bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of scale‐up methodologies and computational fluid dynamics simulation for fucoxanthin production in airlift photobioareactor
Authors: Aslanbay Guler Bahar , Deniz Irem , Demirel Zeliha , Imamoglu Esra
Published: June 2020

Researches about commercial‐scale production of fucoxanthin are increasing day by day due to the much interest of its broad beneficial health effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the scale‐up methodologies in airlift photobioreactor and to simulate fluid flow using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for fucoxanthin production from Phaeodactylum tricornutum microalgae. During the transition process from 1‐L cultivation bottle to the 2‐L airlift photobioreactor, the constant mixing time, the constant volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient, and the constant volumetric power consumption rate were evaluated as scale‐up methodologies under laboratory conditions. Maximum fucoxanthin yield was found as 1.01 ± 0.07 mg g−1 using scale‐up strategy based on constant volumetric power consumption rate. After that, CFD simulation was performed in order to examine flow characteristics, mixing efficiency, hydrodynamics, and gas holdup for selected operation conditions. It was observed that mixing efficiency was low because the draft tube configuration prevented the circulation of fluid and caused a heterogenic culture medium inside the reactor. It is possible to overcome this bottleneck by developing the effective draft tube.
Occurrence of Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) in southeast of Brazil: Driven by prey distribution or human fishing activity?
Authors: Ferro de Godoy Daniela , Mendonça Jocemar Tomasino , Andriolo Artur
Published: June 2020

This study used models to assess how the type of prey caught by artisanal fishermen influenced the occurrence of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in the region of the estuarine lagunar comple.x of Cananéia (São Paulo, Brazil).

The data were collected from January 2012 to November 2014, during three fieldwork expeditions per season (spring, summer, autumn, winter).

Mullets (Mugil liza) were the fish with the highest association to dolphins, followed by Oligoplites spp. and Lobotes spp.; Mugil curema and shrimp, on the other hand, negatively influenced their distribution. The presence of fish‐weir fisheries in the estuary also had a positive influence on the occurrence of dolphins, since this fishing gear is used as a barrier, minimizing the potential for their prey to escape.
New technical approaches for 3D morphological imaging and quantification of measurements
Authors: Brenna Cinzia , Khan Arif ul Maula , Picascia Tiziana , Sun Quanchao , Heuveline Vincent , Gretz Norbert
Published: June 2020

3D imaging is becoming more and more popular, as it allows us to identify interactions between structures in organs. Furthermore, it gives the possibility to quantify and size these structures. To allow 3D imaging, the tissue sample has to be transparent. This is usually achieved by using optical tissue clearing protocols. Although using optical tissue clearing often results in perfect 3D images, these protocols have some pitfalls, like long duration of sample preparation (up to several weeks), use of toxic substances, damage to antibody staining, fluorescent proteins or dyes, high refractive indices, and high costs of sample processing.Recently we described [Huang et al., Scientific Reports 9(1): 521 (2019)] a fast, safe, and inexpensive ethyl cinnamate (ECi) based optical tissue clearing protocol. Here, we present extensions of our protocol with respect to the deparaffinization of old paraffin‐embedded samples allowing 3D imaging of the blocks. In addition, we learned to remove ECi from the samples allowing the use of routine immunolabeling protocols. Furthermore, we demonstrate new pictures of lungs after expansion microscopy and adaptation of already existing protocols. The aim of our work is, in summary, to describe the advances in these methodologies, focusing on the morphological imaging of kidneys and lungs.
Conjugation of micro/nanocurcumin particles to ZnO nanoparticles changes the surface charge and hydrodynamic size thereby enhancing its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Shome Soumitra , Talukdar Anupam Das , Tewari Sujit , Choudhury Sudip , Bhattacharya Mrinal Kanti , Upadhyaya Hrishikesh
Published: June 2020

Nanobiotechnology‐mediated synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, micro/nanocurcumin, and curcumin–ZnO nanocomposites and their characterization followed by comparative study of their antibacterial, antioxidant, and iron‐chelating efficiency at various dosages are discussed. Micro/nanocurcumin and ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using curcumin and zinc nitrate as precursor and then conjugated by sonication to synthesize curcumin–ZnO nanocomposites. The synthesized nanoparticles were then characterized by using ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering analysis. After that, the antibacterial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated by the optical density (OD600) method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus cells. The DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl ), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and ferrous ion–chelating efficiency of synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated by spectrophotometry analysis. Nanocurcumin (mean zeta potential = −25 mV; average hydrodynamic diameter = 410 nm) based coating of ZnO nanoparticles (mean zeta potential = −15.9 mV; average hydrodynamic diameter = 274 nm) to synthesize curcumin–ZnO nanocomposites (mean zeta potential = −18.8 mV; average hydrodynamic diameter = 224 nm) exhibited enhanced zeta potential, which resulted in reduced agglomeration, smaller hydrodynamic size in water, improved aqueous solubility, and dispersion. All the aforesaid factors including the synergistic antibacterial effect of ZnO nanoparticle and micro/nanocurcumin contributed to increased antibacterial efficiency of curcumin–ZnO nanocomposites. Micro/nanocurcumin due to its better water solubility and small hydrodynamic diameter exhibited enhanced antioxidant and ferrous ion–chelating efficiency than curcumin.
Microfluidic‐assisted fabrication of reverse micelle/PLGA hybrid microspheres for sustained vascular endothelial growth factor delivery
Authors: Omidi Meisam , Almeida Luis , Tayebi Lobat
Published: June 2020

In this study, poly (d, l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) composite microspheres containing anhydrous reverse micelle (R.M.) dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) nanoparticles loaded vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were produced using microfluidic platforms. The VEGF‐loaded R.M. nanoparticles (VRM) were achieved by initial self‐assembly and subsequent lipid inversion of the DPPC vesicles. The fabricated VRMs were encapsulated into the PLGA matrix by flow‐focusing geometry microfluidic platforms. The encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release profile, and the bioactivity of the produced composite microspheres were investigated. The release study showed that VEGF was slowly released from the PLGA composite microspheres over 28 days with a reduced initial burst (18  ±  4.17% in the first 24 H). The VEGF stability during encapsulation and release period was also investigated, and the results indicated that encapsulated VEGF was well preserved. Also, the bioactivity assay of the PLGA composite microspheres on human umbilical vein endothelial cells was confirmed that the encapsulated VEGF was utterly active. The present monodisperse and controllable VEGF‐loaded microspheres with reproducible manner could be widely used in tissue engineering and therapeutic applications.
A novel peroxidase/oxidase mimetic Fe‐porphyrin covalent organic framework enhanced the luminol chemiluminescence reaction and its application in glucose sensing
Authors: Zhao Yaxin , Xu Xiaotong , Ma Yuyu , Tan Haonan , Li Yinhuan
Published: June 2020

A Fe‐porphyrin covalent organic framework (Fe‐PorCOF) was prepared through a postmodification strategy and characterized using different techniques. Fe‐PorCOF exhibits an inherent peroxidase/oxidase mimetic catalytic activity and sharply accelerates chemiluminescence (CL) reactions between luminol and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or dissolved oxygen (O2) under alkaline conditions. The catalytic role was attributed to a significant increase in production of reactive oxygen species. Using the imminent peroxidase mimetic catalytic activity of Fe‐PorCOF, a new CL method was developed for determination of H2O2 over a linear range from 0.01 to 10.0 μmol·L−1 and with a limit of detection of 5.3 nmol·L−1. The combination of the peroxidase mimetic catalytic activity of Fe‐PorCOF with the catalytic activity of glucose oxidase on glucose oxidation presents a sensitive CL method for glucose assay. The linear range and the detection limit for glucose were 0.05–8.0 μmol·L−1 and 4.0 nmol·L−1, respectively. The practicability of this method was assessed by determination of glucose in human sera. As a peroxidase/oxidase mimetic, Fe‐PorCOF is easy to prepare and exhibits good catalytic efficiency in the luminol reaction. We believe that this strategy will promote the development of a CL field with functional COFs as a catalyst.
Impact of anastomotic leak on long-term survival in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Kamarajah S K , Navidi M , Griffin S M , Phillips A W
Published: June 2020

Background

The impact of anastomotic leak (AL) on long-term outcomes after gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma is poorly understood. This study determined whether AL contributes to poor overall survival.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing gastrectomy in a single high-volume unit between 1997 and 2016 were evaluated. Clinicopathological characteristics, oncological and postoperative outcomes were stratified according to whether patients had no AL, non-severe AL or severe AL. Severe AL was defined as anastomotic leakage associated with Clavien–Dindo Grade III–IV complications.

Results

The study included 969 patients, of whom 58 (6·0 per cent) developed AL; 15 of the 58 patients developed severe leakage. Severe AL was associated with prolonged hospital stay (median 50, 30 and 13 days for patients with severe AL, non-severe AL and no AL respectively; P < 0·001) and critical care stay (median 11, 0 and 0 days; P < 0·001). There were no significant differences between groups in number of lymph nodes harvested (median 29, 30 and 28; P = 0·528) and R1 resection rates (7, 5 and 6·5 per cent; P = 0·891). Cox multivariable regression analysis showed that severe AL was independently associated with overall survival (hazard ratio 3·96, 95 per cent c.i. 2·11 to 7·44; P < 0·001) but not recurrence-free survival. In sensitivity analysis, the results for patients who had neoadjuvant therapy then gastrectomy were similar to those for the entire cohort.

Conclusion

AL prolongs hospital stay and is associated with compromised long-term overall survival.
Effects of oxiracetam combined with ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of acute intracerebral hemorrhage: A clinical study
Authors: Li Xiu‐Xiu , Liu Shi‐Hui , Zhuang Su‐Jing , Guo Shi‐Feng , Pang Shou‐Liang
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The present clinical study was conducted to investigate the effect of oxiracetam combined with ginkgo biloba extract in treating patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods

Ninety‐eight patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage admitted to our hospital were divided into three groups. The differences of brain edema and cerebral hemorrhage were compared between the three groups after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment, and the recovery of neurological function, serum inflammatory factors, AQP‐4, MMP‐9, cognitive function, activities of daily living, and adverse reactions were compared between the three groups after 2 weeks of treatment.

Results

There was no significant difference among the three groups before treatment (p > .05). After treatment, the recovery of neurological function, serum inflammatory factors, AQP‐4, MMP‐9 levels, cognitive function, and activities of daily living were improved. Among them, the neurological function recovery, serum inflammatory factors, AQP‐4, MMP‐9 levels, cognitive function, and activities of daily living in the combined treatment group and the control group elicited greater results than those in the routine group. The results of the combined treatment group showed the most significant difference (p < .05). The concentration of IL‐6 decreased from 135.98 ± 12.54 to 91.83 ± 7.69 pg/ml, AQP‐4 from 227.55 μg/L ± 21.06 to 114.31 ± 9.22 μg/L, and MMP‐9 from 172.39 ± 9.81 to 94.98 ± 5.01 ng/ml. In addition, the neurological function recovery, the levels of serum inflammatory factors, cognitive function, and activities of daily living in the combined treatment group were better than those in the control group (p < .05). The mean score of MRS in the combined treatment group decreased from 3.36 ± 0.98 at admission to 1.91 ± 0.38.

Conclusion

Oxiracetam combined with Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of acute cerebral hemorrhage has a significant improvement effect.
Expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α, glucose transporter 1, and hexokinase 2 in primary central nervous system lymphoma and the correlation with the biological behaviors
Authors: Shen Na , Wang Yaming , Sun Xuefei , Bai Xueyan , He Jinglan , Cui Qu , Qian Jun , Zhu Hong , Chen Yuedan , Xing Ruixian , Liu Qing , Wu Yuchen , Li Junhong , Lai Wenyuan , Sun Shengjun , Ji Nan , Liu Yuanbo
Published: June 2020

Background

It has been indicated that abnormal glucose metabolism mediated by hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) played an essential role in the development of solid tumor. However, there were rare studies about the role of them in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).

Objective

To investigate the protein levels of HIF‐1α, glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and hexokinase 2 (HK2) in PCNSL and whether their levels are associated with prognostic factors.

Methods

Expression of HIF‐1α, GLUT1, and HK2 in 39 tumor tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemical stainning. The correlation of the expression of HIF‐1α with the protein level of GLUT1 and HK2 was investigated. In addition, the association between these protein expression levels and clinical parameters and prognosis was analyzed.

Results

In the tumor specimens of PCNSL, positive stainings of HIF‐1α, GLUT1, and HK2 were in 23 patients (58.97%), 25 patients (64.1%), and 26 patients (66.67%), respectively, which were associated with the expression level of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), but not with age, gender, number of lesion, ECOG score, or deep structure. The expression of HIF‐1α was positively correlated with the expression of GLUT1 (p < .01, r = .749) and HK2 (p < .01, r = .787). Univariate analysis showed that upregulated GLUT1 was unfavorable predictors of progression‐free survival (PFS) in PCNSL. The results of Cox proportional hazards model showed GLUT1 was significantly associated with shorter PFS (hazard ration: 5.65; 95% confidence interval: 1.23–25.84; p = .026).

Conclusions

This study indicated that there was a hypoxic microenvironment and HIF‐1α was involved in the regulation of glycolysis pathway in PCNSL. GLUT1 might be a potential marker for shorter PFS in PCNSL.
Addressing the challenges of integrating carbon calculation tools in the construction industry
Authors: Jackson David J. , Kaesehage Katharina
Published: June 2020

The construction industry is facing growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions. An important first step is to quantify emissions from construction projects enabling designs to be changed and emissions reduced. Whilst progress has been made in the development of carbon calculation tools, the uptake of these tools has been slow. This paper seeks to understand the reasons for the slow implementation of carbon calculation tools in the construction industry and provide guidance on how to overcome these challenges. We find there are specific issues that prevent tools being used such as data security and usability, but more general issues such as a lack of education or regulation also pose a challenge. Our findings suggest that despite the benefits that can come from using carbon calculation tools to reduce emissions, the use of tools on their own will be insufficient to achieve the needed carbon reduction and wider emissions‐related change. Instead, carbon calculation tools need to be looked at within and across construction organisations through training, industry‐wide standards and regulations as well as organisation‐wide requirements and collaboration. The construction industry has a reputation for being slow to react to change, but if this industry waits for regulation before taking action, then the timescales involved may be too long given the pressing need to reduce emissions now. We recommend that for carbon calculation tools to be successfully integrated, the industry must work together to achieve more immediate change.
Disinfection of corona virus in histopathology laboratories
Authors: Luqman Zubair , Iqbal Nasir , Ali Hafiz Muhammad , Zahid Muhammad , Sikandar Arbab , Kausar Razia
Published: June 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS CoV‐2/COVID‐19) is a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by a virus belonging to the coronaviridae family. Researchers working in histopathology laboratories, dealing with morbid samples, are particularly vulnerable to infection unless they have very strong immunity. Hence, a proper precautionary protocol is required for the safety of the laboratory staff. The current review highlights the biological and physical agents that can be used to inactivate the virus and disinfect the surrounding environment in the laboratory.
Optimizing self‐expandable transcatheter heart valve sizing in patients with small sinus of Valsalva
Authors: Sakai Katsuaki , Ohno Yohei , Miyamoto Junichi , Horinouchi Hitomi , Murakami Tsutomu , Okada Kimiaki , Cho Yasunori , Ito Kenji , Nakazawa Gaku , Ikari Yuji
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with small sinus of Valsalva (SOV).

Background

Patients with small SOV are considered unfavorable for TAVR since it carries risk of coronary obstruction after valve implantation. Therefore, these patients with small SOV were excluded from previous clinical trials.

Methods

Between February 2017 and February 2019, a total of 139 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing TAVR were prospectively enrolled in the Tokai Valve Registry. Patients with small SOV who were treated with smaller size of self‐expandable transcatheter heart valve (THV) than expected by perimeter‐based sizing were included in this study. Eleven patients (7.9%) were included.

Results

Mean age was 86.5 ± 3.8 years and median STS Score was 8.5% (interquartile range: 6.3–12.3%). Device success was accomplished in all patients and no coronary obstruction was observed. No moderate/severe paravalvular leakage, new onset conduction disturbance, and new permanent pacemaker implantation were noted. At 30‐day follow‐up, mean aortic valve gradient was 6.9 ± 1.7 mmHg and mean indexed aortic valve area was 0.95 ± 0.16 cm2/m2. Prosthetic valve performance was stable at 12‐month follow‐up. No severe prosthesis patient mismatch was documented at any time point. No in‐hospital, 30‐day, and 12‐month mortality were observed. The median follow‐up was 711 days (IQR: 547–803 days), and no patient was lost to follow‐up.

Conclusions

Our preliminary experience suggests favorable safety and efficacy of TAVR utilizing self‐expandable THV with intentional down‐sizing in patients with severe AS and small SOV in a mid‐term follow‐up.
Efficacy of lenalidomide in myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms with ring sideroblasts and an extreme platelet count
Authors: Divoux Marion , Plocque Alexia , Sevin Margaux , Voillat Laurent , Feugier Pierre , Guerci‐Bresler Agnès , Girodon Francois , Broséus Julien
Published: June 2020

Lenalidomide is efficient in reducing red blood cell transfusion dependency and markedly lowering platelet counts in MDS/MPN‐RS‐T in the context of major platelet counts.
Photoredox Organic Synthesis Employing Heterogeneous Photocatalysts with Emphasis on Halide Perovskite
Authors: Lin Yixiong , Guo Jun , San Martin Jovan , Han Chuang , Martinez Ramon , Yan Yong
Published: June 2020

Lately, heterogeneous semiconductor materials have been explored as an emerging type of efficient photocatalyst for photoredox organic synthesis. Among these semiconductors, lead halide perovskite materials demonstrate unique properties towards excellent charge separation and charge transfer, extremely long charge carrier migration, high efficiency in visible light absorption, and long excited states lifetimes, etc., as proved in ground‐breaking solar cell applications, garnering necessary merits for an efficient catalytic system for photoredox organic reactions. Here, the latest progress in heterogeneous semiconductor materials towards this endeavor is examined, with particular emphasis on lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) in photocatalytic organic synthesis.
Photoinduced Strain‐Assisted Synthesis of a Stiff‐Stilbene Polymer by Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Krishnan Baiju P. , Xue Lulu , Xiong Xinhong , Cui Jiaxi
Published: June 2020

Developing a novel strategy to synthesize photoresponsive polymers is of significance owing to their potential applications. We report a photoinduced strain‐assisted synthesis of main‐chain stiff‐stilbene polymers by using ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), activating a macrocyclic π‐bond connected to a stiff‐stilbene photoswitch through a linker. Since the linker acts as an external constraint, the photoisomerization to the E‐form leads to the stiff‐stilbene being strained and thus reactive to ROMP. The photoisomerization of Z‐form to E‐form was investigated using time‐dependent NMR studies and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The DFT calculation showed that the E‐form was less stable due to a lack of planarity. By the internal strain developed due to the linker constraint through photoisomerization, the E‐form underwent ROMP by a second generation Grubbs catalyst. In contrast, Z‐form did not undergo polymerization under similar conditions. The MALDI‐TOF spectrum of E‐form after polymerization showed the presence of oligomers of >5.2 kDa.
COVID‐19 and the heart: An update for clinicians
Authors: Goha Ahmed , Mezue Kenechukwu , Edwards Paul , Nunura Felix , Baugh Dainia , Madu Ernest
Published: June 2020

SARS‐CoV‐2, the cause of the COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly impacted cardiovascular healthcare. Patients with pre‐existing cardiovascular disease are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality. The virus may affect the heart directly and indirectly with clinical syndromes of acute myocardial injury, myocarditis, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, arrhythmias, and venous thromboembolism. Some therapeutics under investigation for COVID‐19 may also have adverse cardiac effects. The involvement of the RAAS system in viral entry makes it pertinent to consider the effects of medications that modulate the system. Comprehensive knowledge of peculiar cardiovascular manifestations of COVID‐19 and the role of RAAS in the prognosis of COVID‐19 disease is needed for optimal patient management.
Privacy‐preserving cooperative localization in vehicular edge computing infrastructure
Authors: Chandra Shit Rathin , Sharma Suraj , Watters Paul , Yelamarthi Kumar , Pradhan Biswajeet , Davison Richard , Morgan Graham , Puthal Deepak
Published: June 2020

Advancement of computing and communication techniques transforms the traditional transport system into the intelligent transportation system (ITS). The development of distributed computing in a vehicular network platform also called Vehicular Edge Computing (VEC) promise to address most of the challenges faced by the ITS. Localization is important in these vehicular networks because of its key contribution in autonomous driving, smart traffic monitoring, and collision avoidance services. For localization, current GPS and hybrid methods are in‐efficient because of GPS outage in urban infrastructure and dynamic nature of the vehicular networks. The cooperative localization approaches, on the other hand, use dedicated short range communication to broadcast messages and estimate location. However, these messages are un‐encrypted and periodic which gives a privacy risk for vehicles. This article presents a privacy‐preserving cooperative localization in vehicular network based upon dynamic pseudonym changing strategy. First, the localization delay is addressed with the implementation of dynamic vehicular edge assignment for computational task management. In the next step, the localization is estimated from the neighbor and road side unit ranging measurement followed by a real‐time prediction of the vehicle. The performance of the proposed algorithms is analyzed in terms of localization accuracy and privacy preservation strength. Furthermore, the proposed method is simulated in a real city scenario followed by localization accuracy and privacy analysis. Finally, the localization accuracy and privacy strength of the proposed approach are compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Human CLEC9A antibodies deliver Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) antigen to CD141+ dendritic cells to activate naïve and memory WT1‐specific CD8+ T cells
Authors: Pearson Frances E , Tullett Kirsteen M , Leal‐Rojas Ingrid M , Haigh Oscar L , Masterman Kelly‐Anne , Walpole Carina , Bridgeman John S , McLaren James E , Ladell Kristin , Miners Kelly , Llewellyn‐Lacey Sian , Price David A , Tunger Antje , Schmitz Marc , Miles John J , Lahoud Mireille H , Radford Kristen J
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Vaccines that prime Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1)‐specific CD8+ T cells are attractive cancer immunotherapies. However, immunogenicity and clinical response rates may be enhanced by delivering WT1 to CD141+ dendritic cells (DCs). The C‐type lectin‐like receptor CLEC9A is expressed exclusively by CD141+ DCs and regulates CD8+ T‐cell responses. We developed a new vaccine comprising a human anti‐CLEC9A antibody fused to WT1 and investigated its capacity to target human CD141+ DCs and activate naïve and memory WT1‐specific CD8+ T cells.

Methods

WT1 was genetically fused to antibodies specific for human CLEC9A, DEC‐205 or β‐galactosidase (untargeted control). Activation of WT1‐specific CD8+ T‐cell lines following cross‐presentation by CD141+ DCs was quantified by IFNγ ELISPOT. Humanised mice reconstituted with human immune cell subsets, including a repertoire of naïve WT1‐specific CD8+ T cells, were used to investigate naïve WT1‐specific CD8+ T‐cell priming.

Results

The CLEC9A‐WT1 vaccine promoted cross‐presentation of WT1 epitopes to CD8+ T cells and mediated priming of naïve CD8+ T cells more effectively than the DEC‐205‐WT1 and untargeted control‐WT1 vaccines.

Conclusions

Delivery of WT1 to CD141+ DCs via CLEC9A stimulates CD8+ T cells more potently than either untargeted delivery or widespread delivery to all Ag‐presenting cells via DEC‐205, suggesting that cross‐presentation by CD141+ DCs is sufficient for effective CD8+ T‐cell priming in humans. The CLEC9A‐WT1 vaccine is a promising candidate immunotherapy for malignancies that express WT1.
Family‐based treatment via videoconference: Clinical recommendations for treatment providers during COVID‐19 and beyond
Authors: Matheson Brittany E. , Bohon Cara , Lock James
Published: June 2020

The necessity to employ distance‐based methods to deliver on‐going eating disorder care due to the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic represents a dramatic and urgent shift in treatment delivery. Yet, TeleHealth treatments for eating disorders in youth have not been adequately researched or rigorously tested. Based on clinical experience within our clinic and research programs, we aim to highlight the common challenges clinicians may encounter in providing family‐based treatment (FBT) via TeleHealth for children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. We also discuss possible solutions and offer practical considerations for providers delivering FBT in this format. Additional research in TeleHealth treatment for eating disorders in youth may lead to improved access, efficiency, and effectiveness of FBT delivered via videoconferencing.
The role of B cells in heart failure and implications for future immunomodulatory treatment strategies
Authors: García‐Rivas Gerardo , Castillo Elena Cristina , Gonzalez‐Gil Adrian M. , Maravillas‐Montero José Luis , Brunck Marion , Torres‐Quintanilla Alejandro , Elizondo‐Montemayor Leticia , Torre‐Amione Guillermo
Published: June 2020

Despite numerous demonstrations that the immune system is activated in heart failure, negatively affecting patients' outcomes, no definitive treatment strategy exists directed to modulate the immune system. In this review, we present the evidence that B cells contribute to the development of hypertrophy, inflammation, and maladaptive tissue remodelling. B cells produce antibodies that interfere with cardiomyocyte function, which culminates as the result of recruitment and activation of a variety of innate and structural cell populations, including neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts, and T cells. As B cells appear as active players in heart failure, we propose here novel immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies that target B cells and their products.
The response‐time relationship and covariate effects of acupuncture for chronic pain: A systematic review and model‐based longitudinal meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Caixia , Pei Qi , Chen Yaolong , Luo Xufei , Yang Nan , Li Thomas T. , Ding Junjie , Wang Yingwei
Published: June 2020

Background and Objective

Critical clinical questions regarding how soon and how long the analgesic effect will be achieved by acupuncture, as well as who will be responsive to acupuncture, need further address. The aim of the study was to investigate the response‐time relationship and covariate effects of acupuncture.

Databases and Data Treatment

PubMed and EMBASE were searched up to December 2018 for randomized controlled trials that involved sham acupuncture, true acupuncture and conventional therapy. We used a model‐based longitudinal meta‐analysis to characterize the response‐time profile of these treatments.

Results

Seventy‐seven randomized clinical trials involved chronic shoulder, neck, knee and low back pain were included. The response‐time analysis suggested that the treatment duration of acupuncture will be 5 weeks or more to achieve 80% of maximum analgesic effect. Moreover a lower baseline pain intensity and the location of low back pain resulted in a lower pain relief of acupuncture intervention. The absolute maximum analgesic effects of sham acupuncture and conventional therapy were 22.6 and 15.8 points at a 0–100 NRS scale. The absolute effect of true acupuncture was 26.1 points for low back pain (relative effect of 3.5 and 9.4 points to sham and conventional therapy), 34.9 points for other pain body locations (relative effect of 12.3 and 19.1 points to sham and conventional therapy), in patients with a baseline pain intensity of 60 points.

Conclusion

The treatment duration of acupuncture will not be less than 5 weeks to achieve 80% maximum analgesic effect. Higher analgesic effect was related to higher baseline pain intensity and pain location of neck, shoulder and knee.

Significance

Our systematic review and meta‐analysis provides the clear evidence for the treatment duration and significant related covariates of acupuncture intervention for chronic pain. These results provide useful suggestion for acupuncture intervention in clinical pain management.
Sifting the wheat from the chaff? Evidence for the existence of an asymmetric fibromyalgia phenotype
Authors: H. Kaziyama Helena , Barbour Julio , Galhardoni Ricardo , Aparecida da Silva Valquíria , R. D. Tesseroli de Siqueira Silvia , Listik Clarice , dos Santos Gabriel José , Yeng Lin T. , Marcolin Marco Antonio , Raicher Irina , Teixeira Manoel J. , Ciampi de Andrade Daniel
Published: June 2020

Background

The different phenotypic presentations of fibromyalgia (FM) have been infrequently studied and may have diagnostic and therapeutic implications. The aim of this study was to explore differences between FM patients with classical symmetric (s‐FM) presentation and FM patients with marked asymmetric (a‐FM) pain.

Methods

We performed two consecutive cross‐sectional studies on FM patients and matched healthy volunteers (HV). FM patients were divided into a‐FM (and s‐FM groups according to their score of pain intensity on each body side; patients with a difference of ≥40 mm in VAS between left and right sides were classified as a‐FM, otherwise classified as s‐FM. Participants (FM = 32; HV = 31) were assessed for clinical, cortical excitability (CE), quantitative sensory testing (QST; study 1), and intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) determinations (study 2).

Results

While pain intensity did not significantly differ between s‐FM and a‐FM patients, pain interference in daily activities was significantly higher in the a‐FM as compared to the s‐FM group (54.7 ± 8.9 and 37.6 ± 13.5; p < .0001). PPT was significantly lower in the more painful side of a‐FM as compared to the HV (27.7 ± 7.9 and 49.9 ± 13.0; p < .0001), while PPT in the less painful side of a‐FM was significantly higher than PPT values in the s‐FM (35.8 ± 8.3 and 27.7 ± 5.5; p = .031). S‐FM and a‐FM had significantly abnormal intracortical inhibition values on CE measurements compared to HV. There were no significant differences in IENFD between groups.

Conclusions

Within the current FM criteria, there exist different phenotypes with clinical, psychophysics, and neurophysiological findings that are not related to peripheral IENFD abnormalities.

Significance

Current fibromyalgia criteria may contain different phenotypes of fibromyalgia based on the lateralization of pain.
Debris cover on thaw slumps and its insulative role in a warming climate
Authors: Zwieback S. , Boike J. , Marsh P. , Berg A.
Published: June 2020

Thaw slumps in ice‐rich permafrost can retreat tens of metres per summer, driven by the melt of subaerially exposed ground ice. However, some slumps retain an ice‐veneering debris cover as they retreat. A quantitative understanding of the thermal regime and geomorphic evolution of debris‐covered slumps in a warming climate is largely lacking. To characterize the thermal regime, we instrumented four debris‐covered slumps in the Canadian Low Arctic and developed a numerical conduction‐based model. The observed surface temperatures >20° C and steep thermal gradients indicate that debris insulates the ice by shifting the energy balance towards radiative and turbulent losses. After the model was calibrated and validated with field observations, it predicted sub‐debris ice melt to decrease four‐fold from 1.9 to 0.5 mas the thickness of the fine‐grained debris quadruples from 0.1 to 0.4 m. With warming temperatures, melt is predicted to increase most rapidly, in relative terms, for thick (∼0.5–1.0 m) debris covers. The morphology and evolution of the debris‐covered slumps were characterized using field and remote sensing observations, which revealed differences in association with morphology and debris composition. Two low‐angle slumps retreated continually despite their persistent fine‐grained debris covers. The observed elevation losses decreased from ∼1.0 m/yr where debris thickness ∼0.2 mto 0.1 m/yr where thickness ∼1.0 m. Conversely, a steep slump with a coarse‐grained debris veneer underwent short‐lived bursts of retreat, hinting at a complex interplay of positive and negative feedback processes. The insulative protection and behaviour of debris vary significantly with factors such as thickness, grain size and climate: debris thus exerts a fundamental, spatially variable influence on slump trajectories in a warming climate. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory peptide fraction from oyster soft tissue by enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Qian Bingjun , Zhao Xin , Yang Ye , Tian Chongchong
Published: June 2020

Recent studies have confirmed that the peptide fractions derived from marine organisms exhibit good antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity, and oyster is an excellent nutrient resource with high‐protein content. In this study, the peptide fractions from oyster soft tissue were prepared after hydrolysis by pepsin (pH 2, 37°C), trypsin (pH 8, 37°C), and Maxipro PSP (pH 4.2, 50°C) with the optimized parameters (enzyme‐to‐substrate (E/S) ratio, 1:100 (w/w); hydrolysis time, 4 hr), respectively. Four fractions named as PEP‐1, PEP‐2, TRYP‐2, and MIX‐2 were obtained after separation with elution consisting of 20% or 40% ethanol. The MIX‐2 exhibited the highest hydrophobicity correlated well with its hydrophobic amino acid content, and TRYP‐2 exhibited much better antioxidant activity than other three elution samples. Furthermore, all of the bioactive peptide fractions were noncytotoxic and could selectively repress pro‐inflammatory mediators, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and i‐NOS, at transcription level in RAW264.7 macrophage cells after LPS stimulation. The result suggests that the peptide fraction TRYP‐2 from oyster soft tissue hydrolysates might be a potential resource for natural anti‐inflammatory components.
A new endoscopic surgical approach to the larynx, hypopharynx, and neck lymphatics: The robotic‐assisted extended “Sistrunk” approach (RESA)
Authors: Simon Christian , Holsinger Floyd Christopher , Rheinwald Markus , Kemper Justin , Lambercy Karma
Published: June 2020

Background

We report on the feasibility of a novel robotic‐assisted extended “Sistrunk” approach (RESA) to the larynx, hypopharynx, and lateral neck lymphatics.

Methods

Studies were performed using the da Vinci Xi and SP system on three cadavers comprising of three supraglottic laryngectomies, one partial hypopharyngectomy, and four lateral level II to IV neck dissections.

Results

In all resections at first a central common working space overlying the hyoid bone was created. The da Vinci Xi system was used with two vestibular and two submental ports for laryngeal/hypopharyngeal resections, and an additional port through a facelift incision for level II to IV neck dissections. The da Vinci SP system was used with only one submental port.

Conclusions

We describe herein a novel endoscopic robotic approach to the larynx, hypopharynx, and neck based on the traditional “Sistrunk” procedure. The technique should help improving exposure of the primary lesion and reduce access‐related morbidity to the neck.
Salivary detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) and implications for oral health‐care providers
Authors: Bajaj Nimit , Granwehr Bruno P. , Hanna Ehab Y. , Chambers Mark S.
Published: June 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has become a major public health crisis. The diagnostic and containment efforts for the disease have presented significant challenges for the global health‐care community. In this brief report, we provide perspective on the potential use of salivary specimens for detection and serial monitoring of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), based on current literature. Oral health‐care providers are at an elevated risk of exposure to COVID‐19 due to their proximity to nasopharynx of patients, and the practice involving the use of aerosol‐generating equipment. Here, we summarize the general guidelines for oral health‐care specialists for prevention of nosocomial transmission of COVID‐19, and provide specific recommendations for clinical care management.
The role of hysteroscopy during COVID‐19 outbreak: Safeguarding lives and saving resources
Authors: Vitale Salvatore Giovanni , Carugno Jose , Riemma Gaetano , Farkas Zsolt , Krasznai Zoárd , Bacskó György , Lampé Rudolf , Török Péter
Published: June 2020

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the use of hysteroscopy should be limited to specific, urgent pathologies in order to avoid a deleterious impact on healthcare services.
Let‐7b‐5p is involved in the response of endoplasmic reticulum stress in acute pulmonary embolism through upregulating the expression of stress‐associated endoplasmic reticulum protein 1
Authors: Liu Ting‐wei , Liu Fan , Kang Jian
Published: June 2020

The endogenous non‐coding microRNA (miRNA) let‐7b‐5p is highly expressed in the blood of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the mechanism underlying the involvement of let‐7b‐5p in acute PE remains unclear. To address this, we investigated the role of let‐7b‐5p in acute PE in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The results showed that let‐7b‐5p upregulated the expression of stress‐associated endoplasmic reticulum protein 1 (SERP1) at the post‐transcriptional level. SERP1 activation leads to modulation of its chaperone protein SEC61B in the response of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, our data show that the unfolded protein response was triggered and activation of unfolded proteins GRP78, PERK, RNF121, and CHOP occurred through the PERK‐CHOP pathway, resulting in an inflammatory response and apoptosis of lung epithelial cells. These characteristics were promoted by the in vitro expression of a let‐7b‐5p mimic; conversely, transfection with a let‐7b‐5p inhibitor decreased the response of ER stress in acute PE. The results from this study thus provide evidence that let‐7b‐5p promotes protein processing during ER stress response by upregulating SERP1 expression, ultimately resulting in an inflammatory response and apoptosis of lung cells, cumulatively playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of acute PE.
Efficient minimum distance estimation of Pareto exponent from top income shares
Authors: Toda Alexis Akira , Wang Yulong
Published: June 2020

We propose an efficient estimation method for the income Pareto exponent when only certain top income shares are observable. Our estimator is based on the asymptotic theory of weighted sums of order statistics and the efficient minimum distance estimator. Simulations show that our estimator has excellent finite‐sample properties. We apply our estimation method to US top income share data and find that the Pareto exponent has been ranging between 1.4 and 1.8 since 1985, suggesting that the rise in inequality during the last three decades is mainly driven by redistribution between the rich and poor, not among the rich.
Diffuse optical assessment of cerebral‐autoregulation in older adults stratified by cerebrovascular risk
Authors: Bahrani Ahmed A. , Kong Weikai , Shang Yu , Huang Chong , Smith Charles D. , Powell David K. , Jiang Yang , Rayapati Abner O. , Jicha Gregory A. , Yu Guoqiang
Published: June 2020

Diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) at early stages is essential for preventing sequential complications. CVD is often associated with abnormal cerebral microvasculature, which may impact cerebral‐autoregulation (CA). A novel hybrid near‐infrared diffuse optical instrument and a finger plethysmograph were used to simultaneously detect low‐frequency oscillations (LFOs) of cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxy‐hemoglobin concentration ([HbO2]), deoxy‐hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in older adults before, during and after 70° head‐up‐tilting (HUT). The participants with valid data were divided based on Framingham risk score (FRS, 1‐30 points) into low‐risk (FRS ≤15, n = 13) and high‐risk (FRS >15, n = 11) groups for developing CVD. The LFO gains were determined by transfer function analyses with MAP as the input, and CBF, [HbO2] and [Hb] as the outputs (CA ∝ 1/Gain). At resting‐baseline, LFO gains in the high‐risk group were relatively lower compared to the low‐risk group. The lower baseline gains in the high‐risk group may attribute to compensatory mechanisms to maintain stronger steady‐state CAs. However, HUT resulted in smaller gain reductions in the high‐risk group compared to the low‐risk group, suggesting weaker dynamic CAs. LFO gains are potentially valuable biomarkers for early detection of CVD based on associations with CAs.
Serum miR‐22 is a novel prognostic marker for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Qu Hong , Zheng Guodong , Cheng Shuqin , Xie Weicheng , Liu Xiaoshu , Tao Yuan , Xie Bixia
Published: June 2020

Background

It has been demonstrated that aberrant expression of serum microRNAs is potential markers for the prognostic prediction of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the clinical significance of serum miR‐22 remained uncovered. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential prognostic value of serum miR‐22 for AML.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 124 patients with AML and 60 healthy individuals. Serum miR‐22 level was detected by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and its potential clinical value was investigated.

Results

Our results showed that serum miR‐22 expression was significantly downregulated in AML subjects compared to healthy controls. Serum miR‐22 levels were lowest in AML patients with M4/M5 subtypes, and low serum miR‐22 expression occurred more frequently in AML patients with higher white blood cell counts or poor cytogenetic risk. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that serum miR‐22 well differentiated AML cases from healthy controls. In addition, serum miR‐22 downregulation was closely associated with worse clinical features and shorter survival. Low serum miR‐22 expression was confirmed to be an independent predictor for overall survival and relapse‐free survival in AML patients. Moreover, the expression level of serum miR‐22 was dramatically increased following treatment. In addition, serum miR‐22 levels were significantly higher in AML patients achieving complete remission (CR) than those without CR.

Conclusion

Collectively, serum miR‐22 might serve as a novel and promising prognostic biomarker for AML.
A Correlation of a Medication‐Focused Risk Score to Medication Errors at Discharge
Authors: Fung Linli , Huynh Trina , Brush Theresa , Medders Kathryn , El‐Kareh Robert , Daniels Charles E.
Published: June 2020

Pharmacy transitions‐of‐care services at the time of hospital discharge are helpful in reducing medication errors. Validated risk tools are commonly used by pharmacists to identify patients at greatest benefit of these services. However, current tools lack assessment of medication‐related risk factors and predict hospital readmissions rather than medication errors. To address this, a novel medication‐focused risk tool (UCSD‐Rx risk score) was created to help classify patients at a higher risk for medication errors. This study was split into 2 phases aimed to internally validate the risk score. Phase I of the study compared the predictability of 30‐day unplanned readmissions between the UCSD‐Rx risk score and a well‐validated risk tool, the LACE+ index. To further specify our risk score for pharmacist use, phase II of the study analyzed the predictability of the risk score to medication errors at discharge. Phase I demonstrated similar classification performance of 30‐day unplanned readmissions between the UCSD‐Rx risk score (C‐statistic, 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64‐0.68; P < .0001) and the LACE+ index (C‐statistic, 0.69; 95%CI, 0.67‐0.71; P < .0001). In phase II, logistic regression showed an increasing UCSD‐Rx risk score was predictive of individuals who would experience a medication error at discharge (odds ratio, 1.068; 95%CI, 1.005‐1.136; P = .035). Results of this study demonstrate that the UCSD‐Rx risk score is a promising tool targeted for pharmacist use to identify patients that may benefit most from transitions‐of‐care services prior to discharge.