bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The characteristic regulation of gene expression Lbp and Sod3 in peri‐implant connective tissue of rats
Authors: Kobayashi Takafumi , Sasaki Hodaka , Asami Yosuke , Mori Gentaro , Yoshinari Masao , Yajima Yasutomo
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristic gene expression profile and localization of peri‐implant connective tissue (PICT) compared with those of periodontal connective tissue (PCT) and oral mucosal connective tissue (OMCT). Upper first molar of 5‐week‐old rats were extracted and titanium implant were placed for PICT group. PCT and OMCT were used as control. Laser microdissected connective tissue at 4 weeks used for microarray analysis. The expression and localization of selected genes were confirmed by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Approximately, 1000 genes of upregulated and downregulated in PICT compared with PCT and OMCT were recognized. Based on the results of microarray analysis and qRT‐PCR were demonstrated lipopolysaccharide binding protein (Lbp) as a specific upregulated gene and superoxide dismutase 3 (Sod3) as a specific downregulated gene in PICT. Immunoreaction of LBP and F4/80 as macrophage marker localized to subepithelial and implant facing connective tissue in PICT. SOD3 expression was not observed in PICT, reactive oxygen species, a target of superoxide dismutase, was strongly and locally expressed in all three tissues. Our data suggested that the upregulation of Lbp and downregulation of Sod3 are as characteristic gene expression pattern in PICT.
Melatonin: A promising agent targeting leukemia
Authors: Shafabakhsh Rana , Mirzaei Hamed , Asemi Zatollah
Published: November 2019

Leukemia or cancer of blood is a well‐known cancer, which affects a range of people from newborns to the very old. It is a public health problem throughout the world. By way of treatment, due to the lack of specific anticancer therapies, common treatments of leukemia lead to severe side effects. Nonspecific anticancer drugs result in inhibition of normal cell growth and thereby their necrosis. Moreover, drug resistance is an additional problem, which stands in the way of leukemia treatment. Thus, finding new treatments for leukemia is essential. Melatonin, as a natural product, has been shown to be effective in a wide variety of diseases such as coronary heart disease, schizophrenia, chronic pain, and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, melatonin levels have been observed to be altered in different cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer endometrial cancer, and hematopoetical cancers. Anticancer features of melatonin such as pro‐oxidation, apoptosis induction, antiangiogenesis property and metastasis and invasion inhibition suggest that this natural compound can be used as a potential agent in novel therapeutic strategies for cancers. Also, it has been reported that melatonin has positive and protective effects on different physiological reactions and in normal bone marrow cells suggesting effectiveness in leukemia therapy. Thus, the aim of our paper was to depict and summarize the main molecular targets of melatonin on leukemia models.
BMP2 variants in the risk of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Qi Dengbin , Tian Xiaodong , Wang Yan , Zheng Guoquan , Zhang Xuesong
Published: November 2019

The purpose of the study was to explore the genetic effects of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2) polymorphisms on the susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Chinese Han population. The case‐control study included 120 AS cases and 110 healthy controls. Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium test was performed in control group. BMP2 rs235768 and rs3178250 polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Additionally, the χ2 test was used to estimate association strength between BMP2 genetic polymorphisms and AS susceptibility, and the results were assessed via odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results adjustment was performed using logistic regression analysis. AA, AT, TT genotype and A, T allele frequencies of BMP2 rs235768 polymorphism presented no significant differences between case and control groups (P > .05 for all). TC genotype of rs3178250 polymorphism showed significantly higher in case group than that in control group (P = .048). After adjusting, TC genotype was a risk factor for AS (OR = 2.095; 95%CI = 1.086‐4.038; P = .027). BMP2 rs3178250 polymorphism may increase individual susceptibility to AS in Chinese Han population.
Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro toxicity evaluation of upconversion luminescence NaLuF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ nanoparticles suitable for medical applications
Authors: Asadi Mohammad , Ghahari Mehdi , Hassanzadeh‐Tabrizi Seyed A. , Arabi Amir M. , Nasiri Rozita
Published: November 2019

Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro toxicity evaluation of upconversion luminescence NaLuF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ nanoparticles (UCLNPs) are reported in the current study. Initially, the synthesized lanthanide trifluoroacetate (Ln(OOCCF3)3) precursor was used to fabricate NaLuF4 nanoparticles doped with Yb3+ and Tm3+ metal ions. The nanoparticles were coated with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) after removing the hydrophobic species on them to enhance their biocompatibility. The in vitro methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) test was used to evaluate the toxicity of synthesized NaLuF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ nanoparticles (NLF‐5) on L929 mouse fibroblast cell lines. The transmission electron microscopy image showed that the particle size of NaLuF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ was 32 nm. The synthesized NLF‐5 nanoparticles have both α‐cubic and β‐hexagonal crystalline structures that provided a superb near‐infrared‐to‐near‐infrared upconversion luminescence signal when excited at 980 nm. MTT test results show that the death of L929 fibroblast cells was observed only at concentrations above 250 μg/mL of NaLuF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ nanoparticles. In addition, with an increase in patrol time of 24, 48, and 72 hr, cell toxicity increased significantly, while the coated nanoparticles did not have any toxic effects. The synthesized nanoparticles could be used as a suitable material for medical applications due to their small particle size, high photoluminescence emission intensity, and low toxicity.
Potentiality of forkhead box Q1 as a biomarker for monitoring tumor features and predicting prognosis in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Lan , Xu Bin , Zhang Huibo , Wu Jie , Song Qibin , Yu Jinming
Published: November 2019

Background

This study aimed to explore the correlation of forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) with clinicopathological features and survival profiles in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A total of 238 NSCLC patients with TNM stage I‐III who underwent surgical resection were reviewed, and the expression of FOXQ1 in tumor and paired adjacent tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry assays. The clinical data and survival data of patients with NSCLC were retrieved and calculated.

Results

FOXQ1 expression was increased in tumor tissue (61.3% high expression and 38.7% low expression) compared with paired adjacent tissue (37.8% high expression and 62.2% low expression) (P < .001). In addition, high FOXQ1 expression was associated with larger tumor size (P = .042), lymph node metastasis (P = .040), and advanced TNM stage (P = .002). Disease‐free survival (DFS) (P = .016) and overall survival (OS) (P = .008) were both reduced in patients with high FOXQ1 expression compared with patients with low FOXQ1 expression. Additionally, high FOXQ1 expression (P = .043), poor pathological differentiation (P = .003), and lymph node metastasis (P < .001) were independent risk factors for DFS, and high FOXQ1 expression (P = .021), tumor size (>5 cm) (P = .014), and lymph node metastasis (P < .001) were independent risk factors for OS.

Conclusion

High FOXQ1 expression is associated with advanced tumor features as well as undesirable survival profiles in patients with NSCLC, implying the potential prognostic value of FOXQ1 for NSCLC.
Circ‐MTO1 correlates with favorable prognosis and inhibits cell proliferation, invasion as well as miR‐17‐5p expression in prostate cancer
Authors: Hu Yijia , Guo Bin
Published: November 2019

Background

This study aimed to investigate circular RNA‐mitochondrial tRNA translation optimization 1 (circ‐MTO1) expression in tumor tissue and its correlation with clinical characteristics and survival profiles, as well as its effect on cancer cell functions in prostate cancer.

Methods

A total of 298 primary prostate cancer patients were included. Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction was conducted to evaluate circ‐MTO1 expression in tumor tissue and paired adjacent tissue. Disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were recorded. In in vitro experiment, prostate cancer cells were transfected with circ‐MTO1 over‐expression and negative‐control over‐expression plasmids. Then cell proliferation, cell invasion and miR‐630 as well as miR‐17‐5p expressions in prostate cancer cells were detected.

Results

Circular RNA‐mitochondrial tRNA translation optimization 1 expression was downregulated in tumor tissue compared with paired adjacent tissue (P < .001) in patients with prostate cancer. Circ‐MTO1 high expression in tumor tissue was correlated with decreased pathological T stage (P = .001) as well as lower pathological N stage (P = .020). As for survival profiles, the DFS (P = .006) and OS (P = .018) were both longer in patients who had circ‐MTO1 high expression compared with patients who had circ‐MTO1 low expression. In addition, circ‐MTO1 high expression independently predicted favorable DFS and OS. Besides, further in vitro experiments illustrated that circ‐MTO1 inhibited proliferation (P < .05) and invasion (P < .05) as well as downregulated miR‐17‐5p expression in prostate cancer cells (P < .05).

Conclusion

Circ‐MTO1 correlates with decreased pathological T/N stage and favorable survival profiles, and it also inhibits cell proliferation, invasion as well as miR‐17‐5p expression in prostate cancer.
Youth's school experience: Testing the role of symptoms of anxiety and co‐occurring symptoms of depression
Authors: Tan Tony Xing , Teng Yuejia , Velasco Juliana C.
Published: November 2019

Although symptoms of anxiety often coexist with symptoms of depression, little is known on how such coexistence affects youth's school experiences.

Objectives: We tested how the two types of behaviors, when coexisting, were associated with youth's negative attitude toward teachers, school, and poor peer relations.

Method: Data were collected from 203 ethnically and socioeconomically diverse youth (male: 24.6%; mean = 15.8 years, standard deviation = 2.4) with the 3rd edition of the Behavioral Assessment for Children: Self‐Report of Personality.

Results: Scores for symptoms of depression alone explained negative attitude toward teachers (β = .28; R2 = 17.88%), negative attitude toward school (β = .27; R2 = 14.74%), and poor peer relations (β = .42; R2 = 44.60%) as effectively as scores for both types of behaviors did.

Conclusion: The coexistence of symptoms of anxiety and depression did not appear to impair youth's attitude toward teachers, school and peer relations more than symptoms of depression did alone.
Foliar epidermal anatomy of some selected wild edible fruits of Pakistan using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Sadia Haleema , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Lubna  , Khan Muhammad P. Z. , Yaseen Ghulam , Ali Muhammad I. , Sultana Shazia , Kilic Omer , Şahan Zeynep , Alam Naveed , Abbas Qamar , Ghani Abdul , Naz Saeeda
Published: November 2019

The present study is focused on the detailed foliar epidermal anatomy of some selected wild edible fruits (WEFs) from Pakistan using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The studied species are Ficus racemosa L., Solanum nigrum L., Capparis spinosa L., Physalis divaricata D.Don, Rosa moschata Herrm. and Ribes orientale Desf. collected from various localities of Pakistan. The objective of the present study is to investigate qualitative and quantitative anatomical characters for the identification and differentiation of collected wild edible fruits. The characters studied are shape and size of epidermal cells, anticlinal wall pattern, trichome type and shape, average number of stomata, length and width of stomata and pore. The detailed microscopic investigation and variations in the characters recorded have a key role in the determination and authentication of wild edible fruits. This study possesses great potential for plant taxonomists to further evaluate the species at molecular and genetic levels.
Comparison of biological properties of [177Lu]Lu‐ProBOMB1 and [177Lu]Lu‐NeoBOMB1 for GRPR targeting
Authors: Rousseau Etienne , Lau Joseph , Zhang Zhengxing , Zhang Chengcheng , Kwon Daniel , Uribe Carlos F. , Kuo Hsiou‐Ting , Zeisler Jutta , Bratanovic Ivica , Lin Kuo‐Shyan , Bénard François
Published: November 2019

The gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is overexpressed in prostate cancer and other solid malignancies. Following up on our work on [68Ga]Ga‐ProBOMB1 that had better imaging characteristics than [68Ga]Ga‐NeoBOMB1, we investigated the effects of substituting 68Ga for 177Lu to determine if the resulting radiopharmaceuticals could be used with a therapeutic aim. We radiolabeled the bombesin antagonist ProBOMB1 (DOTA‐pABzA‐DIG‐D‐Phe‐Gln‐Trp‐Ala‐Val‐Gly‐His‐Leu‐ψ‐Pro‐NH2) with lutetium‐177 and compared it with [177Lu]Lu‐NeoBOMB1 (obtained in 54.2 ± 16.5% isolated radiochemical yield with >96% radiochemical purity and 440.8 ± 165.1 GBq/μmol molar activity) for GRPR targeting. Lu‐NeoBOMB1 had better binding affinity for GRPR than Lu‐ProBOMB1 (Ki values: 2.26 ± 0.24 and 30.2 ± 3.23nM). [177Lu]Lu‐ProBOMB1 was obtained in 53.7 ± 5.4% decay‐corrected radiochemical yield with 444.2 ± 193.2 GBq/μmol molar activity and >95% radiochemical purity. In PC‐3 prostate cancer xenograft mice, tumor uptake of [177Lu]Lu‐ProBOMB1 was 3.38 ± 1.00, 1.32 ± 0.24, and 0.31 ± 0.04%ID/g at 1, 4, and 24 hours pi. However, the uptake in tumor was lower than [177Lu]Lu‐NeoBOMB1 at all time points. [177Lu]Lu‐ProBOMB1 was inferior to [177Lu]Lu‐NeoBOMB1, which had better therapeutic index for the organs receiving the highest doses.
Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia: A rare association of vanishing white matter disease
Authors: Bursle Carolyn , Yiu Eppie M. , Yeung Alison , Freeman Jeremy L. , Stutterd Chloe , Leventer Richard J. , Vanderver Adeline , Yaplito‐Lee Joy
Published: November 2019

We report two unrelated patients with infantile onset leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter (VWM) and hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. To our knowledge, this association has not been described previously. Both patients had compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in EIF2B4 detected on exome sequencing and absence of other variants which might explain the hyperinsulinism. Hypoglycaemia became apparent at 6 and 8 months, respectively, although in one patient, transient neonatal hypoglycaemia was also documented. One patient responded to diazoxide and the other was managed with continuous nasogastric feeding. We hypothesise that the pathophysiology of hyperinsulinism in VWM may involve dysregulation of transcription of genes related to insulin secretion.
Parametric Hemodynamic 4D Flow MRI Maps for the Characterization of Chronic Thoracic Descending Aortic Dissection
Authors: Jarvis Kelly , Pruijssen Judith T. , Son Andre Y. , Allen Bradley D. , Soulat Gilles , Vali Alireza , Barker Alex J. , Hoel Andrew W. , Eskandari Mark K. , Malaisrie S. Chris , Carr James C. , Collins Jeremy D. , Markl Michael
Published: November 2019

Background

Systematic evaluation of complex flow in the true lumen and false lumen (TL, FL) is needed to better understand which patients with chronic descending aortic dissection (DAD) are predisposed to complications.

Purpose

To develop quantitative hemodynamic maps from 4D flow MRI for evaluating TL and FL flow characteristics.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 20 DAD patients (age = 60 ± 11 years; 12 male) (six medically managed type B AD [TBAD], 14 repaired type A AD [rTAAD] now with ascending aortic graft [AAo] or elephant trunk [ET1] repair) and 21 age‐matched controls (age = 59 ± 10 years; 13 male) were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T, 3T, 4D flow MRI.

Assessment

4D flow MRI was acquired in all subjects. Data analysis included 3D segmentation of TL and FL and voxelwise calculation of forward flow, reverse flow, flow stasis, and kinetic energy as quantitative hemodynamics maps.

Statistical Tests

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed for comparing subject groups. Correlation and Bland–Altman analysis was performed for the interobserver study.

Results

Patients with rTAAD presented with elevated TL reverse flow (AAo repair: P = 0.004, ET1: P = 0.018) and increased TL kinetic energy (AAo repair: P = 0.0002, ET1: P = 0.011) compared to controls. In addition, TL kinetic energy was increased vs. patients with TBAD (AAo repair: P = 0.021, ET1: P = 0.048). rTAAD was associated with higher FL kinetic energy and lower FL stasis compared to patients with TBAD (AAo repair: P = 0.002, ET1: P = 0.024 and AAo repair: P = 0.003, ET1: P = 0.048, respectively).

Data Conclusion

Quantitative maps from 4D flow MRI demonstrated global and regional hemodynamic differences between DAD patients and controls. Patients with rTAAD vs. TBAD had significantly altered regional TL and FL hemodynamics. These findings indicate the potential of 4D flow MRI‐derived hemodynamic maps to help better evaluate patients with DAD.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1357–1368.
Prognostic significance of premature ventricular complex burden on hospitalized patients with heart failure
Authors: Yamada Shinya , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Sato Takamasa , Kamioka Masashi , Kaneshiro Takashi , Oikawa Masayoshi , Kobayashi Atsushi , Ishida Takafumi , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: November 2019

Background

The clinical significance of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) in heart failure (HF) remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the associations of PVC burden with re‐hospitalization and cardiac death in HF patients.

Methods

We studied 435 HF patients (271 men, mean age 65 years). All patients were hospitalized for worsening HF. After optimal medications, echocardiography, 24 hours Holter monitoring and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were performed before discharge. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of the HF patients were investigated.

Results

During a median follow‐up period of 2.3 years, there were 125 (28.7%) cardiac events (re‐hospitalization due to worsening HF, fatal arrhythmias, or cardiac death). The patients with cardiac events had higher PVC burden compared to those without (median 0.374%/d [interquartile range 0.013‐1.510] vs median 0.026%/d [interquartile range 0.000‐0.534], P < .001). We examined cutoff value of PVC burden for predicting cardiac events. Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis showed PVC burden (>0.145%/d) to be a predictive factor of cardiac events (area under the curve: 0.64). Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated that cardiac events were more frequent in patients with high‐PVC burden (>0.145%/d, n = 194) compared to those with low‐PVC burden (≤0.145%/d, n = 241). Furthermore, the high‐PVC burden patients had left ventricular (LV) and atrial dilatation, reduced LV ejection fraction, and impaired exercise capacity, compared to the low‐PVC burden patients. In Cox proportional hazards analysis, high‐PVC burden was significantly associated with cardiac events with a hazard ratio of 2.028 (95% confidence interval: 1.418‐2.901, P < .001).

Conclusion

These results suggest that PVC burden is an important predictor of cardiac events in HF patients.
Hemofilter Obstruction with Intravenous Lipid Administration
Authors: Boullata Joseph I. , Stefankiewicz Patricia M. , Gallagher Patricia , Gutsche Jacob
Published: November 2019

A critically ill patient requiring continuous venovenous hemofiltration therapy received parenteral nutrition through the same commonly used intravascular device. The inclusion of injectable lipid emulsion had an adverse effect on hemofilter function. This was successfully managed first by using lipid‐free parenteral nutrition and then by administering the total nutrient admixture via a separate central venous access device.
Impact of Transcervical Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Peritonsillar Abscesses on Emergency Department Performance Measures
Authors: Zhao Xian , Delaney Marc , Breslin Kristen , Chamberlain James M. , Rubio Eva I. , Reilly Brian K. , Cohen Joanna S.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of transcervical ultrasound (US) as the initial imaging study for suspected peritonsillar abscesses (PTAs) on pediatric emergency department (ED) throughput measures.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients evaluated for suspected PTAs between January 2009 and April 2017 was conducted. We compared the ED length of stay (LOS) before and after implementation of transcervical US to diagnose a PTA. The balancing measure was the rate of return visits within 2 weeks.

Results

There were 387 eligible patients over the study period. A total of 101 patients were evaluated for PTAs with computed tomography and 286 with US. The mean LOS was significantly less for patients who had US (347 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], 330, 364 minutes) compared to computed tomography (426 minutes; 95% CI, 392, 459 minutes), with an absolute difference of 79 minutes (95% CI, 44, 113 minutes). Patients who were evaluated with US did not have an increased rate of return visits (5.9% versus 8.0%; P = .66).

Conclusions

The introduction of transcervical US was associated with a decrease of greater than 1 hour in the ED LOS for patients with suspected PTAs. Given the better radiation profile of US and no increase in the rate of return visits after its implementation, we propose the adoption of a transcervical US‐first approach for the diagnosis of PTAs in pediatrics.
Narrow band imaging in head and neck unknown primary carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Di Maio Pasquale , Iocca Oreste , De Virgilio Armando , Giudice Marco , Pellini Raul , D'Ascanio Luca , Golusiński Paweł , Ricci Giampietro , Spriano Giuseppe
Published: November 2019

Objective

To estimate the diagnostic performance of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) in patients with cervical metastasis from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary (SCCUP) origin.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were systematically scrutinized up to July 1, 2019, looking for studies that encompassed the NBI in the SCCUP diagnostic work up. The main inclusion criteria for eligible articles for the meta‐analysis were non‐evidence of primary tumor after physical examination and conventional cross‐section imaging before NBI assessment and the availability of complete data on the diagnostic accuracy of NBI. A set of random‐effects model meta‐analyses was then performed following the Meta‐analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines.

Results

Five studies, conducted between January 2003 and September 2016, comprising 169 patients imaged with NBI, were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of NBI in patients with head and neck SCCUP was 0.83 (99% CI, 0.54–0.95) and 0.88 (99% CI, 0.55–0.97), respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 6.38 (99% CI, 1.6–25.44) and 0.06 (99% CI, 0.005–0.86). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 82.15 (99% CI, 7.06–955). The overall detection rate of NBI was 0.35 (99% CI, 0.18–0.53), which allowed localization the primary tumor in 61 out of 169 patients, otherwise not detected by the usual diagnostic work‐up.

Conclusions

Current available evidence suggests that NBI has a considerable diagnostic accuracy in patients affected by head and neck SCCUP.

Laryngoscope, 130:1692–1700, 2020
Peak Sinus Pressures During Sneezing in Healthy Controls and Post–Skull Base Surgery Patients
Authors: Wu Zhenxing , Craig John R. , Maza Guillermo , Li Chengyu , Otto Bradley A. , Farag Alexander A. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Zhao Kai
Published: November 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Patients are frequently advised to sneeze with an open mouth and avoid nose‐blowing following an endoscopic endonasal approache (EEA) to the skull base, despite a lack of quantitative evidence. This study applies computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to quantify sinus pressures along the skull base during sneezing.

Study Design

Case–control series.

Methods

Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans of four post‐EEA patients and four healthy controls were collected and analyzed utilizing CFD techniques. A pressure drop of 6,000 Pa was applied to the nasopharynx based on values in the literature to simulate expiratory nasal airflow during sneezing. Peak pressures along the skull base in frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses were collected.

Results

Significant increases in skull base peak pressure was observed during sneezing, with significant individual variations from 2,185 to 5,685 Pa. Interestingly, healthy controls had significantly higher pressures compared to post‐EEA patients (5179.37 ± 198.42 Pa vs. patients 3,347.82 ± 1,472.20 Pa, P < .05), which could be related to higher anterior nasal resistance in unoperated healthy controls (0.44 ± 0.22 vs. 0.31 ± 0.16 Pa/mL/sec for patients, P = .38). The sinus pressure buildup may be due to airway resistance functioning as a valve preventing air from being released quickly. Supporting this theory, there was a strong correlation (r = 0.82) between peak skull base pressure and the ratio of anterior resistance to total resistance. Within‐subject variation in pressures between different skull base regions was much lower (average = ~5%).

Conclusions

This study provided the first quantitative analysis of air pressure along the skull base during sneezing in post‐EEA patients through CFD, suggesting that pressure buildup may depend on individual anatomy.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 130:2138–2143, 2020
Response of density stratification, aquatic chemistry, and methylmercury to engineered and hydrologic forcings in an endorheic lake (Great Salt Lake, U.S.A.)
Authors: Yang Shu , Johnson William P. , Black Frank J. , Rowland Ryan , Rumsey Christine , Piskadlo Andrew
Published: November 2019

Elimination of limited flow through the earthen railroad causeway separating the north and south arms of Great Salt Lake, Utah, U.S.A., in late 2013 destratified this meromictic endorheic lake and effectively eliminated previous elevated methylmercury (40–90 ng L−1) in deep waters. Reestablishment of north–south flow in late 2016 offered the opportunity to understand the drivers of density stratification, which in turn drive geochemical conditions supporting mercury methylation at depth. Both engineered (causeway flow reopening) and hydrologic (snowmelt) forcings were observed to initiate meromixis (stratification). Return to meromixis drove anoxia at depth with increased sulfide and methylmercury concentrations. However, shallow brine oxygen concentrations were lower under destratified relative to meromictic conditions, and brief periods of anoxia and elevated sulfide and methylmercury occurred at depth even under destratified conditions, demonstrating oxygen demand by underlying sediment organic matter. Mercury demethylation in deep waters was observed only under destratified conditions when oxygen reached bottom waters. These findings indicate that the deep brine layer acts as a cap that prevents oxygen from the overlying mixolimnion from coming into contact with sediment organic matter and drives accumulation of methylmercury in deep waters under meromictic (stratified) conditions.
Changes in food characteristics reveal indirect effects of lake browning on zooplankton performance
Authors: Minguez Laetitia , Sperfeld Erik , Berger Stella A. , Nejstgaard Jens C. , Gessner Mark O.
Published: November 2019

Browning caused by colored dissolved organic matter is predicted to have large effects on aquatic ecosystems. However, there is limited experimental evidence about direct and indirect effects of browning on zooplankton in complex field settings. We used a combination of an ecosystem‐scale enclosure experiment and laboratory incubations to test how prolonged browning affects physiological and life‐history traits of the water flea Daphnia longispina, a key species in lake food webs, and whether any such effects are reversible. Daphnids and water were collected from enclosures in a deep clear‐water lake, where the natural plankton community had been exposed for 10 weeks to browning or to control conditions in clear water. Daphnid abundance was much lower in the brown than in the clear enclosure. Surprisingly, however, daphnids continuously kept in brown enclosure water in the laboratory showed increased metabolic performance and survival, and also produced more offspring than daphnids kept in clear enclosure water. This outcome was related to more and higher‐quality seston in brown compared to clear water. Moreover, daphnids transferred from clear to brown water or vice versa adjusted their nucleic acid and protein contents, as indicators of physiological state, to similar levels as individuals previously exposed to the respective recipient environment, indicating immediate and reversible browning effects on metabolic performance. These results demonstrate the importance of conducting experiments in settings that capture both indirect effects (i.e., emerging from species interactions in communities) and direct effects on individuals for assessing impacts of browning and other environmental changes on lakes.
A qualitative focus group discussion study on the experiences of Certified Nurses in Dementia Nursing related to effective staff education
Authors: Taneichi Hiromi , Rokkaku Ryoko
Published: November 2019

Aim

To explore the experiences of Certified Nurses in Dementia Nursing (DCNs) concerning the effective education of staff in acute hospitals.

Background

In Japan, the number of inpatients with dementia who need medical care continues to increase. DCNs play an important role in educating medical staff about dementia care in acute hospitals. However, there is a lack of a clear understanding in this regard.

Design

A qualitative design using a thematic analysis.

Methods

Data were extracted from a focus group discussion conducted with 10 DCNs working in 10 different acute hospitals in central Japan. Participants answered semi‐structured, open‐ended questions about their experiences related to effective staff education. Categories, subcategories and themes were created. This study complied with the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Results

The two themes identified were “building a foundation for dementia care education” and “continuous support based on practical processes.”
Ligand Mediated Metal Cations Exchanges within Metallo‐Dynameric Solid Films
Authors: Zhang Yan , Barboiu Mihail
Published: November 2019

Dynameric solid films may be generated via the adequate imine‐bond connection between bis(pyridine‐2,6‐diimine) core centres, coordinated with different metal cations and diaminoPEG connectors. The adequate selection of metal cations leads to cross‐linked metallo‐dynameric films, allowing the fine modulation of their colour and mechanical property. The coordination of the metal cations and bis(pyridine‐2,6‐diimine), results in the formation of interlocked structures, leading to the most probably formation of interweaved structures with better mechanical properties than those formed in the absence of the metallic cations. Removal and addition of metal cations from solid films can be achieved via tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine (TREN) complexing agent, which strongly binds the metal cations, followed by subsequent insertion of other metallic cations. It allows a ligand‐modulated dynamic release of the metal cations from the solid films, together with colour transfer and change of mechanical strength at the interfaces between various solid films.
Optimal planning and control of a segway model taking into account spatial obstacles
Authors: Zauner Christian , Gattringer Hubert , Müller Andreas , Jörgl Matthias
Published: November 2019

This contribution focuses on the optimal trajectory planning for a Segway model (inverted pendulum on two independently actuated wheels). Basis for this planning is the dynamical model for this under‐actuated, non‐holonomic multibody system. For the stabilization as well as the trajectory control, a partial input/output linearization is performed, where the orientation of the robot w.r.t. the horizontal plane and the inclination angle of the pendulum are used as output. The remaining non‐linear part is linearized about the upright equilibrium position and stabilized with an LQR controller. The trajectory optimization is based on the partially linearized system, where the output (orientation and inclination) is parameterized by B‐Splines. The system is required to move through predefined points in the horizontal plane. For the optimization the control points of the B‐Splines serve as optimization variables and the overall energy of the robot serves as cost functional. Maximum motor velocities, motor torques and the ground reaction forces are the constraints. The latter are crucial when planning trajectories where the robot must pass (swing) under vertical obstacles while not losing ground contact. These maneuvers are characterized by high horizontal accelerations in order to lower the head of the robot and bring it back to upright equilibrium.
A parametric permeability study for a simplified vertebra based on regular microstructures
Authors: Trivedi Zubin , Bleiler Christian , Wagner Arndt , Röhrle Oliver
Published: November 2019

The following work focuses on studying the permeability and its dependency on geometric parameters on the macro‐scale representing the underlying microstructure. In particular, regular microstructures are studied such that the computation of permeability is straightforward and the geometric parameters can be modified in a systematic manner. The permeabilities of the respective geometries are then derived by numerical upscaling of pore‐scale velocities computed by using Abaqus' Stokes‐flow solver. Based on these results, the permeabilities were found to be strongly dependent on the specific surface area and the respective porosity. This indicates the potential to estimate the order of magnitude for the permeability of real‐word applications using these two parameters. Furthermore, the tortuosity can be beneficial to obtain better permeability estimations.
A time‐integration algorithm for non‐linear dynamic systems of first and second order
Authors: Holl Helmut J.
Published: November 2019

Non‐linear dynamic systems are defined by mechanical models involving differential equations of second order where also first order differential equations are present frequently. If some degrees of freedom have no corresponding mass, if the stiffness parameters vanish in a part of the equations or if a controller is implemented in the system, then differential equations of first order result. For linear systems of first and second order a variety of solutions is presented in [1] and various numerical procedures for solving the differential equations in [2]. A semi‐analytical method is presented which is exact for the linear dynamic and decoupled systems of first and second order. A modal transformation of the equations is necessary after a suitable partitioning of the system equations. After a discretisation in the time‐domain the relevant equations for a suitable and effective time‐integration algorithm are defined taking the non‐linearity into account. The resulting procedure is derived and the formulation is analogous to the BEM‐formulation in time, described in [3] for a system of second order. The method is extended to the coupled non‐linear differential equations of first order and is applied to a system with two degrees of freedom.
Preparation of self‐healing acrylic copolymer composite coatings for application in protection of paper cultural relics
Authors: Xu Jicheng , Zhang Tao , Jiang Yan , Yang Dongya , Qiu Fengxian , Chen Qian , Yu Zongping
Published: November 2019

Due to the limitation of storage condition, paper cultural relics are constantly subject to human damage and natural aging, requiring rescue protection. In this study, a series of nanocellulose/calcium carbonate microcapsule/fluorine‐acrylamide styrene/acrylic copolymer composite protection materials were prepared and used as an efficient self‐healing composite coating for paper cultural relics protection. CaCO3 microcapsules were prepared by interfacial reaction method and doped into the polymer materials to obtain the self‐healing composite coating. The properties of composite protection materials were studied via the self‐healing experiment, dry heat accelerated aging test, and reversible experiment. The effects of composite protection materials on simulate paper cultural relics were analyzed. The results show that when the amount of hollow calcium carbonate microcapsules was 0.500 g, the composite protection materials had good comprehensive performances. The prepared materials work positive influence on the conservation of simulate paper cultural relics that could be one of the potential materials for application in protection of paper cultural relics. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60: 288–296, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
A culture of assessment: A bioecological systems approach for early and continuous assessment of deaf infants and children
Authors: Clark M. Diane , Baker Sharon , Simms Laurene
Published: November 2019

Even today, with all of the hearing technology and bilingual programs available, many Deaf children arrive at school with severe language delays. With a renewed focus on having Deaf children kindergarten‐ready, assessment of language milestones becomes critical as seen in the campaign Child First and the legislation referred to as Language Equality & Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD‐K). Here, a strategy is proposed to ensure that Deaf children are kindergarten‐ready. The focus is on a re‐evaluation of the epistemologies of the social and individualized medical models of health, as well as Bronfenbrenner's bioecological systems approach, to assess all components that impact a Deaf child's ecology to permit maximizing their developmental potentials.
A coping‐oriented group intervention for students waiting to undergo secondary school transition: Effects on coping strategies, self‐esteem, and social anxiety symptoms
Authors: Brouzos Andreas , Vassilopoulos Stephanos P. , Vlachioti Antigone , Baourda Vasiliki
Published: November 2019

To facilitate students’ transition into secondary school, a coping‐oriented group program was designed. Pre‐ and posttest data from three intervention groups conducted over the course of 5 weeks were combined for a total of 56 sixth‐grade students waiting to undergo school transition. There was also a test–retest control group (n = 26). Results indicate that completion of the intervention led to a significant decrease on scales measuring self‐reported social anxiety symptoms. There was also a significant increase in intervention participants’ self‐reported self‐esteem, likeability, adherence to social rules, and frequency of active coping strategies, compared with the control group. Furthermore, a regression analysis showed that change in the self‐reported use of active coping strategies predicted change in social anxiety symptoms for the intervention group. However, no significant change in self‐reported use of passive‐avoidant coping was observed. We conclude that facilitating effective coping with stress may provide a highly beneficial perspective toward designing transition groups, that may also lead to a significant reduction in social anxiety symptoms in adolescents waiting to undergo secondary school transition.
The effects of self‐efficacy, hope, and engagement on the academic achievement of secondary education in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Tomás José Manuel , Gutiérrez Melchor , Georgieva Sylvia , Hernández Miosotis
Published: November 2019

Achievement in the academic settings has long lasting positive outcomes. In this study, hope, self‐efficacy, and engagement are linked to academic success. The aims of this study were to test a model which predicts academic success in the Dominican Republic while testing for the mediator role of engagement. The sample was composed of 614 middle‐school students. Scales of Dispositional Hope, Academic Self‐Efficacy, Academic Self‐concept, and Engagement were used. Academic performance was measured with students' grades in Spanish and Mathematics. Three structural equation models were tested. The retained model stated hope and self‐efficacy as antecedents, engagement dimensions as mediators and grades and academic self‐concept as final outcomes. There were significant effects of hope and self‐efficacy on engagement, and behavioral engagement was the best predictor of academic success. These results point out that interventions should target variables, such as hope or engagement to increase academic success.
Mediating effect of goal adjustment on the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and academic burnout
Authors: Chang Eunbi , Lee Sang Min
Published: November 2019

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism, goal adjustment, and academic burnout. A total of 279 undergraduate students completed an online survey. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the mediating effect of goal adjustment on the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and academic burnout. The results showed that socially prescribed perfectionism was unrelated to goal disengagement; however, goal reengagement mediated the positive relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and academic burnout. In other words, higher levels of socially prescribed perfectionism predicted lower levels of goal reengagement; conversely, lower levels of goal reengagement predicted higher levels of academic burnout. The implications of these findings and the limitations of the present study are discussed.
Pedoclimate monitoring in the periglacial high mountain soils of the Atacama Desert, northern Chile
Authors: Gjorup Davi Feital , Francelino Marcio Rocha , Michel Roberto Ferreira Machado , Senra Eduardo Osório , Schaefer Carlos Ernesto G.R.
Published: November 2019

Pedoclimate monitoring in the Central Andes is key to understanding climatic change in arid high‐mountain low‐latitude environments. We carried out a study of the thermal–hydric regimes of three soils along an altitudinal gradient in the Licancabur Volcano, northern Chile. In situ measurements of soil and air temperature and water content were collected over 19 months, via temperature and moisture probes installed from 5 to 100 cm depths, at 5,061, 4,728 and 4,426 m a.s.l. All soils show a periglacial thermal regime, but without permafrost. The contrasting behavior regarding soil water content and temperature regime along the gradient was attributed to climate, geomorphic features and varying soil attributes. Altitude‐related factors (air temperature and precipitation) drive the overall thermal regime of soils, but the mid‐altitude site showed the coldest soil thermal regime. Here, local landform characteristics (south aspect, mid‐slope location) impose lower solar radiation, influencing the soil thermal regime. Aridity drives unusual periglacial processes, with low frost shattering, no cryoturbation and particular landscape evolution. The thermal behavior affects soil moisture, with the lowest water contents recorded in the winter period due to water freezing at colder sites. Higher clay content results in greater soil moisture, despite the lower rainfall, shallow depth of the wetting front and large variability in water content. The study period included an extreme climatic event, and as such the monitored data do not represent the typical regional seasonal variation. Pedoclimate is more important in driving soil development than altitude‐related factors.
Anti‐inflammatories and mucociliary clearance therapies in the age of CFTR modulators
Authors: Perrem Lucy , Ratjen Felix
Published: November 2019

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic and life‐limiting disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This multi‐system disease is characterized by progressive lung disease and pancreatic insufficiency amongst other manifestations. CFTR primarily functions as a chloride channel that transports ions across the apical membrane of epithelial cells but has other functions, including bicarbonate secretion and inhibition of sodium transport. Defective CFTR disrupts these functions, causing viscous and dehydrated mucus to accumulate, compromising the airway lumen and contributing to obstructive pulmonary disease. The combination of CFTR dysfunction, mucus obstruction, and infection drive an exaggerated and dysfunctional inflammatory response, which contributes to irreversible airway destruction and fibrosis.

CFTR modulators, an exciting new class of drugs, increase the expression and/or function of CFTR variant protein and improve multiple clinical endpoints, such as lung function, pulmonary exacerbation rates, and nutritional status. However, these genotype‐specific drugs are not universally available, the clinical response is variable, and lung function still declines over time when bronchiectasis is established. Consequently, even in the age of CFTR modulators, we must target other important aspects of the CF airway disease, such as inflammation and mucociliary clearance. This review highlights the mechanisms of inflammation and mucus accumulation in the CF lung and discusses anti‐inflammatory and mucociliary clearance agents that are currently in development focusing on compounds for which clinical trial data have recently become available.
The demographics of adverse outcomes in cystic fibrosis
Authors: McGarry Meghan E. , Williams Wadsworth A. , McColley Susanna A.
Published: November 2019

Understanding variability in cystic fibrosis (CF) health outcomes requires an understanding of factors that go far beyond Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Receptor (CFTR) function caused by different gene mutations. Social and environmental factors that influence health have a significant influence on the trajectory of health in CF and in other chronic diseases. In this article, we review demographic factors associated with poorer health outcomes in CF, known and postulated biological mechanisms of these outcomes, and interventions that healthcare teams can implement that may reduce outcome disparities.
Cystic fibrosis precision therapeutics: Emerging considerations
Authors: Joshi Disha , Ehrhardt Annette , Hong Jeong S. , Sorscher Eric J.
Published: November 2019

Small molecules that address fundamental defects underlying cystic fibrosis (CF), including modulators such as the approved drugs ivacaftor, lumacaftor, tezacaftor, and elexacaftor, have advanced dramatically over the past few years and are transforming care and prognosis among individuals with this disease. The new treatment strategies are predicated on established scientific insight concerning pathogenesis, and applying “personalized” or “precision” interventions for specific abnormalities of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Even with the advent of highly effective triple drug combinations—which hold great promise for the majority of patients with CF worldwide—barriers to precision therapy remain. These include refractory CFTR variants (premature truncation codons, splice defects, large indels, severe missense mutations, and others) not addressed by available modulators, and access to leading‐edge therapeutic compounds for patients with ultrarare forms of CF. In addition to describing the remarkable progress that has occurred regarding CF precision medicine, this review outlines some of the remaining challenges. The CF experience is emblematic of many conditions for which personalized interventions are actively being sought.