bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early appearance of developmental alterations in the dendritic tree of the hippocampal granule cells in theTs65Dnmodel of Down syndrome
Authors: Uguagliati Beatrice , Al‐Absi Abdel‐Rahman , Stagni Fiorenza , Emili Marco , Giacomini Andrea , Guidi Sandra , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Bartesaghi Renata
Published: January 2021

Down syndrome (DS), a genetic condition caused by triplication of chromosome 21, is characterized by alterations in various cognitive domains, including hippocampus‐dependent memory functions, starting from early life stages. The major causes of intellectual disability in DS are prenatal neurogenesis alterations followed by impairment of dendritic development in early infancy. While there is evidence that the Ts65Dn mouse, the most widely used model of DS, exhibits dendritic alterations in adulthood, no studies are available regarding the onset of dendritic pathology. The goal of the current study was to establish whether this model exhibits early dendritic alterations in the hippocampus, a region whose function is severely damaged in DS. To this purpose, in Golgi‐stained brains, we evaluated the dendritic arborization and dendritic spines of the granule cells of the hippocampal dentate gyrus in Ts65Dn mice aged 8 (P8) and 15 (P15) days. While P15 Ts65Dn mice exhibited a notably hypotrophic dendritic arbor and a reduced spine density, P8 mice exhibited a moderate reduction in the number of dendritic ramifications and no differences in spine density in comparison with their euploid counterparts. Both in P8 and P15 mice, spines were longer and had a longer neck, suggesting possible alterations in synaptic function. Moreover, P8 and P15 Ts65Dn mice had more thin spines and fewer stubby spines in comparison with euploid mice. Our study provides novel evidence on the onset of dendritic pathology, one of the causes of intellectual disability in DS, showing that it is already detectable in the dentate gyrus of Ts65Dn pups. This evidence strengthens the suitability of this model of DS as a tool to study dendritic pathology in DS and to test the efficacy of early therapeutic interventions aimed at ameliorating hippocampal development and, therefore, memory functions in children with DS.
Efficacy of canakinumab in mild or severe COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Falasca Katia , Di Penta Myriam , Ucciferri Claudio , Auricchio Antonio , Di Nicola Marta , Marchioni Michele , Celletti Eleonora , Sabatini Emanuela , Cipollone Francesco , Vecchiet Jacopo
Published: January 2021

Background

Clinicians all around the world are currently experiencing a pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Several therapeutic strategies have been used until now but, to date, there is no specific therapy to treat SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. In this study, we used canakinumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin‐1 beta to improve respiratory function and laboratory parameters compared with standard therapy (hydroxycloroquine plus lopinavir/ritonavir).

Methods

We enrolled 34 patients with mild or severe non intensive care unit (ICU) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19): 17 patients treated with standard therapy and 17 patients treated with a subcutaneous single dose of canakinumab 300 mg. We collected data about oxygen supports and laboratory parameters such as inflammation indices and hemogasanalysis. We compared the data collected before the administration of canakinumab (T0), 3 days after T0 (T1) and 7 days after T0 (T2) with the same data from patients taking the standard therapy.

Results

We observed a reduction in inflammation indices and a significant and rapid increase in P/F ratio in canakinumab group, with improvement of 60.3% after the administration. We reported a significant reduction in oxygen flow in patients treated with canakinumab (−28.6% at T1 vs. T0 and −40.0% at T2 vs. T1). Conversely, the standard group increased the supply of high oxygen at T1 versus T0 (+66.7%), but reduced oxygen flows at T2 versus T1 (−40.0%).

Conclusion

In hospitalized adult patients with mild or severe non ICU COVID‐19, canakinumab could be a valid therapeutic option. Canakinumab therapy causes rapid and long‐lasting improvement in oxygenation levels in the absence of any severe adverse events.
Dihydrotestosterone Is a Peripheral Paracrine Hormone
Authors: HORTON RICHARD
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT: Androgen action in sexual tissues, especially skin and the prostate, is expressed by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) acting at the nuclear level. Dihydrotestosterone in the circulation and target tissues is almost solely derived from the peripheral conversion of secreted testosterone (T) in men and androstenedione in women. The general pathway is testosterone → DHT → androstanediol (3α diol). However, a number of studies suggest that blood DHT or 3α diol are not reliable indicators of peripheral DHT formation. This is particularly suggested by discrepancies in the specific activity of DHT in blood and urine following infusion of labeled DHT, suggesting that total body DHT formation is not reflected by blood levels. Thus, DHT should be thought of as a paracrine hormone formed and acting primarily in target tissues. 3α androstanediol glucuronide (3α diol G) is a major metabolite of DHT. An important site of its formation is the skin. Levels in blood and urine are increased in hirsutism and acne, and blood levels closely parallel pubertal development. 3α diol G levels are especially increased in adrenal disorders of androgenicity such as andrenogenital syndrome; it is also a good marker of response to therapy. Levels are reduced in various forms of male pseudohermaphroditism. 3α androstanediol glucuronide appears to be the best marker available of DHT formation in target tissues such as skin.
Cross-talk Between Histone and DNA Methylation Mediates Bone Loss in Hind Limb Unloading
Authors: Li Bing , Zhao Jie , Ma Jianxiong , Chen Weibo , Zhou Ce , Wei Wuzeng , Li Shuai , Li Guomin , Xin Guosheng , Zhang Yang , Liu Jun , Wang Yinsong , Ma Xinlong
Published: January 2021

Bone loss induced by mechanical unloading is a common skeletal disease, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. The current study investigated the role of histone methylation, a key epigenetic marker, and its cross-talk with DNA methylation in bone loss induced by mechanical unloading. The expression of G9a, ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1), and DNA methylation transferase 1 (DNMT1) were increased in hind limb unloading (HLU) rats. This was accompanied by an increased level of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) di-/tri-methylation at lncH19 promoter. Then, alteration of G9a, DNMT1, or UHRF1 expression significantly affected lncH19 level and osteogenic activity in UMR106 cells. Osteogenic gene expression and matrix mineralization were robustly promoted after simultaneous knockdown of G9a, DNMT1, and UHRF1. Furthermore, physical interactions of lncH19 promoter with G9a and DNMT1, as well as direct interactions among DNMT1, G9a, and UHRF1 were detected. Importantly, overexpression of DNMT1, G9a, or UHRF1, respectively, resulted in enrichment of H3K9me2/me3 and 5-methylcytosine at lncH19 promoter. Finally, in vivo rescue experiments indicated that knockdown of DNMT1, G9a, or UHRF1 significantly relieved bone loss in HLU rats. In conclusion, our research demonstrated the critical role of H3K9 methylation and its cross-talk with DNA methylation in regulating lncH19 expression and bone loss in HLU rats. Combined targeting of DNMT1, G9a, and UHRF1 could be a promising strategy for the treatment of bone loss induced by mechanical unloading. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The national identity on the border: Indonesian language awareness and attitudes through multi‐ethnic community involvement
Authors: Martono Martono , Dewantara Jagad Aditya , Efriani Efriani , Prasetiyo Wibowo Heru
Published: January 2021

State borders are the areas that are vulnerable to the degradation of national identity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes and the behavior of language use among the multi‐ethnic Indonesian of predominantly Dayak, Malay, and Chinese who resided on the Indonesia–Malaysia border. The present research applied a qualitative ethnographic approach to document and to describe how a group of multi‐ethnic communities participated in building their awareness, attitudes and practices of language as a national identity. The data were taken from 20 informants. They were teachers, students, local people, entrepreneurs, and state civil apparatus. The research found out that the ethnic groups on the border were highly aware of using Indonesian language as evidenced through a form of community involvement, volunteerism and social attitudes in civilizing Indonesian as the dominant language at the border. Their awareness was shown through their involvement, volunteerism, and social attitudes in developing Indonesian language as the dominant language in the border. It is argued that the involvement of all ethnic groups on the border affects positively on strengthening their attitudes and awareness in using Indonesian language.
Biocompatibility of the 8.25% sodium hypochlorite irrigant solution in endodontics: An in vivo study
Authors: Demenech Luciana S. , Tomazinho Flávia S. F. , Baratto‐Filho Flares , Brancher João A. , Pereira Luiz F. , Gabardo Marilisa C. L.
Published: January 2021

The biocompatibility of irrigant solutions, including 8.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), was analyzed in samples (n = 25) of chorioallantoic membranes (CAM) from embryos of the Gallus gallus, using the hen's egg test on chorioallantoic membrane (HET‐CAM). The following irrigants were tested: saline (control), 2% chlorhexidine (2% CHX), and NaOCl (2.5%, 5.25%, and 8.25%), and morphological and microcirculatory changes were investigated. Images were selected and quantified with Image J®. The macroscopic data were submitted to ANOVA, followed by the Tukey's test (p < .05); non‐parametric Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests were applied to histological data (p < .05). The frequency of hyperemia differed significantly in the 8.25% NaOCl compared to the other groups, with the exception of 5.25% NaOCl (p = .096). Coagulation was more frequent in the 2% CHX group, differing significantly from the 2.5% NaOCl group (p = .038). In mean values, NaOCl 8.25% caused the decrease (NaOCl = 2.60, and control = 5.00) of vessels in the microcirculation, as well as triggered the increase (NaOCl = 425.50, and control 44.50) of inflammatory cells in the observed areas. There was necrosis in all samples in the 5.25% NaOCl group and in 80% in the 2% CHX, 2.5% NaOCl, and 8.25% NaOCl groups. Fibroblasts were detected only in the control group. It was concluded that the 8.25% NaOCl solution showed significantly high toxicity on CAM. However, these results were comparable to the other concentrations of NaOCl and to 2% CHX. Thus, in this experimental protocol, 8.25% NaOCl proved to be viable as an irrigant solution.
HCC Detection on Surveillance US
Authors: da Silva Priscila Henriques , Gomes Matheus Menezes , de Matos Carla Adriana Loureiro , de Souza e Silva Ivonete Sandra , Gonzalez Adriano Miziara , Torres Ulysses S. , Salazar Gloria Maria Martinez , D'Ippolito Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

Objective

Focused US examinations of the liver in the routine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening reduce the time spent on evaluating other structures deemed irrelevant to the clinical setting. It is still unknown, however, if such a strategy may additionally improve the frequency of nodules detection. We aimed to assess the impact of an HCC surveillance program in high‐risk patients by means of targeted liver US following LI‐RADS technical guidelines in comparison to a complete upper abdominal scan.

Methods

In this IRB‐approved, single‐center, prospective study, patients at high‐risk for HCC enrolled from 06/2016 to 09/2019 were randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 institutional protocols: Group A (targeted liver US) or Group B (complete upper abdominal scan). Twenty examiners with similar experience in abdominal US were randomly assigned to perform the examinations exclusively in 1 of the groups (10 in each group). Frequency of hepatic nodules between groups was compared by using Fisher's exact test.

Results

Four hundred and sixty‐five patients were enrolled, with no significant differences in both groups regarding sex, age, etiology of liver disease, MELD scores, and alpha‐fetoprotein levels. A significantly higher frequency of nodules detection was found in Group A (230 patients; 23 nodules detected; 10% of the sample) in comparison to Group B (235 patients; 3 nodules; 1.3% of the sample) (p <.001). Five patients in Group A and 1 in Group B were positive for HCC after full diagnostic work‐up.

Conclusion

Adopting an HCC screening program based on targeted liver US improved the detection of hepatic nodules among high‐risk individuals.
Perioperative Outcomes After Tracheostomy Placement Among Complex Pediatric Patients
Authors: Davidson Christian , Jacob Benjamin , Brown Ashley , Brooks Rebecca , Bailey Candace , Whitney Cindy , Chorney Stephen , Lenes‐Voit Felicity , Johnson Romaine F.
Published: January 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare perioperative outcomes after pediatric tracheostomy placement based on patient complexity.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

All patients that underwent tracheostomy placement at a tertiary children's hospital between 2015 and 2019 were followed. Children with a history of major cardiac surgery, sepsis, or total parental nutrition (TPN) were grouped as complex. Admission length, tracheostomy‐related complications, in‐hospital mortality, and 30‐day readmissions were recorded among complex and non‐complex patients.

Results

A total of 238 children were included. Mean age at tracheostomy was 39.9 months (SD: 61.3), 51% were male and 51% were complex. Complex patients were younger at admission (29.9 vs. 46.8 months, P = .03), more likely to have respiratory failure (81% vs. 53%, P < .001) and more often required mechanical ventilation at discharge (86% vs. 67%, P < .001). An additional 33 days after placement was required for complex children (95% CI: 14–51, P = .001) and this group had more deaths (8% vs. 1%, P = .02); however, both groups had similar complication and readmission rates (P > .05). Total charges were higher among complex patients ($700,267 vs. $338,937, P < .001). Parametric survival analysis identified mechanical ventilation and patient complexity interacting to predict post‐tracheostomy admission length.

Conclusions

Hospital discharge after pediatric tracheostomy was associated with patient complexity and further influenced by mechanical ventilation. Recognition that cardiac surgery, sepsis, or TPN can predict poorer perioperative outcomes can provide quality improvement strategies for these vulnerable children.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2469–E2474, 2021
Experiential gifts as meaningful moments and memories: Their influence on nostalgia, and relive intention
Authors: Puente‐Díaz Rogelio , Cavazos‐Arroyo Judith
Published: January 2021

We tested the influence of experiential versus material gifts on nostalgia through their influence on perceptions of meaningful moments and memories and examined one consequence of nostalgia: relive intentions. Participants from Study 1 were randomly assigned to recall and write about an experiential or a material gift they received and completed a measure of nostalgia, perceptions of meaningful moments, and relive intentions. Results showed that meaningful moments mediated the relationship between experiential gifts and nostalgia. Nostalgia was positively related to reliving intentions. Study 2 was an identical replication. Results showed a significant mediation of meaningful moments on the relationship between experiential gifts and nostalgia. Nostalgia was positively related to reliving intentions. We conducted an additional replication with older participants in Study 3. Results showed the same mediation of meaningful moments on the relationship between experiential gifts and nostalgia. In Study 4, participants were randomly assigned to recall and write about a gift that represented a meaningful or an ordinary moment and completed the same measures as Study 2. Results showed a positive influence of recalling a gift that represented a meaningful moment on nostalgia. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to examine nostalgia in the gift exchange.
Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry at the true cyclotron frequency
Authors: Nagornov Konstantin O. , Tsybin Oleg Y. , Nicol Edith , Kozhinov Anton N. , Tsybin Yury O.
Published: January 2021

Ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) cells provide stability and coherence of ion oscillations in crossed electric and magnetic fields over extended periods of time. Using the Fourier transform enables precise measurements of ion oscillation frequencies. These precisely measured frequencies are converted into highly accurate mass‐to‐charge ratios of the analyte ions by calibration procedures. In terms of resolution and mass accuracy, Fourier transform ICR mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS) offers the highest performance of any MS technology. This is reflected in its wide range of applications. However, in the most challenging MS application, for example, imaging, enhancements in the mass accuracy of fluctuating ion fluxes are required to continue advancing the field. One approach is to shift the ion signal power into the peak corresponding to the true cyclotron frequency instead of the reduced cyclotron frequency peak. The benefits of measuring the true cyclotron frequency include increased tolerance to electric fields within the ICR cell, which enhances frequency measurement precision. As a result, many attempts to implement this mode of FT‐ICR MS operation have occurred. Examples of true cyclotron frequency measurements include detection of magnetron inter‐harmonics of the reduced cyclotron frequency (i.e., the sidebands), trapping field‐free (i.e., screened) ICR cells, and hyperbolic ICR cells with quadrupolar ion detection. More recently, ICR cells with spatially distributed ion clouds have demonstrated attractive performance characteristics for true cyclotron frequency ion detection. Here, we review the corresponding developments in FT‐ICR MS over the past 40 years.
Thermodynamic analysis of the extension of solid solubility in copper‐lead immiscible system prepared by mechanical alloying
Authors: Wu Z.F. , Xie T. , Wu J. , Zhang L.
Published: January 2021

X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and thermodynamic calculations in the Miedema's model were used to study the extension of solid solubility in copper‐lead immiscible system prepared by mechanical alloying. The result shows that the nanocrystalline supersaturated solid solution formed during the alloying process. The Gibbs free energy change in this system during the formation of solid solution is calculated and shows to be positive, which means that a thermodynamic barrier exists for the formation of this alloy system in solid state. It has been found that the additional energy stored in nanocrystalline copper‐lead alloy during the alloying process as a result of crystallite size reduction and increased dislocation density, would be high enough to overcome the thermodynamic barrier in the formation of a solid solution.
The surface and bulk properties of CuO ribbons and ZnO particles mixture using physical adsorption and gamma ray attenuation techniques
Authors: Labib S. , Tohamy M. , Elmaghraby E.K.
Published: January 2021

In the present work, we investigate the surface, and bulk structural properties of composite cupric oxide ribbons, and zinc oxide particles. The composites are synthesized using the technique of solution combustion. Crystallographic phases are confirmed using the x‐ray diffraction technique and proved the formation of monoclinic cupric oxide and hexagonal zinc oxide crystallites. Scanning electron microscope and high‐resolution transmission electron microscope are used to examine the morphology of the prepared materials. Composite mixtures of raw particles cupric oxide and zinc oxide are used as benchmark morphologically‐alike composite materials. The specific surface area values of the studied materials are investigated using nitrogen gas adsorption at 77 K while the spectroscopic gamma ray attenuation is used to determine the effective density of the different samples. Zinc oxide particles are dispersed on cupric oxide ribbons and cause nonlinear dependence of the specific surface area and density on the composition ratio due to the physical contact between particles, especially at the voids and the nodes of the fibrous ribbons network.
The impact of aging and drag‐finishing on the surface integrity and corrosion behavior of the selective laser melted maraging steel samples
Authors: Khan H.M. , Özer G. , Tarakci G. , Coskun M. , Koc E. , Kaynak Y.
Published: January 2021

The maraging steel components fabricated using the selective laser melting process exhibit remarkable static strength. However, high pore density and large surface imperfections impede their overall mechanical and chemical performance. Thus, the components are often post‐treated with mechanical‐ and thermal‐based treatments to overcome their inherent imperfections and enhance their final mechanical properties. Although the post‐processing treatments are useful in enhancing the selective laser melted components’ mechanical performance, their effect on corrosion behavior is not comprehensively evaluated. In this study, the selective laser melting prepared maraging steel samples’ corrosion behavior was examined in the as‐built condition and compared with the post‐processed samples subjected to aging and drag finishing operations. Compared to the as‐built condition, both aging and drag‐finishing post‐processing treatments increased the selective laser melting samples’ corrosion even though the surface integrity was improved.
Mass conservative reaction–diffusion systems describing cell polarity
Authors: Latos Evangelos , Suzuki Takashi
Published: January 2021

A reaction–diffusion system with mass conservation modeling cell polarity is considered. A range of the parameters is found where the ω‐limit set of the solution is spatially homogeneous, containing constant stationary solution as well as possible nontrivial spatially homogeneous orbit.
Blow‐up of solutions to semilinear strongly damped wave equations with different nonlinear terms in an exterior domain
Authors: Chen Wenhui , Fino Ahmad Z.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we consider the initial boundary value problem in an exterior domain for semilinear strongly damped wave equations with power nonlinear term of the derivative‐type |ut|q or the mixed‐type |u|p + |ut|q, where p, q > 1. On one hand, employing the Banach fixed‐point theorem, we prove local (in‐time) existence of mild solutions. On the other hand, under some conditions for initial data and the exponents of power nonlinear terms, the blow‐up results are derived by applying the test function method.
An equal split triple‐band Wilkinson power divider employing extended cross‐shaped microstrip line
Authors: Barik Rusan Kumar , Laxman Deep T. S. , Karthikeyan S. S.
Published: January 2021

In this article, an equal split triple‐band Wilkinson power divider is reported. The triple‐frequency operation is obtained by employing an extended cross‐shaped microstrip line. This proposed geometry is constructed using a cross‐shaped structure attached with two series microstrip lines at two ports. The circuit parameters are computed from the graphical solutions plotted based on the derived formulas. To validate the synthesis approach, a triple‐band power divider intended to operate at 0.9/3.15/5.4 GHz is developed, fabricated and tested. A good consistency is observed on the tested and simulated performances. The measured isolation and return loss are greater than 28 dB at all the operating frequencies. The prototype provides a good insertion loss of 3 ± 0.3 dB at the center of each frequency band. Considering minimum 15 dB return loss and maximum 0.5 dB amplitude imbalance, the bandwidths at 0.9, 3.15, and 5.4 GHz are obtained as 140, 130, and 110 MHz, respectively.
Effect of radiofrequency shield diameter on signal‐to‐noise ratio at ultra‐high field MRI
Authors: Zhang Bei , Adriany Gregor , Delabarre Lance , Radder Jerahmie , Lagore Russell , Rutt Brian , Yang Qing X. , Ugurbil Kamil , Lattanzi Riccardo
Published: January 2021

Purpose

In this work, we investigated how the position of the radiofrequency (RF) shield can affect the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of a receive RF coil. Our aim was to obtain physical insight for the design of a 10.5T 32‐channel head coil, subject to the constraints on the diameter of the RF shield imposed by the head gradient coil geometry.

Method

We used full‐wave numerical simulations to investigate how the SNR of an RF receive coil depends on the diameter of the RF shield at ultra‐high magnetic field (UHF) strengths (≥7T).

Results

Our simulations showed that there is an SNR‐optimal RF shield size at UHF strength, whereas at low field the SNR monotonically increases with the shield diameter. For a 32‐channel head coil at 10.5T, an optimally sized RF shield could act as a cylindrical waveguide and increase the SNR in the brain by 27% compared to moving the shield as far as possible from the coil. Our results also showed that a separate transmit array between the RF shield and the receive array could considerably reduce SNR even if they are decoupled.

Conclusion

At sufficiently high magnetic field strength, the design of local RF coils should be optimized together with the design of the RF shield to benefit from both near field and resonant modes.
Quantitative muscle MRI as a sensitive marker of early muscle pathology in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: van der Plas Ellen , Gutmann Laurie , Thedens Dan , Shields Richard K. , Langbehn Kathleen , Guo Zhihui , Sonka Milan , Nopoulos Peggy
Published: January 2021

Background

Quantitative muscle MRI as a sensitive marker of early muscle pathology and disease progression in adult‐onset myotonic dystrophy type 1. The utility of muscle MRI as a marker of muscle pathology and disease progression in adult‐onset myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) was evaluated.

Methods

This prospective, longitudinal study included 67 observations from 36 DM1 patients (50% female), and 92 observations from 49 healthy adults (49% female). Lower‐leg 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were acquired. Volume and fat fraction (FF) were estimated using a three‐point Dixon method, and T2‐relaxometry was determined using a multi‐echo spin‐echo sequence. Muscles were segmented automatically. Mixed linear models were conducted to determine group differences across muscles and image modality, accounting for age, sex, and repeated observations. Differences in rate of change in volume, T2‐relaxometry, and FF were also determined with mixed linear regression that included a group by elapsed time interaction.

Results

Compared with healthy adults, DM1 patients exhibited reduced volume of the tibialis anterior, soleus, and gastrocnemius (GAS) (all, P < .05). T2‐relaxometry and FF were increased across all calf muscles in DM1 compared to controls. (all, P < .01). Signs of muscle pathology, including reduced volume, and increased T2‐relaxometry and FF were already noted in DM1 patients who did not exhibit clinical motor symptoms of DM1. As a group, DM1 patients exhibited a more rapid change than did controls in tibialis posterior volume (P = .05) and GAS T2‐relaxometry (P = .03) and FF (P = .06).

Conclusions

Muscle MRI renders sensitive, early markers of muscle pathology and disease progression in DM1. T2 relaxometry may be particularly sensitive to early muscle changes related to DM1.
The reporting and methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of nursing interventions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ‐ A systematic review
Authors: Sun Xiao , Wang Duo , Wang Mei , Li Han , Liu Bo
Published: January 2021

Aims

The aim of this review was to evaluate the reporting and methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (SRs/MAs) on nursing interventions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to determine potential factors that predict high quality.

Design

The review is a quantitative systematic review.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Review Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in three databases for SRs/MAs published up to 6 May 2020. The PRISMA statement and AMSTAR checklist were used to evaluate the reporting and methodological quality.

Results

A total of 130 articles published between 1996–2020 from 69 journals were included in this review. Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that the following factors were related to the higher reporting quality of included articles: having a protocol or registration and being published on the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Systematic reviews including meta‐analyses, number of authors >5, number of pages and having protocol or registration were related to higher methodological quality. A strong linear correlation (r = 0.860) was detected between the scores of PRISMA and AMSTAR.

Conclusion

A significant number of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses on nursing interventions in patients with COPD show suboptimal reporting and poor methodology quality. The use of PRISMA and AMSTAR guidelines in conducting, reading, reviewing and editing systematic reviews and meta‐analyses is recommended to improve the quality of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses.

Impact

The findings of this review can provide references for health workers and health policy makers to evaluate and apply evidence‐based knowledge. Additionally, such high‐quality systematic reviews/meta‐analyses can guide medical and health practice.
Factors associated with resilience in spousal caregivers of patients with cancer: An integrative review
Authors: Sun Haiyan , Qin Yang , Hengudomsub Pornpat
Published: January 2021

Aim

To explore resilience and associated factors in spousal caregivers of patients with cancer.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

This review used the standardized critical appraisal instruments developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and was conducted by researching the electronic databases of Cochrane, CINAHL, ProQuest, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO and Google Scholar. The articles were published in English with full text from January 2010 to January 2020.

Results

According to data retrieval, 26 articles were finally selected. From this review, resilience was typically measured by using exact resilience scales (i.e. Connor‐Davidson or Wagnild Resilience Scales) or using other variables to indicate either more positive psychological outcomes or less negative psychological outcomes. For factors associated with resilience, these were classified as individual internal and external factors. Internal factors included caregiver burden, psychological distress, coping strategies and other factors, whereas social support, couple interaction, patient health status and other parameters were considered external factors.

Conclusions

Resilience plays an important role in promoting positive adaptation in spite of adversity among the spousal caregivers of patients with cancer. Due to the uniqueness of resilience among spousal caregivers, ways to assess resilience and identify its associated factors deserve more attention and careful consideration.
Smart Planning Drives Smart Metering
Authors: Mitchell Joey
Published: January 2021

Realizing the full potential and far‐reaching benefits of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) depends on following essential guidelines for planning, communicating, and implementing an AMI rollout.
Connect With Customers Online
Authors: Boozer Chelsea
Published: January 2021

It's simple to post on popular and lesser‐known social media platforms to expand your utility's outreach. Give customers timely and helpful messages as well as increase positive interactions and trust.
Exploring the potential of inexpensive high oleic sunflower oil for new polymeric architectures
Authors: Balanuca Brindusa , Ott Cristina , Damian Celina Maria , Iovu Horia , Trusca Roxana , Stan Raluca
Published: January 2021

Bicomponent polymeric architectures were fabricated through visible‐light polymerization starting from methacrylated and PEGylated high oleic sunflower oil (HO‐SFO) monomers and compatible polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEG‐DMA) capable of swelling in biological simulated fluid. Conversion of the methacryl moieties in the photo‐polymerization reactions was monitored by FTIR spectrometry and also gel fraction measurements. The amount of PEG‐DMA co‐reactant and PEG units grafted on the HO‐SFO backbone were found to directly influence the key properties of the oil‐based polymers. DSC measurements proved that higher content of PEG‐DMA (1:1wt, related to HO‐SFO monomer) influence the crystallinity degree, favoring also the increase of PBS absorption capacity. PEG chains from the HO‐SFO structure acts as mediator for the hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, influencing the system mobility, networks arrangement, affording the higher degree for PBS absorption (almost 70% after 50 days of immersion). For all the studied systems two‐phase absorption process was observed and assigned to the esters hydrolysis, yielding new –COOH and –OH groups, XPS and SEM confirming this hypothesis. Polymers degradation during PBS immersion conduce to the elimination of PEG oligomers and unreacted methacryl moieties from the fatty acids, by diffusion in the swelling medium, phenomenon supported by detectable architectural changes from the SEM images.
Phytochemical discrimination of Pinus species based on GC–MS and ATR‐IR analyses and their impact on Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Gad Haidy , Al‐Sayed Eman , Ayoub Iriny
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The leaves and cones of Pinus plants as well as their essential oils have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments.

Objectives

Phytochemical discrimination of Pinus species and investigation of their anti‐Helicobacter pylori activity in vitro and in silico.

Materials and Methods

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR‐IR) metabolic profiling of the essential oils of Pinus species. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchal cluster analysis (HCA) were applied for discrimination and segregation of Pinus species.

Results

GC–MS revealed the presence of 76 constituents, where monoterpenes represented the major class with the dominance of α‐pinene (72%) followed by β‐pinene (16%) for P. canariensis. β‐Pinene was the dominant component in P. pinea (24%) followed by terpinolene (11%). α‐Pinene (17%) and caryophyllene (12%) were the major components in P. halepensis, while, 3‐carene (33%) and α‐pinene (17%) represented the major constituents of P. roxburghii oil. By applying PCA and HCA on GC–MS and ATR‐IR data analysis, ATR‐IR displayed much better discrimination for Pinus species. The pine oils showed promising inhibitory effects on Helicobacter pylori. Furthermore, in silico molecular modelling was carried out where the calculated free binding energies of phytochemicals identified ranged from −33.71 to −19.67 kcal/mol for urease and −41.18 to −16.57 kcal/mol for shikimate kinase. This suggests favourable binding of pine essential oil components to both enzymes, thus explaining their potential inhibitory activity on H. pylori.

Conclusion

GC–MS and ATR‐IR based metabolic analyses could discriminate between Pinus species. Pine essential oils can be used as promising therapeutic drugs to protect against H. pylori infection.
Implementation of drama therapy services in the North American school system: Responses from the field
Authors: Frydman Jason S. , Mayor Christine
Published: January 2021

Drama therapy is an emerging mental health practice in North American schools. Yet little research has focused directly on the role of drama therapists in schools or their service navigation practices and challenges. From February to July of 2018, drama therapists affiliated with the North American Drama Therapy Association currently working in North American schools were invited to participate in an online Qualtrics survey. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on open‐ended response items, the results of which reflect drama therapists' experiences pioneering direct and indirect services and responding to implementation challenges. Findings suggest that while drama therapists provide a number of critical school services, there are identifiable barriers to full integration into the system. Implications for drama therapists include the need for a further specified and structured role, formalized inclusion in student support teams, consistent opportunities to support both students and staff, more secure funding sources, clear implementation logistics, and increased awareness and education about drama therapy among school administrators, faculty, and mental health support staff.
Experimental and theoretical studies of 1,3,5‐tris (bromomethyl)‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene with 2‐pyridone
Authors: Asha R. Nandini , Rahini M. Usha , Daisy Caroline , Nayagam B. Ravindran Durai , Bhuvanesh N.
Published: January 2021

In this present work, a new compound 1‐({2,4,6‐trimethyl‐3,5‐bis[(2‐oxo‐2H‐pyridin‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}methyl)‐2H‐pyridin‐2‐one hydrate (M3P) has been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H, and 13C NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The molecular geometry, frontier molecular orbital energies, and thermodynamic properties of the title molecule were explored using density functional theory (DFT) calculation via B3LYP method with 631++G (d,p) basis set. The compound (M3P) crystallizes in the space group of P‐1 with unit cell parameter a = 9.8224(12) Å, b = 11.6383(14) Å, c = 11.8865(14) Å, α = 64.6410(10)°, β = 81.156(2)°, γ = 69.5910(10)°, V = 1150.8(2) Å3, and Z = 2. Furthermore, Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed to observe better intermolecular interactions in the crystal packing. The nature of the interaction of M3P with DNA and BSA protein was studied using molecular docking analysis. DNA binding studies were also done using UV spectrophotometric method. The compound moderately binds with CT‐DNA which is comparable with the docking results. in vitro anti‐microbial activities against some bacterial and fungal strains were investigated. M3P shows good response against bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia and fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.
Targeted poverty alleviation in China: Evidence from Jingdong e‐commerce poverty alleviation
Authors: Fang Lijie , Huang Chien‐Chung
Published: January 2021

Inequalities within and between countries continue to grow as a result of globalization. Although traditional anti‐poverty efforts from governments and NGOs have had their respective successes, poverty continues to exist in every country, particularly in rural areas where there are fewer resources to support socioeconomic development. Private enterprises may use their strengths, including market knowledge and accessibility to various resources, to develop innovative business models that can provide viable and effective solutions to social problems such as poverty. This article examines a case study of a poverty alleviation initiative by Jingdong (JD). The results indicate that JD utilizes industrial poverty alleviation to empower local enterprises. Through the use of education and training, finance, and employment support, JD builds an ecosystem that provides local enterprises high‐quality employees and reliable logistics with which to conduct business. As a result, the JD model enables local enterprises to compensate farmers with sufficient wages that can reduce poverty and improve their well‐being, creating a mutually beneficial solution for all stakeholders. The findings demonstrate the potential of a private enterprise to reduce poverty in a way that might not be otherwise independently achieved by government and NGOs.
Prostate‐to‐bladder cross‐sensitization in a model of zymosan‐induced chronic pelvic pain syndrome in rats
Authors: Aydogdu Ozgu , Gocun Pinar Uyar , Aronsson Patrik , Carlsson Thomas , Winder Michael
Published: January 2021

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) on bladder function and pathophysiology.

Methods

To create a model for CPPS, rats were intraprostatically injected with zymosan or saline, serving as control. Metabolic cage experiments were performed 7, 14, or 21 days after zymosan injection and after 14 days in the control group. Thereafter, cystometry was performed in which simulated micturition cycles were induced by saline infusion and contractile responses to the cholinergic agonist methacholine and the purinergic agonist ATP were measured. Following cystometry, the prostate and urinary bladder were excised and assessed histopathologically for possible inflammatory changes.

Results

Metabolic cage data revealed a significantly increased urinary frequency in zymosan treated rats. Likewise, the volume per micturition was significantly lower in all CPPS groups compared to controls. Cystometry showed a significant increase in the number of nonvoiding contractions, longer voiding time, and a trend towards lower compliance in CPPS rats compared to controls. Induction of CPPS led to significantly reduced cholinergic and purinergic contractile responses. Histopathological analysis demonstrated prostatic inflammation in all CPPS groups, in particular in later stage groups. Both the extent and grade of bladder inflammation were significantly higher in CPPS groups compared to controls.

Conclusions

The current findings demonstrate a potential prostate‐to‐bladder cross‐sensitization leading to symptoms of bladder overactivity and signs of bladder inflammation. Future clinical studies are required to verify the outcomes of the current study and enable advancement of patient care.
Deep learning‐based X‐ray inpainting for improving spinal 2D‐3D registration
Authors: Esfandiari Hooman , Weidert Simon , Kövesházi István , Anglin Carolyn , Street John , Hodgson Antony J.
Published: January 2021

Background

Two‐dimensional (2D)‐3D registration is challenging in the presence of implant projections on intraoperative images, which can limit the registration capture range. Here, we investigate the use of deep‐learning‐based inpainting for removing implant projections from the X‐rays to improve the registration performance.

Methods

We trained deep‐learning‐based inpainting models that can fill in the implant projections on X‐rays. Clinical datasets were collected to evaluate the inpainting based on six image similarity measures. The effect of X‐ray inpainting on capture range of 2D‐3D registration was also evaluated.

Results

The X‐ray inpainting significantly improved the similarity between the inpainted images and the ground truth. When applying inpainting before the 2D‐3D registration process, we demonstrated significant recovery of the capture range by up to 85%.

Conclusion

Applying deep‐learning‐based inpainting on X‐ray images masked by implants can markedly improve the capture range of the associated 2D‐3D registration task.
A Bayesian‐bandit adaptive design for N‐of‐1 clinical trials
Authors: Shrestha Sama , Jain Sonia
Published: January 2021

N‐of‐1 trials, which are randomized, double‐blinded, controlled, multiperiod, crossover trials on a single subject, have been applied to determine the heterogeneity of the individual's treatment effect in precision medicine settings. An aggregated N‐of‐1 design, which can estimate the population effect from these individual trials, is a pragmatic alternative when a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is infeasible. We propose a Bayesian adaptive design for both the individual and aggregated N‐of‐1 trials using a multiarmed bandit framework that is estimated via efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo. A Bayesian hierarchical structure is used to jointly model the individual and population treatment effects. Our proposed adaptive trial design is based on Thompson sampling, which randomly allocates individuals to treatments based on the Bayesian posterior probability of each treatment being optimal. While we use a subject‐specific treatment effect and Bayesian posterior probability estimates to determine an individual's treatment allocation, our hierarchical model facilitates these individual estimates to borrow strength from the population estimates via shrinkage to the population mean. We present the design's operating characteristics and performance via a simulation study motivated by a recently completed N‐of‐1 clinical trial. We demonstrate that from a patient‐centered perspective, subjects are likely to benefit from our adaptive design, in particular, for those individuals that deviate from the overall population effect.
Synthesis, Magnetic and Electrical Characteristics of Ba‐Sr Hexaferrites Substituted with Samarium, Chromium and Aluminum
Authors: Yang Yujie , Feng Shuangjiu , Kan Xucai , Lv Qingrong , Trukhanov A. V. , Trukhanov S. V.
Published: January 2021

A series of M‐type Ba−Sr hexaferrites of composition Ba0.20Sr0.80‐xSmxFe12‐y(Cr0.5Al0.5)yO19 (x=0.00–0.40; y=0.00–0.32) were prepared by solid‐state reaction route. XRD patterns reveals that there is a single magnetoplumbite phase in the hexaferrites with the substitutiom of Sm (0.00≤x≤0.20) and CrAl (0.00≤y≤0.16) contents, while for the hexaferrites containing Sm (x≥0.30) and CrAl (y≥0.24), impurity phase is detected in the structure. The remanence (Br) decreases with increasing substitution content of Sm (0.00≤x≤0.40) and CrAl (0.00≤y≤0.32). With the increase of substitution contents, the intrinsic coercivity (Hcj) increases, while the magnetic induction coercivity (Hcb) first increases, and then decreases. Br has a linear decreasing behavior with increasing temperature from 20 °C to 170 °C. Hcj raises linearly with increasing temperature from 20 °C to 170 °C. The average temperature coefficient of Br (αBr) basically remains constant with increasing substitution content of Sm (0.00≤x≤0.40) and CrAl (0.00≤y≤0.32). The average temperature coefficient of Hcj (αHcj) decreases with increasing substitution content of Sm (0.00≤x≤0.40) and CrAl (0.00≤y≤0.32). The electrical resitivity (ρ) decreases with increasing substitution content of Sm‐CrAl.
Synthesis of Ultra‐fine Co1‐(x+y)NixZnyFe2O4 Ferrite Nanoparticles: Customizing Magnetic Properties
Authors: Khorshidian Sara , Vaseghi Behrooz , Rezaei Ghasem , Jenkins David , Kumar Niroj , Rajan Arunima
Published: January 2021

Synthesis of ultrafine
magnetic nanoparticles with different chemical compositions is essential to study the magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) as a treatment in which the superparamagnetic behaviour of materials is beneficial. In this paper,
magnetic nanoparticles with different x and y amounts were synthesized to find out a tuning pattern for magnetic properties, especially anisotropy constant to gain the best heating efficiency. We proved that the co‐presence of ions will greatly affect the magnetic performance of our superparamagnetic nanoparticles in which
for values of
and
exhibits the highest magnetic anisotropy constant after
CoFe2O4. This success in customizing magnetic properties to reach high magnetic properties by using less toxic materials might be another good starting point for researchers to focus more on their possible applications.