bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binding of ethidium to DNA measured using a 2D diffusion‐modulated gradient COSY NMR experiment
Authors: Gmeiner William H. , Hudalla Christopher J. , Soto Ana Maria , Marky Luis
Published: July 2002

The binding of ethidium bromide to a DNA hairpin (dU5‐hairpin) was investigated using a novel 2D diffusion‐modulated gradient correlation spectroscopy (DMG‐COSY) experiment to evaluate the applicability of this technique for studying the binding of drugs to DNA. The DMG‐COSY experiment includes a preparation period during which coherent magnetization is attenuated due to molecular self‐diffusion. Magnetization then evolves due to scalar coupling during an evolution delay, and is detected using gradient pulses for coherence selection. The time‐domain data are processed in an analogous manner as for gradient‐selected COSY experiments. The diffusion coefficient for uridine in DMSO solution was determined from the H5–H6 crosspeak intensities for a series of 2D DMG‐COSY experiments that differed in the magnitude of the gradient pulses applied during the preparation period of the DMG‐COSY experiment. The diffusion coefficient for uridine calculated from the DMG‐COSY experiments was identical (within experimental error) to that determined from 1D diffusion experiments (5.24×10−6 cm2/s at 26°C). The diffusion coefficients for ethidium bromide and for the dU5‐hairpin were first measured separately using the DMG‐COSY experiment, and then measured in the putative complex. The diffusion coefficient for free ethidium bromide (4.15×10−6 cm2/s at 26°C) was considerably larger than for the dU5‐hairpin (1.60×10−6 cm2/s at 26°C), as expected for the smaller molecule. The diffusion coefficient for ethidium was markedly decreased upon addition of the dU5‐hairpin, consistent with complex formation (1.22×10−6 cm2/s at 26°C). Complex formation of 1:1 stoichiometry between ethidium and the stem of the dU5‐hairpin was verified independently by fluorescence spectroscopy. These results demonstrate the utility of the DMG‐COSY experiment for investigating the binding of drugs to DNA in aqueous solution.
Pregnancy outcome in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Kuvačić I , Šprem M , Škrablin S , Kalafatić D , Bubić‐Filipi Lj , Miličić D
Published: July 2002

Objective: To correlate pregnancy outcome with complications in pregnancy and transplantation‐to‐pregnancy interval in renal transplant recipients in Croatia. Method: Data on 23 pregnancies after prepregnancy stabilization of blood pressure and normalization of graft function were retrospectively analyzed. Result: The mean interval between transplantation and conception was 3.1 years. Primary renal disease was chronic glomerulonephritis in 7, chronic pyelonephritis in 7 and agenesis of right kidney and stenosis of left renal artery in 1 patient. There were 10 term and 5 preterm deliveries, 6 induced and 2 spontaneous abortions. The mean gestational age was 38.1 weeks and the mean newborn birthweight was 3015 g. The prematurity rate was 21.7%. Patients with arterial hypertension in pregnancy, elevated serum creatinine level and bacteriuria, as well as those with conception occurring less than 2 years after transplantation, had a higher rate of therapeutic and spontaneous abortions, preterm deliveries and low birth weight infants. Conclusion: The interval between transplantation and conception, as well as allograft function during pregnancy, seem to be of great importance for successful obstetric outcome in renal transplant patients.
Current approach to STD management in women
Authors: Amaral E
Published: July 2002

HIV infection was recognized as a new sexually transmitted disease (STD) at the beginning of the last decade. The knowledge of risk factors for sexual transmission of HIV changed the focus on STD to a broader perspective for prevention and control of HIV infection, and consequently of STD. Barriers to STD control include cultural aspects, difficulties in changing sexual behavior, asymptomatic disease in women and expensive and inaccessible tests for diagnosis. The classical clinical approach based on etiologic treatment has never been achieved by developing countries. The international community has been searching for new approaches. Syndromic management and mass treatment are strategies recently found as useful. Nevertheless the best approach to endocervicitis by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis remain problematic. Then, the current approach to STD management must include: prompt attention to every patient seeking care for STD; early diagnosis and treatment; delivery of short term treatment at the clinic; education on STD/HIV; screening for other STDs with pre‐ and post‐test counseling; counseling on risk reduction; provision of condoms; integration of STD services with family planning, prenatal and gynecological services.
Contraception‐21
Authors: Fathalla M.F.
Published: July 2002

A Contraception‐21 strategy was adopted by the Rockefeller Foundation in 1993. The objective of the strategy is to mobilize and lift up the whole field of contraceptive research, to develop novel contraceptive approaches for the next century. The premize of the strategy is that, in spite of technological advances in the past few decades, current contraceptive choices are still inadequate to meet present and rapidly expanding future needs, particularly in developing countries. The central theme of the strategy is that it should be driven by the unmet needs of women, and not by a demographic imperative or by scientific opportunity alone. Two essential requirements are: mobilization of the science, particularly the new advances in cell and molecular biology, to provide the needed tools; and mobilization of industry to provide the needed resources.
Public/private‐sector collaboration in contraceptive research and development: summary and historical perspective
Authors: Spieler J.
Published: July 2002

This summary and historical perspective relates exclusively to contraceptive research and development during the period between the early 1970s and the present. This paper covers the raison d'être for public/private‐sector collaboration in this field, provides definitions and summarizes the issues motivating and confronting both sectors, discusses and outlines a generic memorandum of understanding (MOU) that can be used to initiate collaborative research activities, and presents a time line of selected milestones in public/private‐sector collaboration, many of which were initiated by the Rockefeller Foundation. Public and private‐sector collaboration takes advantage of the unique strengths of both sectors and offers good opportunities for a ‘win–win’ situation in product development.
Pushing the frontiers of science — the Mellon reproductive biology centers
Authors: Makinson C. , Harper M.J.K.
Published: July 2002

The 20‐year history of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation's support for US reproductive biology centers and junior investigators is summarized. The main results of the Foundation's program during the 1990s are described under the following headings: research generated by seed money, research generated by the twinning program, and commercial partnerships. The twinning program supports research collaborations between US centers and reproductive biology centers in developing countries, and was recently reviewed by an external panel. Both the seed money and twinning mechanisms were judged to have been successful in promoting research relevant to contraception which, in many instances, resulted in publications in peer‐reviewed journals and in follow‐on funding from other sources. The Foundation established a new program in 1998. The paper lists the US centers included in the new program and the ‘target’ areas of research that will be emphasized.
Gene mediated insulin‐like growth factor‐I delivery to the synovium
Authors: Saxer Rachel A. , Bent Stephen J. , Brower‐Toland Brent D. , Mi Zhibao , Robbins Paul D. , Evans Christopher H. , Nixon Alan J.
Published: July 2002

The feasibility of articular gene therapy using insulin‐like growth factor‐I transgene expression in synovial tissues was assessed in vitro by transfection of synovial explant and monolayer cultures. Synovial membrane was harvested from horses and distributed for explant culture in multiwell plates or digested for monolayer culture in multiwell plates and chamber slides. Synovial monolayers were cultured for 48 h after infection with 0, 100, 200, or 500 moi adenovirus‐IGF‐I (AdeIGF‐I) to establish an optimum dose. Explants were then either infected with AdeIGF‐I or adenoviral LacZ and cultured for 8 days, treated with 100 ng/ml recombinant IGF‐I as a positive control, or remained as uninfected untreated culture controls. Expression of IGF‐I in explants and monolayers was assessed by in situ hybridization and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and translation confirmed by IGF‐I radioimmunoassay (RIA) and tissue immunoreaction. Effects of IGF‐I on synovial function was assessed by proteoglycan and hyaluronan assay, and northern blot assessment of decorin and collagen type I expression. Significant transgene expression in synovial cells was present for all AdeIGF‐I concentrations. Similarly, medium IGF‐I concentrations were significantly elevated in AdeIGF‐I infected synovial monolayer and explant cultures at all time points. Peak IGF‐I concentration of 246 ± 43 ng/ml developed in explant cultures on day 4; IGF‐I levels in control explant groups were unchanged over baseline values. In situ hybridization and immunolocalization for IGF‐I indicated focal IGF‐I expression in intimal and subintimal layers of infected explants, with diffuse immunoreaction throughout infected subintimal and fibrous layers. For monolayer cultures, intracellular immunoreaction to IGF‐I was markedly higher in infected cells, and was most prominent at 100 moi. Effects of IGF‐I on synoviocyte cultures were evident on northern blots, which showed decreased decorin expression and elevated type I collagen production in AdeIGF‐I infected monolayers. Proteoglycan concentration in the medium from explant cultures rose over the initial 4 days but was similar between treatment groups. The concentration of hyaluronan in medium from explant cultures did not differ significantly within or between treated and control groups during the 8‐day study period. These data indicate that IGF‐I can be successfully introduced to synovial structures by adenoviral vectors and results in effective IGF‐I ligand synthesis without untoward synovial morphologic effects. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Punlished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Differential distribution of the G protein γ3 subunit in the developing zebrafish nervous system
Authors: Kelly Gregory M. , Vanderbeld Barbara , Krawetz Roman , Mangos Steve
Published: July 2002

G proteins play an essential role in the transduction and propagation of extracellular signals across the plasma membrane. It was once thought that the G protein α subunit was the sole regulator of intracellular molecules. The G protein βγ complex is now recognized as participating in many signaling events. While screening a zebrafish cDNA library to identify members of the protein 4.1 superfamily (Kelly, G.M., Reversade, B., Biochem. Cell Biol. 75 (1997), 623), we fortuitously identified a clone that encodes a zebrafish G protein γ subunit. The 666 nucleotides of the zebrafish G protein γ subunit cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 75 amino acids with high degree of homology to human, bovine, rat and mouse γ subunits. BLAST search analysis of GenBank revealed that the zebrafish γ subunit is 93% identical and 97% similar to the mammalian γ3 subunit. The γ3 gene was mapped to the zebrafish linkage group 21, approximately 10.76 cRays from bf, a gene with sequence homology to the human properdin factor gene. RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization analyses first detected γ3 mRNA during late somitogenesis, where it was expressed preferentially in the Vth cranial nerve, the forebrain and in ventrolateral regions of the mid‐ and hindbrain including the spinal cord. The ability of the zebrafish γ3 subunit to form a signaling heterodimeric complex with a β subunit was tested using a human β2 subunit. The γ3 formed a heterodimer with β2 and the complex was capable of binding calmodulin in a calcium‐dependent manner. Overexpression of the β2γ3 complex in zebrafish embryos lead to the loss of dorsoanterior structures and heart defects, possibly owing to an up‐regulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase activity and/or decline in protein kinase A signaling. Together, these data imply that a βγ heterodimer plays a role in signal transduction events involving G protein coupled receptors and that these events occur in specific regions in the nervous system of the developing zebrafish.
Development of the tecto–thalamic projection neurons and the differential expressions ofcalcium‐binding proteins in the rat
Authors: Okoyama Shigeo , Kudo Motoi
Published: July 2002

We studied expression of calbindin‐D 28 K and parvalbumin in tecto–thalamic projection neurons and during the formation of their tecto–thalamic projections using a double‐labeling with Fluoro–Gold. To discern the completion of these projections, Fluoro–Gold, an opalescent fluorescent dye, was injected into the dorsal lateral geniculate and/or the lateral posterior nucleus in rats of various ages from neonates to adults. After one day's survival, the brains were removed and sections of the brain were immunohistochemically processed using Cy3, a red fluorescent dye, as a marker for calbindin‐D 28 K or parvalbumin. The three types of tecto–thalamic neurons, which have been described previously in the adult rats, were identified in the present study. The results revealed that in developing rats: 1) A population of medium‐sized neurons (the presumed pyriform cells) express calbindin‐D 28 K as early as the day of birth prior to the formation of their tecto–thalamic projection that occured on postnatal day 4. Most (over 90%) of them project to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus; 2) A population of large neurons (the presumed wide‐field vertical cells) express calbindin‐D 28 K on postnatal day 7, and most of them (over 90%) project to the lateral posterior nucleus; 3) Another population of medium‐sized neurons (the presumed narrow‐field cells) express parvalbumin on post‐natal day 17, but only a half (45%) of them project to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. In the developing nervous system, calcium ions play important roles in the biological and molecular events underlying neural development. Changes in the free intracellular calcium ion level, indicating neuronal activity has been reported to be correlated with onset of calbindin‐D 28 K or parvalbumin‐immunoreactivity that participate in the regulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis in neurons. Therefore, the present findings may reflect distinct developmental events in the different classes of tectal relay neurons that form parallel visual pathways, but which have such different functions as the detection of luminance, discrimination of direction, and the detection of fast movements.
Property Rights in China's Economic Reforms
Authors: Smyth Russell
Published: July 2002

This paper explores China's experience with property rights reform. In contrast to most countries in East Central Europe and the former Soviet Union, China has experimented with different ownership forms and this has been quite successful. Over the last two decades China has had the highest growth rate in the world. The main argument presented here is that private property rights alone cannot provide a theory for China's economic success and that the whole process is too complex to be reduced to canonical explanations. To this end the paper reviews recent evidence in the three main areas of reform—agriculture, rural industrialisation and state-owned sector reform.
MIDWIFERY EDUCATION ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: TRANSITIONS TO THE WORKPLACE
Authors: Lydon‐Rochelle Mona T. , Kantrowitz‐Gordon Ira , Tower Martha J. “Jody” , Trego Lori , Lagerberg Ruth
Published: July 2002

A snapshot of four graduates’ views on their educational experience at a research institution as well as their perspective on how it prepared them for the challenges they faced in entering the workplace is presented. Discussants stated that research knowledge is a critical aspect to clinical practice. Their educational experience provided them with the ability to understand information technology applications, identify and access relevant scientific research, evaluate the integrity and comparability of research findings, and apply research findings to clinical practice. Areas within the curriculum that were identified as needing more content and/or greater emphasis included primary health care, how to work competently and effectively with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and racial and ethnic backgrounds, experience with public health providers, and content such as intimate partner violence and adolescent behaviors.
Laser Thermal Processing of Group IV Semiconductors for Integrated Photonic Systems
Authors: Aktas Ozan , Peacock Anna C.
Published: March 2021

In the quest to expand the functionality and capacity of group IV semiconductor photonic systems, new materials and production methods are constantly being explored. In particular, flexible fabrication and postprocessing approaches that are compatible with different materials and allow for tuning of the components and systems are of great interest. Within this research area, laser thermal processing has emerged as an indispensable tool that can be applied to enhance and/or modify the material, structural, electrical and optical properties of group IV elemental and compound semiconductors at various stages of the production process. Herein, the recent progress made in the application of laser processing techniques to develop integrated semiconductor systems in both fiber‐ and planar‐based platforms is evaluated. Laser processing has allowed for the production of semiconductor waveguides with high crystallinity in the core and low optical losses, as well as postfabrication trimming of device characteristics and direct writing of tunable strain and composition profiles for bandgap engineering and optical waveguiding. For each platform, the current challenges and opportunities for the future development of laser‐processed integrated semiconductor photonic systems are presented.
Deriving genetic coefficients from variety trials to determine sorghum hybrid performance using the CSM–CERES–Sorghum model
Authors: Liang Xi , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Voulgaraki Stamatia , Boote Kenneth J. , Vellidis George
Published: March 2021

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is well‐known to adapt to stressful environmental conditions. However, yield variability of sorghum has not been thoroughly investigated for different growing conditions in a subtropical climate. The overall goal of this study was to identify yield potential and management options for sorghum production in the southeastern United States. Specific objectives were to calibrate and evaluate the Cropping System Model (CSM)–CERES–Sorghum model with sorghum variety trial data and to apply the model for determining hybrid performance as a function of sowing date for different environments in Georgia. The model was calibrated and evaluated with data for six grain sorghum hybrids from 31 variety trials conducted in Georgia and Florida. Following calibration and evaluation, the model was used to simulate grain yield of the six hybrids in response to seven sowing dates under rainfed and irrigated conditions at 10 locations in Georgia using 40 yr of historical weather data. The results indicate that normalized root mean square error (RMSEn) between simulated and observed yield for the six hybrids ranged from 1.4 to 19% for model calibration and from 12 to 28% for model evaluation, suggesting that the model can be calibrated and evaluated using limited data from variety trials. For the long‐term scenarios, differences in simulated grain yield were found for hybrids, sowing dates, and locations under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. This demonstrated that the CSM–CERES–Sorghum model can be used to investigate the effects of climate variability on crop yield and to develop management practices for optimizing sorghum  production.
H3PO4‐induced micellization of styrene‐ethylene oxide block copolymers in toluene solutions
Authors: Ayubali Mufadal , Kotlarchyk Michael , Smith Thomas W.
Published: March 2021

In toluene/dimethoxyethane (80/20)v solution, copolymers containing 11, 33, and 51 mol% of oxyethylene residues and having a fixed PS‐segment molecular weight of ~60,000 g/mol, are dissolved molecularly. Doping with 10, 20, and 50 mol% of H3PO4 based on the oxyethylene content, induces varying degrees, of micellization in the respective block copolymer solutions. Light scattering and viscometry were used to evaluate the relationship between block‐copolymer composition and the state of aggregation for solutions of styrene/ethylene oxide block copolymers as a function of solution concentration and level of doping with phosphoric acid. Specifically, diffusion coefficients, hydrodynamic radii, and critical micelle concentration were evaluated by dynamic light scattering. Radii of gyration were obtained by complementary static light scattering measurements. In all three block copolymers, complete micellization is realized at the 50 mol% H3PO4 doping level. At the 20 mol% H3PO4 doping level, complete micellization is induced with the copolymers containing 11 and 33 mol% of oxyethylene residues.
Digital breast tomosynthesis compared to diagnostic mammographic projections (including magnification) among women recalled at screening mammography: a systematic review for the European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer (ECIBC)
Authors: Canelo‐Aybar Carlos , Carrera Lourdes , Beltrán Jessica , Posso Margarita , Rigau David , Lebeau Annette , Gräwingholt Axel , Castells Xavier , Langendam Miranda , Pérez Elsa , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Van Engen Ruben , Parmelli Elena , Saz‐Parkinson Zuleika , Alonso‐Coello Pablo
Published: March 2021

Background

Diagnostic mammography projections (DxMM) have been traditionally used in the assessment of women recalled after a suspicious screening mammogram. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) reduces the tissue overlap effect, thus improving image assessment. Some studies have suggested DBT might replace DxMM with at least equivalent performance.

Objective

To evaluate the replacement of DxMM with DBT in women recalled at screening.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases to identify diagnostic paired cohort studies or RCTs comparing DBT vs DxMM, published in English that: reported accuracy outcomes, recruited women recalled for assessment at mammography screening, and included a reference standard. Subgroup analysis was performed over lesion characteristics. We provided pooled accuracy estimates and differences between tests using a quadrivariate model. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

Results

We included ten studies that reported specificity and sensitivity. One study included 7060 women while the remaining included between 52 and 738 women. DBT compared with DxMM showed a pooled difference for the sensitivity of 2% (95% CI 1%–3%) and a pooled difference for the specificity of 6% (95%CI 2%–11%). Restricting the analysis to the six studies that included women with microcalcification lesions gave similar results. In the context of a prevalence of 21% of breast cancer (BC) in recalled women, DBT probably detects 4 (95% CI 2–6) more BC cases and has 47 (95%CI 16–87) fewer false‐positive results per 1000 assessments. The certainty of the evidence was moderate due to risk of bias.

Conclusion

The evidence in the assessment of screen‐recalled findings with DBT is sparse and of moderate certainty. DBT probably has higher sensitivity and specificity than DxMM. Women, health care providers and policymakers might value as relevant the reduction of false‐positive results and related fewer invasive diagnostic procedures with DBT, without missing BC cases.
Phase 1 study of telisotuzumab vedotin in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Fujiwara Yutaka , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Yamamoto Noboru , Shimizu Toshio , Yonemori Kan , Ocampo Christopher , Parikh Apurvasena , Okubo Sumiko , Fukasawa Kazuteru , Murakami Haruyasu
Published: March 2021

Telisotuzumab vedotin (formerly ABBV‐399) is an antibody‐drug conjugate targeting c‐Met–overexpressing tumor cells, irrespective of MET gene amplification status. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of telisotuzumab vedotin were evaluated outside of Japan. This phase 1 open‐label study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity of telisotuzumab vedotin in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. Telisotuzumab vedotin was administered intravenously at either 2.4 mg/kg (n = 3) or 2.7 mg/kg (n = 6) every 3 weeks, following a 3 + 3 design. Maximum tolerated dose was not reached on the basis of the study design; no dose‐limiting toxicity events were observed. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events related to telisotuzumab vedotin were peripheral sensory neuropathy (44%), and nausea, decreased appetite, and decreased white blood cell count (33% each). Most frequent grade ≥3 treatment‐emergent adverse events, irrespective of relationship to telisotuzumab vedotin, were decreased neutrophil count and hypoalbuminemia, reported in two patients (22%) each. Systemic exposure of telisotuzumab vedotin at both dose levels was approximately dose proportional. Pharmacokinetic profile in Japanese patients was similar to that previously reported in non‐Japanese patients. Two (22%) patients achieved a partial response, six (67%) had stable disease, one (11%) had progressive disease. Overall disease control rate was 89% (eight of nine patients; 95% confidence interval: 51.8%–99.7%]). Median progression‐free survival was 7.1 months (95% confidence interval: 1.2–10.4). In conclusion, telisotuzumab vedotin demonstrated a manageable safety profile, with antitumor activity in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors; the recommended phase 2 dose was confirmed as 2.7 mg/kg every 3 weeks.

ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT03311477.
His‐bundle pacing as an alternative to CRT in a patient with left bundle branch block, left ventricular dysfunction, and TAVI‐induced complete AV block
Authors: Silva Cunha Pedro , Pais João , Oliveira Mário Martins
Published: March 2021

Our clinical case supports the effectiveness of distal His‐Bundle pacing in obtaining ventricular resynchronization in patients with LBBB and left ventricular dysfunction, particularly in the context of post‐TAVI conduction disturbances.
Immunochemistry in the work‐up of mesothelioma and its differential diagnosis and mimickers
Authors: Mneimneh Wadad S. , Jiang Yuying , Harbhajanka Aparna , Michael Claire W.
Published: March 2021

The differential diagnosis in cellular effusions with cytological atypia often includes malignant mesothelioma (MM), reactive mesothelial proliferation, and malignancies of metastatic origin, particularly carcinomas. The International Reporting System for Serous Fluid recently established guidelines for reporting MM. In conjunction with the cytomorphologic evaluation, the role of immunochemistry (IC) was emphasized as a very useful tool in the workup of serous fluids, especially with the availability of novel markers. Utilizing a panel of markers, IC allows the characterization of the cells, whether mesothelial or not, and when mesothelial origin is established, IC can frequently assist in delineating its benign or malignant nature. IC can also confirm metastatic disease, allowing the identification of the primary origin in most cases. This review summarizes the current status of IC and its role in the diagnosis of MM and its differential diagnosis in serous fluids.
Unravelling the effect of multiple stressors on ecological structure of littoral lake macroinvertebrates
Authors: Jurca Tamara , Donohue Louise , McGoff Elaine , Tunali Saliha Y. , Irvine Kenneth
Published: March 2021

Morphological alteration of shorelines and eutrophication both affect the biological integrity of European lakes. These pressures, often acting simultaneously, are difficult to tease apart. In this study, we related the number of taxa with specific habitat preference to habitat complexity across lakes of varying nutrient state. Habitat complexity at morphologically altered shorelines was significantly lower than at unaltered sites across trophic categories. A generalised linear mixed‐effects model showed decreased number of taxa with specific mesohabitat preference at morphologically simplified sites in oligotrophic and mesotrophic, but not eutrophic lakes. These results suggest: (1) an antagonistic interaction between the effect of nutrient enrichment and morphological alterations on lake littoral communities and (2) the number of macroinvertebrate habitat specialists could potentially be used to assess the effects of structural simplifications of shorelines in lakes of low to medium nutrient status. We conclude that the use of functional traits approach in aquatic ecology should foster better understanding of stressor–response relationships for combined effect of multiple stressors.
How to bargain successfully with adolescents: What can be learned from youth development professionals
Authors: Perry S. Cole , Izenstark Dina , Larson Reed
Published: March 2021

This study examines risks and potential benefits that youth professionals experience in bargaining with adolescents. We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 50 experienced adult leaders of 27 high‐quality arts, technology, and leadership youth programs (serving ethnically‐diverse teens). Half worked with younger teens (ages 11–14), half with older (ages 14–18). Leaders reported bargaining in ways responsive to youth's wants and needs, reaching win‐win agreements. Leaders of younger youth experienced more risks in bargaining, so took greater control over what was bargained. They used bargains most often to motivate when youth's enthusiasm dropped, and these bargains sometimes helped youth develop self‐motivation. Leaders of older youth reported fewer risks and more benefits. They bargained as equals, asking youth to share decision‐making responsibility. They used bargaining as a pedagogical tool to model, support, and challenge youth, which helped build their capacities for deliberative decision‐making. The findings illuminate strategies for practitioners to use bargaining effectively.
Sonographic imaging of appendiceal orifice polyps in children
Authors: Zhang Min , Qin Ling‐ling , Lin Hai
Published: March 2021

Although gastrointestinal polyps are a common disease, appendiceal orifice polyps are rare and usually found incidentally during autopsy or surgery. Data on the sonographic features of appendiceal orifice polyps in children are limited. We describe the sonographic features of appendiceal orifice polyps in two children.
Clinical usefulness of combination therapy with polidocanol injection and argon plasma coagulation for gastric antral vascular ectasia
Authors: Tamari Hirosato , Oka Shiro , Tanaka Shinji , Hiyama Yuichi , Ninomiya Yuki , Kotachi Takahiro , Boda Tomoyuki , Yuge Ryo , Urabe Yuji , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) causes gastrointestinal bleeding. The initial treatment for GAVE bleeding is endoscopic hemostasis, and currently, the most performed technique to achieve hemostasis is argon plasma coagulation (APC). However, APC is associated with a high recurrence rate. To overcome this limitation, we examined the outcomes of the combination therapy of APC and polidocanol injection (PDI) for treating GAVE.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 15 consecutive GAVE patients treated with PDI + APC at Hiroshima University Hospital between November 2011 and September 2019 with respect to clinical characteristics, hemostatic efficacy, complications related to treatment, and recurrence rate.

Results

The mean age of patients (4 men and 11 women) was 74 ± 8.4 years. Patients had comorbidities of liver cirrhosis (seven patients, 47%), chronic renal failure (seven patients, 47%), and autoimmune diseases (seven patients, 47%). Endoscopic hemostasis with PDI + APC was performed in all patients (n = 15). The mean number of PDIs attempted to stop bleeding was 1.5 ± 0.8 (1–4), and the mean number of APCs attempted was 2.1 ± 1.2 (1–5). Complications related to treatment occurred in two patients (14%): ulceration in one patient and hematoma in another patient, both of whom were treated conservatively. Two patients (13%) had recurrences during the follow‐up period (average period, 42 months). Both were cured with additional treatment of PDI only.

Conclusion

The combination therapy of PDI and APC is effective for GAVE with a low recurrence rate.
Whole Brain Adiabatic T1rho and Relaxation Along a Fictitious Field Imaging in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Initial Findings
Authors: Jambor Ivan , Steiner Aida , Pesola Marko , Liimatainen Timo , Sucksdorff Marcus , Rissanen Eero , Airas Laura , Aronen Hannu J. , Merisaari Harri
Published: March 2021

Background

In preclinical models of multiple sclerosis (MS), both adiabatic T1rho (T1ρadiab) and relaxation along a fictitious field (RAFF) imaging have demonstrated potential to noninvasively characterize MS.

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of whole brain T1ρadiab and RAFF imaging in healthy volunteers and patients with MS.

Study Type

Single institutional clinical trial.

Subjects

38 healthy volunteers (24–69 years) and 21 patients (26–59 years) with MS. Five healthy volunteers underwent a second MR examination performed within 8 days. Clinical disease severity (The Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] and The Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score [MSSS]) was evaluated at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up (FU).

Field Strength/Sequence

RAFF in second rotating frame of reference (RAFF2) was performed at 3 T using 3D‐fast‐field echo with magnetization preparation, RF amplitude of 11.74 μT while the corresponding value for T1ρadiab was 13.50 μT. T1‐, T2‐, and FLAIR‐weighted images were acquired with reconstruction voxel size 1.0 × 1.0 × 1.0 mm3.

Assessment

The parametric maps of T1ρadiab and RAFF2 (TRAFF2) were calculated using a monoexponential model. Semi‐automatic segmentation of MS lesions, white matter (WM), and gray matter (GM), and WM tracks was performed using T1‐, T2‐, and FLAIR‐weighted images.

Statistical Tests

Regression analysis was used to evaluate correlation of T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 with age and disease severity while a Friedman test followed by Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for differences between tissue types. Short‐term repeatability was evaluated on voxel level.

Results

Both T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 demonstrated good short‐term repeatability with relative differences on voxel level in the range of 6.1%–11.9%. Differences in T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 between the tissue types in MS patients were significant (P < 0.05). T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 correlated (P < 0.001) with baseline EDSS/MSSM and disease progression at FU (P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

Whole brain T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 at 3 T was feasible with significant differences in T1ρadiab and TRAFF2 values between tissues types and correlation with disease severity.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Nucleoside‐modified messenger RNA COVID‐19 vaccine platform
Authors: Roncati Luca , Corsi Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) a pandemic; from that date, the vaccine race has begun, and many technology platforms to develop a specific and effective COVID‐19 vaccine have been launched in several clinical trials (protein subunit, RNA‐based, DNA‐based, replicating viral vector, nonreplicating viral vector, inactivated virus, live attenuated virus, and virus‐like particle). Among the next‐generation strategies, nucleoside‐modified messenger RNA vaccines appear the most attractive, not only to counteract emerging pathogens but also for the possible applications in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy. However, exactly as all innovative drugs, they deserve careful pharmacovigilance in the short and long term.
Study protocol: A cross‐sectional study on instrumental support for transitional care among older adults with chronic diseases
Authors: Hua Jianing , Shi Xiaoliu , Cui Min , Xiao Yuhua , Xie Juan , Geng Guiling
Published: March 2021

Aims

In this paper, we present a study aiming to develop a questionnaire on instrumental support for transitional care as a tool for investigating services, staff, equipment and supplies, and funds of transitional care and conduct a cross‐sectional study on the current instrumental support for transitional care in older adults with chronic diseases.

Design

A cross‐sectional study combining instrumental support with transitional care through a mixed‐method approach.

Methods

Data are collected through two sources: distribution of the questionnaire to older adults with chronic diseases and interviews with experts from different specialties such as nursing, clinical medicine, geriatrics, sociology and government.

Results

The developed questionnaire and expert interviews will be used to investigate the current instrumental support for transitional care among older adults with chronic diseases in China. These findings can help leaders identify areas for improvement in transitional care and contribute to the long‐term positive development of transitional care.
Validity of bariatric surgery codes in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD compared with Hospital Episodes Statistics
Authors: Burkard Theresa , Rauch Marlene , Jick Susan S. , Meier Christoph R.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To assess completeness and validity of bariatric surgery codes in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD compared with Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES).

Methods

We conducted a validation study among patients in the UK‐based CPRD GOLD with linkage to HES (1998 to 2017). Since the same surgery codes are used for bariatric and other gastrointestinal surgery we assessed code distribution patterns used in patients with bariatric versus other gastrointestinal surgery by presence of other conditions such as obesity and gastrointestinal cancer. We developed algorithms to identify bariatric surgery and calculated validity measures (ie, positive/negative predictive value [PPV/NPV], sensitivity, and specificity) of each in CPRD GOLD compared with HES (gold standard).

Results

Among 7 357 007 available patients we identified 10 190 patients who had a total of 14 046 potential bariatric surgery codes in CPRD GOLD and/or HES. Surgery code patterns differed between bariatric surgery and assumed other gastrointestinal surgery. The sensitivity of CPRD GOLD bariatric surgery coding improved from an overall of 56% to 69–71% when applying stricter algorithms (ie, in obese patients or obese, gastrointestinal disease/complication free patients) but PPVs remained at 53%–55%. NPVs and specificities of CPRD GOLD bariatric surgery coding achieved ≥99.8% for all algorithms.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that using CPRD GOLD and HES data and a wide selection of surgery codes will result in the most complete and accurate capture of bariatric surgery events. Validity measures of CPRD GOLD bariatric surgery codes were identical in obese patients and more restrictive populations.
Effects of mirror therapy on oedema, pain and functional activities in patients with poststroke shoulder‐hand syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saha Sourov , Sur Mainak , Ray Chaudhuri Gargi , Agarwal Shabnam
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To study the effectiveness of mirror therapy along with a Stroke rehabilitation program on oedema, pain intensity and functional activities in patients with shoulder‐hand syndrome (SHS) after stroke.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Settings

Out‐patient rehabilitation center.

Methods

Thirty‐eight SHS patients after stroke, were randomly allocated into two groups; both the groups received a 4‐week stroke rehabilitation program, 30 min a day for 5 days a week. Control group patients performed all the exercises of stroke rehabilitation program, while directly visualizing their both limbs. Experimental group patients performed same exercises of stroke rehabilitation program in front of the mirror.

Outcome Measures

Oedema (figure‐of‐eight measurement method), pain intensity (0–10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale [0–10 NPRS]), functional activities (Functional Independence Measure [FIM]).

Results

After intervention, both groups showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement for all measures (oedema measurement, 0–10 NPRS and FIM). Improvements were more significant (p < 0.05) in the experimental group with mirror therapy for all three measures compared to the control group. Mean differences between groups were 1.40 cm for oedema measurement, 0.87 for NPRS score and 12.20 for FIM score. At 2‐week follow‐up, the improvements were sustained.

Conclusion

The current study may indicate mirror therapy as an effective central neuromodulatory rehabilitative program to reduce pain, improves functional activities. More distinctively, this preliminary study suggests a decrease in oedema by mirror therapy for SHS after stroke. Improvement of upper limb in SHS after stroke will be more perceptible with the decrease in oedema, being the characteristic sign, following mirror therapy. Clinically, patients during their daily functional activities, shall be more confident to use their upper limb following mirror therapy after reduction in oedema along with pain.
Thermally Stabilized Soot for Supercapacitors
Authors: Petrov Miroslav , Lovchinov Konstantin , Slavov Luybomir , Stankulov Toma , Nichev Hristo , Hikov Todor , Tyutyundzhiev Nikolay
Published: March 2021

Soot is used as an electrode material for possible supercapacitance applications. The carbonaceous product is collected from a domestic heating system and possesses a naturally developed high surface area, which is one of the key requirements for such applications. The low‐molecular‐weight compounds in the soot are evaporated and carbonized by heat treatment of the samples in the range 400–800 °C. The heating at different temperatures causes different degrees of carbonization, functional groups removal, and samples’ stabilization. The capacitance is compared of prototypes with electrodes made from materials treated at different temperatures. The prototype samples are investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, revealing sequentially removed functional groups and a variety of carbon structures, such as graphene sheets, monocrystalline carbon particles, and onion‐like structures.
Beyond Platinum: Defects Abundant CoP3/Ni2P Heterostructure for Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Lijie , Zhuang Linzhou , Liu Hongli , Zhang Longzhou , Cai Rongsheng , Chen Ning , Yang Xianfeng , Zhu Zhonghua , Yang Dongjiang , Yao Xiangdong
Published: March 2021

Water electrolysis is a promising option for pure hydrogen production, but it is limited by the high cost. Developing superb and low‐cost electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is critical for cost reduction. Heterostructures are demonstrated with excellent HER activities, but still inferior to commercial Pt/C. Herein, vacancy type of defects is engineered into the interface of CoP3/Ni2P heterostructure by a plasma strategy. The as‐synthesized defective CoP3/Ni2P exhibits lower overpotentials than Pt/C. Its specific activity at overpotential of 50 mV is ≈2‐fold and 1.7‐fold higher than that of Pt/C in acidic and alkaline media, respectively. For water electrocatalysis, its current density reaches 215 mA cm−2 at 2.0 V, even satisfying the target of practical industrial water splitting. Theoretical calculations indicate that the interfacial defects reconstruct the electronic structure and accelerate the charge transfer, facilitating the adsorption of reactant and lowering the energy barrier of water dissociation, thereby improving HER activities.
A process calculus BigrTiMo of mobile systemsand its formal semantics
Authors: Xie Wanling , Zhu Huibiao , Xu Qiwen
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we present a process calculus called BigrTiMo that combines the rTiMo calculus and the Bigraph model. BigrTiMo calculus is capable of specifying a rich variety of properties for structure-aware mobile systems. Compared with rTiMo, our BigrTiMo calculus can specify not only time, mobility and local communication, but also remote communication. We then investigate the operational semantics of the BigrTiMo calculus and develop an executable formal specification of our BigrTiMo calculus in a declarative language called Maude. In addition, we verify safety properties and liveness properties of the mobile systems described by BigrTiMo using state exploration and LTL model checking in Maude. Based on Hoare and He's Unifying Theories of Programming (UTP), we study the semantic foundation of this highly expressive modelling language and propose a denotational semantic model and a set of algebraic laws for it. The semantic model in this paper covers time, location, communication and global shared variable at the same time. We also demonstrate the proofs of some algebraic laws based on our denotational semantics. Moreover, we explore how the algebraic semantics relates with the operational semantics and denotational semantics, which is conducted by the study of deriving the operational semantics and denotational semantics from algebraic semantics. We prove the equivalence between the derived transition system (e.g., the operational semantics) and the derivation strategy, which indicates that the operational semantics is sound and complete.
Factors predicting biochemical response and survival benefits following radioligand therapy with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer: a review
Authors: Manafi-Farid Reyhaneh , Harsini Sara , Saidi Bahare , Ahmadzadehfar Hojat , Herrmann Ken , Briganti Alberto , Walz Jochen , Beheshti Mohsen
Published: March 2021

Background

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers in men. Although the overall prognosis is favorable, the management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients is challenging. Usually, mCRPC patients with progressive disease are considered for radioligand therapy (RLT) after exhaustion of other standard treatments. The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) labeled with Lutetium-177 ([177Lu]Lu-PSMA) has been widely used, showing favorable and successful results in reducing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, increasing quality of life, and decreasing pain, in a multitude of studies. Nevertheless, approximately thirty percent of patients do not respond to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT. Here, we only reviewed and reported the evaluated factors and their impact on survival or biochemical response to treatment to have an overview of the potentialprognostic parameters in [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT.

Methods

Studies were retrieved by searching MEDLINE/PubMed and GoogleScholar. The search keywords were as follows: {(“177Lu-PSMA”) AND (“radioligand”) AND (“prognosis”) OR (“predict”)}. Studies discussing one or more factors which may be prognostic or predictive of response to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT, that is PSA response and survival parameters, were included.

Results

Several demographic, histological, biochemical, and imaging factors have been assessed as predictive parameters for the response to thistreatment; however, the evaluated factors were diverse, and the results mostly were divergent, except for the PSA level reduction after treatment, which unanimously predicted prolonged survival.

Conclusion

Several studies have investigated a multitude of factors to detect those predicting response to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT. The results wereinconsistent regarding some factors, and some were evaluated in only a few studies. Future prospective randomized trials are required to detect theindependent prognostic factors, and to further determine the clinical and survival benefits of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT.