bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical tools for monitoring changes in physical and chemical properties of chromatography resin upon reuse
Authors: Pathak Mili , Lintern Katherine , Johnson Thomas F. , Nair Aswathy M. , Mukherji Soumyo , Bracewell Daniel G. , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: September 2019

Protein A resins are often reused for multiple cycles to improve process economy during mAb purification. Significant reduction in binding capacity and product recovery are typically observed due to the presence of unwanted materials (foulants) deposited on the resin upon reuse. In this paper, we have used a wide spectrum of qualitative and quantitative analytical tools (particle size analysis, HPLC, fluorescence, SEM, MS, and FTIR) to compare the strengths and shortcomings of different analytical tools in terms of their capability to detect the fouling of the resin and relate it to chromatographic cycle performance. While each tool offers an insight into this complex phenomena, fluorescence is the only one that can be used for real‐time monitoring of resin fouling. A correlation could be established between fluorescence intensity and the process performance attributes (like yield or binding capacity) impacted upon resin reuse. This demonstration of the application of fluorescence for real‐time monitoring correlated empirically with process performance attributes and the results support its use as a PAT tool as part of a process control strategy. While the focus of this paper is on fouling of protein A chromatography resin, the approach and strategy are pertinent to other modes of chromatography as well.
Microalgal kinetics — a guideline for photobioreactor design and process development
Authors: Schediwy Kira , Trautmann Andreas , Steinweg Christian , Posten Clemens
Published: September 2019

Kinetics generally describes bio‐(chemical) reaction rates in dependence on substrate concentrations. Kinetics for microalgae is often adapted from heterotrophs and lacks mechanistic foundation, e.g. for light harvesting. Using and understanding kinetic equations as the representation of intracellular mechanisms is essential for reasonable comparisons and simulations of growth behavior. Summarizing growth kinetics in one equation does not yield reliable models. Piecewise linear or rational functions may mimic photosynthesis irradiance response curves, but fail to represent the mechanisms. Our modeling approach for photoautotrophic growth comprises physical and kinetic modules with mechanistic foundation extracted from the literature. Splitting the light submodel into the modules for light distribution, light absorption, and photosynthetic sugar production with independent parameters allows the transfer of kinetics between different reactor designs. The consecutive anabolism depends among others on nutrient concentrations. The nutrient uptake kinetics largely impacts carbon partitioning in the reviewed stoichiometry range of cellular constituents. Consecutive metabolic steps mask each other and demand a maximum value understandable as the minimum principle of growth. These fundamental modules need to be clearly distinguished, but may be modified or extended based on process conditions and progress in research. First, discussion of kinetics helps to understand the physiological situation, for which ranges of parameter values are given. Second, kinetics should be used for photobioreactor design, but also for gassing and nutrient optimization. Numerous examples are given for both aspects. Finally, measuring kinetics more comprehensively and precisely will help in improved process development.
Performance enhancement by optimizing the reformer for an internal reforming methanol fuel cell
Authors: Ji Feng , Yang Linlin , Li Yinhua , Sun Hai , Sun Gongquan
Published: October 2019

Internal reforming methanol fuel cell (IRMFC) has potential applications in portable or stationary power supply system, but currently performance of the IRMFC is limited by the low hydrogen production of its reformer. In order to produce more hydrogen with less volume, in this paper a single channel serpentine packed bed reformer was designed, and its bed size was optimized by experiment and numerical simulation to enhance heat transfer and increase catalyst utilization. It was found that with the bed diameter from 5.8 mm down to 3.8 mm, the reformer temperature distribution was more uniform but the bed pressure drop increased a lot. Considering performance and pressure drop, the reformer of 5 mm was optimal, per milliliters of which could supply 9.8 mL/min hydrogen at 453 K, almost twice as much as that by A. Mendes et al with one‐third of their catalyst loading. The reformer was quite stable, and less than 10% decline in methanol conversion was observed during the 100 hours period at 473 K. When incorporated into an IRMFC single cell, power density of the single cell reached 0.45‐0.55 W/cm2 at 453‐473 K under CH3OH solution and air feed, the highest in existing reports. The main drawback has to do with low stability of the IRMFC single cell at high current density.
The evolution of sandstone microstructure and mechanical properties with thermal damage
Authors: Lei Ruide , Wang Yao , Zhang Liang , Liu Bolong , Long Kun , Luo Peng , Wang YaKun
Published: September 2019

The physical and mechanical properties of rocks at high temperatures change considerably with geothermal exploitation, underground coal gasification, and nuclear engineering construction, posing a threat to the safety of underground engineering. To investigate the effect of temperature on micro‐ and macroscale damage of sandstone, a series of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted using an MTS 815 mechanical testing system. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were also employed. Macroscopically, it was found that the physical and mechanical properties of sandstone change with treatment temperature, but these changes do not follow a monotonic trend. In addition, the brittle‐ductile transition occurs at approximately 600°C, which is further confirmed by AE monitoring. Regarding the microstructural evolution of sandstone, the percentage of micropores shows a monotonically decreasing trend with increasing treatment temperature. The change in mesopores decreases slightly first, then shows a gradual increase, and finally decreases. The macropores first decrease and subsequently increase with increasing temperature. The decreasing trend of the meso‐ and macropores is attributed to thermal expansion at a relatively low temperature. However, the decrease in mesopores is due to their coalescence into macropores at higher temperatures. Furthermore, the integral value of the NMR spectrum first decreases and then increases with increasing treatment temperature, corresponding to the decrease in porosity from 25°C to 200°C, and then increases with temperature to 900°C. Finally, a constitutive model for the deformation and fracture of sandstone is established based on the effective medium theory and AE energy. The present study is helpful for improving the understanding of the process of thermal damage sandstone from both micro‐ and macroscale perspectives.
Numerical investigation of failure evolution for the surrounding rock of a super‐large section chamber group in a deep coal mine
Authors: Tan Yunliang , Fan Deyuan , Liu Xuesheng , Song Shilin , Li Xianfeng , Wang Honglei
Published: September 2019

The stability control of surrounding rock for a large or super‐large section chamber group is a difficult technical problem in deep mining conditions, and this stability control has become one of the most important factors restricting the safety of a large‐scale coal mine. Based on the in‐site geological conditions of a super‐large section chamber group that functions for a coal gangues separation system in the Longgu Coal Mine, we first researched the stress, deformation, and failure characteristics of the in‐site chamber group surrounding rocks by using the FLAC3D software. Simulation results showed that the maximum vertical stress, deformation, and failure range of the surrounding rock for a super‐large section chamber group are larger than those of an ordinary section chamber. In addition, the roof subsidence and the plastic zone radius at the intersection are obviously larger than that of other parts, which increase by approximately 50.8% and 44.4%, respectively. Therefore, the chamber group intersection should be taken as the key area for surrounding rock control. Then, the influences of two key parameters of the chamber group, spacing and angle, were researched in detail to help in the design of the chamber group. Results show that when the chamber spacing is 80 m, the interaction begins to occur. When the angle is 70°, the stress of the surrounding rock and roof subsidence reach the minimum. Thus, the optimum chamber group parameters are determined to be a spacing of 80 m and an angle of 70°. Finally, from the perspective of chamber group stability, the optimal chamber group parameters can better meet the normal use for the super‐large section chamber group. This research provides a reference for the design of a super‐large section chamber group under the same or similar conditions and provides a strategy for controlling the surrounding rock.
Construction of biogas metabolic pathway in a low‐temperature biogas fermentation system
Authors: Yang Bin , Yin Fang , Wang Changmei , Zhao Xingling , Liu Jing , Wu Kai , Yang Hong , Zhang Wudi
Published: September 2019

The main objective of this study was to establish the metabolic pathway of a biogas fermentation system active at low temperature, and to describe the bacterial and archaeal methanogenic species responsible. A biogas fermentation inoculum adapted to be active at 9°C was used in a 10‐L batch‐type temperature‐controlled fermentor, using pig manure as the raw material. Fermentation at 9°C was followed for 120 days. A combination of nonbiological and biological factors was analyzed. Species were identified from OTU analysis based on 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, and correlation analysis was used to study the effect of nonbiological factors, bacterial communities, and archaea communities. Biogas production was most effective between days 50 and 90, where gas production was above 0.70 L/d and the CH4 yield was above 0.36 L/g‐volatile solid. The relative abundance of the first dominant bacterial  OTU with 99% identity to Clostridium cellulovorans varied between 16.17% and 27.30%. These bacteria typically degrade cellulose and hemicellulose. The second dominant bacterial OTU (relative abundance 15.23%‐27.15%) was 99% identical to Terrisporobacter petrolearius, a typical fermentative species. The most abundant (4.15%‐37.14%) archaeal OTU was 98% identical to Methanocorpusculum sinense, which is a typical hydrogenotrophic methanogen. A low‐temperature biogas metabolic pathway was constructed, based on abundant bacterial and methanogen OTUs. The most suitable metabolic pathway describes that hydrogen is produced by one part of the community and then used to reduce the produced carbon dioxide into CH4; this seems to be the major pathway by which biogas is produced under low‐temperature conditions.
Double‐strand breakage in the extrachromosomal double minutes triggers their aggregation in the nucleus, micronucleation, and morphological transformation
Authors: Oobatake Yoshihiro , Shimizu Noriaki
Published: October 2019

Gene amplification plays a pivotal role in malignant transformation. Amplified genes often reside on extrachromosomal double minutes (DMs). Low‐dose hydroxyurea induces DM aggregation in the nucleus which, in turn, generates micronuclei composed of DMs. Low‐dose hydroxyurea also induces random double‐strand breakage throughout the nucleus. In the present study, we found that double‐strand breakage in DMs is sufficient for induction of DM aggregation. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce specific breakages in both natural and artificially tagged DMs of human colorectal carcinoma COLO 320DM cells. Aggregation occurred in the S phase but not in the G1 phase within 4 hours after breakage, which suggested the possible involvement of homologous recombination in the aggregation of numerous DMs. Simultaneous detection of DMs and the phosphorylated histone H2AX revealed that the aggregation persisted after breakage repair. Thus, the aggregate generated cytoplasmic micronuclei at the next interphase. Our data also suggested that micronuclear entrapment eliminated the DMs or morphologically transformed them into giant DMs or homogeneously staining regions (HSRs). In this study, we obtained a model explaining the consequences of DMs after double‐strand breakage in cancer cells. Because double‐strand breakage is frequently involved in cancer therapy, the model suggests how it affects gene amplification.
Natural fractures within Knox reservoirs in the Appalachian Basin: characterization and impact on poroelastic response of injection
Authors: Raziperchikolaee Samin , Babarinde Ola , Sminchak Joel , Gupta Neeraj
Published: October 2019

Understanding the distribution and orientation of natural fractures within Knox Groups is of significance in seeking potential CO2storage zones with high practical storage capacity. Over 700 observations of natural fractures were interpreted on acquired resistivity and acoustic image logs collected at multiple well locations ranging in depth from 730 to 3900 m in the Knox Group interval on the western flank of Appalachian Basin. We evaluated the structural parameters of the fractures using statistical analysis. Natural fracture intensity was observed to increase up‐dip within the studied area. The present day maximum horizontal stress direction was derived using the interpretation of wellbore breakouts and drilling‐induced tensile fractures in image logs. Overall, a high percentage of fractures with varying dip directions were observed to strike subparallel to the contemporary maximum horizontal stress direction. Multiphase flow–geomechanics coupled numerical simulations and poromechanics analytical solutions were then used to study pressure and stress response of CO2injection into the fractured Knox reservoirs. In addition, we applied a dual permeability model combined with a fracture activation model to study the permeability enhancement and its effect on injection mass increase. We also showed the line source injection solution can reasonably predict stress changes of CO2injection into the deep saline formations. Results were analyzed to understand the potential effect of natural fractures in sandstone formations and fractured layers in thick carbonate formations on CO2‐injected mass, time‐dependent stress evolution, and the ratio of stress to pore pressure changes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Business group affiliation and foreign subsidiary performance
Authors: Castaldi Sarah , Gubbi Sathyajit R. , Kunst Vincent E. , Beugelsdijk Sjoerd
Published: October 2019

Research Summary

Business group (BG) affiliation affects the strategic behavior and performance of firms. Until now it has been theoretically unclear and insufficiently empirically tested whether affiliation advantages extend to the foreign subsidiaries of group members. We attempt to determine if they do, and if so, to identify the boundary conditions that matter. We analyze a large panel of 451 foreign subsidiaries of 136 Indian multinational firms over the 2003–2012 period and find that BG affiliation does enhance foreign subsidiary performance when host‐market institutions are weak and when the parent is in manufacturing.

Managerial Summary

Our research speaks directly to managers of multinational firms who seek to leverage the benefits of BG affiliation across national borders. We show that BG affiliation is only beneficial when the foreign subsidiary is located in a country characterized by weak institutions and when the parent is in manufacturing. If, on the other hand, the foreign subsidiary is in a country with well‐functioning institutions and the parent in services, managers will not be able to count on BG advantages, rather they will have to develop competitive capabilities locally, that is, the foreign subsidiary will have to function more like a standalone firm.
Genetic counselors’ comfort and knowledge of cancer risk assessment for transgender patients
Authors: Berro Tala , Zayhowski Kimberly , Field Tessa , Channaoui Nadine , Sotelo Jilliane
Published: September 2019

Transgender individuals are often their own health advocates, especially if seeking hormone therapies and gender‐affirmation surgeries. While literature exists in the genetic counseling field that explores the relationship between genetic counselors and lesbian, gay, and bisexual patients, there is less research that directly addresses transgender patients. This study assessed cancer genetic counselors’ education, knowledge, and comfort with transgender health issues, such as hormone therapies and gender affirmation surgeries. A survey evaluated comfort with relevant vocabulary terms and performance on written case vignettes to approximate how cancer genetic counselors would facilitate conversations with transgender patients about cancer risks. Conclusions drawn in this study are representative of this subpopulation, which is skewed toward a younger population. Mean similarity between responses and predetermined correct answers on the case vignettes was 78.5%. A majority of participants endorsed wanting more education on implications of transgender identity on cancer risk assessment, a need underscored by some participants reporting their discomfort asking about gender pronouns. There was an overall lack of consensus on breast cancer screening based on estrogen therapy, pedigree symbol use, and testing of a minor prior to hormone therapy. This study adds to the growing literature that highlights the educational needs specific to genetic counseling to promote individualized care for transgender patients.
Normal bile duct findings using peroral cholangioscopy‐guided probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy (with video)
Authors: Tanisaka Yuki , Ryozawa Shomei , Nonaka Kouichi , Ban Shinichi , Fujita Akashi
Published: October 2019

We encountered a case of wall thickening of the bile duct in a 69‐year‐old man. endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed for detailed examination. When an area considered to be the healthy bile duct was examined by peroral cholangioscopes (POCS) (SPYGlass DS), the vascular network was observed. POCS‐guided, probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE; CholangioFlex, Cellvizio; Mauna Kea Technologies, Paris, France), performed using the fluorescein‐dripping method on this area, showed a reticular network of thin dark branching bands, which were presumed to be a collagen bundle or lymphatic vessels according to the Miami Classification. However, 8 μm‐diameter objects thought to be red blood cells were observed inside the bands, which were considered to correspond to the vascular network observed on POCS. A biopsy specimen of this site was taken. The histological examination demonstrated capillaries just beneath the bile duct epithelium. Thus, the histology also suggested the presence of the vascular network. In this study, we obtained findings that cannot be explained in terms of the Miami Classification, which we describe here with a video.
Bacterial colonization of the stomach and duodenum in a Swedish population with and without proton pump inhibitor treatment
Authors: Arroyo Vázquez Jorge Alberto , Henning Claes , Park Per‐Ola , Bergström Maria
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim

Microbial contamination of the abdominal cavity is a serious concern during transgastric endoscopic interventions and perforations, particularly in patients who have inhibited gastric acid secretion due to treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

The aim of this study was to investigate the gastric and duodenal bacterial flora in patients with and without PPI treatment.

Methods

Patients referred for gastroscopy, without recent antibiotic treatment, were eligible for inclusion. Use of PPIs was recorded. Samples for bacterial culturing were obtained from the antrum of the stomach and from the duodenal bulb through a gastroscope. Positive cultures were examined for bacterial types and subtypes. Biopsies were taken in the antrum for urease test to detect Helicobacter pylori.

Results

Bacterial cultures from the stomach were obtained from 103 patients, and duodenal samples were also cultured from 49 of them, for a total of 53 patients with PPI use and 50 patients without. Positive gastric cultures were found in 42 of 53 patients with PPI use and in 13 of 50 without (P < 0.0001). Duodenal cultures were positive in 20 of 24 with PPI and 8 of 25 without (P < 0.0001). The most commonly identified bacterial species were oral strains of Streptococcus, followed by Neisseria and Haemophilus influenzae. Of 103 patients, 10 had a positive urease test, indicating H. pylori infection, 1 with PPI and 9 without.

Conclusions

Bacterial growth in the stomach and duodenum is more common in patients with PPI treatment. The dominating bacterial species found in the stomach and duodenum originates from the oropharynx.

Clinical trials registry: Trial registration number 98041 in Researchweb (FoU in Sweden).
Decrease in major secondary bile acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, was the main alteration in hepatic bile acid compositions in a hypertensive nonalcoholic fatty liver disease model
Authors: Kodama Masanobu , Kanno Keishi , Kishikawa Nobusuke , Takei Hajime , Nittono Hiroshi , Tazuma Susumu
Published: September 2019

Background

Previous findings on hepatic bile acid compositions in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been inconsistent and complicated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of steatosis on hepatic bile acid composition in a hypertensive NAFLD model without obesity and diabetes mellitus and compare hepatic bile acid composition between hypertensive rats with and without steatosis.

Methods

Two groups of hypertensive rats were studied: spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed with a normal diet (SHR‐N) or a choline‐deficient diet (SHR‐CD). Two groups of normotensive rats were studied: Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) fed a normal diet (WKY‐N) or a choline‐deficient diet (WKY‐CD). Hepatic bile acid analysis was performed using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Regarding bile acid composition, the hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) species in the SHR‐CD group showed the largest change in bile acid composition, significantly decreasing to 21.9% of that found in the SHR‐N group. In the WKY‐CD group, no reduction of HDCA species was observed.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the decrease in HDCA species was the main alteration in a hypertensive NAFLD model. It was suggested that the decrease in HDCA species in the SHR‐CD group was caused by dysbiosis.
Hypothermic perfusion hepatectomy for unresectable liver cancer: A single‐center experience
Authors: Yoon Young‐In , Lee Sung‐Gyu , Moon Deok‐Bog , Kim Ki‐Hun , Park Cheon‐Soo , Park Gil‐Chun , Cho Yong‐Pil
Published: September 2019

Background

The resection of liver tumors that involve the hepatic veins adjacent to the vena cava or hepatic hilum is technically challenging. We present our surgical techniques and the long‐term outcome of five patients with conventionally unresectable tumors.

Methods

Five patients with conventionally unresectable tumors were successfully treated by “ex‐situ liver resection” and “in‐situ and ante‐situm hypothermic liver perfusion” under total vascular exclusion and venovenous bypass.

Results

These approaches allowed complete tumor removal with vascular reconstruction under a bloodless surgical field, while minimizing hepatic ischemic injury and preserving liver function. No perioperative mortalities occurred, and postoperative complications were minimal. The postoperative survival periods were limited due to the advanced malignancies in our patients, but the survival benefit was encouraging. The median postoperative survival time was 29.1 months, with the longest survival period being nearly 10 years. These approaches improved the quality of life and provided an opportunity for additional treatment.

Conclusions

Hypothermic perfusion hepatectomy is a realistic option for achieving surgical cure or significantly improved survival and quality of life in patients with tumors deemed unresectable using conventional normothermic hepatectomy. These approaches can overcome the limitations of the liver's restricted normothermic ischemia tolerance or inaccessible tumor locations.
MRI safety and devices: An update and expert consensus
Authors: Jabehdar Maralani Pejman , Schieda Nicola , Hecht Elizabeth M. , Litt Harold , Hindman Nicole , Heyn Chinthaka , Davenport Matthew S. , Zaharchuk Greg , Hess Christopher P. , Weinreb Jeffrey
Published: October 2019

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasing globally, and MRI safety issues regarding medical devices, which are constantly being developed or upgraded, represent an ongoing challenge for MRI personnel. To assist the MRI community, a panel of 10 radiologists with expertise in MRI safety from nine high‐volume academic centers formed, with the objective of providing clarity on some of the MRI safety issues for the 10 most frequently questioned devices. Ten device categories were identified. The panel reviewed the literature, including key MRI safety issues regarding screening and adverse event reports, in addition to the manufacturer's Instructions For Use. Using a Delphi‐inspired method, 36 practical recommendations were generated with 100% consensus that can aid the clinical MRI community.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy Stage: 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:657–674.
Auditory temporal acuity improves with age in the male mouse auditory thalamus: A role for perineuronal nets?
Authors: Quraishe Shmma , Newman Tracey , Anderson Lucy
Published: September 2019

The ability to perceive and interpret environmental sound accurately is conserved across many species and is fundamental for understanding communication via vocalizations. Auditory acuity and temporally controlled neuronal firing underpin this ability. Deterioration in neuronal firing precision likely contributes to poorer hearing performance, yet the role of neural processing by key nuclei in the central auditory pathways is not fully understood. Here, we record from the auditory thalamus (medial geniculate body [MGB]) of young and middle‐aged, normally hearing male CBA/Ca mice. We report changes in temporal processing of auditory stimuli, with neurons recorded from ventral and medial MGB subdivisions of older animals more likely to synchronize to rapid temporally varying stimuli. MGB subdivisions also showed increased probability of neuronal firing and shorter response latencies to clicks in older animals. Histological investigation of neuronal extracellular specializations, perineuronal nets (PNNs) and axonal coats, in the MGB identified greater organization of PNNs around MGB neurons and the presence of axonal coats within older animals. This supports the observation that neural responses recorded from ventral and medial MGB of older mice were more likely to synchronize to temporally varying stimuli presented at faster repetition rates than those recorded from young adult animals. These changes are observed in animals with normal hearing thresholds, confirming that neural processing differs between the MGB subdivisions and such processing is associated with age‐related changes to PNNs. Understanding these age‐related changes and how they occur have important implications for the design of effective therapeutic interventions to improve speech intelligibility into later life.
Development and validation of a risk stratification model for immediate microvascular breast reconstruction
Authors: Roy Mélissa , Sebastiampillai Stephanie , Haykal Siba , Zhong Toni , Hofer Stefan O. P. , O'Neill Anne C.
Published: September 2019

Background

Immediate breast reconstruction has many advantages but is associated with higher complication rates than delayed reconstruction. Complications can delay the delivery of adjuvant cancer treatments. This study aimed to develop and validate a risk stratification model for the prediction of perioperative complications in immediate microvascular breast reconstruction.

Methods

The association between patient and treatment variables and perioperative complications was evaluated in a retrospective cohort of 351 women undergoing immediate breast reconstruction using free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the strength of association and weighted scores were assigned. Using cumulative risk scores, patients were stratified into low, intermediate, and high‐risk groups. The model was then validated in a prospective cohort of 100 consecutive patients.

Results

Obesity, smoking, prior radiation, and comorbidities were important predictors and incorporated into the risk model. Complications occurred in 23.5% of low‐risk (95% confidence interval [CI] = 17.7‐29.2), 38.4% of intermediate‐risk (95% CI = 29.2‐47.5) and 53.9% of high‐risk (95% CI = 33.3‐74.4) patients. Validation confirmed a linear relationship between the risk stratification categories and complications in a model with good predictive power (c‐statistic = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.6‐0.8).

Conclusion

A simple risk score, based on known preoperative variables, provides accurate risk stratification for patients considering immediate microvascular breast reconstruction.
Total endoscopic stapes surgery: Systematic review and pooled analysis of audiological outcomes
Authors: Hall Andrew C. , Mandavia Rishi , Selvadurai David
Published: October 2019

Objective

This study evaluates the current evidence base for total endoscopic stapes surgery, specifically to establish current efficacy and safety of the technique within clinical practice.

Data Sources

A systematic review of the literature on endoscopic stapes surgery was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis checklist. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database for relevant publications for all available dates with appropriate Medical Subject Headings search criteria in January 2018.

Study Selection

Out of the 160 articles identified in the search, 14 met the inclusion criteria for further analysis. Four of these were level III and 10 level IV evidence.

Data Extraction

A pooled patient population of 314 individuals was analyzed.

Data Synthesis

Documented postoperative air bone gap closure to within 20 dB was found in 95.3% of individuals (285 patients). Facial nerve palsy (temporary) occurred in three patients (0.6%), with all recovering. No total sensorineural hearing losses were recorded, but two moderate sensorineural hearing losses occurred (0.6%). Perilymph fistula was noted on four occasions (1.3%). Chorda tympani trauma was documented in 3.5% of cases, with taste disturbance documented in 13 patients (5%).

Conclusions

Our pooled analysis uses the current published evidence to establish the complication rate and audiological outcome for the endoscopic approach to stapes surgery. These outcomes are comparable to those documented in traditional use of the microscope for stapedectomy.

Laryngoscope, 130:1282–1286, 2020
Long‐term survey data reveal large predator and temperature effects on population growth of multiple zooplankton species
Authors: Marino John A. , Vanderploeg Henry A. , Pothoven Steven A. , Elgin Ashley K. , Peacor Scott D.
Published: October 2019

Predators can strongly affect prey communities, but their influence may be difficult to distinguish from bottom‐up and other environmental effects. The problem of assessing predator impact is especially difficult in large systems that do not allow for comparisons across multiple units (e.g., small lakes) that have varying predator density. For instance, the invasion of the predatory zooplankter, Bythotrephes longimanus, into the Laurentian Great Lakes contributed to the nearly complete disappearance of several zooplankton species, but current effects on extant zooplankton are not well understood. We used generalized additive models (GAMs) applied to long‐term data time series (1994–2012) to examine B. longimanus effects on zooplankton species in Lake Michigan. Because B. longimanus abundance varied over time, our approach allowed assessment of predator effects from field data while accounting for other factors, including food resources, temperature, and seasonality. Results suggest that B. longimanus substantially reduces some zooplankton population growth rates, with the largest effects on species that B. longimanus affected more strongly in experiments. For example, at maximum B. longimanus abundance, Daphnia mendotae, Bosmina longirostris, and Diacyclops thomasi population growth rates were estimated to be reduced by 17%, 30%, and 21%, respectively, compared to no effect on calanoid copepods. Results further indicated positive temperature effects on population growth that differed by species. Our study thus provides field‐based evidence for ongoing impacts of invasive species and temperature on zooplankton production and composition, with potential consequences for planktivorous fish, and exemplifies how GAMs can be used to determine predator effects from time series data.
Renal globotriaosylceramide deposits for Fabry disease linked to uncertain pathogenicity gene variant c.352C>T/p.Arg118Cys: A family study
Authors: Cerón‐Rodríguez Magdalena , Ramón‐García Guillermo , Barajas‐Colón Edgar , Franco‐Álvarez Isidro , Salgado‐Loza Juan L.
Published: October 2019

Background

Fabry disease (FD) has an extensive phenotypic expression associated with GLA gene variants. The GLA gene variant c.352C>T/p.Arg118Cys was considered with uncertain pathogenicity because of the finding of high residual alpha‐galactosidase A (α‐Gal A) enzyme activity, the absence of Mendelian segregation with an FD phenotype with many individuals remaining asymptomatic at old ages and the lack of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) deposits in tissues. Gb3 deposits are found in kidneys before the progression to overt microalbuminuria and decreased glomerular filtration.

Methods

We describe a family with c.352C>T/p.Arg118Cys variant and pathognomonic signs of FD renal damage in masculine children.

Results

The proband died of end‐stage renal failure and we analyzed GLA gene in his offspring and found the variant in all daughters and five of seven grandchildren. In patients who we measure plasma and urinary Gb3, α‐Gal A enzyme activity, and plasma globotriaosylsphingosine (Lyso‐Gb3), these were normal or almost normal. A kidney biopsy was performed in two boys and one girl with normal renal function and characteristic signs of FD as enlarged and vacuolated epithelial cells, myelin figures, myelin‐like figures, lamellated structures in podocytes and endothelial cells, were found in boys. These boys received agalsidase beta 1 mg/kg IV infusion every other week to prevent further renal damage.

Conclusion

This is the first report that shows a link between FD renal Gb3 deposits and c.352C>T/p.Arg118Cys variant, supporting pathogenicity of a variant considered until now with uncertain pathogenicity.
National initiative seeks to optimize coordinated care in early psychosis
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2019

Having already demonstrated that coordinated specialty care outperforms usual care for patients with early‐phase psychosis, members of the research community are embarking on a major federally funded effort to get the more comprehensive approach implemented successfully across community‐based practice settings.
Iterative motion‐compensation reconstruction ultra‐short TE (iMoCo UTE) for high‐resolution free‐breathing pulmonary MRI
Authors: Zhu Xucheng , Chan Marilynn , Lustig Michael , Johnson Kevin M. , Larson Peder E. Z.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To develop a high‐scanning efficiency, motion‐corrected imaging strategy for free‐breathing pulmonary MRI by combining an iterative motion‐compensation reconstruction with a ultrashort echo time (UTE) acquisition called iMoCo UTE.

Methods

An optimized golden‐angle ordering radial UTE sequence was used to continuously acquire data for 5 minutes. All readouts were grouped to different respiratory motion states based on self‐navigator signals, and then motion‐resolved data was reconstructed by XD golden‐angle radial sparse parallel reconstruction. One state from the motion‐resolved images was selected as a reference, and then motion fields from the other states to the reference were derived via nonrigid registration. Finally, all motion‐resolved data and motion fields were reconstructed by using an iterative motion‐compensation (MoCo) reconstruction with a total generalized variation sparse constraint.

Results

The iMoCo UTE strategy was evaluated in volunteers and nonsedated pediatric patient (4‐6 years old) studies. Images reconstructed with iMoCo UTE provided sharper anatomical lung structures and higher apparent SNR and contrast‐to‐noise ratio compared to using other motion‐correction strategies, such as soft‐gating, motion‐resolved reconstruction, and nonrigid MoCo. iMoCo UTE also showed promising results in an infant study.

Conclusion

The proposed iMoCo UTE combines self‐navigation, motion modeling, and a compressed sensing reconstruction to increase scan efficiency and SNR and to reduce respiratory motion in lung MRI. This proposed strategy shows improvements in free‐breathing lung MRI scans, especially in very challenging application situations such as pediatric MRI studies.
Delays in diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: An evaluation of genotypic and sociodemographic factors
Authors: Counterman Kevin J. , Furlong Pat , Wang Richard T. , Martin Ann S.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

In this study we investigate associations between genotypic and sociodemographic factors and the age of diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods

Data were collected from the Duchenne Registry from 2007 to 2019, and then used to assess the impact genotype, race/ethnicity, neighborhood poverty levels, and other sociodemographics factors have on the age of diagnosis of DMD patients without a known family history, using univariate and multivariable linear regression.

Results

The mean age of diagnosis was 4.43 years. Non‐Caucasian patients and patients from high‐poverty neighborhoods were older at diagnosis (P < .01). Increased year of birth was associated with decreasing age of diagnosis (P < .001). Specific genetic mutation subtypes were associated with later ages of symptom onset and diagnosis (P = .005).

Discussion

After adjusting for genotype and year of birth, the average age of diagnosis was significantly later for traditionally at‐risk patients.
Partnering Support Interventions with Bariatric Surgery to Maximize Health Outcomes in Adolescents with Severe Obesity
Authors: Messiah Sarah E. , Sacher Paul M. , Yudkin Joshua , Qureshi Faisal G. , Hoelscher Deanna M. , Barlow Sarah E.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Rates of adolescents with severe obesity continue to rise worldwide, with concurrent increases in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) uptake. The gap between support (lifestyle, pharmacotherapy) interventions and MBS as treatment options for adolescents has been understudied. This review, couched in a socio‐ecological framework, investigates how support interventions for adolescents with severe obesity could be combined or sequenced with MBS to optimize health outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive search revealed 36 published articles between 1995 and 2019 that included the combination of support interventions and MBS among adolescents.

Results

There were no studies that specifically reported outcomes or effect sizes for the combination of lifestyle intervention with MBS. Previous studies have reported individual results for either lifestyle intervention or MBS but not for their compound effect.

Conclusions

As rates of adolescents with severe obesity are on the rise globally, future research should focus on how partnering support interventions with MBS can amplify positive short‐ and long‐term health outcomes and within a socio‐ecological framework. Understanding the sequence of these approaches will be of particular importance. High‐risk and vulnerable populations such as ethnic minorities who have suffered a disproportionate burden of the obesity epidemic must be included in rigorously tested future trials of combination interventions to maximize health outcomes worldwide.
Amphetamine Dose‐Dependently Decreases and Increases Binge Intake of Fat and Sucrose Independent of Sex
Authors: West Katherine Stuhrman , Lawson Valen , Swanson Andrew M. , Dunigan Anna I. , Roseberry Aaron G.
Published: September 2019

Objective

Amphetamine was formerly used as a treatment to combat obesity, but amphetamine’s use as an appetite suppressant was discontinued because of its significant abuse potential. Most of the rewarding and reinforcing effects of amphetamine differ by sex, with females showing higher levels of drug intake and amphetamine‐induced motivation, relapse, and locomotion, but it is unknown whether amphetamine’s effects on feeding also differ by sex. Furthermore, previous research on the anorectic effects of amphetamine has been focused primarily on its effects on baseline homeostatic feeding, but it is unknown whether amphetamine also affects hedonic, reward‐related feeding, which is an important factor driving the rise in obesity levels.

Methods

This study tested whether amphetamine alters food intake in a sex‐dependent manner in two reward‐related feeding paradigms: a sucrose two‐bottle choice test and a high‐fat/high‐sugar binge intake model.

Results

Amphetamine altered food intake equally in males and females in both paradigms, with higher doses significantly inhibiting feeding and low doses of amphetamine increasing feeding at later time points.

Conclusions

Amphetamine’s effects on feeding and drug reward may be mediated by distinct mechanisms, which could allow for the development of new approaches to combat obesity with limited abuse and addiction‐related side effects.
Desensitization to pegaspargase in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: August Keith J. , Farooki Sana , Fulbright Joy M. , August Amanda , Portnoy Jay M. , Pommert Lauren , Burke Michael J. , Guest Erin M.
Published: October 2019

Hypersensitivity to pegaspargase is associated with inferior survival in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma. In the past year, drug‐supply shortages have led to the lack of an available alternative to pegaspargase. Rather than omit asparaginase from the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma patients with hypersensitivity to pegaspargase, we continued pegaspargase treatments for nine pediatric patients, utilizing a rapid desensitization protocol. There were no adverse events related to the pegaspargase during desensitization, and all patients who were checked had asparaginase serum levels above the threshold of 0.1 IU/mL at 7 to 14 days after pegaspargase therapy.
Spinal cord atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors in children: Clinical, genetic, and outcome characteristics in a representative European cohort
Authors: Benesch Martin , Nemes Karolina , Neumayer Petra , Hasselblatt Martin , Timmermann Beate , Bison Brigitte , Ebetsberger‐Dachs Georg , Bourdeaut Franck , Dufour Christelle , Biassoni Veronica , Morales La Madrid Andrés , Entz‐Werle Natacha , Laithier Véronique , Quehenberger Franz , Weis Serge , Sumerauer David , Siebert Reiner , Bens Susanne , Schneppenheim Reinhard , Kool Marcel , Modena Piergiorgio , Fouyssac Fanny , C. Frühwald Michael
Published: October 2019

Background

Case reports have portrayed spinal cord atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (spATRT) as an aggressive form of ATRT. We conducted a retrospective European survey to collect data on clinical characteristics, molecular biology, treatment, and outcome of children with intramedullary spATRT.

Methods

Scrutinizing a French national series and the European Rhabdoid Registry database, we identified 13 patients (median age 32 months; metastatic disease at diagnosis, n = 6). Systemic postoperative chemotherapy was administered to all patients; three received intrathecal therapy and six were irradiated (craniospinal, n = 3; local, n = 3).

Results

Median observation time was 8 (range, 1‐93) months. Progression‐free and overall survival rates at 1 and (2 years) were 35.2% ± 13.9% (26.4% ± 12.9%) and 38.5% ± 13.5% (23.1% ± 11.7%). Four patients (ATRT‐SHH, n = 2; ATRT‐MYC, n = 1; DNA methylation subgroup not available, n = 1) achieved complete remission (CR); two of them are alive in CR 69 and 72 months from diagnosis. One patient relapsed after CR and is alive with progressive disease (PD) and one died of the disease. Three patients (ATRT‐MYC, n = 2; subgroup not available, n = 1) died after 7 to 22 months due to PD after having achieved a partial remission (n = 1) or stabilization (n = 2). Five patients (ATRT‐MYC, n = 2; subgroup not available, n = 3) developed early PD and died. One patient (ATRT‐MYC) died of intracerebral hemorrhage prior to response evaluation.

Conclusions

Long‐term survival is achievable in selected patients with spATRT using aggressive multimodality treatment. Larger case series and detailed molecular analyses are needed to understand differences between spATRT and their inracranial counterparts and the group of extradural malignant rhabdoid tumors.
Quantum State Transfer via Multi‐Passage Landau–Zener–Stückelberg Interferometry in a Three‐Qubit System
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Li Danyu , Li Mengmeng , Yang Xiaopei , Song Shuqing , Han Zhikun , Yang Zhen , Chu Ji , Tan Xinsheng , Lan Dong , Yu Haifeng , Yu Yang
Published: September 2019

In quantum information processing, it is necessary to transfer quantum state between different systems. Herein, a scheme to transfer quantum state using multi‐passage Landau–Zener–Stückelberg interferometry in three superconducting qubits is proposed. A periodic triangle waveform quickly drives the system across the energy level anticrossing multiple times, inducing multiphoton Rabi oscillations. Using the 0‐photon Rabi oscillations, the dynamical quantum state transfer with probability close to 100% is realized. The fidelity of the state transfer is insensitive to local distortion of the driving waveform. This scheme can be extended to a system where multiple qubits are coupled to a frequency‐tunable qubit, as a quantum medium. It provides a useful tool for scalable quantum computing.
Aging effects in public policy making
Authors: Mendes J. Pedro , Aleluia Miguel
Published: October 2019

Administrations in public education can do little besides struggle to balance the number of needed and available teachers. Conventional student–teacher ratios perpetuate trends and are unfit for policy making. Besides lacking a suitable alternative, the Portuguese government was concerned that declining birth rates might make tenured teachers redundant over time. Their hiring policies became gradually more conservative and less transparent, and grievances escalated. An SD model provided rigorous estimates for the number of public grade and secondary teachers needed in each Portuguese school district, per teaching group (science, English, etc.). The model combined a structure of three goal‐seeking aging chain arrays. Its results were used to quantify and allocate tenured teacher vacancies in 2015. The model showed that redundancy concerns were unfounded and hiring for all vacancies was justifiable in the future. These results might have been difficult to anticipate by human decision makers because of the delays involved.

© 2019 System Dynamics Society