bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A urine-based DNA methylation assay to facilitate early detection and risk stratification of bladder cancer
Authors: Ruan Weimei , Chen Xu , Huang Ming , Wang Hong , Chen Jiaxin , Liang Zhixin , Zhang Jingtong , Yu Yanqi , Chen Shang , Xu Shizhong , Hu Tianliang , Li Xia , Guo Yuanjie , Jiang Zeyu , Chen Zhiwei , Huang Jian , Lin Tianxin , Fan Jian-Bing
Published: April 2021

Background

Current non-invasive tests have limited sensitivities and lack capabilities of pre-operative risk stratification for bladder cancer (BC) diagnosis. We aimed to develop and validate a urine-based DNA methylation assay as a clinically feasible test for improving BC detection and enabling pre-operative risk stratifications.

Methods

A urine-based DNA methylation assay was developed and validated by retrospective single-center studies in patients of suspected BC in Cohort 1 (n = 192) and Cohort 2 (n = 98), respectively. In addition, a prospective single-center study in hematuria patient group (Cohort 3, n = 174) was used as a second validation of the model.

Results

The assay with a dual-marker detection model showed 88.1% and 91.2% sensitivities, 89.7% and 85.7% specificities in validation Cohort 2 (patients of suspected BC) and Cohort 3 (patients of hematuria), respectively. Furthermore, this assay showed improved sensitivities over cytology and FISH on detecting low-grade tumor (66.7–77.8% vs. 0.0–22.2%, 0.0–22.2%), Ta tumor (83.3% vs. 22.2–41.2%, 44.4–52.9%) and non-muscle invasive BC (NMIBC) (80.0–89.7% vs. 51.5–52.0%, 59.4–72.0%) in both cohorts. The assay also had higher accuracies (88.9–95.8%) in diagnosing cases with concurrent genitourinary disorders as compared to cytology (55.6–70.8%) and FISH (72.2–77.8%). Meanwhile, the assay with a five-marker stratification model identified high-risk NMIBC and muscle invasive BC with 90.5% sensitivity and 86.8% specificity in Cohort 2.

Conclusions

The urine-based DNA methylation assay represents a highly sensitive and specific approach for BC early-stage detection and risk stratification. It has a potential to be used as a routine test to improve diagnosis and prognosis of BC in clinic.
Sirenomelia: two case reports
Authors: Shojaee Asiyeh , Ronnasian Firooze , Behnam Mahdiyeh , Salehi Mansoor
Published: April 2021

Background

Sirenomelia, also called mermaid syndrome, is a rare lethal multi-system congenital deformity with an incidence of one in 60,000–70,000 pregnancies. Sirenomelia is mainly characterized by the fusion of lower limbs and is widely associated with severe urogenital and gastrointestinal malformations. The presence of a single umbilical artery derived from the vitelline artery is the main anatomical feature distinguishing sirenomelia from caudal regression syndrome. First-trimester diagnosis of this disorder and induced abortion may be the safest medical option. In this report, two cases of sirenomelia that occurred in an white family will be discussed.

Case presentation

We report two white cases of sirenomelia occurring in a 31-year-old multigravid pregnant woman. In the first pregnancy (18 weeks of gestation) abortion was performed, but in the third pregnancy (32 weeks) the stillborn baby was delivered by spontaneous vaginal birth. In the second and fourth pregnancies, however, she gave birth to normal babies. Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging showed fusion of the lower limbs. Neither she nor any member of her family had a history of diabetes. In terms of other risk factors, she had no history of exposure to teratogenic agents during her pregnancy. Also, her marriage was non-consanguineous.

Conclusion

This report suggests the existence of a genetic background in this mother with a Mendelian inheritance pattern of 50% second-generation incidence in her offspring.
Can financial payments incentivize short-term smoking cessation in orthopaedic trauma patients? Evidence from a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Alkhoury Dana , Atchison Jared , Trujillo Antonio J. , Oslin Kimberly , Frey Katherine P. , O’Toole Robert V. , Castillo Renan C. , O’Hara Nathan N.
Published: April 2021

Background

Smoking increases the risk of complications and related costs after an orthopaedic fracture. Research in other populations suggests that a one-time payment may incentivize smoking cessation. However, little is known on fracture patients’ willingness to accept financial incentives to stop smoking; and the level of incentive required to motivate smoking cessation in this population. This study aimed to estimate the financial threshold required to motivate fracture patients to stop smoking after injury.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to elicit patient preferences towards financial incentives and reduced complications associated with smoking cessation. We presented participants with 12 hypothetical options with several attributes with varying levels. The respondents’ data was used to determine the utility of each attribute level and the relative importance associated with each attribute.

Results

Of the 130 enrolled patients, 79% reported an interest in quitting smoking. We estimated the financial incentive to be of greater relative importance (ri) (45%) than any of the included clinical benefits of smoking cessations (deep infection (ri: 24%), bone healing complications (ri: 19%), and superficial infections (ri: 12%)). A one-time payment of $800 provided the greatest utility to the respondents (0.64, 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.93), surpassing the utility associated with a single $1000 financial incentive (0.36, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.55).

Conclusions

Financial incentives may be an effective tool to promote smoking cessation in the orthopaedic trauma population. The findings of this study define optimal payment thresholds for smoking cessation programs.
Circadian rhythms in septic shock patients
Authors: Lachmann Gunnar , Ananthasubramaniam Bharath , Wünsch Viktor A. , Scherfig Lara-Marie , von Haefen Clarissa , Knaak Cornelia , Edel Andreas , Ehlen Lukas , Koller Barbara , Goldmann Anton , Herzel Hanspeter , Kramer Achim , Spies Claudia
Published: April 2021

Background

Despite the intensive efforts to improve the diagnosis and therapy of sepsis over the last decade, the mortality of septic shock remains high and causes substantial socioeconomical burden of disease. The function of immune cells is time-of-day-dependent and is regulated by several circadian clock genes. This study aims to investigate whether the rhythmicity of clock gene expression is altered in patients with septic shock.

Methods

This prospective pilot study was performed at the university hospital Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine (CCM, CVK). We included 20 patients with septic shock between May 2014 and January 2018, from whom blood was drawn every 4 h over a 24-h period to isolate CD14-positive monocytes and to measure the expression of 17 clock and clock-associated genes. Of these patients, 3 whose samples expressed fewer than 8 clock genes were excluded from the final analysis. A rhythmicity score SPwas calculated, which comprises values between -1 (arrhythmic) and 1 (rhythmic), and expression data were compared to data of a healthy study population additionally.

Results

77% of the measured clock genes showed inconclusive rhythms, i.e., neither rhythmic nor arrhythmic. The clock genesNR1D1,NR1D2andCRY2were the most rhythmic, whileCLOCKandARNTLwere the least rhythmic. Overall, the rhythmicity scores for septic shock patients were significantly (p < 0.0001) lower (0.23 ± 0.26) compared to the control group (12 healthy young men, 0.70 ± 0.18). In addition, the expression of clock genesCRY1,NR1D1,NR1D2,DBP, andPER2was suppressed in septic shock patients andCRY2was significantly upregulated compared to controls.

Conclusion

Molecular rhythms in immune cells of septic shock patients were substantially altered and decreased compared to healthy young men. The decrease in rhythmicity was clock gene-dependent. The loss of rhythmicity and down-regulation of clock gene expression might be caused by sepsis and might further deteriorate immune responses and organ injury, but further studies are necessary to understand underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Trail registrationClinical trial registered withwww.ClinicalTrials.gov(NCT02044575) on 24 January 2014.
Admission criteria and management of critical care patients in a pandemic context: position of the Ethics Commission of the French Intensive Care Society, update of April 2021
Authors: Lesieur Olivier , Quenot Jean Pierre , Cohen-Solal Zoé , David Raphaëlle , De Saint Blanquat Laure , Elbaz Maxime , Gaillard Le Roux Bénédicte , Goulenok Cyril , Lavoué Sylvain , Lemiale Virginie , Mercier Emmanuelle , Mezher Chaouki , Misset Benoît , Penven Gwendolyn , Poujol Anne Laure , Quentin Bertrand , Quéré Régis , Van Der Linden Thierry , Rigaud Jean Philippe
Published: April 2021

Intensive care unit professionals have experience in critical care and its proportionality, collegial decision-making, withholding or withdrawal of treatment deemed futile, and communication with patients’ relatives. These elements rely on ethical values from which we must not deviate in a pandemic situation. The recommendations made by the Ethics Commission of the French Intensive Care Society reflect an approach of responsibility and solidarity towards our citizens regarding the potential impact of a pandemic on critical care resources in France, with the fundamental requirement of respect for human dignity and equal access to health care for all.
Infinitely many solutions of degenerate quasilinear Schrödinger equation with general potentials
Authors: Meng Yan , Huang Xianjiu , Chen Jianhua
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we study the following quasilinear Schrödinger equation: $$ -\operatorname{div}\bigl(a(x,\nabla u)\bigr)+V(x) \vert x \vert ^{-\alpha p^{*}} \vert u \vert ^{p-2}u=K(x) \vert x \vert ^{- \alpha p^{*}}f(x,u) \quad \text{in } \mathbb{R}^{N}, $$
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Disparities in the quality of and access to services in children with autism spectrum disorders: a structural equation modeling
Authors: Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Gholipour Kamal , Shahrokhi Hassan , Malek Ayyoub , Ghiasi Akbar , Pourasghari Hamid , Iezadi Shabnam
Published: April 2021

Background

Socioeconomic disparities in health and healthcare are global issues that affect both adults as well as children. Children with exceptional healthcare needs, especially those with developmental impairments, including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), encounter major disparities in access to and quality of health services. However, disparities in the population of children are rarely studied. The main aim of this paper is to study the socioeconomic disparities in children with ASD by examining the association between their Social Determinants of Health (SDH) status and access to and the quality of services.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study on 202 children with ASD conducted in 2019 in two provinces including Ardabil and East-Azerbaijan, in the North-West of Iran. A structured, valid questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic, SDH status, quality of services, and access to services in a population of children with ASD aged 2–16-year-old. Around 77% participants were male and the mean age of children was 2 years and 6 months. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used to assess the relationship.

Results

Based on the results of this study, the overall mean scores of the quality of services, access to services, and SDH status were 61.23 (30.01), 65.91 (21.89), and 29.50 (22.32) out of 100, respectively. All the associations between the quality and access dimensions and quality (B: 0.464–0.704) and access (B: 0.265–0.726) scales were statistically significant (P < 0.001). By adjusting to covariates, the access was also significantly related to service quality (P = 0.004). Finally, the associations between SDH score with service quality (P = 0.039) and access (P < 0.001) were positively significant.

Conclusions

There are socioeconomic disparities in the quality of and access to services among children with ASD, who use ASD services, in the North-West of Iran. We recommend health/medical centers, where children are diagnosed with ASD, conducting SDH screening and providing families of low-SDH status with specific information about the quality of and access to services for children with ASD. Additionally, medical universities must have a plan to routinely monitor the quality of and access to services provided for the children with low SDH.
Combining the worlds of energy systems and material flow analysis: a review
Authors: Kullmann Felix , Markewitz Peter , Stolten Detlef , Robinius Martin
Published: April 2021

Recent studies focusing on greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies indicate that material recycling has a significant impact on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The question arises how these effects can be quantified. Material recycling is not at all or insufficiently considered in energy system models, which are used today to derive climate gas mitigation strategies. To better assess and quantify the effects one option would be to couple energy system models and material flow models. The barriers and challenges of a successful coupling are addressed in this article. The greatest obstacles are diverging temporal horizons, the mismatching of system boundaries, data quality and availability, and the underrepresentation of industrial processes. A coupled model would enable access to more robust and significant results, a response to a greater variety of research questions and useful analyses. Further to this, collaborative models developed jointly by the energy system and material analysis communities are required for more cohesive and interdisciplinary assessments.
The role of the endogenous oxytocin system under psychosocial stress conditions in adolescents suffering from anxiety disorder: study protocol for a parallel group controlled trial
Authors: Goetz Leonie , Jarvers Irina , Schleicher Daniel , Mikan Kathrin , Brunner Romuald , Kandsperger Stephanie
Published: April 2021

Background

In social neuroscience, the linkage between the endocrinological system and the etiology and symptomatology of mental health problems has received increasing attention. A particular focus is given to the neuropeptide oxytocin with its anxiolytic and stress-buffering effect and the resulting therapeutic potential for anxiety disorders. Even though anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health disorders in childhood and adolescence worldwide, the reactivity of the endogenous oxytocin system to an acute stressor (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST) has so far only been investigated in healthy children. It has been shown that peripheral oxytocin levels increased under psychosocial stress conditions. In the present study, it is hypothesized that the endogenous oxytocin system in children and adolescents suffering from a clinically diagnosed anxiety disorder is dysregulated. Three primary outcome parameters will be analyzed: significant differences between participants with anxiety disorders compared to healthy controls in basal oxytocin levels, varying salivary oxytocin release after stress exposure and the correlation between the cortisol peak/-decrease and oxytocin level over time. Secondary outcome criteria are significant differences in physiological (heart rate) and psychological (perceived stress, anxiety, insecurity, tension) responses.

Methods

The present study is a single-center experimental observation study to investigate the reactivity of the endocrinological system to a psychosocial stressor (TSST). 32 children and adolescents (11–18 years) suffering from anxiety disorder will be compared to a matched healthy control group. After a detailed psychological assessment, saliva samples will be taken to measure oxytocin levels before and after psychosocial stress exposure at eight different time points. Additionally, the stress hormone cortisol will be analyzed according to the same procedure.

Discussion

Due to the high prevalence and comorbidity rate with numerous other psychiatric disorders and mental health problems, there is an urgent need to strengthen research in possible neurobiological underpinnings of anxiety disorders. To our knowledge, the proposed experiment is the first study to examine the endocrinological oxytocin and cortisol reaction to an acute psychosocial stressor in children and adolescents with mental health disorders.

Trial registrationThe study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register since 11 September 2019, DRKS00017793,https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00017793.
Subacute poisoning with bifenthrin increases the level of interleukin 1ß in mice kidneys and livers
Authors: Pylak-Piwko Oktawia , Nieradko-Iwanicka Barbara
Published: April 2021

Background

Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid. Chronic exposure of humans to the pesticide occurs. Reports about immunotoxicity and proinflammatory effect of pyrethroids were published. The aim of the article was to check if subacute poisoning with bifenthrin affects proinflammatory interleukin 1ß and tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα) in kidneys, livers and the function of these organs.

Methods

Thirty two female mice were used. They were divided into 4 groups: controls, mice receiving 1.61 mg/kg bifenthrin for 28 days (group 1), 4.025 mg/kg (2), 8.05 mg/kg (3). On day 29 they were sacrificed, blood, livers and kidneys were obtained. Creatinine concentration and alanine transaminase (ALT) activity were estimated in the blood sera. Interleukin1ß and TNFα concentrations in the organs were measured.

Result

Mean interleukin 1ß concentration in the livers of controls was 53 pg/ml, in group 1- 54 pg/ml, 2- 59 pg/ml, 3- 99 pg/ml (p < 0.05 vs controls). It was accompanied by significant increase in ALT activity in group 3 vs controls (p < 0.05). In the control kidneys interleukin 1ß was 3.9 pg/ml, group 1–6.8 pg/ml, 2–9.8 pg/ml and 3- 11 pg/ml. Statistically significant difference between group 1, 2 and 3 vs controls was found. There was no significant differences among the groups in TNFα concentrations neither in the livers nor kidneys.

Conclusion

Subacute poisoning with bifenthrin significantly increases interleukin 1ß concentration in livers and kidneys in a dose-proportionate level. It is accompanied by ALT activity increase. It confirms nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic and pro-inflammatory effect of bifenthrin in non-target organisms.
The use of nocturnal flights for barrier crossing in a diurnally migrating songbird
Authors: Lavallée Christie D. , Assadi Saeedeh Bani , Korpach Alicia M. , Ray James D. , Fischer Jason D. , Siegrist Joe , Fraser Kevin C.
Published: April 2021

Background

The migration patterns of land birds can generally be divided into those species that migrate principally during the day and those that migrate during the night. Some species may show individual plasticity in the use of day or night flight, particularly when crossing large, open-water or desert barriers. However, individual plasticity in circadian patterns of migratory flights in diurnally migrating songbirds has never been investigated.

Methods

We used high precision GPS tracking of a diurnal, migratory swallow, the purple martin (Progne subis), to determine whether individuals were flexible in their spring migration strategies to include some night flight, particularly at barrier crossing.

Results

Most (91%) of individuals made large (sometimes > 1000 km), open-water crossings of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico that included the use of night flight. 32% of all water crossings were initiated at night, demonstrating that night flight is not only used to complete large crossings but may confer other advantages for diurnal birds. Birds were not more likely to initiate crossings with supportive winds, however crossings were more likely when they reduced travel distances. Our results are consistent with diurnal birds using night flight to help achieve time- and energy-savings through ‘short cuts’ at barrier crossings, at times and locations when foraging opportunities are not available.

Conclusions

Overall, our results demonstrate the use of nocturnal flight and a high degree of individual plasticity in migration strategies on a circadian scale in a species generally considered to be a diurnal migrant. Nocturnal flights at barrier crossing may provide time and energy savings where foraging opportunities are low in an otherwise diurnal strategy. Future research should target how diel foraging and refueling strategies support nocturnal flights and barrier crossing in this and other diurnal species.
Ontology generation for flight safety messages in air traffic management
Authors: Yousefzadeh Aghdam Mahdi , Kamel Tabbakh Seyed Reza , Mahdavi Chabok Seyed Javad , kheyrabadi Maryam
Published: April 2021

The analysis of various data is a challenging issue in the field of air traffic flow management (ATFM). Managing a large volume of data and their correct interpretation plays a key role in the prevention of air accidents, human errors, and flight interactions. In general, pilots and flight navigators deal with massive and variety information, including flight safety messages, meteorological messages, aviation notes for air man (NOTAMs) and etc. Therefore relationship between Heterogeneous big data is problem. Recently, the semantic web has been recognized as a novel foundation of knowledge management that relies on ontology (concept modeling language). The present study aimed to propose an efficient infrastructure for ATMs by defining the concepts, rules, and relationships between the concepts related to the scope of flight information. To this end, we designed and implemented the ontology of flight safety messages, which included an important part of flight operation information. In this research, the internet protocol suite (IPS)-based aviation networks and methontology methodology were exploited for the engineering of the ontology of flight messages. In addition, the implementation process was carried out using the Protégé software. The analysis of the system was performed using the actual data of Mashhad Airport, Iran. Finally, the implementation of the ontology of flight messages was demonstrated after a case study of several flight examples. The developed ontology could be incorporated into the foundation of an aeronautical telecommunication network (ATN) aviation network as an application.
Cardiac biomarkers in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jayasimhan Dilip , Foster Simon , Chang Catherina L. , Hancox Robert J.
Published: April 2021

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit. Biochemical markers of cardiac dysfunction are associated with high mortality in many respiratory conditions. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the link between elevated biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction in ARDS and mortality.

Methods

A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CENTRAL databases was performed. We included studies of adult intensive care patients with ARDS that reported the risk of death in relation to a measured biomarker of cardiac dysfunction. The primary outcome of interest was mortality up to 60 days. A random-effects model was used for pooled estimates. Funnel-plot inspection was done to evaluate publication bias; Cochrane chi-square tests and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and 18 in the meta-analysis. Biomarkers of cardiac stretch included NT-ProBNP (nine studies) and BNP (six studies). Biomarkers of cardiac injury included Troponin-T (two studies), Troponin-I (one study) and High-Sensitivity-Troponin-I (three studies). Three studies assessed multiple cardiac biomarkers. High levels of NT-proBNP and BNP were associated with a higher risk of death up to 60 days (unadjusted OR 8.98; CI 4.15-19.43; p<0.00001). This association persisted after adjustment for age and illness severity. Biomarkers of cardiac injury were also associated with higher mortality, but this association was not statistically significant (unadjusted OR 2.21; CI 0.94-5.16; p= 0.07).

Conclusion

Biomarkers of cardiac stretch are associated with increased mortality in ARDS.
Reducing self-shading effects in Botryococcus braunii cultures: effect of Mg2+ deficiency on optical and biochemical properties, photosynthesis and lipidomic profile
Authors: Giraldo Néstor David , Correa Sandra Marcela , Arbeláez Andrés , Figueroa Felix L. , Ríos-Estepa Rigoberto , Atehortúa Lucía
Published: April 2021

Microalgae biomass exploitation as a carbon–neutral energy source is currently limited by several factors, productivity being one of the most relevant. Due to the high absorption properties of light-harvesting antenna, photosynthetic cells tend to capture an excessive amount of energy that cannot be entirely channeled through the electron transfer chain that ends up dissipated as heat and fluorescence, reducing the overall light use efficiency. Aiming to minimize this hurdle, in this work we studied the effect of decreasing concentrations of Magnesium (Mg2+) on the chlorophyllacontent, photosynthetic performance, biomass and lipid production of autotrophic cultures ofBotryococcus brauniiLB 572. We also performed, for the first time, a comparative lipidomic analysis to identify the influence of limited Mg2+supply on the lipid profile of this algae. The results indicated that a level of 0.0037 g L−1MgSO4caused a significant decline on chlorophyllacontent with a concomitant 2.3-fold reduction in the biomass absorption coefficient. In addition, the Mg2+limitation caused a decrease in the total carbohydrate content and triggered lipid accumulation, achieving levels of up to 53% DCW, whereas the biomass productivity remained similar for all tested conditions. The lipidome analysis revealed that the lowest Mg2+concentrations also caused a differential lipid profile distribution, with an enrichment of neutral lipids and an increase of structural lipids. In that sense, we showed that Mg2+limitation represents an alternative optimization approach that not only enhances accumulation of neutral lipids inB. brauniicells but also may potentially lead to a better areal biomass productivity due to the reduction in the cellular light absorption properties of the cells.
Exploratory field study on the effects of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) sow vaccination at different physiological stages mimicking blanket vaccination
Authors: Pleguezuelos Patricia , Sibila Marina , Cuadrado Raúl , López-Jiménez Rosa , Pérez Diego , Huerta Eva , Llorens Anna M. , Núñez José Ignacio , Segalés Joaquim , López-Soria Sergio
Published: April 2021

Background

The objective of the present study was to explore the benefits of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) blanket vaccination in a sow herd on productive parameters, PCV-2 infection and immune status in sows and their progeny. For this purpose, 288 sows were distributed among four balanced experimental groups. One group remained as negative control group and the other three received 1 mL of PCV-2 Ingelvac Circoflex® intramuscularly at different productive cycle moments: before mating, mid gestation (42–49 days post-insemination) or late gestation (86–93 days post-insemination); phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was used as negative control item. Reproductive parameters from sows during gestation and body weight of their progeny from birth to weaning were recorded. Additionally, blood was collected from sows at each vaccination time and piglets at 3 weeks of age. Moreover, up to 4 placental umbilical cords (PUC) per sow were taken at peri-partum. Sera from sows and piglets were analysed for PCV-2 antibody detection using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from sows and PUC were tested to quantify viraemia using a real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay.

Results

Globally, results indicated that vaccinated sows showed heavier piglets at birth and at weaning, less cross-fostered piglets, lower viral load at farrowing as well as in PUC, and higher antibody levels at farrowing, compared to non-vaccinated ones. When all groups were compared among them, sows vaccinated at mid or late gestation had heavier piglets at birth than non-vaccinated sows, and lower proportion of PCV-2 positive PUC. Also, cross-fostering was less frequently practiced in sows vaccinated at pre-mating or mid gestation compared to non-vaccinated ones.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the present study points out that PCV-2 sow vaccination at different time points of their physiological status (mimicking blanket vaccination) offers benefits at production and serological and virological levels.
Facial nerve regeneration using silicone conduits filled with ammonia-functionalized graphene oxide and frankincense-embedded hydrogel
Authors: Aghajanian Sepehr , Taghi Doulabi Aliasghar , Akhbari Masoume , Shams Alireza
Published: April 2021

Background

Silicone tube (ST) conduits have been accepted as a therapeutic alternative to direct nerve suturing in the treatment of nerve injuries; however, the search for optimal adjuncts to maximize the outcomes is still ongoing. Frankincense (Fr) and graphene oxide (GO) have both been cited as neuroregenerative compounds in the literature. This study assesses the efficacy of these materials using a ST conduit in a rat facial nerve motor neuron axotomy model, distal to the stylomastoid foramen.

Methods

Ammonia-functionalized graphene oxide (NH2-GO) and/or Fr extract were embedded in a collagen-chitosan hydrogel and were injected inside a ST. The ST was inserted in the gap between the axotomized nerve stumps. Return of function in eye closure, blinking reflex, and vibrissae movements were assessed and compared to control groups through 30 days following axotomy. To assess the histological properties of regenerated nerves, biopsies were harvested distal to the axotomy site and were visualized through light and fluorescence microscopy using LFB and anti-MBP marker, respectively.

Results

There was no significant difference in behavioral test results between groups. Histological analysis of the nerve sections revealed increased number of regenerating axons and mean axon diameter in NH2-GO group and decreased myelin surface area in Fr group. Using both NH2-GO and Fr resulted in increased number of regenerated axons and myelin thickness compared to the hydrogel group.

Conclusions

The findings suggest a synergistic effect of the substances above in axon regrowth, notably in myelin regeneration, where Fr supposedly decreases myelin synthesis.
Guidance on Implementing an Oral Chemotherapy Drug Repository Program in a Medically Integrated Pharmacy Setting
Authors: Monestime Shanada , Magallon Tara , Jenkins Lauren , Page Ray
Published: April 2021

Oncology drug repository programs allow patients to donate oral chemotherapy that can be redispensed to patients in need and could ultimately reduce drug waste. Medically integrated pharmacies can serve as a platform for drug repository programs because of the integration of healthcare providers and pharmacists at one location, facilitating an effective transition from donation to redispensing. Before implementing a program, pharmacies should consider state laws regarding who can donate medications, the type of setting (including open or closed systems), as well as how to assess the quality of the medication donated, expiration dates, storing and maintenance of a separate inventory, written policies and procedures, and a priority list for dispensing medications to patients. In this article, we provide the initial steps to assist states and oncology pharmacists interested in developing a drug repository program.
Hope, Burnout, and Life Satisfaction: An Intriguing Trinity Among Investigators of the SWOG Cancer Research Network
Authors: Feldman David B. , O'Rourke Mark A. , Bakitas Marie A. , Krouse Robert S. , Deininger Heidi E. , Hudson Matthew F. , Corn Benjamin W.
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE:

Although hope has been explored in patients, few studies have investigated hopefulness in health care professionals. We surveyed oncology professionals within the SWOG Cancer Research Network, exploring relationships among personal hopefulness, social support, work stress, burnout, and life satisfaction. We hypothesized that hope would mediate the relationships between these other variables and life satisfaction.

METHODS:

SWOG members were randomly selected for an online survey containing measures of hope, social support, work stress, burnout, and satisfaction with life. Of 1,000 invitees, 226 responded.

RESULTS:

We tested a multiple mediational model using Hayes' bootstrapping approach (ie, PROCESS v3.4). As hypothesized, hope partially mediated the relationships between burnout and life satisfaction as well as between social support and life satisfaction. In particular, hopefulness was associated with lower burnout (−0.23; P = .005), greater social support (0.23; P = .005), and greater life satisfaction (0.50; P < .001). Work stress was associated with greater burnout (0.57; P < .001) but was not associated with general life satisfaction. Finally, social support was associated with lower burnout (−0.16; P = .005) and greater life satisfaction (0.24; P < .001).

CONCLUSION:

Our results suggest that hope may mitigate the effects of burnout. The combination of hope and social support may prove helpful for reducing burnout and improving life satisfaction. Single-session hope-enhancement interventions incorporating both hope and social support have previously been shown to increase hope and well-being in non–health care professionals. Such interventions for health care providers warrant further study.
Treatment of Hyperthyroidism Reduces Systemic Oxidative Stress, as Measured by Markers of RNA and DNA Damage
Authors: Larsen Camilla B , Riis Kamilla R , Winther Kristian H , Larsen Emil L , Ellervik Christina , Hegedüs Laszlo , Brix Thomas H , Poulsen Henrik E , Bonnema Steen J
Published: April 2021

Background

Whole-body oxidative stress can be estimated by the urine excretion of oxidized guanosine species, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), derived from RNA and DNA, respectively. These oxidative stress markers are not well explored in thyroid disorders.

Objective

We aimed to determine whether treatment of hyperthyroid patients affects the levels of these oxidative stress markers.

Methods

Urinary excretion of 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodG was measured in 51 hyperthyroid patients (toxic nodular goiter [TNG], n = 30; Graves disease [GD], n = 21) before or shortly after initiation of therapy and when stable euthyroidism had been achieved for at least 12 months.

Results

Adjusting for age, the baseline urinary excretion of oxidative stress markers correlated positively with plasma thyroxine (8-oxoGuo, P = 0.002; 8-oxodG, P = 0.021) and was significantly higher in GD than in TNG patients (P = 0.001 for both oxidative stress markers). Restoration of euthyroidism significantly affected the excretion of the oxidative stress markers. In TNG, 8-oxoGuo decreased from geometric mean 2.11 nmol/mmol creatinine (95% CI, 1.85-2.39) to 1.91 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.67-2.19; P = 0.001), while 8-oxodG decreased from 1.65 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.41-1.93) to 1.48 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.27-1.74; P = 0.026). In GD, 8-oxoGuo decreased from 2.25 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.95-2.59) to 1.79 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.63-1.97; P = 0.0003), while 8-oxodG decreased from 2.02 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.73-2.38) to 1.54 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.31-1.81; P = 0.001). In the euthyroid state, there were no differences between groups.

Conclusion

Restoration of euthyroidism in patients with hyperthyroidism significantly decreased the systemic oxidative stress load by 10% to 25%. Our findings may help to explain the higher morbidity and mortality linked to hyperthyroid diseases, as shown in observational studies.
Cortical Changes in Acipenserid Eggs during Fertilization and Artificial Activation
Authors: Dettlaff T. A.
Published: April 2021

In the complex chain of interrelated processes which make up the early changes in the egg during activation (see Tyler, 1941, 1955; Runnström, 1952; Rothschild, 1956; T. Yamamoto, 1956; Allen, 1958) many phenomena are still unclear : for example, the problem of the fertilization impulse, the rate of its spread, and its relationship with the other changes in the egg; the problem of the origin of the perivitelline space colloid and of its relation to the material of the cortical granules (Runnström, 1952; Rothschild, 1956; Allen, 1958). The main objects of investigation have hitherto been the eggs of sea urchins and, to a lesser extent, of teleost fishes, so that a danger exists that the sequence of phenomena characteristic of these eggs may be supposed to hold generally. Acipenserid eggs, because of certain peculiarities of their structure and development, are a suitable object for studies of this kind.
Transection of the Spinal Cord in DevelopingXenopus Laevis
Authors: Sims R. T.
Published: April 2021

The spinal cord of X. laevis larvae at stage 56 of development was completely transected between the fifth and sixth neural arch. Observations were made on 33 larvae which survived the operation and a suitable group of normal control animals. They were fixed at intervals up to 6 months after the operation. Sections were prepared and either stained with cresyl violet or silvered by Bodian’s protargol method. Normal larvae exhibited movements associated with locomotion, posture, and respiration. A knock on the side of their bowl evoked an avoiding reaction in which they darted through the water. During the first 15 days after the operation the locomotory movement was performed only by the region of the experimental animals cranial to the lesion and the postural movement was performed only by the region caudal to the lesion. On the sixteenth postoperative day functional co-ordination across the lesion had returned in all the experimental animals. The response to a knock on the side of their container never returned to the region of these animals caudal to the site of transection. The first axons to regenerate across the lesion were found on the seventh postoperative day—8 days before the return of functional co-ordination. The only change at the site of transection after this was an increase in the number of axons. The Mauthner axons and the large axons of primary motor neurones did not regenerate. Perikarya of primary motor neurones showing chromatolytic changes were found for two segments cranial and half a segment caudal to the site of transection in the operated animals. It was concluded that the movements associated with locomotion are mediated by a different central system to that mediating the postural movements of these animals. It is suggested that the Mauthner axons of these animals are the central motor pathway for the avoiding response stimulated by a knock on the side of their container. The evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that regeneration of axons after transection of the spinal cord is not limited by local changes consequent to the lesion.
Morphogenetic Interactions before Gastrulation in the Amphibian,Xenopus laevis—the Cortical Field
Authors: Curtis A. S. G.
Published: April 2021

Although the main visible forms of morphogenesis commence at gastrulation it is of great interest to discover whether they are preceded by a series of preparatory changes just as essential to development, although they have no immediately visible effects. When Dalcq & Pasteels (1937) proposed the hypothesis that the cortex and yolk respectively contained morphogenetic factors which determine the main structural features of the embryo, they did not suggest when or how these factors act. I have described a method (Curtis, 1960) for grafting portions of the cortex of the Xenopus egg from one egg to another, and by its use was able to confirm that parts at least of the cortex contain a morphogenetic factor. In the present work this technique has been used to make grafts between the cortex of embryonic cells of varying ages in order to discover whether the cortex alters its morphogenetic properties as development proceeds. A related question is whether the cortex brings its morphogenetic factors into action only when gastrulation begins or does it act at an earlier stage.
Nature and distribution of the morphogen DIF in theDictyosteliumslug
Authors: Brookman Jenny J. , Jermyn Keith A. , Kay Robert R.
Published: April 2021

The Dictyostelium slug contains a simple anterior-posterior pattern of prestalk and prespore cells. It is likely that DIF, the morphogen which induces stalk cells, is involved in establishing this pattern. Previous work has shown that a number of distinct species of DIF are released by developing cells and that cell-associated DIF activity increases rapidly during the slug stage of development. In this paper we describe a comparison of the DIF extracted from slugs with the DIF released into the medium. Analysis by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using different solvent systems shows that the major species of DIF activity extracted from slugs coelutes with DIF-1, the major species of released DIF and is similarly sensitive to sodium borohydride reduction.

Since DIF specifically induces the differentiation of prestalk cells, the anterior cells of the slug, it could be anticipated that DIF is localized in the prestalk region. We have therefore determined the distribution of DIF within the slug. Migrating slugs from strain V12M2 were manually dissected into anterior one-third and posterior two-third fragments and the DIF activity extracted. Surprisingly, we found that DIF was not restricted to the prestalk fragment. Instead there appears to be a reverse gradient of DIF in the slug with at least twice the specific activity of total DIF in the prespore region than in the prestalk region.
Purified bovine AMH induces a characteristic freemartin effect in fetal rat prospective ovaries exposed to it in vitro
Authors: Vigier Bernard , Watrin Françoise , Magre Solange , Tran Dien , Josso Nathalie
Published: April 2021

To determine whether anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is responsible for the gonadal lesions observed in bovine genetic females united by placental anastomoses to male twins (freemartins), prospective ovaries of fetal rats were exposed to purified bovine AMH in vitro. In cultures initiated at 14 days p.c. and maintained 3 to 10 days, AMH consistently induced a characteristic ‘freemartin effect’, namely reduction of gonadal volume, germ cell depletion and differentiation, in the gonadal blastema, of epithelial cells with large clear cytoplasm linked by interdigitations, resembling rat fetal Sertoli cells. These cells tend to become polarized and form cords, delineated by a continuous basal membrane containing laminin and fibronectin. Such structures, resembling developing seminiferous cords, were not detected in control ovarian cultures. These data strongly suggest that AMH is the testicular factor responsible for triggering the morphological abnormalities of freemartin gonads.
Metallothionein gene regulation in the preimplantation rabbit blastocyst
Authors: Andrews G. K. , Huet Y. M. , Lehman L. D. , Dey S. K.
Published: April 2021

Expression of metallothionein (AfT) genes in the preimplantation rabbit blastocyst was analysed by determination of the levels of MT mRNA and relative rates of MT synthesis. MT was found to be constitutively expressed at low levels in the blastocyst. Exposure of the day-6 blastocyst to zinc ions in vitro rapidly increased the level of MT gene expression in a dose-dependent manner, with a ten-fold induction in the relative rate of synthesis at 400μm-Zn2+. Ion-exchange chromatography of pulse-labelled blastocyst protein showed that the relative rates of synthesis of both MT-I and MT-II were markedly increased following zinc treatment, with MT-I being the predominant isometallothionein. Zinc induction of MT synthesis in the blastocyst was also detected on day 4 of gestation just after the morula-torblastocyst transition. In contrast to the zinc effects on MT, in vitro exposure to 10 μM-Cd2+ resulted in a large induction of MT mRNA but only a modest increase in the relative rate of MT synthesis. Cadmium was found to be toxic to the day-6 blastocyst, and 10μM-Cd2+ induced an acute stress response as indicated by a dramatic induction of heat-shock protein (HSP-70) gene expression.
The structure and distribution of proteochondroitin sulphate during the formation of chick embryo feather germs
Authors: Kitamura Kunio
Published: April 2021

The dorsal skin of the chick embryo, in which feather germ forms, was found to synthesize two proteochon-droitin sulphates, PCS-I and PCS-II and a proteo-heparan sulphate, PHS. A monoclonal antibody (I3B9) was prepared against PCS-I, a higher molecular weight proteochondroitin sulphate. Distribution of PCS-I was immunohistochemically studied using I3B9. PCS-I was found in the epidermis, basement membrane and superficial dermis prior to formation of feather rudiments. As the feather rudiments formed, PCS-I was noted in a condensed area of dermal cells and in the basement membrane, while PCS-I decreased remarkably in the epidermal placode. The formation of feather buds resulted in a decrease in PCS-I in the region of dermal condensation and the basement membrane situated above this region. PCS-I was asymmetrically distributed in the feather filaments. The turnover of proteochondroitin sulphate was studied using autoradiography of [3SS]sulphate. Proteochondroitin sulphate in the base-ment membrane and condensed dermis of the feather rudiments showed very slow turnover. On the other hand, the outgrowth of feather buds caused rapid turnover of proteochondroitin sulphate in the region of dermal condensation and basement membrane situated above this region. The mechanism for the uneven distribution of PCS-I during feather germ formation is discussed.
Maternal treatment with cortisone accelerates eyelid closure and other developmental fusion processes in fetal mice
Authors: Juriloff D. M.
Published: April 2021

Cortisone acetate administered to pregnant CBA/J and SWV/Bc mice at 30 to 100 mg kg-1 on day 14 of gestation causes accelerated development of eyelid closure, digit fusion and fusion of pinnae to the scalp on day 16 of gestation. Eyelid closure seems to be accelerated more than hindlimb digit fusion.

The results support the hypothesis that the prevention of the open-eye birth defect in lgMI/lgMI mutant mice by cortisone is through a shift of eye closure to an earlier chronological or morphological stage, and that the lgMI mutation causes delay in eyelid development and closure.

Most previous studies of the effects of glucocorticoids on morphological development have focussed on high doses that induce defects, such as cleft palate, and on treatment earlier in gestation. In the studies reported here, lower doses were used and an acceleration of apparently normal development was observed. The results support the possibility that the gene regulatory effects of physiological levels of glucocorticoids are involved in normal morphological development of mammalian fetuses. The regulation of genes is far less well understood for morphological development than for biochemical differentiation. The responses of the four morphological traits described in this paper seem to offer a route to some greater insight into the genetic regulation of morphology.