bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of metal accumulation in the forage grass Brachiaria decumbens Stapf grown in contaminated soils with iron tailings
Authors: Ferreira Daniela A. P. , Gaião Lucas M. , Kozovits Alessandra R. , Messias Maria C. T. B.
Published: July 2021

The biggest world tailing dam rupture occurred in Brazil in 2015, releasing approximately 32 million m3 of iron tailings in the Doce River watershed, along its 660 km trajectory, reaching the Atlantic Ocean. This disaster significantly altered water and soil properties, increasing the soil metal contents, mainly iron concentration. Little is known about the concentration of toxic elements in plants grown in these areas. Brachiaria decumbens stands out as the most cultivated grass in the affected areas and is widely used for cattle grazing. This study verified the metal contents in soils and in samples of B. decumbens grown in the initial pathway of the debris flow. It was noted that the tailing deposition altered the substrate chemically, increasing Fe by 181% and reducing Zn soil contents by 188%. However, the metal contents in the forage grass were below the toxic limit for cattle feed. In addition, the results suggest that the natural geological characteristics of the region also influenced the metal contents in plants since those plants grown in nonaffected areas also showed high metal concentrations. The impacted area soils had a slightly basic pH, which can reduce the metal availability. Considering that, in the future, these soils would return to their natural acid state, the metal contents in plants grown in the affected regions could probably increase. Thus, long-term studies are needed to ensure the food safety of the forage production in these areas. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:528–538. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

The tailing deposition chemically altered the substrate, increasing Fe and reducing Zn contents. The metal contents in the forage grass were below the toxic limit for cattle feed. Long-term studies are needed to ensure the food safety of the forage production in these areas. Brachiaria decumbens has developed mechanisms and adaptive strategies to cope with high soil metal contents, so it can limit absorption and/or accumulation of toxic elements.
Ginkgolide C promotes apoptosis and abrogates metastasis of colorectal carcinoma cells by targeting Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Min Hee , Ha In Jin , Lee Seok‐Geun , Lee Junhee , Um Jae‐Young , Ahn Kwang Seok
Published: July 2021

Ginkgolide C (GGC), isolated from Ginkbiloba, has been reported to display various pharmacological actions, although, anti‐cancer effect of GGC has been poorly understood till now. This study aimed to investigate whether GGC can exhibit anti‐neoplastic effects against colon cancer cells and explore underlying mechanism. The Wnt/β‐catenin signaling can regulate cell proliferation, survival, metastasis, and migration. Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway plays important role in colorectal cancer (CRC) and acts as a potential therapeutic target. Abnormal activation of this signaling cascades has been reported in colon CRC. We found that GGC down‐regulated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling cascade. GGC inhibited the expression of Wnt3a, β‐catenin, and β‐catenin down‐stream signals (Axin‐1, p‐GSK3β, and β‐TrCP). Also, GGC suppressed the expression of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway target genes including c‐myc, cyclin D1, and survivin. Additionally, GGC induced apoptosis and suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. GGC down‐regulated the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 and MMP‐2 proteins. Moreover, silencing of β‐catenin by small interfering RNA (siRNA) enhanced the GGC‐induced apoptosis and inhibitory action of GGC on invasion. Overall, our results indicate that GGC can reduce proliferation and promote apoptosis in colon cancer cells through inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Thus, GGC can serve as a potent therapeutic agent for management of colon cancer as a novel wnt signaling inhibitor.
Shifting the Conversation around Teaching Sensitive Topics: Critical Colleagueship in a Teacher Discourse Community
Authors: Boyd Ashley S. , Rose Susan G. , Darragh Janine J.
Published: July 2021

Shifting the Conversation around Teaching Sensitive Topics: Critical Colleagueship in a Teacher Discourse Community Abstract: In this book club study designed to examine practicing teachers’ perspectives on a young adult book dealing with identity, mental health, sexuality, and family, researchers describe the tensions that arose in participants’ dialogue regarding self‐censorship and the desire to meet students’ needs. Authors note findings related to how teachers from rural schools responded to the novel under study and collaborated to reach new understandings. Findings also included a pattern of critical colleagueship, where participants both challenged ideas regarding the limits of sensitive topics and supported one other in building upon ideas of how to teach texts with potentially taboo content, highlighting the value of discourse communities as professional development.
The economics of state fragmentation: Assessing the economic impact of secession
Authors: Reynaerts Jo , Vanschoonbeek Jakob
Published: July 2021

This paper presents estimates of the economic effects of secession for a large panel of countries that gained independence between 1940 and 2016. It relies on a semi‐parametric identification strategy that controls for the confounding effects of past gross domestic product (GDP) dynamics, anticipation effects, unobserved heterogeneity, model uncertainty, and effect heterogeneity. Our findings indicate that secession lowered per capita GDP, on average by around 24% in the 10th post‐independence year. Nevertheless, the associated cross‐sectional standard deviation of 25% emphasizes that the economic impact of secession also varied widely across countries. A novel procedure to produce confidence intervals around synthetic control estimates of treatment effects demonstrates the statistical significance of the findings. We document the implications for several historical independence waves and connect them to the existing literature. We find tentative evidence that, in decreasing order of relative importance, the adverse effects of independence are disproportionally present in non‐oil producing landlocked countries and are mitigated when newly independent states use their new‐found political autonomy to democratize or to liberalize their trade regime.
Sites of Cre-recombinase activity in mouse lines targeting skeletal cells
Authors: Couasnay Greig , Madel Maria-Bernadette , Lim Joohyun , Lee Brendan , Elefteriou Florent
Published: July 2021

The Cre/Lox system is a powerful tool in the biologist's toolbox, allowing loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies, as well as lineage tracing, through gene recombination in a tissue-specific and inducible manner. Evidence indicates, however, that Cre transgenic lines have a far more nuanced and broader pattern of Cre activity than initially thought, exhibiting “off-target” activity in tissues/cells other than the ones they were originally designed to target. With the goal of facilitating the comparison and selection of optimal Cre lines to be used for the study of gene function, we have summarized in a single manuscript the major sites and timing of Cre activity of the main Cre lines available to target bone mesenchymal stem cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteocytes, tenocytes, and osteoclasts, along with their reported sites of “off-target” Cre activity. We also discuss characteristics, advantages, and limitations of these Cre lines for users to avoid common risks related to overinterpretation or misinterpretation based on the assumption of strict cell-type specificity or unaccounted effect of the Cre transgene or Cre inducers. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Protective effect of valsartan against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity: Histopathology and metabolomics in vivo study
Authors: Alhazzani Khalid , Alotaibi Moureq R. , Alotaibi Faisal N. , Aljerian Khaldoon , As Sobeai Homood M. , Alhoshani Ali R. , Alanazi Ahmed Z. , Alanazi Wael A. , Alswayyed Mohammed
Published: July 2021

Doxorubicin (DOX) treatment has been associated with cardiotoxicity. Therefore, it is crucial to search for a therapeutic that can effectively mitigate DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of valsartan (VAL) against DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four treatment groups: Group I: Control, Group II: VAL (30 mg/kg, ip), Group III: DOX (15 mg/kg, ip), and Group IV: VAL + DOX (30 + 15 mg/kg, ip). All groups were treated every other day for 14 days. Blood was isolated for biochemical and metabolomics studies, and sections of the heart were also analyzed for histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations to detect changes in P53, BAX, BCL‐2, and P62 expression. The combination of VAL + DOX resulted in a marked decrease in cardiac biomarker enzymes (aminotransferase and creatine phosphokinase) compared to DOX monotherapy. In addition, the histopathological examination of the VAL + DOX combination revealed a low percentage of fibrosis and inflammation. Immunohistochemical expression of p53 and BAX was significantly reduced, whereas BCL‐2 expression was significantly increased in the VAL + DOX treatment group compared to DOX monotherapy. Also, the combination of VAL + DOX reverses the negative effect of DOX on nuclear p62 expression. Analysis of serum metabolites showed that DOX monotherapy reduced the number of several amino acids, whereas the combination of VAL + DOX restored these metabolic pathways. This study revealed the potential cardioprotective effect of VAL, which may provide novel and promising approaches for managing cardiotoxicity induced by DOX.
Association of DYNC1H1 gene SNP/CNV with disease susceptibility, GCs efficacy, HRQOL, anxiety, and depression in Chinese SLE patients
Authors: Huang Shunwei , Zhang Tingyu , Wang Yuhua , Wang Linlin , Yan Ziye , Teng Ying , Li Zhen , Lou Qiuyue , Liu Shuang , Cai Jing , Chen Yangfan , Li Mu , Huang Hailiang , Xu Zhouzhou , Zou Yanfeng
Published: July 2021

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by multi‐system injuries and overproduction of autoantibodies. There are many genetic studies on SLE, but no report has considered the relationship between cytoplasmic dynein and SLE susceptibility.

Objectives

Our study intends to investigate whether DYNC1H1 gene SNP/CNV is related to SLE susceptibility, GCs efficacy, HRQOL, anxiety, and depression in Chinese SLE patients.

Methods

A total of 502 cases and 544 healthy controls were recruited into the case‐control study, and 472 subjects from the case group were followed up for 12 weeks to evaluate GCs efficacy, HRQOL, anxiety, and depression. Multiplex SNaPshot technique was applied to genotype the seven SNPs of DYNC1H1, and AccuCopyTM method was conducted to quantify the copy number of DYNC1H1. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using HAMA and HAMD‐24 scales, respectively. The SF‐36 scale was used to assess HRQOL.

Results

The significant association between SNP rs1190606 and SLE susceptibility was displayed in the dominant model (PBH = 0.004) as well as its allele model (PBH = 0.004). We also found that SNP rs2273440 was related to photosensitization symptom in SLE patients (PBH = 0.032). In the follow‐up study, SNP rs11160668 was connected with the improvement of BP in male patients (PBH = 0.011). However, no association of DYNC1H1 gene with GCs efficacy, anxiety, and depression was found. No CNV in DYNC1H1 was detected.

Conclusions

The study suggests that DYNC1H1 gene polymorphisms may have an effect on SLE susceptibility and BP improvement of HRQOL in Chinese SLE patients.
MALT1 positively correlates with Th1 cells, Th17 cells, and their secreted cytokines and also relates to disease risk, severity, and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Chen Xia , Zhang Xuemei , Lan Ling , Xu Guoyao , Li Yanchun , Huang Shaoming
Published: July 2021

Background

This study aimed to explore the association of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) risk and also to explore its association with T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, Th17 cells, disease severity, and prognosis in AIS patients.

Methods

One hundred twenty first‐episode AIS patients and 120 non‐AIS patients with high‐stroke‐risk factors (as controls) were recruited. Besides, in the cluster of differentiation 4‐positive (CD4+) T cells, the MALT1 gene expression was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction; meanwhile, Th1 and Th17 were detected by flow cytometry. Moreover, serum interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐17 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

MALT1 expression was increased in AIS patients compared with controls and also it could differentiate AIS patients from controls, with an area under curve of 0.905 (95% confidence interval: 0.869–0.941). In AIS patients, MALT1 positively correlated with Th1 cells, Th17 cells, IFN‐γ, and IL‐17. Besides, MALT1 positively correlated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. Furthermore, the Kaplan‐Meier curve and univariate Cox's regression analyses showed no correlation of MALT1 high expression with recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in AIS patients, although after adjustment using multivariant Cox's regression, high MALT1 expression independently correlated with worse RFS in AIS patients.

Conclusion

MALT1 expression is increased and positively correlates with disease severity, Th1 cells, and Th17 cells, whose high expression severs as an independent risk factor for worse RFS in AIS patients.
Phytostabilization of a contaminated military site using Miscanthus and soil amendments
Authors: Alasmary Zafer , Hettiarachchi Ganga M. , Roozeboom Kraig L. , Davis Lawrence C. , Erickson Larry E. , Pidlisnyuk Valentina , Stefanovska Tatyana , Trögl Josef
Published: July 2021

Military activities can contaminate productive land with potentially toxic substances. The most common trace metal contaminant on military bases is lead (Pb). A field experiment was begun in 2016 at Fort Riley, KS, in an area with total soil Pb concentrations ranging from 900 to 1,500 mg kg–1 and near‐neutral pH. The main objectives were to test the potential of Miscanthus sp. for phytostabilization of the site and to evaluate the effects of soil amendments on Miscanthus growth, soil–plant Pb transfer, bioaccessibility of soil Pb, and soil health. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, with five treatments and four replications. Treatments were (a) existing vegetation; (b) Miscanthus planted in untilled soil, no amendments; (c) Miscanthus planted in tilled soil; (d) Miscanthus planted in tilled soil amended with inorganic P (triple superphosphate applied at 5:3 Pb:P); and (e) Miscanthus planted in tilled soil amended with organic P (Class B biosolids applied at 45 Mg ha–1). Tilling and soil amendments increased dry matter yields only in the establishment year. Total Pb uptake, plant tissue Pb concentration, and soil Pb bioaccessibility were significantly less in the Miscanthus plots amended with biosolids than the Miscanthus plots with no added P across all 3 yr. Enzyme activities, organic carbon, and microbial biomass were also greater in biosolids‐treated plots. Results show that planting‐time addition of soil amendments to Pb‐contaminated soil supported Miscanthus establishment, stabilized and reduced bioaccessibility of soil Pb, reduced concentration and uptake of Pb by Miscanthus, and enhanced soil health parameters.
Hif‐1α is not required for the development of cardiac adrenergic control in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Joyce William , Perry Steve F.
Published: July 2021

Adrenergic regulation, acting via the sympathetic nervous system, provides a major mechanism to control cardiac function. It has recently been shown that hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (Hif‐1α) is necessary for normal development of sympathetic innervation and control of cardiac function in the mouse. To investigate whether this may represent a fundamental trait shared across vertebrates, we assessed adrenergic regulation of the heart in wild‐type and Hif‐1α knockout (hif‐1α
−/−) zebrafish (Danio rerio). Wild‐type and hif‐1α
−/− zebrafish larvae (aged 4 and 7 days postfertilisation) exhibited similar routine heart rates within a given age group, and β‐adrenergic receptor blockade with propranolol universally reduced heart rate to comparable levels, indicating similar adrenergic tone in both genotypes. In adult fish, in vivo heart rate measured during anaesthesia was identical between genotypes. Treatment of spontaneously beating hearts in vitro with adrenaline revealed a similar positive chronotropic effect and similar maximum heart rates in both genotypes. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry with confocal microscopy demonstrated that the bulbus arteriosus (outflow tract of the teleost heart) of adult fish was particularly well innervated by sympathetic nerves, and nerve density (as a percentage of bulbus arteriosus area) was similar between wild‐types and hif‐1α
−/− mutants. In summary, we did not find any evidence that adrenergic cardiac control was perturbed in larval or adult zebrafish lacking Hif‐1α. We conclude that Hif‐1α is not essential for the normal development of cardiovascular control or adult sympathetic cardiac innervation in zebrafish, although it is possible that it plays a redundant or auxiliary role.
Ethical and moral perspectives of individuals who considered/used preimplantation (embryo) genetic testing
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Pastore Lisa M. , Sarwana Miriam , Klein Samantha , Lobel Marci , Rubin Lisa R.
Published: July 2021

This study examined perspectives on the ethical implications of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) among individuals who actually (not hypothetically) used or considered using PGT. Most of the prior patient‐centered research on PGT ethics used qualitative designs (9 out of the 11 articles) and focused only on single gene testing. This cross‐sectional study used an anonymous online questionnaire; 15 items assessed potential ethical concerns involved in PGT decision‐making, including clinical indications for PGT, the greater implications of PGT for society, and unused embryo disposition. N = 207 individuals (mean female/male age 35.7/38.9 years, 21% Hispanic or non‐White) who had recently used or considered using PGT for single gene (60%) or for chromosomal testing (40%) completed the questionnaire. Most respondents supported PGT screening for disease conditions with childhood or adult onset that are untreatable (64%–85% across items); most opposed PGT for trait selection (76%–81%). Most respondents agreed that PGT aids in parental decision‐making (66%–67%), although some expressed concern over potential unforeseen consequences (25%–30%). Regarding disposition of embryos without known genetic abnormalities, most respondents favored freezing indefinitely (86%) or donating to another family (69%), while for embryos with genetic abnormalities, most respondents favored donating to research (78%) or destroying them (62%). Stratification by religious affiliation revealed several differences, such as less acceptance of PGT for diseases that occur in adulthood and have no treatment options among Protestants (p = .015) and greater willingness to donate surplus embryos to research among participants without a religious affiliation (p < .001). These results are limited by the relatively homogeneous sample of participants (mostly White, married, and predominantly college‐educated). In summary, participants who considered/used PGT found PGT acceptable overall for screening for disease conditions; most opposed using PGT for trait selection. Our novel questionnaire provides a structured tool for assessing the ethical perspectives surrounding the use of PGT.
New strategy for evaluating pancreatic tissue specimens from endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration and surgery
Authors: Fukuhara Seiichiro , Iwasaki Eisuke , Iwano Tomohiko , Machida Yujiro , Tamagawa Hiroki , Kawasaki Shintaro , Seino Takashi , Yokose Takahiro , Endo Yutaka , Yoshimura Kentaro , Kashiwagi Kazuhiro , Kitago Minoru , Ogata Haruhiko , Takeda Sen , Kanai Takanori
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim

Preoperative histological evaluation of pancreatic neoplasms is important for guiding the resection strategy and preventing postoperative adverse events. However, conventional endoscopic methods have technical limitations that reduce the accuracy of the histopathological examination. Probe electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PESI‐MS) may be a useful technique for rapidly evaluating small specimens.

Methods

This single‐center prospective study included patients with pancreatic neoplasms between October 2018 and December 2019. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) specimens were obtained via endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) and non‐neoplastic tissue was obtained via surgery. Specimens were subjected to PESI‐MS and the mass spectra were analyzed using partial least squares regression‐discriminant analysis.

Results

The study included 40 patients with 20 nonneoplastic specimens and 19 PDAC specimens (1 case of neuroendocrine carcinoma was omitted). All nonneoplastic specimens were sufficient for PESI‐MS analysis, although only 7 of 19 PDAC specimens were sufficient for PESI‐MS analysis because of poor sample quality or insufficient quantity (<1 mg). Among the 27 analyzed cases, the mass spectra clearly differentiated between the PDAC and nonneoplastic specimens.

Conclusions

This study revealed that PESI‐MS could differentiate between PDAC and nonneoplastic specimens, even in cases where EUS‐FNA produced very small specimens.
Sustainable synthesis of [1]benzopyran azo dyes using CuCr2O4 NPs
Authors: Abdolmohammadi Shahrzad , Dahi‐Azar Saman
Published: July 2021

In this study, copper chromite nanoparticles (CuCr2O4 NPs) were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. This nanomaterial was found as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of a new class of [1]benzopyran azo dyes via pseudo‐three‐component reaction of (E)‐1,2‐diphenyl‐1‐diazene with 4‐hydroxycoumarin in the ratio 1:2. The aim of the present work was to provide a practical and high yielding protocol that offers several advantages such as simple procedure with an easy work‐up, mild reaction conditions, and the use of CuCr2O4 NPs as an efficient and easily recoverable catalyst.
Morphological identification in skull between spotted seal and harbor seal using geometric morphometrics
Authors: Arai Yuichi , Kanaiwa Minoru , Kato Mio , Kobayashi Mari
Published: July 2021

The morphology of the skull contains considerable ecological information about a species, because the skull contains sensory organs that are used to look for food, compete for mates, or to migrate. Spotted seals (Phoca largha) and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are similar in body size and pelage color but differ in habitat use and reproductive biology. The current study aims to clarify differences in the shapes of skulls in the spotted and harbor seals using geometric morphometrics and to discuss whether ecological differences can explain morphological differences in skulls. First, we discovered that the age at which the shape of skulls stopped changing was 7 years in both species, using the linear‐threshold model. Using a total of 75 landmarks, 54 individuals (25 spotted seals, 29 harbor seals) that were older than the age at which skulls stopped changing were correctly identified at a rate of 100%. The total of 75 landmarks was narrowed down to eight key landmarks that resulted in an identification accuracy rate of 100% using random forests. Of the eight landmarks, seven were related to feeding apparatus, indicated that the harbor seal had a broader mouth and mandible than the spotted seal. Because of both species were dietary generalists and classified as pierce feeders, we suggested that the different features in the shapes of their skulls were caused not only by differences in their feeding behavior but also other differences related to reproductive behavior.
Longitudinal Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Irradiated Salivary Gland in a Rat Model: Correlated With Histological Findings
Authors: Chen Wei , Su Guo‐Yi , Zhou Yan , Jiang Jia‐Suo , Jiang Run‐Hao , Bao Mei‐Ling , Xu Xiao‐Quan , Wu Fei‐Yun
Published: July 2021

Background

Several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences have been applied to assess injured glands but without histological validation.

Purpose

To evaluate longitudinal changes in multiparametric MRI (mp‐MRI) of irradiated salivary glands in a rat model and investigate correlations between mp‐MRI and histological findings.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal Model

Submandibular glands of 36 rats were radiated using a single dose of 15 Gy X‐ray (irradiation [IR] group), and 6 other rats were enrolled into sham‐IR group. mp‐MRI were scanned 1 day after sham‐IR (n = 6), or 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 weeks after IR (n = 36, 6 per subgroup).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0‐T/Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), readout‐segmented echo‐planar imaging (EPI) sequence; intravoxel incoherent motion DWI, single‐shot EPI sequence; T1 mapping, dual‐flip‐angle gradient‐echo sequence with volumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination; T2 mapping, turbo spin‐echo sequence.

Assessment

Parameters including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo‐diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), T1 and T2 value were obtained. Histological examinations, including hematoxylin and eosin staining (for acinar cell fraction [AC%] detection), Masson's trichrome staining (for degree of fibrosis [F%] determination) and CD34‐immunohistochemical staining (for microvessel density [MVD] calculation), were performed at corresponding time points.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variance was used to compare the mp‐MRI and histological parameters among different groups. Spearman correlation analysis was applied to determine the correlation between mp‐MRI and histological parameters. Two‐sided P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Changes of mp‐MRI parameters (ADC, D, D*, f, T1, T2) and histological results (AC%, F%, MVD) among the seven groups were all significant. ADC, D, and T2 values negatively correlated with AC% (ADC, r = −0.728; D, r = −0.773; T2, r = −0.600), f positively correlated with MVD (r = 0.496), and T1 values positively correlated with F% (r = 0.714).

Data Conclusion

mp‐MRI might be able to noninvasively and quantitatively evaluate the dynamic pathological changes within the irradiated salivary glands.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Treatment of pacemaker‐induced superior vena cava syndrome by venoplasty with a coronary balloon
Authors: Pham Le Tra
Published: July 2021

Venous thrombosis or stenosis frequently occurs after implanting transvenous pacemaker leads, and it is usually asymptomatic. The reported incidence is 30%–64%. The mandatory treatments are balloon angioplasty, stenting, thrombolytic, mechanical thrombectomy, and venous grafting. We present a case with the special cooperation of an electrophysiologist and a coronary interventionist in Ha Noi Heart Hospital, Vietnam, to treat an implanted pacemaker patient with fracture ventricular lead and superior vena cava syndrome.
Development of a standardized histopathology scoring system for human intervertebral disc degeneration: an Orthopaedic Research Society Spine Section Initiative
Authors: Le Maitre Christine L. , Dahia Chitra L. , Giers Morgan , Illien‐Junger Svenja , Cicione Claudia , Samartzis Dino , Vadala Gianluca , Fields Aaron , Lotz Jeffrey
Published: July 2021

Background

Histopathological analysis of intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues is a critical domain of back pain research. Identification, description, and classification of attributes that distinguish abnormal tissues form a basis for probing disease mechanisms and conceiving novel therapies. Unfortunately, lack of standardized methods and nomenclature can limit comparisons of results across studies and prevent organizing information into a clear representation of the hierarchical, spatial, and temporal patterns of IVD degeneration. Thus, the following Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) Spine Section Initiative aimed to develop a standardized histopathology scoring scheme for human IVD degeneration.

Methods

Guided by a working group of experts, this prospective process entailed a series of stages that consisted of reviewing and assessing past grading schemes, surveying IVD researchers globally on current practice and recommendations for a new grading system, utilizing expert opinion a taxonomy of histological grading was developed, and validation performed.

Results

A standardized taxonomy was developed, which showed excellent intra‐rater reliability for scoring nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus (AF), and cartilaginous end plate (CEP) regions (interclass correlation [ICC] > .89). The ability to reliably detect subtle changes varied by IVD region, being poorest in the NP (ICC: .89‐.95) where changes at the cellular level were important, vs the AF (ICC: .93‐.98), CEP (ICC: .97‐.98), and boney end plate (ICC: .96‐.99) where matrix and structural changes varied more dramatically with degeneration.

Conclusions

The proposed grading system incorporates more comprehensive descriptions of degenerative features for all the IVD sub‐tissues than prior criteria. While there was excellent reliability, our results reinforce the need for improved training, particularly for novice raters. Future evaluation of the proposed system in real‐world settings (eg, at the microscope) will be needed to further refine criteria and more fully evaluate utility. This improved taxonomy could aid in the understanding of IVD degeneration phenotypes and their association with back pain.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Physiologic Free Intraperitoneal Fluid in Healthy Children: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Arredondo Anthony R. , Wilkinson Matthew , Barber Richard B. , Gilmartin Thomas , Levine Marla C.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The detection of intraperitoneal free fluid (FF) is an important finding in the sonographic evaluation of the pediatric abdomen, especially in the context of blunt abdominal trauma. One specific challenge is differentiating physiologic from pathologic FF. The purpose of this study was to determine with ultrasound the prevalence, location, and volume of intraperitoneal FF in healthy pediatric patients and its relation to pubertal status and gender.

Methods

Healthy children between the ages of 1 and 17 years who presented to the emergency department with non‐abdominal complaints were evaluated for physiologic intra‐abdominal fluid. Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound (POCUS) was performed, utilizing the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) examination.

Results

A total of 325 pediatric patients were analyzed. Intraperitoneal FF was found in 52 children (16.0%, 95% CI: 12.0–20.0%). The pelvis was the only region where FF was located. The prevalence of FF was nearly equivalent between male and female children (15.4% vs 16.7%, P = .76). There was a higher prevalence of FF identified in the prepubertal subgroup compared to the pubertal group (20.0% vs 11.3%, P = .03). Seventy‐seven percent of children with FF had a fluid volume of less than 1 mL.

Conclusions

Physiologic FF of less than 1 mL within the pelvis is a common finding in the pediatric population. There was no difference in the rate of FF identified by gender, but there was a higher prevalence of FF among prepubertal children.
Association of Pepsin With Inflammatory Signaling and Effusion Viscosity in Pediatric Otitis Media
Authors: Samuels Tina L. , Khampang Pawjai , Espahbodi Mana , McCormick Caroline A. , Chun Robert H. , McCormick Michael E. , Yan Ke , Kerschner Joseph E. , Johnston Nikki
Published: July 2021

Objective

Otitis media (OM) is a common inflammatory disease spectrum. Cytokine signaling, neutrophil activity, and mucin hypersecretion during recurrent and chronic OM contribute to persistent, viscous middle ear (ME) effusions, hearing loss, and potential for developmental delay. Extraesophageal reflux (EER), specifically pepsin, triggers inflammatory signaling in respiratory mucosa and is associated with OM. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of pepsin with ME inflammatory signaling and the outcomes and examine causality in vitro.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

ME fluid (MEF) and preoperative audiometric data were collected from 30 pediatric subjects undergoing tympanostomy tube placement for recurrent OM or OM with effusion. MEF viscosity was characterized by the surgeon. Pepsin, inflammatory molecules, and mucin were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ME epithelial primary culture was exposed to 0.1 to 1 mg/ml pepsin at pH 5, 6, and 7 for 30 minutes, and cytokine expression was assayed via qPCR.

Results

Pepsin was observed in the MEF of 77% of patients (range 71–2,734 ng/ml). Pepsin correlated with effusion viscosity, interleukins −6 and −8, neutrophil elastase, and mucin 5B (P < .05). Pepsin‐negative MEF was more frequently absent of interleukin 8 or mucin 5B (P < .05). Weak acid was generally insufficient to elicit cytokine expression in ME cells in vitro, however, pepsin induced IL6, IL8, and TNF at pH 7 (P < .05) and weak acid (pH 6) facilitated a response at lower pepsin concentration.

Conclusions

Pepsin may contribute to inflammatory signaling, persistent viscous effusion, and poorer OM outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:470–477, 2022
To Pack a Nose: High‐Fidelity Epistaxis Simulation Using 3D Printing Technology
Authors: Gao Rebecca W. , Rooney Deborah , Harvey Rebecca , Malloy Kelly M. , VanKoevering Kyle K.
Published: July 2021

Background

Initial management and stabilization of epistaxis is managed by a diverse offset of clinical providers with variable levels of training.

Objective

To determine the anatomic and clinical fidelity and ease of use of a novel simulator for the training and assessment of epistaxis management skills.

Study Design

Qualitative Research Study using expert questionnaire's for validation of a newly developed simulator.

Methods

We performed a quasi‐experimental intervention with 22 otolaryngology faculty and 10 trainees who independently evaluated the simulator. Data were collected in three phases: phase 1 (preliminary evaluation), phase 2 (final expert evaluation), and phase 3 (trainee evaluation). We designed a three‐dimensional (3D) printed model from a de‐identified patient computed tomography scan. Artificial blood was circulated through catheters to simulate bleeding from three distinct sites (sphenopalatine, Kiesselbach's plexus, and anterior ethmoid). Four domains were assessed: “Physical and anatomic attributes,” “Realism of experience,” “Ability to perform tasks,” and “Value and clinical relevance.” Internal structure and validity were measured with Cronbach's alpha and item outfit mean‐square statistics.

Results

Results from otolaryngology faculty showed very high median ratings for “Value of the simulator as a training tool” (4.0/4) and high ratings for “Relevance to practice” (4.0/4), and realism of experience (4.0/4). Responses from otolaryngology trainees demonstrated high value for clinical training (4.0/4) and high likelihood to recommend use for future trainees (4.0/4). Confidence in managing epistaxis before (1.0/4) and after (3.0/4) simulator use was statistically improved (P = .03).

Conclusions

Using 3D printing technology, we created a novel simulator for epistaxis management. Preliminary evidence suggests the model is cost‐effective, anatomically realistic, relevant to trainees' educational needs, and valuable as a training tool.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:747–753, 2022
Normative Value for the Laryngopharyngeal Measure of Perceived Sensation
Authors: Hernandez Brian O. , Russell Gregory B. , Wright Stephen Carter , Madden Lyndsay L.
Published: July 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

The Laryngopharyngeal Measure of Perceived Sensation (LUMP) is a recently validated patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) aimed at evaluating the symptom severity of patients with globus pharyngeus (GP). The objective of this study was to define the normative values for the LUMP questionnaire.

Study Design

Prospectively collected, descriptive research/scale development.

Methods

The LUMP questionnaire was completed by 88 subjects. Individuals without throat‐related symptoms such as dysphagia, dysphonia, or cough were provided LUMP. The results of the eight‐item questionnaire were analyzed for standard error of the mean (SEM), mean, and standard deviation (SD).

Results

Review of the 88 LUMP questionnaires elucidated a mean of 0.42 (SEM = 0.10, SD = 0.96) in the normative population. By gender, the female (n = 50) mean was 0.24, SD = 0.66, SEM = 0.09; for males (n = 38), the mean was 0.66, SD = 1.21, SEM = 0.20.

Conclusions

This study provides normative data for the LUMP, a recently established PROM useful in patients with GP. A LUMP score greater than or equal to 3 should be considered abnormal and warrants additional attention.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:398–400, 2022
Differential protein expression during growth on model and commercial mixtures of naphthenic acids in Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf‐5
Authors: McKew Boyd A. , Johnson Richard , Clothier Lindsay , Skeels Karl , Ross Matthew S. , Metodiev Metodi , Frenzel Max , Gieg Lisa M. , Martin Jonathan W. , Hough Michael A. , Whitby Corinne
Published: July 2021

Naphthenic acids (NAs) are carboxylic acids with the formula (CnH2n+ZO2) and are among the most toxic, persistent constituents of oil sands process‐affected waters (OSPW), produced during oil sands extraction. Currently, the proteins and mechanisms involved in NA biodegradation are unknown. Using LC‐MS/MS shotgun proteomics, we identified proteins overexpressed during the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf‐5 on a model NA (4′‐n‐butylphenyl)‐4‐butanoic acid (n‐BPBA) and commercial NA mixture (Acros). By day 11, >95% of n‐BPBA was degraded. With Acros, a 17% reduction in intensity occurred with 10–18 carbon compounds of the Z family −2 to −14 (major NA species in this mixture). A total of 554 proteins (n‐BPBA) and 631 proteins (Acros) were overexpressed during growth on NAs, including several transporters (e.g., ABC transporters), suggesting a cellular protective response from NA toxicity. Several proteins associated with fatty acid, lipid, and amino acid metabolism were also overexpressed, including acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase and acyl‐CoA thioesterase II, which catalyze part of the fatty acid beta‐oxidation pathway. Indeed, multiple enzymes involved in the fatty acid oxidation pathway were upregulated. Given the presumed structural similarity between alkyl‐carboxylic acid side chains and fatty acids, we postulate that P. fluorescens Pf‐5 was using existing fatty acid catabolic pathways (among others) during NA degradation.
More air pollution control, less industrial land leasing? Empirical evidence from microland transactions
Authors: Wu Zengming , Zhu Mengnan
Published: July 2021

Based on the perspective of environmental protection incentives, this paper discusses the influence of air pollution control on industrial land leasing behavior theoretically and empirically. Air pollution control significantly inhibits the behavior of industrial land leasing, and the results are still robust after taking into account the robustness checks. Environmental protection incentives are key mechanisms for air pollution control that affects industrial land leasing. Heterogeneity tests show that the effect of air pollution control on land resource allocation varies with different regional pollution control pressure, environmental regulation intensity, and industrial pollution degree.
Information‐disclosing strategies of third‐party sellers on retail platforms
Authors: Duan Yongrui , Ruan Xiaoman , Chen Chen
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we consider whether third‐party sellers on retail platforms are willing to disclose additional information to facilitate consumers' decision‐making process. Interestingly, we find that even when the additional information is unfavorable to sellers, sellers may still have the incentive to disclose such information, since disclosing additional information can lower consumer uncertainty and alleviate price competition, which can benefit sellers. We also show that when the consumer uncertainty is low enough after one seller discloses additional information, prices of both products are higher than in the case when no seller discloses additional information.
Action Observation and Motor Imagery Improve Dual Task in Parkinson's Disease: A Clinical/fMRI Study
Authors: Sarasso Elisabetta , Agosta Federica , Piramide Noemi , Gardoni Andrea , Canu Elisa , Leocadi Michela , Castelnovo Veronica , Basaia Silvia , Tettamanti Andrea , Volontè Maria Antonietta , Filippi Massimo
Published: July 2021

Background

Action observation training and motor imagery may improve motor learning in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to assess mobility and balance (performing motor and dual tasks) and brain functional reorganization following 6 weeks of action observation training and motor imagery associated with dual‐task gait/balance exercises in PD patients with postural instability and gait disorders relative to dual‐task training alone.

Methods

Twenty‐five PD–postural instability and gait disorder patients were randomized into 2 groups: the DUAL‐TASK+AOT‐MI group performed a 6‐week gait/balance training consisting of action observation training–motor imagery combined with practicing the observed‐imagined exercises; the DUAL‐TASK group performed the same exercises combined with watching landscape videos. Exercises were increasingly difficult to include the dual task. At baseline and at 6 weeks, patients underwent: mobility, gait, and balance evaluations (also repeated 2 months after training), cognitive assessment, and functional MRI, including motor and dual tasks.

Results

Dual‐task gait/balance training enhanced mobility, during both single‐ and dual‐task conditions, and executive functions in PD–postural instability and gait disorders, with a long‐lasting effect at 14 weeks. When exercises were preceded by action observation training–motor imagery, PD–postural instability and gait disorders showed greater improvement of balance and gait velocity both with and without the dual task, particularly during the turning phase. After training, the DUAL‐TASK+AOT‐MI group showed reduced recruitment of frontal areas and increased activity of cerebellum during functional‐MRI motor and dual task, correlating with balance/turning velocity and executive improvements, respectively. The DUAL‐TASK group showed reduced activity of supplementary motor area and increased recruitment of temporo‐parietal areas during the dual task and decreased cerebellar activity during the motor task correlating with faster turning velocity. Functional MRI results were not corrected for multiple comparisons and should be interpreted carefully.

Conclusions

Adding action observation training–motor imagery to dual‐task gait/balance training promotes specific functional reorganization of brain areas involved in motor control and executive‐attentive abilities and more long‐lasting effects on dual‐task mobility and balance in PD–postural instability and gait disorders. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Existence and regularization of solutions for nonlinear fractional Rayleigh–Stokes problem with final condition
Authors: Na Wang Jing , Zhou Yong , Wei He Jia
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we study a fractional nonlinear Rayleigh–Stokes problem with final value condition. By means of the finite dimensional approximation, we first obtain the compactness of solution operators. Moreover, we handle the problem in weighted continuous function spaces, and then the existence result of solutions is established. Finally, because of the ill posedness of backward problem in the sense of Hadamard, the quasi‐boundary value method is utilized to get the regularized solutions, and the corresponding convergence rate is obtained.
Ligilactobacillus Salivarius LCK11 Prevents Obesity by Promoting PYY Secretion to Inhibit Appetite and Regulating Gut Microbiota in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Liang Cong , Zhou Xiao‐Hong , Jiao Yue‐Hua , Guo Mei‐Jie , Meng Li , Gong Pi‐Min , Lyu Lin‐Zheng , Niu Hai‐Yue , Wu Yi‐Fan , Chen Shi‐Wei , Han Xue , Zhang Lan‐Wei
Published: July 2021

Scope

Obesity is a common disease worldwide and there is an urgent need for strategies to preventing obesity.

Methods and Results

The anti‐obesity effect and mechanism of Ligilactobacillus salivarius LCK11 (LCK11) is studied using a C57BL/6J male mouse model in which obesity is induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD). Results show that LCK11 can prevent HFD‐induced obesity, reflected as inhibited body weight gain, abdominal and liver fat accumulation and dyslipidemia. Analysis of its mechanism shows that on the one hand, LCK11 can inhibit food intake through significantly improving the transcriptional and translational levels of peptide YY (PYY) in the rectum, in addition to the eventual serum PYY level; this is attributed to the activation of the toll‐like receptor 2/nuclear factor‑κB signaling pathway in enteroendocrine L cells by the peptidoglycan of LCK11. On the other hand, LCK11 supplementation effectively reduces the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and shifts the overall structure of the HFD‐disrupted gut microbiota toward that of mice fed on a low‐fat diet; this also contributes to preventing obesity.

Conclusion

LCK11 shows the potential to be used as a novel probiotic for preventing obesity by both promoting PYY secretion to inhibit food intake and regulating gut microbiota.
Modeling of a cylindrical resonant photoacoustic cell for high sensitive gas detection
Authors: Huang Qi , Zhou Sheng , He Tianbo , Li Jingsong
Published: July 2021

Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is a sensitive spectroscopic technique for trace gas sensing. As a key component of a PA sensor system, the cell constant of the cylindrical PA cell has been simulated for optimizing geometric design, and the acoustic pressure distribution and frequency response of the first longitudinal and radial modes are analyzed by using a self‐established algorithm model. According to the theoretical simulation, a resonant PAS sensor system was finally designed and evaluated at the first longitudinal mode for trace water vapor detection. Highly sensitive wavelength modulation spectroscopy and second harmonic detection technique was combined with PAS detection method for enhancing sensitivity. Allan deviation analysis indicates that a detection limit of 2 ppm for H2O could be achieved at an optimal integration time of 200 s, corresponding to a normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient of .
Diverse Optics and Display Solutions for the AR/VR Hardware Evolution
Authors: Lu Lu
Published: July 2021

The optics industry is in a transition where conventional optical solutions can no longer deliver on all of the functional needs in the eyewear form factor.
Advances Display New Opportunities for Holography
Authors: Dunn Paul
Published: July 2021

New display applications illustrate the way commercial holograms continue to push technological boundaries.