bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocarditis With COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines
Authors: Bozkurt Biykem , Kamat Ishan , Hotez Peter J.
Published: July 2021

Myocarditis has been recognized as a rare complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccinations, especially in young adult and adolescent males. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, myocarditis/pericarditis rates are ≈12.6 cases per million doses of second-dose mRNA vaccine among individuals 12 to 39 years of age. In reported cases, patients with myocarditis invariably presented with chest pain, usually 2 to 3 days after a second dose of mRNA vaccination, and had elevated cardiac troponin levels. ECG was abnormal with ST elevations in most, and cardiac MRI was suggestive of myocarditis in all tested patients. There was no evidence of acute COVID-19 or other viral infections. In 1 case, a cardiomyopathy gene panel was negative, but autoantibody levels against certain self-antigens and frequency of natural killer cells were increased. Although the mechanisms for development of myocarditis are not clear, molecular mimicry between the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and self-antigens, trigger of preexisting dysregulated immune pathways in certain individuals, immune response to mRNA, and activation of immunologic pathways, and dysregulated cytokine expression have been proposed. The reasons for male predominance in myocarditis cases are unknown, but possible explanations relate to sex hormone differences in immune response and myocarditis, and also underdiagnosis of cardiac disease in women. Almost all patients had resolution of symptoms and signs and improvement in diagnostic markers and imaging with or without treatment. Despite rare cases of myocarditis, the benefit-risk assessment for COVID-19 vaccination shows a favorable balance for all age and sex groups; therefore, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone ≥12 years of age.
Serial ASPECTS in the DAWN Trial
Authors: Liebeskind David S. , Saber Hamidreza , Bhuva Parita , Xiang Bin , Yoo Albert J. , Jadhav Ashutosh P. , Haussen Diogo C. , Budzik Ronald F. , Bonafe Alain , Yavagal Dileep R. , Hanel Ricardo A. , Ribo Marc , Cognard Christophe , Sila Cathy , Hassan Ameer E. , Smith Wade S. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Nogueira Raul G. , Jovin Tudor G. ,   for DAWN Investigators
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

The impact of baseline ischemia on Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and evolution over 24 hours may be distinct in late thrombectomy. We analyzed predictors of serial ASPECTS and clinical outcomes in the DAWN trial (Diffusion-Weighted Imaging or CTP Assessment With Clinical Mismatch in the Triage of Wake-Up and Late Presenting Strokes Undergoing Neurointervention With Trevo).

Methods:

The DAWN Imaging Core Laboratory independently scored ASPECTS at baseline and 24 hours. Descriptive statistics characterized ASPECTS on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 24 hours, delineating ASPECTS change over 24 hours.

Results:

206 subjects (mean age 70.0±13.7 years; 54.9% (n=113) female; baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale median (interquartile range) 17 (13, 21) were included. Baseline ASPECTS was median (interquartile range) 8.0 (7–8), with 92/205 (44.9%) between 0 and 7 and 113/205 (55.1%) 8 and 10. 24-hour ASPECTS was median 6.0 (4–8), with ASPECTS change or infarct evolution having median −1, ranging from −8 to +2. Multivariable logistic regression showed older age (odds ratio [OR] for 10-year interval, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.02–1.55],
P
=0.030) and dyslipidemia (OR, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.06–3.19],
P
=0.031) were independently associated with higher baseline ASPECTS. Higher 24-hour ASPECTS was predicted by endovascular treatment (OR, 2.76 [95% CI, 1.58–4.81],
P
=0.0004), baseline glucose <150 mg/dL (OR, 2.86 [95% CI, 1.50–5.46],
P
=0.001), lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (OR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.89–0.98],
P
=0.010), and older age (OR for 10-year interval, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.01–1.55],
P
=0.041). Internal carotid artery lesion location (OR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.24–0.89],
P
=0.021) was inversely related to 24-hour ASPECTS. Good clinical outcome (day 90 modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) was predicted by 24-hour ASPECTS (OR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.08–1.96],
P
=0.014). Extensive infarct evolution (ASPECTS decrease ≥6) occurred in 14/201 (7.0%). Elevated baseline serum glucose ≥150 mg/dL was a predictor of ASPECTS decrease of ≥4 points (OR, 2.78 [95% CI, 1.21–6.35]
P
=0.016) as was internal carotid artery occlusion (OR, 2.49 [95% CI, 1.05–5.88];
P
=0.038). ASPECTS change was influenced by treatment arm (
P
=0.001 by Wilcoxon), including 0 ASPECTS change in 42/105 (40.0%) of the endovascular arm and only 20/96 (20.8%) of the medical arm.

Conclusions:

DAWN subjects enrolled with small infarct cores had a broad range of baseline ASPECTS. Twenty-four-hour ASPECTS, strikingly influenced by endovascular therapy, predicted good clinical outcomes.

Registration:

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02142283.
Innate Immune Anti-Inflammatory Response in Human Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Shtaya Anan , Bridges Leslie R. , Williams Rebecca , Trippier Sarah , Zhang Liqun , Pereira Anthony C. , Nicoll James A.R. , Boche Delphine , Hainsworth Atticus H.
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is a common form of hemorrhagic stroke, with high mortality and morbidity. Pathophysiological mechanisms in sICH are poorly understood and treatments limited. Neuroinflammation driven by microglial-macrophage activation contributes to brain damage post-sICH. We aim to test the hypothesis that an anti-inflammatory (repair) process occurs in parallel with neuroinflammation in clinical sICH.

Methods:

We performed quantitative analysis of immunohistochemical markers for microglia and macrophages (Iba1, CD68, TMEM119, CD163, and CD206) in brain tissue biospecimens 1 to 12 days post-sICH and matched control cases. In a parallel, prospective group of patients, we assayed circulating inflammatory markers (CRP [C-reactive protein], total white cell, and monocyte count) over 1 to 12 days following sICH.

Results:

In 27 supratentorial sICH cases (n=27, median [interquartile range] age: 59 [52–80.5], 14F/13M) all microglia-macrophage markers increased post-sICH, relative to control brains. Anti-inflammatory markers (CD163 and CD206) were elevated alongside proinflammatory markers (CD68 and TMEM119). CD163 increased progressively post-sICH (15.0-fold increase at 7–12 days,
P
<0.001). CD206 increased at 3 to 5 days (5.2-fold,
P
<0.001) then returned to control levels at 7 to 12 days. The parenchymal immune response combined brain-derived microglia (TMEM119 positive) and invading monocyte-derived macrophages (CD206 positive). In a prospective sICH patient cohort (n=26, age 74 [66–79], National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale on admission: 8 [4–17]; 14F/12M) blood CRP concentration and monocyte density (but not white blood cell) increased post-sICH. CRP increased from 0 to 2 to 3 to 5 days (8.3-fold,
P
=0.020) then declined at 7 to 12 days. Monocytes increased from 0 to 2 to 3 to 5 days (1.8-fold,
P
<0.001) then declined at 7 to 12 days.

Conclusions:

An anti-inflammatory pathway, enlisting native microglia and blood monocytes, occurs alongside neuroinflammation post-sICH. This novel pathway offers therapeutic targets and a window of opportunity (3–5 days post-sICH) for delivery of therapeutics via invading monocytes.
Taxonomy of Petrosiidae Van Soest, 1980 (Haplosclerida, Porifera) from Brazil
Authors: ROCHA LÍVIA , MORAES FERNANDO , SALANI SULA , HAJDU EDUARDO
Published: July 2021

Petrosiidae (Haplosclerida, Demospongiae) is characterized by the hard and friable consistency, and an isotropic reticulated skeleton of oxeas/ strongyles. The Brazilian coast and oceanic islands harbor three out of four known genera of Petrosiidae: Neopetrosia de Laubenfels, 1949; Petrosia (Petrosia) Vosmaer, 1885 and Xestospongia de Laubenfels, 1932. A taxonomic survey of samples from several expeditions housed at the Porifera Collection of Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, with additional comparative materials obtained from the Museu de Ciências Naturais, Fundação Zoobotânica do Rio Grande do Sul, and Universidade Federal de Pernambuco enabled the description of two new species: P. (P.) revizee sp. nov. and X. dorigo sp. nov. We also recorded a range extention for Neopetrosia proxima and Xestospongia muta, and Xestospongia grayi was synonymized with X. muta. Other species reported from the country are diagnosed, and an identification key for Petrosiidae from Brazil is provided.
One new species and one poorly known species of Neoperla in the montivaga group (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from Hainan Province, China
Authors: MO RAORAO , WANG GUOQUAN , LI WEIHAI
Published: July 2021

One new species of the genus Neoperla in the montivaga species group, N. limushana sp. nov. is proposed from Hainan Province of southern China. The new species is compared with related congeners of the group. In addition, a supplementary description and illustrations of the adult male of N. hainanensis Yang & Yang, 1995 also presented. A provisional key to the presently known species of the N. montivaga group of Hainan Province is also given.
Production of H2-Rich Syngas from Oxygen-Steam Gasification of Biomass Using Modified Red Mud Extract as Catalyst
Authors: Qi Tian , Lei Tingzhou , Zhang Quanguo , Jin Tingxiang , Zhu Shiquan , Zhu Youjian , Hu Xiaorui , Cheng Chuanxiao
Published: July 2021

Oxygen-steam gasification of biomass catalyzed by modified iron-rich red mud extract is firstly performed in our work. During the impregnation of the modified red mud extract (MRME), the pore structure characteristics and thermal behavior of the maize straw changed significantly. The
influence of MRME on syngas quality, gas yield, and thermal efficiency were performed in a lab-scale gasification reactor. The results showed that higher temperature, sufficient MRME addition, appropriate equivalent ratio (ER) and a small amount of steam all promoted syngas quality and energy
conversion. For maximum economic efficiency, the optimal rate of MRME addition is 30% weight ratio to maize straw. The optimal level of ER was found to be 0.23, and the maximum energy conversion ratio was 82.4% at 800 °C with optimal levels of MRME addition and ER. Compared with the raw
maize straw gasification at the same operating condition, the content of H2 increased from 17.32% to 33.77%, and CO raised from 22.89% to 35.11%. It seems that the red mud extract catalyst has the potential for using as an economic efficiency industrially catalyst for high quality
and H2-riched syngas production from biomass gasification.
Comparison of Low-Temperature Alkali/Urea Pretreatments for Ethanol Production from Wheat Straw
Authors: Zahoor  , Wang Wen , Tan Xuesong , Yu Qiang , Sun Yongming , Yuan Zhenhong , Min Kyoungseon , Lee Jinsuk , Shang Bai Zi , Zhuang Xinshu
Published: July 2021

NaOH/urea (NU) pretreatment at lower than 0 °C has been frequently applied for improving bio-conversion of lignocellulose, but the wastewater generated from the pretreatment process is hard to dispose. KOH/urea (KU) pretreatment for enhancing bioconversion of lignocellulose has
recently attracted researchers’ attention due to the recycling of wastewater for facilitating crops’ growth. This study compared the effects of NU and KU pretreatments at cold conditions on the enzymatic hydrolysis and bioethanol yield from wheat straw (WS). By using response surface
methodology an optimal pretreatment with an equal ratio of alkali/urea (4% w/v) at −20 °C for 3 h was established. The enzymatic hydrolysis of KU-treated WS was 81.17%, which was similar to that of NU-treated WS (83.72%) under the same condition. It means that KU pretreatment has
equal ability to NU pretreatment to improve enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulose. KU pretreatment has the promising potential to replace NU pretreatment for facilitating bioconversion of lignocellulose in cold conditions due to the clean way to recycle its wastewater as fertilizer
for crop growth. Hence, KU pretreatment combined with enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation could be a promising green way to cellulosic ethanol production with zero waste emission.
Protective Effect of Resveratrol on Hepatocyte Apoptosis in Alcoholic Liver
Authors: Liu Yu-Meng , Liu Ying , Dou Bo-Xin , Terrence Madhujith
Published: July 2021

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin produced by several plants. To investigate its mechanism on prevention of alcoholic liver injury, 72 male rats with alcoholic liver disease were randomly divided into 6 groups (blank, model, positive drug, high, medium and low dose of resveratrol groups).
After 30 days of continuous feeding, the levels of various indexes were detected; TUNEL assay was used to detect the apoptosis of liver cells; the expression of CYP2E1, SIRT-1, NF-κB and TNF-α was detected by western blot. In the results, the activities of Alanine
transaminase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total bilirubin (TBIL) and y-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in serum of resveratrol groups were significantly lower than those of model control group, the activity of
glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in high and medium dose resveratrol group was significantly increased. The contents of Lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the groups with high, medium and low doses of resveratrol were significantly
reduced. Resveratrol could significantly reduce the protein expression of CYP2E1, NF-κB and TNF-α in rat liver tissue; the protein expression of SIRT-1 was significantly up-regulated. In conclusion, resveratrol has a remarkable antioxidant effect.
Metagenomics and Metabolomics Study on Microbial Diversity and Enzymatic Activities Changes on Cow Dung Based Low-Temperature Biogas Production by Entererococcus spp
Authors: Dai Jinping , Li Jiang , Wang Zhifang , Xie Yuqing , Wang Xiaowu , Chen Jing , Yang Xinping , Shao Wei , Yu Xiong , Feng Lei
Published: July 2021

To fill the gap between the rise in demand for energy and decline in the traditional energy sources such as coal, natural gas and nuclear energy, other alternative sources such as biogas are necessary. Studies have shown that the existing conditions within the fermentation realm control
the microbial characteristics in biogas production. However, there is inadequate insight between the duration of fermentation and the microbial diversity, and with specific emphasis to cow manure as the substrate under low temperature fermentation. This study aimed at providing additional
insight on the effect of varying fermentation duration (0 to 60 days) on the composition of the dominant microbial flora on cow dung based low-temperature (15 °C) biogas fermentation using metagenomics and metabolomics analyses approach. The study results showed that the main dominant
community in the process of methanogenesis are the Spirochaetae, Synergistetes and Chloroflexi, and are new flora in the methane phase. In the peak stage of low-temperature biogas fermentation, the dominant bacteria groups were Methanosarcina and after adding 10% concentration of L1 bacteria.
The prediction of metabolic pathway was mainly carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism with succinyl-CoA synthase a subunit, lactaldehyde reductase and the glutamate-glyoxylate aminotransferase being the main unique enzymes. The study therefore supports the potential of involving
the reported dominant microbial communities and related enzymatic activities for improved biogas production under low temperature conditions.
Analysis of bone metabolism mechanisms in postmenopausal females with type 2 diabetes and DKK1 gene polymorphisms and the effects of polymer nanomaterials on wound infection in patients
Authors: Zhang Wei , Luo Jing , Shi Huanli , Wang Chen , Fu Xinxin , Li Xiaomei
Published: July 2021

Diabetic patients are prone to abnormal bone metabolism. Menopausal women exhibit reduced estrogen secretion and bone absorption exceeds the rate of bone formation. Therefore, postmenopausal women with diabetes are even more likely to suffer from osteoporosis. Identifying the specific
mechanism of abnormal bone metabolism in diabetic menopausal women will help reduce the risk of bone fractures. This study explored the specific mechanisms of bone metabolism disorders in menopausal women with type 2 diabetes in relation to genetic polymorphisms. We found that the distribution
frequency of the CA genotype and A allele at the rs1373004 locus of the DKK1 gene in menopausal women with diabetes and abnormal bone mass were significantly lower compared with that in normal bone. The distribution of the GG genotype at the rs1528877 locus was also less frequent compared
with those exhibiting normal bone mass. This suggests that the genotype and allele frequency distribution in the DKK1 gene at rs1373004 and RS1528877 in postmenopausal T2DM women is associated with glucose metabolism and bone metabolism. To analyze the efficacy of polylactic acid (PLA)/gelatin
nanofibers on T2DM patients with infectious fractures, we compared various aspects of wound healing in patients treated with conventional therapy versus PLA/gelatin nanofibers. The results indicated that the number of days required for wound healing and the frequency of incisions in patients
treated with PLA/gelatin nanofibers were significantly lower compared with those treated with conventional therapy (P < 0.05). The wound healing rate of patients treated with PLA/gelatin nanofibers was significantly higher compared with that of patients treated with conventional
therapy on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of treatment. Our findings indicate that PLA/gelatin nanofiber treatment can significantly promote fracture wound healing.
Nickel-phosphorus-boron amorphous alloy nanotubes improves the selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol
Authors: Mo Min , Tang Jiansheng , Lu Qi , Xun Youyi
Published: July 2021

Ni–P–B (NPB) amorphous alloy nanotubes were prepared for the selective liquid-phase hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol. The content of P in NPB amorphous alloy nanotubes was adjusted by the initial NaH2PO2-containing liquid crystal system
of non-ionic/anionic mixed surfactants. The promotion effect of an appropriate amount of P was mainly characterized by its large active surface area, ability for greater absorption of H, strong synergistic interaction, better stability, high conversion and catalytic selectivity. The NPB nanotubes
exhibited higher hydrogenation activity when compared with the corresponding NPB nanoparticles, which might be dependent on the specific surface area, uniform active sites and tubular morphology of the catalysts.
Targeting grainyhead-like transcription factor 2/Snail2 with chitosan-lipid nanoparticles inhibits melanoma progression
Authors: Yang Tong , Jin Lei
Published: July 2021

The grainyhead-like transcription factor 2 (GRHL2) has been reported to be involved in the progression of several malignant tumors; however, its expression and function are still unclear. This study confirmed that GRHL2 expression increased in melanoma tissue and cell lines. We used
a novel chitosan-lipid nanoparticle (CS-LNP) nanomaterial to form CS-LNP/plasmids and CS-LNP/siRNAs to upregulate/downregulate GRHL2. The results indicated that GRHL2 promoted melanoma cell proliferation and migration by upregulating the EMT-related snail2 gene, and GRHL2 function in melanoma
cells was partially reversed by snail2 knockdown. GRHL2/snail2 could be a potential target in melanoma treatment.
Paramagnetic block copolymers: An effective tool for targeted radiography of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pan Hao , Chen Lei
Published: July 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by erosive arthritis. Accurate diagnosis of RA mostly depends on the quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To obtain stable and clear imaging signals, it is necessary to design and develop a superstable and highly
sensitive contrast agent. This study synthesized a diblock polymer polyethylene glycol–tert-butyl polyacrylate (PEG-b-PAA) by in situ polyol polymerization, coated it with ultrasmall paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO), and conjugated folic acid to the PEG-b-PAA/USPIO surface
to impart targeting function. The addition of USPIO effectively enhanced MRI quality in delayed T2-weighted images (T2WI), as observed through synovial signal changes other than morphological changes, early monitoring RA lesions, and drug treatment response. Enhanced T2WI helped evaluate the
characteristics of synovial perfusion, which further confirmed the feasibility of MRI using FA-PEG-b-PAA/USPIO. These results showed that FA-PEG-b-PAA/USPIO has great potential in the clinical application of MRI for RA diagnosis.
Inhibitory effect of the Nth gene on drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ren Qi , Chong Yingzhi , Li Yuhong , Han Tiesheng , Chen Mengshi , Feng Fumin
Published: July 2021

To clarify the role of Nth gene in drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the clinical strain MTB were isolated and cultured from the sputum of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, and grouped according to the results of drug sensitivity tests. The expression
levels of Nth mRNA and protein were detected by Polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The bacteriophage-mediated homologous recombination gene knockout method and seamless cloning and ligation technology were used to knockout Nth gene and perform backfill
overexpression experiments on MTB standard strain H37Rv. The resistance of the obtained strains was induced, and its growth was compared. In the results, the resistance rate of 193 clinical isolates to first-line drugs was 37.37%. The expression levels of Nth mRNA and protein in sensitive
strains were higher than those in drug-resistant strains (P < 0.05). Strains without Nth were more likely to grow, while the growth of the Nthoverexpressing strain was inhibited. When two drugs are used in combination, the bacteria developed drug resistance later than those
induced by single drug. In conclusion, the Nth gene has an inhibitory effect on the drug resistance of MTB.
Effect of acupuncture anesthesia based on nanomaterial sensor on cognitive function after one-lung ventilation thoracotomy
Authors: Li Maojun , Peng Huawen , Wei Binxiu , Deng Qiuxia , Qian Fen , Liu Xin , Wang Jian , Zhu Xiaodong
Published: July 2021

In this work, a new type of nanomaterial sensing acupuncture needle was developed to improve patient comfort and treatment effectiveness. Based on the convenient electrochemical casting process, multilayer nano-tapered holes were constructed on the needle surface to form a porous nano-sensing
acupuncture needle (PNAN), which further increases the interface area of the acupuncture needle. To evaluate the effect of PNAN-induced anesthesia on cognitive function after one-lung ventilation and thoracotomy, 60 patients with esophageal cancer undergoing thoracotomy were randomly divided
into an acupuncture-induced anesthesia (AIA) group and a conventional anesthesia (CA) group. The recovery time for cognitive function and the incidence of cognitive impairment in the PNAN-induced anesthesia group after one-lung ventilation and thoracotomy were significantly lower than those
of the CA group (P < 0.05). The scores from the Mini Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) for the AIA group were lower than the preoperative scores and were better than those for the CA group (P < 0.05). In addition, after one-lung ventilation
and thoracotomy, the concentrations of cytokines and catecholamines (CAs) in both groups were lower than the preoperative values, and the levels of cytokines and CAs in the AIA group were significantly lower than those of the CA group. Therefore, acupuncture anesthesia based on a nanomaterial
sensor can significantly improve the cognitive function of patients after one-lung ventilation and thoracotomy, inhibit inflammatory factors, and provide an optimal curative effect.
Triple functions of polyaniline in situ coated on silver powders for high-performance electrically conductive pastes
Authors: Zhang Maocheng , Yao Mengqi , Wang Ni , Hu Wencheng
Published: July 2021

Silver powders, with high electrical conductivity, as the conductive fillers of electrically conductive adhesives have been widely investigated in the fields of microelectronic packaging. Herein, polyaniline (PANI)-coated silver powders were successfully fabricated via a facile chemical
reduction, followed by the polymerization of aniline. The PANI plays triple functions to synergistically improve the performance of electrically conductive pastes as follows: (1) The aniline-coated silver particles are used as an ideal dispersant to substitute polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyethylene
glycol in the preparation strategy of silver powders; (2) The polymerization of aniline plays a surface modifier role instead of silane coupling agents to prepare silver-based conductive adhesives with homodisperse silver powders; (3) The high conductivity of PANI could reduce the contact
resistance between silver powders and decrease the electrical resistivity of conductive adhesive films significantly. As a result, the PANI coats silver powders (pH = 3) show a decreased electrical resistivity of conductive adhesive films of 4.24×10−5 Ω·cm
with the shear resistance of 9.06 MPa and the sheet resistance of 10.6 mΩ.sq−1. This work provides an efficient way to controllably synthesize PANI-coated silver powders for high-performance electrically conductive pastes.
Exploring molecular mechanism of novel liposomal nanoparticles application in glioma
Authors: Lin Guo-Shi , Tu Song-Jie , Zheng Shui-Shun , Wang Wei-Wen , Lin Rui-Sheng
Published: July 2021

This study investigated whether miR-509 plays a role in regulating autophagy and apoptosis-related caspase 3 genes, and analyzes targeted nanoparticles intervention in glioma cells. The surgically resected glioma tissue specimens were included as observation group, and control group
used a 2-cm open tissue next to the glioma followed by analysis of miR-509 and caspase 3 level by qPCR. Glioma cell line U251 was divided into miRNC group, targeted nanoparticle group, siRNA-NC group, and siRNA-caspase 3 group, followed by analysis of caspase 3 expression, cell proliferation
by flow cytometry, and cell invasion and metastasis by trans well. Caspase 3 mRNA expression was significantly higher in glioma tissues compared with controls. Lower miR-509 and higher caspase 3 expression were correlated with TNM stage. Caspase 3 mRNA level was significantly higher and miR-509
was lower in glioma cells or glioma ell line U251 than those in normal cells. Transfection of siRNA-caspase 3, targeted nanoparticles effectively reduced cell proliferation, metastasis, and invasion and down-regulated caspase 3 levels in U251 cells. Reduced miR-509 expression was associated
with elevated caspase 3 expression and enhanced invasive metastatic capacity of glioma cells. Overexpression of miR-509 can effectively reduce cell proliferation, metastasis, and invasion by targeted nanoparticles inhibiting caspase 3 expression.
Determining Medical Urgency of Voice Disorders Using Auditory-Perceptual Voice Assessments Performed by Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Fujiki Robert Brinton , Sanders Peter W. , Sivasankar M. Preeti , Halum Stacey
Published: July 2021

Objective:

This study examined whether speech-language pathologist auditory-perceptual voice assessments can predict the medical urgency of voice disorders.

Methods:

Twenty speech-language pathologists (SLPs) evaluated 25 voice samples recorded during initial voice evaluations. Voice samples represented a range of dysphonia severity (mild-severe) balanced across patient diagnoses. Diagnoses included: benign lesions, laryngeal cancer, non-organic voice disorders, laryngeal edema (associated with LPR), and laryngeal paralysis or paresis. Laryngeal cancer and severe unilateral laryngeal paralysis were considered urgent disorders. While blinded to patient information, SLPs rated severity of voice quality, predicted patient diagnosis, and determined whether the patient should be seen urgently by a laryngologist. SLPs were then given basic medical history information and rated medical urgency of voice disorder a second time.

Results:

On average, SLPs correctly identified 65% of urgent voices and 87% of nonurgent voices when blinded to patient information. Accuracy improved significantly to 86% for urgent voices with medical history information ( P < .001) and decreased to 77% for nonurgent voices. Accuracy was better when severity of voice quality was severe for urgent voices and mild for nonurgent voices ( P < .001). SLPs indicated that patient smoking history and severity of dysphonia were most influential in their decision making. Diagnostic accuracy of auditory-perceptual assessments was poor.

Conclusions:

SLPs identified 86% of medically urgent voice disorders when auditory perceptual assessments were combined with medical history information. Further work is needed to determine what medical history information is most crucial to rating accuracy and what speech tasks might best separate urgent and nonurgent patients.
Recovery of Vocal Cord Motion Among Pediatric Patients
Authors: Prestwood Courtney Ann , Brown Ashley F. , Johnson Romaine F.
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

Patients with vocal cord paralysis can experience feeding, respiratory, and vocal problems leading to disability and decreased quality of life. Current evidence suggests waiting a period of 12 months for spontaneous recovery before permanent interventions. This study aims to determine the time to recover spontaneously and vocal cord movement in a pediatric population and create a model for evidence-based patient counseling.

Study Design:

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study.

Methods:

The report is a single institution longitudinal study on vocal cord paralysis recovery. Patients were categorized based on spontaneous recovery with vocal cord movement or no recovery. Recovery rates were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results:

Of 158 cases of vocal cord paralysis over a 4-year period, 36 had spontaneous recovery with symptom improvement and motion return. The average recovery was 8.8 months for those who recovered, and 78% recovered within 9 months. Two groups emerged from the data: an early recovery group with spontaneous recovery before 12 months and a late recovery group after 12 months. Children with dysphonia and paralysis due to cardiac surgery were less likely to recover, and children with aspiration were more likely to recover. Children with gastrointestinal comorbidities were less likely to recover; however, those who did recover were more likely to have recovered after 12 months. Based on our model, there is about a 3% chance of recovery between 9 and 12 months.

Conclusions:

Patients should be counseled about earlier interventions. Waiting the conventional 12 months for only a 3% chance of spontaneous recovery without intervention or laryngeal EMG may not be the preferred option for some patients and their families.
Taming the tiger of hwadu absolutism: Kanhwa Sŏn/Chan practices understood from the perspective of ritual practice and experience
Authors: Kim Sung-Eun Thomas
Published: July 2021

Kanhwa Sŏn has often been perceived as iconoclastic and impervious to theorizing. Furthermore, its critique of “hermeneutical rigidity” and “ hwadu absolutism” point to the impossibility of a meaningful dialogue between its practitioners and scholars of Buddhism. It has even been argued that such characteristics of kanhwa Sŏn have compromised the possibility of its practice becoming adoptable in contemporary life. But kanhwa Sŏn practiced in the summer and winter Sŏn/Chan retreats has all the trappings of ritual. In an effort to build a methodological bridge, this article attempts to provide the grounds for discussing kanhwa Sŏn practices from the perspective of social science. With this in mind, this article will highlight the experiences of the practitioners in the context of ritual practice while perceiving those experiences as socially determined manifestations. The reason for this attempt is that there seems to be much similarity in the soteriological structure of kanhwa Sŏn practice with the structure of ritual practice that involves constructing and eliciting transformative experiences. Further similarities are in the motif of returning from the ritual/retreat having been transformed into a person with a new identity. By framing the practice of kanhwa Sŏn as ritual practice and experience, one can bring the discussion of kanhwa Sŏn into the wider discourses of the academic study of religion.
Legacies of war: Syrian narratives of conflict and visions of peace
Authors: Bachleitner Kathrin
Published: July 2021

This article is interested in the formation of war legacies and how they interact with social identities. It suggests a bottom-up approach towards examining the societal processes in which individuals create a legacy of war. It posits that through their narratives of conflict, by remembering what happened to them as a group, they mould the meaning and boundaries of how the group will be membered post-conflict. The validity of the theorised link between war memory and group membership is then tested in the case of Syria. In 200 interviews, Syrians provided their narratives of the conflict and their vision of a future Syrian state and society. The findings show that most respondents’ narratives follow a civic rationale, forming a society around civil rights and political ideas rather than around ethnic/sectarian divides. With this, the article contributes a new route for international relations scholars to understand the formation of war legacies through individuals’ narratives of conflict and explains their effects on ties of group belonging while also offering a glimpse into the Syrian ‘we’ amid the ongoing war in Syria.
Recognizing Principles of Integrated Urban Planning in Historical Development of the City: A Case Study of Banja Luka
Authors: Milojević Brankica , Kuvač Igor
Published: July 2021

Integrated urban planning is based on the necessity of constantly adapting to complex social processes and applying methodology that supports multidisciplinarity, flexibility, and adaptability. In trying to achieve future visions and to meet trends of urbanization, inherited contextual values are often forgotten. Although the impression that everything was better before is based on nostalgia, the urban development history should still be analyzed. This article analyzes principles of integrated urban planning by reviewing twentieth-century development of Banja Luka. The objective is to recognize, to evaluate, and to adapt those principles to the contemporary context and to reconsider them in the future. The analysis shows the positive and negative values of the development, which reveals that the principles of integrated urban planning were present in each period. As their singularity and fragmentation without the systematic integration was not efficient enough, recommendations for improving integrated urban planning in the specific context are given.
Preschoolers’ imitation of sentential complement sentences: Does the nature of the matrix clause matter?
Authors: Morton Ian , Schuele C. Melanie
Published: July 2021

Preschoolers’ earliest productions of sentential complement sentences have matrix clauses that are limited in form. Diessel proposed that matrix clauses in these early productions are propositionally empty fixed phrases that lack semantic and syntactic integration with the clausal complement. By 4 years of age, however, preschoolers produce sentential complement sentences with matrix clauses that are more varied. Diessel proposed that the matrix clauses in these later productions semantically and syntactically embed the complement clause. We refer to these matrix clauses as formulaic and true, respectively. Diessel’s hypothesis about the development of sentential complement sentences was based on an analysis of spontaneous language. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Diessel’s hypothesis with an experimental sentence imitation task wherein stimuli varied in the nature of the matrix clause. Thirty children with typical language development participated; 10 children in each age group (3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds) imitated 50 sentential complement sentences that included either a true or a formulaic matrix clause; the structure of the dependent clauses did not vary. Dependent variables were percent sentence imitation and percent matrix clause imitation. There was a significant main effect for matrix clause type on imitation of sentences and matrix clauses. There was also a significant main effect for age on imitation of sentences and matrix clauses. Significant matrix clause type-by-age interactions were such that percent sentence imitation and percent matrix clause imitation varied by age. Three- and 4-year-olds were less proficient than 5-year-olds on imitation of sentences with true matrix clauses and on imitations of true matrix clauses. Only 3- and 4-year-olds were less proficient imitating true matrix clauses than formulaic matrix clauses. Experimental findings support Diessel’s hypothesis that there is a developmental progression in the nature of preschoolers’ production of sentential complement sentences.
Multiple Tracheal Diverticula in a COVID-19 Positive Patient
Authors: Garefis Konstantinos , Tarazis Konstantinos , Gkiouzelis Konstantinos , Kipriotou Anastasia , Konstantinidis Iordanis , Markou Konstantinos
Published: July 2021

A tracheal diverticulum is a type of paratracheal air cyst and is usually an incidental finding after a computed tomography scan of the neck and thorax. With an incidence between 1% and 4% in adults, tracheal diverticula are rare entities that can be symptomatic in certain cases. We present a case of a COVID-19 positive patient who presented to our hospital and was diagnosed with multiple tracheal diverticula during his hospitalization.
ISET Expert Panel Discussion Series 2020–2021
Authors: Hoeh Emily , Kaczorowski Tara L.
Published: July 2021

The Innovations and Special Education Technology Professional Development Committee would like to extend its appreciation to the following leaders in the field of Special Education. Each of the following individuals volunteered to speak during the 2020–2021 ISET Expert Panel Discussion series and shared expertise on a variety of pressing topics during remote instruction due to the COVID pandemic. The information sharing is a testament to their unwavering support for the members of ISET and all of the stakeholders involved in supporting individuals with disabilities.
How Meaningfulness and Professional Identity Interact in Emerging Professions: The Case of Corporate Social Responsibility Consultants
Authors: Iatridis Konstantinos , Gond Jean-Pascal , Kesidou Effie
Published: July 2021

Although interest in meaningfulness is mounting in the growing stream of research dedicated to how professionals experience it, research has only just begun to investigate the complex relationships between the search for meaningfulness and the constitution of professional identity for emerging professional groups. This paper investigates how meaningfulness interacts with the formation and enactment of professional identity, focusing on the emerging professional group of corporate social responsibility (CSR) consultants. Relying on interviews with 39 CSR consultants, we induce two social mechanisms bridging meaningfulness and professional identity, namely ‘meaning-making through professional self-identification’ and ‘meaning-making through professional socialization’. Our results explain how these mechanisms produce distinct, and potentially contradictory, professional identities of CSR consultants, which themselves enable contrasted forms of professional identity enactment. The study advances meaningfulness research by clarifying how the self–other tension is played out through identity formation and revealing the gendered nature of meaningfulness. The research also contributes to studies on professional identity through the specification of meaning-focused mechanisms of identity formation, and ultimately to micro-CSR research by offering a nuanced approach to how CSR is involved in the production of work meaningfulness.
Couple relationship satisfaction: The role of recollection of parental acceptance, self-differentiation, and spousal caregiving
Authors: Finzi-Dottan Ricky , Schiff Miriam
Published: July 2021

The actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) was employed in this study to investigate the mediating effect self-differentiation and spousal caregiving have on the relationship between recollection of parental care and acceptance and couple satisfaction. One hundred and forty-four non-clinical couples (N = 288) in enduring relationships were recruited. Results for actor effects revealed two mediating paths whereby, among both partners, recollection of maternal (but not paternal) acceptance was associated with their self-differentiation and responsive spousal caregiving, which, in turn, were linked to their spousal relationship satisfaction. Partner effects revealed three mediating paths: for both partners, recollection of childhood maternal acceptance was associated with responsive caregiving, which, in turn, was linked with their partner’s relationship satisfaction. Interestingly, the husbands’ recollection of maternal acceptance was associated with their partners’ responsive spousal caregiving, which was linked to both spouses’ relationship satisfaction. Our results may support the theoretical assumptions regarding intergenerational continuity from perceptions of childhood via self-differentiation effecting couple caregiving to couple relationship, but only on the mother’s part.
Peripheral and central smell regions in COVID-19 positive patients: an MRI evaluation
Authors: Burulday Veysel , Sayar Merve Sefa , Bayar Muluk Nuray
Published: July 2021

Background

Coronaviruses may lead to invasion of the central nervous system.

Purpose

To investigate the effects of COVID-19 infection on smell using cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Material and Methods

Cranial MRI scans of 23 patients with COVID-19 (patient group [PG]) and 23 healthy controls (HCs) were evaluated. Peripheric (olfactory bulb [OB] volume and olfactory sulcus [OS] depth) and central (insular gyrus and corpus amygdala areas) smell regions were measured.

Results

Smell loss was present in nine patients (39.1%) in the PG. The means of the disease duration and antiviral treatment were 3.00 ± 2.35 and 5.65 ± 1.72 days, respectively. OB volumes of the PG were significantly lower than those of the HCs bilaterally. However, no significant differences were observed between the OS depth, insular gyrus, and corpus amygdala areas of both groups. The left corpus amygdala areas were both increased with the increased disease ( P = 0.035, r = 0.442) and treatment durations ( P = 0.037, r = 0.438). In the PG, longer treatment duration, increase in C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphocyte count decrease, and positive thoracic computed tomography (CT) involvement were related to OS depth decrease. Right corpus amygdala areas increased in patients with COVID-19 with increased D-dimer values, and thoracic CT involvement was detected.

Conclusion

COVID-19 disease affects the peripheric smell region of OBs and does not affect the central smell regions of the insular gyrus and corpus amygdala areas. The importance of our study is to detect MRI findings in patients with COVID-19 leading to odor disorders. These findings may help in diagnosing the disease at an early stage.
Misdiagnosis of asymptomatic intrathyroidal pyriform sinus fistula: a case report
Authors: Hao Zengfang , Hou Yuqi , Li Xiaoyu , Wang Juan , Wang Ying , Gao Zhihong , Lou Lei , Li Yuehong
Published: July 2021

Pyriform sinus fistula is uncommon and easily misdiagnosed. Most reported cases occur in children and are associated with either acute suppurative thyroiditis or deep neck infection. Asymptomatic pyriform sinus fistula is difficult to diagnose because it can manifest as an incidental thyroid nodule with highly suspicious malignant features on ultrasonography. The patient was a 41-year-old man with asymptomatic thyroid nodules incidentally detected on ultrasonography. Surgery was performed under the suspicion of thyroid cancer. Pathology findings revealed multiple cystic walls lined by ciliated columnar cells with stratified squamous epithelial cysts in a background of inflammatory and lymphoid cells. Barium swallow examination performed 2 weeks later revealed a sinus tract measuring 1.8 cm that arose from the apex of the left pyriform sinus. The diagnosis and management of pyriform sinus anomalies are challenging. The majority of physicians, including some otolaryngologists, lack an understanding of the disease, which should be considered one of the important differential diagnoses of neck masses. Barium swallow examination, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and laryngoscopy are useful to diagnose this condition.
International Guidelines for Veterinary Tumor Pathology: A Call to Action
Authors: Meuten Donald J. , Moore Frances M. , Donovan Taryn A. , Bertram Christof A. , Klopfleisch Robert , Foster Robert A. , Smedley Rebecca C. , Dark Michael J. , Milovancev Milan , Stromberg Paul , Williams Bruce H. , Aubreville Marc , Avallone Giancarlo , Bolfa Pompei , Cullen John , Dennis Michelle M. , Goldschmidt Michael , Luong Richard , Miller Andrew D. , Miller Margaret A. , Munday John S. , Roccabianca Paola , Salas Elisa N. , Schulman F. Yvonne , Laufer-Amorim Renee , Asakawa Midori G. , Craig Linden , Dervisis Nick , Esplin D. Glen , George Jeanne W. , Hauck Marlene , Kagawa Yumiko , Kiupel Matti , Linder Keith , Meichner Kristina , Marconato Laura , Oblak Michelle L. , Santos Renato L. , Simpson R. Mark , Tvedten Harold , Whitley Derick
Published: July 2021

Standardization of tumor assessment lays the foundation for validation of grading systems, permits reproducibility of oncologic studies among investigators, and increases confidence in the significance of study results. Currently, there is minimal methodological standardization for assessing tumors in veterinary medicine, with few attempts to validate published protocols and grading schemes. The current article attempts to address these shortcomings by providing standard guidelines for tumor assessment parameters and protocols for evaluating specific tumor types. More detailed information is available in the Supplemental Files, the intention of which is 2-fold: publication as part of this commentary, but more importantly, these will be available as “living documents” on a website ( www.vetcancerprotocols.org ), which will be updated as new information is presented in the peer-reviewed literature. Our hope is that veterinary pathologists will agree that this initiative is needed, and will contribute to and utilize this information for routine diagnostic work and oncologic studies. Journal editors and reviewers can utilize checklists to ensure publications include sufficient detail and standardized methods of tumor assessment. To maintain the relevance of the guidelines and protocols, it is critical that the information is periodically updated and revised as new studies are published and validated with the intent of providing a repository of this information. Our hope is that this initiative (a continuation of efforts published in this journal in 2011) will facilitate collaboration and reproducibility between pathologists and institutions, increase case numbers, and strengthen clinical research findings, thus ensuring continued progress in veterinary oncologic pathology and improving patient care.