bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of sintering temperature on the depolarization behavior of (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3‐based ceramics
Authors: Peng Ping , Nie Hengchang , Zheng Chan , Wang Genshui , Dong Xianlin , Yang Chunrong
Published: February 2021

(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 (BNT)‐based ferroelectric ceramics have drawn extensive attention because of their excellent electrical properties and interesting depolarization behavior. However, the poor thermal stability of electrical properties limits their practical application. In this work, the effect of sintering temperature (Ts) on the depolarization behavior of BNT‐based ceramics was systematically investigated. It is found that the depolarization temperature Td determined from pyroelectric measurement tends to decrease with increasing Ts, which indicates that lower Ts defers the ferroelectric‐relaxor (FE‐RE) phase transition. However, for the samples sintered at higher Ts (such as 1180°C), although the Td is reduced, the thermal stability is better compared with the sample sintered at lower Ts (1100°C) because the diffuse behavior of the FE‐RE phase transition is suppressed. According to these results, we propose that the thermal stability of electrical properties for BNT‐based ceramics is not only related to high Td, but also to the diffuse degree of phase transition.
Preparation and high‐temperature oxidation resistance of multilayer MoSi2/MoB coating by spent MoSi2‐based materials
Authors: Zhu Lu , Wang Xiaohong , Ren Xuanru , Kang Xueqin , Akhtar Farid , Feng Peizhong
Published: February 2021

Spent MoSi2 and MoB were used as raw materials to prepare multilayer MoSi2/MoB coating on molybdenum by the two‐step method of slurry deposition and spark plasma sintering. The results showed dense MoSi2/MoB coating after sintering while penetrated cracks appeared in MoSi2 coating due to coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the Mo substrate and coating. After the sintering of MoSi2/MoB coatings, MoB and Mo2B diffusion layers were formed between MoB transition layer and Mo substrate without defects, exhibiting good metallurgical bonding. The high‐temperature oxidation behavior of coatings (1500°C) was also explored. After oxidation of 50 h at 1500°C, lowest mass gain (0.035 mg/cm2) was obtained for MoSi2/MoB coating, and the oxide scale was dense and complete without voids, making the oxygen diffusion at elevated temperature inhibited. Compared with MoSi2 coating under the same oxidation conditions, relatively thinner silica oxide scale was acquired by MoSi2/MoB coating because of the reduction of cracks, and the multilayer coating exhibits better anti‐oxidation properties at high temperature.
Circulating intermediate monocytes and atrial structural remodeling associated with atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation
Authors: Suehiro Hideya , Kiuchi Kunihiko , Fukuzawa Koji , Yoshida Naofumi , Takami Mitsuru , Watanabe Yoshiaki , Izawa Yu , Akita Tomomi , Takemoto Makoto , Sakai Jun , Nakamura Toshihiro , Yatomi Atsusuke , Takahara Hiroyuki , Sonoda Yusuke , Nakasone Kazutaka , Yamamoto Kyoko , Yamashita Tomoya , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: February 2021

Background

Inflammation, such as that associated with intermediate CD14++CD16+ monocytes and atrial structural remodeling (SRM), may be important in the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation. However, the relationship between the intermediate CD14++CD16+ monocytes, SRM, and AF recurrence is unclear.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with AF were enrolled. The proportion of intermediate monocytes (PIM) was assessed before ablation by flow cytometry. As a surrogate marker of SRM, the volume ratio (VR) of signal intensity greater than 1 standard deviation on late‐gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (LGE‐MRI) was calculated. We investigated whether PIM correlated with SRM on LGE‐MRI and determined the optimal cutoff value for predicting AF recurrence.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed positive correlations between PIM and BNP with SRM (PIM: r = .593, p = .002; BNP: r = .567, p = .004). Multivariable analysis revealed that PIM was independently associated with VR on LGE‐MRI (β = .522; p = .033). The finding of an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.750 revealed that a VR ≥ 13.3% on LGE‐MRI as the optimal cutoff value to predict AF recurrence with 80% sensitivity and 71% specificity, which was associated with PIM ≥ 10.0%.

Conclusion

Intermediate monocytes were significantly positively correlated with SRM. PIM ≥ 10% was associated with a VR ≥ 13.3% on LGE‐MRI, which predicted AF recurrence after catheter ablation.
Utility of blood pressure measurements at an initial screening visit to identify Chinese children and adolescents with hypertension
Authors: Duan Yao , Sun Jiahong , Zhao Min , Magnussen Costan G. , Xi Bo
Published: February 2021

The performance of different BP readings and their combinations at a visit to identify children and adolescents with pediatric hypertension remains controversial. We aimed to assess the utility of different blood pressure (BP) readings and their combinations obtained at the initial screening visit for identifying Chinese children and adolescents with hypertension. Participants were 7831 children and adolescents aged 6‐17 years measured as part of a cross‐sectional survey conducted in Jinan, China between September 2012 and November 2014. BP was measured three times at up to three visits. Elevated BP at the initial visit was defined as systolic BP and/or diastolic BP ≥ age‐ and sex‐specific 95th percentiles using the Chinese BP references for children and adolescents based on different BP readings and their combinations. Participants with elevated BP using (BP2+BP3)/2 across three visits were defined as having hypertension. Of the different readings or combinations examined, the mean of the last two readings at the initial visit had the best predictive utility for children and adolescents with hypertension (sensitivity: 100.0%; specificity: 86.9%; positive predictive value: 27.6%; negative predictive value: 100.0%). This was also reflected in the area under the curve being highest for the mean of the last two readings (0.93, 95% confidence interval: 0.93‐0.94) compared with any of the other readings or combinations (BP1, BP2, BP3, [BP1+BP2]/2, [BP1+BP3]/2, and [BP1+BP2+BP3]/3; all p < .001). Taking three measurements of BP and using the average of the last two readings at a screening visit may be optimal for the identification of hypertension in youth.
Dysregulation of ferroptosis may involve in the development of non‐small‐cell lung cancer in Xuanwei area
Authors: Li Guangjian , Yang Jiapeng , Zhao Guangqiang , Shen Zhenghai , Yang Kaiyun , Tian Linwei , Zhou Qinghua , Chen Ying , Huang Yunchao
Published: February 2021

The Xuanwei area of Yunnan Province, China, is one of the regions suffering from the highest occurrence and mortality rate of lung cancer in the world. Local residents tend to use bituminous coal as domestic fuel, which causes serious indoor air pollution and is established as the main carcinogen. After the local government carried out furnace and stove reform work, lung cancer rate including incidence and mortality among residents remains high. We herein wonder if there are specific mechanisms at protein level for the development of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in this area. We investigated the changes of protein profiling in tumour of the patients from Xuanwei area. Tandem mass tag (TMT) was employed to screen the differential proteins between carcinoma and para‐carcinoma tissues. We identified a total of 422 differentially expressed proteins, among which 162 proteins were significantly up‐regulated and 260 were downregulated compared to para‐carcinoma tissues. Many of the differentially expressed proteins were related to extracellular matrix (ECM)‐receptor interaction, focal adhesion, PI3K/AKT pathway and ferroptosis. Further experiments on the two differential proteins, thioredoxin 2 (TXN2) and haptoglobin (HP), showed that the change of their expressions could make the lung cancer cell lines more resistant to erastin or RSL‐induced ferroptosis in vitro, and promote the growth of tumour in nude mice. In conclusion, this study revealed that aberrant regulation of ferroptosis may involve in the development of lung cancer in Xuanwei area.
AIMP3 inhibits cell growth and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma through activating a miR‐96‐5p‐AIMP3‐p53 axis
Authors: Ding Liting , Fang Yang , Li Yong , Hu Qinghua , Ai Meiling , Deng Keyu , Huang Xuan , Xin Hongbo
Published: February 2021

Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase‐interacting multifunctional protein‐3 (AIMP3) is a tumour suppressor, however, the roles of AIMP3 in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are not explored yet. Here, we reported that AIMP3 significantly inhibited the cell growth and metastasis of NSCLC (lung adenocarcinoma) in vitro and in vivo. We have firstly identified that AIMP3 was down‐regulated in human NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent normal lung tissues using immunohistochemistry and western blot assays. Overexpression of AIMP3 markedly suppressed the proliferation and migration of cancer cells in a p53‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we observed that AIMP3 significantly suppressed tumour growth and metastasis of A549 cells in xenograft nude mice. Mechanically, we identified that AIMP3 was a direct target of miR‐96‐5p, and we also observed that there was a negative correlation between AIMP3 and miR‐96‐5p expression in paired NSCLC clinic samples. Ectopic miR‐96‐5p expression promoted the proliferation and migration of cancer cells in vitro and tumour growth and metastasis in vivo which partially depended on AIMP3. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the axis of miR‐96‐5p‐AIMP3‐p53 played an important role in lung adenocarcinoma, which may provide a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.
Theorizing and Testing Cross‐Loading: The EU Common Foreign and Security Policy and Polish Concessions to Germany's Russia Policy
Authors: Czułno Patryk
Published: February 2021

The article discusses the role of the European Union (EU) in facilitating concessions between member states which, paradoxically, pursue discrepant foreign interests. First, the article develops a theoretical framework for the under‐researched Europeanization model of cross‐loading. Here, strategic socialization, experiential learning, and policy transfer conceptualize how national actors adopt cooperative practices from the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) into their bilateral level. Meanwhile, rational institutionalism and the politics of scale help theorize tactical coalition‐ and consensus‐building specifically between discrepant national interests, with regard to states' complementary influence capabilities within the CFSP. Second, the article tests cross‐loading to confirm Poland's conciliatory Russia policy in 2008–14 as an EU‐induced concession to Germany. Arguably, Poland who pursued its strategic interests in the Eastern Partnership tactically adopted Germany's approach towards developing parallel EU–Russia policies. Poland thus recognized German skills to build consensus on the Eastern Partnership with stronger and Russian‐oriented member states.
Effects of periodontal management for patients with type 2 diabetes on healthcare expenditure, hospitalization and worsening of diabetes: an observational study using medical, dental and pharmacy claims data in Japan
Authors: Shin Jung‐ho , Takada Daisuke , Kunisawa Susumu , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: February 2021

Aims

To investigate the effects of regular periodontal management for people with type 2 diabetes on total healthcare expenditure, hospitalization and the introduction of insulin.

Materials and methods

We collected data of individuals who were prescribed diabetes medications during the fiscal year 2015 from the claims database of a prefecture in Japan. We fitted generalized linear models that had sex, age, comorbidities and the status of periodontal management during the previous two years as predictors.

Results

A total of 16,583 individuals were enrolled. The annual healthcare expenditure in the third year was 4% less (adjusted multiplier 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92–1.00) in the group receiving periodontal management every year. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for all‐cause hospitalization was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82–0.98). The aOR of introducing insulin in the third year for those who had not been prescribed insulin during the previous two years (n = 13,222) was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.64–0.92) in the group receiving periodontal management every year.

Conclusion

Regular periodontal management for diabetic people was associated with reduced healthcare expenditure, all‐cause hospitalization and the introduction of insulin therapy.
Tail regeneration alters the digestive performance of lizards
Authors: Sagonas Kostas , Deimezis‐Tsikoutas Aris , Reppa Aikaterini , Domenikou Iro , Papafoti Mirto , Synevrioti Konstantina , Polydouri Ioanna , Voutsela Anneta , Bletsa Aristoula , Karambotsi Niki , Pafilis Panayiotis , Valakos Efstratios D.
Published: February 2021

Tissue regeneration is a fundamental evolutionary adaptation, which is well known in lizards that can regenerate their entire tail. However, numerous parameters of this process remain poorly understood. Lizard tail serves many functions. Thus, tail autotomy comes with many disadvantages and the need for quick regeneration is imperative. To provide the required energy and materials for caudal tissue building, lizards are expected to undergo a number of physiological and biochemical adjustments. Previous research showed that tail regeneration induces changes in the digestive process. Here, we investigated if and how tail regeneration affects the digestive performance in five wall lizard species deriving from mainland and island sites and questioned whether the association of tail regeneration and digestion is affected by species relationships or environmental features, including predation pressure. We expected that lizards from high predation environments would regenerate their tail faster and modify accordingly their digestive efficiency, prioritizing the digestion of proteins; the main building blocks for tissue repair. Second, we anticipated that the general food shortage on islands would inhibit the process. Our findings showed that all species shifted their digestive efficiency, as predicted. Elongation rate was higher in sites with stronger predation regime and this was also applied to the rate with which protein digestion raised. Gut passage time increases during regeneration so as to improve the nutrient absorbance, but among the islanders, the pace was more intense. The deviations between species should be attributed to the different ecological conditions prevailing on islands rather than to their phylogenetic relationships.
Electronic sensory assessment of bread enriched with cobia (Rachycentron canadum)
Authors: Fagundes Gilberto A. , Benedetti Simona , Pagani Maria A. , Fiorentini Angela M. , Severo Joseana , Salas‐Mellado Myriam
Published: February 2021

The aim was to evaluate the sensory quality by electronic nose (EN) and tongue (ET) of bread added by cobia minced protein in differents times of storage. Two samples were elaborated: (a) control (FF—traditional bread); (b) added by 10% Cobia minced protein (FPN). The two samples of bread were analyzed from time “zero” (1 hr after being baked) to time “five” (120 hr). A Portable EN (PEN2) composed of 10 sensors was used. Operating conditions: flow rate 300 ml/min, injection time 60 min, flush time 180 min. To ET (Taste‐Sensing System SA402B) 5 sensors were used. All samples were analyzed twice and the average was analyzed by Principal Component Analysis, showing the relationship among the samples and the variables. The greatest differences between the odors were observed after 120 hr of storage. In the first 48 h, the EN was unable to differentiate the samples. The biggest differences of taste were observed at t0. In the other evaluation times, the samples reduced their differences. The use of electronic sensory methods showed promising. Confer greater specificity in the determination of odors and taste of products. Therefore, these tools can be used to improve the sensory characteristics of the new products, as enriched foods.

Practical Applications

Bread is a basic food of the world population, but it does not present a big quantity/quality protein content. Using fish protein concentrate in bread improves the nutritional quality of this product, however, in function of the physico‐chemical composition, fish and derivates may present a strong characteristic odor/taste, rejected by a large part of the population. The sensory characteristics of a product are determining factors for the choice and purchase by the consumers. Maintaining a permanent panel of trained evaluators takes high time and continuous costs, and is not entirely accurate. The use of technologies used by the electronic nose and tongue can assist in a greater standardization of food, especially when it involves the development of new products, ingredients, or differentiated raw ingredients, as made in this study.
Family separation and transnational fathering practices for immigrant Northern Triangle families
Authors: Roy Kevin , Yumiseva Martha
Published: February 2021

We utilize insights from previous qualitative research to explore fathering among immigrant fathers from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras (the Northern Triangle of Central America). We present a conceptual model of transnational fathering practices in order expand beyond common cultural frameworks that are used to examine within‐group differences for Latino fathers. We describe four key practices of transnational fathering: (1) negotiation of illegality, (2) providing from the shadows, (3) maintenance of transnational family networks, and (4) communication with mobile families via information technology. This model can expand our understanding of and practice with immigrant and refugee families who live between and within multiple national borders.
Dynamic diagnosis of early gastric cancer with microvascular blood flow rate using magnifying endoscopy (with video): A pilot study
Authors: Ueyama Hiroya , Yatagai Noboru , Ikeda Atsushi , Akazawa Yoichi , Komori Hiroyuki , Takeda Tsutomu , Matsumoto Kohei , Ueda Kumiko , Matsumoto Kenshi , Asaoka Daisuke , Hojo Mariko , Yao Takashi , Nagahara Akihito
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim

Magnifying endoscopy (ME) diagnostic algorithm for early gastric cancer (EGC) relies on qualitative features such as microvascular (MV) architecture and microsurface structure; however, it is a “static” diagnostic algorithm that uses still images. ME can visualize red blood cell flow within subepithelial microvessels in real time. Here, we evaluated the utility of using the MV blood flow rate in combination with ME for the diagnosis of EGC as a retrospective study.

Methods

Patients with differentiated‐type EGC (n = 10) or patchy redness (n = 10) underwent ME with blue laser imaging. The mean MV blood flow rates of EGC, patchy redness, and background mucosa were calculated by the mean movement distance of one tagging red blood cell using split images of ME with blue laser imaging videos. We compared the mean MV blood flow rate between EGC, patchy redness, and background mucosa and also calculated the MV blood flow imaging ratio (inside lesion/background mucosa) between EGC and patchy redness.

Results

Mean MV blood flow rate was significantly lower in EGC (1481 μm/s; range 1057–1762) than in patchy redness (3859 μm/s; 2435–5899) or background mucosa (4140.6 μm/s; 2820–6247) (P < 0.01). The MV blood flow imaging ratio was significantly lower in EGC (0.39; 0.27–0.62) than in patchy redness (0.90; 0.78–1.1) (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Dynamic diagnosis with MV blood flow rate using ME may be useful for the differential diagnosis of EGC and patchy redness. Endoscopic assessment of dynamic processes within the gastric mucosa may facilitate the diagnosis of EGC.
Market Discipline through Credit Ratings and Too‐Big‐to‐Fail in Banking
Authors: KOLARIC SASCHA , KIESEL FLORIAN , ONGENA STEVEN
Published: February 2021

Do credit ratings help enforce market discipline on banks? Analyzing a uniquely comprehensive data set consisting of 1,081 rating change announcements for 154 international financial institutions between January 2004 and December 2015, we find that rating downgrades for internal reasons, such as adverse changes in the operating performance or capital structure of banks, are associated with a significant credit default swap spread widening. However, this widening only occurs for banks that are not perceived as to be Too‐Big‐to‐Fail (TBTF). Our findings question the reliability of credit ratings as a tool to discipline TBTF banks and suggest that regulatory monitoring should remain the main mechanism for disciplining these banks.
Desistance, Self‐treatment, or Substitution: Decisions about Cannabis Use During Pregnancy
Authors: Greyson Devon , Roosevelt Lee , Boyd Carol J.
Published: February 2021

Cannabis is the most commonly used drug during pregnancy in the United States and Canada, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all pregnant individuals be screened for cannabis use and counseled regarding potential adverse health impacts of use. However, those considering or using cannabis during pregnancy report experiencing stigma and lack of information from health care providers and, thus, frequently rely on friends, family, and the internet for information. This article describes 3 types of decisions individuals may be making about cannabis use during pregnancy and suggests approaches health care providers may take to minimize judgment and provide optimal support for informed cannabis use decisions among pregnant individuals. Desistance decisions involve consideration of whether and how to reduce or stop using during pregnancy. Self‐treatment decisions are made by those exploring cannabis to help alleviate troublesome symptoms such as nausea or anxiety. Substitution decisions entail weighing whether to use cannabis instead of another substance with greater perceived harms. Health care providers should be able to recognize the various types of cannabis use decisions that are being made in pregnancy and be ready to have a supportive conversation to provide current and evidence‐based information to individuals making desistance, self‐treatment, and substitution decisions. Individuals making desistance decisions may require support with potential adverse consequences such as withdrawal or return of symptoms for which cannabis was being used, as well as potentially navigating social situations during which cannabis use is expected. Those making self‐treatment decisions should be helped to fully explore treatment options for their symptoms, including evidence on risks and benefits. Regarding substitution decisions, health care providers should endeavor to help pregnant individuals understand the available evidence regarding risks and benefits of available options and be open to revisiting the topic over time.
Low elbow mobility indicates unique forelimb posture and function in a giant extinct marsupial
Authors: Richards Hazel L. , Bishop Peter J. , Hocking David P. , Adams Justin W. , Evans Alistair R.
Published: February 2021

Joint mobility is a key factor in determining the functional capacity of tetrapod limbs, and is important in palaeobiological reconstructions of extinct animals. Recent advances have been made in quantifying osteological joint mobility using virtual computational methods; however, these approaches generally focus on the proximal limb joints and have seldom been applied to fossil mammals.Palorchestes azaelis an enigmatic, extinct ~1000 kg marsupial with no close living relatives, whose functional ecology within Australian Pleistocene environments is poorly understood. Most intriguing is its flattened elbow morphology, which has long been assumed to indicate very low mobility at this important joint. Here, we tested elbow mobility via virtual range of motion (ROM) mapping and helical axis analysis, to quantitatively explore the limits ofPalorchestes' elbow movement and compare this with their living and extinct relatives, as well as extant mammals that may represent functional analogues. We find thatPalorchesteshad the lowest elbow mobility among mammals sampled, even when afforded joint translations in addition to rotational degrees of freedom. This indicates thatPalorchesteswas limited to crouched forelimb postures, something highly unusual for mammals of this size. Coupled flexion and abduction created a skewed primary axis of movement at the elbow, suggesting an abducted forelimb posture and humeral rotation gait that is not found among marsupials and unlike that seen in any large mammals alive today. This work introduces new quantitative methods and demonstrates the utility of comparative ROM mapping approaches, highlighting thatPalorchestes' forelimb function was unlike its contemporaneous relatives and appears to lack clear functional analogues among living mammals.
Botulinum toxin in treating Hailey‐Hailey disease: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Hanlin , Tang Keyun , Wang Yuchen , Fang Rouyu , Sun Qiuning
Published: February 2021

Background

Hailey‐Hailey disease is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent painful blistering, erosions, maceration in the intertriginous regions. Botulinum toxin has been used in the treatment of Hailey‐Hailey disease.

Aims

This study aimed to examine all published articles on botulinum toxin in the treatment of Hailey‐Hailey disease, and to evaluate its efficacy and safety.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were used to identify eligible articles on August 8, 2020. The searching strategy was “(Hailey Hailey or Hailey‐Hailey or pemphigus) and botulinum.”

Results

Sixteen articles including 38 patients described the use of botulinum toxin in treating Hailey‐Hailey disease. Only one case had no response, while the other patients all had partial or complete remission. No side effects were reported. Nine articles including 10 patients mainly described other treatment options, and the patients were only treated with botulinum toxin previously. Their responses to botulinum toxin were limited: one was mild improvement, one was partial response, and the other eight failed.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin is not almighty, but a promising alternative option. We recommend botulinum toxin as an adjuvant or supplemental treatment modality for severe and recalcitrant Hailey‐Hailey disease. Larger studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy, safety, long‐term effects, and cost performance.
Regional Cerebral Cortical Atrophy is Related to Urinary Tract Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Roh Haewon , Kang June , Hwang Soon‐Young , Koh Seong‐Beom , Kim Jong Hyun
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are the most common nonmotor symptoms usually occurring mid‐stage of Parkinson's disease (PD); however, its underlying mechanisms are unknown. We aimed to assess whether corticometry or volumetry can identify a pattern of cerebral cortical changes in PD patients with LUTS.

METHODS

We recruited 85 idiopathic PD patients and performed corticometry and volumetry on various cortical regions using each patient's magnetic resonance imaging. To identify a correlation between the cortical thickness/volume and nonmotor symptoms scale domain 7 scores, which represent the severity of LUTS, we performed general linear model and region of interest analyses.

RESULTS

Significant regional thinning of the left precuneus, left temporal pole, left precentral, right precuneus, and right pars opercularis was correlated with nonmotor symptoms scale domain 7 scores. We also found that cortical volumes of left precuneus and left frontal pole were inversely correlated with the severity of urinary symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the thicknesses and volumes of several cortical regions were significantly correlated with the severity of LUTS in PD patients. The findings of regional atrophy and thinning of specific cortical regions in this study provide additional evidence that multiple cortical regions, especially the precuneus cortex, not only may be involved in urinary dysfunctions of PD patients but also may help to elucidate the exact underlying mechanisms for LUTS in PD patients.
Neuroimaging Findings in Rabies Encephalitis
Authors: Bhat Maya Dattatraya , Priyadarshini Priyanka , Prasad Chandrajit , Kulanthaivelu Karthik
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Rabies encephalitis is a near‐fatal zoonotic disease that is usually diagnosed on clinical grounds in conjunction with characteristic history. Owing to its rapidly progressive nature, imaging is seldom performed, and hence a description of imaging findings in rabies encephalitis is anecdotal and limited.

METHODS

We describe MRI findings in eight confirmed rabies cases that presented to our institute over the last 21 years.

RESULTS

Most of the patients' imaging patterns are in concordance with the described literature. However, we hereby demonstrate the involvement of novel structures like dentate nuclei, cranial nerves, and meninges besides the hot cross bun sign in the pons and the presence of diffusion restriction in many gray and white matter structures of the brain.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the broad imaging spectrum of rabies may expedite the diagnosis, especially the paralytic form, which is prone to clinical misdiagnosis as Guillain‐Barre syndrome or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
A novel three‐dimensional morphological analysis of idiopathic condylar resorption following stabilisation splint treatment
Authors: Zhou Jialiang , Fu Yujie , Yu Lixia , Li Ziyu , Chen Song
Published: February 2021

Bone modelling evaluation is important for monitoring idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) progress. To compare condylar modelling in ICR patients treated with or without stabilisation splints (SSs). Eighty‐four condyles from 84 ICR patients were studied: 42 received SS therapy (SS group); 42 received conventional therapy (control group). Cone‐beam computed tomography images at diagnosis (T0) and after at least 6 months (T1) were used for three‐dimensional reconstruction. Volume differences between T0 and T1 (δV) were used to evaluate the amount of modelling. Percentage of growth area (PCT) was used to assess the condylar surface growth tendency. No significant change in condylar volume was found in the SS group, whereas that in the control group was significantly decreased at T1 (P <.0001). The amount of modelling differed among condylar subregions within the SS group: among 6 subregions (P =.0137), between anterior and posterior regions (P =.0336) and between lateral, intermediate and medial regions (P =.0275). Control group condylar subregions showed no significant differences in the amount of modelling. The anabolic modelling tendency of the total condylar surface in the SS group was greater than that in the control group (P =.0251); however, there were no statistical differences in PCTs among condylar subregions in either group. SS therapy effectively reduced further bone destruction and promoted condylar modelling. Three‐dimensional morphological analysis is a novel method that can accurately evaluate the amount of bone modelling and growth tendency in ICR patients.
A scoping review of the role of health literacy in chronic kidney disease self‐management
Authors: Shah Jennifer M. , Ramsbotham Joanne , Seib Charrlotte , Muir Rachel , Bonner Ann
Published: February 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease is a serious health condition and is increasing globally. Effective self‐management could slow disease progression and improve health outcomes, although the contribution of health literacy and knowledge for self‐management is not well known.

Aim

To investigate the recent evidence of health literacy and the relationship between health literacy, knowledge and self‐management of chronic kidney disease.

Methods

Arksey and O'Malley's framework informed this scoping review. Eligible studies involving adults with any grade of chronic kidney disease, measuring all dimensions of health literacy (i.e., functional, communicative, and critical), disease‐specific knowledge and self‐management, published in English between January 2005 and March 2020, were included.

Results

The scoping review found 12 eligible studies, with 11 assessing all dimensions of health literacy. No study examined health literacy, knowledge and self‐management. When individuals had greater health literacy, this was associated with greater knowledge about the disease. Communicative health literacy was a significant predictor of medication, diet and fluid adherence, and overall self‐management behaviours.

Conclusion

This scoping review shows that disease‐specific knowledge is important for health literacy and that health literacy is essential for effective self‐management of chronic kidney disease. The implications of these relationships can inform strategies for the development of evidence‐based patient education to support increased self‐management. There is also a need for further research to explore these associations.
Low‐sugar strawberry yogurt: Hedonic thresholds and expectations
Authors: de Souza Louise Bergamin Athayde , Pinto Vinícius Rodrigues Arruda , Nascimento Luis Gustavo Lima , Stephani Rodrigo , de Carvalho Antonio Fernandes , Perrone Ítalo Tuler
Published: February 2021

Sugar reductions in processed foods can impact a product's sensory aspects and lead to financial losses for the companies that produce them. The aim of the present study was to determine sucrose levels in strawberry yogurt production that would not compromise acceptance (compromised acceptance threshold [CAT]) or result in sensory rejection (hedonic rejection threshold [HRT]). Second, the consumers' expectations were assessed by comparing sensory acceptability of the samples in blind and informed tests to verify the impact of reduced sugar content information on consumer perceptions. The ideal sweetness level of the sampled products was also evaluated. Finally, reduced sugar samples were evaluated with regards to meeting the new national requirements for reduced sucrose yogurts. Samples with a 9.13% sucrose concentration CAT and a 6.36% HRT were obtained when using the hedonic threshold methodology (HTM), from a control sample containing 10.64% sucrose. Over 14% of the sucrose in yogurt can be reduced without altering sensory acceptance, but a 40% or greater reduction in sucrose content may lead to sensory rejection of strawberry yogurt. The present study demonstrated that reductions which meet the required Brazilian standards can be made without affecting sensory acceptance.

Practical Applications

This was the first study to use the HTM to study sucrose reduction in dairy products. The results presented herein could have an important impact on industry, public policy makers, and consumers and may help dairy manufacturers meet established sugar reduction goals without affecting sensory acceptance. The effects are an important contribution to food science even when there are no sugar reduction requirements in play. Companies that have tested the impact of sugar reduction and studied how much sugar can be appropriately removed will be ahead of their competitors when these dietary requirements are implemented.
Early detection of significant congenital heart disease: The contribution of fetal cardiac ultrasound and newborn pulse oximetry screening
Authors: Menahem Samuel , Sehgal Arvind , Meagher Simon
Published: February 2021

Fetal cardiac and newborn pulse oximetry screening has greatly facilitated the detection of cardiac abnormalities, which may be serious with potentially dire neonatal consequences. The prenatal diagnosis of a serious cardiac abnormality allows the attending obstetrician to organise the much safer in‐utero transfer of the fetus for delivery at a tertiary centre, particularly if there is evidence of a duct‐dependent lesion that may require the infusion of Prostaglandin E1 to maintain duct patency pending surgical intervention. Newborn pulse oximetry alerts the paediatrician that the baby may have a significant cardiac abnormality, which warrants further elucidation prior to discharge, rather than for the baby to represent unwell a few days later. Despite these advances, serious cardiac abnormalities may be missed on screening. Their detection then falls back onto the clinical acumen of the attending paediatrician/family physician to review the history, carefully elicit and evaluate the clinical signs further aided by whatever investigations that may be available at the birthing hospital, frequently less resourced than the tertiary centres. At the outset, a brief synopsis is provided of the clinical findings that may point to a cardiac abnormality. That is followed by a critical review of the accuracy of prenatal and newborn pulse oximetry screening with emphasis on the lesions that may be missed. Suggestions are made as to how to improve the diagnostic accuracy.
Effects of temperature on the nitrate reductase activity and growth of Ulva prolifera
Authors: Feng Lina , Shi Xiaoyong , Chen Yuehong , Tang Hongjie , Wang Lisha
Published: February 2021

To better understand the effect of temperature on the growth and nitrate reductase activity (NRA) of Ulva prolifera and their relationships, the effects of five different temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C) were investigated in a laboratory setup. In this study, an optimization in vitro analysis method for Ulva prolifera NRA was developed. Under different treatments, the NRA, nitrate concentration, pH, the intracellular nitrate and nitrite concentrations, and the POC/PON were evaluated. The results of the in vitro analysis method showed it was optimal for the NRA assay when the extraction time was 6 min, enzymatic reaction time 30 min, volume of phenazine methosulfate (PMS) solution 50 μL, NADH concentration 0.36 mM, and KNO3 concentration 10 mM. The maximal NRA (NRAmax) appeared on the 2nd day in the 10, 15, and 20°C (low‐temperature) groups and on the 1st day in the 25 and 30°C (high‐temperature) groups. The algal growth ended earlier at a high temperature, ending after 5 d at 30 and 25°C and 7 d at 20°C and 9 d at 15°C, and the alga at 10°C had been growing during the incubation period. Ulva prolifera cultivated in a range of 10–20°C had a long growth cycle and the NRA decreased with increasing temperature when exceeded 15°C, a positive correlation between algal growth and NRA was observed. This study supports NRA is a suitable proxy of the effects of temperature changes on the ability of Ulva prolifera to uptake and metabolize nitrogen nutrients.
NCOA4‐mediated ferritinophagy promoted inflammatory responses in periodontitis
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhao Yunhe , Li Houxuan , Lei Lang
Published: February 2021

Background/Objectives

Iron homeostasis plays a crucial role in the combat against pathogen invasion. Ferrous iron can trigger generous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by Fenton reaction. Nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), a selective cargo receptor to deliver ferritin to lysosome, may trigger release of ferritin‐bound iron into the cytosol. The aim of the present study was to explore whether NCOA4‐mediated ferritinophagy participated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, and its role in promoting the periodontal inflammation.

Methods

Inflamed and healthy periodontal tissues were harvested for immunobiological staining of ferritinophagy‐related genes in the periodontal tissues, while real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was utilized to detect mRNA transcription. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) were isolated and infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis. The mRNA transcription and protein expression of genes involved in the iron metabolism, including NCOA4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and ferroportin (SLC40A1) were detected by qPCR and western blot. Levels of labile iron pool and ROS production were detected by flow cytometry and confocal endoscopy. Small interference RNA was utilized to knock down NCOA4.

Results

Elevated expression of NCOA4, ferritin heavy chain, and light chain were observed in the diseased periodontal tissues. P. gingivalis infection promoted expression of TFR1, NCOA4, and microtubule‐associated protein 1‐light chain 3 B (LC3B), enhanced levels of intracellular labile iron pool and ROS production. NCOA4 knockdown reduced ROS generation in PDLFs in response to P. gingivalis and mitigated production of pro‐inflammatory monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and interleukin 6. P. gingivalis triggered activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway. In addition, inhibitors of JNK, SP600125, and inhibitors of p38, SB203580 blocked NCOA4 transcription.

Conclusion

NCOA4‐ferritinophagy participated in the progress of periodontitis progression. P. gingvalis‐triggered ferritinophagy aggravated production of ROS and inflammatory responses in PDLFS. These findings suggest iron homeostasis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Relative tidal volume and respiratory airflow estimation using tracheal sound and movement during sleep
Authors: Montazeri Ghahjaverestan Nasim , Kabir Muammar M. , Saha Shumit , Gavrilovic Bojan , Zhu Kaiyin , Taati Babak , Alshaer Hisham , Yadollahi Azadeh
Published: February 2021

Airflow is the reference signal to assess sleep respiratory disorders, such as sleep apnea. Previous studies estimated airflow using tracheal sounds in short segments with specific airflow rates, while requiring calibration or a few breaths for tuning the relationship between sound energy and airflow. Airflow−sound relationship can change by posture, sleep stage and airflow rate or tidal volume. We investigated the possibility of estimating surrogates of tidal volume without calibration in the adult sleep apnea population using tracheal sounds and movements. Two surrogates of tidal volume: thoracoabdominal range of sum movement and airflow level were estimated. Linear regression was used to estimate thoracoabdominal range of sum movement from sound energy and the range of movements. The sound energy lower envelope was found to correlate with airflow level. The agreement between reference and estimated signals was assessed by repeated‐measure correlation analysis. The estimated tidal volumes were used to estimate the airflow signal. Sixty‐one participants (30 females, age: 51 ± 16 years, body mass index: 29.5 ± 6.4 kg m−2, and apnoea−hypopnea index: 20.2 ± 21.2) were included. Reference and estimated thoracoabdominal range of sum movement of whole night data were significantly correlated with the reference signal extracted from polysomnography (r = 0.5 ± 0.06). Similarly, significant correlations (r = 0.3 ± 0.05) were found for airflow level. Significant differences in estimated surrogates of tidal volume were found between normal breathing and apnea/hypopnea. Surrogate of airflow can be extracted from tracheal sounds and movements, which can be used for assessing the severity of sleep apnea and even phenotyping sleep apnea patients based on the estimated airflow shape.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in children undergoing polysomnography
Authors: DelRosso Lourdes M. , Chan Jeremy , Ruth Chris , Powell Weston T. , Arp Michelle , Hanevold Coral , Ferri Raffaele
Published: February 2021

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is recommended for the diagnosis of hypertension in children at high risk, such as children with obesity or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Nocturnal hypertension is highly predictive of cardiovascular outcomes. ABPM allows for early detection of nocturnal hypertension in children. Although OSA is the most common sleep disorder associated with hypertension, studies have also shown an increase in cardiovascular risk in adult patients with other sleep disorders; therefore, there is an imperative need to provide early diagnosis in children at high risk. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of using ABPM during polysomnography (PSG) in children referred for sleep disordered breathing to the Seattle Children’s Hospital Sleep Disorders Center. A total of 41 children aged 7–18 years were included in this study. The ABPM monitor was worn for a mean (SD) of 10.2 (1.5) hr. No significant changes were seen in PSG parameters when ABPM was co‐performed with PSG, including sleep efficiency and arousals. In total, 12 of the 41 patients were identified as having nocturnal hypertension. Our study is important in that it shows that concomitant use of ABPM during PSG can aid in the early identification of nocturnal hypertension in this population.
Variation in biochemistry test results between annual wellness visits in apparently healthy Golden Retrievers
Authors: Jeffery Unity , Jeffery Nick D. , Creevy Kate E. , Page Rod , Simpson Melissa J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Annual wellness testing is widely recommended for apparently healthy dogs, but there is little data to assist with distinguishing normal variation from clinically important changes.

Objectives

To define variability in biochemistry analytes between annual wellness tests in healthy Golden Retrievers.

Animals

Four hundred thirty‐four Golden Retrievers undergoing annual health assessments by their primary care veterinarians as part of a prospective cohort study.

Methods

Changes in 23 biochemistry analytes were calculated between year 1 and year 2 health checks for 196 dogs classified as healthy for ≥3 consecutive years. Using a direct nonparametric method, annual change intervals were constructed to define normal variability. A validation cohort of 238 dogs without a diagnosis of systemic disease for ≥3 consecutive years were compared with the reference and annual change intervals, and the proportions of dogs outside annual change intervals and a population‐based reference interval were compared by using a McNemar test.

Results

Annual change intervals were calculated based on 190 dogs after outlier removal. For all 23 analytes, >90% of dogs in the validation cohort were within the annual change interval. There were no significant differences in the classification by reference versus annual change intervals.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The annual change intervals met performance requirements for classification of dogs that did not develop systemic disease in the year following wellness testing as normal.
Biological variation of major gut‐derived uremic toxins in the serum of healthy adult cats
Authors: Summers Stacie , Quimby Jessica , Yao Linxing , Hess Ann , Broeckling Corey , Lappin Michael
Published: February 2021

Background

Biological variation of serum indoxyl sulfate (IS), p‐cresol sulfate (pCS), and trimethylamine‐n‐oxide (TMAO) concentrations in cats is unknown.

Objectives

To determine short‐ and medium‐term biological variation, index of individuality (II), and reference change values for serum IS, pCS, and TMAO concentrations in healthy adult cats. To determine the effect of feeding on serum concentrations.

Animals

Twelve healthy adult cats.

Methods

Prospective, cohort study. Seven serum samples over a 12‐hour period (short‐term) and 5 serum samples over a 19‐day period (medium‐term) were collected. Serum concentrations of total IS, pCS, and TMAO were measured every 2 hours in a 12‐hour period (hours 0‐12) after a meal in 9 cats and compared to concentrations in a nonfed state.

Results

For IS, the II was high using short‐term (1.96) and low using medium‐term (0.65) biological variation estimates. Individuality was intermediate for pCS (short‐term, 0.98; medium‐term, 1.17) and TMAO (short‐term, 1.47; medium‐term, 0.83). Serum IS, pCS, and TMAO concentrations were significantly lower in a fed state compared to a nonfed state at hours 4, 6, 8, and 12; at hours 4 and 6; and at hours 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, respectively.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Population‐based reference intervals with reference to the subject‐based interval can be used to monitor serum pCS and TMAO concentrations. For IS, a subject‐based and a population‐based reference interval is best for short‐term and medium‐term monitoring, respectively. To compare serial measurements, it would be prudent to collect samples at the same time of day and consistently in either a fed or nonfed state.