bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological identification in skull between spotted seal and harbor seal using geometric morphometrics
Authors: Arai Yuichi , Kanaiwa Minoru , Kato Mio , Kobayashi Mari 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe morphology of the skull contains considerable ecological information about a species, because the skull contains sensory organs that are used to look for food, compete for mates, or to migrate. Spotted seals (Phoca largha) and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are similar in body size and pelage color but differ in habitat use and reproductive biology. The current study aims to clarify differences in the shapes of skulls in the spotted and harbor seals using geometric morphometrics and to discuss whether ecological differences can explain morphological differences in skulls. First, we discovered that the age at which the shape of skulls stopped changing was 7 years in both species, using the linear‐threshold model. Using a total of 75 landmarks, 54 individuals (25 spotted seals, 29 harbor seals) that were older than the age at which skulls stopped changing were correctly identified at a rate of 100%. The total of 75 landmarks was narrowed down to eight key landmarks that resulted in an identification accuracy rate of 100% using random forests. Of the eight landmarks, seven were related to feeding apparatus, indicated that the harbor seal had a broader mouth and mandible than the spotted seal. Because of both species were dietary generalists and classified as pierce feeders, we suggested that the different features in the shapes of their skulls were caused not only by differences in their feeding behavior but also other differences related to reproductive behavior.
Longitudinal Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Irradiated Salivary Gland in a Rat Model: Correlated With Histological Findings
Authors: Chen Wei , Su Guo‐Yi , Zhou Yan , Jiang Jia‐Suo , Jiang Run‐Hao , Bao Mei‐Ling , Xu Xiao‐Quan , Wu Fei‐Yun 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundSeveral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences have been applied to assess injured glands but without histological validation.PurposeTo evaluate longitudinal changes in multiparametric MRI (mp‐MRI) of irradiated salivary glands in a rat model and investigate correlations between mp‐MRI and histological findings.Study TypeProspective.Animal ModelSubmandibular glands of 36 rats were radiated using a single dose of 15 Gy X‐ray (irradiation [IR] group), and 6 other rats were enrolled into sham‐IR group. mp‐MRI were scanned 1 day after sham‐IR (n = 6), or 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 weeks after IR (n = 36, 6 per subgroup).Field Strength/SequenceA 3.0‐T/Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), readout‐segmented echo‐planar imaging (EPI) sequence; intravoxel incoherent motion DWI, single‐shot EPI sequence; T1 mapping, dual‐flip‐angle gradient‐echo sequence with volumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination; T2 mapping, turbo spin‐echo sequence.AssessmentParameters including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo‐diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), T1 and T2 value were obtained. Histological examinations, including hematoxylin and eosin staining (for acinar cell fraction [AC%] detection), Masson's trichrome staining (for degree of fibrosis [F%] determination) and CD34‐immunohistochemical staining (for microvessel density [MVD] calculation), were performed at corresponding time points.Statistical TestsOne‐way analysis of variance was used to compare the mp‐MRI and histological parameters among different groups. Spearman correlation analysis was applied to determine the correlation between mp‐MRI and histological parameters. Two‐sided P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsChanges of mp‐MRI parameters (ADC, D, D*, f, T1, T2) and histological results (AC%, F%, MVD) among the seven groups were all significant. ADC, D, and T2 values negatively correlated with AC% (ADC, r = −0.728; D, r = −0.773; T2, r = −0.600), f positively correlated with MVD (r = 0.496), and T1 values positively correlated with F% (r = 0.714).Data Conclusionmp‐MRI might be able to noninvasively and quantitatively evaluate the dynamic pathological changes within the irradiated salivary glands.Evidence Level1Technical EfficacyStage 2
Development of a standardized histopathology scoring system for human intervertebral disc degeneration: an Orthopaedic Research Society Spine Section Initiative
Authors: Le Maitre Christine L. , Dahia Chitra L. , Giers Morgan , Illien‐Junger Svenja , Cicione Claudia , Samartzis Dino , Vadala Gianluca , Fields Aaron , Lotz Jeffrey 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundHistopathological analysis of intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues is a critical domain of back pain research. Identification, description, and classification of attributes that distinguish abnormal tissues form a basis for probing disease mechanisms and conceiving novel therapies. Unfortunately, lack of standardized methods and nomenclature can limit comparisons of results across studies and prevent organizing information into a clear representation of the hierarchical, spatial, and temporal patterns of IVD degeneration. Thus, the following Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) Spine Section Initiative aimed to develop a standardized histopathology scoring scheme for human IVD degeneration.MethodsGuided by a working group of experts, this prospective process entailed a series of stages that consisted of reviewing and assessing past grading schemes, surveying IVD researchers globally on current practice and recommendations for a new grading system, utilizing expert opinion a taxonomy of histological grading was developed, and validation performed.ResultsA standardized taxonomy was developed, which showed excellent intra‐rater reliability for scoring nucleus pulposus (NP), annulus fibrosus (AF), and cartilaginous end plate (CEP) regions (interclass correlation [ICC] > .89). The ability to reliably detect subtle changes varied by IVD region, being poorest in the NP (ICC: .89‐.95) where changes at the cellular level were important, vs the AF (ICC: .93‐.98), CEP (ICC: .97‐.98), and boney end plate (ICC: .96‐.99) where matrix and structural changes varied more dramatically with degeneration.ConclusionsThe proposed grading system incorporates more comprehensive descriptions of degenerative features for all the IVD sub‐tissues than prior criteria. While there was excellent reliability, our results reinforce the need for improved training, particularly for novice raters. Future evaluation of the proposed system in real‐world settings (eg, at the microscope) will be needed to further refine criteria and more fully evaluate utility. This improved taxonomy could aid in the understanding of IVD degeneration phenotypes and their association with back pain.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Physiologic Free Intraperitoneal Fluid in Healthy Children: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Arredondo Anthony R. , Wilkinson Matthew , Barber Richard B. , Gilmartin Thomas , Levine Marla C. 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesThe detection of intraperitoneal free fluid (FF) is an important finding in the sonographic evaluation of the pediatric abdomen, especially in the context of blunt abdominal trauma. One specific challenge is differentiating physiologic from pathologic FF. The purpose of this study was to determine with ultrasound the prevalence, location, and volume of intraperitoneal FF in healthy pediatric patients and its relation to pubertal status and gender.MethodsHealthy children between the ages of 1 and 17 years who presented to the emergency department with non‐abdominal complaints were evaluated for physiologic intra‐abdominal fluid. Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound (POCUS) was performed, utilizing the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) examination.ResultsA total of 325 pediatric patients were analyzed. Intraperitoneal FF was found in 52 children (16.0%, 95% CI: 12.0–20.0%). The pelvis was the only region where FF was located. The prevalence of FF was nearly equivalent between male and female children (15.4% vs 16.7%, P = .76). There was a higher prevalence of FF identified in the prepubertal subgroup compared to the pubertal group (20.0% vs 11.3%, P = .03). Seventy‐seven percent of children with FF had a fluid volume of less than 1 mL.ConclusionsPhysiologic FF of less than 1 mL within the pelvis is a common finding in the pediatric population. There was no difference in the rate of FF identified by gender, but there was a higher prevalence of FF among prepubertal children.
Association of Pepsin With Inflammatory Signaling and Effusion Viscosity in Pediatric Otitis Media
Authors: Samuels Tina L. , Khampang Pawjai , Espahbodi Mana , McCormick Caroline A. , Chun Robert H. , McCormick Michael E. , Yan Ke , Kerschner Joseph E. , Johnston Nikki 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveOtitis media (OM) is a common inflammatory disease spectrum. Cytokine signaling, neutrophil activity, and mucin hypersecretion during recurrent and chronic OM contribute to persistent, viscous middle ear (ME) effusions, hearing loss, and potential for developmental delay. Extraesophageal reflux (EER), specifically pepsin, triggers inflammatory signaling in respiratory mucosa and is associated with OM. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of pepsin with ME inflammatory signaling and the outcomes and examine causality in vitro.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsME fluid (MEF) and preoperative audiometric data were collected from 30 pediatric subjects undergoing tympanostomy tube placement for recurrent OM or OM with effusion. MEF viscosity was characterized by the surgeon. Pepsin, inflammatory molecules, and mucin were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ME epithelial primary culture was exposed to 0.1 to 1 mg/ml pepsin at pH 5, 6, and 7 for 30 minutes, and cytokine expression was assayed via qPCR.ResultsPepsin was observed in the MEF of 77% of patients (range 71–2,734 ng/ml). Pepsin correlated with effusion viscosity, interleukins −6 and −8, neutrophil elastase, and mucin 5B (P < .05). Pepsin‐negative MEF was more frequently absent of interleukin 8 or mucin 5B (P < .05). Weak acid was generally insufficient to elicit cytokine expression in ME cells in vitro, however, pepsin induced IL6, IL8, and TNF at pH 7 (P < .05) and weak acid (pH 6) facilitated a response at lower pepsin concentration.ConclusionsPepsin may contribute to inflammatory signaling, persistent viscous effusion, and poorer OM outcomes.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 132:470–477, 2022
To Pack a Nose: High‐Fidelity Epistaxis Simulation Using 3D Printing Technology
Authors: Gao Rebecca W. , Rooney Deborah , Harvey Rebecca , Malloy Kelly M. , VanKoevering Kyle K. 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundInitial management and stabilization of epistaxis is managed by a diverse offset of clinical providers with variable levels of training.ObjectiveTo determine the anatomic and clinical fidelity and ease of use of a novel simulator for the training and assessment of epistaxis management skills.Study DesignQualitative Research Study using expert questionnaire's for validation of a newly developed simulator.MethodsWe performed a quasi‐experimental intervention with 22 otolaryngology faculty and 10 trainees who independently evaluated the simulator. Data were collected in three phases: phase 1 (preliminary evaluation), phase 2 (final expert evaluation), and phase 3 (trainee evaluation). We designed a three‐dimensional (3D) printed model from a de‐identified patient computed tomography scan. Artificial blood was circulated through catheters to simulate bleeding from three distinct sites (sphenopalatine, Kiesselbach's plexus, and anterior ethmoid). Four domains were assessed: “Physical and anatomic attributes,” “Realism of experience,” “Ability to perform tasks,” and “Value and clinical relevance.” Internal structure and validity were measured with Cronbach's alpha and item outfit mean‐square statistics.ResultsResults from otolaryngology faculty showed very high median ratings for “Value of the simulator as a training tool” (4.0/4) and high ratings for “Relevance to practice” (4.0/4), and realism of experience (4.0/4). Responses from otolaryngology trainees demonstrated high value for clinical training (4.0/4) and high likelihood to recommend use for future trainees (4.0/4). Confidence in managing epistaxis before (1.0/4) and after (3.0/4) simulator use was statistically improved (P = .03).ConclusionsUsing 3D printing technology, we created a novel simulator for epistaxis management. Preliminary evidence suggests the model is cost‐effective, anatomically realistic, relevant to trainees' educational needs, and valuable as a training tool.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 132:747–753, 2022
Normative Value for the Laryngopharyngeal Measure of Perceived Sensation
Authors: Hernandez Brian O. , Russell Gregory B. , Wright Stephen Carter , Madden Lyndsay L. 
Published: July 2021

Objectives/HypothesisThe Laryngopharyngeal Measure of Perceived Sensation (LUMP) is a recently validated patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) aimed at evaluating the symptom severity of patients with globus pharyngeus (GP). The objective of this study was to define the normative values for the LUMP questionnaire.Study DesignProspectively collected, descriptive research/scale development.MethodsThe LUMP questionnaire was completed by 88 subjects. Individuals without throat‐related symptoms such as dysphagia, dysphonia, or cough were provided LUMP. The results of the eight‐item questionnaire were analyzed for standard error of the mean (SEM), mean, and standard deviation (SD).ResultsReview of the 88 LUMP questionnaires elucidated a mean of 0.42 (SEM = 0.10, SD = 0.96) in the normative population. By gender, the female (n = 50) mean was 0.24, SD = 0.66, SEM = 0.09; for males (n = 38), the mean was 0.66, SD = 1.21, SEM = 0.20.ConclusionsThis study provides normative data for the LUMP, a recently established PROM useful in patients with GP. A LUMP score greater than or equal to 3 should be considered abnormal and warrants additional attention.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 132:398–400, 2022
Differential protein expression during growth on model and commercial mixtures of naphthenic acids in Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf‐5
Authors: McKew Boyd A. , Johnson Richard , Clothier Lindsay , Skeels Karl , Ross Matthew S. , Metodiev Metodi , Frenzel Max , Gieg Lisa M. , Martin Jonathan W. , Hough Michael A. , Whitby Corinne 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNaphthenic acids (NAs) are carboxylic acids with the formula (CnH2n+ZO2) and are among the most toxic, persistent constituents of oil sands process‐affected waters (OSPW), produced during oil sands extraction. Currently, the proteins and mechanisms involved in NA biodegradation are unknown. Using LC‐MS/MS shotgun proteomics, we identified proteins overexpressed during the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf‐5 on a model NA (4′‐n‐butylphenyl)‐4‐butanoic acid (n‐BPBA) and commercial NA mixture (Acros). By day 11, >95% of n‐BPBA was degraded. With Acros, a 17% reduction in intensity occurred with 10–18 carbon compounds of the Z family −2 to −14 (major NA species in this mixture). A total of 554 proteins (n‐BPBA) and 631 proteins (Acros) were overexpressed during growth on NAs, including several transporters (e.g., ABC transporters), suggesting a cellular protective response from NA toxicity. Several proteins associated with fatty acid, lipid, and amino acid metabolism were also overexpressed, including acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase and acyl‐CoA thioesterase II, which catalyze part of the fatty acid beta‐oxidation pathway. Indeed, multiple enzymes involved in the fatty acid oxidation pathway were upregulated. Given the presumed structural similarity between alkyl‐carboxylic acid side chains and fatty acids, we postulate that P. fluorescens Pf‐5 was using existing fatty acid catabolic pathways (among others) during NA degradation.
Action Observation and Motor Imagery Improve Dual Task in Parkinson's Disease: A Clinical/fMRI Study
Authors: Sarasso Elisabetta , Agosta Federica , Piramide Noemi , Gardoni Andrea , Canu Elisa , Leocadi Michela , Castelnovo Veronica , Basaia Silvia , Tettamanti Andrea , Volontè Maria Antonietta , Filippi Massimo 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundAction observation training and motor imagery may improve motor learning in Parkinson's disease (PD).ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to assess mobility and balance (performing motor and dual tasks) and brain functional reorganization following 6 weeks of action observation training and motor imagery associated with dual‐task gait/balance exercises in PD patients with postural instability and gait disorders relative to dual‐task training alone.MethodsTwenty‐five PD–postural instability and gait disorder patients were randomized into 2 groups: the DUAL‐TASK+AOT‐MI group performed a 6‐week gait/balance training consisting of action observation training–motor imagery combined with practicing the observed‐imagined exercises; the DUAL‐TASK group performed the same exercises combined with watching landscape videos. Exercises were increasingly difficult to include the dual task. At baseline and at 6 weeks, patients underwent: mobility, gait, and balance evaluations (also repeated 2 months after training), cognitive assessment, and functional MRI, including motor and dual tasks.ResultsDual‐task gait/balance training enhanced mobility, during both single‐ and dual‐task conditions, and executive functions in PD–postural instability and gait disorders, with a long‐lasting effect at 14 weeks. When exercises were preceded by action observation training–motor imagery, PD–postural instability and gait disorders showed greater improvement of balance and gait velocity both with and without the dual task, particularly during the turning phase. After training, the DUAL‐TASK+AOT‐MI group showed reduced recruitment of frontal areas and increased activity of cerebellum during functional‐MRI motor and dual task, correlating with balance/turning velocity and executive improvements, respectively. The DUAL‐TASK group showed reduced activity of supplementary motor area and increased recruitment of temporo‐parietal areas during the dual task and decreased cerebellar activity during the motor task correlating with faster turning velocity. Functional MRI results were not corrected for multiple comparisons and should be interpreted carefully.ConclusionsAdding action observation training–motor imagery to dual‐task gait/balance training promotes specific functional reorganization of brain areas involved in motor control and executive‐attentive abilities and more long‐lasting effects on dual‐task mobility and balance in PD–postural instability and gait disorders. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Ligilactobacillus Salivarius LCK11 Prevents Obesity by Promoting PYY Secretion to Inhibit Appetite and Regulating Gut Microbiota in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Liang Cong , Zhou Xiao‐Hong , Jiao Yue‐Hua , Guo Mei‐Jie , Meng Li , Gong Pi‐Min , Lyu Lin‐Zheng , Niu Hai‐Yue , Wu Yi‐Fan , Chen Shi‐Wei , Han Xue , Zhang Lan‐Wei 
Published: July 2021

ScopeObesity is a common disease worldwide and there is an urgent need for strategies to preventing obesity.Methods and ResultsThe anti‐obesity effect and mechanism of Ligilactobacillus salivarius LCK11 (LCK11) is studied using a C57BL/6J male mouse model in which obesity is induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD). Results show that LCK11 can prevent HFD‐induced obesity, reflected as inhibited body weight gain, abdominal and liver fat accumulation and dyslipidemia. Analysis of its mechanism shows that on the one hand, LCK11 can inhibit food intake through significantly improving the transcriptional and translational levels of peptide YY (PYY) in the rectum, in addition to the eventual serum PYY level; this is attributed to the activation of the toll‐like receptor 2/nuclear factor‑κB signaling pathway in enteroendocrine L cells by the peptidoglycan of LCK11. On the other hand, LCK11 supplementation effectively reduces the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and shifts the overall structure of the HFD‐disrupted gut microbiota toward that of mice fed on a low‐fat diet; this also contributes to preventing obesity.ConclusionLCK11 shows the potential to be used as a novel probiotic for preventing obesity by both promoting PYY secretion to inhibit food intake and regulating gut microbiota.
Modeling of a cylindrical resonant photoacoustic cell for high sensitive gas detection
Authors: Huang Qi , Zhou Sheng , He Tianbo , Li Jingsong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPhotoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is a sensitive spectroscopic technique for trace gas sensing. As a key component of a PA sensor system, the cell constant of the cylindrical PA cell has been simulated for optimizing geometric design, and the acoustic pressure distribution and frequency response of the first longitudinal and radial modes are analyzed by using a self‐established algorithm model. According to the theoretical simulation, a resonant PAS sensor system was finally designed and evaluated at the first longitudinal mode for trace water vapor detection. Highly sensitive wavelength modulation spectroscopy and second harmonic detection technique was combined with PAS detection method for enhancing sensitivity. Allan deviation analysis indicates that a detection limit of 2 ppm for H2O could be achieved at an optimal integration time of 200 s, corresponding to a normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient of .
Swelling behavior of super‐absorbent lipophilic polyelectrolytes based on poly(lauryl acrylate‐co‐styrene) comprised quaternary ammonium compounds with tetrafluoroborate anion in organic solvents
Authors: Ghasemi Soheila , Abareshi Habib 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn recent years, organic pollutants have caused many environmental problems by polluting water and soil. Therefore, developing a low‐cost, high‐efficiency super‐absorbent remains a major challenge. Molecular super‐absorbents, due to their high ability to absorb organic solvents, have been considered to eliminate the risks of leakage and spillage of waste oils and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this paper, a new set of lipophilic polyelectrolyte organogels based on poly(lauryl acrylate‐co‐styrene) was synthesized using common radical reactions. The synthesized organogels absorbed a set of organic solvents with varied dielectric constants from hexane to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (with ε = 1.89‐46.5). Swelling percentage of these modified organogels in divers organic solvents becomes more than 100 times greater their dried weights and become up to 1600 times their dry dimension in CHCl3. By the expansion of polymer networks, even in low‐dielectric mediums (3 < ε < 10), ion separation occurs well and increases the ability of organogels to swell. In addition, due to their flexibility, the lipophilic polyelectrolyte organogels can easily release adsorbed solvents over time and can be reused. Therefore, these types of lipophilic polyelectrolyte organogels can be suitable absorbents for the absorption of organic pollutants.