bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL‐33/ST2 as a potential target for tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Jiang Wenyi , Lian Jingyao , Yue Ying , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2021

IL‐33, a member of the IL‐1 family, was initially reported to be expressed constitutively in the nucleus of tissue‐lining and structural cells. However, upon tissue damage or injury, IL‐33 can be released quickly to bind with its cognate receptor ST2 in response to wound healing and inflammation and act as a DAMP. As a key regulator of Th2 responses, IL‐33/ST2 signal is primarily associated with immunity and immune‐related disorders. In recent years, IL‐33/ST2 signaling pathway has been reported to promote the development of cancer and remodel the tumor microenvironment by expanding immune suppressive cells such as myeloid‐derived suppressor cells or regulatory T cells. However, its role remains controversial in some tumor settings. IL‐33 could also promote effective infiltration of immune cells such as CD8+ T and NK cells, which act as antitumor. These dual effects may limit the clinical application to target this cytokine axis. Therefore, more comprehensive exploration and deeper understanding of IL‐33 are required. In this review, we summarized the IL‐33/ST2 axis versatile roles in the tumor microenvironment with a focus on the IL‐33‐target immune cells and downstream signaling pathways. We also discuss how the IL‐33/ST2 axis could be used as a potential therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy.
TNFAIP3 Interacting Protein 3 Is an Activator of Hippo‐YAP Signaling Protecting Against Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhou Junjie , Hu Manli , He Meiling , Wang Xiaoming , Sun Dating , Huang Yongping , Cheng Xu , Fu Jiajun , Cai Jie , Ma Tengfei , Tian Song , Hu Yufeng , Hu Fengjiao , Liu Dan , He Yanqi , Yan Lanlan , She Zhi‐Gang , Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Ji Yan‐Xiao , Liu Hui , Li Hongliang , Yang Hailong , Zhang Peng
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, a common clinical problem that occurs during liver surgical procedures, causes a large proportion of early graft failure and organ rejection cases. The identification of key regulators of hepatic I/R injury may provide potential strategies to clinically improve the prognosis of liver surgery. Here, we aimed to identify the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha‐induced protein 3–interacting protein 3 (TNIP3) in hepatic I/R injury and further reveal its immanent mechanisms.

Approach and Results

In the present study, we found that hepatocyte TNIP3 was markedly up‐regulated in livers of both persons and mice subjected to I/R surgery. Hepatocyte‐specific Tnip3 overexpression effectively attenuated I/R‐induced liver necrosis and inflammation, but improved cell proliferation in mice, whereas TNIP3 ablation largely aggravated liver injury. This inhibitory effect of TNIP3 on hepatic I/R injury was found to be dependent on significant activation of the Hippo‐YAP signaling pathway. Mechanistically, TNIP3 was found to directly interact with large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) and promote neuronal precursor cell‐expressed developmentally down‐regulated 4–mediated LATS2 ubiquitination, leading to decreased Yes‐associated protein (YAP) phosphorylation at serine 112 and the activated transcription of factors downstream of YAP. Notably, adeno‐associated virus delivered TNIP3 expression in the liver substantially blocked I/R injury in mice.

Conclusions

TNIP3 is a regulator of hepatic I/R injury that alleviates cell death and inflammation by assisting ubiquitination and degradation of LATS2 and the resultant YAP activation.TNIP3 represents a promising therapeutic target for hepatic I/R injury to improve the prognosis of liver surgery.
Some implications of postnatal hippocampal development
Authors: Nadel Lynn
Published: June 2021

It is well established that in most species, the hippocampus shows extensive postnatal development. This delayed maturation has a number of implications, which can be thought of in three categories. First, the late maturation has the direct effect of depriving the developing organism of at least some of the functions of the hippocampus, in particular place learning, context coding and in humans, episodic memory. Second, such learning that does occur very early in life, prior to hippocampal maturation, will largely bear the imprint and properties of those brain systems that, unlike the hippocampus, are fully functional early in life. Third, the active state of development of hippocampus in the first weeks and months of life render this structure susceptible to disruption by environmental and/or chromosomal factors. In this article, I discuss my efforts, with many colleagues over the past 40 years, to understand each of these implications.
Slowing down the heat in thermoelectrics
Authors: Qin Bingchao , Wang Dongyang , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: June 2021

Heat transport has various applications in solid materials. In particular, the thermoelectric technology provides an alternative approach to traditional methods for waste heat recovery and solid‐state refrigeration by enabling direct and reversible conversion between heat and electricity. For enhancing the thermoelectric performance of the materials, attempts must be made to slow down the heat transport by minimizing their thermal conductivity (κ). In this study, a continuously developing heat transport model is reviewed first. Theoretical models for predicting the lattice thermal conductivity (κlat) of materials are summarized, which are significant for the rapid screening of thermoelectric materials with low κlat. Moreover, typical strategies, including the introduction of extrinsic phonon scattering centers with multidimensions and internal physical mechanisms of materials with intrinsically low κlat, for slowing down the heat transport are outlined. Extrinsic defect centers with multidimensions substantially scatter various‐frequency phonons; the intrinsically low κlat in materials with various crystal structures can be attributed to the strong anharmonicity resulting from weak chemical bonding, resonant bonding, low‐lying optical modes, liquid‐like sublattices, off‐center atoms, and complex crystal structures. This review provides an overall understanding of heat transport in thermoelectric materials and proposes effective approaches for slowing down the heat transport to depress κlat for the enhancement of thermoelectric performance.

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Platelet decrease and efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma return following peripheral blood stem cell apheresis
Authors: Shima Takahiro , Sakoda Teppei , Henzan Tomoko , Kunisaki Yuya , Sugio Takeshi , Kamezaki Kenjiro , Iwasaki Hiromi , Teshima Takanori , Maeda Takahiro , Akashi Koichi , Miyamoto Toshihiro
Published: June 2021

Background

Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation is a key treatment option for hematological diseases and is widely performed in clinical practice. Platelet loss is one of the major complications of PBSC apheresis, and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) return is considered in case of platelet decrease following apheresis; however, little is known about the frequency and severity of platelet loss and the efficacy of PRP return postapheresis.

Methods

We assessed changes in platelet counts following PBSC‐related apheresis in 270 allogeneic (allo)‐ and 105 autologous (auto)‐PBSC settings. We also evaluated the efficacy of PRP transfusion on platelet recovery postapheresis.

Results

In both allo‐ and auto‐PBSC settings, the preapheresis platelet count (range, 84‐385 and 33‐558 × 109/L, respectively) decreased postapheresis (range, 57‐292 and 20‐429 × 109/L, respectively), whereas severe platelet decrease (<50 × 109/L) was only observed in auto‐PBSC patients (n = 9). We confirmed that platelet count before apheresis was a risk factor for severe platelet decrease (<50 × 109/L) following auto‐PBSC apheresis (odds ratio 0.749, P < .049). PRP return postapheresis facilitated platelet recovery in more than 80% of cases in both allo and auto settings.

Conclusion

Lower platelet count preapheresis is a useful predictor of severe platelet decrease following auto‐PBSC apheresis and PRP return is an effective process to facilitate platelet recovery postapheresis.
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) enhance insulin secretory response via GPR40 and adenylate cyclase (AC)
Authors: Hwang Mina , Kim Hyo‐Sup , Jin Sang‐Man , Hur Kyu Yeon , Kim Jae‐Hyeon , Lee Moon‐Kyu
Published: June 2021

Thiazolidinediones are synthetic PPARγ ligands that enhance insulin sensitivity, and that could increase insulin secretion from β‐cells. However, the functional role and mechanism(s) of action in pancreatic β‐cells have not been investigated in detail.
Vatairea guianensis lectin stimulates changes in gene expression and release of TNF‐α from rat peritoneal macrophages via glycoconjugate binding
Authors: Marques Gabriela Fernandes Oliveira , Pires Alana Freitas , Osterne Vinicius Jose Silva , Pinto‐Junior Vanir Reis , Silva Ivanice Bezerra , Martins Maria Gleiciane Queiroz , Oliveira Messias Vital , Gomes Angelica Maciel , de Souza Luiz Augusto Gomes , Pavão Mauro Sérgio Gonçalves , Cavada Benildo Sousa , Assreuy Ana Maria Sampaio , Nascimento Kyria Santiago
Published: June 2021

Using a rat model of peritonitis, we herein report the inflammatory effect induced by the lectin isolated from Vatairea guianensis (VGL) seeds in the context of interactions between VGL and both toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1). Peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with VGL for dose‐dependent gene expression and release of TNF‐α. In vivo results showed that VGL (1 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) induced peritonitis in female Wistar rats. Leukocyte migration, macrophage activation, and protein leakage were measured 3 and 6 hours after induction. In vitro, peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with VGL for gene expression and TNF‐α dosage (mean ± SEM (n = 6), analysis of variance, and Bonferroni's test (P < .05)). In silico, VGL structure was applied in molecular docking with representative glycans. It was found that (a) VGL increases vascular permeability and stimulates leukocyte migration, both rolling and adhesion; (b) lectin‐induced neutrophil migration occurs via macrophage stimulation, both in vitro and in vivo; (c) lectin interacts with TLR4 and TNFR1; and (d) stimulates TNF‐α gene expression (RT‐PCR) and release from peritoneal macrophages. Thus, upon lectin‐glycan binding on the cell surface, our results suggest that VGL induces an acute inflammatory response, in turn activating the release of peritoneal macrophages via TNF‐α and TLR and/or TNFR receptor pathways.
Metabolic alterations of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy: A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Wang Weina , Wu Xintong , Su Xiaorui , Sun Huaiqiang , Tan Qiaoyue , Zhang Simin , Lu Lu , Gao Hui , Liu Wenyu , Yang Xibiao , Zhou Dong , Kemp Graham J. , Yue Qiang , Gong Qiyong
Published: June 2021

Sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE) is a focal epilepsy whose neurobiological underpinnings remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify possible neurochemical alterations in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in participants with SHE using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS). Thirty‐nine participants with SHE (mean age, 30.7 years ± 11.3 [standard deviation], 24 men) and 59 controls (mean age, 29.4 years ± 10.4, 29 men) were consecutively and prospectively recruited and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and 1H MRS in the bilateral DLPFCs. Brain concentrations of metabolites, including N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA), myo‐inositol (mI), choline, creatine, the sum of glutamate and glutamine, glutathione (GSH) and γ‐aminobutyric acid, were estimated with LCModel and corrected for the partial volume effect of cerebrospinal fluid using tissue segmentation. ANCOVA analyses revealed lower concentration of NAA in the left DLPFC in participants with SHE compared with controls. A significant difference of NAA concentration between DLPFC in the two hemispheres (left > right) was observed only in the control group. We further confirmed a higher GSH concentration in men than in women in SHE participants, which probably indicates that men are more susceptible to this disease. The mI concentration in the right DLPFC was negatively correlated with epilepsy duration. This study demonstrates that DLPFC is an important brain region involved in the pathophysiology of SHE, in which both neurons and astrocytes appear impaired, and the elevated GSH level may suggest an abnormality related to oxidative stress.
Elevated zinc concentrations did not induce thiols in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Authors: Krippner Johanna , Schubert Sven
Published: June 2021

Background

Plants evolved various mechanisms to cope with metal stress. Cadmium (Cd) exposure specifically induces the synthesis of thiol‐rich substances such as phytochelatins. Due to the chemical similarity of Cd and zinc (Zn), similar detoxification mechanisms for both metals are under discussion.

Aim

We conducted a nutrient solution experiment to investigate thiol accumulation of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) cultivars at different metal toxicity levels in vivo.

Methods

Three metal treatments were applied: 1 µM Zn (control), 10 µM Zn, and 1 µM Zn + 1 µM Cd. After 10 days, thiol accumulation in parsley and spinach cultivars, which differ in their Zn tissue tolerance, was measured.

Results

Spinach and parsley cultivars differed in metal uptake, translocation, and resistance. In spinach, Cd application induced more severe toxicity symptoms and biomass reduction than Zn. Cadmium toxicity was more pronounced in spinach than in parsley due to higher Cd translocation of spinach cultivars. Despite comparable Zn tissue concentrations, parsley did not show any Zn toxicity symptoms. Due to lower Cd tissue concentrations, only a slight browning of parsley roots was found after Cd treatment. Whereas Cd application induced thiol synthesis in both plant species, Zn excess did not.

Conclusion

As elevated Zn concentrations in plant tissues did not induce thiol synthesis, a contribution of phytochelatins to Zn homeostasis and detoxification was excluded.
Inconsistent results for Peto odds ratios in multi‐arm studies, network meta‐analysis and indirect comparisons
Authors: Schwarzer Guido , Efthimiou Orestis , Rücker Gerta
Published: June 2021

The Peto odds ratio is a well‐known effect measure in meta‐analysis of binary outcomes. For pairwise comparisons, the Peto odds ratio estimator can be severely biased in the situation of unbalanced sample sizes in the two treatment groups or large treatment effects. In this publication, we evaluate Peto odds ratio estimators in the setting of multi‐arm studies and in network meta‐analysis using illustrative examples. We observe that Peto odds ratio estimators in a multi‐arm study are inconsistent if the observed event probabilities are different or the sample sizes of treatment groups are unbalanced. The same problem emerges in network meta‐analysis including only two‐arm studies and translates to indirect comparisons of pairwise meta‐analyses. We conclude that the Peto odds ratio should not be used as effect measure in network meta‐analysis or indirect comparisons of pairwise meta‐analyses.
Outcomes and quality of life in immediate one‐stage versus two‐stage breast reconstructions without an acellular dermal matrix: 17‐ years of experience
Authors: Dimovska Eleonora O.F. , Chen Courtney , Chou Hsu‐Huan , Lin Yi‐Ling , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: June 2021

Background

Advantages of one‐stage implant‐based reconstructions include expedited surgery and recovery. This study aimed to investigate clinical and patient‐reported outcomes in one‐stage implant‐based breast reconstructions without acellular dermal matrix (ADM).

Methods

A prospectively collected database from 2002 to 2018 was retrospectively reviewed. One‐stage and two‐stage groups were compared for demographics, implant properties, early complications (hematoma, seroma, poor wound healing, implant removal), late complications (skin necrosis, capsular contracture, implant exposure, implant rupture), revision procedures, and Breast‐Q questionnaire outcomes.

Results

A total of 223 patients, 187 one‐stage (84%) and 36 two‐stage (16%) patients were recruited. At a mean follow‐up of 124.9 and 92.5 months, respectively (p < .01), there were no differences in early (p = .85) or late (p = .23) complications or revision procedures (p = .12). Eighty patients (36%) returned the Breast‐Q questionnaire (60 one‐stage, 20 two‐stage patients). There were no statistical differences in patient reported outcomes in breast well‐being (p = .07), psychosocial well‐being (p = .84), or sexual well‐being (p = .78).

Conclusions

One‐stage implant‐based breast reconstruction without an ADM is a viable reconstruction providing comparable outcomes to two‐stage procedures, with the benefit of minimal complications, a shorter reconstructive journey, and satisfactory quality of life.
The interdisciplinary and psychosocial gap in cancer survivorship: A longitudinal study in a Latin American Cancer Center
Authors: Puschel Klaus , León Augusto , Arancibia Victor , Aubel Paula , Velásquez Eng Cristián , Sáez Ps Sebastián , Vinés Eugenio , León Augusto , Thompson Beti , Are Chandrakanth
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

There is lack of information on the quality of care provided to the rapidly increasing population of cancer survivors in Latin America. Our study attempts to address this gap and to identify areas needed to be improved.

Methods

A random sample of 210 breast and colorectal cancer survivors were selected from a hospital‐based registry in Chile. Cancer registry information, electronic chart review, and personal interviews were used to assess medical and nonmedical care over a 5‐year period. Survivorship care practices were compared to a standardized reference based on the US Institute of Medicine domains and the American Cancer Association guidelines.

Results

Over 80% of breast and colorectal cancer survivors received appropriate medical care, ongoing testing surveillance and risk factors assessment. Only a third of survivors were assessed for psychosocial disorders and 25% of them received interdisciplinary care. Overall, 66.1% of breast and 58.6% of colorectal cancer survivors reached the expected quality level of cancer survivorship care according to the reference standard (p < .001).

Conclusion

Medical care practices reached a high standard in a leading cancer center in Latin America. However, a much stronger psychosocial assessment and interdisciplinary care is needed to improve survivorship cancer quality care.
Optimization of process parameters in fused deposition modelling of thermoplastics: A review
Authors: Nyiranzeyimana G. , Mutua J.M. , Mose B.R. , Mbuya T.O.
Published: June 2021

Among the several techniques for additive manufacturing (AM), fused deposition modelling (FDM) is widely used. Fused deposition modelling process uses a thermoplastic material, which is melted and then extruded layer by layer through a nozzle, in order to create a three‐dimensional object. As a result of the default setting of process parameters provided by the manufacturers, produced parts normally have a poor surface finish, low mechanical properties, low dimensional accuracy, and increased residual stresses compared to the parts produced using conventional manufacturing processes like molding (casting). Qualities of fused deposition modelled (FDMed) parts are generally affected by process parameters including the layer thickness, extrusion temperature, build orientation, printing speed, raster angle, infill density, raster width, nozzle diameter, and air gap. Increasing infill density, printing temperature, and decreasing print speed and layer thickness lead to increase mechanical strength and improve the surface finish of the printed parts. The optimal process parameters are preferred to achieve superior properties of the parts. This paper reviews the optimal fused deposition modelling process parameters on part qualities for making the stability of used deposition modelled parts for use. Various process parameters are identified in order to obtain desirable qualities in the manufactured parts. Areas for future research are proposed.
Microstructural characterization and mechanical integrity of stainless steel 316L clad layers deposited via wire arc additive manufacturing for nuclear applications
Authors: Kannan A. Rajesh , Kumar S. Mohan , Pramod R. , Shanmugam N. Siva , Vishnukumar M. , Naveenkumar S.
Published: June 2021

The potential applications of stainless steel 316L components using wire arc additive manufacturing offers many benefits such as improved part complexity, higher deposition rate and less material waste. Microstructural examination indicates the strong interlayer bonding between cladded layers and was mainly austenitic with columnar and equiaxed dendrites while equiaxed grains with annealing twins were observed in the stainless steel 316L substrate. In the current study, we report that stainless steel 316L additively cladded via wire arc additive manufacturing exhibits a 11 % and 14 % increase in the yield strength and tensile strength, correspondingly in contrast to the stainless steel 316L substrate. The enhanced mechanical properties are attributed to the columnar structure and interlayer remelted peritectic growth. Hardness values were higher at the cladded layers compared to the interface and substrate. Interface sample failed in the substrate side and all samples exhibited ductile mode of fracture with fine dimples and micro voids. Wire arc additive manufacturing process can be employed for producing or repairing components with better mechanical properties and corrosion performance for elevated temperature environments including nuclear reactor applications.
Effects of genetic polymorphisms in INTS10 and their interaction with environmental factors on progression from persistent HBV infection to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Yanmei , Lin Zibo , Luo Meihua , Yu Xinfa , Chen Sidong , Liu Li
Published: June 2021

Genome‐wide association study recently identified a novel antiviral gene INTS10 (index rs7000921) in suppression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. However, data were lacking on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of INTS10 in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by HBV infection. Herein, we conducted a case‐control study, including 737 HBV‐related HCC cases and 750 persistently HBV‐infected controls, to investigate the effect of INTS10 SNPs and their gene–environment interactions on HBV‐related HCC. In multivariate analysis, the CT genotype of rs7000921 conferred a decreased risk of HBV‐related HCC compared to the TT genotype (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64–0.98, p for permutation test = .038). Among the 12 tagSNPs, the rs4268139 yielded a borderline significant association with disease risk under the additive model (adjusted OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.63–1.00, p for permutation test = .061). Random forest model further suggested the rs7000921 and rs7822495 as the two‐top ranked important SNPs, and thus a weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) was generated from these two SNPs plus rs4268139. The highest tertile of wGRS was associated with an increased risk, with an adjusted OR of 1.36 (95% CI = 1.05–1.75, p for permutation test = .016) compared to the lowest wGRS. Furthermore, an additive interaction was seen between wGRS and drinking (attributable proportion due to interaction [AP] = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.02–0.43, p = .016). The additive interaction between wGRS and smoking approached near significance (AP = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.00–0.32, p = .045). INTS10 polymorphisms may contribute to the progression from HBV infection to HCC. More importantly, INTS10 polymorphisms interact with drinking and smoking to affect the progression.
Neuromuscular disease pearl: Don't overlook the swallow
Authors: Pattee Gary L.
Published: June 2021

See article on pages 270–276 in this issue.
Optimizing the operation of an electrodiagnostic laboratory during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A 6‐month single‐center experience
Authors: Lau K. H. Vincent , Kaku Michelle C. , Marks Ariel , Tang Connie , Zhou Lan , Siao Peter
Published: June 2021

Introduction/Aims

The initial surge of the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in early 2020 led to widespread cancellation of elective medical procedures in the United States, including nonurgent outpatient and inpatient electrodiagnostic (EDx) studies. As certain regions later showed a downtrend in daily new cases, EDx laboratories have reopened under the guidance of the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM). In our reopening experience guided by the AANEM, we measured relevant outcomes to determine further workflow adaptations. We aimed to detail our experience and share the lessons learned.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical volumes, billing data, diagnosis distributions, and rates of COVID‐19 exposure and transmission among patients and staff in our EDx laboratory during the first 6 months of reopening, starting on June 1, 2020. For context, we detailed the recent AANEM guidelines we adopted at our laboratory, supplemented by other consensus statements.

Results

We completed 816 outpatient studies from June 1 to December 1, 2020, reaching 97% of the total volume and 97% of total billing compared with the same time period in 2019. The average relative value units per study were similar. There were no major shifts in diagnosis distributions. We completed 10 of 12 requested inpatient studies during this period. There were no known COVID‐19 transmissions between patients and staff.

Discussion

Our experience suggests that it is possible to safely operate an EDx laboratory under the guidance of the AANEM and other experts, with clinical volume and billing rates comparable to pre‐pandemic baselines.
A novel diagnostic method for myasthenia gravis
Authors: Kocak Goknur Selen , Tütüncü Melih , Adatepe Nurten Uzun , Yerlikaya Bengi Dolek , Kara Eyup , Atas Ahmet , Yener Murat , Oren Meryem Merve
Published: June 2021

Introduction/Aims

Videonystagmography (VNG) which directly records eye movements using infrared video goggles with mini‐cameras, is used to measure nystagmus. Our aim is to explore whether VNG can be used to detect a decrement in the extraocular muscle (EOM) activity of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods

Thirty‐four patients with MG, including 13 with ocular‐predominant and 21 with generalized MG, and 23 healthy controls participated. Using VNG we recorded the velocity of the eye movements of the patients as they followed a moving target. We then calculated the gain by dividing the eye movement velocity (degrees/second) by the target velocity (degrees/second).

Results

In MG subjects, the mean initial gain (maximum gain) was 1.23 ± 0.31 (range: 0.63–2.15) for the right eye and 1.22 ± 0.37 (range; 0.60–2.28) for the left eye. The mean minimum gain was 0.11 ± 0.12 (0.01–0.58) for the right and 0.14 ± 0.5 (0.02–0.55) for the left. Due to fatigue, the movement gain was reduced by 91.7% in the right eye and 88.2% in the left eye. After reaching minimum velocity, gain remained at a minimum for a mean of 1.08 ± 0.52 (0.3–2.4) s for the right and 1.49 ± 0.85 (0.4–3.6) s for the left, before the velocity increased again. There was no fatigue‐induced decrement in healthy subjects.

Discussion

Our study documents a decrement in EOM activity recorded by VNG in patients with MG which begins to improve within 1–2 s after reaching minimum velocity, analogous to traditional low‐frequency repetitive nerve stimulation testing and its U‐shaped pattern. Thus, VNG may be a promising diagnostic test for MG.
The boundary element method of peridynamics
Authors: Liang Xue , Wang Linjuan , Xu Jifeng , Wang Jianxiang
Published: June 2021

The peridynamic theory brings advantages in dealing with discontinuities, dynamic loading, and nonlocality. The integro‐differential formulation of peridynamics poses challenges to numerical solutions of complicated and practical problems. Some important issues attract much attention, such as the computation of infinite domains, the treatment of softening of boundaries due to an incomplete horizon, and time accumulation error in dynamic processes. In this work, we develop the boundary element method of peridynamics (PD‐BEM). The numerical examples demonstrate that the PD‐BEM exhibits several features. First, for nondestructive cases, the PD‐BEM can be one to two orders of magnitude faster than the meshless particle method of peridynamics (PD‐MPM) that directly discretizes the computational domains; second, it eliminates the time accumulation error, and thus conserves the total energy much better than the PD‐MPM; third, it does not exhibit spurious boundary softening phenomena. For destructive cases where new boundaries emerge during the loading process, we propose a coupling scheme where the PD‐MPM is applied to the cracked region and the PD‐BEM is applied to the uncracked region such that the time of computation can be significantly reduced.
Toward a local maximum‐entropy material point method at finite strain within a B‐free approach
Authors: Molinos Miguel , Martín Stickle Miguel , Navas Pedro , Yagüe Ángel , Manzanal Diego , Pastor Manuel
Published: June 2021

The material point method can be regarded as a meshfree extension of the finite element method. This fact has two interesting consequences. On the one hand, this puts a vast literature at our disposal. On the other hand, many of this inheritance has been adopted without questioning it. A clear example of it is the use of the Voigt algebra, which introduces an artificial break point between the formulation of the continuum problem and its discretized counterpart. In the authors' opinion, the use of the Voigt rules leads to a cumbersome formulation where the physical sense of the operations is obscured since the well‐known algebra rules are lost. And with them, the intuition about how stresses and strains are related. To illustrate it, we will describe gently and meticulously the whole process to solve the nonlinear governing equations for isothermal finite strain elastodynamics, concluding with a compact set of expressions ready to be implemented effortless. In addition, the classic Newmark‐ algorithm has been accommodated to the local maximum‐entropy material point method framework by means of an incremental formulation.
The impact of “missed nursing care” or “care not done” on adults in health care: A rapid review for the Consensus Development Project
Authors: Willis Eileen , Brady Catherine
Published: June 2021

Aim

To identify outcomes of missed nursing care for adult patients.

Design

A five‐stage rapid review process was conducted as follows: refining the question, retrieving relevant studies, determining the studies to be included, organizing the data and synthesizing the results.

Methods

Papers published between 2010–2020 that focused on the UK, Europe, the USA and Oceania were searched for keywords in the title and abstract in major databases. The articles that identified the impact of missed nursing care on adults in health care were selected.

Results

Seventeen articles met the criteria. Major impacts of missed care in adult settings were increases in mortality, adverse events and failure to maintain. These same studies also identified a range of causative factors linked to ward environment, inadequate staffing levels and skills mix although are inconclusive. Solutions include continuing education, ward and work re‐design, and appropriate skill level.
“The stakes could not be higher”: A mixed methods study of parental social media use in pediatric oncology
Authors: Foot Elizabeth , Leonhard Amanda , Majeski Jill , Zahn Lauren , Li Hsin H. , Caruso Brown Amy E.
Published: June 2021

Background

To describe how parents and families of children with cancer evaluate the benefits and risks of using social media (SM) and how they navigate disagreements between oncologists’ advice and information found on SM.

Procedure

Parents of children who had been previously diagnosed with cancer, and who had used SM for a purpose related to that child's health were recruited through SM sites and nonprofit organizations across the United States and were invited to complete questionnaires about their experiences using SM; a subset of participants also completed a follow‐up in‐depth interview. Open‐ended responses and interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Ninety parents completed written questionnaires; 21 completed follow‐up interviews. Seventy percent reported experiencing a situation in which information shared on SM conflicted with information provided by their child's oncologist. Although 86% reported that they discussed the conflicting information with the oncologist and 70% described the oncologist's response as positive, 78% also described ongoing negative feelings about the experience. Parents described openness to discussing SM, honesty, transparency, and humility regarding the limits of medicine, and shared decision‐making regarding information found on SM as increasing their trust in their oncologist.

Conclusions

Parents offered valuable insights regarding their experiences navigating SM, including eight recommendations for how pediatricians might approach discussing parental SM use. Future studies will evaluate the utility of these recommendations for pediatric clinicians.
Evaluation of age at diagnosis and clinical findings of children with primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Asfuroglu Pelin , Ramasli Gursoy Tugba , Sismanlar Eyuboglu Tugba , Aslan Ayse Tana
Published: June 2021

Objective

Patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) may present with different clinical findings at different ages, and age at diagnosis may differ. We aimed to review clinical factors that affected age at diagnosis of patients with PCD.

Study Design

All 70 patients with PCD who were followed in our pediatric pulmonology department were included. Demographic features, clinical findings, PrImary CiliAry DyskinesiA Rule (PICADAR) scores and pulmonary function tests of patients were recorded and clinical factors that affected age at diagnosis were evaluated.

Results

The mean age at diagnosis was 8.3 ± 4.6 years. Most of patients (95.7%) had a persistent wet cough. The mean PICADAR score was 6.5 ± 3.2, and there was a negative correlation between PICADAR and age at diagnosis (r = −0.271, p = .023). The mean ages at diagnosis of patients with situs abnormality and recurrent wheezing were earlier than in patients without situs abnormality and recurrent wheezing (6.7 ± 4.3 and 6.8 ± 4.3, p = .002 vs. 9.8 ± 4.3 and 9.0 ± 4.6 years, p = .040, respectively). The mean age at diagnosis of patients with bronchiectasis was later than in patients without bronchiectasis (10.8 ± 3.9 and 6.9 ± 4.4 years, p = .001). Other clinical features were not statistically significant according to age at diagnosis (p > .05). There was no statistically significant relation between age at diagnosis and sex, sibling or relative with PCD and parental consanguinity (p > .05).

Conclusion

Although most patients diagnosed with PCD had symptoms, the diagnosis may be delayed. High PICADAR score is a useful guide to evaluate PCD. Situs abnormality and recurrent wheezing could be clues for early diagnosis of PCD. Early diagnosis of PCD may prevent bronchiectasis.
A comprehensive review of the therapeutic potential of curcumin nanoformulations
Authors: Khezri Khadijeh , Saeedi Majid , Mohammadamini Hassan , Zakaryaei Abbas Seyed
Published: June 2021

Today, due to the prevalence of various diseases such as the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2), diabetes, central nervous system diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and so on, extensive studies have been conducted on therapeutic properties of natural and synthetic agents. A literature review on herbal medicine and commercial products in the global market showed that curcumin (Cur) has many therapeutic benefits compared to other natural ingredients. Despite the unique properties of Cur, its use in clinical trials is very limited. The poor biopharmaceutical properties of Cur such as short half‐life in plasma, low bioavailability, poor absorption, rapid metabolism, very low solubility (at acidic and physiological pH), and the chemical instability in body fluids are major concerns associated with the clinical applications of Cur. Recently, nanoformulations are emerging as approaches to develop and improve the therapeutic efficacy of various drugs. Many studies have shown that Cur nanoformulations have tremendous therapeutic potential against various diseases such as SARS‐CoV‐2, cancer, inflammatory, osteoporosis, and so on. These nanoformulations can inhibit many diseases through several cellular and molecular mechanisms. However, successful long‐term clinical results are required to confirm their safety and clinical efficacy. The present review aims to update and explain the therapeutic potential of Cur nanoformulations.
Emodin alleviates LPS‐induced myocardial injury through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Dai Shanshan , Ye Bozhi , Chen Longwang , Hong Guangliang , Zhao Guangju , Lu Zhongqiu
Published: June 2021

Myocardial injury and cardiovascular dysfunction are serious consequences of sepsis and contribute to high mortality. Currently, the pathogenesis of myocardial injury in sepsis is still unclear, and therapeutic approaches are limited. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of emodin on septic myocardial injury and the underlying mechanism. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced C57BL/6 mice and cardiomyocytes were used as models of sepsis in vivo and in vitro, respectively. The results showed that emodin alleviated cardiac dysfunction, myocardial injury and improved survival rate in LPS‐induced septic mice. Emodin attenuated the levels of inflammatory cytokines and cardiac inflammation induced by LPS. Emodin reduced NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and Gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression in the heart tissue of LPS‐induced septic mice. In vitro, emodin alleviated LPS‐induced cell injury and inflammation in cardiomyocytes by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In addition, an NLRP3 inhibitor was used to further confirm the function of the NLRP3 inflammasome in LPS‐induced myocardial injury. Taken together, our findings suggest that emodin improves LPS‐induced myocardial injury and cardiac dysfunction by alleviating the inflammatory response and cardiomyocyte pyroptosis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which provides a feasible strategy for preventing and treating myocardial injury in sepsis.
Carbonate clumped isotope analysis (Δ47) of 21 carbonate standards determined via gas‐source isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry on four instrumental configurations using carbonate‐based standardization and multiyear data sets
Authors: Upadhyay Deepshikha , Lucarelli Jamie , Arnold Alexandrea , Flores Randy , Bricker Hayley , Ulrich Robert N. , Jesmok Gregory , Santi Lauren , Defliese William , Eagle Robert A. , Carroll Hannah M. , Bateman Jesse Bloom , Petryshyn Victoria , Loyd Sean J. , Tang Jianwu , Priyadarshi Antra , Elliott Ben , Tripati Aradhna
Published: June 2021

Rationale

Clumped isotope geochemistry examines the pairing or clumping of heavy isotopes in molecules and provides information about the thermodynamic and kinetic controls on their formation. The first clumped isotope measurements of carbonate minerals were first published 15 years ago, and since then, interlaboratory offsets have been observed, and laboratory and community practices for measurement, data analysis, and instrumentation have evolved. Here we briefly review historical and recent developments for measurements, share Tripati Lab practices for four different instrument configurations, test a recently published proposal for carbonate‐based standardization on multiple instruments using multi‐year data sets, and report values for 21 different carbonate standards that allow for recalculations of previously published data sets.

Methods

We examine data from 4628 standard measurements on Thermo MAT 253 and Nu Perspective IS mass spectrometers, using a common acid bath (90°C) and small‐sample (70°C) individual reaction vessels. Each configuration was investigated by treating some standards as anchors (working standards) and the remainder as unknowns (consistency standards).

Results

We show that different acid digestion systems and mass spectrometer models yield indistinguishable results when instrument drift is well characterized. For linearity correction, mixed gas‐and‐carbonate standardization or carbonate‐only standardization yields similar results. No difference is observed in the use of three or eight working standards for the construction of transfer functions.

Conclusions

We show that all configurations yield similar results if instrument drift is robustly characterized and validate a recent proposal for carbonate‐based standardization using large multiyear data sets. Δ47 values are reported for 21 carbonate standards on both the absolute reference frame (ARF; also refered to as the Carbon Dioxide Equilibrated Scale or CDES) and the new InterCarb‐Carbon Dioxide Equilibrium Scale (I‐CDES) reference frame, facilitating intercomparison of data from a diversity of labs and instrument configurations and restandardization of a broad range of sample sets between 2006, when the first carbonate measurements were published, and the present.
d‐Leucine protects oocytes from chronic psychological stress in mice
Authors: Tsuji Ai , Ikeda Yuka , Murakami Mutsumi , Kitagishi Yasuko , Matsuda Satoru
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Psychological stress could negatively influence female reproductive ability. d‐Leucine (d‐Leu) is a d‐type amino acid found in foods and mammalian tissues. We have examined the protective effects of d‐Leu on oocyte abnormality induced by psychological stress.

Methods

Female mice (6‐week‐old) were divided into three groups: control, restraint stress (RS), and RS/d‐Leu. The RS and RS/d‐Leu mice were holed for 3 hours daily during 14 days. RS/d‐Leu mice were fed 0.3% d‐Leu diet. The oocyte maturation failure was analyzed by shapes of spindles and chromosomes. In addition, levels of heme‐oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression in the ovaries were also examined. Whether d‐Leu reduces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cultured cells, K562 cells were treated with d‐Leu, and then ROS in K562 were analyzed.

Results

Oocyte maturation failure was increased in RS mice. d‐Leu reduced abnormal oocytes to control level. The expression levels of HO‐1 and SOD2 increased in RS/d‐Leu mice compared to those of RS mice. ROS levels were decreased in K562 cells with d‐Leu in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

We concluded that d‐Leu protects oocytes from psychological stress through the induction of HO‐1 and SOD2 expression then by reducing oxidative stress.
Global adaptive output feedback stabilization for nonlinear time‐delay systems with unknown measurement sensitivity
Authors: Wang Wanli , Lin Yan , Zhang Xu
Published: June 2021

In this article, a global output feedback stabilization scheme is proposed for a class of time‐delay uncertain nonlinear systems with unknown measurement sensitivity. A new high gain observer is designed with which the sensitivity function can be tackled by only one dynamic gain and the coupled linear‐like controller is fairly simple. By introducing some transformations of the state estimation errors and observer states, and appropriately choosing Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, it is proved that the proposed controller can globally stabilize the system.
Estimating Body Conductivity and Immobilization Threshold in Fish
Authors: Reynolds James B.
Published: June 2021

The body conductivity of fish (Cf; µS/cm) and the power density causing threshold immobilization (Dm; µW/cm3) play a critical role in determining electrofishing success. My aim was to compare two methods for estimating Cf and Dm: the response‐threshold method using live Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (12–15 cm TL) and the direct‐measure method using the carcasses of the same fish. The estimates were compared to values from other published studies. I also evaluated the effect of electric field constriction (e.g., depth effect) on Cf and Dm in tanks with water : fish cross‐sectional area ratios of 6:1, 25:1, and 100:1. The resulting data conformed to theory for both methods; that is, Cf and Dm increased with decreasing tank size because field constriction forced more electric current through a fish. Estimates of Cf and Dm by both methods were similar in the two larger tanks (25:1 and 100:1). I suggest a standard Cf value of 60 µS/cm for Rainbow Trout if they are the target species. This value is near the low end of a cluster of published values for various fishes (50–160 µS/cm) that are within cross‐sectional ratios of 20:1 to 100:1. A standard value for Dm cannot be recommended due to variation caused by electrical output and fish size and species. The direct‐measure method proved superior to the response‐threshold method because it requires fewer fish for estimates of Cf and Dm, does not depend on subjective determination of threshold in live fish, and provides information on water‐to‐fish power transfer efficiency.
Orientation principles for online team‐based learning courses
Authors: Clark Michele C. , Merrick Laura C. , Styron Jennifer L. , Dolowitz Annetta R.
Published: June 2021

In order to guide educators step‐by‐step through an orientation process for an online team‐based learning (TBL) course, this chapter describes principles for creating an orientation module for an online higher education course that employs online delivery following both standards from the Quality Matters Rubric for Higher Education and essential elements from TBL.
Physical Models and Innovation in Architectural and Civil Engineering
Authors: Addis Bill
Published: June 2021

The author presents new and rediscovered information about the use of physical models in design processes carried out by architectural and civil engineers. Over the last three centuries these have included mechanical models, form-finding models and measurement models. Measurement models especially were and are particularly important for innovative engineering projects that lie beyond current experience or are without precedent. In these cases, to supplement their own experience and current engineering science, engineers require additional evidence that their innovative designs will function as intended, will be safe, and in which they can have sufficient confidence to allow construction to begin. The author argues that physical models have played and continue to play an essential role in innovation in engineering and that they have made a contribution equal to that of engineering theory in helping to achieve progress in engineering. Examples are taken from the history of structural engineering, especially reinforced-concrete and grid shells and from architectural acoustics.