more accessible and affordable mechanical ventilatory devices. This project, known as the Third Coast Ventilator, aims to create a low-cost, open-source solution to the ventilator shortage created by the COVID-19 pandemic; this device can additionally be implemented in developing countries with limited medical resources, where ventilators are often inaccessible. Using readily available components found within hospitals and local stores, our team designed a prototype that can be assembled and functional within an hour. Our testing demonstrated accurate tidal volume delivery while modulating commonly used ranges of inspiratory to expiratory ratios, air flow rates, and respiratory rates. These promising results are an important step toward our goal of creating a low-cost, open-source, globally accessible ventilator in areas where shortages exist.
Communicating Cybersecurity and Privacy Design Attributes through Privacy Labeling of Consumer Electronic Medical Devices
Authors: Molesky Monroe J.
Published: May 2022

The emergence of electronic medical devices has facilitated the integration of cybersecurity and privacy practices into the design of medical devices. An essential part of device design is the communication of the device principles to the consumers and providers that will utilize the device. The purpose of this research was to analyze the importance of health information privacy, propose a medical device privacy label and standards that can help fill these gaps for consumers, and evaluate the regulatory framework for which this proposal can be implemented. Privacy, both physical and informational, is a key pillar of American healthcare especially in our connected worlds. The threat to privacy from criminal actors and the impact that those actions of violating privacy can have on an individual’s health are serious. Evaluating previous privacy labels, which lacked in applicability to the healthcare field, this research proposes a unique, standardized consumer privacy label for the FDA to implement, mirroring the design and success of the FDA nutrition label in educating consumers in healthy decision making.
Evaluation of Sustainable P4MCL/PLLA Block Copolymers as PVC Replacement in Medical Plastics
Authors: Gathman Tyler , Schoephoerster Jamee , Vasdev Ranveer , Liffland Stephanie , Batiste Derek
Published: May 2022

Aliphatic polyesters are potential sustainable alternatives to PVC for use in medical devices, such as IV bags. Our candidate replacement of PVC-based IV bags use P4MCL, a sustainable polymer with demonstrated uses in mechanically robust materials. The goal of our project was to compare the mechanical and biocompatibility characteristics of P4MCL/PLLA star block copolymer TPEs with commercial PVC-based IV bags. P4MCL/PLLA TPEs were synthesized according to previously reported methods. Uniaxial tensile testing was conducted pre- and post-autoclave. Impact and tear resistance testing was performed on non-autoclaved specimens according to ASTM standards. Cytotoxicity was examined using NIH 3T3 Fibroblasts with an AlamarBlue assay. A student’s t-test was used to compare results with statistical significance of P < 0.05. PVC tended to be stiffer but P4MCL/PLLA was more extensible. The tensile properties for the P4MCL-based material did not change after autoclaving. When compared to PVC-based IV bags, the P4MCL/PLLA TPE demonstrated a lower peak force and average force but a greater elongation at break and total absorbed energy (P<0.05). P4MCL/PLLA, unlike PVC-based materials with DEHP plasticizer, was non-cytotoxic. In summary, P4MCL/PLLA has desirable mechanical and biocompatibility advantages compared to PVC making the material a potential sustainable alternative for medical grade plastics.
Novel Hydrogel for Stone Fragment Control During Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy
Authors: Bhattaram Rohan , Reichert Ryan , Marino Victoria
Published: May 2022

Surgical treatment of kidney stones commonly involves ureteroscopic lithotripsy with laser-assisted stone fragmentations. Particles that remain are considered “clinically insignificant” and are left behind, though these fragments are associated with downstream complications such as infection and stone reformation. The researchers aimed to develop a novel hydrogel that would prevent stone retropulsion intraoperatively and facilitate complete fragment removal. A novel inversely thermosensitive gel was developed which would theoretically stay solid to surround kidney stone, suspend stone fragments and would become liquid for gel removal. The aim of this study was to better understand the gel delivery mechanism considering its unique thermal properties. It was hypothesized that due to the gel’s thermal properties, an active cooling method, i.e. an intracatheter cooled guide wire, would be necessary to maintain gel fluidity to reach the intended destination. The researchers designed an experiment to test gel delivery through a 5 French, 70 cm long catheter surrounded by body temperature water with and without a cooled guide wire. We found there was no significant difference between both trial groups, indicating the gel does not require an active cooling method and can be administered directly. The lack of easy-to-use and cost-effective commercially available options to effectively reduce residual stone fragments presents a path for clinical adoption of the proposed hydrogel. Future trials will look into the fluid mechanics of gel administration and potential clinical outcomes such as stone free rates and rates of complications.
Mechanical Characterization of Calcificaiton in Diseased Coronary Artery with Atomic Force Microscope
Authors: Delgado Ana , Dong Pengfei , Sameti Mahyar , Zimin Vladislav N. , Lee Juhwan , Gharaibeh Yazan , Bezerra Hiram G. , Wilson David , Bashur Christopher , Gu Linxia
Published: May 2022

In this work, the mechanical propertied of calcification in diseased coronary artery was evaluated with atomic force microscope (AFM). The heavily calcified coronary artery was harvest from a cadaver’s heart. The artery slices with thickness of 10 um were prepared with cryosectioning. Staining with Alizarin Red has been performed to highlight the calcification region. Results have shown that the calcified areas have a significant larger stiffness compared with the surrounding plaque and the media layer of a healthy artery. The calcification showed a heterogeneous property with larger deviation in stiffness distribution. The staining process affected the mechanical properties. Results will enhance the mechanical property database in the literature.
Patient-Centered Hospital Gowns: A Novel Redesign of Inpatient Attire to Improve Both the Patient and Provider Experience
Authors: Arunachalam Priya , D’Souza Brendan
Published: May 2022

During their inpatient stays, patients are often required – or highly encouraged – to wear hospital gowns. While these gowns are intended to be convenient for patients and their providers, their design has remained largely unchanged over time. As healthcare moves towards greater emphasis on patient-centered care, the hospital gown is an opportunity to improve patient care. Patients have expressed frustration with the traditional hospital gown, especially with how revealing the gown can be. Here, we introduce a redesigned hospital gown that addresses many common concerns related to patients’ comfort and privacy. Our design introduces novel midline, rear, and shoulder panels, which provide healthcare workers with convenient access to the patient while maintaining coverage over areas of the patient that are not being examined. These panels also make it less likely for patients to be inappropriately exposed during routine activities. A prototyped gown was developed to test design features, and evaluation of this prototype demonstrated that this novel design has the potential to address many concerns while protecting the usability of traditional gowns. Further improvements to the gown’s design are also discussed.
The Use of a Pulsatile Perfusion Apparatus for the Assessment of Aortic Valve Function within Formalin Fixed Human Hearts: Pre- And Post-Tavr Implantation with Subsequent Micro-CT Analyses
Authors: Bielecki Michael A. , Iaizzo Paul A.
Published: May 2022

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is often the clinical choice for patients with severe aortic stenosis or as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement for high-risk patients. In these patients, the incidence of complications, including aortic annular rupture, coronary occlusion, and newonset atrial fibrillation is just under five percent. The Visible Heart® Laboratories have a library of over 500 perfusion-fixed human hearts preserved in formalin. These specimens can be utilized to better understand aortic valvular function associated with various diseased states with proper pulsatile profusion. This preclinical benchtop model could also be used for the testing of TAVR devices: e.g., to better understand proper placement techniques. Here we describe the continued development of a pulsatile perfusion apparatus constructed to assess the aortic valve function of these human heart specimens: i.e., pre- and post- TAVR deployment. Multi-modal imaging can be utilized, including videoscopes, fluoroscopy, and echocardiography. Resultant placements, the device-tissue interface within the valvular annulus can be subsequently assessed using micro-CT imaging. This pre-clinical approach also allows for this unique human heart. Specimens to be utilized numerous times, providing real anatomical scenarios for the testing of these devices.
Burst, Leakage, and Constant Pressure Infusion Testing of a Convection Enhanced Drug Delivery System for Glioblastoma Treatment
Authors: Salafian Iman , Rylander Christopher G.
Published: May 2022

Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) through an arborizing microneedle catheter system is an experimental drug delivery technique used to treat glioblastoma by providing a higher drug volume dispersed (Vd) of therapeutics directly to larger regions of brain tissue. A convection-enhanced thermo-chemotherapy catheter system (CETCS) can simultaneously deliver fluid and thermal energy to the infected area. The CETCS developed in our Medical Device Design lab comprises a bundle of 6 microneedles made from fiber optic capillary tubing, passed through a rigid cannula and individually arborized (branch-out). We are preparing CETCS for regulatory pathway application to advance it further toward clinical and human trials. In this paper, we performed three performance tests: infusion pressure, leakage, and constant pressure flow rate tests required by the FDA to file a traditional 510(K) based upon a potential predicate device. The high-pressure burst and leakage test showed that the CETCS can withstand an internal pressure of 100 psi with no leakage or failure in any connections and attachments, resulting in a substantial equivalency to the predicate devices. The constant pressure flow rate test showed a flow rate average of 0.64 ml/h under 0.7 psi and 1.69 ml/h under 2.1 psi of constant pressure using distilled water column, resulting in substantial equivalency to the predicate devices.
Development of a Dilated Cardiomyopathy Heart Failure Model Employing High-Rate Pacing via an Implantable Leadless Pacemaker: Utilized for in Situ and Ex Vivo Investigations
Authors: Schinstock Emma , Bielecki Michael , Kudlik D’Anne , Eggen Michael , Iaizzo Paul A.
Published: May 2022

Isolated heart failure models are valuable to researchers for multiple uses, including device design. Currently, models often use artificial materials and/or simulated pulsatile pre-clinical models or alternatively, employ animal models which often present obstacles to gaining access to the heart. The Visible Heart® apparatus allows researchers to benefit from a live tissue model while increasing access to the heart and adding the abilities to directly visualize the anatomic effects of a therapy or device. This work presents the development of a model to mimic dilated cardiomyopathy in humans by utilizing rapid pacing in swine and subsequently reanimating the heart on the Visible Heart® apparatus. This heart failure model allowed for functional assessments, multimodal imaging, and the administrations of various therapeutic approaches.
Optimizing COVID-19 Vaccine Diffusion in Respiratory Mucosa through Stokes-Einstein Modeling
Authors: Zhu Richard , Bhatia Sujata
Published: May 2022

SARS-COV-2 vaccines, all of which are currently intramuscular shots, have the ability to prevent serious injury. However, the absence of sufficient mucosal immunity is a major concern. To counteract this deficiency that has led to continued transmission from vaccinated individuals and breakthrough cases, reformulating vaccines to be inhalable presents a logical administration route. Predecessor research has reported the inhalable route to be viable as aerosolized vaccine nanoparticles, AAV phage nanoparticles, and PIV-5 viruses were recently identified to elicit immune responses. In this study, the diffusion of vaccine nanoparticles across the mucosa is characterized and modeled, with respect to their observed behavior from previous studies in relation to the Stokes-Einstein equation, to predict the most efficient model of an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine. The Stokes-Einstein equation has been used in several studies to predict diffusion coefficients. These predictions may be modified to fit the specifications of mucosal interactions. It was determined that mucosal interactions play a significant role in vaccine nanoparticle diffusion, as demonstrated by the viral vector and virus-like nanoparticle diffusion, and can be characterized by an equivalent hydrodynamic radius. Moreover, as a counter to mucosal interactions, PEGylation was found to drastically decrease the viscous slowing of the mucus medium.
Assessment of Contractile Forces of Swine Skeletal Muscle Following Irreversible Electroporation Therapy
Authors: Ramirez David A , Iaizzo Paul A
Published: May 2022

Irreversible electroporation has regained a new popularity as a robust and effective ablation modality. One concern however that remains is the optimization of the several parameters to further implement the technology in medical therapies; one of the most important effects is the mitigation of muscle stimulation.

Here we present the induced contractile force on swine skeletal muscle after delivery of irreversible electroporation therapies. We aim to evaluate two differing waveforms, the classic irreversible electroporation, IRE, with monophasic DC pulses of 100μs pulse widths, and a waveform of High Frequency Irreversible Electroporation, HFIRE. We observed that the short duration pulses of HFIRE, biphasic 2μs pulse width, effectively induced no contractile forces on skeletal muscle. In contrast IRE induced large contractions.
Deep Unsupervised Clustering of Sparse Echo Data to Identify Patients for Implantation of Cardioverter-Defibrillator
Authors: Enayati Moein , Farahani Nasibeh Zanjirani , Scott Christopher G. , Bos Johan M. , Yao Xiaoxi , Ngufor Che G. , Ackerman Michael J. , Arruda-Olson Adelaide
Published: May 2022

According to the 2020 report of the American Heart Association’s Heart & Stroke Statistics report, nearly 1,000 people are dying daily because of sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and unfortunately, their survival rate is as low as 10%. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a relatively rare genetic heart disease is one of these diseases but finding the right patient for the implantation of ICD is still a research question. Implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can save the life of some of these patients. Due to the complexity of the identification of HCM patients, financial burdens, and the clinical risks involved in the ICD implantation procedure, HCM patients will go into a monitoring state before reaching the implantation trigger. Our study cohort shows about 82% of HCM deaths, did not have an ICD, which highlights the need to improve the pre-screening algorithms.

In the current paper, we have proposed a new deep learning-based unsupervised clustering technique to facilitate the prioritization of patients to undergo ICD device implantation. This model uses over 900 echocardiographic measurements to find patients who benefit more from the ICD implantation procedure. Our model was trained and tested over 6 years of echo reports collected at Mayo Clinic. This model can be used as a decision support assistant for cardiologists in finding the right HCM patient when decision-making is hard.
PÁGINAS DE ANTROPOLOGÍA: UN PROGRAMA DE RADIO SORPRENDENTE
Authors:   UNED, Barrera Cañellas Margarita
Published: May 2022

Págines d’Antropologia es un programa de radio local, realizado por alumnos y tutoras de la UNED en Baleares, cuyo objetivo principal es incitar a los radioyentes a conocer un poco más el entorno que los rodea, desde una perspectiva antropológica, abierta, tolerante y multicultural, que llegue a todas las audiencias, utilizando un lenguaje accesible para todos los públicos, tanto en castellano como en catalán, que hace hincapié en las coincidencias culturales de la población de Marratxí y municipios colindantes, y no en sus diferencias. El formato del programa es sencillo pero eficaz. Tras la cabecera y presentaciones del equipo e invitado, se plantea una pregunta de partida y se inicia un coloquio, donde se aportan diferentes puntos de vista, intercalando como apoyo, temas musicales, escogidos en consonancia con el programa. La acogida por parte de la audiencia mallorquina ha sido sorprendente, situándose en segundo lugar en Radio Marratxí, durante dos temporadas, tras los informativos. Además y puesto que la propia radio sube el audio a Ivoox, plataforma internacional de audio, la difusión ha crecido exponencialmente situándose en el ranking de 5.012 sobre más de 30.000. No intentamos hacer un programa de Antropología para antropólogos, nuestro objetivo después de dos años, es seguir introduciendo la Antropología Aplicada en la vida cotidiana de la gente de a pie, ayudándola a comprender y convivir mejor con la realidad multicultural de la isla y del mundo, desde su propia identidad.
Normative wideband acoustic immittance patterns for middle ear evaluation in dogs
Authors: Sonstrom Malowski Kristine E. , Cole Lynette K. , Steiger James R. , Scheifele Peter M.
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical use of wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) reflectance for middle ear assessment in dogs. Otoscopy and brainstem auditory evoked response testing was performed on all dogs prior to the WAI assessment. Following calibration, dogs were comfortably restrained while the probe was placed into the ear canal to obtain recordings. Testing was repeated for replicability. Repeatable WAI reflectance patterns were observed in 24 dogs, characterized by low-reflectance resonant peaks at approximately 1500–1800 Hz and 3000–4000 Hz. Observed patterns suggest WAI may be a practical means of assessing middle ear function in dogs.
Genome-Wide Knockout Screen Identifies Human Sialomucin CD164 as an Essential Entry Factor for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus
Authors: Liu Jamin , Knopp Kristeene A. , Rackaityte Elze , Wang Chung Yu , Laurie Matthew T. , Sunshine Sara , Puschnik Andreas S. , DeRisi Joseph L.
Published: May 2022

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a human-pathogenic mammarenavirus that can be fatal in congenital infections. Although frequently used in the study of persistent infections in the field of immunology, aspects of this virus’s life cycle remain incomplete.
Supplemental Material: Continental geological evidence for Solar System chaotic behavior in the Late Cretaceous
Authors: Wu Huaichun , al. et
Published: May 2022

Figures S1–S6, Tables S1–S2 and paleoclimate data. 
Uptake and impact of the English National Health Service digital diabetes prevention programme: observational study
Authors: Ross Jamie Anne Dolan , Barron Emma , McGough Ben , Valabhji Jonathan , Daff Kerry , Irwin Jenny , Henley William E , Murray Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

Introduction

‘Healthier You’, the National Health Service (NHS) diabetes prevention programme (DPP) offers adults in England at high risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) an evidence-based behavioral intervention to prevent or delay T2DM onset. This study assesses the impact of a pilot digital stream of the DPP (DDPP) on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight.

Research design and methods

A service evaluation employing prospectively collected data in a prospective cohort design in nine NHS local pilot areas across England. Participants were adults with non-diabetic hyperglycemia (NDH) (HbA1c 42–47 mmol/mol or fasting plasma glucose 5.5–6.9 mmol/L) in the 12 months prior to referral. The DDPP comprised five digital health interventions (DHI). Joint primary outcomes were changes in HbA1c and weight between baseline and 12 months. HbA1c and weight readings were recorded at referral (baseline) by general practices, and then at 12-month postregistration. Demographic data and service variables were collected from the DHI providers.

Results

3623 participants with NDH registered for the DDPP and of these, 2734 (75%) were eligible for inclusion in the analyses. Final (12-month) follow-up data for HbA1c were available for 1799 (50%) and for weight 1817 (50%) of registered participants. Mean change at 12 months was −3.1 (−3.4 to −2.8) kg, p<0.001 for weight and −1.6 (−1.8 to −1.4) mmol/mol, p<0.001 for HbA1c. Access to peer support and a website and telephone service was associated with significantly greater reductions in HbA1c and weight.

Conclusions

Participation in the DDPP was associated with clinically significant reductions in weight and HbA1c. Digital diabetes prevention can be an effective and wide-reaching component of a population-based approach to addressing type 2 diabetes prevention.
Acute-onset amnesia: transient global amnesia and other causes
Authors: Miller Thomas D , Butler Christopher R
Published: May 2022

Acute-onset amnesia is a dramatic neurological presentation that can cause considerable concern to both patient and clinician. The patient typically presents with an inability not only to retain new memories but also to access previously acquired memories, suggesting disturbance of hippocampal function. Transient global amnesia (TGA) is the most common cause of acute-onset amnesia, and is characterised by a profound anterograde and retrograde amnesia that typically lasts for up to 24 hours. Although TGA has a strikingly stereotypical presentation, it can be challenging to distinguish from other causes of acute-onset amnesia, including posterior circulation strokes, transient epileptic amnesia, psychogenic amnesia, post-traumatic amnesia, and toxic/drug-related amnesia. Here, we describe the general approach to the patient with acute amnesia; summarise the clinical and neuropsychological differences between the potential causes; and, provide practical recommendations to aid diagnosis and management of acute amnesia. Regardless of cause and the dramatic presentation, non-ischaemic acute-onset amnesia generally has a favourable prognosis.
Synergistic effects of density, gradation, particle size, and particle shape on the water entry pressure of hydrophobized sands
Authors: Xing X. , Saulick Y. , Lourenço Sérgio D.N.
Published: May 2022

This paper examines the specific role and interdependencies between soil density, particle size, particle shape, and gradation on the water entry pressure of hydrophobized sands. The tested granular materials include quartz sands of three size ranges, glass beads, and crushed glass. All granular materials were initially silanized with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coatings to achieve the same intrinsic hydrophobicity. The water-ponding method was adopted to measure the water entry pressure in a comprehensive parametric study that consisted of 96 tests. Despite an acute sensitivity of the water entry pressure to relative density, the results revealed a more dominant effect of particle size. The largest water entry pressure (hydrophobized fine sand) was 14 times that of the lowest (hydrophobized coarse sand). Relatively higher water entry pressures were recorded with sands having larger coefficients of uniformity. A comparison between hydrophobized glass beads and crushed glass also revealed that rounded particles were less effective in retarding water infiltration in a dense state. A relationship, based on Jurin's law, was proposed for dense sands whereby the water entry pressure is obtained from the coefficient of uniformity, mean particle size, and particle shape.
A multibranch residual network for fault-diagnosis of bearings
Authors: Wang Zhijian , Wu Yuanmeng , Zhang Qianqian , Li Yanfeng , Cattani Carlo , He Xinxin , Yang Ningning , Zhou Rui
Published: May 2022

Time-frequency domain analysis methods are used to diagnose faults in bearings by extracting the features of fault signals. Given that a fault signal is also a form of audio signal, we extracted the characteristics of the mel spectrum from the original signal and applied it to a convolution neural network proposed in this paper. Focusing on the residual structure in the residual neural network (ResNet), we solved the gradient disappearance problem and accelerated the training of the model. The importance of each feature channel could be estimated adaptively using the squeeze-and-excitation network (SENet) considering the relationships between the channels. We examined the feature map of each layer using a multibranch residual network (MB-ResNet) to characterize the bearing fault signal. We used the multibranch residual structure to reduce the sense field of each residual and added a parallel local sensing module to train the model to recognize the weight of each input feature to either increase or reduce the influence of local features. Our experimental results show that the MB-ResNet is very good at extracting features, is robust, and capable of generalization.
Mechanisms underlying initiation of propulsion in guinea pig distal colon
Authors: Hibberd Timothy J. , Costa Marcello , Smolilo David J. , Keightley Lauren J. , Brookes Simon J. , Dinning Phil G. , Spencer Nick J.
Published: May 2022

The colonic motor complex (CMC) initiates propulsion in guinea pig colon. Here, CMCs evoked by an intraluminal pellet were restored during nicotinic receptor blockade by pharmacological agents that directly or indirectly enhance intrinsic primary afferent neuron (IPAN) excitability. IPANs are the only enteric neuron in colon that contain CGRP. Blocking CGRP receptors decreased CMC frequency, implicating their role in CMC initiation. The results support a role for IPANs in the initiation of CMCs.
Differential mRNA expression in ileal and colonic biopsies in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea or constipation
Authors: Camilleri Michael , Magnus Yorick , Carlson Paula , Wang Xiao Jing , Chedid Victor , Maselli Daniel , Taylor Ann , McKinzie Sanna , Kengunte Nagaraj Nagaswaroop , Busciglio Irene , Nair Asha
Published: May 2022

This study compares gene expression in mucosa of the terminal ileum, right colon, and left colon in patients with diarrhea- or constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and contrasts expression between these two disease entities and also between each entity and mucosa from healthy controls. The study shows there is differential expression of genes related to immune, transmitter, nociceptive, ion channel, and transporter functions, as well as reduced serine protease inhibition, in patients with IBS.
Racing against time: leveraging preclinical models to understand pulmonary susceptibility to perinatal acetaminophen exposures
Authors: McCulley David J. , Jensen Erik A. , Sucre Jennifer M. S. , McKenna Sarah , Sherlock Laura G. , Dobrinskikh Evgenia , Wright Clyde J.
Published: May 2022

Over the past decade, clinicians have increasingly prescribed acetaminophen (APAP) for patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Acetaminophen has been shown to reduce postoperative opiate burden, and may provide similar efficacy for closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Despite these potential benefits, APAP exposures have spread to increasingly less mature infants, a highly vulnerable population for whom robust pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data for APAP are lacking. Concerningly, preclinical studies suggest that perinatal APAP exposures may result in unanticipated adverse effects that are unique to the developing lung. In this review, we discuss the clinical observations linking APAP exposures to adverse respiratory outcomes and the preclinical data demonstrating a developmental susceptibility to APAP-induced lung injury. We show how clinical observations linking perinatal APAP exposures to pulmonary injury have been taken to the bench to produce important insights into the potential mechanisms underlying these findings. We argue that the available data support a more cautious approach to APAP use in the NICU until large randomized controlled trials provide appropriate safety and efficacy data.
Cortactin loss protects against hemin-induced acute lung injury in sickle cell disease
Authors: Jones Nicole M. , Sysol Justin R. , Singla Sunit , Smith Patricia , Sandusky George E. , Wang Huashan , Natarajan Viswanathan , Dudek Steven M. , Machado Roberto F.
Published: May 2022

In patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a common form of acute lung injury and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of ACS is complex, and hemin, the prosthetic moiety of hemoglobin, has been implicated in endothelial cell (EC) activation and subsequent acute lung injury (ALI) and ACS in vitro and in animal studies. Here, we examined the role of cortactin (CTTN), a cytoskeletal protein that regulates EC function, in response to hemin-induced ALI and ACS. Cortactin heterozygous ( Cttn+/−) mice ( n = 8) and their wild-type siblings ( n = 8) were irradiated and subsequently received bone marrow cells (BMCs) extruded from the femurs of SCD mice (SS) to generate SS Cttn+/ − and SS CttnWT chimeras. Following hemoglobin electrophoretic proof of BMC transplantation, the mice received 35 µmol/kg of hemin. Within 24 h, surviving mice were euthanized, and bronchoalveolar fluid (BAL) and lung samples were analyzed. For in vitro studies, human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs) were used to determine hemin-induced changes in gene expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in cortactin deficiency and control conditions. When compared with wild-type littermates, the mortality for SS Cttn+/− mice trended to be lower after hemin infusion and these mice exhibited less severe lung injury and less necroptotic cell death. In vitro studies confirmed that cortactin deficiency is protective against hemin-induced injury in HMLVECs, by decreasing protein expression of p38/HSP27, improving cell barrier function, and decreasing the production of ROS. Further studies examining the role of CTTN in ACS are warranted and may open a new avenue of potential treatment for this devastating disease.
The hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated channel resides on myocytes in mouse bladders and contributes to adrenergic-induced detrusor relaxation
Authors: Lemtiri-Chlieh Fouad , Baker Dylan S. , Al-Naggar Iman M. , Ramasamy Ramalakshmi , Kuchel George A. , Levine Eric S. , Robson Paul , Smith Phillip P.
Published: May 2022

Control of urinary continence is predicated on sensory signaling about bladder volume. Bladder sensory nerve activity is dependent on tension, implicating autonomic control over detrusor myocyte activity during bladder filling. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels are known contributors to bladder control, but their mechanism of action is not well understood. The lack of a definitive identification of cell type(s) expressing HCN in the bladder presents a significant knowledge gap. We recently reported a complete transcriptomic atlas of the C57BL/6 mouse bladder showing the dominant HCN paralog in mouse bladder, Hcn1, is limited to a subpopulation of detrusor smooth myocytes (DSMs). Here, we report details of these findings, along with results of patch-clamp experiments, immunohistochemistry, and functional myobath/tension experiments in bladder strips. With the use of a transgenic mouse expressing fluorescence-tagged α-smooth muscle actin, our data confirmed location and function of DSM HCN channels. Despite previous associations of HCN with postulated bladder interstitial cells, neither evidence of specific interstitial cell types nor an association of nonmyocytes with HCN was discovered. We confirm that HCN activation participates in reducing sustained (tonic) detrusor tension via cAMP, with no effect on intermittent (phasic) detrusor activity. In contrast, blockade of HCN increases phasic activity induced by a protein kinase A (PKA) blocker or a large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel opener. Our findings, therefore, suggest a central role for detrusor myocyte HCN in regulating and constraining detrusor myocyte activity during bladder filling.
Feature Extraction of National Physical Fitness Data Based on Data Mining
Authors: Huang Ying , Li Yang , Ren Wengang
Published: May 2022

In order to better understand and optimize the national physical fitness, this paper puts forward the national physical fitness data change feature extraction method based on data mining, uses the decision tree and association rule data mining algorithm to collect the national physical fitness data in recent years, constructs the database to realize the effective data management, and uses the data mining algorithm to construct the physical fitness change feature evaluation index. Finally, through experiments, it is confirmed that the national physique data change feature extraction method based on data mining has high effectiveness in the process of practical application. It can better understand the national physique change trend and put forward targeted suggestions for national physique health optimization.
Establishment of the LNCaP Cell Line – The Dawn of an Era for Prostate Cancer Research
Authors: Abate-Shen Cory , Nunes de Almeida Francisca
Published: May 2022

Among the relatively few established human prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP cells are unique in their ability to model key stages of prostate cancer progression. Analyses of LNCaP cells and their derivatives have been invaluable for elucidating important translational aspects of prostate tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug response, particularly in the context of androgen receptor signaling. Here, we present major highlights from a wealth of literature that has exploited LNCaP cells and their derivatives to inform on prostate cancer progression and androgen response for improving the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.

See related article by Horoszewicz and colleagues, Cancer Res 1983;43:1809–18
Associations between Preserved Foods and Breast Cancer Risk in Hong Kong Chinese Women
Authors: Lee Priscilla Ming Yi , Kwok Chi-Hei , Tsoi Yee-Kei , Wu Cherry , Law Sze-Hong , Tsang Koon-Ho , Yeung Yiu-Cheong , Chan W.C. , Tse Gary M. , Yuen Karen Ka-Wan , Hung Ray Ka Wai , Wang Feng , Tse Lap Ah
Published: May 2022

Preserved food such as cured foods may contain nitrate and nitrite that may contribute to the breast cancer development. Evidence on the associations between these preserved food intakes and risk of breast cancer is sparse. This study aimed to examine the associations between preserved foods (i.e., cured meat, pickled vegetables, canned meat, and canned fruit/vegetables) and breast cancer risk in Hong Kong Chinese women. A total of 1,307 breast cancer cases and 1,050 age-matched controls were recruited from three hospitals during November 2011 through January 2018. We used a standardized questionnaire to collect information on dietary factors, including preserved foods. Unconditional multiple logistic regression was performed to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of breast cancer in relation to preserved food with adjustment of potential confounders. We further performed stratified analysis according to the breast cancer biology subtypes. We found that cured meat consumption was significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer [AOR, 1.32; 95% confidence interval 95% (CI), 1.06–1.64]. Compared with no cured meat consumption, cured meat intake ≥ once per week was associated with an AOR of 2.66 (95% CI, 1.38–5.35). Women with canned fruit/vegetable ≥ consumption once per week had a higher risk of breast cancer (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.00–1.41), particularly for the HER2-positive subtypes, but it became borderline after adjustment of confounders. Our study reveals a positive association between consumption of cured meat and breast cancer risk in Chinese population. Cured meat intake might be a potential novel risk factor for breast cancer but this would have to be confirmed by large prospective cohort studies.

Prevention Relevance:

The main finding of this case–control study, an association between cured meat intake and a higher risk of breast cancer in Hong Kong Chinese women, contributes to the growing evidence for population-level health benefits of reducing cured meat consumption.
Cognitive Reserve Mediates the Relation between Neighborhood Socio-Economic Position and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Ihle Andreas , Gabriel Rainer , Oris Michel , Gouveia Élvio R. , Gouveia Bruna R. , Marques Adilson , Marconcin Priscila , Kliegel Matthias
Published: May 2022

Introduction: We investigated the mediating role of leisure activity engagement as marker of cognitive reserve in the relation between neighborhood socio-economic position (SEP) and cognitive decline over 6 years. Methods: The study analyzed longitudinal data from 897 older adults who participated in the two waves (2011 and 2017) of the Vivre-Leben-Vivere (VLV) survey in Switzerland (M = 74.33 years in the first wave). Trail Making Test parts A and B were administered in both waves. Leisure activity engagement was assessed during interviews. Neighborhood SEP was derived from the Swiss Neighborhood Index of Socio-Economic Position (Swiss-SEP), provided by the Swiss National Cohort (SNC). Results: Latent change score modeling revealed that 42.5% of the relationship between higher neighborhood SEP and smaller cognitive decline was mediated via a higher frequency of leisure activities in the first wave. Conclusion: Neighborhood SEP constitutes an important contextual factor potentially influencing the pathways of cognitive reserve accumulation and, therefore, should be taken into account to better understand their effects on cognitive decline in old age.
Amnesia of Uncertain Etiology in an Adolescent during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report
Authors: Basagni Benedetta , Martelli Sonia , Mazzucchi Anna , Cecchi Francesca
Published: May 2022

Sudden retrograde memory loss, in the absence of neurological causes, is usually referred to as a dissociative symptom. Dissociative amnesia, defined in the DSM-V as an inability to remember important autobiographical experiences, usually of a traumatic or stressful nature, is however a controversial phenomenon. Few cases with this pattern are described in the scientific literature and still fewer regarding adolescents. The objective of this study was to describe the case of an unexplained sudden memory loss that only partially fits with the criteria for dissociative amnesia, in a juvenile patient aged 16 years, which occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown. After the exclusion of any organic disturbances, 10 days after the clinical onset, a series of psychometric (neuropsychological and psychodiagnostics) tests were administered to the patient. Recent distress associated with COVID-19 lockdown was reported, while no previous significant distress or psychiatric history emerged during the clinical interview, conducted with the patient and parents. Severe disturbances in remote memory tests were registered, while no impairments in cognitive or anterograde amnestic functions were found or personality disorders. The disturbance was diagnosed as “amnesia of uncertain etiology.”
Clinical Accuracy of Two Different Criteria for the Detection of Caries Lesions around Restorations in Primary Teeth
Authors: Moro Bruna Lorena Pereira , Pontes Laura Regina Antunes , Maia Haline Cunha , Freitas Raíza Dias de , Tedesco Tamara Kerber , Raggio Daniela Prócida , Braga Mariana Minatel , Ekstrand Kim Rud , Imparato José Carlos Pettorossi , Cenci Maximiliano Sérgio , Mendes Fausto Medeiros
Published: May 2022

This is a delayed-type cross-sectional prospective accuracy study nested in a randomized clinical trial. The aim was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of two visual criteria for caries lesions detection around restorations in primary teeth: the International Dental Federation (FDI) criteria, considering adaptation, staining, and the presence of caries, and the Caries Associated with Restorations and Sealants (CARS) system. For this, one examiner made the diagnosis and subsequent treatment decision using visual assessment in 163 children (3–10 years old) with both FDI and CARS criteria. The order of criteria used was defined by randomization. The reference standard was composed of two approaches: (1) the presence of carious tissue after restoration removal and (2) the presence of caries lesions after 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy parameters were calculated at the dentin threshold. Poisson multilevel regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of the diagnostic methods and other explanatory variables with the outcomes. Of the 651 restorations included, 480 were evaluated by the reference standard methods and were analyzed. The CARS system presented higher accuracy (0.721) than those obtained with FDI recurrence of caries (0.702), FDI marginal adaptation (0.700), and FDI marginal staining criteria (0.681). The FDI marginal staining showed the study’s lowest sensitivity (0.280) and accuracy (0.681) values. The specificity values of FDI recurrence of caries and FDI marginal adaptation were lower than the CARS system. Restorations assessed after the follow-up period resulted in lower sensitivity but higher specificity than those replaced after initial evaluation. In conclusion, the CARS system is more accurate in detecting caries around restorations in primary teeth than the FDI system, in general. However, the FDI recurrence of caries and FDI marginal adaptation present similar performance to the CARS system when the dentin threshold is considered. On the other hand, marginal staining is not an accurate parameter to evaluate caries around restorations.
Effect of Proximity to the Modiolus for the Cochlear CI532 Slim Modiolar Electrode Array on Evoked Compound Action Potentials and Programming Levels
Authors: Greisiger Ralf , Heldahl Mariann Gjervik , Myhrum Marte , Sørensen Torquil Macdonald , Dammerud Jens Jørgen , Rasmussen Kjell , Korslund Hilde , Bunne Marie , Jablonski Greg Eigner
Published: May 2022

Background: The first surgeries with CI532 showed an effect of the proximity of the electrode to the modiolus on the Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs). Objectives: Objectives of the study were to investigate the effect of the “pullback” procedure on intraoperative ECAP responses in three different electrode array positions and additionally to compare behavioral thresholds with the thresholds obtained in a group of patients using the standard insertion. The hypothesis of this study is that pullback will cause lower ECAPs and behavioral thresholds. Patients: The study included 40 patients, 20 in the pullback insertion group and 20 in the standard insertion group (without pullback). Method: During insertion of the CI532 electrode array, ECAP was performed in three different positions for the pullback group: at initial insertion, at over-insertion, and after pullback. Insertion was monitored by fluoroscopy. In the standard group, ECAP was performed at the initial position, which is also the final position. ECAP thresholds (T-ECAPs) were compared within subjects at the initial and the final position in the pullback group and between groups in the final positions of the pullback and standard groups. Programming levels (C- and T-levels) were compared between the two groups 1 year after switch-on. Results: Intraoperative measurements pullback shows lower average T-ECAPs after pullback compared to thresholds in initial position. Comparison of intraoperative T-ECAPs at the final positions showed no statistically significant difference between the pullback group and the standard insertion group. Furthermore, 1 year after switch-on there was no statistically significant difference in C- and T-levels between the two groups. Conclusion: The pullback maneuver of the CI532 electrode array after an over-insertion gave significantly lower T-ECAPs compared to the thresholds at the initial position. However, the between-groups analysis of pullback and standard insertion showed neither significantly different T-ECAPs nor different programming levels. Because T-ECAPs and programming levels vary considerably between subjects, large groups are required to detect differences between groups. Additionally, the effect pullback technique to preserving the residual hearing is not known yet.