bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of porous silicon nanoparticle treatment at inhibiting the migration of a heterogeneous glioma cell population
Authors: Abdalla Youssef , Luo Meihua , Mäkilä Ermei , Day Bryan W. , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Tong Wing Yin
Published: February 2021

Background

Approximately 80% of brain tumours are gliomas. Despite treatment, patient mortality remains high due to local metastasis and relapse. It has been shown that transferrin-functionalised porous silicon nanoparticles (Tf@pSiNPs) can inhibit the migration of U87 glioma cells. However, the underlying mechanisms and the effect of glioma cell heterogeneity, which is a hallmark of the disease, on the efficacy of Tf@pSiNPs remains to be addressed.

Results

Here, we observed that Tf@pSiNPs inhibited heterogeneous patient-derived glioma cells’ (WK1) migration across small perforations (3 μm) by approximately 30%. A phenotypical characterisation of the migrated subpopulations revealed that the majority of them were nestin and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 positive, an indication of their cancer stem cell origin. The treatment did not inhibit cell migration across large perforations (8 μm), nor cytoskeleton formation. This is in agreement with our previous observations that cellular-volume regulation is a mediator of Tf@pSiNPs’ cell migration inhibition. Since aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is closely linked to cellular-volume regulation, and is highly expressed in glioma, the effect of AQP9 expression on WK1 migration was investigated. We showed that WK1 migration is correlated to the differential expression patterns of AQP9. However, AQP9-silencing did not affect WK1 cell migration across perforations, nor the efficacy of cell migration inhibition mediated by Tf@pSiNPs, suggesting that AQP9 is not a mediator of the inhibition.

Conclusion

This in vitro investigation highlights the unique therapeutic potentials of Tf@pSiNPs against glioma cell migration and indicates further optimisations that are required to maximise its therapeutic efficacies.

Graphic Abstract
Acquired radioresistance in cancer associated fibroblasts is concomitant with enhanced antioxidant potential and DNA repair capacity
Authors: Domogauer Jason D. , de Toledo Sonia M. , Howell Roger W. , Azzam Edouard I.
Published: February 2021

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the cancer stroma, and their response to therapeutic treatments likely impacts the outcome. We tested the hypothesis that CAFs develop unique characteristics that enhance their resistance to ionizing radiation.

Methods

CAFs were generated through intimate coculture of normal human fibroblasts of skin or lung origin with various human cancer cell types using permeable microporous membrane inserts. Fibroblasts and cancer cells are grown intimately, yet separately, on either side of the insert’s membrane for extended times to generate activated fibroblast populations highly enriched in CAFs.

Results

The generated CAFs exhibited a decrease in Caveolin-1 protein expression levels, a CAF biomarker, which was further enhanced when the coculture was maintained under in-vivo-like oxygen tension conditions. The level of p21Waf1was also attenuated, a characteristic also associated with accelerated tumor growth. Furthermore, the generated CAFs experienced perturbations in their redox environment as demonstrated by increases in protein carbonylation, mitochondrial superoxide anion levels, and modulation of the activity of the antioxidants, manganese superoxide dismutase and catalase. Propagation of the isolated CAFs for 25 population doublings was associated with enhanced genomic instability and a decrease in expression of the senescence markers β-galactosidase and p16INK4a. With relevance to radiotherapeutic treatments, CAFs in coculture with cancer cells of diverse origins (breast, brain, lung, and prostate) were resistant to the clastogenic effects of137Cs γ rays compared to naïve fibroblasts. Addition of repair inhibitors of single- or double-stranded DNA breaks attenuated the resistance of CAFs to the clastogenic effects of γ rays, supporting a role for increased ability to repair DNA damage in CAF radioresistance.

Conclusions

This study reveals that CAFs are radioresistant and experience significant changes in indices of oxidative metabolism. The CAFs that survive radiation treatment likely modulate the fate of the associated cancer cells. Identifying them together with their mode of communication with cancer cells, and eradicating them, particularly when they may exist at the margin of the radiotherapy planning target volume, may improve the efficacy of cancer treatments.
Unmasked: an insight into three patients’ rare disease experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chaplin Catriona
Published: February 2021

This article describes my reflections of speaking with three patients and their families living with mastocytosis, who I was introduced to through the UK Mastocytosis Support Group. I discuss the various ways in which the condition affects their day-to-day lives and how this has changed during the Covid-19 pandemic. I have tried to give an insight into the particular difficulties that this patient group faces, both during and before the pandemic, whilst also considering how these challenges may resonate more widely with other patient groups in the rare disease community. Pseudonyms are used throughout to protect patient anonymity.
Innovative strategies for providing menstruation-supportive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities: learning from refugee camps in Cox’s bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Schmitt Margaret L. , Wood Olivia R. , Clatworthy David , Rashid Sabina Faiz , Sommer Marni
Published: February 2021

Background

There is growing attention to addressing the menstrual hygiene management (MHM) needs of the over 21 million displaced adolescent girls and women globally. Current approaches to MHM-related humanitarian programming often prioritize the provision of menstrual materials and information. However, a critical component of an MHM response includes the construction and maintenance of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, including more female-friendly toilets. This enables spaces for menstruating girls and women to change, dispose, wash and dry menstrual materials; all of which are integral tasks required for MHM. A global assessment identified a number of innovations focused on designing and implementing menstruation-supportive WASH facilities in the Rohingya refugee camps located in Cox’s Bazar (CXB), Bangladesh. These pilot efforts strove to include the use of more participatory methodologies in the process of developing the new MHM-supportive WASH approaches. This study aimed to capture new approaches and practical insights on innovating menstrual disposal, waste management and laundering in emergency contexts through the conduct of a qualitative assessment in CXB.

Methods

The qualitative assessment was conducted in the Rohingya refugee camps in CXB in September of 2019 to capture new approaches and practical insights on innovating for menstrual disposal, waste management and laundering. This included Key Informant Interviews with 19 humanitarian response staff from the WASH and Protection sectors of a range of non-governmental organizations and UN agencies; Focus Group Discussions with 47 Rohingya adolescent girls and women; and direct observations of 8 WASH facilities (toilets, bathing, and laundering spaces).

Results

Key findings included: one, the identification of new female-driven consultation methods aimed at improving female beneficiary involvement and buy-in during the design and construction phases; two, the design of new multi-purpose WASH facilities to increase female beneficiary usage; three, new menstrual waste disposal innovations being piloted in communal and institutional settings, with female users indicating at least initial acceptability; and four, novel strategies for engaging male beneficiaries in the design of female WASH facilities, including promoting dialogue to generate buy-in regarding the importance of these facilities and debate about their placement.

Conclusions

Although the identified innovative participatory methodologies and design approaches are promising, the long term viability of the facilities, including plans to expand them, may be dependent on the continued engagement of girls and women, and the availability of resources.
Acupuncture in diabetic peripheral neuropathy—protocol for the randomized, multicenter ACUDPN trial
Authors: Dietzel J. , Hörder S. , Habermann I. V. , Meyer-Hamme G. , Hahn K. , Ortiz M. , Roll S. , Linde K. , Irnich D. , Hammes M. , Nögel R. , Wullinger M. , Wortman V. , Hummelsberger J. , Willich S. N. , Schröder S. , Brinkhaus B.
Published: February 2021

Background

Acupuncture is used to treat patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy; however, the evidence is unclear. We present the design and methodology of the ACUDPN (ACUpuncture in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy) trial, which investigates the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) symptoms. The aim of this study is to investigate whether acupuncture is effective for the treatment of DPN symptoms.

Methods

This study is a two-armed, randomized, controlled, parallel group, open-label, confirmatory, multicenter trial (8-week intervention period plus 16 weeks of follow-up). Physicians in outpatient units in Germany who specialize in acupuncture treatment will treat 110 diabetes type II patients with clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the feet and legs with signs of neuropathy according to nerve conduction testing. The patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of the following two groups: (a) semi-standardized acupuncture plus routine care or (b) routine care alone. Acupuncture will consist of 12 treatments per patient over 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be the overall DPN-related complaints in the extremities after 8 weeks as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Further outcome measures will include DPN-related pain, the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Impact (DPNPI) scores, and nerve conduction parameters of the sural nerve at weeks 8, 16, and 24.

Discussion

The results of this trial will be available in 2021 and will help clarify whether acupuncture can be considered effective for the treatment of DPN with regard to the subdimensions of the neuropathic clinical picture.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03755960. Registered on 11 August 2018.
Exercise intervention protocol in children and young adults with cerebral palsy: the effects of strength, flexibility and gait training on physical performance, neuromuscular mechanisms and cardiometabolic risk factors (EXECP)
Authors: Valadão Pedro , Piitulainen Harri , Haapala Eero A. , Parviainen Tiina , Avela Janne , Finni Taija
Published: February 2021

Background

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) have problems in everyday tasks such as walking and climbing stairs due to a combination of neuromuscular impairments such as spasticity, muscle weakness, reduced joint flexibility and poor coordination. Development of evidence-based interventions are in pivotal role in the development of better targeted rehabilitation of CP, and thus in maintaining their motor function and wellbeing. Our aim is to investigate the efficacy of an individually tailored, multifaceted exercise intervention (EXECP) in children and young adults with CP. EXECP is composed of strength, flexibility and gait training. Furthermore, this study aims to verify the short-term retention of the adaptations three months after the end of the EXECP intervention.

Methods

Twenty-four children and young adults with spastic CP will be recruited to participate in a 9-month research project with a 3-month training intervention, consisting of two to three 90-min sessions per week. In each session, strength training for the lower limbs and trunk muscles, flexibility training for the lower limbs and inclined treadmill gait training will be performed. We will evaluate muscle strength, joint flexibility, neuromuscular and cardiometabolic parameters. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline design with two pre-tests and two post-tests all interspaced by three months is used. In addition to the CP participants, 24 typically developing age and sex-matched participants will perform the two pre-tests (i.e. no intervention) to provide normative data.

Discussion

This study has a comprehensive approach examining longitudinal effects of wide variety of variables ranging from physical activity and gross motor function to sensorimotor functions of the brain and neuromuscular and cardiometabolic parameters, providing novel information about the adaptation mechanisms in cerebral palsy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first intervention study providing supervised combined strength, flexibility and gait training for young individuals with CP.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN69044459, prospectively registered (21/04/2017).
SMYD3: a regulator of epigenetic and signaling pathways in cancer
Authors: Bernard Benjamin J. , Nigam Nupur , Burkitt Kyunghee , Saloura Vassiliki
Published: February 2021

Chromatin modifiers and their implications in oncogenesis have been an exciting area of cancer research. These are enzymes that modify chromatin via post-translational modifications such as methylation, acetylation, sumoylation, phosphorylation, in addition to others. Depending on the modification, chromatin modifiers can either promote or repress transcription. SET and MYN-domain containing 3 (SMYD3) is a chromatin modifier that has been implicated in the development and progression of various cancer types. It was first reported to tri-methylate Histone 3 Lysine 4 (H3K4), a methylation mark known to promote transcription. However, since this discovery, other histone (H4K5 and H4K20, for example) and non-histone (VEGFR, HER2, MAP3K2, ER, and others) substrates of SMYD3 have been described, primarily in the context of cancer. This review aims to provide a background on basic characteristics of SMYD3, such as its protein structure and tissue expression profiles, discuss reported histone and non-histone substrates of SMYD3, and underscore prognostic and functional implications of SMYD3 in cancer. Finally, we briefly discuss ongoing efforts to develop inhibitors of SMYD3 for future therapeutic use. It is our hope that this review will help synthesize existing research on SMYD3 in an effort to propel future discovery.
Unwarranted hysterectomy in a case of oro-vaginal-vulvar lichen planus in a young woman: a case report
Authors: Goyal Lajya Devi , Garg Priyanka , Kaur Manmeet
Published: February 2021

Background

Lichen planus is a rare autoimmune disease primarily affecting the skin and mucous membranes of the oral mucosa, vulva, and vagina. Diagnosis is difficult and often delayed as the clinicians do not associate the oral symptoms with the genital symptoms. This has a negative impact on the out-of-pocket expenditure and quality of life of the patients. We report this case, as only anecdotal cases have been reported so far from a developing country such as India. We highlight the unindicated hysterectomy that the patient had undergone because of lack of awareness regarding this condition. Our case report also highlights the importance of the multidisciplinary team approach to optimize outcomes and avoid unnecessary morbidity to such patients.

Case presentation

We report a North-Indian patient with oro-vaginal-vulvar lichen planus who presented to us with complaints of recurrent vulvovaginal symptoms for the last 5 years. She had been previously treated with multiple courses of antibiotics, antifungals, and topical steroids over the course of 3 years and finally offered laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) by a private practitioner but got no relief. She also had complained of oral symptoms in the form of a burning sensation after eating spicy food, but did not seek any treatment for this. After multidisciplinary team discussion, a final diagnosis of oro-vaginal-vulvar lichen planus was made at our institute based on the clinical and histopathological findings. The patient was immediately started on oral prednisolone to which she responded with improvement in her symptoms.

Conclusion

Lichen planus is a chronic painful condition with significant impact on the quality of life. Women often suffer for several years before an accurate diagnosis is made. Treatment is challenging and needs to be individualized with a multidisciplinary approach to prevent progressive anatomical distortion and associated morbidity.
Correction to: Pulse radar randomly interrupted transmitting and receiving optimization based on genetic algorithm in radio frequency simulation
Authors: Liu Xiaobin , Zhao Feng , Ai Xiaofeng , Wu Qihua
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Real-time high-bandwidth mm-wave 5G NR signal transmission with analog radio-over-fiber fronthaul over multi-core fiber
Authors: Rommel Simon , Grivas Evangelos , Cimoli Bruno , Dodane Delphin , Morales Alvaro , Pikasis Evangelos , Bourderionnet Jerome , Feugnet Gilles , Barros Carvalho Juliana , Katsikis Michail , Ntontin Konstantinos , Kritharidis Dimitrios , Spaleniak Izabela , Mitchell Paul , Dubov Mykhaylo , Tafur Monroy Idelfonso
Published: February 2021

This article presents an experimental demonstration of a high-capacity millimeter-wave 5G NR signal transmission with analog radio-over-fiber (ARoF) fronthaul over multi-core fiber and full real-time processing. The demonstration validates the core of the blueSPACE fronthaul architecture which combines ARoF fronthaul with space division multiplexing in the optical distribution network to alleviate the fronthaul capacity bottleneck and maintain a centralized radio access network with fully centralized signal processing. The introduction of optical beamforming in the blueSPACE architecture brings true multi-beam transmission and enables full spatial control over the RF signal. The proposed ARoF architecture features a transmitter that generates the ARoF signal and an optical signal carrying a reference local oscillator employed for downconversion at the remote unit from a single RF reference at the central office. A space division multiplexing based radio access network with multi-core fibre allows parallel transport of the uplink ARoF signal and reference local oscillator at the same wavelength over separate cores. A complete description of the real-time signal processing and experimental setup is provided and system performance is evaluated. Transmission of an 800 MHz wide extended 5G NR fronthaul signal over a 7-core fibre is shown with full real-time signal processing, achieving 1.4 Gbit/s with a bit error rate $$<3.8\times 10^{-3}$$

<
3.8
×

10

-
3

and thus below the limit for hard-decision forward error correction with 7% overhead.
Ecto-GPR37: a potential biomarker for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Morató Xavier , Garcia-Esparcia Paula , Argerich Josep , Llorens Franc , Zerr Inga , Paslawski Wojciech , Borràs Eva , Sabidó Eduard , Petäjä-Repo Ulla E. , Fernández-Dueñas Víctor , Ferrer Isidro , Svenningsson Per , Ciruela Francisco
Published: February 2021

Objective

α-Synuclein has been studied as a potential biomarker for Parkinson’s disease (PD) with no concluding results. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to find out reliable specific biomarkers for PD. GPR37 is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor that toxically accumulates in autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism. Here, we investigated whether GPR37 is upregulated in sporadic PD, and thus a suitable potential biomarker for PD.

Methods

GPR37 protein density and mRNA expression in postmortem substantia nigra (SN) from PD patients were analysed by immunoblot and RT-qPCR, respectively. The presence of peptides from the N-terminus-cleaved domain of GPR37 (i.e. ecto-GPR37) in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis. An engineered in-house nanoluciferase-based immunoassay was used to quantify ecto-GPR37 in CSF samples from neurological control (NC) subjects, PD patients and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients.

Results

GPR37 protein density and mRNA expression were significantly augmented in sporadic PD. Increased amounts of ecto-GPR37 peptides in the CSF samples from PD patients were identified by mass spectrometry and quantified by the in-house ELISA method. However, the CSF total α-synuclein level in PD patients did not differ from that in NC subjects. Similarly, the cortical GPR37 mRNA expression and CSF ecto-GPR37 levels in AD patients were also unaltered.

Conclusion

GPR37 expression is increased in SN of sporadic PD patients. The ecto-GPR37 peptides are significantly increased in the CSF of PD patients, but not in AD patients. These results open perspectives and encourage further clinical studies to confirm the validity and utility of ecto-GPR37 as a potential PD biomarker.
Correction to: The pleiotropic effects of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides on the aging gut
Authors: Arnold Jason W. , Roach Jeffery , Fabela Salvador , Moorfield Emily , Ding Shengli , Blue Eric , Dagher Suzanne , Magness Scott , Tamayo Rita , Bruno-Barcena Jose M. , Azcarate-Peril M. Andrea
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Correction to: Undoing resilience: immigrant status and poor health following incarceration
Authors: Kuper Julie L. , Turanovic Jillian J.
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A new trivariate model for stochastic episodes
Authors: Zuniga Francesco , Kozubowski Tomasz J. , Panorska Anna K.
Published: February 2021

We study the joint distribution of stochastic events described by (X,Y,N), whereNhas a 1-inflated (or deflated) geometric distribution andX,Yare the sum and the maximum ofNexponential random variables. Models with similar structure have been used in several areas of applications, including actuarial science, finance, and weather and climate, where such events naturally arise. We provide basic properties of this class of multivariate distributions of mixed type, and discuss their applications. Our results include marginal and conditional distributions, joint integral transforms, moments and related parameters, stochastic representations, estimation and testing. An example from finance illustrates the modeling potential of this new model.
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from biomass conversion
Authors: Davis Kayla Alicia , Yoo Sunghoon , Shuler Eric W. , Sherman Benjamin D. , Lee Seunghyun , Leem Gyu
Published: February 2021

Biomass has incredible potential as an alternative to fossil fuels for energy production that is sustainable for the future of humanity. Hydrogen evolution from photocatalytic biomass conversion not only produces valuable carbon-free energy in the form of molecular hydrogen but also provides an avenue of production for industrially relevant biomass products. This photocatalytic conversion can be realized with efficient, sustainable reaction materials (biomass) and inexhaustible sunlight as the only energy inputs. Reported herein is a general strategy and mechanism for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from biomass and biomass-derived substrates (including ethanol, glycerol, formic acid, glucose, and polysaccharides). Recent advancements in the synthesis and fundamental physical/mechanistic studies of novel photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution from biomass conversion are summarized. Also summarized are recent advancements in hydrogen evolution efficiency regarding biomass and biomass-derived substrates. Special emphasis is given to methods that utilize unprocessed biomass as a substrate or synthetic photocatalyst material, as the development of such will incur greater benefits towards a sustainable route for the evolution of hydrogen and production of chemical feedstocks.
Association between height and hypertension among US adults: analyses of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–18
Authors: Gupta Rajat Das , Akonde Maxwell , Sajal Ibrahim Hossain , Al Kibria Gulam Muhammed
Published: February 2021

Background

Previous studies that investigated association of height with prevalence and control of hypertension found mixed results. This cross-sectional study explored these associations among US adults (≥20 years).

Methods

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–18 data was analyzed. Height was measured in meters and was converted into centimeters (cm) and was further divided into quartiles: Q1 (135.3–159.2 cm), Q2 (159.3–166.2 cm), Q3 (166.3–173.6 cm), Q4 (173.7–204.5 cm). Hypertension definition of the ‘2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline’ was used. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to find out the association between the dependent variable and the covariates. Linear regression analyses were conducted to find out the association of height with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), and the covariates among the individuals who were not taking any antihypertensive drugs. Crude odds ratio, adjusted odds ratio (AOR), and adjusted beta-coefficient (for linear regression) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. The following covariates were included: age, gender, race/ethnicity, family income, education level, cholesterol level, high-density lipoprotein level, chronic kidney disease status, diabetes status, smoker, aerobic leisure-time physical activity, and survey period. Sample weight of NHANES was adjusted.

Results

Among the 21,935 participants (47.1% males), the prevalence of hypertension was 46.1%. Among 6154 participants taking medication (43.0% males), 57.2% had uncontrolled hypertension. In the final logistic regression analyses, participants in Q2 height quartile had 20% lower odds of being hypertensive compared to those in Q4 height quartile (AOR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7,1.0). Other height categories did not reveal any significant association. Compared to Q4 height category, Q1 (AOR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2,2.3), Q2 (AOR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1,1.8), and Q3 (AOR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1,1.6) height categories had higher odds of uncontrolled hypertension. PP was inversely associated and DBP was positively associated with height.

Conclusions

Although height was not associated with prevalence of hypertension, it had inverse association with uncontrolled hypertension. It was also significantly associated with DBP and PP among the individuals with untreated hypertension.
Neuromuscular blockers and their reversal: have we finally found the on-off switches?
Authors: Shah Shagun Bhatia , Chawla R. , Pahade A. , EL-Molla Ashraf
Published: February 2021

Background

A nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) with a succinylcholine-like quick onset and offset has been the holy grail of the science of neuromuscular blockade. Although this drug is still elusive, the advent of promising new drug combinations like rocuronium–sugammadex and gantacurium–l-cysteine may achieve the same end result. The type of NMBA; the type, timing, and dose of their reversal drugs; the means of monitoring NMB; and the site of monitoring are potentially on the verge of a paradigm shift.

Main text

A comprehensive search using PubMed and Google Scholar and Medline search was made by using keywords gantacurium, l-cysteine, calabadion, and newer neuromuscular blocking agents for peer-reviewed English language manuscripts published before December 2019. Out of the 97 articles screened, 16 were found to be eligible (original articles) and included in this review.

Conclusion

Quantitative, objective neuromuscular monitoring should be included in the minimum monitoring standards. Gantacurium is a new promising nondepolarizing NMBA with desirable succinylcholine-like onset and duration of action without its side effects. A broad-spectrum reversal agent (calabadion) can be used for both depolarizing and nondepolarizing NMB as well as general anesthetics (etomidate and ketamine). A novel drug (WP [6]) can block the side effects of succinylcholine; all are staring at us from the horizon.
Teaching Metabolism in Upper-Division Undergraduate Biochemistry Courses using Online Computational Systems and Dynamical Models Improves Student Performance
Authors: Booth Christine S. , Song Changsoo , Howell Michelle E. , Rasquinha Achilles , Saska Aleš , Helikar Resa , Sikich Sharmin M. , Couch Brian A. , van Dijk Karin , Roston Rebecca L. , Helikar Tomáš
Published: February 2021

This article reports the effectiveness of computer simulation modules to teach undergraduate students about familiar and unfamiliar metabolic systems. The modules were evaluated in large-enrollment biochemistry courses and show a medium effect size when compared with controls. The results also show that the modules did not create or reinforce gender bias.
Reassess–Realign–Reimagine: A Guide for Mentors Pivoting to Remote Research Mentoring
Authors: Pfund Christine , Branchaw Janet L. , McDaniels Melissa , Byars-Winston Angela , Lee Steven P. , Birren Bruce
Published: February 2021

An unprecedented situation requiring remote research mentorship from faculty and research group leaders has emerged from the COVID-19 health crisis. The ability of mentors to pivot and adopt new ways to lead their research teams during this time will be a critical factor in maintaining research productivity and fostering talent development.
Success for All? A Call to Re-examine How Student Success Is Defined in Higher Education
Authors: Weatherton Maryrose , Schussler Elisabeth E.
Published: February 2021

This essay explores how “student success” is defined in the education literature broadly, using specific examples from CBE-Life Sciences Education from 2015 to 2020. This essay posits that success is most often implicitly defined by researchers in terms of quantitative outcomes. Recommendations for centering student voice within policy, practice, and research are provided.
Adapting practice in mental healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic and other contagions: systematic review
Authors: Raphael Jessica , Winter Rachel , Berry Katherine
Published: February 2021

Background

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, there has been guidance concerning adaptations that physical healthcare services can implement to aid containment, but there is relatively little guidance for how mental healthcare services should adapt service provision to better support staff and patients, and minimise contagion spread.

Aims

This systematic review explores service adaptations in mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic and other contagions.

Method

The Allied and Complementary Medicine database (AMED), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science were systematically searched for published studies from database inception to April 2020. Data were extracted focusing on changes to mental health services during contagion outbreaks. Data were analysed with thematic analysis.

Results

Nineteen papers were included: six correspondence/point-of-view papers, five research papers, five reflection papers, two healthcare guideline documents and one government document. Analysis highlighted four main areas for mental health services to consider during contagion outbreaks: infection control measures to minimise contagion spread, including procedural and practical solutions across different mental health settings; service delivery, including service changes, operational planning and continuity of care; staff well-being (psychological and practical support); and information and communication.

Conclusions

Mental health services need to consider infection control measures and implement service changes to support continuity of care, and patient and staff well-being. Services also need to ensure they are communicating important information in a clear and accessible manner with their staff and patients, regarding service delivery, contagion symptoms, government guidelines and well-being.
Slow Dynamics of Acute Postoperative Pain Intensity Time Series Determined via Wavelet Analysis Are Associated With the Risk of Severe Postoperative Day 30 Pain
Authors: Baharloo Raheleh , Principe Jose C. , Fillingim Roger B. , Wallace Margaret R. , Zou Baiming , Crispen Paul L. , Parvataneni Hari K. , Prieto Hernan A. , Machuca Tiago N. , Mi Xinlei , Hughes Steven J. , Murad Gregory J. A. , Rashidi Parisa , Tighe Patrick J.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

Evidence suggests that increased early postoperative pain (POP) intensities are associated with increased pain in the weeks following surgery. However, it remains unclear which temporal aspects of this early POP relate to later pain experience. In this prospective cohort study, we used wavelet analysis of clinically captured POP intensity data on postoperative days 1 and 2 to characterize slow/fast dynamics of POP intensities and predict pain outcomes on postoperative day 30.

METHODS:

The study used clinical POP time series from the first 48 hours following surgery from 218 patients to predict their mean POP on postoperative day 30. We first used wavelet analysis to approximate the POP series and to represent the series at different time scales to characterize the early temporal profile of acute POP in the first 2 postoperative days. We then used the wavelet coefficients alongside demographic parameters as inputs to a neural network to predict the risk of severe pain 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS:

Slow dynamic approximation components, but not fast dynamic detailed components, were linked to pain intensity on postoperative day 30. Despite imbalanced outcome rates, using wavelet decomposition along with a neural network for classification, the model achieved an F score of 0.79 and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.74 on test-set data for classifying pain intensities on postoperative day 30. The wavelet-based approach outperformed logistic regression (F score of 0.31) and neural network (F score of 0.22) classifiers that were restricted to sociodemographic variables and linear trajectories of pain intensities.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings identify latent mechanistic information within the temporal domain of clinically documented acute POP intensity ratings, which are accessible via wavelet analysis, and demonstrate that such temporal patterns inform pain outcomes at postoperative day 30.
Opioid Prescriptions by Pain Medicine Physicians in the Medicare Part D Program: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Goel Vasudha , Moran Benedict , Kaizer Alexander M. , Sivanesan Eellan , Patwardhan Amol M. , Ibrahim Mohab , DeWeerth Jacob C. , Shannon Clarence , Shankar Hariharan
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

Pain medicine physicians (PMP) are a group of physicians with background training in various primary specialties with interest and expertise in managing chronic pain disorders. Our objective is to analyze prescription drug (PD) claims from the Medicare Part D program associated with PMP to gain insights into patterns, associated costs, and potential cost savings areas.

METHODS:

The primary data source for Part D claims data is the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse, which contains Medicare Part D prescription drug events (PDE) records received through the claims submission cutoff date. Only providers with taxonomies of pain management (PM) and interventional pain management (IPM) were included in the study. The analysis of PDE was restricted to drugs with >250 claims. The distribution of claims and costs were analyzed based on drug class and provider specialty. Subsequently, we explored claims and expenses for opioid drug prescriptions in detail. Prescribing characteristics of the top 5% of providers by costs and claims were examined to gain additional insights. The costs and claims were explored for the top 10 drugs prescribed by PMP in 2017.

RESULTS:

There were a total of unique 3280 PMP-prescribed drugs with an associated expense of 652 million dollars in the 2017 Medicare Part D program. Prescriptions related to PMP account for a tiny fraction of the program’s drug expenditure (0.4%). Opioids, anticonvulsants, and gabapentinoids were associated with the largest number of claims and the largest expenses within this fraction. Among opioid drug prescriptions, brand-named drugs account for a small fraction of claims (8%) compared to generic drugs. However, the expenses associated with brand name drugs were higher than generic drugs. Prescribers in the top 5% by PD costs had a higher number of claims, prescribed a higher proportion of branded medications, and had prescriptions associated with longer day supply compared to an average PMP. There were several opioid medications in the top 10 PD list by cost associated with PMP.

CONCLUSIONS:

Opioids were the most common medications among Medicare part D claims prescribed by PMP. Only 12% of the total opioid PD claims were by PMP. The top 5% of PMP prescribers had 10 times more claims than the average PMP.
Gastric Ultrasound Assessing Gastric Emptying of Preoperative Carbohydrate Drinks: A Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Study
Authors: Cho Eun-Ah , Huh Jin , Lee Sung Hyun , Ryu Kyoung-Ho , Shim Jae-Geum , Cha Yun-Byeong , Kim Mi Sung , Song Taejong
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

Tools for the evaluation of gastric emptying have evolved over time. The purpose of this study was to show that the risk of pulmonary aspiration is not increased with carbohydrate drink, by demonstrating that the gastric antral cross-sectional area (CSA) of the NO-NPO group is either equivalent to or less than that of the NPO (nil per os) group.

METHODS:

Sixty-four patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic benign gynecologic surgery were enrolled and randomly assigned to the NPO group (n = 32) or the NO-NPO group (n = 32). After having a regular meal until midnight before surgery, the NPO group fasted until surgery, while the NO-NPO group ingested 400 mL of a carbohydrate drink at midnight and freely up to 2 hours before anesthesia. The primary outcome was the gastric antral CSA by gastric ultrasound in right lateral decubitus position (RLDP). Noninferiority was defined as a mean difference of CSA <2.8 cm2. Secondary outcomes included CSA in supine position, gastric volume (GV), GV per weight (GV/kg), GV/kg >1.5 mL/kg, and Perlas grade.

RESULTS:

CSA in RLDP was not different between the NPO group (6.25 ± 3.79 cm2) and the NO-NPO group (6.21 ± 2.48 cm2; P = .959). The mean difference of CSA in RLDP (NO-NPO group − NPO group) was 0.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], −1.56 to 1.64), which was within the noninferiority margin of 2.8 cm2. CSA was not different between the 2 groups (4.17 ± 2.34 cm2 in NPO group versus 4.28 ± 1.23 cm2 in NO-NPO group; P = .828). GV in NPO group (70 ± 56 mL) was not different from NO-NPO group (66 ± 36 mL; mean difference, 3.66; 95% CI, −20 to 27; P = .756). GV/kg in the NPO group (1.25 ± 1.00 mL/kg) was not different from the NO-NPO group (1.17 ± 0.67 mL/kg; P = .694). The incidence of GV/kg > 1.5 mL/kg was not different between NPO (31.3%) and NO-NPO group (21.9%; P = .768). The median (interquartile range) of the Perlas grade was 1 (0–1) in NPO group and 0.5 (0–1) in NO-NPO group (P = .871).

CONCLUSIONS:

Preoperative carbohydrates ingested up to 2 hours before anesthesia do not delay gastric emptying compared to midnight fasting, as evaluated with gastric ultrasound.
Stem integrity inArabidopsis thalianarequires a load-bearing epidermis
Authors: Asaoka Mariko , Ooe Mao , Gunji Shizuka , Milani Pascale , Runel Gaël , Horiguchi Gorou , Hamant Olivier , Sawa Shinichiro , Tsukaya Hirokazu , Ferjani Ali
Published: February 2021

Because plant cells are glued to each other via their cell walls, failure to coordinate growth among adjacent cells can create cracks in tissues. Here, we find that the unbalanced growth of inner and outer tissues in the clavata3 de-etiolated3 (clv3 det3) mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana stretched epidermal cells, ultimately generating cracks in stems. Stem growth slowed before cracks appeared along clv3 det3 stems, whereas inner pith cells became drastically distorted and accelerated their growth, yielding to stress, after the appearance of cracks. This is consistent with a key role of the epidermis in restricting growth. Mechanical property measurements recorded using an atomic force microscope revealed that epidermal cell wall stiffness decreased in det3 and clv3 det3 epidermises. Thus, we hypothesized that stem integrity depends on the epidermal resistance to mechanical stress. To formally test this hypothesis, we used the DET3 gene as part of a tissue-specific strategy to complement cell expansion defects. Epidermis-driven DET3 expression restored growth and restored the frequency of stem cracking to 20% of the clv3 det3 mutant, demonstrating the DET3-dependent load-bearing role of the epidermis.
Room-Temperature Phosphorescence of Thiophene Boronate Ester-Cross Linked Polyvinyl Alcohol; A Triplet-to-Singlet FRET-Induced Multi-Color Afterglow Luminescence with Sulforhodamine B
Authors: Kanakubo Masashi , Yamamoto Yuki , Kubo Yuji
Published: February 2021

A thiophene-derived boronate ester-cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol, 1-PVA, has been prepared, which was found to exhibit room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) at 475 nm upon UV irradiation (λem = 254 nm). The quantum yield (Φp) was determined to be 6.3% with a phosphorescence lifetime of 256 ms, the cyanish afterglow being visually detected after switching the UV lamp off. The emission properties were rationalized by El-Sayed’s rule, where introduction of a sulfur atom brings about n → π* transition in the T2 state to promote an ISC channel. Given that the phosphorescence spectrum at 77 K was consistent with that in the PVA film, the rigid environment of PVA-based matrix may stabilize the triplet state. In addition, the delayed emissive color was tuned by doping various amounts of sulforhodamine B (SRhoB) in the film; a triplet-to-singlet Förster-type resonance energy transfer process occurred from cross-linked thiophene boronate to SRhoB acceptor which modified the emission to a white-light afterglow. Given water-sensitivity of the resultant film, high-contrast water writing on the film was achieved, which would be profitable for a low-cost security film.
Controlled Nanostructures Fabricated by the Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles via Simple Surface Modifications
Authors: Mitomo Hideyuki , Ijiro Kuniharu
Published: February 2021

This review introduces recent advances in the fabrication of metal nanostructures via self-assembly with a particular focus on our studies. As nanostructures, in particular metal nanostructures, show unique properties which are not observed in bulk materials, the development of nanofabrication techniques has attracted much attention in the research fields of nanoscience and nanotechnologies. From the viewpoint of biomimetics, it is imagined that sophisticated structures with spatio-temporal controllability on a nanoscale are crucial. Thus, much effort has been paid to the fabrication of 3- and 4-dimensional metal nanostructures. Although there are various approaches, the most promising is the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and their combination with soft matters. To obtain further controlled nanostructures for better properties, their systems have become more and more complex. For future expansion of these technologies, simplified systems are preferable for refining them based on clear mechanisms. From this point of view, we have worked on the self-assembly of AuNPs modified with oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG)-derivatives as a small, simple molecule with a definite chemical structure and fabricated 3D hollow capsule structures and reversibly changeable structures responding to certain stimuli in solution and on/in soft matters. These results are expected to support the creation of novel nanodevices.
Job Loss, Credit, and Crime in Colombia
Authors: Khanna Gaurav , Medina Carlos , Nyshadham Anant , Posso Christian , Tamayo Jorge
Published: February 2021

We investigate the effects of job displacement, as a result of mass layoffs, on criminal arrests using a matched employer-employee crime dataset from Medellín, Colombia. Job displacement leads to immediate and persistent earnings losses and higher probability of arrest for both the displaced worker and family members. Leveraging a banking policy reform, we find that greater access to credit attenuates the criminal response to job loss. Impacts on arrests are pronounced for property crimes and among younger men for whom opportunities in criminal enterprises are prevalent. Taken together, our results are consistent with economic incentives contributing to criminal participation decisions after job losses. (JEL G21, G51, J63, K42, O16, O17)
The Cyclical Behavior of Job Quality and Real Wage Growth
Authors: Bellou Andriana , Kaymak Bariş
Published: February 2021

We study the empirical relevance of implicit insurance contracts for wage setting while accounting for cyclical fluctuations in average job quality. Using proxy measures, we find the latter to be acyclical, if not countercyclical, due to the cleansing effects of layoffs during recessions versus quits during expansions. Then, we study the cyclical behavior of wage growth among job stayers to test for contracts, circumventing differences in job quality altogether. Both methods strongly corroborate the prevalence of wage contracts in the labor market and imply a highly procyclical price for labor. (JEL E24, E32, J31, J41, J63)
Application evaluation of intraoperative ultrasound combined with neuro electrophysiological detection in the spinal cord glioma surgery
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Zhen-jie , Liang Liang , Dong Hai-qing
Published: February 2021

Objective: To observe application values of intraoperative ultrasound combined with neuro electrophysiological detection in the spinal cord glioma surgery.

Methods: Sixty patients with spinal cord glioma hospitalized in Baoding First Central Hospital from January 2016 to January 2018 were selected, randomly divided into two groups by the random number table method, with 30 cases of each group. PASS software was used to calculate the sample size. The control group was treated with traditional microsurgery, while the experimental group was treated with intraoperative ultrasound combined with neuro electrophysiological testing. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stays, degree of tumor resection, clinical efficacy, recovery of neurological function, recovery of health status, quality of life score, and 2-year recurrence rate of the two groups of patients were observed and compared.

Results: The operation time of the experimental group was longer than that of the control group, and the postoperative hospital stay was shorter than that of the control group. The complete tumor resection rate, complete remission rate and postoperative scale scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group, while the recurrence rate within two years was significantly lower than that of the control group. The above differences were statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Intraoperative ultrasound combined with neuro-electrophysiological detection for spinal glioma has more adequate protection of nerve function, high clinical complete remission rate, more thorough tumor resection, and lower recurrence rate than traditional microsurgery, which is worthy of clinical application.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3638

How to cite this:Li X, Liu ZJ, Liang L, Dong HQ. Application evaluation of intraoperative ultrasound combined with neuro electrophysiological detection in the spinal cord glioma surgery. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):879-884. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3638

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