bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case and preposition stranding in Old English free relatives
Authors: Allen Cynthia L.
Published: July 2020

Taylor (2014)observes that some of the factual claims made inAllen (1980), the most thorough examination of free relatives in Old English to date, are not entirely correct. Taylor presents some examples that Allen’s analysis of Old English free relatives does not account for and proposes an alternative analysis in which the relative pronoun can be internal to the relative clause and the case of the pronoun is determined by the case hierarchy proposed byHarbert (2007)for Gothic. This corpus-based study supplies new data showing that while Taylor’s relative-internal analysis is needed for some examples, the evidence does not support the suggested case hierarchy except in regulating optional case attraction. Latin influence may account for examples that do not fit the usual patterns.
The functional components of telephone conversation opening phase in Jordanian Arabic
Authors: Al-Ali Mohammed Nahar , Abu-Abah Rana N.
Published: July 2020

Our study purports to examine the rhetorical structure of informal telephone conversation opening phase in
Jordanian Arabic and the lexico-grammatical and stylistic encodings of these pragmatic options. To this end, a corpus of 100
telephone conversation recordings was collected from Jordanian Arabic. The recordings were based on the participants’ personal
cell phones with their families and friends. Our data analysis drew on House (1982) and
Sun’s (2004) models of interactional moves to find out the component options used
to articulate this phase. The results revealed that although the group of participants use a set of functional components similar
to those identified in other cultures, there are additional functional component options like ‘ostensible invitation’ and
‘God-wishes’ that are only used by Jordanians. Besides, they utilize various lexico-grammatical devices and stylistic options to
articulate these components. These choices can be attributed to the socio-cultural background of the Jordanian Arabic native
speakers.
Multiple functions of the Cantonese ‘wait’ verb dang2 and their historical development
Authors: Lai Yik-Po
Published: July 2020

The diachronic development of morphemes meaning ‘wait’ has not been well documented. This paper describes multiple
functions of the ‘wait’ verb dang2 in Hong Kong Cantonese: (a) a verb meaning ‘be in need of’, (b) a permissive
verb meaning ‘let’, (c) a causative verb meaning ‘cause’, (d) a temporal marker meaning ‘at, when’, (e) a particle for giving
notice of a coming event, and (f) a subordinating conjunction signifying someone’s surprise. Four development paths are proposed
to account for the multifunctionality: ‘wait’ > (a); ‘wait’ > (d); ‘wait’ > (b) > (e); and ‘wait’ > (c) > (f).
This case draws attention to the potential of ‘wait’ morphemes to be employed to express various other abstract concepts and,
furthermore, highlights the role of indirect sources in the theory of grammaticalization.
On nonseparable growths of 𝜔 supporting measures
Authors: Borodulin-Nadzieja Piotr , Żuchowski Tomasz
Published: July 2020

We present several

Z
F
C

\mathsf {ZFC}

examples of compactifications

γ
ω

\gamma \omega

of

ω
\omega

such that their remainders

γ
ω
∖
ω

\gamma \omega \backslash \omega

are nonseparable and carry strictly positive measures.
Regularity and ℎ-polynomials of toric ideals of graphs
Authors: Favacchio Giuseppe , Keiper Graham , Van Tuyl Adam
Published: July 2020

For all integers

4
≤
r
≤
d

4 \leq r \leq d

, we show that there exists a finite simple graph

G
=

G

r
,
d

G= G_{r,d}

with toric ideal

I
G

⊂
R

I_G \subset R

such that

R

/

I
G

R/I_G

has (Castelnuovo–Mumford) regularity

r
r

and

h
h

-polynomial of degree

d
d

. To achieve this goal, we identify a family of graphs such that the graded Betti numbers of the associated toric ideal agree with its initial ideal, and, furthermore, that this initial ideal has linear quotients. As a corollary, we can recover a result of Hibi, Higashitani, Kimura, and O’Keefe that compares the depth and dimension of toric ideals of graphs.
Formation of the B9-domain protein complex MKS1–B9D2–B9D1 is essential as a diffusion barrier for ciliary membrane proteins
Authors: Okazaki Misato , Kobayashi Takuya , Chiba Shuhei , Takei Ryota , Liang Luxiaoxue , Nakayama Kazuhisa , Katoh Yohei
Published: July 2020

Meckel syndrome (MKS)1, B9 domain (B9D)1, and B9D2 are soluble transition zone (TZ) proteins and share a B9D. We demonstrate the interaction mode of these B9D proteins to be MKS1-B9D2-B9D1 and their interdependent localization to the TZ. We also show that formation of the B9D protein complex is crucial for creating a diffusion barrier for ciliary membrane proteins.
Towards Global Volunteer Monitoring of Odonate Abundance
Authors: Bried Jason , Ries Leslie , Smith Brenda , Patten Michael , Abbott John , Ball-Damerow Joan , Cannings Robert , Cordero-Rivera Adolfo , Córdoba-Aguilar Alex , De Marco Paulo , Dijkstra Klaas-Douwe , Dolný Aleš , van Grunsven Roy , Halstead David , Harabiš Filip , Hassall Christopher , Jeanmougin Martin , Jones Colin , Juen Leandro , Kalkman Vincent , Kietzka Gabriella , Mazzacano Celeste Searles , Orr Albert , Perron Mary Ann , Rocha-Ortega Maya , Sahlén Göran , Samways Michael , Siepielski Adam , Simaika John , Suhling Frank , Underhill Les , White Erin
Published: July 2020

Insects are reportedly experiencing widespread declines, but we generally have sparse data on their abundance. Correcting this shortfall will take more effort than professional entomologists alone can manage. Volunteer nature enthusiasts can greatly help to monitor the abundance of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata), iconic freshwater sentinels and one of the few nonpollinator insect groups appreciated by the public and amenable to citizen science. Although counting individual odonates is common in some locations, current data will not enable a global perspective on odonate abundance patterns and trends. Borrowing insight from butterfly monitoring efforts, we outline basic plans for a global volunteer network to count odonates, including organizational structure, advertising and recruiting, and data collection, submission, and synthesis. We hope our proposal serves as a catalyst for richer coordinated efforts to understand population trends of odonates and other insects in the Anthropocene.
Facility-Level Factors Associated With CNA Turnover and Retention: Lessons for the Long-Term Services Industry
Authors: Kennedy Katherine A , Applebaum Robert , Bowblis John R
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

Certified nursing assistant (CNA) turnover and retention are critical aspects of facilities’ ability to provide cost-effective, high-quality person-centered care. Previous studies and industry practice often treat turnover and retention as similar concepts, assuming that low turnover and high retention are synonymous. The study addressed the question of whether turnover and retention rates differ and if so, what those differences mean for nursing home practice, policy, and research.

Research Design and Methods

This study examines facility-level factors associated with CNA retention and turnover rates using 2015 data from the Ohio Biennial Survey of Long-Term Care Facilities, Ohio Medicaid Cost Reports, Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Report, and the Area Health Resource File. Using bivariate tests and regression analysis, we compare rates and the factors associated with retention and turnover.

Results

The mean facility annual retention rate was 64% and the mean annual turnover rate was 55%. As expected, there was a statistically significant and negative correlation between the rates (r = −0.26). However, some facilities had both high retention and high turnover and some had low rates for both measures. Not all the variables that are associated with turnover are also associated with retention.

Discussion and Implications

CNA retention is not simply the absence of CNA turnover. Given the differences, nursing homes may need to use strategies and policies designed to target a particular stability measure.
Rise in Presence of Methamphetamine in Oral Fluid Toxicology Tests Among Outpatients in a Large Healthcare Setting in the Northeast
Authors: Wakeman Sarah , Flood James , Ciccarone Daniel
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

To examine changes in presence of methamphetamine in toxicology testing among outpatients receiving healthcare in Boston, Massachusetts.

Methods:

A serial cross-sectional study of oral fluid drug test results over a 6-year period of all patient specimens submitted for testing as part of routine care across an academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts and affiliated primary care practices which has roughly 48,000 admissions and 500,000 primary care visits per year. All samples were subjected to definitive drug testing by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for fentanyl, 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM, metabolite of heroin), benzoylecgonine (metabolite of cocaine), cocaine, and methamphetamine. We compared positive rates and change over time across the same calendar months (February to July) of 6 consecutive years from 2014 to 2019.

Results:

Total of 17,303 oral fluid samples collected from outpatients receiving routine healthcare across 6 years were analyzed. Samples showing presence of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl increased over the study period, whereas 6-MAM presence decreased. From 2014 to 2019 samples with methamphetamine present increased from 0.9% to 5.1% and samples with 6-MAM present decreased from 9.5% to 2.8%. Fentanyl was added to the testing panel in 2017. In 2019, 15.7% of samples had fentanyl present. Polysubstance use was common; 44% of samples with methamphetamine also showed cocaine or benzoylecgonine, 25% showed fentanyl, and 3% showed 6-MAM presence.

Conclusions:

Presence of methamphetamine in oral fluid toxicology tests increased from 2014 to 2019 across a sample of outpatients receiving healthcare in Boston, Massachusetts. Regions of the country with high rates of opioid overdose may need to integrate harm reduction and addiction treatment resources for stimulant use disorder in addition to opioid use disorder.
Inconsistent Addiction Treatment for Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery for Injection Drug Use-associated Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Nguemeni Tiako Max Jordan , Hong Seong , Bin Mahmood Syed Usman , Mori Makoto , Mangi Abeel , Yun James , Juthani-Mehta Manisha , Geirsson Arnar
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Cases of surgical injection drug use-associated infective endocarditis (IDU-IE) are on the rise, amid the US opioid epidemic. We aimed to describe nature of perioperative addiction treatment for these patients.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of 56 surgical IDU-IE from 2011 to 2016 at a tertiary care center. Data collected included substances used, documented psychosocial consultations (social work or psychiatry), medications for addiction and evidence of enrollment in a drug rehabilitation program after discharge.

Among patients with active drug use (ADU), we compared the 24-month survival of those who received comprehensive addiction treatment, defined as both psychosocial consultation and medications for opioid use disorder to that of those who received partial or no treatment.

Results:

Out of 56 patients, 42 (75%, n = 56) received a psychosocial consultation, 23 (41.1%, n = 56) received medications for opioid use disorder and 15 (26.8% n = 56) attended a drug rehabilitation program.

Forty-two patients had ADU. Among those, 20 (47.6%, n = 42) received comprehensive addiction treatment, while 28 (52.4%, n = 42) received partial or no treatment, and 10 (23.8%, n = 42) attended drug rehabilitation. Most patients with ADU who attended drug rehabilitation (9, 90%) had received comprehensive addiction treatment. All patients with ADU who received comprehensive addiction treatment were alive after 24-months, while 7 patients (25%, n = 28) who received partial or no treatment were not.

Conclusion:

Addiction treatment was inconsistent for surgical IDU-IE patients. Comprehensive addiction treatment predicted drug rehabilitation attendance, and was protective against 24-month mortality. Implementing protocols for comprehensive perioperative addiction treatment in IDU-IE patients is of the utmost importance.
Gross motor skill development is similar in children post Ponseti casting for congenital talipes equinovarus compared to typically developing children: a systematic review
Authors: Gosse Georgia Elder , Banwell Helen , McIntyre Auburn , Ward Emily
Published: July 2020

This review aimed to investigate gross motor skill development in children with congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) following the Ponseti method of casting and bracing. Summary of evidence revealed through a systematic search of electronic databases completed in May 2019. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was used to report and conduct the study. The McMaster Critical Review Form was used to critically appraise included studies and a descriptive synthesis of the results is reported. Inclusion criteria for studies included participants aged above 4 years, with a diagnosis of CTEV, treated via the Ponseti method and followed up with valid gross motor outcome measures. The comparator was a control group of typically developing children, or reference data. The searches resulted in 619 unique articles. Eight studies (retrospective cohort/case control studies) met inclusion criteria. There were nine different outcome measures used with 29 domains being relevant to this review. Synthesis of the findings found no significant difference between the gross motor skills of children with CTEV treated with Ponseti and typically developing children. The balance domains of three measures were consistently lower for the CTEV group versus controls/normative data. Yet, it is still demonstrated that most gross motor skills are within the typically developing range. It must be considered, however, that there is a spectrum of severity of CTEV and overall gross motor function should be monitored.
Inequalities in adherence to cervical cancer screening in Portugal
Authors: Nunes Mariana F. , Leite Andreia H. , Dias Sónia F.
Published: July 2020

Cervical cancer is the second cancer with the highest incidence and mortality in women aged 15–44 living in Europe. Screening is an effective strategy to reduce these rates, although in Portugal, as in other European countries, adherence to screening still presents significant disparities. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with cervical cancer screening (CCS) nonadherence in Portugal. Cross-sectional data from 5929 women aged 25–64 included in the 2014 Portuguese National Health Survey (2014 NHS) were analyzed. The prevalence of CCS nonadherence was estimated. The association between multiple factors and CCS nonadherence was analyzed, using logistic regression, adjusting for age and educational level. The weighted prevalence of nonadherence was 13.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 12.0–14.0]. Additionally, 10.5% of women had performed the last cervical cytology 3 years ago or more. Higher odds of nonadherence to screening were found for younger women, with low levels of education and income, unemployed, single, born outside Portugal, who never had a medical appointment or had over 12 months ago, who were never pregnant and who had never had a mammography. No association was found with other variables studied, including having public/private health insurance, BMI or smoking status. This study showed that inequalities in CCS adherence in Portugal persist. These findings reinforce the need for developing strategies to reduce inequalities in CCS adherence.
Ocular Syphilis Causing Panophthalmitis
Authors: Mathews Basil , George Roshan , Ulrich Jan Niklas
Published: July 2020

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum which is undergoing a global resurgence since its initial decline in the late 1980s. The authors present the case of a 30-year-old Caucasian female who was transferred to our institution for left-sided orbital cellulitis and ultimately diagnosed with ocular syphilis causing panophthalmitis. She was treated with intravenous penicillin and other broad-spectrum antibiotics, topical prednisolone, and cycloplegia, resulting in full recovery. Timely recognition of ocular syphilis by healthcare professionals is key in the prevention of visual sequelae from the infection.
Organizing Pneumonia as a Manifestation of AIDS in a Patient With Partially Treated Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shayan , DeBiase Joseph Michael , Aouad Arlette T.
Published: July 2020

Organizing pneumonia (OP), formerly called bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, is a rare disease characterized by necrotizing granulomas and fibrosis in the small airways of lungs. We arguably present the fourth reported case of a patient with human immunodeficiency virus who was diagnosed with OP in the setting of partially treated Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP).

A 59-year-old white man with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome had multiple admissions for pneumonia, which was culture negative and partially treated for possible PJP. Eventually, a lung biopsy showed necrotizing OP and fibrosis, typical of OP, with granulomatous features and 3 PJP organisms seen on biopsy. The patient eventually improved with intravenous corticosteroids, whereas primaquine and clindamycin were continued for partially treated PJP.

Organizing pneumonia should be considered in immunodeficiency with persistent pulmonary infiltrates not responding to antibiotic therapy. Whether immunodeficiency or infections predispose these patients to OP remains unclear. Prolonged corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of therapy in OP.
A Prospective Study Conducted Among Participants Reporting Acute Febrile Illness in a Cohort of Periurban and Rural Cambodians
Authors: Antony Suresh J. , Chonthida Supaprom , Luy Malen , Hip Phireak , Sopheab Heng , Faix Dennis , Blair Patrick , Putnam Shannon D.
Published: July 2020

The objective of this prospective cohort study was to assess the incidence of dengue, chikungunya, respiratory viruses, and diarrheal etiologies among periurban and rural Cambodians with confirmed acute febrile illness. During a 2-year period (2016–2017), 612 participants aged 6 months to 30 years who exhibited vector-borne febrile illness (median [interquartile range] age, 8.0 [4–11] years), in which 288 (48.0%) were female, were tested for acute dengue virus and chikungunya virus infection. A total of 67 (11.2%) clinical specimens were positive for dengue virus by either nucleic acid detection (n = 23 [34.3%]; dengue serotype 1 [n = 5] and dengue serotype 2 [n = 18]) or dengue IgM capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (n = 44 [65.7%]), and only 8 specimens were both positive. Clinical presentations included fever (100%), headache (74.1%), muscle aches (27.2%), and joint pain (17.3%). Forty-two of the 612 participants were diagnosed with chikungunya (7.0%) by anti–chikungunya virus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IgM) or chikungunya-specific reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

By understanding the incidence of diseases causing morbidity and mortality in rural areas within Cambodia, mitigating strategies can be developed to reduce infections.
Probable Drug Eruption Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Due to Colistimethate Sodium
Authors: Karimpour Hasanali , Shojaei Lida , Shahbazi Foroud
Published: July 2020

A 28-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with an altered mental status. During his hospitalization, he experienced 2 events of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were separated from sputum culture in the first and second episodes, respectively. Two events of drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms also occurred during hospitalization. Generalized morbilliform rash, high fever, eosinophilia, and increases in liver aminotransferase and bilirubin were observed in the first episode. Initially, medications with a higher likelihood of skin eruption including phenytoin, meropenem, quetiapine, levofloxacin, methadone, gabapentin, and vancomycin were discontinued; nonetheless, the lesions were still progressing. Eventually, all other medications (except for pantoprazole and heparin) were discontinued, and the patient's symptoms improved over the following days. Few days after the second episode of pneumonia, upon the reintroduction of colistimethate sodium, the patient developed a generalized morbilliform rash, severe hyperbilirubinemia, and the previously mentioned symptoms were reappeared. After colistimethate sodium discontinuation, symptoms were improved slowly. Unfortunately, the patient died from septic shock on the 47th day of hospitalization.
Effects of sacubitril/valsartan on ventricular remodeling in patents with left ventricular systolic dysfunction following acute anterior wall myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Fu Xianghua
Published: July 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sacubitril/valsartan (Sal/Val) on left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with LV systolic dysfunction following acute anterior wall myocardial infarction (AAMI).

Methods

AAMI patients with LV systolic dysfunction were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. After hemodynamic stabilization, patients were randomly assigned either to group T (Sal/Val treatment) or group C (enalapril treatment). Changes in echocardiographic parameters and plasma biochemical markers were used to evaluate the effects of Sal/Val on LV remodeling and cardiac function. The incidence of major cardiac adverse events (MACEs) and adverse reactions during follow-ups was also recorded.

Results

In total, 137 eligible patients were prospectively included. Compared to group C, LV ejection fraction significantly improved (P < 0.05), while the LV end-systolic volume index and wall motion score index showed a tendency to decrease in group T. There was no difference in the LV end-diastolic volume index between groups. During follow-ups, the plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 levels in both groups decreased (all P < 0.05), and the change was more prominent in group T. Additionally, drug-related adverse effects were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05); however, the incidence of MACEs was lower in group T than in group C (39.71% vs. 53.62%, P = 0.103), although the difference was insignificant.

Conclusion

Sac/Val attenuated LV remodeling and dysfunction and was safe and effective in LV systolic dysfunction patients post AAMI.
An Economic Analysis of the Implementation of Team-based Collaborative Care in Outpatient General Mental Health Clinics
Authors: Miller Christopher J. , Griffith Kevin N. , Stolzmann Kelly , Kim Bo , Connolly Samantha L. , Bauer Mark S.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Collaborative Chronic Care Models represent an evidence-based way to structure care for chronic conditions, including mental health conditions. Few studies, however, have examined the cost implications of collaborative care for mental health.

Objective:

We aimed to conduct an economic analysis of implementing collaborative care in 9 outpatient general mental health clinics.

Research Design:

Analyses were derived from a stepped wedge hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial. We conducted cost-minimization analyses from the health system perspective, incorporating implementation costs, outpatient costs, and inpatient costs for the year before collaborative care implementation and the implementation year. We used a difference-in-differences approach and conducted 1-way sensitivity analyses to determine the robustness of results to variations ±15% in model parameters, along with probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation.

Subjects:

Our treatment group included 5507 patients who were initially engaged in care within 9 outpatient general mental health teams that underwent collaborative care implementation. We compared costs for this group to 45,981 control patients who received mental health treatment as usual at the same medical centers.

Results:

Collaborative care implementation cost about $40 per patient and was associated with a significant decrease in inpatient costs and a nonsignificant increase in outpatient mental health costs. This implementation was associated with $78 in cost savings per patient. Monte Carlo simulation suggested that implementation was cost saving in 78% of iterations.

Conclusions:

Collaborative care implementation for mental health teams was associated with significant reductions in mental health hospitalizations, leading to substantial cost savings of about $1.70 for every dollar spent for implementation.
Role of [68Ga]DOTANOC PET/computed tomography and [131I]MIBG scintigraphy in the management of patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: a prospective study
Authors: Singh Deepa , Shukla Jaya , Walia Rama , Vatsa Rakhee , Paul Nandini , Chhabra Anupriya , Nahar Uma , Singh Harmandeep , Kumar Rajender , Bhansali Anil , Rai Mittal Bhagwant
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The primary aim of study was to compare role of iodine-131 (I-131)-labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine ([131I]MIBG) and gallium-68 (Ga-68)-labeled DOTA-l-Nal3-octreotide ([68Ga]DOTANOC) PET/computed tomography (CT) in patients with pheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma (PGL), subsequent follow-up to see management. The secondary aim was to see association of germline mutation in histopathologically proven patients.

Procedures

We performed [68Ga]DOTANOC PET/CT and [131I]MIBG in 106 patients (61 men; age: 38.5 ± 16.2 years) of known or suspected PCC/PGL. Following scans, 16 histopathologically proven patients were screened for germline mutations.

Results

[131I]MIBG detected 41 lesions in 34 patients and [68Ga]DOTANOC PET/CT detected more than 79 lesions in 55 patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.6 ± 16.5 months. Management following scans: surgery in 35 patients (positive histopathology in 34 patients, negative in 1 patient); lutecium-177 (Lu-177)-labeled DOTA-0-Tyr-3 octreotate ([177Lu]DOTATATE) therapy in 2 patients; chemotherapy in 1 patient; conservative therapy in 34 patients; no therapy in 17 patients; 2 patients have died and 3 were lost to follow-up. Among 12 previously operated, 2 patients showed metastatic disease and 1 showed residual disease. Out of 16 patients who underwent genotypic analysis (15 operated), 8 were positive for germline mutations. Mutations were seen in SDHB, RET, VHL, MDH2 and SDHA genes, including two germline mutations in two patients. Deletion was observed in one patient in SDHB gene and substitution in all other mutations. Four novel mutations in MDH2 (c.1005G>C, c.916G>A, c.580G>A) and SDHB (c.378_380delAAT) were observed (SRA accession: PRJNA551457).

Conclusions

[68Ga]DOTANOC PET/CT should be considered as a first-line investigation in PCC/PGL especially at high risk of metastasis and screening of persons with familial syndrome.
Diagnostic performance of PET/computed tomography versus PET/MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging in the N- and M-staging of breast cancer patients
Authors: de Mooij Cornelis Maarten , Sunen Inés , Mitea Cristina , Lalji Ulrich C. , Vanwetswinkel Sigrid , Smidt Marjolein L. , van Nijnatten Thiemo J.A.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To provide a systematic review regarding the diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) compared to 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography (CT) focused on nodal and distant staging in breast cancer patients.

Methods

The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant publications until April 2020. Two independent reviewers searched for eligible articles based on predefined in- and exclusion criteria, assessed quality and extracted data.

Results

Eleven eligible studies were selected from 561 publications identified by the search. In seven studies, PET/CT was compared with PET/MRI, and in five, PET/CT with DWI. Significantly higher sensitivity for PET/MRI compared to PET/CT in a lesion-based analysis was reported for all lesions together (77% versus 89%) in one study, osseous metastases (69–99% versus 92–98%) in two studies and hepatic metastases (70–75% versus 80–100%) in one study. Moreover, PET/MRI revealed a significantly higher amount of osseous metastases (90 versus 141) than PET/CT. PET/CT is associated with a statistically higher specificity than PET/MRI in the lesion detection of all lesions together (98% versus 96%) and of osseous metastases (100% versus 95%), both in one study. None of the reviewed studies reported significant differences between PET/CT and DWI for any of the evaluated sites. There is a trend toward higher specificity for PET/CT.

Conclusion

In general, there is a trend toward higher sensitivity and lower specificity of PET/MRI when compared to PET/CT. Results on the diagnostic performance of DWI are conflicting. Rather than evaluating it separate, it seems to have complementary value when combined with other MR sequences.
Retrospective Analysis of Sudden Cardiac Deaths in a 10-Year Autopsy Series in the City of Isparta in Turkey
Authors: Yildiz Abdulkadir , Gürpinar Süleyman Serhat , Yağci Fatma Esen , Çayli Erdinç , Baydar Çetin Lütfi
Published: July 2020

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an important public health problem that accounts for approximately 15% to 20% of global deaths. Our retrospective study aimed to analyze etiological distribution and epidemiological data of 128 cases with SCD as death cause based on autopsies between 2010 and 2019. The mean age of SCD cases was 57.09, with the highest incidence in older than 60 years (43.8%). Male/female ratio was 4.5:1, peaking with 9.2:1 in the 41- to 60-year age group. Deaths occurred mostly at home (41.4%). Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD) was main SCD cause (65.6%) with cardiac tamponade (10.9%), unexplained SCD (8.6%), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (7.8%) after it. A total of 71.2% of CAD cases had coronary artery stenosis of greater than 75% and 92.9% had atherosclerotic degeneration in the left anterior descending artery. Based on the body mass index–based normal heart weights table, 91.7% of CAD cases had cardiomegaly. This study showed CAD, cardiomegaly, and high body mass index concurrence as a very important SCD risk. Because SCD incidence increases in older than 40 years, determining risk groups through regular medical examinations and inspections, older than 30 years would provide implementation of preventive measures. Some cardiac diseases causing sudden death are undetectable despite detailed autopsy and histopathological examinations. Including postmortem cardiogenetic analysis among routine techniques in sudden deaths would lower sudden unexplained death diagnosis rates.
Comparison of Frontal Sinuses for Personal Identification in 3 Populations Using Cameriere’s Code Number
Authors: Scendoni Roberto , Kelmendi Jeta , Cossellu Gianguido , Canturk Nergis , Celik Arslan Busra , Peker Elif , Ferrante Luigi , Cameriere Roberto
Published: July 2020

The identification of unknown individuals is of crucial importance to society, especially in the context of mass disasters involving individuals of different nationalities. The comparison of frontal sinus patterns is an important tool for personal identification. In Cameriere’s method, a new personal code number (codC) containing 8 digits was elaborated, based on the measurements of frontal sinus patterns. The present study is an update of this previous work. Digital radiographic images of the skulls of 299 individuals of different nationalities (100 Italians, 99 Kosovars, and 100 Turks) were analyzed, adopting the same maximum-weight dependence tree used in the original work. For comparisons between groups, Fisher exact test and the χ2 test were carried out. The method, applied to different population groups, significantly increases the likelihood of identifying a person by comparison of antemortem and postmortem frontal sinus radiographs. Results demonstrated that the model is more discriminative in identifying individuals of different nationalities.
Expression Levels of Nerve Growth Factor and Its Receptors in Anterior Vaginal Wall in Postmenopausal Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Jin Yuxi , Li Lei , Li Jie , Chen Fei , Hu Lin , Zhan Changyu , Liao Yingying , Zhang Yingying , Wang Luwen
Published: July 2020

Objective

To investigate the expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors TrkA and p75NTR in the anterior vaginal wall of postmenopausal patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

The tissues of anterior vaginal wall of the patients (n = 31) with POP and patients (n = 16) with nonpelvic floor dysfunction were collected during the operation. The expressions of NGF, TrkA, and p75NTR were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and Western blot.

Results

The expression levels of mRNA and protein of NGF and its receptors in vaginal anterior wall tissues of postmenopausal POP patients were significantly decrease compared with those of the control group. The ratio of p75NTR/TrkA expression in POP patients was significantly increase compared with that in the control group and was proportional to the degree of prolapse.

Conclusions

The decreased expression of NGF and its receptors p75NTR and TrkA in vaginal anterior wall tissue of postmenopausal POP patients and the change of the ratio of 2 receptors may be related to the occurrence and development of POP.
The Monitoring of Donor-derived Cell-free DNA in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Filippone Edward John , Farber John L.
Published: July 2020

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) exists in plasma and can be measured by several techniques. It is now possible to differentiate donor-derived cfDNA (ddcfDNA) from recipient cfDNA in the plasma or urine of solid organ transplant recipients in the absence of donor and recipient genotyping. The assessment of ddcfDNA is being increasingly studied as a noninvasive means of identifying acute rejection (AR) in solid organ transplants, including subclinical AR. We herein review the literature on the correlation of ddcfDNA with AR in kidney transplantation. There have been at least 15 observational studies that have assessed ddcfDNA in urine or plasma using various methodologies with various thresholds for abnormality. Overall, elevated ddcfDNA indicates allograft injury as may occur with AR, infection, or acute tubular injury but may also be found in clinically stable patients with normal histology. Sensitivity is greater for antibody-mediated AR than for cell-mediated AR, and normal levels do not preclude significant cell-mediated rejection. Measurement of ddcfDNA is not a replacement for biopsy that remains the gold standard for diagnosing AR. Serial monitoring of stable patients may allow earlier detection of subclinical AR, but the efficacy of this approach remains to be established. Normal levels should not preclude planned protocol biopsies. There may be roles for following ddcfDNA levels to assess the adequacy of treatment of AR and to guide the intensity of immunosuppression in the individual patient. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate the benefit and cost-effectiveness for these various uses. No firm recommendations can be made at this time.
Large plasmonic absorption enhancement effect of triangular silver nanowires in silicon
Authors: Shahriar Sabuktagin Mohammed , Syifa Hamdan Khairus
Published: July 2020

Two-dimensional finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations were performed for evaluating optical absorption enhancement and loss effects of triangular silver (Ag) nanowires embedded in silicon (Si) thin-film photovoltaic device structures. Near-bandgap absorption enhancement in Si was much larger than the reported values of other nanostructures from similar simulations. A nanowire with equal sides of 20 nm length showed 368-fold absorption enhancement whereas only 5× and 15× enhancement were reported for solid spherical and two-dimensional core-shell type nanostructures, respectively. Undesirable absorption loss in the metal of the nanowire was 3.55× larger than the absorption in Si which was comparable to the value reported for the spherical nanoparticle. Interestingly, as the height of the nanowire was increased to form a sharper tip, absorption loss showed a significant drop. For a nanowire with 20 nm base and 20 nm height, absorption loss was merely 1.91× larger than the absorption in Si at the 840 nm plasmon resonance. This drop could be attributed to weaker plasmon resonance manifested by lower metallic absorption in the spatial absorption map of the nanowire. However, absorption enhancement in Si was still large due to strong plasmonic fields at the sharper and longer tip, which was effective in enhancing absorption over a larger area in Si. Our work shows that the shape of a nanostructure and its optimization can significantly affect plasmonic absorption enhancement and loss performance in photovoltaic applications.
Mathematical models for cell migration: a non-local perspective
Authors: Chen Li , Painter Kevin , Surulescu Christina , Zhigun Anna
Published: July 2020

We provide a review of recent advancements in non-local continuous models for migration, mainly from the perspective of its involvement in embryonal development and cancer invasion. Particular emphasis is placed on spatial non-locality occurring in advection terms, used to characterize a cell’s motility bias according to its interactions with other cellular and acellular components in its vicinity (e.g. cell–cell and cell–tissue adhesions, non-local chemotaxis), but we also briefly address spatially non-local source terms. Following a short introduction and description of applications, we give a systematic classification of available PDE models with respect to the type of featured non-localities and review some of the mathematical challenges arising from such models, with a focus on analytical aspects.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Multi-scale analysis and modelling of collective migration in biological systems’.
Clinical Outcomes With the Use of Prophylactic Versus Therapeutic Anticoagulation in COVID-19
Authors: Motta Jishu K. , Ogunnaike Rahila O. , Shah Rutvik , Stroever Stephanie , Cedeño Harold V. , Thapa Shyam K. , Chronakos John J. , Jimenez Eric J. , Petrini Joann , Hegde Abhijith
Published: July 2020

Background

This study is the first of its kind to assess the impact of preemptive therapeutic dose anticoagulation on mortality compared to prophylactic anticoagulation among COVID-19 patients. Its findings provide insight to clinicians regarding the management of COVID-19, particularly with the known prothrombotic state.

Research Question

To determine the impact of anticoagulation on in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 positive patients with the a priori hypothesis that there would be a lower risk of in-hospital mortality with use of preemptive therapeutic over prophylactic dose enoxaparin or heparin.

Study Design and Methods

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study from April 1 - April 25, 2020. The date of final follow-up was June 12, 2020.

Setting

Two large, acute care hospitals in Western Connecticut.

Participant

Five hundred and one inpatients were identified after discharge as 18 years or older and positive for SARS-CoV-2. The final sample size included 374 patients after applying exclusion criteria. Demographic variables were collected via hospital billing inquiries, while the clinical variables were abstracted from patients’ medical records.

Exposure

Preemptive enoxaparin or heparin at a therapeutic or prophylactic dose.

Main Outcom

In-hospital mortality.

Results

When comparing preemptive therapeutic to prophylactic anticoagulation through multi-variable analysis, risk of in-hospital mortality was 2.3 times greater in patients receiving preemptive therapeutic anticoagulation (95% CI = 1.0, 4.9; p = 0.04).

Interpretation

An increase in in-hospital mortality was observed with preemptive therapeutic anticoagulation. Thus, in the management of COVID-19 and its complications, we recommend further research and cautious use of preemptive therapeutic over prophylactic anticoagulation.
Serial Profiling of SARS-CoV-2 Antigens and Antibodies in COVID-19 Patient Plasma
Authors: Ogata Alana F. , Maley Adam M. , Wu Connie , Gilboa Tal , Norman Maia , Lazarovits Roey , Mao Chih-Ping , Newton Gail , Chang Matthew , Nguyen Katrina , Kamkaew Maliwan , Zhu Quan , Gibson Travis E. , Ryan Edward T. , Charles Richelle C. , Marasco Wayne A. , Walt David R.
Published: July 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions of people worldwide. PCR tests are currently the gold standard for diagnosis of the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and serology tests are used to detect seroconversion in infected patients. However, there is a lack of quantitative and ultra-sensitive viral antigen tests for COVID-19. Here we show that Single Molecule Array (Simoa) assays can quantitatively detect SARS-CoV-2 spike, S1 subunit, and nucleocapsid antigens in the plasma of COVID-19 patients. Combined with Simoa anti-SARS-CoV-2 serological assays, we show correlation between production of antibodies and clearance of viral antigens from serial plasma samples from COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, we demonstrate the presence of viral antigens in blood correlates with disease severity in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. These data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 viral antigens in the blood could be a marker for severe COVID-19 cases.

One Sentence Summary

SARS-CoV-2 antigens S1, spike, and nucleocapsid and anti-SARS-Cov-2 antibodies were measured in longitudinal plasma samples from COVID-19 patients using Single Molecule Array (Simoa) assays.
INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATION OF METEOROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH INITIAL SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN INDIA
Authors: Kulkarni Hemant , Khandait Harshwardhan V. , Narlawar Uday W. , Rathod Pragati G. , Mamtani Manju
Published: July 2020

Whether weather plays a part in the transmissibility of the novel COronaVIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is still not established. We tested the hypothesis that meteorological factors (air temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, wind speed and rainfall) are independently associated with transmissibility of COVID-19 quantified using the basic reproduction rate (R0). We used publicly available datasets on daily COVID-19 case counts (total n = 108,308), three-hourly meteorological data and community mobility data over a three-month period. Estimated R0 varied between 1.15-1.28. Mean daily air temperature (inversely) and wind speed (positively) were significantly associated with time dependent R0, but the contribution of countrywide lockdown to variability in R0 was over three times stronger as compared to that of temperature and wind speed combined. Thus, abating temperatures and easing lockdown may concur with increased transmissibility of COVID-19.
Mild cognitive impairment is associated with skeletal muscle mitochondrial deficits
Authors: Morris Jill K. , McCoin Colin S. , Fuller Kelly N. , John Casey S. , Wilkins Heather M. , Wang Xiaowan , Sharma Palash , Burns Jeffrey M. , Vidoni Eric D. , Mahnken Jonathan D. , Swerdlow Russell H. , Thyfault John P.
Published: July 2020

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is associated with insulin resistance and low cardiorespiratory fitness, suggestive of impaired skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. We examined if individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), the earliest phase of AD-related cognitive decline, exhibit reduced skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, and if AD medication impacted outcomes. We present data from 50 individuals, including cognitively healthy older adults (CH; n=24) 60+ years of age and clinically diagnosed MCI subjects (n=26). MCI subjects were sub-divided into two groups; no AD medication (MCI; n=11), or AD medication treated (MCI+med; n=15). A skeletal muscle biopsy (vastus lateralis) was obtained and mitochondrial respiratory kinetics was measured in permeabilized muscle fibers. MCI subjects exhibited lower lipid-stimulated skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration (State 3, ADP-stimulated) than both CH individuals (p=0.043) and medication-treated MCI subjects (p=0.006). MCI also exhibited poorer mitochondrial coupling control compared to CH subjects (p=0.014), while MCI+med and CH subjects did not differ. Compared to CH individuals, skeletal muscle mitochondrial leak control ratio was lower for the MCI+med group (p=0.008) and trended lower for non-medicated MCI (p=0.06), which suggests greater mitochondrial uncoupling in MCI. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration is impaired in untreated MCI but normalized in medication-treated MCI participants while mitochondrial leak control is impaired regardless of medication status. These results provide further evidence that systemic mitochondrial deficits occur in the very early stages of AD, and that mitochondrial function is partially influenced by AD medication. Further analysis for a role of muscle mitochondria in the progression of early AD is warranted.