bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of novel benzimidazole‐sulfonamide hybrids and Lucilia cuprina maggots' excretion/secretion topical gels for wound healing
Authors: Sayed Asmaa M. , Saleh Nashwa M. , El‐Gaby Mohamed S. A. , Abdel‐Samad Mohammad R. K. , Taher Fatma A.
Published: February 2021

A novel series of benzimidazole‐sulfonamide hybrids (6a–g) was designed, synthesized, and their structures were characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectral data. Further, all compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial effects. The synthesized benzimidazole‐sulfonamide hybrid (6d) showed the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Different gel formulations for 6d were prepared and physically investigated. After in vivo evaluation for wound healing, the 6d gel formulation delayed the wound healing in animal model. But interestingly, a combination of 6d and Lucilia cuprina maggots' excretion/secretion showed remarkable enhancement in wound healing compared with 6d only. This combination opens up promising prospects for wound healing formulations.
An overview of modeling and behavioral assessment of autism in the rodent
Authors: Haratizadeh Sara , Parvan Mahdieh , Mohammadi Somayeh , Shabani Mohammad , Nozari Masoumeh
Published: February 2021

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are common neurodevelopmental disorders with a growing incidence that generally present in the first 3 years of life. Behavioral symptoms, including impaired social interaction and increased repetitive or stereotypic movements, are hallmark characteristics of autism. Animal models are research tools used to study the biology of the disease and to develop new therapeutic approaches. The complexity of the etiology of autism makes it challenging to develop a comprehensive animal model that accurately mimics different clinical aspects of autism. Here, we reviewed the literature on modeling and behavioral assessment of autism in the rodent, and focused on ASD behavioral phenotypes that can be modeled in rodents. These animal models can be effective in gaining a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease.
Youth engagement in HIV prevention intervention research in sub‐Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Asuquo Sarah E , Tahlil Kadija M , Muessig Kathryn E , Conserve Donaldson F , Igbokwe Mesoma A , Chima Kelechi P , Nwanunu Ezienyi C , Elijah Lana P , Day Suzanne , Rosenberg Nora E , Ong Jason J , Nkengasong Susan , Tang Weiming , Obiezu‐Umeh Chisom , Nwaozuru Ucheoma , Merino Yesenia , Gbaja‐Biamila Titilola , Oladele David , Iwelunmor Juliet , Ezechi Oliver , Tucker Joseph D
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Youth engagement in HIV research is generally recognized as essential, but often neglected or minimally implemented in practice. Engagement is a process of working collaboratively with diverse groups of people to address common issues. We conducted a scoping review of youth HIV prevention interventions in sub‐Saharan Africa to identify and categorize forms and levels of youth engagement across the lifespan of intervention research.

Methods

We followed Arksey and O'Malley's framework for organizing a scoping review. We searched seven databases for related articles on identified intervention studies through May 28th 2020. Included studies focused on youth (10 to 24 years old) HIV prevention interventions in sub‐Saharan Africa. Two reviewers independently examined citations and full manuscripts for inclusion. Data were extracted on study characteristics, location, description of youth engagement and extent of engagement. Youth engagement approaches were categorized based on Hart’s ladder as substantial engagement (strong youth decision‐making power), moderate engagement (shared decision making with adults), minimal engagement (no youth decision‐making power) or no engagement.

Results

We identified 3149 citations and included 112 studies reporting on 74 unique HIV interventions. Twenty‐two interventions were in low‐income countries, 49 in middle‐income countries, and three were in both. Overall, only nine interventions (12%) had substantial or moderate youth engagement, two‐thirds (48, 65%) had minimal youth engagement and 17 interventions (23%) had no youth engagement. We also identified specific engagement strategies (e.g. youth‐led research, crowdsourcing) that were feasible in multiple settings and resulted in substantial engagement.

Conclusions

We found limited youth engagement in youth HIV prevention intervention studies in sub‐Saharan Africa. However, several activities resulted in substantial youth engagement and could be relevant in many low‐and‐middle‐income‐country (LMIC) settings.
The FasLane to ocular pathology—metalloproteinase cleavage of membrane-bound FasL determines FasL function
Authors: Gregory-Ksander Meredith , Marshak-Rothstein Ann
Published: February 2021

Fas ligand (FasL) is best known for its ability to induce cell death in a wide range of Fas-expressing targets and to limit inflammation in immunoprivileged sites such as the eye. In addition, the ability of FasL to induce a much more extensive list of outcomes is being increasingly explored and accepted. These outcomes include the induction of proinflammatory cytokine production, T cell activation, and cell motility. However, the distinct and opposing functions of membrane-associated FasL (mFasL) and the C-terminal soluble FasL fragment (sFasL) released by metalloproteinase cleavage is less well documented and understood. Both mFasL and sFasL can form trimers that engage the trimeric Fas receptor, but only mFasL can form a multimeric complex in lipid rafts to trigger apoptosis and inflammation. By contrast, a number of reports have now documented the anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activity of sFasL, pointing to a critical regulatory function of the soluble molecule. The immunomodulatory activity of FasL is particularly evident in ocular pathology where elimination of the metalloproteinase cleavage site and the ensuing increased expression of mFasL can severely exacerbate the extent of inflammation and cell death. By contrast, both homeostatic and increased expression of sFasL can limit inflammation and cell death. The mechanism(s) responsible for the protective activity of sFasL are discussed but remain controversial. Nevertheless, it will be important to consider therapeutic applications of sFasL for the treatment of ocular diseases such as glaucoma.
The serotonergic nervous system of prolecithophorans shows a closer similarity to fecampiids than to triclads (Platyhelminthes)
Authors: Grosbusch Alexandra L. , Bertemes Philip , Egger Bernhard
Published: February 2021

Prolecithophora is a poorly studied flatworm order belonging to the adiaphanidan clade, together with Tricladida and Fecampiida. The phylogenetic position of the three orders within this clade is not yet resolved. Additionally, no obvious synapomorphy other than an opaque epidermis could be found so far. In this study, the serotonergic nervous system of six different prolecithophoran species has been studied for the first time with a fluorescent immunocytochemical technique. We found that all six species show a similar pattern of the serotonergic nervous system. The typical prolecithophoran serotonergic nervous system consists of a cephalic ganglion in the anterior body part from which a pair of dorsal, ventral, and lateral longitudinal nerve cords originate. Furthermore, the three longitudinal nerve cords of one body side are connected to each other at the posterior body part by a conspicuous commissure. The ventral cords, which we consider the main cords, are most prominent and show double brain roots. A comparison of the nervous system within Adiaphanida shows clearly that prolecithophorans and fecampiids are much more similar in this regard than prolecithophorans and triclads.
Maintaining Image Quality While Reducing Acoustic Noise and Switched Gradient Field Exposure During Lumbar MRI
Authors: Glans Anton , Wilén Jonna , Lindgren Lenita
Published: February 2021

Background

MR‐generated acoustic noise can contribute to patient discomfort and potentially be harmful. One way to reduce this noise is by altering the gradient output and/or waveform using software optimization. Such modifications might influence image quality and switched gradient field exposure, and different techniques appear to affect sound pressure levels (SPLs) to various degrees.

Purpose

To evaluate SPLs, image quality, switched gradient field exposure, and participants' perceived noise levels during two different acoustic noise reduction (ANR) techniques, Quiet Suite (QS) and Whisper Mode (WM), and to compare them with conventional T2‐weighted turbo spin echo (T2W TSE) of the lumbar spine.

Design

Prospective.

Subjects

Forty adults referred for lumbar MRI.

Field Strength/Sequence

Conventional T2W TSE, T2W TSE with QS, and T2W TSE with WM were acquired at 1.5 T.

Assessment

Peak SPL (A‐weighted decibels, dBA), perceived noise levels (Borg CR10®‐scale), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), three radiologists' qualitative assessments in image quality on an ordinal scale 1–4, switched gradient field exposure (% general public), and gradient currents were measured. Interobserver reliability was reported as percentage agreement.

Statistical Tests

Repeated measures ANOVA, Friedman's ANOVA, and Wilcoxon's Signed‐Rank Test for acoustic noise measurements and image quality assessments.

Results

Mean peak SPLs were 89.9 dBA, 74.3 dBA, and 78.8 dBA for conventional, QS, and WM, respectively (P < 0.05). Participants perceived QS as the quietest and conventional as the loudest sequence (P < 0.05). No qualitative differences in image quality were seen (P > 0.05), although QS showed significantly improved SNR and CNR (P < 0.05). Switched gradient field exposure was reduced by 66% and 48% for QS and WM, respectively.

Data Conclusion

Without degrading image quality, both QS and WM are viable ANR techniques in lumbar T2W TSE. QS provided the lowest SPL, the lowest gradient field exposure and was perceived as the most silent among the three sequences.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

5
Quantification of Myocardial Creatine and Triglyceride Content in the Human Heart: Precision and Accuracy of in vivo Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Bakermans Adrianus J. , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , de Vries Dylan K. , Reckman Yolan J. , Farag Emile S. , de Heer Paul , Uthman Laween , Denis Simone W. , Zuurbier Coert J. , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , Koolbergen David R. , Kluin Jolanda , Planken R. Nils , Lamb Hildo J. , Webb Andrew G. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Beard Daniel A. , Jeneson Jeroen A.L. , Nederveen Aart J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) of the human heart is deemed to be a quantitative method to investigate myocardial metabolite content, but thorough validations of in vivo measurements against invasive techniques are lacking.

Purpose

To determine measurement precision and accuracy for quantifications of myocardial total creatine and triglyceride content with localized 1H‐MRS.

Study type

Test–retest repeatability and measurement validation study.

Subjects

Sixteen volunteers and 22 patients scheduled for open‐heart aortic valve replacement or septal myectomy.

Field Strength/Sequence

Prospectively ECG‐triggered respiratory‐gated free‐breathing single‐voxel point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence at 3 T.

Assessment

Myocardial total creatine and triglyceride content were quantified relative to the total water content by fitting the 1H‐MR spectra. Precision was assessed with measurement repeatability. Accuracy was assessed by validating in vivo 1H‐MRS measurements against biochemical assays in myocardial tissue from the same subjects.

Statistical Tests

Intrasession and intersession repeatability was assessed using Bland–Altman analyses. Agreement between 1H‐MRS measurements and biochemical assay was tested with regression analyses.

Results

The intersession repeatability coefficient for myocardial total creatine content was 41.8% with a mean value of 0.083% ± 0.020% of the total water signal, and 36.7% for myocardial triglyceride content with a mean value of 0.35% ± 0.13% of the total water signal. Ex vivo myocardial total creatine concentrations in tissue samples correlated with the in vivo myocardial total creatine content measured with 1H‐MRS: n = 22, r = 0.44; P < 0.05. Likewise, ex vivo myocardial triglyceride concentrations correlated with the in vivo myocardial triglyceride content: n = 20, r = 0.50; P < 0.05.

Data Conclusion

We validated the use of localized 1H‐MRS of the human heart at 3 T for quantitative assessments of in vivo myocardial tissue metabolite content by estimating the measurement precision and accuracy.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Evaluation of acrylamide‐removing properties of bacterial consortia under simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Torres‐Gregorio Margarita , Santiago‐López Lourdes , Vallejo‐Cordoba Belinda , González‐Córdova Aarón F , Garcia Hugo Sergio , Hernandez‐Mendoza Adrián
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated the acrylamide‐removing properties of probiotic monocultures; however, potential advantages of consortia over monocultures in reducing the dietary exposure to acrylamide have not been proven. Hence this work aims to assess the acrylamide (AA)‐binding properties of bacterial consortia, consisting of either probiotic strains and / or representative bacteria of duodenal microbiota, exposed to simulated gastrointestinal conditions (SGC). The AA binding capacity of ten probiotic strains (PS) and six duodenal strains (NDS) was evaluated under different conditions; then, three different consortia (PS, NDS, and PS + NDS) were assessed under SGC.

RESULTS

Among individual PS, Bacillus coagulans GBI‐30, Lactobacillus fermentum J23, L. pentosus J37 and J24, and L. casei Shirota, exhibited the highest AA‐binding capacity (80–87%), while Bifidobacterium catenulatun ATCC27676, Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus ATCC19258, and S. gallolyticus ATCC9809 were the best (ca. 68%) NDS monocultures. Probiotic strain consortia showed higher (P < 0.05) AA binding capacity (> 90%) than monoculture bacteria. Conversely, individual NDS cultures displayed higher (P < 0.05) binding capacity than NDS consortia (60%). A significant reduction (P < 0.05) in AA removal capacity was observed when consortia were exposed to SGC, PS consortia being the most effective (> 60% removal).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that consortia of specific PS could play an important role in reducing the intestinal availability of acrylamide. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Impacts of land‐use changes on the variability of microbiomes in soil profiles
Authors: Chen Xu , Zhang Zhiming , Han Xiaozeng , Hao Xiangxiang , Lu Xinchun , Yan Jun , Biswas Asim , Dunfield Kari , Zou Wenxiu
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

The conversion of arable land to grassland and/or forested land is a common strategy of restoration because the development of plant communities can inhibit the erosion of soil, increase biodiversity and improve associated ecosystem services. The vertical profiles of microbial communities, however, have not been well characterized and their variability after land conversion is not well understood. We assessed the effects of the conversion of arable land (AL) to grassland (GL) and forested land (FL) on bacterial communities as old as 29 years in 0–200‐cm profiles of a Chinese Mollisol.

RESULTS

The soil in AL has been a stable ecosystem and changes in the assembly of soil microbiomes tended to be larger in the topsoil. The soil properties and microbial biodiversity of arable land were larger following revegetation and reforestation. The conversion caused a more complex coupling among microbes, and negative interactions and average connectivity were stronger in the 0–20‐cm layers in GL and in the 20–60‐cm layers in FL. The land use dramatically influenced the assembly of the microbial communities more in GL than AL and FL. The bacterial diversity was an important component of soil multinutrient cycling in the profiles and microbial functions were not as affected by changes in land use.

CONCLUSION

The spatial variation of the microbiomes provided critical information on below‐ground soil ecology and the ability of the soil to provide crucial ecosystem services. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Detoxification of jatropha kernel meal to utilize it as aqua‐feed
Authors: Ghosh Subarna , Bitra Venkata SP , S Dasi Daniel , Godugula Veeraprasad
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Jatropha is an oilseed crop with high kernel oil (55–58%) and protein (26–29%) contents, which makes it a good source of biodiesel and animal/aqua‐feed. However, the presence of anti‐nutritional toxins, such as phorbol esters, lectins, trypsin inhibitor, phytate, and saponins, restricts its use as feed. This paper describes chemical, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and biological treatments for detoxification of jatropha kernel meal. Raw, defatted, and one‐time and two‐times mechanically expressed oil samples were analyzed for toxins. Chemical treatment involved heating with 90% methanol and 4% sodium hydroxide. UV treatment was carried out at UV light intensity of 53.4 mW cm−2 for 30 min. For biological treatment, cell‐free extract from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (strain PAO1) was mixed with kernel meal for detoxification.

RESULTS

Among treatments, chemical treatment was most effective in reducing all toxins, with phorbol esters in the range 0.034–0.052 mg g−1, lectin 0.082–10.766 mg g−1, trypsin inhibitor 10.499–11.350 mg g−1, phytate 2.475–5.769 mg g−1, and saponins 0.044–0.098 mg g−1. Biological treatment reduced all toxins except phytate, whereas UV treatment could not reduce any of toxins and, hence, cannot be used for aqua‐feed preparation. Pellets prepared from chemically detoxified kernel meal with the least oil content (defatted) resulted in the highest strength (70.93 N).

CONCLUSION

Chemically treated jatropha kernel meal can be used for aqua‐feed pellet preparation because of its low toxin content. The highest compressive strength was obtained for pellets with the least oil content (defatted). Biological treatment time must have been extended for many hours instead of 24 h. Jatropha kernel meal treated chemically can be recommended for aqua‐feed manufacturing. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Thoracoacromial artery and vein as main recipient vessels in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap transfer for breast reconstruction
Authors: Yamamoto Takumi , Kageyama Takashi , Sakai Hayahito , Fuse Yuma , Tsukuura Reiko , Yamamoto Nana
Published: February 2021

Background

The internal mammary artery/vein (IMA/V) are commonly used recipients for free flap breast reconstruction, but requires costal cartilage resection and limits future use of the IMA. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the thoracoacromial artery/vein (TAA/V) as recipients for deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction compared with using the IMA/V.

Methods

Medical charts of patients who underwent free DIEP flap breast reconstruction using the TAA/V or the IMA/V as recipient vessels were reviewed. Patient and vessel characteristics, time for vessel preparation and anastomosis, and postoperative pain were compared between TAA/V and IMA/V groups.

Results

Thirty‐four patients were included; 12 in TAA/V group, and 22 in IMA/V group. There was no flap failure in both groups. There were statistically significant differences between TAA/V and IMA/V groups in vessel preparation time (10.9 ± 3.7 min vs. 24.1 ± 6.0 min, p < .001), anastomosis time (31.2 ± 12.1 min vs. 42.1 ± 11.2 min, p = .017), and total dose of acetaminophen (4566.7 ± 1015.6 mg vs. 5436.4 ± 1323.3 mg, p = .041).

Conclusions

The TAA/V could be safely used as recipient vessels for DIEP flap breast reconstruction with shorter time and less postoperative pain.
Comprehensive chemical and metabolic profiling of anti‐hyperglycemic active fraction from Clerodendranthi Spicati Herba
Authors: Luo Yun , Liu Yue , Wen Quan , Feng Yulin , Tan Ting
Published: February 2021

Extensive pharmacological research has demonstrated that Clerodendranthi Spicati Herba has an obvious anti‐hyperglycemic effect via α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. However, the anti‐hyperglycemic active fraction and its metabolic behavior in vivo have not been elaborated clearly. In this study, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry with data filtering strategy, including mass defect screening, diagnostic product ions and neutral loss identification, was established for chemical and metabolic profiling of anti‐hyperglycemic active fraction from Clerodendranthi Spicati Herba. A total of 28 methoxylated flavonoids and 61 diterpenoids were rapidly identified. Four main known methoxylated flavonoids were purified and unambiguously identified by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Thirty‐one absorbed diterpenoids, 12 absorbed methoxylated flavonoids, and 56 methoxylated flavonoids metabolites were identified in rat plasma, urine, bile, and feces after oral administration of anti‐hyperglycemic active fraction. The methoxylated flavonoids were predominantly metabolized by demethylation, sulfation, and glucuronidation. Glucuronidation metabolites found in bile and urine after demethylation were dominant metabolites. Diterpenoids were absorbed into the blood mainly in the form of prototypes and excreted through bile and urine. These results indicated that methoxylated flavonoids and diterpenoids were responsible for α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity, which might provide novel drug candidates for the management of diabetes mellitus.
Models of Trauma Exposure, Depression, and Suicidality in Safety‐Net Primary Care
Authors: Mladen Samantha N. , Williams Allison B. , Griffin Sarah C. , Perrin Paul B. , Rybarczyk Bruce D.
Published: February 2021

Suicidality is a major public health concern, particularly for low‐income, trauma‐exposed patients with limited access to mental health providers. However, limited research has modeled pathways of suicidality in safety‐net primary care samples. Patients (N = 207) in a safety‐net primary care clinic completed measures of childhood and adult trauma exposure, depression, and suicidality. Participants (M age = 44.8 years, SD = 11.6), were 60.4% male, 63.8% Black/African American, and predominantly low‐income (i.e., 69.1% reported an annual income less than $5,000 USD). Half of the sample reported at least four childhood traumatic events (M = 3.9 events, SD = 3.0) and approximately three adult traumatic events (M = 3.0 events, SD = 2.1). Most participants (82.1%) reported significant depressive symptoms, and 43.5% endorsed recent suicidality. Models showing the mediational effect of depression on the association between trauma exposure and suicidality, β = .20, B = 0.23, SE = 0.05, 95% CI [0.16, 0.32], and the moderational effect of trauma exposure on the association between depression and suicidality, β = .16, B = 0.20, SE = 0.08, p = .007, were both supported. These results underscore the high prevalence of trauma exposure, depression, and suicidality in a safety‐net primary care sample. They also highlight the pervasiveness and complexity of suicidality in low‐income primary care patients, emphasize the importance of trauma‐informed suicide assessment, and identify trauma sequelae and depression as potential treatment targets to reduce suicidality.
Ecological Interactions Involving Feral Horses and Predators: Review with Implications for Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Boyce Paul N. , McLoughlin Philip D.
Published: February 2021

For many ecosystems, feral horses are increasingly becoming an important if not dominant component of ungulate biomass and hence influence on community dynamics. Yet we still know little of how horses contribute to key ecological interactions including predator‐prey and indirect competitive relationships at a community level. Notably, feral species like horses can exhibit life‐history traits that differ from that of native (mainly artiodactyl) herbivore competitors. Artificial selection for traits like increased, early, or extended reproduction that have yet to be reversed by natural selection, coupled with naturally selected differences in anatomy and behavior, in addition to unique management objectives for horses compared to other species, means that the dynamics of feral horse populations are not likely to align with what might be expected of other large herbivores. Unexpected population dynamics and inherent biological asymmetries between native ungulates and feral horses may therefore influence the former via direct competition for shared resources and through enemy‐mediated interactions like apparent competition. In several localities feral horses now co‐exist with multiple native prey species, some of which are in decline or are species at risk. Compounding risks to native species from direct or indirect competitive exclusion by horses is the unique nature and socio‐political context of feral horse management, which tends towards allowing horse populations to be limited largely by natural, density‐dependent factors. We summarize the inherent asymmetries between feral horse biology and that of other ungulate prey species with consequences for conservation, focusing on predator‐prey and emerging indirect interactions in multi‐prey systems, and highlight future directions to address key knowledge gaps in our understanding of how feral horses may now be contributing to the (re)structuring of food webs. Observations of patterns of rapid growth and decline, and associated skews in sex ratios of feral horse populations, indicate a heightened potential for indirect interactions among large ungulate prey species, where there is a prevalence of feral horses as preferred prey, particularly where native prey are declining. In places like western North America, we expect predator‐prey interactions involving feral horses to become an increasingly important factor in the conservation of wildlife. This applies not only to economically or culturally important game species but also at‐risk species, both predators (e.g., wolves [Canis lupus], grizzly bears [Ursus arctos]) and prey (e.g., woodland caribou [Rangifer tarandus caribou]), necessitating an ecological understanding of the role of horses in natural environments that goes beyond that of population control. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Otolaryngology Curriculum During Residency Preparation Course Improves Preparedness for Internship
Authors: Keilin Charles A. , Farlow Janice L. , Malloy Kelly M. , Bohm Lauren A.
Published: February 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Residency preparation courses (RPCs) have become a widely adopted practice to ease the transition of medical students into residency, but these courses often lack training in skills expected of subspecialty interns. To fill this gap, a simulation‐based curriculum in otolaryngology (ORL) was implemented at the University of Michigan Medical School. The curriculum aimed to improve confidence and perceived ability to perform common ORL skills for graduating students prior to internship.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Six basic simulations (tracheostomy, flexible laryngoscopy, otomicroscopy, myringotomy and tube insertion, epistaxis and peritonsillar abscess management) were included in the first course in 2019. The course was expanded in 2020 with the addition of three advanced simulations (ear foreign body extraction, tracheostomy complications, and “cannot intubate, cannot ventilate” situations). Pre‐ and postsession surveys were collected to assess individual simulations and the course overall.

Results

A total of 32 students participated in the ORL simulation curriculum in Spring 2019 and 2020. Paired t‐tests showed significant improvement in self‐perception of ability on every simulation. Qualitative feedback revealed that students particularly valued the opportunity for hands‐on learning. Non‐ORL students rated their baseline abilities significantly lower than ORL students on five stations, but they achieved statistically equivalent postsession ratings on all but the otomicroscopy station.

Conclusions

An ORL‐specific curriculum is a valuable addition to procedural RPCs. The curriculum resulted in increased confidence and perceived ability in skill performance for both students pursuing ORL residencies, as well as those pursuing other procedural specialties.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2143–E2148, 2021
Sharing managerial contract information in a vertically related market
Authors: Kopel Michael , Putz Eva Maria
Published: February 2021

Recent research shows that in duopolies with strategic delegation, firm owners have an incentive to always share information about managerial compensation contracts. We study how sharing of contract information is affected by the presence of a supplier. We find that under quantity competition, a partial information‐sharing equilibrium may occur. Firms that share contract information punish their managers for sales to soften supplier pricing. Mandating information sharing increases total welfare but decreases consumer surplus. Under price competition, firms always want to share managerial contract information. Finally, firm profits can be higher under price competition than under quantity competition.
Affirmative action and team performance: An agency theoretic perspective
Authors: Choi Ji‐Hung , Oh Hannah , Bae John , Kim Sang‐Joon
Published: February 2021

This study investigates how affirmative action affects team performance by taking an analytic approach. Given that affirmative action discerns two subgroups within a team, which are a group of beneficiaries (BA) and a group of non‐beneficiaries (NA) from affirmative action, we formulate a formal model to specify how these subgroups respond to the affirmative action under an employment contract. With this formal model, we propose that the interaction between the BA's capacity and the NA's leveraging action is essential for team performance. This helps expand our knowledge as to how organizations can strategize affirmative action to enhance team performance.
New models of fractional blood ethanol and two‐cell cubic autocatalator reaction equations
Authors: Alderremy Aisha A. , Saad Khaled M. , Gómez‐Aguilar José Francisco , Aly Shaban , Kumar Devendra , Singh Jagdev
Published: February 2021

Our main aim in this paper is to propose and investigate new models of fractional blood ethanol and fractional two‐cell cubic autocatalysis reaction models. In particular, we evaluate the numerical solutions of these models by means of the power law and the Mittag–Leffler kernel. The numerical solutions are based mma7188 the fundamental theorem of fractional calculus as well as the Lagrange polynomial interpolation. We compare the numerical solutions for the blood ethanol with exact solutions while for the two‐cell cubic autocatalysis reaction model, we compare with numerical solutions that derived by using the finite‐difference method. In the case of the fractional order of the second model, the comparison is made with the spectral collocation method. In all cases, we found an excellent agreement. The novelty of this work is to study these models with the proposed algorithm for first time. Finally, we illustrate the behaviors of the numerical solutions for different values of order of the models and their parameters.
Stability results of coupled wave models with locally memory in a past history framework via nonsmooth coefficients on the interface
Authors: Akil Mohammad , Badawi Haidar , Nicaise Serge , Wehbe Ali
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we investigate the stabilization of a locally coupled wave equations with local viscoelastic damping of past history type acting only in one equation via non smooth coefficients. First, using a general criteria of Arendt–Batty, we prove the strong stability of our system. Second, using a frequency domain approach combined with the multiplier method, we establish the exponential stability of the solution if and only if the two waves have the same speed of propagation. In case of different speed propagation, we prove that the energy of our system decays polynomially with rate t−1. Finally, we show the lack of exponential stability if the speeds of wave propagation are different.
Benefits of time‐resolved nonuniform sampling in reaction monitoring: The case of aza‐Michael addition of benzylamine and acrylamide
Authors: Gołowicz Dariusz , Kaźmierczak Magdalena , Kazimierczuk Krzysztof
Published: February 2021

Monitoring of chemical reactions is best carried out using methods that sample the test object at a rate greater than the time scale of the processes taking place. The recently proposed time‐resolved nonuniform sampling (TR‐NUS) method allows the use of two‐dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra for this purpose and provides a time resolution equivalent to that achievable using one‐dimensional spectra. Herein, we show that TR‐NUS acquired data eliminates 2D spectral line disturbances and enables more accurate signal integration and kinetics conclusions. The considerations are exemplified with a seemingly simple aza‐Michael reaction of benzylamine and acrylamide. Surprisingly, the product identification is possible only using 2D spectra, although credible monitoring requires TR‐NUS.
Rapid nuclear magnetic resonance data acquisition with improved resolution and sensitivity for high‐throughput metabolomic analysis
Authors: Joseph David , Sukumaran Sujeesh , Chandra Kousik , Pudakalakatti Shivanand M. , Dubey Abhinav , Singh Amrinder , Atreya Hanudatta S.
Published: February 2021

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based metabolomics has witnessed rapid advancements in recent years with the continuous development of new methods to enhance the sensitivity, resolution, and speed of data acquisition. Some of the approaches were earlier used for peptide and protein resonance assignments and have now been adapted to metabolomics. At the same time, new NMR methods involving novel data acquisition techniques, suited particularly for high‐throughput analysis in metabolomics, have been developed. In this review, we focus on the different sampling strategies or data acquisition methods that have been developed in our laboratory and other groups to acquire NMR spectra rapidly with high sensitivity and resolution for metabolomics. In particular, we focus on the use of multiple receivers, phase modulation NMR spectroscopy, and fast‐pulsing methods for identification and assignments of metabolites.
Information sharing motivated by production cost reduction in a supply chain with downstream competition
Authors: Cao Erbao , Chen Guangzhi
Published: February 2021

This paper studies demand information sharing in a two‐echelon supply chain consisting of one manufacturer and two retailers, an informed retailer and an uninformed retailer. The retailers engage in Cournot competition or Bertrand competition. The manufacturer can conduct cost reduction, while the informed retailer has the decision power to opt for a sharing format, among no sharing, partial sharing (only with the manufacturer), and full sharing. Under partial sharing, the uninformed retailer infers the demand information from the manufacturer's wholesale price. We find that the inference effect, that is, the presence of the manufacturer's pricing distortion, depends on the manufacturer's cost‐reduction efficiency and the retailers' competition mode. Under low cost‐reduction efficiency, the inference effect makes the retailers worse off in quantity competition, whereas it is beneficial to them in price competition. On the contrary, under high efficiency, the retailers benefit from the inference effect in quantity competition, whereas they become worse off in price competition. By contrast, the inference effect only makes the manufacturer worse off. The uninformed retailer may prefer partial sharing to full sharing, while the informed retailer may be indifferent between full sharing and partial sharing.
Peaceful coexistence between people and deadly wildlife: Why are recreational users of the ocean so rarely bitten by sea snakes?
Authors: Udyawer Vinay , Goiran Claire , Shine Richard
Published: February 2021

Research on interactions between humans and deadly snakes has focused on situations that result in high rates of snakebite; but we can also learn from cases where snakes and people coexist peacefully. For example, coastal bays near Noumea, in the Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia, are used by thousands of tourists and snakes, but bites are rare.

Our long‐term studies clarify reasons for this coexistence. Although 97% of snakes encountered in standardised snorkel surveys were a harmless species Emydocephalus annulatus, we recorded dangerously venomous taxa often enough (one snake per 8 hr snorkelling) that we would expect many risky human–snake interactions in these crowded bays. However, the risk is reduced by low overlap between humans and snakes in the timing of activity, both seasonally and on the diel cycle. Mate‐searching male snakes, the group most likely to approach divers, enter the bays only in cooler months of the year when few beach users are present. Also, snakes tend to be active by night, whereas people are not.

Risk is further reduced by spatial divergence: bare‐footed beach users stay in sandy areas rather than the adjacent coral‐reef areas that are preferred by snakes. The response of snakes to disturbance is also important: most sea snakes are reluctant to bite even when harassed. Water currents frequently push sea snakes against hard objects, perhaps explaining why the snakes do not interpret brief contact with a human as an attack. The ability of snakes to flee is increased by uniformly high body temperature, and a complex three‐dimensional aquatic environment.

Thus, the danger of snakebite for recreational users of these popular beaches is reduced by aspects of human and snake behaviour that (a) decrease encounter rates and (b) render snakes unlikely to bite even if contacted. The risk to snakes is also reduced because snakes are more difficult to detect and kill underwater than on land. As a result, thousands of snakes and people coexist harmoniously within these small bays.
Second tumor risk in children treated with proton therapy
Authors: Indelicato Daniel J. , Bates James E. , Mailhot Vega Raymond B. , Rotondo Ronny L. , Hoppe Bradford S. , Morris Christopher G. , Looi Wen S. , Sandler Eric S. , Aldana Philipp R. , Bradley Julie A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Out‐of‐field neutron dissemination during double‐scattered proton therapy has raised concerns of increased second malignancies, disproportionally affecting pediatric patients due to the proportion of body exposed to scatter dose and inherent radiosensitivity of developing tissue. We sought to provide empiric data on the incidence of early second tumors.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2019, 1713 consecutive children underwent double‐scattered proton therapy. Median age at treatment was 9.1 years; 371 were ≤3 years old. Thirty‐seven patients (2.2%) had tumor predisposition syndromes. Median prescription dose was 54 Gy (range 15–75.6). Median follow‐up was 3.3 years (range 0.1–12.8), including 6587 total person‐years. Five hundred forty‐nine patients had ≥5 years of follow‐up. A second tumor was defined as any solid neoplasm throughout the body.

Results

Eleven patients developed second tumors; the 5‐ and 10‐year cumulative incidences were 0.8% (95% CI, 0.4–1.9%) and 3.1% (95% CI, 1.5–6.2%), respectively. Using age‐ and gender‐specific data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, the standardized incidence ratio was 13.5; the absolute excess risk was 1.5/1000 person‐years. All but one patient who developed second tumors were irradiated at ≤5 years old (p < .0005). There was also a statistically significant correlation between patients with tumor predisposition syndromes and second tumors (p < .0001). Excluding patients with tumor predisposition syndromes, 5‐ and 10‐year rates were 0.6% (95% CI, 0.2–1.7%) and 1.7% (95% CI, 0.7–4.0%), respectively, with all five malignant second tumors occurring in the high‐dose region.

Conclusion

Second tumors are rare within the decade following double‐scattered proton therapy, particularly among children irradiated at >5 years old and those without tumor predisposition syndrome.
Damage and failure analyses of 3D4d braided composite shafts under torsional load and the effects of braid processing parameters on their torsional properties
Authors: Wang Ya , Liu Zhen‐Guo , Yi Yun‐Peng , Wei Yu‐Chen , Li Zhi‐jian , Wang Yi‐Bo
Published: February 2021

This paper presented the numerical and experimental studies on the torsional properties of 3D braided composite shafts. The torsion test was first conducted, then a parametric tubular unit cell model was constructed based on geometric mapping relations to detail the micro geometries of the shafts. The local yarn orientations were derived using finite deformation theory, and the 3d Hashin failure criterions were adopted to simulate the progressive damage behaviors of the shafts. The predicted results were in good agreements with the experimental ones, which validated the FE model. Based on the FE results, the damage was analyzed in detail, it was found that the transverse shear‐tension damage of longitudinally compressive yarns was critical for the failures of 3D4d braided composite shafts under torsional load. The surface damage initiated first, and then propagated into the internal structure, while the internal damage was much severe in the final failure morphology. The effects of braid processing parameters (M, N, γr, and r1,) on the torsional properties were also reported. A dependency of increasing then decreasing was confirmed by the simulation results for all four parameters, and it was found that the peak values could be achieved when the average braiding angle was around 45o.
Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometric analysis for detection and quantification of adulteration in lavender and citronella essential oils
Authors: Truzzi Eleonora , Marchetti Lucia , Bertelli Davide , Benvenuti Stefania
Published: February 2021

Introduction

The growing consumer interest in “naturals” led to an increased application of essential oils (EOs). The market outbreak induced the intensification of EO adulterations, which could affect their quality.

Objectives

Nowadays, little is known about the illegal practice of adulteration of EOs with vegetable oils. Therefore, the application of mid‐infrared spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics was proposed for the detection of EO counterfeits.

Materials and methods

Two EOs, three seed oils, and their mixtures were selected to build the adulteration model. EO–adulterant mixtures for model calibration and validation were analyzed by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy. The spectral data were analyzed with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least‐squares (PLS) regression.

Results

PCA allowed the discrimination of the EO and adulterant percentages by explaining 97.47% of the total spectral variance with two principal components. A PLS regression model was generated with three factors explaining 97.73% and 99.69% of the total variance in X and Y, respectively. The root mean square error of calibration and the root mean square error of cross‐validation were 0.918 and 1.049, respectively. The root mean square error of prediction value obtained from the external validation set was 1.588 and the coefficients of determination R2CAL and R2CV were 0.997 and 0.996, respectively.

Conclusions

The results highlighted the robustness of the developed method in quantifying counterfeits in the range from 0 to 50% of adulterants, disregarding the type of EO and adulterant employed. The present work offers a research advance and makes an important impact in phytochemistry, revealing an easily applicable method for EO quality assessment.
Co‐culturing multicellular tumor models: Modeling the tumor microenvironment and analysis techniques
Authors: Shannon Ariana E. , Boos Claire E. , Hummon Amanda B.
Published: February 2021

Advances in two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture over the last 10 years have led to the development of a plethora of methods for cultivating tumor models. More recently, cellular co‐cultures have become a suitable testbed. The first portion of this review focuses on co‐culturing methods that have been developed in recent years utilizing the multicellular tumor spheroid model. The latter portion describes techniques that are used to analyze the proteomes of mono‐ or co‐cultured tumor models, with a focus on mass spectrometry (MS)‐based analyses. Protein profiles are important indicators of the tumor heterogeneity. Therefore, there is a specific focus within this review on analysis by MS and MS imaging methods evaluating the proteomic profiles of 2D and 3D co‐cultures. While these models are incredibly important for biological research, so far, they have not been widely explored on the proteomic level. With this review, we aim to introduce these systems to an analytical audience, with the goal of highlighting MS as an underutilized tool for proteomic analysis of tumor models.
Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals altered enzyme expression profile in Zea mays roots during the early stages of colonization by Herbaspirillum seropedicae
Authors: Nunes Rosane de Oliveira , Domiciano Abrahão Giselli , de Sousa Alves Wilber , Aparecida de Oliveira Jaqueline , César Sousa Nogueira Fábio , Pasqualoto Canellas Luciano , Lopes Olivares Fábio , Benedeta Zingali Russolina , Soares Márcia Regina
Published: February 2021

The use of plant growth‐promoting bacteria as agricultural inoculants of plants should be encouraged because of their prominent role in biological nitrogen fixation, the increase of nutrient uptake by roots, abiotic stress mitigation, and disease control. The complex mechanisms underlying the association between plant and beneficial bacteria have been increasingly studied, and proteomic tools can expand our perception regarding the fundamental molecular processes modulated by the interaction. In this study, we investigated the changes in protein expression in maize roots in response to treatment with the endophytic diazotrophic Herbaspirillum seropedicae and the activities of enzymes related to nitrogen metabolism. To identify maize proteins whose expression levels were altered in the presence of bacteria, a label‐free quantitative proteomic approach was employed. Using this approach, we identified 123 differentially expressed proteins, of which 34 were upregulated enzymes, in maize roots cultivated with H. seropedicae. The maize root colonization of H. seropedicae modulated the differential expression of enzymes involved in the stress response, such as peroxidases, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, and glutathione transferase. The differential protein profile obtained in the inoculated roots reflects the effect of colonization on plant growth and development compared with control plants.