bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Critical Review of a Recommended Analytical and Classification Approach for Organic Fluorinated Compounds with an Emphasis on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
Authors: Fiedler Heidelore , Kennedy Todd , Henry Barbara J
Published: October 2020

Organic fluorinated compounds have been detected in various environmental media and biota. Some of these compounds are regulated locally (e.g., perfluorononanoic acid maximum contaminant level in drinking water by the New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection), nationally (e.g., perfluorooctanoic acid maximum acceptable concentration in drinking water by Health Canada), or internationally (e.g., Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants). Globally, regulators and researchers seek to identify the organic fluorinated compounds associated with potential adverse effects, bioaccumulation, mobility, and persistence to manage their risks, and, to understand the beneficial attributes they bring to products such as first responder gear, etc. Clarity is needed to determine the best analytical method for the goal of the analyses (e.g., pure research or analysis to determine the extent of an accidental release, monitoring groundwater for specific compounds to determine regulatory compliance, and establish baseline levels in a river of organic fluorinated substances associated with human health risk prior to a clean-up effort). Analytical techniques that identify organic fluorine coupled together with targeted chemical analysis will yield information sufficient to identify public health or environmental hazards. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:331–351. © 2020. W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

KEY POINTS

This paper provides new and important clarity on fluorine-containing compounds, their uses, toxicological, chemical, and physical properties in relation to environmental occurrence, analysis, and how the interpretation of the analytical data is critical to effective regulation. To effectively protect public health and the environment, efforts must focus on those fluorinated compounds that pose the greatest risk, which necessitates an understanding of exposure pathways and determination of the concentration of the hazardous substance therein. Since national and internationally accepted standards do not always exist, this paper addresses analytical approaches so that fluorinated organic compounds can be identified and quantified appropriately.
Correlations of spot urinary sodium and potassium with blood pressure in pregnant women: A longitudinal study in Southern Thailand
Authors: Jandee Kasemsak , Liabsuetrakul Tippawan , Sriwimol Wilaiwan , Musigavon Panudda , Suksai Manaphat , Dyereg Jaeuddress
Published: October 2020

Objective

To assess the changes of spot urinary sodium and potassium and blood pressure (BP) throughout pregnancy and their correlations in southern Thailand.

Methods

A longitudinal study was conducted in southern Thailand from March 2018 to November 2019. Spot urinary excretion of sodium per creatinine (U[Na+]/[Cr]), potassium per creatinine (U[K+]/[Cr]) and U[Na+]/[K+] ratios, and BP were measured at four time points throughout pregnancy. A one‐way analysis of variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni correction with post hoc analysis was used to identify significant differences between time points. The correlations were measured using Pearson’s correlation coefficients.

Results

A total of 327 pregnant women were included. Both systolic and diastolic BPs decreased gradually from up to 14 weeks of pregnancy to 18–22 weeks and then increased until 30–34 weeks. Mean spot U[Na+]/[Cr] ratios did not significantly change during the study period. Mean spot U[K+]/[Cr] ratios gradually increased, and spot U[Na+]/[K+] ratios gradually decreased. The correlation of spot U[Na+]/[Cr] and U[K+]/[Cr] ratios with BPs was weakly negative at all four time points.

Conclusions

Spot U[Na+]/[Cr] and U[K+]/[Cr] ratios are inversely correlated with BPs; weak correlations are found among pregnant women in southern Thailand. Further research in different populations is required to confirm its correlation and broader use.
Thermography based breast cancer detection using self‐adaptive gray level histogram equalization color enhancement method
Authors: Arul Edwin Raj Anthony Muthu , Sundaram Muniasamy , Jaya Thirassama
Published: October 2020

The early detection of tumor is necessary to save a number of lives. In women, the temperature of the affected area of the tumor is warmer than the unaffected area; therefore the thermography technique can be used to capture the cancerous breast images with a thermal infrared by identifying the temperature difference between them. Color enhancement of the captured breast image is an important consideration for early detection of tumor at this stage. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a self‐adaptive gray level histogram equalization approach to enhance the color of the IR image for early detection of the tumor. This approach does not require any manual feeding of parameters toward images. The final classification of tumorous and non‐tumorous breast images can obtain through certain procedures, which includes, image acquisition, pre‐processing, segmentation, feature extraction and classification. This paper emphasizes the support vector machine (SVM) technique to classify the tumor IR thermography images. The proposed approach is implemented in MATLAB and the experimental results shows an outstanding color enhancement of IR images and better classification compared to other existing methods such as CLAHE, BIi‐histogram equalization and adaptive histogram equalization. The performance was evaluated by using evaluation metrics such as sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity of thermography breast image by the SVM classifier adapted with various color enhancement approaches are found to be 91.6%, 90%, and 87.5%. This approach helps in medical field for early diagnosis with high reliability.
Atomistic hybridparticle‐fieldmolecular dynamics combined withslip‐springs: Restoring entangled dynamics to simulations of polymer melts
Authors: Wu Zhenghao , Kalogirou Andreas , De Nicola Antonio , Milano Giuseppe , Müller‐Plathe Florian
Published: October 2020

In hybrid particle‐field (hPF) simulations (J. Chem. Phys.,2009130, 214106), the entangled dynamics of polymer melts is lost due to chain crossability. Chains cross, because the field‐treatment of thenonbondedinteractions makes them effectively soft‐core. We introduce a multi‐chain slip‐spring model (J. Chem. Phys.,2013138, 104907) into the hPF scheme to mimic the topological constraints of entanglements. The structure of the polymer chains is consistent with that of regular molecular dynamics simulations and is not affected by the introduction of slip‐springs. Although slight deviations are seen at short times, dynamical properties such as mean‐square displacements and reorientational relaxation times are in good agreement with traditional molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical predictions at long times.
Association study of genetic variants at TTC32‐WDR35 gene cluster with coronary artery disease in Chinese Han population
Authors: Xu Ying , Zhuo Yang , Ye Mengliang , Li Mengmeng , Tang Xiaojun , Zhou Li
Published: October 2020

Background

TTC32‐WDR35 gene cluster has been genome‐wide significantly associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the common variants in this region contributing to CAD risk remain elusive.

Methods

We performed a case‐control study enrolling 935 CAD cases and 935 age‐sex‐frequency‐matched controls from unrelated southwest Chinese Han population. Five variants were determined by TaqMan assay.

Results

This study indicated that rs721932 CG genotype was associated with CAD risk (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.54‐0.86; P = .001). Stratified analysis showed that the risk associated with rs12617744 AA genotype was robust in male (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42‐0.93, P = .02). The gene dosage of the risk allele at rs12617744 showed a significant association with left circumflex artery disease (P = .027) and the number of vascular lesions in patients (P = .034). Moreover, the gene dosage of rs721932 risk allele was associated with vascular lesion numbers (P = .048) and the progression of CAD (P = .028). Compared with carriers of major alleles, the AA genotype of rs12617744 and GG genotype of rs721932 were both associated with plasma HDL level (P = .009 and 0.004, respectively). Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) results showed significantly different TTC32 expression of subjects as a function of SNPs (rs2278528, rs7594214, and rs721932) genotype in the artery. Besides, FPRP analysis did support the strong links between polymorphisms and CAD risk.

Conclusions

SNP rs721932 at TTC32‐WDR35 Gene Cluster was associated with CAD risk, and rs12617744 was associated with the risk of CAD among males. Both SNPs may contribute to the regulation of plasma HDL levels and possibly to the severity of CAD in Chinese Han population.
Optical coherence tomography microscopy in experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: Osiac Eugen , Mitran Smaranda Ioana , Manea Cătălin Nicolae , Cojocaru Alexandru , Rosu Gabriela‐Camelia , Osiac Mariana , Pirici Daniel Nicolae , Bălșeanu Adrian Tudor , Cătălin Bogdan
Published: October 2020

Worldwide elderly traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients tend to become an increasing burden to the society. Thus, a faster and less expensive way of evaluating TBI victims is needed. In the present study we investigated if optical coherence tomography (OCT) could be used as such a method. By using an animal model, we established if OCT can detect cortical changes in the acute phase of a penetrating TBI, in young (5–7 months) and old (20–22 months) rats. Due to the long‐term evolution of TBI's, we wanted to investigate to what extent OCT could detect changes within the cortex in the chronic phase. Adult (7–12 months) male rats were used. Surprisingly, OCT imaging of the normal hemisphere was able to discriminate age‐related differences in the mean gray values (MGV) of recorded pixels (p = .032). Furthermore, in the acute phase of TBI, OCT images recorded at 24 hr after the injury showed differences between the apparent damaged area of young and aged animals. Changes of MGV and skewness were only recorded 48 hr after injury. Monitoring the chronical evolution of the TBI with OCT revealed changes over time exceeding the normal range recorded for MGV, skewness and kurtosis, 14 and 21 days after TBI. Although in the present study we still used an extremely invasive approach, as technology improves, less invasive and non‐harmful ways of recording OCT may allow for an objective way to detect changes within the brain structure after brain injuries.
BRCA1/2 mutations and risk‐reducing bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy among Latinas: The UPTAKE study
Authors: Lynce Filipa , Schlam Ilana , Geng Xue , Peshkin Beth N. , Friedman Sue , Dutil Julie , Nahleh Zeina , Campos Claudia , Ricker Charité , Rodriguez Patricia , Denduluri Neelima , Ahn Jaeil , Isaacs Claudine , Graves Kristi D.
Published: October 2020

Bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (BSO) is a risk management approach with strong evidence of mortality reduction for women with germline mutations in the tumor suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2). Few studies to date have evaluated uptake of BSO in women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds who carry BRCA1/2 mutations. The objective of the UPTAKE study was to explore rates and predictors of risk‐reducing BSO among Latinas affected and unaffected with breast cancer who had a deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation. We recruited 100 Latina women with deleterious BRCA1/2 mutations from community hospitals, academic health systems, community, and advocacy organizations. Women completed interviews in Spanish or English. We obtained copies of genetic test reports for participants who provided signed medical release. After performing threefold cross‐validation LASSO for variable selection, we used multiple logistic regression to identify demographic and clinical predictors of BSO. Among 100 participants, 68 had undergone BSO at the time of interview. Of these 68, 35 were US‐born (61% of all US‐born participants) and 33 were not (77% of the non‐US‐born participants). Among Latinas with BRCA1/2 mutations, older age (p = 0.004), personal history of breast cancer (p = 0.003), higher income (p = 0.002), and not having a full‐time job (p = 0.027) were identified as variables significantly associated with uptake of BSO. Results suggest a high rate of uptake of risk‐reducing BSO among a sample of Latinas with BRCA1/2 mutations living in the US. We document factors associated with BSO uptake in a diverse sample of women. Relevant to genetic counseling, our findings identify possible targets for supporting Latinas’ decision‐making about BSO following receipt of a positive BRCA1/2 test.
Perceived barriers to paternal expanded carrier screening following a positive maternal result: To screen or not to screen
Authors: Carlotti Katherine , Hines Karrie , Weida Jennifer , Lah Melissa , Schwantes‐An Tae‐Hwi
Published: October 2020

Expanded carrier screening identifies individuals who are at risk of having a child with an autosomal recessive condition. The most accurate risk assessment requires that both mother and father undergo carrier screening to determine whether they are carriers of the same autosomal recessive condition. A couple identified as carriers of the same condition has a 25% chance of having a child with that condition. However, the father does not always opt for carrier screening following a positive result in the mother. This study aimed to identify barriers that prevent the father from carrier screening after a positive finding in the mother. A total of 58 women participated in this study. All participants had undergone expanded carrier screening prior to the study and had met with a genetic counselor for a pre‐test, informed consent session. Of the 58 women, 34 had partners who did not undergo screening and 24 had partners who did. Participants completed a survey to determine the barriers that prevented the father of the baby's participation. We report that the mother's insurance type, whether the father has insurance, relationship status, and knowledge of the carrier screen showed statistically significant differences between women whose partners underwent screening and those that did not. In summary, our finding suggests that increasing insurance coverage of paternal screening and improving the patient's knowledge of the expanded screen would encourage paternal screening.
Positive and negative professionalism experiences of genetic counseling students in the United States and Canada
Authors: Aamodt Pauline , Wetherill Leah , Delk Paula , Torres‐Martinez Wilfredo , Vance Gail H. , Wesson Melissa
Published: October 2020

Many aspects of genetic counseling training programs have been examined over the years. However, no study has explored professional or unprofessional behaviors genetic counseling graduate students experience during their training, and how these behaviors influence satisfaction with their training. This exploratory study examined students’ experiences with program leaders, instructors, supervisors, and other trainees. Specific experiences included actions of favoritism, bias, negativity, abuse of power, and examples of positive role modeling. A survey was sent to all members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and program directors in order to reach graduates of Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC)‐accredited programs from 2015–2019 who were eligible to participate. Responses to questions relating to demographics, satisfaction with graduate education, behaviors experienced or seen during graduate school, and reporting of inappropriate behaviors were collected and analyzed. Results demonstrated that 95% of the genetic counseling graduates were highly satisfied with their graduate education and those who experienced inappropriate behaviors during their training were somewhat less satisfied (p = .04). Individuals who felt more prepared by their graduate education were more satisfied with their graduate education (p < .01). Being publicly embarrassed or humiliated, being made to feel like a burden in clinic, or being subjected to negative or offensive behavior based on their personal beliefs or personal characteristics (excluding areas of gender, race/ethnicity, or sexual orientation) were all negatively associated with satisfaction (all p < .04). We conclude that this survey could serve as a “Genetic Counseling Training Experiences Assessment” which could be incorporated into annual evaluations required by the ACGC. Implementation of this assessment would enhance the current evaluations of genetic counseling training programs and provide important information regarding student experiences during their training.
Clinical features of anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity in patients with malignant lymphoma who received a CHOP regimen with or without rituximab: A single‐center, retrospective observational study
Authors: Nakayama Takafumi , Oshima Yoshiko , Kusumoto Shigeru , Yamamoto Junki , Osaga Satoshi , Fujinami Haruna , Kikuchi Takaki , Suzuki Tomotaka , Totani Haruhito , Kinoshita Shiori , Narita Tomoko , Ito Asahi , Ri Masaki , Komatsu Hirokazu , Wakami Kazuaki , Goto Toshihiko , Sugiura Tomonori , Seo Yoshihiro , Ohte Nobuyuki , Iida Shinsuke
Published: October 2020

We investigated the incidence of cardiotoxicity, its risk factors, and the clinical course of cardiac function in patients with malignant lymphoma (ML) who received a cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (CHOP) regimen. Among all ML patients who received a CHOP regimen with or without rituximab from January 2008 to December 2017 in Nagoya City University hospital, 229 patients who underwent both baseline and follow‐up echocardiography and had baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% were analyzed, retrospectively. Cardiotoxicity was defined as a ≥10% decline in LVEF and LVEF < 50%; recovery from cardiotoxicity was defined as a ≥5% increase in LVEF and LVEF ≥50%. Re‐cardiotoxicity was defined as meeting the criteria of cardiotoxicity again. With a median follow‐up of 1132 days, cardiotoxicity, symptomatic heart failure, and cardiovascular death were observed in 48 (21%), 30 (13%), and 5 (2%) patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that history of ischemic heart disease (hazard ratio (HR), 3.15; 95% CI, 1.17‐8.47, P = .023) and decreased baseline LVEF (HR per 10% increase, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.49‐4.06; P < .001) were independent risk factors for cardiotoxicity. Recovery from cardiotoxicity and re‐cardiotoxicity were observed in 21 of 48, and six of 21, respectively. Cardiac condition before chemotherapy seemed to be most relevant for developing cardiotoxicity. Furthermore, Continuous management must be required in patients with cardiotoxicity, even after LVEF recovery.
Morphology of ctenostome bryozoans: 1.Arachnidium fibrosum
Authors: Schwaha Thomas , De Blauwe Hans
Published: October 2020

The morphology of ctenostome bryozoans remains little investigated with only few species having been subject to more detailed studies. From all the seven main different superfamilies, only few representatives have been studied. The superfamily Arachnidioidea has particularly been neglected concerning detailed morphological and histological details. So far, not a single analysis specifically studied a representative of the family Arachnidiidae.Arachnidium‐like forms have, however, often been regarded as potential cheilostome ancestors, the most successful group of bryozoans to date. The lack of any morphological data on this family called for a detailed investigation of one of its representatives. Hence, we analysed the general morphology and histology ofArachnidium fibrosum. Most striking morphological features previously unrecognized are a cardiac constrictor, previously almost unknown in the family, a single pair of apertural muscles consisting of proximal parieto‐diaphragmatic and distal parieto‐vestibular muscles, six pairs of duplicature bands, a lophophoral anus and retractor muscles attaching to the foregut. Although comparative data are limited, there seem to be two distinct different clades of arachnidiid ctenostomes that are characterized by their aperture and details of gut morphology. Further analysis of additional arachnidioidean species are required to confirm this.
The antibody response to the glycan α‐Gal correlates with COVID‐19 disease symptoms
Authors: Urra José Miguel , Ferreras‐Colino Elisa , Contreras Marinela , Cabrera Carmen M. , Fernández de Mera Isabel G. , Villar Margarita , Cabezas‐Cruz Alejandro , Gortázar Christian , de la Fuente José
Published: October 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has affected millions of people worldwide. Characterization of the immunological mechanisms involved in disease symptomatology and protective response is important to progress in disease control and prevention. Humans evolved by losing the capacity to synthesize the glycan Galα1‐3Galβ1‐(3)4GlcNAc‐R (α‐Gal), which resulted in the development of a protective response against pathogenic viruses and other microorganisms containing this modification on membrane proteins mediated by anti‐α‐Gal immunoglobulin M (IgM)/IgG antibodies produced in response to bacterial microbiota. In addition to anti‐α‐Gal antibody‐mediated pathogen opsonization, this glycan induces various immune mechanisms that have shown protection in animal models against infectious diseases without inflammatory responses. In this study, we hypothesized that the immune response to α‐Gal may contribute to the control of COVID‐19. To address this hypothesis, we characterized the antibody response to α‐Gal in patients at different stages of COVID‐19 and in comparison with healthy control individuals. The results showed that while the inflammatory response and the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 (Spike) IgG antibody titers increased, reduction in anti‐α‐Gal IgE, IgM, and IgG antibody titers and alteration of anti‐α‐Gal antibody isotype composition correlated with COVID‐19 severity. The results suggested that the inhibition of the α‐Gal‐induced immune response may translate into more aggressive viremia and severe disease inflammatory symptoms. These results support the proposal of developing interventions such as probiotics based on commensal bacteria with α‐Gal epitopes to modify the microbiota and increase α‐Gal‐induced protective immune response and reduce severity of COVID‐19.
Predictive Utility of the Penetration‐Aspiration Scale in Inter‐Arytenoid Injection Augmentation
Authors: Weinstock Michael S. , McCoy Jennifer L. , Cangilla Kristin , Shaffer Amber D. , Maguire Raymond C. , Tobey Allison B. J. , Simons Jeffrey P. , Padia Reema K.
Published: October 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the utility of preoperative penetration‐aspiration scale (PAS) scores and clinical findings on modified barium swallow (MBS) in predicting advancement of diet after interarytenoid injection augmentation (IAIA).

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 372 consecutive patients who underwent IAIA for pharyngeal dysphagia between 2009 and 2019 were initially identified. Patients were excluded from the study if they had insufficient preop MBS, no postop MBS within 3 months of injection, supraglottoplasty, or underlying neurological condition. Ninety‐three patients were included in the study. Pre‐ and postoperative PAS scores were recorded, as were pre and postop diets. PAS scores were calculated by a single pediatric speech and language pathologist.

Results

Average PAS score on MBS was 5.87 (standard deviation [SD] 2.74); median (range) = 8 (1–8). Postop average was 4.29 (SD 3.02); median (range) = 2 (1–8), P < .001. Those with worse preop PAS scores had increased odds of improvement in diet (odds ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.49, P = .029). An improvement in PAS score of 3.0 or greater predicted an improvement in diet with a sensitivity of 76.7% and a specificity of 85.7%.

Conclusions

PAS score on MBS can be a useful tool when assessing pediatric patients who may be candidates for IAIA. Prospectively comparing PAS score in patients post‐IAIA to patients solely undergoing diet modification can help to better objectively assess differences in outcomes and understand the full utility of PAS score.

Level of Evidence

Level III (Individual Cohort Study) Laryngoscope, 131:E1707–E1713, 2021
Stridor Related to Vagus Nerve Stimulator: A Case Report
Authors: Tami Abigail , Gerges Daniel , Herrington Heather
Published: October 2020

Implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) can be an effective treatment for medically refractory seizures. Laryngeal side effects from a VNS can include hoarseness, cough, and shortness of breath. This report highlights a 5‐year‐old female who presented with stridor in the setting of acquired laryngomalacia, global developmental delay, and a VNS device. The case demonstrates that a VNS can exacerbate the symptoms of acquired laryngomalacia and that close monitoring of laryngeal side effects is crucial to optimizing care in this population. Laryngoscope, 131:E1733–E1734, 2021
Ability of Bedside Ultrasonography to Detect Pediatric Nasal Bone Fractures
Authors: Gökçen Emre , Savrun Atakan , Kuşdoğan Mikail , Çaltekin İbrahim , Albayrak Levent , Atik Dilek , Vural Sevilay , Savrun Şeyda T. , Yıldırım Gökhan
Published: October 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aims of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic test features of bedside ultrasonography in pediatric patients with nasal trauma and to investigate whether it is a preferable alternative method to conventional radiography (CR).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional prospective study.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted from March 1, 2019, through November 1, 2019. Thirty‐one patients under the age of 18 years who had nasal trauma were consecutively included. CR and ultrasonographic imaging tests were investigated in patients with clinical indications for nasal bone fracture. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasonography and CR were calculated with respect to detecting nasal fractures according to the gold standard method.

Results

Participants were between 3 and 16 years old and the median age was 8 (5–13) years. Nasal bone fracture was clinically detected in 18 patients. While 13 of these fractures were detected with ultrasonography, only 11 were also detected with CR. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography and CR in detecting nasal fractures were 72.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 46.5–90.3) and 76.9% (95% CI: 46.2–95.0) for ultrasonography and 61.1% (95% CI: 35.8–82.7) and 69.2% (95% CI: 38.6–90.9) for CR.

Conclusions

According to the results of this study, ultrasonography may be used with confidence as a first imaging method in the investigation of nasal fractures, particularly with consideration for avoiding the effects of radiation as much as possible. Our findings point to the next step of conducting trials with a greater number of patients in order to define the diagnostic test features of ultrasonography in pediatric patients.

Level of Evidence

2Laryngoscope, 131:1398–1403, 2021
Prevalence of Voice Disorders in Healthcare Workers in the Universal Masking COVID‐19 Era
Authors: Heider Claudia A. , Álvarez Matías L. , Fuentes‐López Eduardo , González Claudia A. , León Norma I. , Verástegui Daniela C. , Badía Pedro I. , Napolitano Carla A.
Published: October 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of voice disorders in healthcare workers of high‐risk hospital care units during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Questionnaire survey to healthcare personnel of COVID‐19 high‐risk hospital units was conducted, regarding demographic data, clinical activity, the pattern of usage of personal protective equipment, medical and vocal history, vocal symptoms, and Spanish validated Voice Handicap Index (VHI)‐10 questionnaire.

Results

A total of 221 healthcare workers answered the survey. Nearly 33% of them reported having trouble with their voice during the last month, and 26.24% had an abnormal score in the Spanish validated VHI‐10 questionnaire. The mean VHI‐10 score was 7.92 (95% confidence interval 6.98–8.85). The number of working hours, the number of hours of mask daily use, simultaneous surgical and self‐filtering mask use, and working in intermediate or intensive care units were independent variables significantly associated with a higher VHI‐10 score.

Conclusions

Healthcare workers of high‐risk hospital care units during the universal masking COVID‐19 pandemic are at risk of voice disorders.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1227–E1233, 2021
Direct limits of regular Lie groups
Authors: Glöckner Helge
Published: October 2020

Let G be a regular Lie group which is a directed union of regular Lie groups (all modelled on possibly infinite‐dimensional, locally convex spaces). We show that as a regular Lie group if G admits a so‐called direct limit chart. Notably, this allows the regular Lie group of compactly supported diffeomorphisms to be interpreted as a direct limit of the regular Lie groups of diffeomorphisms supported in compact sets , even if the finite‐dimensional smooth manifold M is merely paracompact (but not necessarily σ‐compact), which is new. Similar results are obtained for the test function groups with values in a Lie group F.
Inflammation in Experimental Models of α‐Synucleinopathies
Authors: Harms Ashley S. , Kordower Jeffrey H. , Sette Alessandro , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Sulzer David , Mach Robert H.
Published: October 2020

Neuroinflammation has long been associated with central nervous system pathology in α‐synucleinopathy disorders including Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy. In the past decade, research‐focused efforts in preclinical and experimental models have rallied around this idea, and considerable effort has been made to delineate critical neuroinflammatory processes. In this article, we discuss challenges in preclinical research, notably the use of animal models to recapitulate and dissect disease phenotypes as well as the need for more sensitive, reliable radiotracers to detect on‐target efficacy of immunomodulatory treatments in both human Parkinson's disease as well as preclinical models. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Long‐standing lawsuit settlement marks continued reform of LA County MH system
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2020

A settlement agreement reached in the long‐standing Katie A. et al. v. Diana Bontá et al. case will require Los Angeles County to increase intensive home‐based mental health services for foster children who have been through multiple placements and/or in group homes or psychiatric hospitals. The class action lawsuit, originally filed on July 18, 2002, challenged the county and state agencies for not providing legally mandated health care services to treat the mental health conditions of children.
Contribution of perfusion to the 11C‐acetate signal in brown adipose tissue assessed by DCE‐MRI and 68Ga‐DOTA PET in a rat model
Authors: Richard Gabriel , Noll Christophe , Archambault Mélanie , Lebel Réjean , Tremblay Luc , Ait‐Mohand Samia , Guérin Brigitte , Blondin Denis P. , Carpentier André C. , Lepage Martin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Determine if dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) ‐MRI and/or 68 gallium 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane N, N′, N″, N‴‐tretraacetic acid (68Ga‐DOTA) positron emission tomography (PET) can assess perfusion in rat brown adipose tissue (BAT). Evaluate changes in perfusion between cold‐stimulated and heat‐inhibited BAT. Determine if the 11C‐acetate pharmacokinetic model can be constrained with perfusion information to improve assessment of BAT oxidative metabolism.

Methods

Rats were split into three groups. In group 1 (N = 6), DCE‐MRI with gadobutrol was compared directly to 68Ga‐DOTA PET following exposure to 10 °C for 48 h. 11C‐Acetate PET was also performed to assess oxidation. In group 2 (N = 4), only 68Ga‐DOTA PET was acquired following exposure to 10 °C for 48 h. Finally, in group 3 (N = 10), perfusion was assessed with DCE‐MRI in rats exposed to 10 °C or 30 °C for 48 h, and oxidation was measured with 11C‐acetate. Perfusion was quantified with a two‐compartment pharmacokinetic model, while oxidation was assessed by a four‐compartment model.

Results

DCE‐MRI and 68Ga‐DOTA PET provided similar perfusion measures, but a decrease in the perfusion signal was noted with longer imaging sessions. Exposure to 10 °C or 30 °C did not affect the perfusion measures, but the 11C‐acetate signal increased in BAT at 10 °C. Without prior information about blood volume, the 11C‐acetate compartment model overestimated blood volume and underestimated oxidation in 10 °C BAT.

Conclusion

Precise assessment of oxidation via 11C‐acetate PET requires prior information about blood volume which can be obtained by DCE‐MRI or 68Ga‐DOTA PET. Since perfusion can change rapidly, simultaneous PET‐MRI would be preferred.
Three‐dimensional Yarnball k‐space acquisition for accelerated MRI
Authors: Stobbe Robert W. , Beaulieu Christian
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To introduce an efficient sampling technique named Yarnball, which may serve as a direct alternative to 3D Cones.

Methods

Yarnball evolves through 3D k‐space with increasing loop size, and the differential equations defining this flexible trajectory are presented in detail. The sampling efficiencies of Yarnball and 3D Cones were compared through point spread function analysis and simulated imaging (which highlights undersampling in the absence of other scanning effects). The feasibility of Yarnball implementation was demonstrated for fully sampled T1‐weighted images of the human head at 3 T.

Results

The mostly large 3D loops of the Yarnball trajectory facilitate rapid sampling under peripheral nerve stimulation constraint, an advantage that increases with readout duration (TRO). Point spread function analysis yielded 89% (TRO = 2 ms) and 77% (TRO = 10 ms) of Yarnball voxels with magnitude less than 0.01% of the point spread function peak. For 3D Cones, these values were only 52% and 29%. The 3D‐Cones technique required 1.4 times (TRO = 2 ms) and 1.8 times (TRO = 10 ms) more trajectories than Yarnball to produce simulated images of a sphere free from undersampling artifact. For a prolate spheroidal (head‐like) object, 1.75 times and 2.6 times more trajectories were required for 3D Cones. Yarnball produced 0.72 mm (1/2kmax) isotropic T1‐weighted human brain images free from undersampling artifact in only 98 seconds at 3 T.

Conclusion

Yarnball demonstrated greater k‐space sampling efficiency than directly comparable 3D Cones, and may have value wherever 3D Cones has been considered. Yarnball may also have value in the context of rapid T1‐weighted brain imaging.
Data‐driven research in retail operations—A review
Authors: Qi Meng , Mak Ho‐Yin , Shen Zuo‐Jun Max
Published: October 2020

We review the operations research/management science literature on data‐driven methods in retail operations. This line of work has grown rapidly in recent years, thanks to the availability of high‐quality data, improvements in computing hardware, and parallel developments in machine learning methodologies. We survey state‐of‐the‐art studies in three core aspects of retail operations—assortment optimization, order fulfillment, and inventory management. We then conclude the paper by pointing out some interesting future research possibilities for our community.
Nursing work environment, professional self‐actualization and marketing of the nursing profession: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hazanov Yelena , Gehman Yulia , Wilf Miron Rachel , Kagan Ilya
Published: October 2020

Aim

To explore associations between nurses' sense of professional self‐actualization, nursing work environment and their involvement in promotion and marketing of the nursing profession.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

144 nurses from various clinical fields completed a promotion and marketing activity questionnaire, selected items from the Brief Index of Self‐Actualization and a part of the Revised Nursing Work Index.

Results

Nurses' perception of their work environment and holding a master's degree in nursing were associated with their involvement in promotion activities [R2 = 0.27, F(4, 113) = 10.4, p < .001]. Nurses' perception of their work environment was associated with their sense of professional self‐actualization [R2 = 0.21, F(2, 121) = 16.5, p < .001]. Nurses' sense of professional self‐actualization did not contribute to the explanation of variance in their involvement in promotion of the nursing profession.
Multicenter Phase II Trial of Axitinib Monotherapy for Gemcitabine-Based Chemotherapy Refractory Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer (AX-BC Study)
Authors: Okano Naohiro , Furuse Junji , Ueno Makoto , Morizane Chigusa , Yamanaka Takeharu , Ojima Hidenori , Ozaka Masato , Sasaki Mitsuhito , Takahara Naminatsu , Nakai Yousuke , Kobayashi Satoshi , Morimoto Manabu , Hosoi Hiroko , Maeno Satoko , Nagashima Fumio , Ikeda Masafumi , Okusaka Takuji
Published: October 2020

Lessons Learned

Axitinib exhibited marginal activity against gemcitabine-refractory unselected biliary tract cancer. Pretreated soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 may be a useful biomarker for axitinib treatment outcome. Ascites should be carefully monitored in patients receiving anti–vascular endothelial growth factor receptor therapy including axitinib in advanced biliary tract cancer.

Background

There are no clear options for second-line treatment in patients with gemcitabine (GEM)-refractory biliary tract cancer (BTC). We conducted a multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of axitinib, a potent selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1/2/3, in patients with GEM-refractory BTC.

Methods

Patients refractory or intolerant to GEM-based chemotherapy were enrolled. Axitinib was administered orally at an initial dose of 5 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the threshold and expected values were set at 2 and 3 months, respectively. The target sample size was 32 patients.

Results

Nineteen patients were enrolled. The trial was interrupted for a total of 13 months for the evaluation of adverse events. Thirteen patients were previously treated with ≥2 regimens. The median PFS was 2.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1–4.1). The median overall survival was 5.8 months (95% CI: 3.3–9.7). The response rate was 5.3% (95% CI: 0.0–15.3). Grade 3 ascites occurred in two patients. Baseline soluble VEGFR-2 levels were significantly associated with PFS.

Conclusion

Axitinib exhibited marginal activity against GEM-refractory BTC. Ascites should be carefully monitored in axitinib-treated patients with advanced BTC.
Executive function in individuals with clinically significant weight loss via behavioral intervention
Authors: Gowey Marissa A. , Neumeier William H. , Henry Samantha , Wadley Virginia G. , Phillips Janice , Hayden Kathleen M. , Espeland Mark A. , Coday Mace , Lewis Cora E. , Dutton Gareth R.
Published: October 2020

Background

Executive function (EF) is associated with obesity development and self‐management. Individuals who demonstrate or self‐report poorer EF performance tend to have poorer short‐term outcomes in obesity treatment. There may be distinct behavioral self‐management strategies and EF domains related to initial weight loss as compared to weight loss maintenance.

Objective

To characterize EF in individuals who achieved clinically significant weight loss via behavioral intervention and examine potential differences in EF between those who maintained versus regained lost weight.

Methods

Participants who previously achieved ≥5% weight loss via lifestyle intervention were included (N = 44). “Maintainers” (n = 16) maintained this minimum level of weight loss for ≥1 year. “Regainers” (n = 28) regained some or all initially lost weight. Performance‐based EF, intelligence quotient, health literacy, depression, anxiety, binge eating, demographics, and medical/weight history were assessed using a cross‐sectional design. Descriptive statistics and age‐, gender‐, education‐adjusted reference ranges were used to characterize EF. Analyses of covariance were conducted to examine EF differences between maintainers and regainers.

Results

The sample consisted primarily of females with obesity over age 50. Approximately half self‐identified as African–American. Decision‐making performance was better in maintainers than regainers (p = 0.003, partη2 = 0.19). There were no differences between maintainers and regainers in inhibitory control, verbal fluency, planning/organization, cognitive flexibility, or working memory (ps > 0.05, partη2s = 0.003–0.07). At least 75% of the sample demonstrated average‐above average EF test performance, indicated by scaled scores ≥13 or t‐scores > 60.

Conclusions

Most individuals with obesity who achieved clinically significant weight loss via behavioral intervention had average to above average EF. Individuals who maintained (vs. regained) their lost weight performed better on tests of decision‐making.
Histone demethylase PHF8 drives neuroendocrine prostate cancer progression by epigenetically upregulating FOXA2
Authors: Liu Qiuli , Pang Jian , Wang Lin‐ang , Huang Zhuowei , Xu Jing , Yang Xingxia , Xie Qiubo , Huang Yiqiang , Tang Tang , Tong Dali , Liu Gaolei , Wang Luofu , Zhang Dianzheng , Ma Qiang , Xiao Hualiang , Lan Weihua , Qin Jun , Jiang Jun
Published: October 2020

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a more aggressive subtype of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Although it is well established that PHF8 can enhance prostate cancer cell proliferation, whether PHF8 is involved in prostate cancer initiation and progression is relatively unclear. By comparing the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice with or without Phf8 knockout, we systemically examined the role of PHF8 in prostate cancer development. We found that PHF8 plays a minimum role in initiation and progression of adenocarcinoma. However, PHF8 is essential for NEPC because not only is PHF8 highly expressed in NEPC but also animals without Phf8 failed to develop NEPC. Mechanistically, PHF8 transcriptionally upregulates FOXA2 by demethylating and removing the repressive histone markers on the promoter region of the FOXA2 gene, and the upregulated FOXA2 subsequently regulates the expression of genes involved in NEPC development. Since both PHF8 and FOXA2 are highly expressed in NEPC tissues from patients or patient‐derived xenografts, the levels of PHF8 and FOXA2 can either individually or in combination serve as NEPC biomarkers and targeting either PHF8 or FOXA2 could be potential therapeutic strategies for NEPC treatment. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Bedside to bench Alport syndrome research: are human urine‐derived podocytes the answer?†
Authors: Kim Jin‐Ju , Fornoni Alessia
Published: October 2020

In a recent issue of The Journal of Pathology, Iampietro et al isolated and characterized several clones of urine‐derived podocytes from three patients with Alport syndrome (AS) and proteinuria and one age‐matched non‐proteinuric control. They reported differential expression of genes involved in cell motility, adhesion, survival, and angiogenesis. The authors found AS podocytes to be less motile and to have significantly higher permeability to albumin compared to control podocytes, highlighting that AS podocytes may retain their phenotype even when losing contact with the glomerular basement membrane. The establishment of urine‐derived podocyte cell lines from patients with different genetic forms of AS may represent a valuable and minimally invasive tool to investigate the cellular mechanisms contributing to kidney disease progression in AS and may allow for the establishment of patient‐specific drug screening opportunities. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy for marrow and extramedullary relapse of infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Moskop Amy , Pommert Lauren , Thakrar Pooja , Talano Julie , Phelan Rachel
Published: October 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cells, engineered autologous T‐cells that target antigens found in leukemia, have shown durable remissions in relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Infant ALL with KMT2A rearrangements (KMT2Ar) is a rare, aggressive form of leukemia associated with extramedullary disease both at diagnosis and at relapse, and overall outcomes for these patients are dismal. Here we report the successful use of tisagenlecleucel, a CAR T‐cell product approved for relapsed/refractory ALL, in a patient with KMT2Ar infant ALL who was treated for combined marrow and extramedullary (renal) relapse.
Acute effects of aerobic exercise and relaxation training on fatigue in breast cancer survivors: A feasibility trial
Authors: Cohen Jason , Rogers Wendy A. , Petruzzello Steven , Trinh Linda , Mullen Sean P.
Published: October 2020

Objective

This three‐armed randomized controlled feasibility trial tested the acceptability and acute effects of aerobic exercise and technology‐guided mindfulness training (relative to standalone interventions) on cancer‐related fatigue among breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Methods

BCS recruited from Central Illinois completed pre‐ and post‐testing using established measures and were randomized to one of three groups (combined aerobic exercise with guided‐mindfulness relaxation, aerobic exercise only, and relaxation only), conducted in three 90 min sessions over the course of 7 days in a fitness room and research office on a university campus.

Results

We enrolled 40 BCS (Mage = 57.33 ± 8.75), MBMI = 27.38 ± 5.27, Mfatigue = 4.56 ± 1.81 as measured by the Piper Fatigue Scale. More favorable post‐intervention evaluations were reported by the combined group, compared to aerobic exercise or relaxation only (p < 0.05). Reductions in fatigue favoring the combined group (p = 0.05) showed a modest effect size (Cohen's d = 0.91) compared to aerobic exercise only.

Conclusions

These findings provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility of combining evidence‐based techniques to address fatigue among BCS. The combined approach, incorporating mobile health technology, presents an efficacious and well‐received design. If replicated in longer trials, the approach could provide a promising opportunity to deliver broad‐reaching interventions for improved outcomes in BCS.

Preregistered‐ClinicalTrials NCT03702712