bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zoledronic Acid Is Not Equally Potent on Osteoclasts Generated From Different Individuals
Authors: Møller Anaïs M J , Delaisse Jean‐Marie , Olesen Jacob B , Bechmann Troels , Madsen Jonna S , Søe Kent
Published: September 2020

Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate commonly used to treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis and cancer‐induced bone disease. Patients exhibit a variable sensitivity to zoledronic acid; the underlying explanation for this remains unclear. The objective of this study was to obtain more knowledge in this regard. We hypothesized that osteoclasts generated from different individuals would show a variable sensitivity to zoledronic acid in vitro. Osteoclasts were generated using monocytes from 46 healthy female blood donors (40 to 66 years). Matured osteoclasts were reseeded onto bone slices precoated with different concentrations of zoledronic acid. IC50 values were determined based on total eroded bone surface after 3 days of resorption. The IC50 for inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption varied from 0.06 to 12.57μM zoledronic acid; thus, a more than 200‐fold difference in sensitivity to zoledronic acid among osteoclasts from different individuals was observed. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the determined IC50 correlated with smoking status, and the average number of nuclei per osteoclast in vitro. Further analyses showed that: (i) increasing protein levels of mature cathepsin K in osteoclast cultures rendered the osteoclasts less sensitive to zoledronic acid; (ii) surprisingly, neither the gene nor the protein expression of farnesyl diphosphate synthase was found to correlate with the IC50; and (iii) trench‐forming osteoclasts were found to be more sensitive to zoledronic acid than pit‐forming osteoclasts within the same cell culture. Thus, we conclude that there indeed is a high degree of variation in the potency of zoledronic acid on osteoclasts when generated from different individuals. We propose that our findings can explain some of the varying clinical efficacy of zoledronic acid therapy observed in patients, and may therefore be of clinical importance, which should be investigated in a clinical trial combining in vitro and in vivo investigations. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
MOCASSIN: Metropolis and kineticMonte Carlofor solid electrolytes
Authors: Eisele Sebastian , Grieshammer Steffen
Published: September 2020

The combination of density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulations is a powerful approach for the atomistic modeling of defect transport in solid electrolytes. The present contribution introduces the MOCASSIN software (Monte Carlo for Solid State Ionics) for kinetic and Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations of crystalline materials. MOCASSIN combines model building, visualization, and simulation, aiming to provide accessible MC for end users. Developed for the investigation of solid electrolytes, MOCASSIN is ideal for screening common variation parameters, such as temperature and doping fraction. The input effort is minimized using space groups for processing symmetry. The graphical interface for model building allows complex model input, including multiple mobile species, multiple migration paths, small polaron hopping, vehicle movements, multiple complex migration mechanisms, and custom interaction clusters. The software is provided free of charge for noncommercial usage.
Cu(II)‐supported graphene quantum dots modified NiFe2O4: A green and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 4H‐pyrimido[2,1‐b]benzothiazoles in water
Authors: Khazenipour Khatereh , Moeinpour Farid , Mohseni‐Shahri Fatemeh S.
Published: September 2020

NiFe2O4 nanoparticles are modified by graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and utilized to stabilize the Cu(II) nanoparticles as a novel magnetically retrievable catalytic system (Cu(II)/GQDs/NiFe2O4) for green formation of 4H‐pyrimido[2,1‐b]benzothiazoles. The prepared catalyst can be isolated assisted by an outer magnet and recovered for five courses without significant reduction in its efficiency. The as‐prepared magnetic heterogeneous nanocomposite was characterized by UV–Vis, FT‐IR, XRD, EDS, VSM, TEM, and ICP. Performing the reactions in environmentally friendly and affordable conditions (water), the low catalyst percentage, high yield of products, short reaction times, and easy workup are the merits of this protocol.
Pilot‐scale microalgae harvesting with ceramic microfiltration modules: evaluating the effect of operational parameters and membrane configuration on filtration performance and membrane fouling
Authors: Bamba Bio SB , Lozano Paul , Ouattara Allassane , Elcik Harun
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Membrane fouling is one of the major drawbacks in microalgae harvesting that prevents the widespread application of membrane filtration. This study investigates the effects of operating parameters on the filtration performance and the fouling phenomenon of a pilot‐scale microfiltration (MF) system equipped with different ceramic membranes for Chlorella vulgaris culture harvesting.

RESULTS

A higher permeate flux was obtained with increasing the transmembrane pressure, resulting in lower irreversible and reversible filtration resistances. On the other hand, at a higher crossflow velocity above 4 m s−1, a high amount of extracellular organic matter (EOM) released by microalgal cells led to a higher irreversible resistance which, in turn, caused severe membrane fouling and a lower filtration flux. Furthermore, the membrane configuration and pore size have also significantly affected the permeate flux. Compared to the tubular membranes, and regardless of pore sizes, the multichannel MF membrane (pore size: 0.2 μm) exhibited a higher permeate flux that resulted in lower membrane resistances due to the lower release of EOM by microalgae cells. Moreover, the tubular membrane (pore size: 0.8 μm) showed a higher flux reduction with higher pore size because of the increase in the irreversible resistance with a high amount of EOM release.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that the amount of EOM significantly associated with filtration conditions plays an important role in membrane fouling control. Considering the membrane configurations, the multichannel ceramic MF membrane (pore size: 0.2 μm) demonstrated a higher permeate flux due to its lower fouling property. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Self‐reported dental student stressors and experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Agius Anne‐Marie , Gatt Gabriella , Vento Zahra Ethel , Busuttil Adrienne , Gainza‐Cirauqui Maria Luisa , Cortes Arthur R. G. , Attard Nikolai J.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To compare the influence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on the student reported outcomes among dental students reading/studying different courses offered in the only dental school in Malta.

Materials and methods

An anonymous questionnaire consisting of 13 closed‐ended and open‐ended questions was sent to all students (n = 97) at the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the University of Malta. Emergent themes from open‐ended questions were identified and tallied. Since data were classified as categorical ranks, nonparametric tests were used to compare variables among the different courses, years of study, preclinical/clinical students, and gender categories.

Results

Dental technology students were significantly less stressed about contracting COVID‐19 (P = 0.005) and regarding lack of preparation due to inability to physically go to the library (P = 0.019). Female students reported significantly more anxiety for the following factors: “feeling anxious all the time” (P = 0.033), “worried about contracting COVID‐19′” (P = 0.012), “worried that a family member may contract COVID‐19′” (P = 0.048), “more anxious about exams this year because of the challenges we are facing” (P = 0.029), and “concern about losing manual dexterity skills” (P = 0.038). Qualitative data gathered show considerable stress reported by students regarding changes in examination processes and formats and lack of timely communication.

Conclusion

Students were greatly affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic and this caused fear of losing their manual dexterity skills, anxiety related to its consequences on their long‐term plans, and anxiety related to the examinations. Dental schools in turn should adapt rapidly and customize changes that are specific to the individual student cohort and their stage of training.
Adaptation and validation of the Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale for autism spectrum disorders and related conditions
Authors: Yusuf Afiqah , Peltekova Iskra , Savion‐Lemieux Tal , Frei Jennifer , Joober Ridha , Howe Jennifer , Scherer Stephen W. , Elsabbagh Mayada
Published: September 2020

The genetics care pathway experienced by families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) around the time of diagnosis is currently uncharacterized and potentially variable across contexts. The lack of consensus on outcome measures to capture the impact of genetic services for these families shows a gap in understanding and optimizing this genetics care pathway. The Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS‐24) is a validated outcome measure of clinical genetics services. The current study aims to adapt and validate the GCOS‐24 as an outcome measure in the context routine genetic testing in ASD and related conditions. Families seen for their child’s developmental evaluation for ASD and related conditions were invited to participate in a genomics cohort between 2016 and 2018. Families (n = 111) completed the mGCOS‐24 (modified GCOS‐24), adapted from the original GCOS‐24 by clinicians working in the target population’s routine care pathway. The mGCOS‐24 has acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.84) and high test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.88). It also inversely correlates with stress as measured by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐10) and distress, as measured by the Distress Thermometer, rs ≥ 0.39, ps < 0.001. The mGCOS‐24 had adequate readability, as supported by cognitive interviews completed by a sub‐sample of five mothers of a child with ASD. Together, our findings show that the mGCOS‐24 has good validity for the target population. Preliminary characterization of the genetics care pathway in this population revealed remarkable variability in pre‐test counseling and limited post‐test counseling. The use of the mGCOS‐24 as an outcome measure is useful in filling some of these gaps by offering a way to assess, and in the future, optimize the genetics care pathway for families affected by autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.
Fatal renal diseases among patients with hematological malignancies: A population‐based study
Authors: Li Sen , Yu Kaixu , Chen Ying , Luo Wenjing , Zheng Yongqiang , Yang Yun , Yang Xue , Wang Xi , Gao Xiaolan , Wang Xindi , Wu Bian
Published: September 2020

Patients with hematological malignancies might be at high risk for renal diseases as evidenced by earlier studies. We aim to investigate the mortality and risk factors of deaths due to renal diseases in this population. A total of 831 535 patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database in the United States from 1975 to 2016 were identified. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was evaluated based on the general population's mortality data gathered by the National Center for Health Statistics. The mortality rate associated with renal diseases was 94.22/100 000 person‐years among patients with hematological malignancies (SMR = 3.59; 95% CI, 3.48‐3.70]). The highest mortality rate of dying from renal diseases was observed among multiple myeloma (MM) patients (307.99/100 000 person‐years; SMR = 7.98; 95% CI, 7.49‐8.50), followed by those with chronic myeloid leukemia (142.57/100 000 person‐years; SMR = 6.54; 95% CI, 5.63‐7.60) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (103.66/100 000 person‐years; SMR = 2.51; 95% CI, 2.27‐2.77). The SMRs increased with time and were found to be the highest 10 years after cancer diagnosis. Independent predictors associated with death from renal diseases were found to be older age, male gender, blacks, unmarried, and MM, using the Cox proportional hazards model. We call for enhanced coordinated multidisciplinary care between hematologists and nephrologists to reduce the mortality rate of renal diseases among patients with hematological malignancies.
Comparative conventional and microwave assisted synthesis of heterocyclic oxadiazole analogues having enzymatic inhibition potential
Authors: Javid Jamila , Aziz‐ur‐Rehman  , Abbasi Muhammad A. , Siddiqui Sabahat Z. , Iqbal Javed , Virk Naeem A. , Rasool Shahid , Ali Hira A. , Ashraf Muhammad , Shahid Wardah , Hussain Safdar , Ali Shah Syed A.
Published: September 2020

A comparative microwave assisted and conventional synthetic strategies were applied to synthesize heterocyclic 1,3,4‐oxadiazole analogues as active anti‐enzymatic agents. Green synthesis of compound 1 was achieved by stirring 4‐methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (a) and ethyl piperidine‐4‐carboxylate (b). Compound 1 was converted into respective hydrazide (2) by hydrazine and then into 1,3,4‐oxadiazole (3) by CS2 on reflux. The electrophiles, N‐alkyl/aralkyl/aryl‐2‐bromopropanamides (6a–p) were synthesized and converted to N‐alkyl/aralkyl/aryl‐2‐propanamide derivatives (7a–p) by reaction with 3 under green chemistry. Microwave assisted method was found to be effective relative to conventional method. 13C‐NMR, 1H‐NMR and IR techniques were availed to corroborate structures of synthesized compounds and then subjected to screening against lipoxygenase (LOX), α‐glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. A number of compounds presented better potential against these enzymes. The most active compounds against LOX and α‐glucosidase enzymes were subjected to molecular docking study to explore their interactions with the active sites of the enzymes.
Review on the molecular epidemiology of sexually acquired hepatitis C virus infection in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Chan Chin Pok , Uemura Haruka , Kwan Tsz Ho , Wong Ngai Sze , Oka Shinichi , Chan Denise Pui Chung , Lee Shui Shan
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Sexual acquisition has emerged as a transmission route for hepatitis C virus (HCV) of growing importance among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive populations. In Western countries, HCV epidemics have been increasingly detected among men who have sex with men (MSM). This review describes the molecular epidemiology of sexually acquired HCV infection in the Asia‐Pacific region.

Methods

A systematic search was performed on PubMed in March 2019. Either abstract or full‐text of each publication in the search results was screened for eligibility. Studies from different countries/cities involving eligible cases, who acquired HCV sexually with identified subtype, were synthesized for the evaluation of molecular epidemiology in the Asia‐Pacific region. Two large‐scale systematic reviews on the genotype distribution of HCV at a population level and among PWID were used as references for comparison.

Results and discussion

Overall, 13 full‐text articles with 549 subjects originating from nine countries/cities were reviewed. A total of five genotypes and 14 subtypes were identified, dominated by subtypes 1b (23.0%), 2a (19.1%) and 3a (29.5%). A majority of the infected cases occurred in HIV‐positive MSM. In some places, notably Hong Kong, India and Indonesia, the predominant subtype in sexually acquired HCV infection in MSM was different from that circulating in the general population. Shared transmission networks between people who inject drugs (PWID) and MSM were shown in Australia and New Zealand, whereas overlapping risk elicited from a small number of subjects existed in Tokyo, Taipei and Guangxi. MSM‐specific clusters were identified in Hong Kong, Taipei and Hubei.

Conclusions

The distribution of sexually acquired HCV was sparsely scattered across countries/cities in the Asia‐Pacific region. The threat of overlapping risk differed by locations, whereas transnational outbreaks remained uncommon. The paucity of information has hindered progress with comprehensive assessment in the Asia‐Pacific region, where seroprevalence of HCV among HIV‐positive MSM was relatively high.
Genomic and proteomic mutation landscapes of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Badua Christian Luke D. C. , Baldo Karol Ann T. , Medina Paul Mark B.
Published: September 2020

The ongoing pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), affects thousands of people every day worldwide. Hence, drugs and vaccines effective against all variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 are crucial today. Viral genome mutations exist commonly which may impact the encoded proteins, possibly resulting to varied effectivity of detection tools and disease treatment. Thus, this study surveyed the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome and proteome and evaluated its mutation characteristics. Phylogenetic analyses of SARS‐CoV‐2 genes and proteins show three major clades and one minor clade (P6810S; ORF1ab). The overall frequency and densities of mutations in the genes and proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2 were observed. Nucleocapsid exhibited the highest mutation density among the structural proteins while the spike D614G was the most common, occurring mostly in genomes outside China and United States. ORF8 protein had the highest mutation density across all geographical areas. Moreover, mutation hotspots neighboring and at the catalytic site of RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase were found that might challenge the binding and effectivity of remdesivir. Mutation coldspots may present as conserved diagnostic and therapeutic targets were found in ORF7b, ORF9b, and ORF14. These findings suggest that the virion's genotype and phenotype in a specific population should be considered in developing diagnostic tools and treatment options.
Cancer care in a Western Indian tertiary center during the pandemic: Surgeon's perspective
Authors: Gautam Pratik , Gandhi Vidhyachandra , Naik Shailesh , Mane Anupama , Kanitkar Gajanan , Hegde Sujai , Deshmukh Sanjay
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Following the nationwide lockdown in India, most hospitals shut down elective surgeries including cancer surgeries. We continued operating on patients with cancer at a tertiary referral center in Western India, which also served as a COVID care center. We also constructed a questionnaire, exclusive to surgeons, to determine the changes in treatment strategies as well as the response to the pandemic.

Methods

The complications of all cases operated in the study period (March 22, 2020–June 30, 2020) were graded using the Clavien–Dindo classification. Also, an anonymous structured questionnaire was constructed and e‐mailed to all surgical oncologists working at our institute.

Results

Of the 118 patients having an operation, 18 had complications. There were 12 Grade I/II and 6 Grade III complications but none of our patients had Grade‐IV/V complications. When the staff of the main operating theater tested COVID positive, the complex was shut down. However surgical oncology work continued at an affiliated institute about 10 km away from the main hospital.

Conclusion

We had favorable outcomes while operating on cancer patients in a COVID care center. The results of our questionnaire proved that surgeons were willing to risk their personal safety to provide surgical oncology care.
A Latent Class Analysis of Mental Health Beliefs Related to Military Sexual Trauma
Authors: Hahn Christine K. , Turchik Jessica , Kimerling Rachel
Published: September 2020

Military veterans with histories of military sexual trauma (MST) are at risk for several negative mental health outcomes and report perceived barriers to treatment engagement. To inform interventions to promote gender‐sensitive access to MST‐related care, we conducted an exploratory, multiple‐group latent class analysis of negative beliefs about MST‐related care. Participants were U.S. veterans (N = 1,185) who screened positive for MST within the last 2 months and reported a perceived need for MST‐related treatment. Associations between class membership, mental health screenings, logistical barriers, difficulty accessing care, and unmet need for MST‐related care were also examined. Results indicated a four‐class solution, with classes categorized as (a) low barrier, with few negative beliefs; (b) high barrier, with pervasive negative beliefs; (c) stigma‐related beliefs; and (d) negative perceptions of care (NPC). Men were significantly less likely than women to fall into the low barrier class (27.9% vs. 34.5%). Relative to participants in the low barrier class, individuals in all other classes reported more scheduling, ps < .001; transportation, p < .001 to p = .014; and work‐related barriers, p < .001 to p = .031. Participants in the NPC class reported the most difficulty with access, p < .001, and those in the NPC and high barrier classes were more likely to report unmet needs compared to other classes, ps < .001. Brief cognitive and behavioral interventions, delivered in primary care settings and via telehealth, tailored to address veterans’ negative mental health beliefs may increase the utilization of mental health treatment related to MST.
Accuracy of Emergency Physicians for Detection of Regional Wall Motion Abnormalities in Patients With Chest Pain Without ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Sağlam Caner , Ünlüer Erden Erol , Yamanoğlu Nalan Gökçe Çelebi , Kara Pınar Hanife , Ediboğlu Emek , Bektaşlı Rami , Tandon Shikha , Gönüllü Hayriye
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Our aim was to evaluate the accuracy of emergency physicians (EPs) in the detection of regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs) using focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) in patients suspected of non–having ST‐elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with chest pain. Three EPs underwent didactics and hands‐on‐training, of 3 hours each, by an experienced cardiologist, on detecting RWMAs using 2‐dimensional echocardiography. They performed a FOCUS examination to evaluate for RWMAs and recorded the echo images. Our reference standard for the detection of RWMAs was accepted as a blinded cardiologist review of the prerecorded video clips. We calculated the corrected sample size and inter‐rater agreement between the EPs (82 and 0.83, respectively). The analysis of the study was performed on 89 patients.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients with chest pain were screened. Emergency physicians demonstrated the detection of RWMAs with good sensitivity and even excellent specificity: 76.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.4%– 91.0%) and 92.1% (95% CI, 82.4%–97.4%), respectively. The accuracy of FOCUS was 87.6% (95% CI, 79.0%–93.7%). The area under the curve from a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, which evaluated the EPs' rate of detecting the presence or absence of RWMAs, was 0.845 (95% CI, 0.753–0.913).

Conclusions

Our study results suggest that EPs with training in bedside echocardiography can accurately rule in patients with RWMAs in suspected non–ST‐elevation myocardial infarction cases.
Relevance of Intraparotid Metastases in Head and Neck Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dür Cilgia , Salmina Cinzia , Borner Urs , Giger Roland , Nisa Lluís
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Parotid lymph node metastases are common in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCCHN). Here we evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of intraglandular lymph node (IGLN) metastases in cSCCHN.

Study Design

Retrospective study in a tertiary referral university cancer institute.

Methods

We included patients with cSCCHN who underwent parotidectomy and neck dissection (ND), with or without synchronous resection of the skin primary, between January 1999 and January 2018. The characteristics of cSCCHN with or without IGLN involvement were compared.

Results

Altogether, 68 patients were included. Of the 29 (42.6%) patients classified as cN0, eight were upstaged pN+ and had concomitant IGLN involvement. Of 21 patients with pN0 disease, IGLN metastases were absent in only three cases, resulting in a specificity and sensitivity of parotid metastases to diagnose occult nodal neck metastases of 14.29% and 100%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 14.29% and 100%, respectively. Univariate analyses only displayed a significantly higher rate of moderately and poorly differentiated primaries in patients with IGLN metastases (P = .015). Only advanced T‐stages were significantly associated with neck recurrences.

Conclusion

IGLN status in advanced cSCCHN is potentially predictive for occul nodal neck metastases. Our results suggest that ND in patients with histopathologically negative IGLNs and clinically negative neck lymph nodes may not be necessary given the high negative predictive value of IGLN status in this group of patients. Therefore, accurate diagnostic evaluation of IGLN involvement is mandatory.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:788–793, 2021
Correlation of Glottic Gap and Voice Impairment in Presbyphonia
Authors: McGarey Patrick O. , Bitar Ryan , Hughes Charlotte K. , Hodson Noah , Harris Edward A. , Dominguez Laura M. , Dion Gregory R , Simpson C. Blake
Published: September 2020

Objective/Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to investigate the glottic gap area as a significant marker for the severity of presbyphonia as it relates to patient‐reported outcome measures (Voice Handicap Index‐10 [VHI‐10]) and stroboscopic findings.

Study Design

Retrospective case‐control study conducted in an academic tertiary voice center.

Methods

Patients seen at a tertiary voice clinic who were diagnosed with presbyphonia without other organic laryngeal pathology from January 2014 to December 2017 were included. Clinical data and laryngeal videostroboscopy videos were collected. Still images at the point of vocal process approximation during adduction were captured, and the glottic gap area was measured using ImageJ. These were compared to a control cohort. Correlations were made using Wilcoxon rank sum test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

Thirty‐three patients were included. Inter‐rater reliability of glottic area measurement was strong (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.73, P < .001). Compared to controls, presbyphonia patients had a larger glottic gap area (P < .001) and greater open‐phase quotient on laryngeal videostroboscopy (P < .001). Larger glottic gap area did not correlate with patient‐reported vocal function as measured by VHI‐10 (P = .79) and did not correlate with presence of secondary muscle tension dysphonia (P = .99). In the presbyphonia cohort, the glottic gap area did not correlate with age (P = .29).

Conclusions

Glottic gap area at the point of vocal process approximation during phonation can be reliably measured. Patients with presbyphonia have a larger glottic gap area and greater open‐phase quotient on stroboscopy, but these do not correlate with patient‐reported voice impairment or the presence of secondary muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). These data suggest that dysphonia severity in presbyphonia is not fully explained by a glottic gap or secondary MTD alone.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1594–1598, 2021
Equal Access to Telemedicine during COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Pediatric Otolaryngology Perspective
Authors: Jiang Wen , Magit Anthony E. , Carvalho Daniela
Published: September 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

During the current COVID‐19 pandemic, the demand for direct‐to‐home telemedicine services has risen to an unprecedented level. Equal access to specialty care was assessed to identify potential barriers that may negatively impact telemedicine utilization.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

We examined the 6‐week period between March and May 2020 when the only access to nonurgent pediatric otolaryngology service was through telemedicine and compared it to in‐person visits during the same period in 2019. We compared patient demographics, including age, gender, preferred language, zip code of residence, and primary insurance plan.

Results

A total of 1,495 visits were conducted through telemedicine from March 23, 2020 to May 1, 2020, and 1983 in‐person visits were completed in 2019. There was no difference in patient age and gender. The proportions of Spanish‐speaking families were similar (15.8% in 2019 vs. 14.4% in 2020, P = .96). The percentage of Medi‐Cal‐insured patients (51.4% in 2019 vs. 49.8% in 2020, P = .73) and the mean poverty level (12.6% in 2019 vs. 12.2% in 2020, P = .38) also remained the same. Spanish‐speaking families were statistically more likely to require rescheduling of their telemedicine visits (17.2%) when compared to the overall rescheduling rate of 11.9% (P = .0083).

Conclusions

We were able to successfully provide access to telemedicine services to our vulnerable populations during the current COVID‐19 pandemic. Telemedicine is likely to remain an essential mode of delivering patient care going forward. It is important to evaluate and identify potential disparities to telemedicine access and proactively implement changes to address these barriers.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 131:1175–1179, 2021
S1P Lyase siRNA Dampens Malignancy of DLD‐1 Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Faqar‐Uz‐Zaman Wajiha Farha , Schmidt Katrin G. , Thomas Dominique , Pfeilschifter Josef M. , Radeke Heinfried H. , Schwiebs Anja
Published: September 2020

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate lyase 1 (S1P lyase or SGPL1) is an essential sphingosine‐1‐phosphate‐degrading enzyme. Its manipulation favors onset and progression of colorectal cancer and others in vivo. Thus, SGPL1 is an important modulator of cancer initiation. However, in established cancer, the impact of retrospective SGPL1 modulation is elusive. Herein, we analyzed how SGPL1 siRNA affects malignancy of the human colorectal cancer cells DLD‐1 and found that in parallel to the reduction of SGPL1 expression levels, migration, invasion, and differentiation status changed. Diminished SGPL1 expression was accompanied with reduced cell migration and cell invasion in scratch assays and transwell assays, whereas metabolic activity and proliferation was not altered. Decreased migration was attended by increased cell–cell‐adhesion through upregulation of E‐cadherin and formation of cadherin‐actin complexes. Spreading cell islets showed lower vimentin abundance in border cells. Furthermore, SGPL1 siRNA treatment induced expression of epithelial cell differentiation markers, such as intestinal alkaline phosphatase and cytokeratin 20. Hence, interference with SGPL1 expression augmented a partial redifferentiation of colorectal cancer cells toward normal colon epithelial cells. Our investigation showed that SGPL1 siRNA influenced tumorigenic activity of established colorectal cancer cells. We therefore suggest SGPL1 as a target for lowering malignant potential of already existing cancer.
Controlled Curcumin Release from Hydrogel Scaffold Platform Based on 2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate/Gelatin/Alginate/Iron(III) Oxide
Authors: Babić Marija M. , Vukomanović Marija , Stefanič Martin , Nikodinović‐Runić Jasmina , Tomić Simonida Lj.
Published: September 2020

The strategy of combining polymers of natural and synthetic origin with inorganic components to use their unique synergistic effect for the development of the novel, sophisticated, and efficient 3D polymeric biomaterials, whose structure and properties mimic the extracellular matrix and simultaneously represent the suitable hydrogel platform for controlled drug release, is presented. The novel versatile 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate/gelatin/alginate/iron(III) oxide based hydrogels are prepared by a simple but effective method‐modified porogenation. Chemical composition, morphology, swelling capacity, porosity, mechanical properties, effects on cell viability, and in vitro degradation are tested to correlate the material's composition with the corresponding properties. The hydrogels show an interconnected porous microstructure, satisfactory mechanical strength, pH‐sensitivity, and favorable curcumin release performances. The materials show good compatibility with healthy human fibroblast in cell culture judged by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, suggesting newly synthesized hydrogels as potentially a new generation of 3D biomaterials with tunable properties for versatile biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.
Fluorine‐Free Superhydrophobic Coatings: Rapid Fabrication and Highly Efficient Oil/Water Separation
Authors: da Silva Ítalo G. M. , Lucas Elizabete F. , Advincula Rigoberto
Published: September 2020

In this work, a rapid method is demonstrated to obtain a fluorine‐free superhydrophobic/superoleophilic coating by a simple two‐step method: dip‐coating and oven curing. The chemical structure of the coating is based on the crosslinking reaction of an alkyl methacrylate, a dimethacrylate (crosslinker) and a silane (adhesive), using AIBN as initiator, toluene as solvent, and silica nanoparticles to enhance surface roughness. Chemorheology results show that the coating is fully cured even in 20 min at 100 °C, exhibiting a water contact angle (CA) of 162 ± 2°, sliding angle (SA) of 4 ± 1°, nanometrical structures throughout the surface, and excellent adhesion properties for the mesh screen. The coating exhibits outstanding oil/water separation efficiency (96–99%) for seven different types of oil (gasoline, diesel, petroleum ether, hexane, toluene, chloroform, and dichloromethane), and in addition presents high recyclability. Based on nonisothermal TGA, the activation energy of degradation, calculated using the Kissinger and Ozawa models, is 113.5 and 114 kJ mol‐1, respectively. Finally, the coating is thermally aged at 150 °C: the CA exhibits a smooth decrease up to 129 ± 1° at 120 min, and FTIR analysis shows structural changes possibly related to the generation of thermal oxidation products.
Novel Nanocellulose/Polymer Composite Aerogel as Solid‐State Fluorescence Probe by Pickering Emulsion Route
Authors: Li Shuai , Zhou Changbing , He Yingying , Liu Hongxia , Zhou Li , Yu Chuanbai , Wei Chun , Wang Chaoyang
Published: September 2020

In this study, cellulose nanofibrils (CNF)/polymer (nonwater soluble) composite aerogels are facilely fabricated using CNF‐stabilized Pickering emulsion gel technology combined with the freeze‐drying method. Pior to the formation of the O/W Pickering emulsion stabilized by the CNF, a nonwater‐soluble polymer, such as polymethyl methacrylate, polylactic acid (PLA), polycabonate, polystyrene, and so on, is dissolved into the oil phase, and the CNF are effectively dispersed in the water phase. The subsequent gelation of the Pickering emulsion through ultrasonic emulsification followed by freeze‐drying is carried out to obtain the CNF/polymer composite aerogels. The obtained CNF/polymer with a low density of ≈0.01g cm−3 have better dimentional stability and mechanical properties compared with the pure CNF aerogel. Additionally, 1,4‐dihydroxyanthraquinone (1,4‐DHAQ, a fluorophore) is loaded into the A‐CNF/PLA composite aerogel by dissolving it along with PLA into the oil phase to form a novel solid‐state fluorescence probe for Cu2+ detection with an extremely low detection concentration of 10−8 mol L−1. Interestingly, neither solvent exchange nor chemical reaction (or polymerization) is required in the preparation of aerogels. This study provides a facile and universal route for the fabrication of CNF/polymer composite aerogels and the development of their functional products.
New framework created to advance evidence‐based integration in BH settings
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2020

It is a widely known reality that people with mental illness and substance use disorders have high rates of medical morbidity and mortality, largely due to significant disparities in access to high‐quality primary and preventive health care. To address this persistent problem, behavioral health, medical and public charity organizations have banded together to help create and fund a framework to enable mental health and substance use disorder clinics to plan and implement integration to improve patient outcomes.
Stronger parity law heads measures awaiting signature in California
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2020

What once appeared destined to become a lost opportunity to advance mental health–related legislation amid multiple crises has materialized as a package of dramatic measures awaiting California Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature. The bill garnering the most national attention would strengthen the state's mental health parity law in ways that have met with stiff opposition from the commercial insurance industry.
Jed Foundation introduces MH framework for students of color
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2020

College students of color are less likely to seek and to receive mental health treatment even though they have similar rates of diagnosable mental illness compared to white students, according to two organizations that point to a general rise in the demand for mental health and wellness‐oriented resources to support Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) on college/university campuses around the country.
Analysis of the fractional corona virus pandemic via deterministic modeling
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Huy , Tri Vo Viet , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: September 2020

With every passing day, one comes to know that cases of the corona virus disease are increasing. This is an alarming situation in many countries of the globe. So far, the virus has attacked as many as 188 countries of the world and 5 549 131 (27 May 2020) human population is affected with 348 224 deaths. In this regard, public and private health authorities are looking for manpower with modeling skills and possible vaccine. In this research paper, keeping in view the fast transmission dynamics of the virus, we have proposed a new mathematical model of eight mutually distinct compartments with the help of memory‐possessing operator of Caputo type. The fractional order parameter ψ of the model has been optimized so that smallest error can be attained while comparing simulations and the real data set which is considered for the country Pakistan. Using Banach fixed point analysis, it has been shown that the model has a unique solution whereas its basic reproduction number
is approximated to be 6.5894. Disease‐free steady state is shown to be locally asymptotically stable for
, otherwise unstable. Nelder‐Mead optimization algorithm under MATLAB Toolbox with daily real cases of the virus in Pakistan is employed to obtain best fitted values of the parameters for the model's validation. Numerical simulations of the model have come into good agreement with the practical observations wherein social distancing, wearing masks, and staying home have proved to be the most effective measures in order to prevent the virus from further spread.
The existence–uniqueness and exponential estimate of solutions for stochastic functional differential equations driven by G‐Brownian motion
Authors: Faizullah Faiz , Zhu Quanxin , Ullah Rahman
Published: September 2020

The objective of this article is to present the analysis of stochastic functional differential equations in the G‐framework (G‐SFDEs) with monotone type conditions. The existence–uniqueness theorem has been proved. The exponential and
estimates have been obtained. We have derived that the Lyapunov exponent of the solution is less than
.
An efficient multiscale‐like multigrid computation for 2D convection‐diffusion equations on nonuniform grids
Authors: Li Ming , Zheng Zhoushun
Published: September 2020

An efficient multiscale‐like multigrid (MSLMG) method combined with a high‐order compact (HOC) difference scheme on nonuniform grids is presented to solve the two‐dimensional (2D) convection‐diffusion equations. The discrete systems with given appropriate initial solutions on two finest grids are solved to obtain the MSLMG solutions with discretization‐level accuracy by performing fewer multigrid cycles; it is implemented with alternating line Gauss–Seidel smoother, interpolation, and restriction operators on the nonuniform grids. Numerical experiments of boundary layer or local singularity problems are conducted to show that the proposed algorithm with the HOC scheme on nonuniform grids is efficient and effective to decrease the computational cost and time, and the computed approximation on the nonuniform grids has fourth order accuracy.
Approximation of correlation functions in phase‐field crystal model by machine learning approach
Authors: Ankudinov Vladimir
Published: September 2020

Two different phase‐field crystal (PFC) free excess energy expansions have been analyzed with respect to the order of a truncation term and to the accuracy of a pair correlation functions fitting. The coefficients of the correlation function in PFC model was found for the aluminum crystal based on the molecular dynamics data. A machine learning (ML) approach has been utilized to construct a neural network (NN) for the PFC approximation of correlation functions. The effective iteratomic potentials of the embedded atom model were used as an input data for NN training. Obtained NN predicts the coefficients of the correlation functions with the potentials data as input. Predictions were studied and verified with respect to the properties of NN and parameters of ML.
Saturated Fatty Acids Promote Hepatocytic Senecence through Regulation of miR‐34a/Cyclin‐Dependent Kinase 6
Authors: Qin Yu‐e , Duan Li , He Yumin , Yuan Chengfu , Wang Ting , Yuan Ding , Zhang Changcheng , Liu Chaoqi
Published: September 2020

Scope

Obesity increases intracellular lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, which can induce non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). With progression of NAFLD, a sizable fraction of patients develop non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), eventually leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mechanism involved in obesity‐induced NAFLD remains unclear. Free fatty acids and high‐fat diets, which induce hepatocyte senescence, are major risk factors for NAFLD. Therefore in this study, the mechanism of lipotoxicity‐induced hepatocyte senescence is investigated.

Methods and Results

The mice are fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) and BNL CL.2 cells are treated with palmitate acid (PA) to establish in vivo and in vitro models of lipotoxicity, respectively. SA‐β‐gal staining is used to analyze the positively stained senescent hepatocytes. The results show that both PA and HFD induce cellular senescence. Real‐time‐PCR quantitative analysis reveals that miR‐34a is significantly upregulated in the liver tissues of the HFD mice and in the PA‐treated BNL CL.2 cells. Western blotting analysis shows that cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (CDKN1, also known as p21) is upregulated, while cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) is downregulated. Further investigation of the mechanism reveals that CDK6 is a target of miR‐34a, which binds to the 3′ UTR of CDK6 and inhibits its expression.

Conclusion

The findings reveal that miR‐34a is upregulated in a high‐fat environment in the liver, and induces hepatocyte senescence by targeting CDK6. The miR‐34a‐CDK6 signaling axis may promote NAFLD development in a high‐fat environment and therefore represents a potential target for NAFLD therapy.
Human Gut Microbiota Metabolism of Dietary Sesquiterpene Lactones: Untargeted Metabolomics Study of Lactucopicrin and Lactucin Conversion In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: García Carlos J. , Beltrán David , Tomás‐Barberán Francisco A.
Published: September 2020

Scope

Gut microbiota converts dietary phytochemicals into metabolites and modulates their health effects. The microbial metabolism of dietary terpenoids, as the sesquiterpene lactones of leafy vegetables, is unknown.

Methods and Results

In vitro fermentation of lactucopicrin, lactucin, and romaine lettuce with gut microbiota from independent donors, show their extensive metabolism through untargeted metabolomics of the fecal incubations. Dehydroxylations and double bond hydrogenations are the main catabolic reactions. Isomers of dihydrolactucopicrin, tetrahydrolactucopicrin, and deoxylactucin, are observed after lactucopicrin metabolism. Tetrahydrolactucin and hexahydrolactucin are also found after lactucin metabolism. Lettuce fermentation shows similar metabolic conversions. Phase II conjugates of most of these metabolites are detected in the urine of healthy volunteers after escarole salad intake. Glucuronides, and sulfates, of dihydrolactucopicrin, tetrahydrolactucopicrin, dihydrolactucin, and deoxylactucin, are detected in the urine although with large inter‐subject variability.

Conclusion

This is the first report on the gut microbiota metabolism of sesquiterpene lactones in humans, and one of the first reports to describe that dietary terpenoids of widely consumed leafy vegetables are extensively catabolized by human gut microbiota. A large inter‐subject variation in the metabolism of sesquiterpene lactones also reflects differences in gut microbiota composition. It suggests that inter‐individual differences in their health effects should be expected.
Wave optics simulation of grating‐based X‐ray phase‐contrast imaging using 4D Mouse Whole Body (MOBY) phantom
Authors: Sung Yongjin , Nelson Brandon , Shanblatt Elisabeth R. , Gupta Rajiv , McCollough Cynthia H. , Graves William S.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Demonstrate realistic simulation of grating‐based x‐ray phase‐contrast imaging (GB‐XPCI) using wave optics and the four‐dimensional Mouse Whole Body (MOBY) phantom defined with non‐uniform rational B‐splines (NURBS).

Methods

We use a full‐wave approach, which uses wave optics for x‐ray wave propagation from the source to the detector. This forward imaging model can be directly applied to NURBS‐defined numerical phantoms such as MOBY. We assign the material properties (attenuation coefficient and electron density) of each model part using the data for adult human tissues. The Poisson noise is added to the simulated images based on the calculated photon flux at each pixel.

Results

We simulate the intensity images of the MOBY phantom for eight different grating positions. From the simulated images, we calculate the absorption, differential phase, and normalized visibility contrast images. We also predict how the image quality is affected by different exposure times.

Conclusions

GB‐XPCI can be simulated with the full‐wave approach and a realistic numerical phantom defined with NURBS.