bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cells repair bone marrow damage of aging rats and regulate autophagy and aging genes
Authors: Wang Zhihong , Shi Yibin , Chen Weimin , Wei Hong , Shang Jin
Published: May 2020

The current study investigated the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in repairing senile bone marrow injury and the underlying mechanism. Adenoviral vectors expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) were used to label MSCs. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and xanthine oxidation (XTO) methods. The proportions of CD34, CD3+ cells, cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry, Cell counting kit (CCK)‐8 and comet assay. Tissues were stained by haematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining and their changes were observed under a transmission electron microscopy. Expression levels of age‐related and autophagy‐related genes were detected by RT‐qPCR and Western Blot. MSCs were successfully implanted into the bone marrow of aging rats. We found that the SOD activity was increased and MDA content was reduced in MSCs group. The proportions of CD34 cells were significantly more in the MSCs group than those in the Model group, and bone marrow cell colony formation and cell viability were both greatly increased in MSCs group. The proportions of CD3+ cells and level of Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were increased significantly, while IL‐6 level was reduced greatly in MSCs group. Moreover, the bone marrow tissues of the model group were severely damaged, but those of the MSCs group were significantly improved. In addition, MSCs were involved in regulation of aging‐related genes and autophagy‐related genes. In conclusion, our findings showed that MSCs can repair bone marrow damage in aging rats, and regulate aging‐ and autophagy‐related genes and immune response.

Significance

This study investigated the role of MSCs in the repair of senile bone marrow injury and the underlying mechanism. The effects of MSCs on physiological and biochemical indicators, cell function, tissue structure differences and pathological changes in aging rats were studied. It was found that MSCs can repair bone marrow damage in aging rats. MSCs regulate aging and autophagy‐related genes and its involvement in immune response. Our findings improve the understandings on the regulatory mechanism of MSCs and provide key evidence for the study of MSCs in bone marrow repair.
Severe kyphoscoliosis in a 17‐year‐old patient with T11‐T12 hemivertebra: X‐ray imaging of the abnormal anatomy of the thoracolumbar spine
Authors: Kapetanakis Stylianos , Gkasdaris Grigorios , Georgoudis Michalis , Dimitrakas Konstantinos , Gkantsinikoudis Nikolaos
Published: May 2020

Young patient exhibiting lumbar pain accompanied by severe kyphoscoliosis‐hemivertebra of the thoracolumbar spine; a rare etiology with difficult surgical treatment.
Transparent dentin region in the tooth root
Authors: Inoue Toshiko , Saito Makoto , Nishimura Fumio , Miyazaki Takashi
Published: May 2020

Transparent dentin in the tooth root forms during the aging process. The transparent dentin is weaker than normal opaque dentin, which may explain the occurrence of root dentin fractures in aged individuals. Tooth fractures are caused by the brittleness of the transparent dentin. Clinical procedures in aged persons require modification to accommodate the reduced strength of the dentin tissue.
Case of gastric anisakiasis with no symptoms
Authors: Yamada Takayuki , Ohwada Susumu
Published: May 2020

We present a unique image from a case of anisakiasis that was detected incidentally in an elderly man during surveillance esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Given the popularity of sushi and sashimi throughout the world, we believe that our observations will raise awareness about the risk of Anisakis contamination in seafood.
A case of endonasal balloon‐assisted dacryoplasty after failure of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Indelicato Pietro , Vinciguerra Alessandro , Giordano Resti Antonio , Trimarchi Matteo
Published: May 2020

Endonasal balloon‐assisted dacryoplasty is a minimally invasive technique that uses a high‐pressure balloon catheter introduced into the lacrimal pathway through the nasal fossa into the neorhinostomy to treat recurrent epiphora after primary dacryocystorhinostomy. This procedure can be considered to be a reliable technique in patients unfit for general anesthesia.
Effect of late‐fall wetting agent application on winter survival of ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens
Authors: DeBoer Eric J. , Karcher Douglas E. , McCalla John H. , Richardson Michael D.
Published: May 2020

Plant tissue desiccation and low‐temperature exposure are two common causes of winter injury to ultradwarf bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy] putting greens. Unlike low‐temperature exposure, winter damage caused by tissue desiccation can occur regardless of temperature and may be worsened by soil hydrophobicity. Wetting agents are commonly applied to actively growing ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens to remedy the negative effects of soil hydrophobicity. Less is known about the effect of wetting agent applications to dormant ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens. This research aimed to quantify the effects of a late‐fall wetting agent application on winter injury and the soil volumetric water content of a sand‐based ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green. Single applications of three wetting agents at two rates were made in early December of 2015, 2016, and 2017 to a ‘TifEagle’ ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green and were compared with an untreated control. Spring green‐up and soil volumetric water content were monitored from March to May of each season. Water drop penetration time tests were conducted twice each season to quantify reductions in hydrophobicity compared with the untreated control. On multiple dates, wetting agent treatments had significantly more green turfgrass coverage than the untreated control. In general, wetting agents reduced water drop penetration times in the top 2 cm of the soil profile. This research suggests that late‐fall or winter applications of a wetting agent can reduce injury and enhance spring recovery of sand‐based ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens.
Atomic‐Scale Description of Interfaces between Antigen and Aluminum‐Based Adjuvants Used in Vaccines by Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) Enhanced NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Viger‐Gravel Jasmine , Paruzzo Federico M. , Cazaux Corine , Jabbour Ribal , Leleu Amandine , Canini Françoise , Florian Pierre , Ronzon Frédéric , Gajan David , Lesage Anne
Published: May 2020

The addition of aluminum‐based adjuvants in vaccines enhances the immune response to antigens. The strength of antigen adsorption on adjuvant gels is known to modulate vaccine efficacy. However, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between aluminum gels and antigens is still missing. Herein, a new analytical approach based on dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enhanced NMR spectroscopy under magic angle spinning (MAS) is implemented to provide a molecular description of the antigen–adjuvant interface. This approach is demonstrated on hepatitis B surface antigen particles in combination with three aluminum gels obtained from different suppliers. Both noncovalent and covalent interactions between the phospholipids of the antigen particles and the surface of the aluminum gels are identified by using MAS DNP NMR 27Al and 31P correlation experiments. Although covalent interactions were detected for only one of the formulations, dipolar recoupling rotational echo adiabatic passage double resonance (REAPDOR) experiments reveal significant differences in the strength of weak interactions.
Physicochemical Properties of Zwitterionic Drugs in Therapy
Authors: Mazák Károly , Noszál Béla
Published: May 2020

In solution, amphoteric compounds exist in anionic, uncharged, zwitterionic and cationic forms. The importance of zwitterionic drugs is currently under‐represented in the literature. Herein, the acid‐base parameters, lipophilicity and solubility of such compounds are discussed to deepen the molecular‐level understanding of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behaviour. Our recent studies show there are many drug molecules, including thyroid hormones and 5‐hydroxytryptophan, the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin, for which the contribution of the zwitterionic microspecies to the overall lipophilicity exceeds that of the uncharged one, which is of higher individual lipophilicity, but occurs in much lower concentration. The second part of the minireview highlights the most important zwitterionic compounds in therapy, grouped into therapeutic classes. The importance of the charge of the molecules is emphasized in their binding to the target molecules.
A Glimpse into Green Chemistry Practices in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Sharma Sudripet , Das Jagattaran , Braje Wilfried M. , Dash Ashutosh K. , Handa Sachin
Published: May 2020

Invited for this month′s cover is the research group of Sachin Handa at the University of Louisville and Wilfried Braje at AbbVie. The image shows how green chemistry in industry and micellar catalysis are contributing toward the environmental sustainability. The Minireview itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202000317.
Fine‐scale structure among mesophotic populations of the great star coral Montastraea cavernosa revealed by SNP genotyping
Authors: Drury Crawford , Pérez Portela Rocío , Serrano Xaymara M. , Oleksiak Marjorie , Baker Andrew C.
Published: May 2020

Mesophotic reefs (30‐150 m) have been proposed as potential refugia that facilitate the recovery of degraded shallow reefs following acute disturbances such as coral bleaching and disease. However, because of the technical difficulty of collecting samples, the connectivity of adjacent mesophotic reefs is relatively unknown compared with shallower counterparts. We used genotyping by sequencing to assess fine‐scale genetic structure of Montastraea cavernosa at two sites at Pulley Ridge, a mesophotic coral reef ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico, and downstream sites along the Florida Reef Tract. We found differentiation between reefs at Pulley Ridge (~68 m) and corals at downstream upper mesophotic depths in the Dry Tortugas (28–36 m) and shallow reefs in the northern Florida Keys (Key Biscayne, ~5 m). The spatial endpoints of our study were distinct, with the Dry Tortugas as a genetic intermediate. Most striking were differences in population structure among northern and southern sites at Pulley Ridge that were separated by just 12km. Unique patterns of clonality and outlier loci allele frequency support these sites as different populations and suggest that the long‐distance horizontal connectivity typical of shallow‐water corals may not be typical for mesophotic systems in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. We hypothesize that this may be due to the spawning of buoyant gametes, which commits propagules to the surface, resulting in greater dispersal and lower connectivity than typically found between nearby shallow sites. Differences in population structure over small spatial scales suggest that demographic constraints and/or environmental disturbances may be more variable in space and time on mesophotic reefs compared with their shallow‐water counterparts.
Runaway brain‐culture coevolution as a reason for larger brains: Exploring the “cultural drive” hypothesis by computer modeling
Authors: Markov Alexander V. , Markov Mikhail A.
Published: May 2020

Scale and tempo of brain expansion in the course of human evolution implies that this process was driven by a positive feedback. The “cultural drive” hypothesis suggests a possible mechanism for the runaway brain‐culture coevolution wherein high‐fidelity social learning results in accumulation of cultural traditions which, in turn, promote selection for still more efficient social learning. Here we explore this evolutionary mechanism by means of computer modeling. Simulations confirm its plausibility in a social species in a socio‐ecological situation that makes the sporadic invention of new beneficial and cognitively demanding behaviors possible. The chances for the runaway brain‐culture coevolution increase when some of the culturally transmitted behaviors are individually beneficial while the others are group‐beneficial. In this case, “cultural drive” is possible under varying levels of between‐group competition and migration. Modeling implies that brain expansion can receive additional boost if the evolving mechanisms of social learning are costly in terms of brain expansion (e.g., rely on complex neuronal circuits) and tolerant to the complexity of information transferred, that is, make it possible to transfer complex skills and concepts easily. Human language presumably fits this description. Modeling also confirms that the runaway brain‐culture coevolution can be accelerated by additional positive feedback loops via population growth and life span extension, and that between‐group competition and cultural group selection can facilitate the propagation of group‐beneficial behaviors and remove maladaptive cultural traditions from the population's culture, which individual selection is unable to do.
The association of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors with cancer: An overview of quantitative systematic reviews
Authors: Pelletier Ryan , Ng Kelvin , Alkabbani Wajd , Labib Youssef , Mourad Nicolas , Gamble John‐Michael
Published: May 2020

Aims

To summarize reported cancer events associated with SGLT‐2 inhibitors used in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as assess the quality of included reviews.

Materials and methods

In May 2019, we searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for quantitative systematic reviews assessing the safety of SGLT‐2 inhibitors. Data were abstracted using a standardized form, and methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool. Main outcome measures included total cancer events and specific cancers such as breast cancer, bladder cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, prostate cancer, respiratory cancer, renal cancer and skin cancer. Pooled treatment effects from included reviews were summarized for SGLT‐2 inhibitors as a class and for individual SGLT‐2 inhibitors commonly used worldwide (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin).

Results

We screened 1248 unique citations, of which eight quantitative systematic reviews meta‐analysed results from studies reporting the association between an SGLT‐2 inhibitor and any cancer. Only one review was rated as high quality according to AMSTAR 2 assessment. In total, data from 170 cancer‐related point estimates (PE) were reported. As a class, SGLT‐2 inhibitors were not associated with an increased risk of any cancer event versus placebo and active comparators. Most point estimates (7/143) were nonsignificant for individual cancers except for two associations. Empagliflozin was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer versus placebo and active comparators in two reviews, while canagliflozin appeared protective for gastrointestinal cancer versus placebo and active comparators in one review.

Conclusions

It appears that SGLT‐2 inhibitors are not associated with an increased risk of total cancer or specific cancers in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, higher quality evidence is needed to derive confident conclusions.
Rumex abyssinicus (mekmeko): A newer alternative for leather manufacture
Authors: Mohammed Shegaw Ahmed , Naisini Ariram , Madhan Balaraman , Demessie Berhanu Assefa
Published: May 2020

The development of a cleaner and sustainable tanning system is gaining more importance, which is driving the search to an alternative for conventional chrome tanning. In the present study, tanning systems based on Rumex abyssinicus (mekmeko) extract for the production of upper leathers were investigated as a cleaner alternative tanning system. The characteristics of mekmeko extract as a tanning agent for leather processing were also studied in comparison with commercial wattle extract, as a control. The average size of particles in mekmeko extract is observed to be slightly higher than wattle extract. The critical aggregation concentration of mekmeko is observed to be at 0.39%, which is slightly at a higher concentration than wattle extract. An increase in hydrothermal stability of leathers with the increasing offer of mekmeko for tanning was observed. The organoleptic and strength properties of the upper leathers from the mekmeko tanning system are found to be comparable to that of wattle tanning systems. Therefore, the results in this study indicate that the manufacture of upper leathers using the tanning mentioned above system found to be satisfactory and also leads to a greener tanning pathway.
Using visibility analysis to improve point density and processing time of SfM‐MVS techniques for 3D reconstruction of landforms
Authors: Gómez‐Gutiérrez Álvaro , Biggs Trent , Gudino‐Elizondo Napoleon , Errea Paz , Alonso‐González Esteban , Nadal Romero Estela , de Sanjosé Blasco José Juan
Published: May 2020

Image network geometry, including the number and orientation of images, impacts the error, coverage, and processing time of 3D terrain mapping performed using structure‐from‐motion and multiview‐stereo (SfM‐MVS). Few studies have quantified trade‐offs in error and processing time or ways to optimize image acquisition in diverse topographic conditions. Here, we determine suitable camera locations for image acquisition by minimizing the occlusion produced by topography. Viewshed analysis is used to select the suitable images, which requires a preliminary digital elevation model (DEM), potential camera locations, and sensor parameters. One aerial and two ground‐based image collections were used to analyse differences between SfM‐MVS models produced using: (1) all available images (ALL); (2) images selected using conventional methods (CON); and (3) images selected using the viewshed analysis (VIEW). The resulting models were compared with benchmark point clouds acquired by a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) and TLS‐derived DEMs. The VIEW datasets produced denser point clouds (28–32% more points) and DEMs with up to 66% reduction in error compared with CON datasets due to reduction of gaps in the DEM. VIEW datasets reduced processing time by 37–76% compared with ALL, with no reduction in coverage or increase in error. DEMs produced with ALL and VIEW datasets had similar slope and roughness, while slight differences that may be locally important were observed for the CON dataset. The new method helps optimize SfM‐MVS image collection strategies that significantly reduce the number of images required with minimal loss in coverage or accuracy over complex surfaces. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copigmentation effect of three phenolic acids on color and thermal stability of Chinese bayberry anthocyanins
Authors: Zhu Yanyun , Chen Hongji , Lou Leyan , Chen Yixin , Ye Xingqian , Chen Jianchu
Published: May 2020

The copigmentation effects of three phenolic acids (ferulic acid, sinapic acid, and syringic acid) on the color and thermal stability of Chinese bayberry anthocyanins were investigated. The three copigments of ferulic acid, sinapic acid, and syringic acid were found to have significant effects on the color enhancement of bayberry anthocyanins (p < .05). The maximum absorption wavelength of the anthocyanin aqueous solution exhibited a bathochromic shift, L* decreased, and a* increased with the increase in the molar ratio of copigments. The thermal stability of bayberry anthocyanins was significantly improved after copigmentation. No new anthocyanin derivatives appeared after copigmentation. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH, ΔS) of the three processes were all negative, indicating the three copigmentations were generally spontaneous and exothermic. The equilibrium constant (K) of the sinapic acid group was the greatest among the three phenolic acids, indicating that sinapic acid was more effective in stabilizing the anthocyanins.
Effects of medium‐ and long‐chain fatty acids on acetaminophen‐ or rifampicin‐induced hepatocellular injury
Authors: Yang Jun , Peng Ting , Huang Jiyong , Zhang Guohua , Xia Jiaheng , Ma Maomao , Deng Danwen , Gong Deming , Zeng Zheling
Published: May 2020

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the common adverse effects of drug therapy, which is closely associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation response. Medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) were reported to relieve inflammation and attenuate oxidative stress. However, little has been known about the hepatoprotective effects of MCFA in DILI. In the present study, acetaminophen (AP) and rifampicin (RFP) were used to establish DILI models in LO2 cells, and the cytoprotective effects of MCFA on hepatocellular injury were investigated. Results showed that the optimal condition for the DILI model was treatment with 10 mM AP or 600 µM RFP for 24 hr. LCFA treatment markedly reduced the cell viability and increased the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Meanwhile, LCFA treatment aggravated cell apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. The mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β and TNF‐α) were significantly elevated by LCFA. In contrast, MCFA treatment did not significantly affect cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative, stress and inflammation, and it did not produce the detrimental effects on DILI models. Therefore, we proposed that MCFA may be more safe and suitable than LCFA as nutrition support or the selection of daily dietary oil and fat for the patients with DILI.
Administration of Denosumab Preserves Bone Mineral Density at the Knee in Persons With Subacute Spinal Cord Injury: Findings From a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Cirnigliaro Christopher M , La Fountaine Michael F , Parrott J Scott , Kirshblum Steven C , McKenna Cristin , Sauer Susan J , Shapses Sue A. , Hao Lihong , McClure Isa A , Hobson Joshua C , Spungen Ann M , Bauman William A
Published: May 2020

Persons with neurologically motor‐complete spinal cord injury (SCI) have a marked loss of bone mineral density (BMD) of the long bones of the lower extremities, predisposing them to fragility fractures, especially at the knee. Denosumab, a commercially available human monoclonal IgG antibody to receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), may provide an immunopharmacological solution to the rapid progressive deterioration of sublesional bone after SCI. Twenty‐six SCI participants with subacute motor‐complete SCI were randomized to receive either denosumab (60 mg) or placebo at baseline (BL), 6, and 12 months. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) at 18 months at the distal femur was the primary outcome and aBMD of the proximal tibia and hip were the secondary outcomes analyzed in 18 of the 26 participants (denosumab, n = 10 and placebo, n = 8). The metrics of peripheral QCT (pQCT) were the exploratory outcomes analyzed in a subsample of the cohort (denosumab, n = 7 and placebo n = 7). The mean aBMD (±95% CI) for the denosumab versus the placebo groups demonstrated a significant group × time interactions for the following regions of interest at BL and 18 months: distal femoral metaphysis = mean aBMD 1.187; 95% CI, 1.074 to 1.300 and mean aBMD 1.202; 95% CI, 1.074 to 1.329 versus mean aBMD 1.162; 95% CI, 0.962 to 1.362 and mean aBMD 0.961; 95% CI, 0.763 to 1.159, respectively (p < 0.001); distal femoral epiphysis = mean aBMD 1.557; 95% CI, 1.437 to 1.675 and mean aBMD 1.570; 95% CI, 1.440 to 1.700 versus mean aBMD 1.565; 95% CI, 1.434 to 1.696 and mean aBMD 1.103; 95% CI, 0.898 to 1.309, respectively (p = 0.002); and proximal tibial epiphysis = mean aBMD 1.071; 95% CI, 0.957 to 1.186 and mean aBMD 1.050; 95% CI, 0.932 to 1.168 versus mean aBMD 0.994; 95% CI, 0.879 to 1.109 and mean aBMD 0.760; 95% CI, 0.601 to 0.919, respectively (p < 0.001). Analysis of pQCT imaging revealed a continued trend toward significantly greater loss in total volumetric BMD (vBMD) and trabecular vBMD at the 4% distal tibia region, with a significant percent loss for total bone mineral content. Thus, at 18 months after acute SCI, our findings show that denosumab maintained aBMD at the knee region, the site of greatest clinical relevance in the SCI population. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
BDNF Val66Met polymorphism alters food intake and hypothalamic BDNF expression in mice
Authors: Ieraci Alessandro , Barbieri Silvia S. , Macchi Chiara , Amadio Patrizia , Sandrini Leonardo , Magni Paolo , Popoli Maurizio , Ruscica Massimiliano
Published: May 2020

Obesity, a rising public health burden, is a multifactorial disease with an increased risk for patients to develop several pathological conditions including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Increasing evidence suggests a relationship between the human brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and obesity, although the underlying mechanisms of this connection are still not completely understood. In the present study, we found that homozygous knock‐in BDNFMet/Met mice were overweight and hyperphagic compared to wildtype BDNFVal/Val mice. Increased food intake was associated with reduction of total BDNF and BDNF1, BDNF4 and BDNF6 transcripts in the hypothalamus of BDNFMet/Met mice. In contrast, in the white adipose tissue total BDNF and Glut4 expression levels were augmented, while sirtuin 1 and leptin receptor (Ob‐R) expression levels were reduced in BDNFMet/Met mice. Moreover, plasmatic leptin levels were decreased in BDNFMet/Met mice. However, BDNFVal/Val and BDNFMet/Met mice showed a similar response to the insulin tolerance test and glucose tolerance test. Altogether, these results suggest that BDNF Val66Met SNP strongly contributes to adipose tissue pathophysiology, resulting in reduced circulating leptin levels and hypothalamic expression of BDNF, which, in turn, promote increased food intake and overweight in BDNFMet/Met mice.
New Zealand radiation therapists’ perceptions of peer group supervision as a tool to reduce burnout symptoms in the clinical setting
Authors: Dungey Gay , Neser Hazel , Sim Dalice
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Research indicates that radiation therapists (RTs) are at risk of burnout and that there is a lack of evidence on effective coping strategies for managing work‐related stressors within this workforce. Peer group supervision (PGS) is a useful tool in assisting staff to manage stress in the clinical setting, improve reflective practice and provide support. The aim of this research was to investigate New Zealand (NZ) RTs’ perceptions of participating in PGS.

Methods

In‐service training on PGS was offered to all RT centres in NZ, and five of the nine centres agreed to partake in PGS. Participants anonymously completed the same online questionnaire, six months apart. The questionnaire consisted of the Clinical Supervision Evaluation Questionnaire (CSEQ), an open‐ended question and demographics. The CSEQ asks participants to indicate their agreement with 14 statements related to Purpose, Process and Impact of PGS.

Results

Overall, 71 and 48 participants completed the first and second surveys, respectively. In contrast to previous studies, this study found that confidence in practice, team support and group safety were valued by participants. This was supported by the qualitative data that revealed four themes: supportive groups, time out to reflect, organisational barriers and group process issues. RTs with one to five years’ experience were more likely to structure their meetings, understand the purpose of the meetings and had clearer expectations of the group process.

Conclusions

PGS may address burnout for RTs with one to five years’ experience. This group of RTs feel patient‐related matters can be discussed openly during PGS, and PGS appears to be helping to improve their practice and reduce stress. More experienced RTs appear to be using the groups as a ‘professional support group’, rather than ‘peer supervision’, as a strategy for managing organisational stressors associated with burnout.
Diverse activation patterns during persistent atrial fibrillation by noncontact charge‐density mapping of human atrium
Authors: Shi Rui , Chen Zhong , Butcher Charlie , Zaman Junaid AB , Boyalla Vennela , Wang Yi Kan , Riad Omar , Sathishkumar Anitha , Norman Mark , Haldar Shouvik , Jones David G , Hussain Wajid , Markides Vias , Wong Tom
Published: May 2020

Background

Global simultaneous recording of atrial activation during atrial fibrillation (AF) can elucidate underlying mechanisms contributing to AF maintenance. A better understanding of these mechanisms may allow for an individualized ablation strategy to treat persistent AF. The study aims to characterize left atrial endocardial activation patterns during AF using noncontact charge‐density mapping.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with persistent AF were studied. Activation patterns were characterized into three subtypes: (i) focal with centrifugal activation (FCA); (ii) localized rotational activation (LRA); and (iii) localized irregular activation (LIA). Continuous activation patterns were analyzed and distributed in 18 defined regions in the left atrium.

Results

A total of 144 AF segments with 1068 activation patterns were analyzed. The most common pattern during AF was LIA (63%) which consists of four disparate features of activation: slow conduction (45%), pivoting (30%), collision (16%), and acceleration (7%). LRA was the second‐most common pattern (20%). FCA accounted for 17% of all activations, arising frequently from the pulmonary veins (PVs)/ostia. A majority of patients (24/25; 96%) showed continuous and highly dynamic patterns of activation comprising multiple combinations of FCA, LRA, and LIA, transitioning from one to the other without a discernible order. Preferential conduction areas were typically seen in the mid‐anterior (48%) and lower‐posterior (40%) walls.

Conclusion

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by heterogeneous activation patterns identified in PV‐ostia and non‐PV regions throughout the LA at varying locations between individuals. Clinical implications of individualized ablation strategies guided by charge‐density mapping need to be determined.
Better oral hygiene is associated with lower risk of stroke
Authors: Chang Yoonkyung , Woo Ho Geol , Lee Ji Sung , Song Tae‐Jin
Published: May 2020

Background

Periodontal disease or poor oral hygiene may lead to local infection, inflammation, and systemic inflammatory reactions, which are important mediators of development of stroke. We aimed to investigate the association of oral hygiene with risk of stroke in a nationwide population‐based cohort.

Methods

From Korean National Health Insurance System‐Health Screening Cohort, 206,602 participants without missing data regarding demographic information, medical history, or blood/urine examination results were included. The presence of periodontal disease and indicators of oral hygiene, such as number of tooth brushings, dental visit history, dental scaling, and number of teeth loss and dental caries were evaluated. Occurrence of stroke including cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage was defined as newly registration of International Classification of Diseases‐10 codes from I60 to I64 accompanying brain CT and/or MR examination at that time of diagnosis.

Results

The 7337 (3.6%) cases of stroke including 5795 (79.0%) cases of cerebral infarction, 1568 (21.4%) cases of cerebral hemorrhage, and 621 (8.5%) cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred during a median 10.4 years follow‐up. In multivariable analysis, frequent tooth brushing (≥3 times per day) was negatively associated with risk of stroke occurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73–0.84). Number of dental caries (≥4) was positively related to stroke occurrence (HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.13–1.44).

Conclusions

Regular oral hygiene behavior was negatively, and infrequent oral hygiene care was positively associated with risk of occurrence for stroke, respectively. Brushing one's teeth three or more times daily may be associated with lower risk of stroke.
Clay Swelling Inhibition Using Novel Cationic Gemini Surfactants with Different Spacers
Authors: Murtaza Mobeen , Kamal Muhammad Shahzad , Hussain Syed M. S. , Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: May 2020

Hydration of shale formation by water‐based drilling fluids leads to several problems, such as the collapse of boreholes, tight holes, and stuck pipe, which may impede further drilling and time loss in rectifying the problems, leading to heavy economic losses. This study reports the development of new gemini cationic surfactants as shale‐swelling inhibitors. These gemini surfactants are structurally similar but differ in terms of the spacer group. Saturated butyl group (GS1) and unsaturated 2‐butenyl (GS2) and 2‐butynyl (GS3) were introduced as spacer groups of gemini surfactants. To assess the performance of new gemini cationic surfactants, two reliable clay sources were considered. The first clay is from an unconventional formation and the second clay is sodium bentonite. The inhibition characteristics of gemini surfactants were evaluated using dynamic swelling, hot rolling, rheology, and filtration experiments. Different formulations based on commercially available solutions for shale‐swelling inhibitors were applied and compared with cationic shale inhibitors. It was observed that the new gemini cationic surfactants with different spacers (saturated and unsaturated) reduced the shale swelling by different percentages. The GS2 surfactant, containing an unsaturated double bond proved to be a good swelling inhibitor as compared to GS1 and GS3. It also showed acceptable performance compared with the common shale inhibitor (KCl) used in the industry. The addition of surfactant has less impact on the rheological properties as compared to KCl. The filtration properties of the base mud were unchanged when surfactants were used. However, the commercial inhibitor, KCl, significantly increased the filtration volume that is associated with the disintegration of the clay. In summary, unlike commercial inhibitors, the synthesized surfactants reduced the clay swelling without affecting the other properties of the drilling fluids.
Analysis of Inflammatory Signaling in Human Middle Ear Cell Culture Models of Pediatric Otitis Media
Authors: Espahbodi Mana , Samuels Tina L. , McCormick Caroline , Khampang Pawjai , Yan Ke , Marshall Samuel , McCormick Michael E. , Chun Robert H. , Harvey Steven A. , Friedland David R. , Johnston Nikki , Kerschner Joseph E.
Published: May 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Cell culture models are valuable tools for investigation of the molecular pathogenesis of diseases including otitis media (OM). Previous study indicates that age‐, sex‐, and race‐associated differences in molecular signaling may impact disease pathophysiology. Currently, a singular immortalized middle ear epithelial (MEE) cell line exists, HMEEC‐1, derived from an adult without known middle ear disease. In this study, HMEEC‐1 and primary MEE cultures from pediatric patients with and without OM were stimulated with inflammatory cytokines or OM‐pathogenic bacterial lysates to examine differences in the response of molecules associated with OM pathogenesis.

Study Design

Case–control series.

Methods

MEE cultures were established from patients aged <6 years: two with recurrent OM (ROM), two with OM with effusion (OME), and one patient without OM who was undergoing cochlear implant surgery control undergoing cochlear implantation (Peds CI). Primary MEE cultures and HMEEC‐1 cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, or nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae lysate. TNFA, IL1B, IL6, IL8, IL10, and MUC5B were assayed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. IL‐8 was assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Gene/protein target expressions were frequently higher in pediatric OM lines than in HMEEC‐1 and Peds CI. HMEEC‐1 cells were frequently less responsive to stimuli than all pediatric lines. OME lines were often more responsive than ROM lines.

Conclusions

OM may be associated with specific molecular phenotypes that are retained in primary cell culture. Adult‐derived HMEEC‐1 cells differ significantly in baseline expression and response of OM‐associated molecules relative to pediatric MEE cells. Work is underway to immortalize pediatric OM MEE cultures as improved tools for the OM research community.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:410–416, 2021
Imaging the breastfeeding swallow: Pilot study utilizing real‐time MRI
Authors: Mills Nikki , Lydon Anna‐Maria , Davies‐Payne David , Keesing Melissa , Geddes Donna T , Mirjalili Seyed Ali
Published: May 2020

Objective

Knowledge of the breastfeeding swallow is limited by practical challenges. Radiation exposure to both mother and infant and the radiolucent properties of breastmilk make videofluoroscopy an unsuitable imaging modality. Furthermore, ultrasound is not ideal for capturing the complex 3‐dimensional functional anatomy of swallowing. In this study we explore the feasibility of using real‐time MRI to capture the breastfeeding swallow.

Methods

Prospective observational study: Review of imaging from 12 normal infants (<5 months of age) and their mothers while breastfeeding using real‐time MRI.

Results

Static images were successfully captured in 11 infants and dynamic images in nine infants. This imaging modality confirms the dorsal surface of the infant's tongue elevates the maternal nipple to the hard palate, closing the space around the nipple with no air visible in the oral cavity during sucking and swallowing. We obtained dynamic imaging of mandibular movement with sucking, palatal elevation and pharyngeal constriction with swallowing, diaphragm movement with breathing and milk entering the stomach. Breastmilk was easily visualized, being high intensity on T2 sequences. Technical challenges were encountered secondary to infant movement and difficulties acquiring and maintaining midsagittal orientation. The similarity in tissue densities of the lips, tongue, nipple and hard palate limited definition between these structures.

Conclusion

Real‐time MRI imaging was successful in capturing dynamic images of the breastfeeding swallow. However, technical and practical challenges make real‐time MRI unlikely at present to be suitable for swallow assessment in clinical practice. Advances in technology and expertise in dynamic image capture may improve the feasibility of using MRI to understand and assess the breastfeeding swallow in the near future.

Level of evidence

4.
Use of Skeletal Muscle Index as a Predictor of Wait‐List Mortality in Patients With End‐Stage Liver Disease
Authors: Kappus Matthew R. , Wegermann Kara , Bozdogan Erol , Patel Yuval A. , Janas Gemini , Shropshire Erin , Parish Alice , Niedzwiecki Donna , Muir Andrew J. , Bashir Mustafa
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study is to validate a proposed definition of sarcopenia in predicting wait‐list mortality. We retrospectively evaluated 355 adults (age ≥18 years) with cirrhosis listed for first‐time LT from January 1, 2010, to April 1, 2018 from our center. Demographic, laboratory, and outcome data were collected in conjunction with computed tomography scans performed within 3 months of listing. Using imaging analysis software, the skeletal muscle index (SMI), which is a marker for sarcopenia‐related mortality, was calculated. A survival analysis was performed to evaluate the association of the proposed sarcopenia definition of SMI <50 cm2/m2 for men or <39 cm2/m2 for women with wait‐list mortality or delisting. Median SMI was 54.1 cm2/m2 (range, 47‐60 cm2/m2). A total of 61 (17.2%) patients exhibited sarcopenia according to the proposed threshold, and 24.6% (57/232) of men were sarcopenic compared with 3.3% (4/123) of women (P < 0.001). Mean (standard deviation [SD]) SMI was also higher for men (56.6 ± 9.6 cm2/m2) than for women (50.7 ± 8.0 cm2/m2; P < 0.001). Median follow‐up time among patients was 2.1 months (0‐12 months), and 30 events were observed (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.95‐1.02; P = 0.41). There was no statistically significant difference in time on the waiting list between patients with and without sarcopenia (P = 0.89) as defined at the threshold. Using the prespecified definitions of sarcopenia based on SMI, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality and delisting from the transplant waiting list between patients with and without sarcopenia in this population. Practice and region‐specific patterns for pretransplant selection and median Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease at transplant may affect SMI as a predictor of wait‐list mortality.
UV‐Light Responsive and Self‐Healable Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer Rubbers Based on Reversible [4 + 4] Cycloaddition of Anthracene Derivatives
Authors: He Zongke , Niu Hui , Li Yang
Published: May 2020

A series of pendant anthracene‐functionalized ethylene/propylene copolymer rubbers (EPRs) with UV‐light response and self‐healing properties are prepared in this work. The reversible crosslinked networks are achieved based on the highly reversible nature of [4 + 4] cycloaddition of anthracene derivatives. The reversible crosslinking process is characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometer, which gives a high conversion yield of ≈90% as well as the reversibility of ≈70%. This reversible reaction is successfully applied to the self‐healing of EPR material. The healing efficiency is evaluated quantitatively by tensile test measurement. In terms of stress at break, the healing efficiency of crosslinked EPR with anthracene content of 5.7 mol% can reach 82.9%. The anthracene‐functionalized EPR might have a potential prospect of application in self‐healing field.
Bioinspired All‐Polyester Diblock Copolymers Made from Poly(pentadecalactone) and Poly(2‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)benzoate): Synthesis and Polymer Film Properties
Authors: Saar Julia S. , Lienkamp Karen
Published: May 2020

The bioinspired diblock copolymers poly(pentadecalactone)‐block‐poly(2‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)benzoate) (PPDL‐block‐P2HEB) are synthesized from pentadecalactone and dihydro‐5H‐1,4‐benzodioxepin‐5‐one (2,3‐DHB). No transesterification between the blocks is observed. In a sequential approach, PPDL obtained by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) is used to initiate 2,3‐DHB. Here, the molar mass Mn of the P2HEB block is limited. In a modular approach, end‐functionalized PPDL and P2HEB are obtained separately by ROP with functional initiators, and connected by 1,3‐dipolar Huisgen reaction (“click‐chemistry”). Block copolymer compositions from 85:15 mass percent to 28:72 mass percent (PPDL:P2HEB) are synthesized, with Mn of from about 30 000–50 000 g mol−1. The structure of the block copolymer is confirmed by proton NMR, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. Morphological studies by atomic force microscopy (AFM) further confirms the block copolymer structure, while quantitative nanomechanical AFM measurements reveal that the Derjaguin–Muller–Toporov moduli of the block copolymers range between 17.2 ± 1.8 and 62.3 ± 5.7 MPa, i.e., between the values of the parent P2HEB and PPDL homopolymers (7.6 ± 1.4 and 801 ± 42 MPa, respectively). Differential scanning calorimetry shows that the thermal properties of the homopolymers are retained by each of the copolymer blocks (melting temperature 90 °C, glass transition temperature 36 °C).
PEGylation of Fluorescein by Enzyme‐Catalyzed “Click” Michael Addition
Authors: Shrikhande Gayatri , Mulay Prajakatta , Puskas Judit E.
Published: May 2020

This paper reports the first “Click” Michael addition catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) between fluorescein o‐acrylate and thiol‐functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)s (HS‐PEG‐SH, Mn = 1200 g mol−1, Đ = 1.14, and Mn = 2200 g mol−1, Đ = 1.09). The progress of the reactions is monitored with 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. In the absence of CALB, the reaction does not go to completion even after 18 h but completes in less than 2 min when CALB is added. Similarly, the reaction with HS‐PEG‐SH having Mn = 2200 g mol−1 and Đ = 1.09 completes in less than 2 min by CALB catalysis. The structures of the products are also confirmed by 13C‐NMR. This enzyme‐catalyzed “Click” Michael addition is found to be a powerful tool to synthesize fluorescein‐based polymeric conjugates for a wide variety of applications.
On certain dynamic properties of difference sequences and the fractional derivatives
Authors: Baliarsingh Pinakadhar
Published: May 2020

Recently, the notion of difference operators based on fractional‐order is being extensively used in linear algebra, approximation theory, the theory of fractional calculus (FC), and many others. In this paper, an attempt has been taken for studying the convergence of difference sequence and hence analyzing the consistency and validity of certain related formulas. Investigations on basic results involving convergence, linearity, exponent rule, topological properties, Leibniz, and chain rules for fractional derivatives have been incorporated. In this context, some well‐known results have been demonstrated and verified with the help of some illustrative examples.
PathwayPCA: an R/Bioconductor Package for Pathway Based Integrative Analysis of Multi‐Omics Data
Authors: Odom Gabriel J. , Ban Yuguang , Colaprico Antonio , Liu Lizhong , Silva Tiago Chedraoui , Sun Xiaodian , Pico Alexander R. , Zhang Bing , Wang Lily , Chen Xi
Published: May 2020

The authors present pathwayPCA, an R/Bioconductor package for integrative pathway analysis that utilizes modern statistical methodology, including supervised and adaptive, elastic‐net, sparse principal component analysis. pathwayPCA can be applied to continuous, binary, and survival outcomes in studies with multiple covariates and/or interaction effects. It outperforms several alternative methods at identifying disease‐associated pathways in integrative analysis using both simulated and real datasets. In addition, several case studies are provided to illustrate pathwayPCA analysis with gene selection, estimating, and visualizing sample‐specific pathway activities, identifying sex‐specific pathway effects in kidney cancer, and building integrative models for predicting patient prognosis. pathwayPCA is an open‐source R package, freely available through the Bioconductor repository. pathwayPCA is expected to be a useful tool for empowering the wider scientific community to analyze and interpret the wealth of available proteomics data, along with other types of molecular data recently made available by Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium and other large consortiums.