bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐sectional study of psychosocial well‐being among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual gynecologic cancer survivors
Authors: Schefter Alexandra , Thomaier Lauren , Jewett Patricia , Brown Katherine , Stenzel Ashley E. , Blaes Anne , Teoh Deanna , Vogel Rachel I.
Published: May 2021

Background

Delays in care and increased risk for mental health diagnoses put individuals identifying as a sexual minority with cancer at risk for decreased quality of life.

Aim

To assess psychosocial health among sexual minority gynecologic cancer survivors, we compared self‐reported quality of life and psychosocial measures between individuals diagnosed with gynecologic cancers identifying as lesbian/gay/bisexual (LGB) and heterosexual.

Methods and Results

English‐speaking adults with gynecologic cancers were invited to participate in an ongoing cohort survey study. Quality of life and psychosocial measures included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General, Distress Thermometer (distress), Patient Health Questionnaire‐8 (depression), General Anxiety Disorder‐7 (anxiety), and Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM‐5 (post‐traumatic stress disorder; PTSD). Measures were compared by self‐reported sexual orientation (heterosexual vs. LGB) using descriptive statistics (frequencies and means) and linear and logistic regression models, adjusting for college education.

Of 814 patients invited, 457 enrolled (56.1%) and 401 (92.6%) completed the survey and provided information on their sexuality. All but one self‐identified as cisgender women and 22 (5.5%) as LGB. LGB participants were more likely to have completed college (68.2% vs. 40.1%, p = .009) but were otherwise similar across demographic and clinical characteristics. Quality of life and distress scores were similar between groups. LGB participants, compared to heterosexual, reported higher rates of depression (31.8% vs. 10.6%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.1 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6–11.0], p = .004), anxiety (25.0% vs. 7.1%, adjusted OR = 5.4 [95% CI: 1.7–16.7], p= .004), and PTSD (13.6% vs. 3.5%, adjusted OR = 4.2 [95% CI: 1.1–16.3], p = .04).

Conclusion

LGB participants reported poorer emotional health following a gynecologic cancer diagnosis than heterosexual participants. Our data suggest this population may need additional resources and support during and after their cancer diagnosis. Future work is needed to identify additional risk factors and the underlying sources of these disparities in order to improve patient care and wellness in this population.
Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein inhibition of IgG/IgE production in murine B cells is counter‐balanced by a strong Th2 bias
Authors: Dalloul Zeinab , Best Marie , Chenuet Pauline , Dalloul Iman , Le Noir Sandrine , Togbé Dieudonnée , Gador Mylène , Ryffel Bernhard , FJ Quesniaux Valerie , El Makhour Yolla , Boyer François , Aldigier Jean‐Claude , Cook‐Moreau Jeanne , Fazilleau Nicolas , Cogné Michel
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Inhibitors of bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) proteins are a new and growing class of anti‐cancer drugs, which decrease oncogene expression by targeting superenhancers. Antibody production is another physiological process relying on superenhancers, and it remains to be clarified whether potential immunomodulatory properties of BET inhibitors might impact humoral immunity and allergy.

Methods

We thus evaluated humoral immune responses and their Th2 context in vitro and in vivo in mice following treatment with the classical BET‐inhibitor JQ1. We quantified immunoglobulin (Ig) and antibody production by B cells either stimulated in vitro or obtained from immunised mice. JQ1 effects on class switching and activation‐induced deaminase loading were determined, together with modifications of B, T follicular helper (Tfh) and T helper 2 (Th2) populations. JQ1 was finally tested in B‐cell‐dependent models of immune disorders.

Results

Bromodomain and extra terminal domain inhibition reduced class switching, Ig expression on B cells and antibody secretion and was correlated with decreased numbers of Tfh cells. However, JQ1 strongly increased the proportion of GATA3+ Th2 cells and the secretion of corresponding cytokines. In a mouse allergic model of lung inflammation, JQ1 did not affect eosinophil infiltration or mucus production but enhanced Th2 cytokine production and aggravated clinical manifestations.

Conclusion

Altogether, BET inhibition thus interweaves intrinsic negative effects on B cells with a parallel complex reshaping of T‐cell polarisation which can increase type 2 cytokines and eventually promote B‐cell‐dependent immunopathology. These opposite and potentially hazardous immunomodulatory effects raise concerns for clinical use of BET inhibitors in patients with immune disorders.
Evaluation of critical separation distance to avoid seismic pounding between buildings: A spectral approach
Authors: Lin Jeng‐Hsiang
Published: May 2021

Determining a minimum separation distance required to avoid seismic pounding between adjacent buildings is a capacity‐demand design issue. This study developed a spectral approach to evaluate the expected minimum separation demand (referred to as the critical separation distance, [CSD]) to prevent pounding between buildings during strong earthquake motions. Presented firstly in this paper is an analytical procedure for evaluating the relative displacement process at the potential pounding location between two adjacent buildings during earthquake motions. The procedure is based on random vibration theory and modal analysis with application of the well‐known CQC rule. Subsequently, an approximate nonlinear closed‐form solution for evaluating CSD is derived, by means of a simplified spectral‐based procedure with introducing the concept of equivalent linearization of nonlinear hysteretic behavior and the effective correlation coefficients of the generalized coordinates of equivalent linearized systems to consider inelastic vibration phase between buildings. Finally, the CSDs between two buildings having different heights and the same height for various combinations of buildings with different fundamental periods are separately examined as verification examples of the proposed approach. The accuracy of solution is demonstrated by comparing computed results with corresponding numerical results from nonlinear response history analyses (RHAs). The results show that the proposed approach provides a reliable solution in predicting the separation demand of buildings during earthquake motions.
Computation of amplification functions of earth dam‐flexible canyon systems by the hybrid FEM‐SBFEM technique
Authors: Yaseri Alireza , Konrad Jean‐Marie
Published: May 2021

A dam's responses can be amplified by the geometry and flexibility of its surrounding canyon. To modeling a canyon as an elastic unbounded domain, the radiation damping condition should be satisfied, and in this regard, the Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method (SBFEM) is a powerful tool. In this article, a substructure method was used to combine the standard Finite Element Method (FEM) with the SBFEM, resulting in the hybrid FEM‐SBFEM technique. This hybrid technique treats an earth dam by using FEM and a corresponding elastic unbounded canyon by SBFEM. The proposed approach was verified by data available in the literature. The seismic response of an earth dam‐flexible canyon system was investigated by employing a 3D FEM‐SBFEM method. Several amplification functions corresponding to different canyon conditions were obtained by applying a uniform displacement for the canyon boundary, and a comprehensive study was performed to examine the effects of canyon geometry and flexibility on the steady‐state response of the dam, as these two effects influenced the amplification functions. While the flexibility of the canyon significantly affects the maximum amplification function value for a dam, this value does not change for earth dams in canyons with different shapes but the same length. In addition, the lateral response of earth dams in the time domain was computed in order to analyze the aforementioned effects under an actual earthquake. The proposed amplification functions were used to compare the recorded response spectra of the El Infiernillo dam under the two earthquakes in 1966 with the calculated amplification function, and a reasonable agreement was observed between them.
Electro‐osmotic flow of fractional second‐grade fluid with fractional Cattaneo heat flux through a vertical microchannel
Authors: Abdellateef Ahmed I. , Alshehri Hashim M. , Elmaboud Yasser Abd
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the unsteady electro‐osmotic flow (EOF) of a fractional second‐grade fluid through a vertical microchannel with convection heat transfer. The fractional Cattaneo heat flux model will be used to modify the heat equation. The solutions for the velocity and the temperature have been derived by employing the Laplace and finite Fourier sine transforms and their numerical inverses. The results show that at the beginning of the time period, the fractional parameter postpones the movement of the fluid. Furthermore, the results show that at the high values of retardation time (non‐Newtonian case), the required time for the velocity and the flow rate to reach the steady state increases. Moreover, the heat relaxation time reduces the heat transfer until a critical time, and then the effect reverses.
Chemical analysis of nitro‐aromatic compounds of secondary organic aerosol formed from photooxidation of p‐xylene with NOx
Authors: Zhu Min‐Cong , Huang Ming‐Qiang , Xue Bing‐Bing , Cai Shun‐You , Hu Chang‐Jin , Zhao Wei‐Xiong , Gu Xue‐Jun , Zhang Wei‐Jun
Published: May 2021

Nitro‐aromatic compounds (NACs) measured in ambient aerosol are important contributors to brown carbon. Aromatic compounds are expected to be vital precursors of NACs in the presence of NOx in urban atmospheres. NACs of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formed from photooxidation of p‐xylene with a variety of NO2 in smog chamber were investigated in this study. NACs were on‐line measured by aerosol laser time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer and verified by off‐line of ultraviolet absorption and electrospray ionization mass spectra. The results show that NO2 can promote the formation of p‐xylene SOA. Different from the carbonyls detected in p‐xylene SOA without NO2, nitrophenols, nitrocatechols, and other NACs via the nitration of phenolic products of p‐xylene are detected as the major components of SOA with NO2. The increase of electrophilic nitro groups in SOA strengthens absorption ability. The mass absorption coefficient averaged over 200–600 nm () of SOA gradually increased with the increasing of the concentration of NO2. The  of SOA with 1,000 ppb NO2 was comparable to that of biomass burning organic aerosols. These provided experimental basis for studying the formation mechanism and optics of anthropogenic NACs in the background of high concentration of NOx in Chinese urban atmosphere.
European multicenter evaluation of Xpert® Xpress SARS‐CoV‐2/Flu/RSV test
Authors: Wolters Femke , Grünberg Maria , Huber Michael , Kessler Harald H. , Prüller Florian , Saleh Lanja , Fébreau Christine , Rahamat‐Langendoen Janette , Thibault Vincent , Melchers Willem J. G.
Published: May 2021

Rapid diagnostics for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) are paramount for reducing the spread of the current pandemic. During additional seasonal epidemics with influenza A/B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the clinical signs and symptoms cannot be distinguished easily from SARS‐CoV‐2. Therefore, a new assay combining four targets in the form of the new Xpert Xpress SARS‐CoV‐2/Flu/RSV assay was evaluated. The assay was compared to the Xpert Xpress SARS‐CoV‐2, Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV, Seegene Flu/RSV, influenza A/B r‐gene® and RSV/hMPV r‐gene®. A total of 295 nasopharyngeal and throat swabs were tested at four institutes throughout Europe including 72 samples positive for SARS‐CoV‐2, 65 for influenza A, 47 for influenza B, and 77 for RSV. The sensitivity of the new assay was above 95% for all targets, with the highest for SARS‐CoV‐2 (97.2%). The overall correlation of SARS‐CoV‐2 Ct values between Xpert Xpress SARS‐CoV‐2 assay and Xpert Xpress SARS‐CoV‐2/Flu/RSV assay was high. The agreement between Ct values above 30 showed the multiplex giving higher Ct values for SARS‐CoV‐2 on average than the singleplex assay. In conclusion, the new assay is a rapid and reliable alternative with less hands‐on time for the detection of not one, but four upper respiratory tract pathogens that may circulate at the same time.
A dynamical and numerical study of the effects of the topography of the Tibetan Plateau and westerly wind speed on the East Asian Trough
Authors: Liang Zhaoming , Xu Pengcheng , Gao Shouting , Zuo Qunjie
Published: May 2021

The effects of the topography of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and westerly wind speed on the East Asian Trough (EAT) is discussed with analysis using a dynamical model, and verified with numerical experiments based on real cases. The dynamical model utilizes a complex terrain function to approximate the TP topography, and derives a stream function generated by the TP terrain. The numerical experiments used for the verification consider the influence of different TP terrain heights and westerly wind speeds. The results show that the topography of the TP has a prominent contribution to the intensity of the EAT, but little effect on its position. The topography of the TP in the westerly winds causes a low‐pressure trough to its east, which promotes a deepening of the EAT to the east side of the TP. In contrast, in the context of the TP, westerly wind speed has an important influence on the position of the EAT, but a minor impact on the deepening of the EAT. A larger westerly wind speed causes a more eastern position of the EAT. These findings indicate that the combination of large‐scale topography and westerly wind speed plays a key role in the evolution of the EAT, in the terms of intensity and position.
Kinematic pelvic tilt during gait alters functional cup position in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Weber Markus , Suess Franz , Jerabek Seth A. , Meyer Matthias , Grifka Joachim , Renkawitz Tobias , Dendorfer Sebastian
Published: May 2021

Static pelvic tilt impacts functional cup position in total hip arthroplasty (THA). In the current study we investigated the effect of kinematic pelvic changes on cup position. In the course of a prospective controlled trial postoperative 3D‐computed tomography (CT) and gait analysis before and 6 and 12 months after THA were obtained in 60 patients. Kinematic pelvic motion during gait was measured using Anybody Modeling System. By fusion with 3D‐CT, the impact of kinematic pelvic tilt alterations on cup anteversion and inclination was calculated. Furthermore, risk factors correlating with high pelvic mobility were evaluated. During gait a high pelvic range of motion up to 15.6° exceeding 5° in 61.7% (37/60) of patients before THA was found. After surgery, the pelvis tilted posteriorly by a mean of 4.0 ± 6.6° (p < .001). The pelvic anteflexion led to a mean decrease of −1.9 ± 2.2° (p < .001) for cup inclination and −15.1 ± 6.1° (p < .001) for anteversion in relation to the anterior pelvic plane (APP). Kinematic pelvic changes resulted in a further change up to 2.3° for inclination and up to 12.3° for anteversion. In relation to the preoperative situation differences in postoperative cup position ranged from −4.4 to 4.6° for inclination and from −7.8 to 17.9° for anteversion, respectively. Female sex (p < .001) and normal body weight (p < .001) correlated with high alterations in pelvic tilt. Kinematic pelvic changes highly impact cup anteversion in THA. Surgeons using the APP as reference should aim for a higher anteversion of about 15° due to the functional anteflexion of the pelvis during gait.
Nitrate and nitrite pathways and dynamic changes in bacterial communities during beet sugar processing
Authors: Zhang Shuanghong , Wu Ziyi , Wang Jian , Zhang Sicong , Zhao Shuna , Li He , Zhao Jinli
Published: May 2021

Background

Bacterial community successions were surveyed during the processing stages of sugar production using high‐throughput sequencing methods. Furthermore, the correlation between bacterial community and nitrate/nitrite content in beet sugar processing were investigated.

Results

In an analysis of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rDNA gene, 254 122 effective sequences were obtained from samples, which included sugar beet, cossettes, diffusion juice, second‐phase diffusion juice, light juice and thick juice. The results showed that dominant genera included Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Leuconostoc and Burkholderia. Moreover, significant changes in bacterial communities were observed in samples. Regarding the relevant nitrogen metabolic potential, this study revealed communities with the ability for nitrate and nitrite metabolism. Furthermore, a shaking experiment involving diffusion juice and second‐phase diffusion juice was performed, and results showed that the nitrate level declined 73% and 98% in 36 h, respectively. These results suggested that the bacterial communities contribute to nitrate and nitrite transformation.

Conclusion

This study illustrated that the bacterial communities and their specific effects on the formation of nitrate and nitrite during beet sugar processing. The results presented the basic concept involving the nitrate‐ and nitrite‐forming pathways directly related to the mechanism of bacterial community growth. This study could facilitate an understanding of the correlation between nitrite content and microorganisms to guide beet sugar manufacturers regarding the control of nitrite and nitrate content. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Thyroarytenoid Muscle Gene Expression in a Rat Model of Early‐Onset Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Lechner Sarah A. , Kletzien Heidi , Gammie Stephen C. , Kelm‐Nelson Cynthia A.
Published: May 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Voice disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD) are early‐onset, manifest in the preclinical stages of the disease, and negatively impact quality of life. The complete loss of function in the PTEN‐induced kinase 1 gene (Pink1) causes a genetic form of early‐onset, autosomal recessive PD. Modeled after the human inherited mutation, the Pink1−/− rat demonstrates significant cranial sensorimotor dysfunction including declines in ultrasonic vocalizations. However, the underlying genetics of the vocal fold thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle that may contribute to vocal deficits has not been studied. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes in the TA muscle of 8‐month‐old male Pink1−/− rats compared to wildtype controls.

Study Design

Animal experiment with control.

Methods

High throughput RNA sequencing was used to examine TA muscle gene expression in adult male Pink1−/− rats and wildtype controls. Weighted Gene Co‐expression Network Analysis was used to construct co‐expression modules to identify biological networks, including where Pink1 was a central node. The ENRICHR tool was used to compare this gene set to existing human gene databases.

Results

We identified 134 annotated differentially expressed genes (P < .05 cutoff) and observed enrichment in the following biological pathways: Parkinson's disease (Casp7, Pink1); Parkin‐Ubiquitin proteasome degradation (Psmd12, Psmd7); MAPK signaling (Casp7, Ppm1b, Ppp3r1); and inflammatory TNF‐α, Nf‐κB Signaling (Casp7, Psmd12, Psmd7, Cdc34, Bcl7a, Peg3).

Conclusions

Genes and pathways identified here may be useful for evaluating the specific mechanisms of peripheral dysfunction including within the laryngeal muscle and have potential to be used as experimental biomarkers for treatment development.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:E2874–E2879, 2021
A Systematic Review on Surgical Treatments for Sulcus Vocalis and Vocal Fold Scar
Authors: Medeiros Nuno , Castro Maria Eugénia Morais , van Lith‐Bijl Julie Titske , Desuter Gauthier René Raymond
Published: May 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Vocal fold sulcus and scars are benign vocal fold lesions that present as a challenge to the laryngologist. A number of different surgical techniques have been proposed, aiming at restoring the lamina propria (LP), closing the glottal gap, or both. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of surgical treatment for sulcus and scar and to propose a new classification for these techniques.

Study Design

A literature search using MEDLINE and Google Scholar through August 2020.

Methods

Data on study design were retrieved and outcomes were classified as acoustic, aerodynamic, self‐reported, perceptual, and stroboscopic. Methodological quality was assessed using the MINORs criteria. Each technique was classified as direct, indirect, or combined.

Results

Our search included 31 studies with a total of 617 patients. Direct techniques included dissection, graft interposition, or LP regeneration/scar degradation while indirect techniques aimed for glottal gap closure. Only one article performed a comparison between different types of techniques and only eight studied the five types of outcomes. No superiority of any technique was noted in our analysis. Self‐reported outcomes were the most frequently improved.

Conclusions

There seems to not exist a one‐fits‐all treatment for this clinical picture and no clear decision‐making pattern. A recent trend toward sequential approaches, starting with less invasive procedures, can be observed.Laryngoscope, 132:822–830, 2022
The killer within: Endogenous bacteria accelerate oyster mortality during sustained anoxia
Authors: Coffin Michael R. S. , Clements Jeff C. , Comeau Luc A. , Guyondet Thomas , Maillet Michelle , Steeves Laura , Winterburn Keryn , Babarro José M. F. , Mallet Martin A. , Haché Rémy , Poirier Luke A. , Deb Saswati , Filgueira Ramon
Published: May 2021

Sustained periods of anoxia, driven by eutrophication, threaten coastal marine systems and can lead to mass mortalities of even resilient animals such as bivalves. While mortality rates under anoxia are well‐studied, the specific mechanism(s) of mortality are less clear. We used a suite of complementary techniques (LT50, histology, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and valvometry) to show that the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria within eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) accelerates mortality rate under anoxic conditions. Manipulative laboratory experiments revealed that oyster survival under anoxic conditions was halved when bacteria were present compared to when they were excluded by the broad‐spectrum antibiotic chloramphenicol. Histological assessments supported this mechanism and showed infiltration of bacteria in oysters that were not treated with antibiotics compared to a general lack of bacteria when oysters were treated with antibiotics. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing failed to identify any particular genera of bacteria responsible for mortality, rather a diversity of endogenous anaerobic and/or sulfate‐reducing bacteria were common among oysters. In addition, monitoring of oyster valve gaping behavior in the field revealed that oysters showed remarkable valve closure synchrony when first exposed to anoxia. However, oysters periodically opened throughout anoxia/hypoxia in both the lab and field, suggesting that the infiltration of exogenous bacteria from the environment may also influence mortality rates under natural settings. Coupled with previous studies, we posit that mass mortality events in a wide range of coastal bivalves are likely the result of co‐morbidity from asphyxiation and bacterial processes.
High Strength and Barrier Properties of Biodegradable PPC/PBSA Blends Prepared by Reaction Compatibilization for Promising Application in Packaging
Authors: Jiang Guo , Yu Li
Published: May 2021

Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC)/poly(butylene succinate‐co‐butylene adipate) (PBSA) blends are prepared via melt mixing using a twin‐screw extruder. A one‐step method based on the reaction compatibilization mechanism is used to prepare PPC/PBSA/AX8900(ethylene‐methyl acrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate random terpolymer) blends. The films of blends are prepared by an extrusion blown film machine. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results show that there is a strong hydrogen bonding between PPC and PBSA. The epoxy group of AX8900 can react with molecular chains of PPC and PBSA. It is shown from the rheological behavior that AX8900 can extend the molecular chains and increase the compatibility of PPC and PBSA. The films of PPC/PBSA blends exhibit more orientation structure than pure PPC film. The tensile strength of machine direction and transverse direction for 70PPC/30PBSA/1AX8900 film is higher than that for pure PPC film. The PPC/PBSA/AX8900 films have similar excellent barrier properties, compared with PPC film. The modified Maxwell theoretical model is used to predict and analyze changes in film barrier properties.
Primary antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori isolates is twofold more frequent in HIV‐positive than HIV‐negative individuals: A descriptive observational study
Authors: Nkuize Marcel , Vanderpas Jean , Buset Michel , Gomez‐Galdon Maria , Delforge Marc , Miendje‐Deyi Véronique Yvette , Muls Vinciane , De Wit Stéphane
Published: May 2021

The antimicrobial susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from HIV‐positive individuals is not well characterized. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and long‐term trends associated with primary H. pylori antibiotic resistance, evaluate correlations with antibiotic consumption, and compare predictors for H. pylori antibiotic resistance between HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative individuals. In this longitudinal registry study, we evaluated consecutive adults with and without HIV infection, naïve to H. pylori treatment, who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and had a positive H. pylori culture, with susceptibility testing available, between 2004 and 2015. Outpatient antibiotic consumption data were based on nationwide aggregated numbers. H. pylori was isolated from gastric biopsies of 3008/8321 patients, 181/477 (37.9%) were HIV‐positive and 2827/7844 (36.0%) HIV‐negative. Overall cohort mean prevalence of H. pylori primary antibiotic resistance was 11.1% for clarithromycin, 17.8% levofloxacin, and 39.4% metronidazole. The prevalence of H. pylori primary resistance was significantly higher for these three drugs in HIV‐positive individuals across the study period. Linear regression showed that the prevalence of clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance correlated with the country aggregate daily dose consumption of macrolides and quinolones, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis showed that HIV infection is a strong independent risk factor for multiple H. pylori antibiotic resistance. In summary, HIV infection is a risk factor for carrying multi‐resistant H. pylori strains and this is correlated with antibiotic consumption. Empirical therapies should be avoided in HIV‐positive individuals. These data highlight the need to implement ongoing monitoring of H. pylori antimicrobial susceptibility among HIV‐positive individuals. The study is registered at ISRCTN registry, number 13466428: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13466428.
Progression in Parkinson's Disease: Variation in Motor and Non‐motor Symptoms Severity and Predictors of Decline in Cognition, Motor Function, Disability, and Health‐Related Quality of Life as Assessed by Two Different Methods
Authors: Bugalho Paulo , Ladeira Filipa , Barbosa Raquel , Marto João Pedro , Borbinha Claudia , da Conceição Laurete , Salavisa Manuel , Saraiva Marlene , Meira Bruna , Fernandes Marco
Published: May 2021

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is multi‐symptom disease with variable progression.

Objectives

We performed a longitudinal study to address the evolution of motor symptoms (MS) and non‐motor symptoms (NMS), predictors of motor‐, cognitive‐, disability‐, and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) status and the relative usefullness of a battery of separate NMS scales (BSS) versus the Non‐Motor Symptom Scale (NMSS).

Methods

Seventy‐two patients were assessed at baseline and 4 years later with the NMSS and BSS. We assessed the following outcomes: cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale [MoCA]), disability (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part II [UPDRS II], Schwab and England [S&E]), motor dysfunction (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III [UPDRS III], Hoehn and Yahr [HY]), and HRQL (EuroQol [EQ] EQ‐vertical visual analogue scale [VAS] and EQ‐Index). Statistical analysis included a comparison between scales scores at both time points and multivariate regression analysis to calculate the impact of each baseline symptom in outcomes. NMSS and BSS were introduced in separate models.

Results

NMSS Domain 4: perception/hallucinations, Parkinson's Psychosis Questionnaire, Apathy Scale, NMSS Domain 7: urinary, S&E, UPDRS II, HY, and MoCA scores worsened significantly. Dementia increased to a 4‐year prevalence of 39.8%. In the multivariate model using BSS, cognitive state variation was significantly predicted by baseline HY, EQ‐Index, and S&E. Using the NMSS, MoCA change was significantly associated with NMSS Domain 4: perceptions/hallucination score, cognitive status with UPDRS III score, HRQL with NMSS Domain 4: perception/hallucinations score, and S&E.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that NMS progress heterogeneously, BSS approach being more sensitive to change than NMSS. The multivariate analysis has shown that S&E and NMSS Domain 4: perception/hallucinations scores are the stronger predictors of HRQL and cognitive dysfunction variation, favoring NMSS over the BSS approach.
Implementation of fragile X syndrome carrier screening during prenatal diagnosis: A pilot study at a single center
Authors: Xi Hui , Xie Wanqin , Chen Jing , Tang Wanglan , Deng Xiuli , Li Hua , Peng Ying , Wang Dan , Yang Shuting , Zhang Yanan , Duan Ranhui , Fang Junqun , Wang Hua
Published: May 2021

Background

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability. Prenatal screening of FXS allows for early identification and intervention. The present study explored the feasibility of FXS carrier screening during prenatal diagnosis for those who were not offered screening early in pregnancy or prior to conception.

Methods

Pregnant women to be offered amniotic fluid testing were recruited for the free voluntary carrier screening at a single center between August, 2017 and September, 2019. The number of CGG repeats in the 5’ un‐translated region of the fragile X mental retardation gene 1 (FMR1) was determined.

Results

4286 of 7000 (61.2%) pregnant women volunteered for the screening. Forty (0.93%), five (0.11%), and three (0.07%) carriers for intermediate mutation (45–54 repeats), premutation (55–200 repeats) and full mutation (>200 repeats) of the FMR1 gene were identified respectively. None of the detected premutation alleles were inherited by the fetuses. Of the three full mutation carrier mothers, all had a family history and one transmitted a full mutation allele to her male fetus.

Conclusion

Implementation of FXS carrier screening during prenatal diagnosis may be considered for the need to increase screening for FXS.
A singular problem for functional differential equations with decreasing non‐linearities
Authors: Pylypenko Vita , Rontó András
Published: May 2021

We consider a weighted initial value problem for first‐order functional differential equations with monotone non‐linearities which may have a non‐integrable singularity with respect to the independent variable. Conditions for the existence of solutions in a suitable weighted space of locally absolutely continuous functions are given.
The singular integro‐differential equations and its applications in the contact problems of elasticity theory
Authors: Shavlakadze Nugzar , Jamaspishvili Tsiala
Published: May 2021

The problems of constructing an exact or approximate solution of system of singular integro‐differential equations related to the problems of adhesive interaction between elastic thin finite or infinite nonhomogeneous patch and elastic plate are investigated. For the patch loaded with horizontal and vertical forces, the usual model of beam bending in combination with the uniaxial stress state model is valid. Using the methods of theory of analytic functions, integral transformation, or orthogonal polynomials, the singular integro‐differential equations reduced to the different boundary value problems (Karleman type problem with displacements and Riemann problem) of the theory of analytic functions or to the infinite system of linear algebraic equations. The asymptotic analysis of problem is carried out.
Slice encoding for the reduction of outflow signal artifacts in cine balanced SSFP imaging
Authors: Ali Fadil , Bydder Mark , Han Hui , Wang Da , Ghodrati Vahid , Gao Chang , Prosper Ashley , Nguyen Kim‐Lien , Finn J. Paul , Hu Peng
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Standard balanced SSFP (bSSFP) cine MRI often suffers from blood outflow artifacts. We propose a method that spatially encodes these outflowing spins to reduce their effects in the intended slice.

Methods

Bloch simulations were performed to characterize through‐plane flow and to investigate how the use of phase encoding along the slice select’s direction (“slice encoding”) could alleviate its issues. Phantom scans and in vivo cines were acquired on a 3T system, comparing the standard 2D acquisition to the proposed slice‐encoding method. Nineteen healthy volunteers were recruited for short‐axis and horizontal long‐axis oriented scans. An expert radiologist evaluated each slice‐encoded/standard cine pairs in a rank comparison test and graded their quality on a 1‐5 scale. The grades were used for a nonparametric paired evaluation for independent samples with a null hypothesis that there was no statistical difference between the two quality‐grade distributions for α = 0.05 significance.

Results

Bloch simulation results demonstrated this technique’s feasibility, showing a fully resolved slice profile given a sufficient number of slice encodes. These results were confirmed with the phantom experiments. Each in vivo slice‐encoded cine had a higher quality than its corresponding standard acquisition. The nonparametric paired evaluation came to 0.01 significance, encouraging us to reject the null hypothesis and conclude that slice‐encoding effectively works in reducing outflow effects.

Conclusion

The slice‐encoding balanced SSFP technique is helpful in mitigating outflow effects and is achievable within a single breath hold, being a useful alternative for cases in which the flow artifacts are significant.
Thermal behavior and dielectric response of epoxy–boron nitride composites reinforced with short human hair fiber
Authors: Nanda Bishnu Prasad , Satapathy Alok
Published: May 2021

Polymer composites with low dielectric constant and high thermal conductivity are gaining considerable attention due to their rising demand in various microelectronic applications such as printed circuit boards, connectors, encapsulations, and electrical contacts. In the present investigation, thermal and dielectric properties of a new class of epoxy‐based hybridized composites with improved thermal conductivity (k), high glass transition temperature (Tg), low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), controlled dielectric constant (Dk), and low dielectric loss (DL) have been reported. Epoxy‐based composites are fabricated by solution casting method with various wt% (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) of short hair fiber and with a fixed proportion of micro‐sized boron nitride (BN) (10 wt%) particles. Effects of fiber content on different thermal properties of the composites such as effective thermal conductivity (k), CTE, and Tg are studied by conducting tests as per appropriate American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Dielectric properties of the composite samples such as dielectric constant (Dk) and dielectric loss (DL) are evaluated in a HIOKI‐3532‐50 Hi Tester Elsier Analyzer. It is observed that with the addition of BN, thermal conductivity of the hybrid composite has significantly improved whereas the dielectric constant of the composite shows a decreasing trend with the increase in fiber content and operating frequency. There is also a marked improvement in the glass transition temperature of epoxy with the incorporation of short human hair fibers.
Challenges in providing residual risks in carrier testing
Authors: Nussbaum Robert Luke , Slotnick Robert Nathan , Risch Neil J.
Published: May 2021

The probability an individual is a carrier for a recessive disorder despite a negative carrier test, referred to as residual risk, has been part of carrier screening for over 2 decades. Residual risks are calculated by subtracting the frequency of carriers of pathogenic variants detected by the test from the carrier frequency in a population, estimated from the incidence of the disease. Estimates of the incidence (and therefore carrier frequency) of many recessive disorders differ among different population groups and are inaccurate or unavailable for many genes on large carrier screening panels for most of the world's populations. The pathogenic variants detected by the test and their frequencies also vary across groups and over time as variants are newly discovered or reclassified, which requires today's residual carrier risks to be continually updated. Even when a residual carrier risk is derived using accurate data obtained in a particular group, it may not apply to many individuals in that group because of misattributed ancestry or unsuspected admixture. Missing or inaccurate data, the challenge of determining meaningful ancestry‐specific risks and applying them appropriately, and a lack of evidence they impact management, suggest that patients be counseled that although carrier screening may miss a small fraction of carriers, residual risks with contemporary carrier screening are well below the risk posed by invasive prenatal diagnosis, even if one member of the couple is a carrier, and that efforts to provide precise residual carrier risks are unnecessary.
Crack propagation behaviors in a nanoparticle‐filled rubber studied by in situ tensile electron microscopy
Authors: Watanabe Daisuke , Miyata Tomohiro , Nagao Tomohiko , Kumagai Akemi , Jinnai Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

Although fracture resistance is critical for rubber materials, the fracture mechanisms are poorly understood from a microscopic perspective. In this study, a crack propagation process in rubber with silica nanoparticles, which is commonly used to enhance the mechanical properties of rubber materials, was successfully observed in situ with nanoscale resolution using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The consecutive time‐sliced TEM images clarified that the crack tip propagated along the interfaces between the rubber matrix and aggregates of silica nanoparticles (rubber‐aggregate interfaces). Moreover, the path and propagation rate of the crack were significantly affected by the heterogeneous distribution of the silica aggregates, which resulted in a “stick–slip” propagation behavior of the crack tip. Detailed spatial strain analysis revealed that the local maximum principal strain () around the crack tip was nonuniform. The crack tip propagated through regions with large , delaminating the rubber‐aggregate interfaces. This study successfully demonstrated that the heterogeneous distribution of nanoparticles significantly affects the fracture behavior of nanoparticle‐filled rubbers.
Barriers and facilitators of germline genetic evaluation for prostate cancer
Authors: Loeb Stacy , Li Randall , Sanchez Nolasco Tatiana , Byrne Nataliya , Cheng Heather H. , Becker Daniel , Leader Amy E. , Giri Veda N.
Published: May 2021

Background

Genetic counseling and germline testing have an increasingly important role for patients with prostate cancer (PCa); however, recent data suggests they are underutilized. Our objective was to perform a qualitative study of the barriers and facilitators of germline genetic evaluation among physicians who manage PCa.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and urologists from different U.S. practice settings until thematic saturation was achieved at n = 14. The interview guide was based on the Tailored Implementation in Chronic Diseases Framework to identify key determinants of practice. Interview transcripts were independently coded by ≥2 investigators using a constant comparative method.

Results

The decision to perform or refer for germline genetic evaluation is affected by factors at multiple levels. Although patient factors sometimes play a role, the dominant themes in the decision to conduct germline genetic evaluation were at the physician and organizational level. Physician knowledge, coordination of care, perceptions of the guidelines, and concerns about cost were most frequently discussed as the main factors affecting utilization of germline genetic evaluation.

Conclusions

There are currently numerous barriers to implementation of germline genetic evaluation for PCa. Efforts to expand physician education, to develop tools to enhance genetics in practice, and to facilitate coordination of care surrounding genetic evaluation are important to promote guideline‐concordant care.
Augmented Lagrangian method for spin‐coupled wave function
Authors: Sumita Masato , Yoshikawa Naruki
Published: May 2021

We applied augmented Lagrangian method coupled with derivative‐free methods to optimize molecular wave function based on non‐orthogonal orbitals, that is called spin‐coupled generalized valence bond (SCGVB), for its ground‐state energy. In contrast to the orthogonal‐orbital‐based electronic structure theory, the SCGVB includes spin eigenfunctions to satisfy the eigenstates as the operator of the square of the spin. To obtain the ground‐state energy of SCGVB, therefore, it is necessary to optimize the orbital and the spin‐coupling coefficients simultaneously. In this study, we validated feasibility of the derivative‐free augmented Lagrangian method for optimizing the spin‐coupling and the orbital coefficients with the constraint of normality of the wave function. We employed this SCGVB method to compute dissociative potential energy curves (PECs) of H2, , , and LiH. The obtained PECs by the SCGVB method are close to these by full configuration interaction theory. These results indicate that the augmented Lagrangian method is effective to optimize the wave function of SCGVB.
Analysis of vaginal and endometrial microbiota communities in infertile women with a history of repeated implantation failure
Authors: Ichiyama Takuhiko , Kuroda Keiji , Nagai Yoko , Urushiyama Daichi , Ohno Motoharu , Yamaguchi Takashi , Nagayoshi Motoi , Sakuraba Yoshiyuki , Yamasaki Fumio , Hata Kenichiro , Miyamoto Shingo , Itakura Atsuo , Takeda Satoru , Tanaka Atsushi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To identify specific bacterial communities in vaginal and endometrial microbiotas as biomarkers of implantation failure by comprehensively analyzing their microbiotas using next‐generation sequencing.

Methods

We investigated α‐ and β‐diversities of vaginal and endometrial microbiotas using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and compared their profiles between 145 women with repeated implantation failure (RIF) and 21 controls who lacked the factors responsible for implantation failure with a high probability of being healthy and fertile to identify specific bacteria that induce implantation failure.

Results

The endometrial microbiotas had higher α‐diversities than did the vaginal microbiotas (P < .001). The microbiota profiles showed that vaginal and endometrial samples in RIF patients had significantly higher levels of 5 and 14 bacterial genera, respectively, than those in controls. Vaginal Lactobacillus rates in RIF patients were significantly lower at 76.4 ± 38.9% compared with those of the controls at 91.8 ± 22.7% (P = .018), but endometrial Lactobacillus rates did not significantly differ between the RIF patients and controls (56.2 ± 36.4% and 58.8 ± 37.0%, respectively, P = .79).

Conclusions

Impaired microbiota communities containing specific bacteria in both the endometrium and vagina were associated with implantation failure. The vaginal Lactobacillus rates, but not the endometrial, may be a biomarker for RIF.
Nanoscale FasL Organization on DNA Origami to Decipher Apoptosis Signal Activation in Cells
Authors: Berger Ricarda M. L. , Weck Johann M. , Kempe Simon M. , Hill Oliver , Liedl Tim , Rädler Joachim O. , Monzel Cornelia , Heuer‐Jungemann Amelie
Published: May 2021

Cell signaling is initiated by characteristic protein patterns in the plasma membrane, but tools to decipher their molecular organization and activation are hitherto lacking. Among the well‐known signaling pattern is the death inducing signaling complex with a predicted hexagonal receptor architecture. To probe this architecture, DNA origami‐based nanoagents with nanometer precise arrangements of the death receptor ligand FasL are introduced and presented to cells. Mimicking different receptor geometries, these nanoagents act as signaling platforms inducing fastest time‐to‐death kinetics for hexagonal FasL arrangements with 10 nm inter‐molecular spacing. Compared to naturally occurring soluble FasL, this trigger is faster and 100× more efficient. Nanoagents with different spacing, lower FasL number or higher coupling flexibility impede signaling. The results present DNA origami as versatile signaling scaffolds exhibiting unprecedented control over molecular number and geometry. They define molecular benchmarks in apoptosis signal initiation and constitute a new strategy to drive particular cell responses.
Architecture violations detection and visualization in the continuous integration pipeline
Authors: Mendoza Camilo , Bocanegra José , Garcés Kelly , Casallas Rubby
Published: May 2021

New code in projects can introduce violations that deviate the code implementation from the intended architecture. This process is known as architecture erosion. In this article, we propose an approach for recovering the implemented architecture, and detecting violations when comparing it with the intended architecture. Given a code repository, the continuous integration pipeline calls the solution to detect the incidences of architecture violations as well as some quality and social metrics. This data is presented in metric‐centered views that help development teams to manage architecture erosion. Our approach is based on model‐driven engineering techniques since models serve to represent the code, and a model‐based pattern language helps us to automate the search for violation occurrences and execute corresponding actions (e.g., creation/assignment of issues). We confirm the approach benefits in a real project implemented by a software developing company, in a sample project available on the internet, and in a software development course, including 20 projects, where every single project decreases its architecture violations density through time.
A method for obtaining efficient UE(s2)‐optimal two‐level supersaturated designs
Authors: Evangelaras Haralambos
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we describe a method that can be used to obtain UE(s2)‐optimal two‐level supersaturated designs. A major advantage of the proposed approach is the information it provides on the correlation structure of the generated UE(s2)‐optimal supersaturated design and on the pairs of its orthogonal (or nearly orthogonal) columns. Therefore, it can be used to further distinguish between competitive UE(s2)‐optimal designs. Examples are given to illustrate the usefulness and the flexibility of the proposed method.