bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracellular prodrug gene therapy for cancer mediated by tumor cell suicide gene exosomes
Authors: Altanerova Ursula , Jakubechova Jana , Benejova Katarina , Priscakova Petra , Repiska Vanda , Babelova Andrea , Smolkova Bozena , Altaner Cestmir
Published: July 2020

Recently, we reported about exosomes possessing messenger RNA (mRNA) of suicide gene secreted from mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) engineered to express the suicide gene—fused yeast cytosine deaminase::uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (yCD::UPRT). The yCD::UPRT‐MSC exosomes are internalized by tumor cells and intracellularly convert prodrug 5‐fluorocytosine (5‐FC) to cytotoxic drug 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). Human tumor cells with the potential to metastasize release exosomes involved in the creation of a premetastatic niche at the predicted organs. We found that cancer cells stably transduced with yCD::UPRT gene by retrovirus infection released exosomes acting similarly like yCD::UPRT‐MSC exosomes. Different types of tumor cells were transduced with the yCD::UPRT gene. The homogenous cell population of yCD::UPRT‐transduced tumor cells expressed the yCD::UPRT suicide gene and secreted continuously exosomes with suicide gene mRNA in their cargo. All tumor cell suicide gene exosomes upon internalization into the recipient tumor cells induced the cell death by intracellular conversion of 5‐FC to 5‐FU and to 5‐FUMP in a dose‐dependent manner. Most of tumor cell‐derived suicide gene exosomes were tumor tropic, in 5‐FC presence they killed tumor cells but did not inhibit the growth of human skin fibroblast as well as DP‐MSCs. Tumor cell‐derived suicide gene exosomes home to their cells of origin and hold an exciting potential to become innovative specific therapy for tumors and potentially for metastases.
Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder: Case report and literature review
Authors: Kurose Hirofumi , Ueda Kosuke , Uegaki Mami , Ogasawara Naoyuki , Kumagae Hisaji , Chikui Katsuaki , Nakiri Makoto , Nishihara Kiyoaki , Matsuo Mitsunori , Suekane Shigetaka , Akiba Jun , Yano Hirohisa , Igawa Tsukasa
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a very rare disease accounting for 0.06% of all bladder tumors. Owing to their rarity and symptomatic variability, preoperative diagnosis is often difficult.

Case presentation

A 70‐year‐old male was referred to our department for hematuria. Cystoscopy showed a non‐papillary broad‐based tumor. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 32‐mm bladder tumor at the top of the bladder, which suggested muscle‐invasive bladder tumor. We diagnosed muscle‐invasive bladder cancer or urachal carcinoma, and transurethral resection of the bladder tumor was performed. At the initiation of transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, the systolic blood pressure was elevated to over 200 mmHg. The pathological findings revealed paraganglioma of the urinary bladder, and afterward, a partial cystectomy was performed.

Conclusion

We herein reported the case of paraganglioma in the bladder whose blood pressure became extremely elevated during transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. In addition, we analyzed important factors for preoperative diagnosis using 162 cases reported in Japan.
Kidney transplantation from a living donor with renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia: A case report on arterial grafting of the donor renal artery
Authors: Matsushita Yuto , Motoyama Daisuke , Ito Toshiki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Otsuka Atsushi , Sano Masaki , Inuzuka Kazunori , Miyake Hideaki
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia is generally considered a contraindication of kidney transplantation, since fibromuscular dysplasia occasionally induces hypertension or renal insufficiency in the recipient and/or donor. To date, limited information remains available with respect to whether kidneys with renal arterial fibromuscular dysplasia can be successfully transplanted.

Case presentation

A 53‐year‐old potential donor was diagnosed with fibromuscular dysplasia of the right renal artery. Laparoscopic right nephrectomy was performed, and the affected portion was resected and reconstructed using the harvested internal iliac artery. Transplantation was successful and the serum creatinine level was <2 mg/dL for 3 years after surgery.

Conclusion

If reconstruction of the diseased artery could be safely performed, transplantation using a kidney from a donor with renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia may be considered.
Foam‐in‐vein: A review of rheological properties and characterization methods for optimization of sclerosing foams
Authors: Meghdadi Alireza , Jones Stephen A. , Patel Venisha A. , Lewis Andrew L. , Millar Timothy M. , Carugo Dario
Published: July 2020

Varicose veins are chronic venous defects that affect >20% of the population in developed countries. Among potential treatments, sclerotherapy is one of the most commonly used. It involves endovenous injection of a surfactant solution (or foam) in varicose veins, inducing damage to the endothelial layer and subsequent vessel sclerosis. Treatments have proven to be effective in the short‐term, however recurrence is reported at rates of up to 64% 5‐year post‐treatment. Thus, once diagnosed with varicosities there is a high probability of a permanently reduced quality of life. Recently, foam sclerotherapy has become increasingly popular over its liquid counterpart, since foams can treat larger and longer varicosities more effectively, they can be imaged using ultrasound, and require lower amounts of sclerosing agent. In order to minimize recurrence rates however, an investigation of current treatment methods should lead to more effective and long‐lasting effects. The literature is populated with studies aimed at characterizing the fundamental physics of aqueous foams; nevertheless, there is a significant need for appropriate product development platforms. Despite successfully capturing the microstructural evolution of aqueous foams, the complexity of current models renders them inadequate for pharmaceutical development. This review article will focus on the physics of foams and the attempts at optimizing them for sclerotherapy. This takes the form of a discussion of the most recent numerical and experimental models, as well as an overview of clinically relevant parameters. This holistic approach could contribute to better foam characterization methods that patients may eventually derive long term benefit from.
Potential clinical application of an automated fluorescent microbial cell counter in the detection of urinary tract infection
Authors: Phillips Laila E. , Verma Sandeep , Surapaneni Balarama K. , Dutta Sudhir K.
Published: July 2020

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTI) account for millions of office visits and approximately 400 000 hospital admissions every year in the United States; as a result, the cost burden of UTI in the USA is estimated at approximately $2.8 billion. There is a great deal of interest in finding newer, faster, and more reliable methods for diagnosing UTI as compared to the standard urine culture.

Methods

An automated fluorescent microbial cell counter was used to compare urine samples found to be positive for Escherichia coli UTI via cell culturing (n = 11) with UTI‐negative samples (n = 10).

Results

Patients with a positive urine culture had significantly higher cell count results using the microbial cell counter (1.01 × 108 cells/mL) as compared to the negative samples (2.35 × 106 cells/mL; P = .0022).

Conclusions

These observations suggest that automated microbial cell counters may serve as a rapid, objective method for the detection of bacteriuria in urine samples submitted for evaluation of suspected UTI.
CTLA‐4 and HLA‐DQ are key molecules in the regulation of mDC‐mediated cellular immunity by Tregs in severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Liu Bingnan , Shao Yuanyuan , Liang Xiaowei , Lu Dan , Yan Li , Churov Alexey , Fu Rong
Published: July 2020

Background

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) inhibit the activation of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+, CD8+T cells and the antigen‐presenting process of antigen‐presenting cells, and may play an important role in acquired severe aplastic anemia (SAA).

Methods

Flow cytometry was used to measure CD4+CD25+CD127dim Tregs, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA‐4) expression on Tregs, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQ expression on myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs). The correlations of CTLA‐4 and HLA‐DQ with immune status and clinical indicators and the changes in these indicators after immunosuppressive therapy (IST) were analyzed.

Results

In SAA patients, the number of Tregs and their CTLA‐4 expression were low but recovered after IST; the HLA‐DQ expression on mDCs was high but decreased after IST. The CTLA‐4 expression on Tregs and the HLA‐DQ expression on mDCs showed a negative correlation. The CTLA‐4 on Tregs was positively but HLA‐DQ on mDCs negatively correlated with the number of Tregs, natural killer (NK) cell number, and CD4+T/CD8+T ratio. CTLA‐4 was positively but HLA‐DQ negatively correlated with the percentage of granulocytoid and erythroid cells in bone marrow, white blood cell count in PB, absolute neutrophil count in PB, and the percentage of reticulocytes in PB.

Conclusions

CTLA‐4/HLA‐DQ may be key in the regulation of Tregs on mDCs in SAA patients. Our findings should be helpful for further investigation of the mechanism of immune pathogenesis in SAA patients. Studies on the regulators of Treg and CTLA‐4 activity will be valuable for SAA therapeutic target research and disease monitoring.
LINC00319 promotes osteosarcoma progression by regulating the miR‐455‐3p/NFIB axis
Authors: Sun Farui , Yu Ziliang , Wu Bingbing , Zhang Haiping , Ruan Jing
Published: July 2020

Background

Numerous studies have shown that aberrant expression of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is associated with the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma (OS). However, the role and function of LINC00319 with respect to regulating OS progression is unknown. The present study aimed to reveal the function and related mechanism of LINC00319 in OS.

Methods

The expression of LINC00319, miR‐455‐3p and nuclear factor IB (NFIB) in OS cells and tissues was determined using a reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sublocalization of LINC00319 was predicted by the lncATLAS database (http://lncatlas.crg.eu) and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was further performed to detect the subcellular localization of LINC00319. LINC00319, miR‐455‐3p and NFIB target sites were predicted by StarBase (http://starbase.sysu.edu.cn/index.php) and validated using a dual luciferase reporter gene assay. We subsequently performed LINC00319 gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies to define the role of LINC00319 in OS cell migration.

Results

PCR results showed that lncRNA LINC00319 exhibited high expression in tumor cells and tissue. Moreover, LINC00319 was positioned in the cytoplasm, which was identified by FISH. Knockdown of lncRNA LINC00319/NFIB or overexpression of miR‐455‐3p blocked the migration of OS cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect of migration with the knockdown of lncRNA LINC00319 was partially blocked by administration of miR‐455‐3p inhibitor.

Conclusions

lncRNA LINC00319 may promote OS progression by regulating the miR‐455‐3p/NFIB axis, which probably serves as an innovative potential indicator of prognosis and a target of therapy for OS.
Risk factors for pancreatic fistula grade C after pancreatoduodenectomy: A large prospective, multicenter Japan‐Taiwan collaboration study
Authors: Hirono Seiko , Shimokawa Toshio , Nagakawa Yuichi , Shyr Yi‐Ming , Kawai Manabu , Matsumoto Ippei , Satoi Sohei , Yoshitomi Hideyuki , Okabayashi Takehiro , Motoi Fuyuhiko , Amano Ryosuke , Murakami Yoshiaki , Hirano Satoshi , Kawamoto Kazuyuki , Nakamori Shoji , Shan Yan‐Shen , Kobayashi Shinjiro , Nitta Hiroyuki , Matsukawa Hiroyoshi , Uchiyama Kazuhisa , Hsu Chih‐Po , Kitami Chie , Yamamoto Masakazu , Hwang Tsann‐Long , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: July 2020

Background/Purpose

Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), as defined by International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF), is the most life‐threatening complication after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). This study aims to evaluate risk factors for Grade C POPF after PD.

Methods

This is a prospective, multicenter study based in Japan and Taiwan. Between December 2014 and May 2017, 3022 patients were enrolled in this study and 2762 patients were analyzed. We analyzed risk factors of Grade C POPF based on the updated 2016 ISGPF scheme (organ failure, reoperation, and/or death).

Results

Among 2762 patients, 46 patients (1.7%) developed Grade C POPF after PD. The mortality rate of the 46 patients with Grade C POPF was 37.0%. On the multivariate analysis, six independent risk factors for Grade C POPF were found; BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2, chronic steroid use, preoperative serum albumin <3.0 mg/dL, soft pancreas, operative time ≥480 minutes, and intraoperative transfusion. The c‐statistic of our risk scoring model for Grade C POPF using these risk factors was 0.77. The score was significantly higher in Grade C POPF than in Grade B POPF (P < .001) or none/biochemical leak (P < .001).

Conclusions

This prospective study showed risk factors for Grade C POPF after PD.
First synthesis of thiazepino[3,4‐a]isoquinolines, a facile new synthetic route to diazepino[3,4‐a]isoquinolines and assessment of their dopamine and σ receptor affinities
Authors: Cordone Pierpaolo , Namballa Hari Krishna , Harding Wayne Wesley
Published: July 2020

Heterocycles that bear the novel 5,6,14,14a‐tetrahydro‐8H‐benzo[6,7][1,4]thiazepino[3,4‐a]isoquinoline and the 5,6,14,14a‐tetrahydro‐8H‐13l2‐benzo[6,7][1,4]diazepino[3,4‐a]isoquinoline frameworks were synthesized in a facile manner. These tetrahydroprotoberberine (THPB)‐inspired scaffolds demonstrate selective affinity for the σ1R in contrast to the naturally occurring THPB congeners that show D1R and σ2R selectivity.
Synthesis of novel spiro‐fused pyrazolo[4′,3′:5,6]pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines
Authors: Fazlelahi Hadi Z. , Moghadam Peyman N. , Baradarani Mehdi M. , Joule John A.
Published: July 2020

New pyrazolo[4′,3′:5,6]pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines, with an associated spiro‐3,3′‐oxindole attachment, were prepared by three‐component combinations of 5,6‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrrolo[3,2,1‐ij]quinoline‐1,2‐dione with a pair of reactants chosen from a pyrazol‐5‐one, a pyrazole‐5‐amine, a barbituric acid, or a 6‐aminouracil.
Multicultural Education and Perceived Multicultural Competency of School Counselors
Authors: Dameron Merry Leigh , Camp Ami , Friedmann Beatriz , Parikh‐Foxx Sejal
Published: July 2020

A national survey of practicing school counselors (N= 755) revealed significant differences between participants’ perceived multicultural competence based on the type of multicultural training received. Participants who took infused multicultural coursework had significantly higher mean scores in multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills than participants who reported taking a single multicultural course.

Una encuesta nacional de consejeros escolares en activo (N= 755) reveló diferencias significativas en la competencia multicultural percibida de los participantes según el tipo de capacitación multicultural recibida. Los participantes que tomaron cursos que incluían contenidos multiculturales obtuvieron puntajes medios significativamente más altos en consciencia, conocimientos y habilidades multiculturales que aquellos participantes que indicaron haber tomado un único curso multicultural.
Measuring Multicultural Training Reactance: Initial Instrument Psychometrics
Authors: Lowery Robyn Crowell , Borders L. DiAnne , Ackerman Terry A.
Published: July 2020

Resistant behaviors in multicultural courses are a common dilemma within counselor education. On the basis of psychological reactance theory (J. W. Brehm, 1966), the authors created a multicultural training reactance scale to measure the construct. Exploratory factor analysis and initial reliability and validity data are presented, followed by suggestions that address course reactions.

Los comportamientos resistentes en los cursos multiculturales son un dilema frecuente en la educación de consejeros. Basándose en la teoría de reactancia psicológica (J. W. Brehm, 1966), los autores crearon una escala de reactancia en la capacitación multicultural para medir el constructo. Se presenta un análisis factorial exploratorio, así como datos iniciales de fiabilidad y validez, seguidos por sugerencias que abordan las reacciones al curso.
Benign Neoplasms, Mass‐Like Infections, and Pseudotumors That Mimic Hepatic Malignancy at MRI
Authors: Costa Andreu F. , Clarke Sharon E. , Stueck Ashley E. , McInnes Matthew D.F. , Thipphavong Seng
Published: July 2020

A variety of conditions may mimic hepatic malignancy at MRI. These include benign hepatic tumors and tumor‐like entities such as focal nodular hyperplasia‐like lesions, hepatocellular adenoma, hepatic infections, inflammatory pseudotumor, vascular entities, and in the cirrhotic liver, confluent fibrosis, and hypertrophic pseudomass. These conditions demonstrate MRI features that overlap with hepatic malignancy, and can be challenging for radiologists to diagnose accurately. In this review we discuss the MRI manifestations of various conditions that mimic hepatic malignancy, and highlight features that may allow distinction from malignancy.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Preliminary Assessment of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion‐Weighted MRI (IVIM‐DWI) Metrics in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Bergamino Maurizio , Nespodzany Ashley , Baxter Leslie C. , Burke Anna , Caselli Richard J. , Sabbagh Marwan N. , Walsh Ryan R. , Stokes Ashley M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects aging populations. Current MRI techniques are often limited in their sensitivity to underlying neuropathological changes.

Purpose

To characterize differences in voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging (IVIM‐DWI) metrics in aging populations. Additionally, to investigate the connection between cognitive assessments and neuroimaging metrics.

Study Type

Prospective/cross‐sectional.

Population

In all, 49 subjects, including 13 with AD dementia, 12 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 24 healthy controls (HC).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/magnetization‐prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MP‐RAGE) and IVIM‐DWI

Assessment

All participants completed a cognitive screening battery prior to MRI. IVIM‐DWI maps (pure diffusion coefficient [D], pseudodiffusion coefficient [D*], and perfusion fraction [f]) were generated from a biexponential fit of diffusion MRI data. VBM was performed on the standard T1‐weighted MP‐RAGE structural images. Group‐wise templates were used to compare across groups.

Statistical Tests

Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with gender and age as covariates (familywise error [FWE] corrected, post‐hoc comparisons using Bonferroni correction) for group comparisons. Partial‐η2 and Hedges' g were used for effect‐size analysis. Spearman's correlations (false discovery rate [FDR]‐corrected) for the relationship between cognitive scores and imaging.

Results

Clusters of significant group‐wise differences were found mainly in the temporal lobe, hippocampus, and amygdala using all VBM and IVIM methods (P < 0.05 FWE). While VBM showed significant changes between MCI and AD groups and between HC and AD groups, no significant clusters were observed between HC and MCI using VBM. ADC and IVIM‐D demonstrated significant changes, at P < 0.05 FWE, between HC and MCI, notably in the amygdala and hippocampus. Several voxel‐based correlations were observed between neuroimaging metrics and cognitive tests within the cognitively impaired groups (P < 0.05 FDR).

Data Conclusion

These findings suggest that IVIM‐DWI metrics may be earlier biomarkers for AD‐related changes than VBM. The use of these techniques may provide novel insight into subvoxel neurodegenerative processes.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2020;52:1811–1826.
Flavone as a novel matrix for the matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation analysis of lanthanide and transition metal salts
Authors: Warren Alexander D. , Gates Paul J.
Published: July 2020

The mass spectral analysis of metal salts, especially lanthanide and transition metal salts, can be challenging. Although getting information on the metal present is usually straightforward, obtaining information on the correct oxidation state and anion composition is challenging. Many ionisation techniques have some redox component to the ionisation process, which commonly results in changing the oxidation state of the metal and the associated loss of ligand and anion information. We present here a simple method for negative ion matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry using the non‐acidic flavonoid flavone as a novel matrix. This results in reliable information on the oxidation state of the metal as spectra are dominated by anion adduct ions with very little (typically no) redox processes occurring.
Integrating ion mobility and imaging mass spectrometry for comprehensive analysis of biological tissues: A brief review and perspective
Authors: Rivera Emilio S. , Djambazova Katerina V. , Neumann Elizabeth K. , Caprioli Richard M. , Spraggins Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2020

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) technologies are capable of mapping a wide array of biomolecules in diverse cellular and tissue environments. IMS has emerged as an essential tool for providing spatially targeted molecular information due to its high sensitivity, wide molecular coverage, and chemical specificity. One of the major challenges for mapping the complex cellular milieu is the presence of many isomers and isobars in these samples. This challenge is traditionally addressed using orthogonal liquid chromatography (LC)‐based analysis, though, common approaches such as chromatography and electrophoresis are not able to be performed at timescales that are compatible with most imaging applications. Ion mobility offers rapid, gas‐phase separations that are readily integrated with IMS workflows in order to provide additional data dimensionality that can improve signal‐to‐noise, dynamic range, and specificity. Here, we highlight recent examples of ion mobility coupled to IMS and highlight their importance to the field.
Establishment of a rapid ELISPOT assay for influenza virus titration and neutralizing antibody detection
Authors: Wang Guosong , Huang Pengfei , Hong Junping , Fu Rao , Wu Qian , Chen Ruiqi , Lin Lina , Han Qiangyuan , Chen Honglin , Chen Yixin , Xia Ningshao
Published: July 2020

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection causing around 500 000 global deaths annually. There is an unmet medical need to develop more effective antiviral drugs and vaccines against influenza infection. A rapid, accurate, high‐throughput titration assay for influenza virus particles or neutralizing antibodies would be extremely useful in these research fields. However, commonly used methods such as tissue culture infective dose and plaque‐forming units (PFU) for virus particle quantification, and the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) for antibody determination are time‐consuming, laborious, and have limited accuracy. In this study, we developed an efficient assay based on the enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) technique for the influenza virus and neutralizing antibody titration. Two broad‐spectrum antibodies recognizing the nucleoproteins of influenza A and B viruses were used in the assay to broadly and highly sensitively detect influenza virus‐infected cells at 16 hours postinfection. An optimized cell culture medium with no tosyl phenylalanyl chloromethyl ketone trypsin and high dose oseltamivir acid was used to improve quantitation accuracy. This ELISPOT assay displayed a good correlation (R2 = 0.9851) with the PFU assay when used to titrate 30 influenza virus isolates. The assay was also applied to measure influenza‐neutralizing antibodies in 40 human sera samples, showing a good correlation (R2 = 0.9965) with the PRNT assay. This ELISPOT titration assay is a rapid, accurate, high‐throughput assay for quantification of influenza virus and neutralizing antibodies, and provides a powerful tool for research into and development of drugs and vaccines against influenza.
A Culturally Responsive Existential‐Phenomenological Approach for Counseling Black Sexual Minority Youth
Authors: White Dwayne , Palacios Alfredo
Published: July 2020

This article provides evidence to support developing interventions for addressing the mental health concerns of Black sexual minority youth. The authors identify how to incorporate a culturally responsive existential‐phenomenological approach with storytelling to facilitate the development of a healthy self‐concept among a host of socially enforced categories. Implications are provided to supplement counselors' conceptualization of this population within therapeutic relationships.
Existential‐Humanistic Counseling With Young Black Men in Judicial Settings
Authors: Stare Bryan G. , Fernando Delini M.
Published: July 2020

Existential‐humanistic counseling approaches may benefit Black male clients in judicial settings. Components of Black critical theory may guide existential‐humanistic counselors working with Black male clients by providing ethical counseling considerations. The authors discuss how existential‐humanistic and Black critical theory may contribute to counseling and advocacy with Black men in judicial settings.
The Practice of Bridling: Maintaining Openness in Phenomenological Research
Authors: Stutey Diane M. , Givens Joel , Cureton Jenny L. , Henderson Aaron J.
Published: July 2020

Bridling is an innovative reflective practice where the researcher intentionally reflects on preconceived ideas of the phenomenon being studied. In this article, bridling is explained, followed by a model of how to implement bridling, examples of bridling applied to phenomenological research studies involving counselors, and implications for the field.
Intraoperative Fluorescence‐Guided Surgery in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Yu‐Jin , Krishnan Giri , Nishio Naoki , van den Berg Nynke S. , Lu Guolan , Martin Brock A. , van Keulen Stan , Colevas Alexander D. , Kapoor Shrey , Liu Jonathan T.C. , Rosenthal Eben L.
Published: July 2020

The rate of positive margins in head and neck cancers has remained stagnant over the past three decades and is consistently associated with poor overall survival. This suggests that significant improvements must be made intraoperatively to ensure negative margins. We discuss the important role of fluorescence imaging to guide surgical oncology in head and neck cancer. This review includes a general overview of the principles of fluorescence, available fluorophores used for fluorescence imaging, and specific clinical applications of fluorescence‐guided surgery, as well as challenges and future directions in head and neck surgical oncology. Laryngoscope, 131:529–534, 2021
Long‐term Impact of Middle Ear Effusion in Pediatric Tympanostomy Tubes
Authors: Kaffenberger Thomas M. , Belsky Michael A. , Oberlies Nicholas R. , Kumar Aarti , Donohue Joseph P. , Yang Tiffany S. , Shaffer Amber D. , Chi David H.
Published: July 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement (BMT) is the most common pediatric surgery in the United States. Intraoperative middle ear effusion (MEE) is a risk factor for future BMTs in children with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM). However, the impact of the type of MEE is unknown. Here, we assess otologic outcomes based on intraoperative MEE type and indication for surgery.

Study Design

Case series chart review.

Methods

After institutional review board approval, we performed a review of children undergoing BMTs between 2008 and 2009. Included patients had their first BMT, preoperative visit, and an operative report. Patients with cleft palate or Down syndrome were excluded. Indications for surgery included RAOM and chronic otitis media with effusion (COME). Other variables evaluated were future BMT, acquired cholesteatoma, and otorrhea. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Out of 1,045 patients reviewed, 680 were included and underwent their first BMT. There were 619 patients who had RAOM. Serous effusions were present in 22.2%, mucoid in 31.3%, purulent in 12.9%, undocumented or bloody in 2.3% of patients, and 31.2% of patients had dry middle ears. Moreover, 22.7% of patients underwent future BMTs. In RAOM patients, serous effusions decreased odds of perforation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.195, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0438‐0.867, P = .032), and purulent effusions increased the odds of in‐office otorrhea suctioning (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.20‐3.77, P = .010) compared to dry. Mucoid effusions had no significant effect on outcomes in COME or RAOM patients.

Conclusions

Intraoperative MEEs were noted in 68.7% of cases; purulent effusions increase the odds of in‐office suctioning in RAOM patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E993–E997, 2021
Processes controlling the development of talus slopes in SW Spitsbergen: The role of deglaciation and periglacial conditions
Authors: Senderak Krzysztof , Kondracka Marta , Gądek Bogdan
Published: July 2020

The location of Svalbard at the interface between the warm Atlantic and cold Arctic oceans causes the terrestrial environment to be highly sensitive to contemporary climate warming. Talus slopes provide a component of glaciated areas that has been registering these changes on a scale of several thousand years. However, knowledge about their development during glacial recession is still limited. This paper fills this gap by providing unique data obtained by geophysical methods: electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), regarding the talus slopes in Revdalen (SW Spitsbergen), which was last glaciated in the Neoglacial period. The results indicate that the thickness of talus slopes depends first of all on the size of the sediment supply area and only secondarily on the stage of development. The initial content of buried glacial ice in the talus deposits is differential and depends on both the rate of deglaciation and the local intensity of rock wall denudation. Over time, as a result of creep, the presence of massive ice is limited to ever lower parts of the slope. Above, there is aggradation of pore ice in delivered debris material. At the end of this stage, the buried glacial ice can form, or co‐create together with pore ice, the core of subslope rock glaciers. The relatively long period since the beginning of the Revdalen deglaciation allowed a general model of the development of talus slopes in the polar environment to be prepared.
Definition and Prospective Assessment of Functional Recovery After Liver Transplantation: A New Objective Consensus‐Based Metric for Safe Discharge
Authors: Brustia Raffaele , Boleslawski Emmanuel , Monsel Antoine , Barbier Louise , Dharancy Sébastien , Adam René , Dumortier Jérôme , Lesurtel Mickaël , Conti Filomena , Scatton Olivier ,   for the Groupe de Recherche Français en Greffe de Foie (GReF²) and the Association de Chirurgie Hépato‐Pancréato‐Biliaire et Transplantation (ACHBT) Collaborative Group
Published: July 2020

Standardized discharge criteria are critical to reduce premature discharge and avoid unnecessary hospital stays. No such criteria exist for patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). To achieve a consensus‐based checklist of criteria for safe patient discharge after LT, this mixed‐method study included the following: a systematic literature review and expert discussion to draft a first checklist of post‐LT discharge criteria, defining patient recovery and indications for hospital discharge (functional recovery); an exploratory online electronic Delphi (e‐Delphi) study; a single‐center pilot study to test checklist feasibility; and a final e‐Delphi study with an extended interdisciplinary expert panel to validate the final checklist. The first round provided a 10‐point discharge checklist with 5 patient‐centered items derived from discharge criteria after liver surgery and 5 graft‐centered items derived from expert discussion. The restricted panel (9 experts) e‐Delphi provided 100% consensus after the second round, with slight modifications to the criteria. During the pilot study, 19 of 45 (42.2%) patients included fulfilled the complete checklist (100% of 10 items) after median (IQR) 16 (8‐21) days (functional recovery) and a length of stay of 20 (9‐24) days. The item with the lowest completion rate was minimum serum tacrolimus level in the target on 2 consecutive blood samples (n = 21; 47%), achieved at 13 (9‐15) days. The extended panel (66 experts) e‐Delphi provided 95%‐98% consensus after the third round, with slight modifications of the criteria. This study provided substantial consensus on discharge criteria after LT. We anticipate that these criteria will be useful in clinical practice to guide patient discharge and increase the comparability of results between future studies.
Analytical investigation of air squeeze film damping for bi‐axial micro‐scanner using eigenfunction expansion method
Authors: Atabak Ruhollah , Sedighi Hamid M. , Reza Arash , Mirshekari Erfan
Published: July 2020

Squeeze film damping is an important factor in the dynamic stability of the bi‐axial microelectromechanic systems. The purpose of this article is to provide an analytical solution for calculating the air squeeze film damping in bi‐axial torsional micro‐mirrors, considering the changes of pressure distribution in rotation around different axes. This is the first time that has been done for a circular micro‐mirror. One of the advantages of bi‐axis micro‐scanners compared to single‐axis types is the larger space covered by the scan in different axes. To calculate the pressure distribution in different rotation of micro‐mirror and also to achieve the squeeze film damping torque, Reynolds nonlinear equations have been used in polar coordinates, which have been solved by Taylor series expansion and also by eigenfunction expansion method. The results are verified with previous research in single‐axis mode. The results also show that with increasing gap between the micro‐mirror and the scanner substrate, the coefficient squeeze film damping will be less, but if the air gap is not changed, increasing the micro‐mirror radius will increase the damping coefficient. When the radius of micro‐mirror decrease, in order for the damping coefficient to be higher, the angle of rotation of the micro‐mirror must be greater too. The results of this article can be used for accurate modeling of squeeze film damping in micro‐scanners, control of dual‐axis torsion micro‐mirrors, and improvement of their efficiency.
Accelerating CEST MRI in the mouse brain at 9.4 T by exploiting sparsity in the Z‐spectrum domain
Authors: Kwiatkowski Grzegorz , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is an MR contrast modality offering an enhanced sensitivity for the detection of dilute metabolites with exchangeable protons. Quantitative analysis requires the acquisition of a number of images (usually between 20 and 50 RF offsets) per Z‐spectrum, leading to long acquisition times of the order of 5‐40 min in practice. In this work, we explore the possibility of employing sparsity in the Z‐spectrum domain (irradiation offset dimension) to provide an accelerated acquisition scheme without compromising the quality of reconstructed CEST spectra.

Method and Theory

Ex vivo and in vivo data were acquired on an experimental, small animal 9.4 T system. Three different reconstruction methods were tested: k‐Z SPARSE, k‐Z SLR and k‐Z principal component analysis (PCA) using retrospective undersampling with net acceleration factors R = 2, 3, 5. The quality of the reconstructed data was compared with respect to CEST spectra and full magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) asymmetry maps.

Results

In both phantom and in vivo data, CEST spectra and the resulting MTR asymmetry maps were reconstructed without significant deterioration in data quality. For a low acceleration factor (R = 2, 3) all applied methods resulted in similar data quality, while for high acceleration factor (R = 5) only k‐Z PCA and k‐Z SLR could be used. Loss in spatial resolution was observed in reconstruction with k‐Z PCA for all acceleration factors. An example of prospective undersampling with acceleration factor R = 3 and k‐Z PCA reconstruction demonstrates improved CEST maps when compared with fully sampled data acquisition with either three times longer scan duration or threefold prolonged acquisition window per frequency offset.

Conclusion

The acquisition time of CEST spectra can be significantly accelerated by exploiting the sparsity of the Z‐domain. For prospective and retrospective analysis using k‐Z PCA, an acceleration factor of up to R = 3 can be used without significant loss in data quality.
Nutrition Interventions Associated With Favorable Growth in Infants With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Bathgate Jennifer R. , Rigassio Radler Diane , Zelig Rena , Lagoski Megan , Murthy Karna
Published: July 2020

Nutrition complications are common in survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Infants diagnosed with CDH may demonstrate poor growth despite receiving enteral tube feedings and gastroesophageal reflux treatment. This literature review was conducted to determine nutrition interventions resulting in favorable growth, which may improve outcomes in these infants. Results indicate that early nutrition support, including supplemental parenteral nutrition with provisions of ≥125 kcal/kg/d and ≥2.3 g/kg/d protein (which are higher than dietary reference intakes for infants), may have a positive impact on growth, potentially impacting neurological development.
Detecting early symptoms of mental health deterioration using handwriting duration parameters
Authors: Mashio Yuhei , Kawaguchi Hideo
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Recent years have witnessed a rapid rise in the incidence of mental health deterioration, such as depression and depressive symptoms. Therefore, early detection and measures of prevention have become important. This study aimed to develop a predictive method for assessing the incident risk of mental health deterioration by examining the associations between mental health and handwriting duration.

Methods

A cohort study over four years was performed with 200 university students who volunteered to participate in this study. Participants received the Uchida‐Kraepelin test every April and completed the 30‐item general health questionnaire to evaluate their mental health. From the stroke data obtained from the digital pen in the Uchida‐Kraepelin test, two kinds of intervals were extracted. Based on these interval ratios, participants were divided into two groups. We then examined the scores of the questionnaire between the high‐risk group and the low‐risk group in the first year of the study. In addition, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine whether those in the high‐risk group in the first year still belonged to the high‐risk group in the fourth year.

Results

In the “Anxiety and Dysphoria scale” in the first year, the high‐risk group had a significantly higher score than the low‐risk group. Additionally, it was found that those in the high‐risk group in the first year tended to still be in the high‐risk group in the fourth year.

Conclusion

These results suggested that the indicator that we developed can be used as a predictive factor for the incident risk of mental health deterioration.
The influence of job accessibility on local residential segregation of ethnic minorities: A study of Hong Kong
Authors: Tao Sui , He Sylvia Y. , Luo Shuli
Published: July 2020

Previous research has shown that spatial mismatch between residential location and employment opportunities acts as a key influencing factor in employment outcomes for ethnic minorities living in segregated neighbourhoods. However, the effect of job accessibility on residential choice and segregation of ethnic minorities and its relevance to spatial mismatch across different minority groups has not been fully captured, especially in high‐density, transit‐oriented cities. This study seeks to address these knowledge gaps by investigating the residential segregation of ethnic minorities in relation to job accessibility in Hong Kong. Using a suite of statistical analyses, spatial patterns of residential segregation were found to relate to disparities in the socio‐economic status of different minority groups. Furthermore, modelling results suggest a significant trade‐off between neighbourhood quality and job accessibility particularly for the retail and service industries of South/Southeast Asian groups. By contrast, more privileged minority groups, such as White and Japanese communities, were found to cluster predominantly in higher income neighbourhoods with improved amenities rather than living closer to employment opportunities. These insights contribute to a more nuanced understanding of spatial mismatch across different ethnic minority groups, with which we have proposed policy recommendations with a view towards improving job accessibility, particularly for lower income minority groups and have identified avenues for future research.
On autoregressive model selection for the exponentially weighted moving average control chart of residuals in monitoring the mean of autocorrelated processes
Authors: Li Yaping , Pan Ershun , Xiao Yan
Published: July 2020

With the development of automation technologies, data can be collected in a high frequency, easily causing autocorrelation phenomena. Control charts of residuals have been used as a good way to monitor autocorrelated processes. The residuals have been often computed based on autoregressive (AR) models whose building needs much experience. Data have been assumed to be first‐order autocorrelated, and first‐order autoregressive (AR(1)) models have been employed to obtain residuals. But for a pth‐order autocorrelated process, how the AR(1) model affects the performance of the control chart of residuals remains unknown. In this paper, the control chart of exponentially weighted moving average of residuals (EWMA‐R) is used to monitor the pth‐order autocorrelated process. Taking the mean and standard deviation of run length as performance indicators, two types of EWMA‐R control charts, with their residuals obtained from the pth‐order autoregressive AR(p) and AR(1) models, respectively, are compared. The results of the numerical experiment show that for detecting small mean shifts, EWMA‐R control charts based on AR(1) models outperform ones based on AR(p) models, whereas for detecting large shifts, they are sometimes slightly worse. A practical application is used to give a recommendation that a large number of samples are necessary for determining an EWMA‐R control chart before using it.
Building capacity for undergraduate education and training in computational molecular science: A collaboration between the MERCURY consortium and the Molecular Sciences Software Institute
Authors: McDonald Ashley Ringer , Nash Jessica A. , Nerenberg Paul S. , Ball K. Aurelia , Sode Olaseni , Foley Jonathon J. , Windus Theresa L. , Crawford T. Daniel
Published: July 2020

The Molecular Sciences Software Institute (MolSSI) is an National Science Foundation (NSF) funded institute that focuses on improving software, education, and training in the computational molecular sciences. Through a collaboration with the Molecular Education and Research Consortium in Undergraduate computational chemistRY (MERCURY), the MolSSI has developed resources for undergraduate and other early career students to lay an educational foundation for the next generation of computational molecular scientists. The resources focus on introducing best practices in software engineering to students from the very start to make their software more useable, maintainable, and reproducible.
Weighted distances in scale‐free preferential attachment models
Authors: Jorritsma Joost , Komjáthy Júlia
Published: July 2020

We study three preferential attachment models where the parameters are such that the asymptotic degree distribution has infinite variance. Every edge is equipped with a nonnegative i.i.d. weight. We study the weighted distance between two vertices chosen uniformly at random, the typical weighted distance, and the number of edges on this path, the typical hopcount. We prove that there are precisely two universality classes of weight distributions, called the explosive and conservative class. In the explosive class, we show that the typical weighted distance converges in distribution to the sum of two i.i.d. finite random variables. In the conservative class, we prove that the typical weighted distance tends to infinity, and we give an explicit expression for the main growth term, as well as for the hopcount. Under a mild assumption on the weight distribution the fluctuations around the main term are tight.
Elevational gradients and distributions of aggregate associated organic carbon and nitrogen and stability in alpine forest ecosystems
Authors: Kong Junqia , He Zhibin , Chen Longfei , Yang Rong , Du Jun , Lin Pengfei , Zhu Xi , Tian Quanyan
Published: July 2020

Distribution and elevational controls on soil aggregate‐associated organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N) in alpine soils are not well known, but may be critical to the stabilization of soil C and N pools in alpine areas. In this study, we determined the variability in aggregate associated OC and N concentration and aggregate‐stability in 0 to 20 cm layers along the elevation gradient in an alpine forest (2,600–3,200 m) of the Qilian Mountains. The results showed that 1–2 mm macroaggregate accounted for the largest proportion (33.9%) of all aggregate fractions, and also contributed greater proportions (33.2 and 32.6%) to OC and N in bulk soils. Concentrations of OC and N, and C to N ratio increased with increasing aggregate size across all elevations. With increasing elevation, the proportion of >1 mm macroaggregates, mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) increased significantly (p < .01). Aggregate OC and N concentration and C to N ratios, and the contribution of > 1 mm aggregate OC and N to OC and N in bulk soils also increased significantly (p < .01), while the contribution of 0.25–1 mm and 0.053–0.25 mm aggregates decreased with increasing elevation. In addition, MWD, GMD, OC and N concentration in aggregate decreased with mean annual temperature (MAT) and increased with mean annual precipitation (MAP). Our results demonstrated that the stability of soil structure improved, and accumulation of OC was mainly due to increases in the contribution of OC in the >1 mm macroaggregate with increasing elevation. Given that higher elevations in this alpine forest support large concentrations of SOC and macroaggregate OC, which may be vulnerable to climate warming.