bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tooth transposition prevalence and type among sub‐Saharan Africans
Authors: Irish Joel D.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Although rare, tooth transposition—an exchange in location of two teeth—is a frequent topic of study. Clinical and, to a much lesser extent, dental anthropological research have focused predominantly on prevalence (0.03%‐0.74% in several world populations) and case studies, albeit on a restricted spatiotemporal scale. Many regions have received little attention, including sub‐Saharan Africa, while premodern data are few. Here, the aim is to supplement both fields of dental research by reviewing previous publications, and newly reporting transposition rates, types, and co‐occurring abnormalities in time‐successive samples across the subcontinent.

Methods

Dental data in 51 sub‐Saharan samples (>2500 individuals) dating >10 000 BC to 20th century were recorded. Of these, 36 are of modern and 15 premodern age, comprising males and females ≥12‐years of age. Transposition presence, quadrant, and type were tabulated, cases described, and prevalence presented. In the latter case, Poisson 95% confidence intervals were calculated to better discern true population rates at various geographic levels.

Results

Overall, six of 1886 modern individuals (0.32%) and one of premodern age evidence Mx.C.P1, an exchange of the maxillary canine and first premolar. Various associated dental abnormalities are also evident, including retained deciduous teeth, reduced permanent crowns, and agenesis.

Conclusions

This study provides additional insight into the geographic distribution, features, and time depth of transposition, along with hints supporting a genetic etiology and, potentially, some indications of diachronic change from an initial Mx.C.P1 to several types more recently based on premodern evidence. It is of clinical concern today, but is not just a modern anomaly.
Geometry of the Parameter Space of a Quantum System: Classical Point of View
Authors: Alvarez‐Jimenez Javier , Gonzalez Diego , Gutiérrez‐Ruiz Daniel , Vergara Jose David
Published: October 2019

The local geometry of the parameter space of a quantum system is described by the quantum metric tensor and the Berry curvature, which are two fundamental objects that play a crucial role in understanding geometrical aspects of condensed matter physics. Classical integrable systems are considered and a new approach is reported to obtain the classical analogs of the quantum metric tensor and the Berry curvature. An advantage of this approach is that it can be applied to a wide variety of classical systems corresponding to quantum systems with bosonic and fermionic degrees of freedom. The approach used arises from the semiclassical approximation of the Berry curvature and the quantum metric tensor in the Lagrangian formalism. This semiclassical approximation is exploited to establish, for the first time, the relation between the quantum metric tensor and its classical counterpart. The approach described is illustrated and validated by applying it to five systems: the generalized harmonic oscillator, the symmetric and linearly coupled harmonic oscillators, the singular Euclidean oscillator, and a spin‐half particle in a magnetic field. Finally, some potential applications of this approach and possible generalizations that can be of interest in the field of condensed matter physics are mentioned.
Electrospun rubber/thermoplastic hybrid nanofibers for localized toughening effects in epoxy resins
Authors: Di Filippo Maria , Alessi Sabina , Palmese Giuseppe , Dispenza Clelia
Published: October 2019

Synthetic rubber/thermoplastic blends were electrospun from their solutions. The rubber was a solid acrylonitrile/butadiene/acrylic acid copolymer and the thermoplastic was polyacrylonitrile. The aims of this study were to identify suitable systems and processing conditions for obtaining rubber‐based electrospun nanofibers, to investigate the ability of an epoxy resin system to impregnate and swell selected hybrid rubber/thermoplastic mats, and to assess the impact of the nanofibers on the resin morphology and curing behavior. In particular, electrospinning trials were carried out varying the composition of the feed solution and process parameters, such as the applied voltage, the flow rate, and tip‐to‐collector distance. The morphology of the hybrid mats was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and their thermal properties by thermogravimetry. An epoxy resin‐mat monolayer was also prepared and its fracture surface inspected; both rubber nanoparticles and PAN nanofibers were evident. The highly corrugated fracture surfaces suggest activation of local epoxy‐resin toughening mechanisms. Altogether, the results encouraged the application of hybrid mats as interleaves in high‐performance carbon/epoxy composites to contrast delamination. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48501.
Fibers spinning from poly(trimethylsilylpropyne) solutions
Authors: Skvortsov Ivan Yu. , Kalugina Anastasia D. , Litvinova Elena G. , Malkin Alexander Ya. , Khotimskiy Valery S. , Kulichikhin Valery G.
Published: October 2019

This study for the first time directs in assessment of the necessary conditions for spinning fibers from poly[1‐(trimethylsilyl)1‐propyne], one of the best for gas separation. It includes a search of appropriate solvents, investigation of rheological properties of solutions, a preparation of dopes with reasonable polymer content and a choice of effective coagulants based on their solubility parameters in frames of wet fiber spinning. The fibers were obtained with diameter of 7 ± 1 μm and strength of up to 200 MPa. The morphology of the surface and core of the PTMSP fibers was distinctively different: dense skin and friable core. From the viewpoint of membrane properties, it looks like asymmetrical membrane. In addition, the hollow fibers we prepared by dry spinning method. Overall, the stable fiber spinning process from PTMSP solutions was developed for the first time, and monolith and hollow PTMSP fibers of good quality were obtained. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48511.
Efficient construction and enriched selective adsorption‐photocatalytic activity of PVA/PANI/TiO2recyclable hydrogel by electron beam radiation
Authors: Song Xiao‐Fang , Qin Jiang‐Tao , Li Ting‐Ting , Liu Guo , Xia Xiang‐Xiang , Li Yue‐Sheng , Liu Yi
Published: October 2019

Enriched selective adsorption‐photocatalytic activity of Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Polyaniline/TiO2(PVA/PANI/TiO2, noted as PAT) recyclable hydrogel photocatalyst with 3D structures were prepared by self‐assembling and electron beam radiation crosslingking method. TiO2nanoparticles were successfully introduced into the 3D matrix of the PVA/PANI hydrogel and manifested by FTIR, TG, XRD, XPS, and SEM‐EDS. The microstructure of PAT was characterized further by SEM, TEM, and BET. The highly selective adsorption‐photocatalytic activity of PAT was tested by the degradation of cationic or anionic dye and reduction of heavy metal ion in a closed and flow system under UV light irradiation. The results showed that PAT had a highest selective adsorption‐photocatalytic performance at the appropriate content of PVA (10 wt %), TiO2(15 wt %) and suitable radiation dose (50 kGy), which could be attributed to the synergistic effect of excellent selective adsorption and effective photocatalytic degradation. The mechanism of selective adsorption‐photocatalytic on PAT was revealed synchronously in this study. Particularly, the novel PAT photocatalyst with 3D network structure also affords ease of separation and recycling, which is beneficial to water purification in a flow system. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48516.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofiber‐based piezoelectric nanogenerators using reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline
Authors: Ünsal Ömer Faruk , Altın Yasin , Çelik Bedeloğlu Ayşe
Published: October 2019

Recently, piezoelectric nanogenerators have received great interest as they can convert waste mechanical and radiative energy to electricity and can be used in self‐energy generating systems and sensor technologies. In this study, electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofiber‐based piezoelectric nanogenerators with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), polyaniline (PANI), and PANI‐functionalized rGO (rGOPANI) have been developed. Two different types of nanofiber mats were produced: First, rGO‐ and rGOPANI‐doped PVDF nanofiber mats and second, rGO, PANI and rGOPANI‐spray‐coated PVDF nanofiber mats that have worked as nanogenerators' electrodes. Then, characterizations of samples were performed in terms of piezoelectricity, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometric, X‐ray diffractions (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy analyses. FTIR and XRD results confirmed that piezoelectric β‐crystalline phase of PVDF occurred after the electrospinning process. Besides, maximum output voltages were obtained as 7.84 and 10.60 V for rGO‐doped PVDF and rGOPANI‐coated PVDF nanofiber mats, respectively. As a result, the doped nanofibers were found to be more successful due to the higher device accuracy in sensor technologies compared with spray‐coated samples. However, spray‐coating method proved to be more suitable technique for the production of nanogenerators on an industrial scale in terms of fast and large‐scale applicability. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48517.
Tailoring properties and processing of Sylgard 184: Curing time, adhesion, and water affinity
Authors: Murphy Eamonn C. , Dumont Joseph H. , Park Chi Hoon , Kestell Gayle , Lee Kwan‐Soo , Labouriau Andrea
Published: October 2019

The curing time, surface adhesion, and water absorption characteristics of Sylgard 184 were modified through the addition of catalysts and fillers. Incorporation of small amounts of a platinum‐based Karstedt catalyst greatly decreased curing time at room temperature, whereas the addition of talcum powder (talc), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and NaY zeolite fillers changed surface adhesion and functionality of Sylgard 184. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), rheological and mechanical tests (tensile strength and hardness) were used to quantify the acceleration in the curing time. The surface adhesion was evaluated for aluminum and glass‐like substrates using a 90° peel‐off test. The interaction between fillers and Sylgard was studied by molecular dynamics simulations, which showed the interaction between NaY and Sylgard is greater than that for PTFE. Water absorption studies indicated that 10 wt% NaY added to Sylgard 184 helped to improve water absorption, whereas incorporation of talc had the opposite effect. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48530.
Effect of various fibers on the ablation resistance of poly(diaryloxyphosphazene) elastomer
Authors: Sun He , Yang Yusheng , Ge Xin
Published: October 2019

Poly(diaryloxyphosphazene) elastomer (PDPP) is an alternative and promising thermal insulation material to protect the combustion chamber of solid rocket motors. The hybrid inorganic–organic macromolecule with the backbone of alternating nitrogen and phosphorus atoms has good thermal stability and compatibility for inorganic and organic fillers. This article focused on the effect of inorganic and organic fibers on the ablation resistance of PDPP at slow and fast pyrolysis, which was performed by thermogravimetric analysis and oxyacetylene ablation. Two inorganic fibers (alumina and mullite) and two organic fibers (polyimide and phenolic) were introduced into PDPP elastomer. During the process of slow pyrolysis, two inorganic fibers provided higher char yields due to their higher thermal stability. However,SiC in situformed on the surface of organic fibers effectively improved the ablation resistance of the composites under the process of fast pyrolysis according to the micromorphology and structure analyses of charred layers. In addition, terminal groups of organic fibers affected thein situformation ofSiC. The phenolic/PDPP composite have a better ablation resistance than the other three composites at fast pyrolysis, owing to morein situformedSiCon its surface and its higher decomposition activation energy. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48534.
Fullerene polymer film as a highly efficient photocatalyst for selective solar fuel production from CO2
Authors: Yadav Dolly , Yadav Rajesh K. , Kumar Abhishek , Park No‐Joong , Kim Jae Young , Baeg Jin‐Ook
Published: October 2019

C60‐based polymeric systems have been constantly anticipated for sustainable solar energy conversion. Reported, herein is a C60 polymer film as visible light active photocatalyst for efficient and selective reduction of CO2 for the first time. The C60 polymer photocatalyst is synthesized via covalent coupling of C60 monomer units consisting of tetra substituted C60‐pyrene conjugates through spacer groups. The synthesized C60 polymer photocatalyst possesses an extended network of well‐defined repeating monomer units with good stability and visible light‐induced photocatalytic activity. The enhanced visible light harvesting ability of C60 polymer photocatalyst reasonably yields it with higher catalytic ability than its monomer unit. The C60 polymer film photocatalyst upon coupling with the biocatalyst carries out highly selective visible light driven reduction of CO2 to HCOOH (239.46 μmol). The tandem way of incorporating C60 into visible light active polymeric films for continuous use may be highly rewarding for their extended photocatalytic activity for solar fuel production from CO2. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48536.
High‐value use of lignocellulosic‐rich eucommia residue for promoting mechanical properties and flame retardancy of poly(butylene succinate)
Authors: Wang Yuhuan , Yue Junfeng , Xie Rong , Liu Changhua , Gan Lin , Huang Jin
Published: October 2019

Cellulose‐ and lignin‐based fillers can significantly enhance the mechanical properties and flame retardancy of biomass polyesters, whereas complicated and high‐cost processes may be necessary for the extraction. Thus, we explored the direct use of eucommia residues (ERs), a plantation waste containing rich lignocellulosic substances (ca. 18% cellulose, 13% hemicellulose, and 35% lignin), to reinforce polyesters and improve their flame retardancy. With poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) as the polyester matrix, the ER could enhance the tensile and flexural modulus of polyester‐based composite by 87 and 72%, respectively, via a facile melt‐mixing method with 30 wt % ER. Such enhancements, accompanying cost reduction, came from the cellulose crystallinity and rigid chemical structure of lignin, along with the strong interaction between ER and PBS. Besides, the carbon residue of PBS/ER composites in the flame‐retardant study could maximally increase by 508%, benefited from the immense hex‐carbon rings of cellulose and lignin in ERs. The ER also reduced the peak heat release rate and total heat release of PBS by 43 and 20%, respectively. This work reduces the pressure from waste treatment, promotes the high‐value application of plantation lignocellulosic‐rich wastes in package plastics and membranes, and supports sustainable material development based on biomass multicomponents resources. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48543.
What Makes the Kidney Susceptible to Hypoxia?
Authors: Evans Roger G. , Smith David W. , Lee Chang‐Joon , Ngo Jennifer P. , Gardiner Bruce S.
Published: October 2019

Per gram of tissue, the kidneys are among our most highly perfused organs. Yet the renal cortex and, in particular, the renal medulla are susceptible to hypoxia. In turn, hypoxia is a major pathophysiological feature of both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. We identify seven factors that render the kidney susceptible to hypoxia: (1) the large metabolic demand imposed by active reabsorption of sodium; (2) limitations on oxygen delivery to cortical tissue imposed by the density of peritubular capillaries; (3) the poor capacity for angiogenesis in the adult kidney; (4) the limited ability of the renal vasculature to dilate in response to hypoxia; (5) diffusive oxygen shunting between arteries and veins in the cortex and descending and ascending vasa recta in the medulla; (6) the physiological requirement for low medullary blood flow to facilitate urinary concentration; and (7) the topography of vascular‐tubular arrangements in the outer medulla that limit oxygen delivery to the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. Recent collaborative efforts between anatomists, physiologists, and mathematicians have improved our understanding of the roles of these factors in both physiological regulation of intrarenal oxygenation and development of renal hypoxia under pathophysiological conditions. We are also better able to understand these apparent maladaptations in the context of evolution. That is, they can be explained by the combined effects of historical contingency (our ancestral life in the sea) and selection pressures imposed by the multiple functions of the kidney to regulate extracellular fluid volume, retain water, and control erythrocyte production.
Ganzheitlicher Feuerwiderstand für Konstruktionen in Holzbauweise
Authors: Suttner Elisabeth , Rauch Michael , Werther Norman , Winter Stefan
Published: October 2019

Abhängig von der Gebäudeklasse und der Funktion der Bauteile müssen die Anforderungen der gültigen Landesbauordnungen hinsichtlich des Feuerwiderstands nachgewiesen werden. Mit der bauordnungsrechtlichen Legitimation, mehrgeschossige Gebäude bis zur Hochhausgrenze auch in Holzbauweise zu errichten, stellt sich zusehends die Herausforderung, adäquate Nachweise zum baurechtlich geforderten Feuerwiderstand bereitzustellen. Neben flächigen Bauteilen ist hierbei ebenso der Einfluss von Elementfugen, Bauteilfugen sowie Durchdringungen haustechnischer Installationen durch Bauteile mit Anforderungen an den Feuerwiderstand zu bewerten. Im Hinblick auf Holzkonstruktionen liegen hierfür gegenwärtig nur begrenzte Möglichkeiten zum Nachweis entsprechender Anforderungen vor.

Die nachfolgende Abhandlung beschreibt bestehende sowie neue Nachweismethoden für den Feuerwiderstand von Holzmassiv‐ und Holztafelbaukonstruktionen bis zu einem Feuerwiderstand von 90 min. Hierbei wird besonders auf die Anwendung biogener Baustoffe und deren Beitrag zum Feuerwiderstand eingegangen. Ergänzend hierzu wird der aktuelle Stand zur Ausführung brandschutztechnisch sicherer Anschlüsse und Elementfugen, die analog zum flächigen Bauteil eine Ausbreitung von Feuer und Rauch behindern müssen, aufgezeigt. Des Weiteren werden relevante Konstruktionsgrundsätze für den Umgang mit haustechnischen Durchdringungen durch Holzbauteile zusammengestellt. Anhand des Bauteil‐ und Konstruktionskatalogs dataholz.eu wird die praxisbezogene Umsetzung und Verwendbarkeit dieser Erkenntnisse dargestellt.
Fetal sex discordance between noninvasive prenatal screening results and sonography: A single institution's experience and review of the literature
Authors: Sylvester‐Armstrong Kendra R. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Shoraka Massoud , Hendrickson Jill E. , Abu‐Rustum Reem S.
Published: October 2019

Background

With the increasing availability of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) and high‐resolution ultrasound, more cases of sex discordance are being identified in routine clinical practice. This can be a source of much concern for families and clinicians. Knowledge about the limitations of NIPS and reasons for discordant results are critical for counseling parents.

Aims

Here, we present three cases from a single tertiary care referral center. We also review the literature to address potential limitations of NIPS in correctly identifying fetal sex chromosomes.

Materials and Methods

After Institutional Review Board approval, cases of discordant fetal sex were identified using ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 codes. In addition, departmental counseling database and cytogenetics laboratory logbooks were reviewed.

Results

In our first case, a 37‐year‐old G4 P2012 underwent NIPS at 11 weeks gestation and Monosomy X (associated with Turner syndrome) was identified. Morphological sonographic assessment at 20 weeks gestation was consistent with a female fetus following an amniocentesis at 16 weeks that revealed normal 46, XX karyotype. During the third trimester, the patient was diagnosed with Stage IV invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Postnatal follow‐up of the neonate was consistent with a phenotypic female. In the second case, a 22‐year‐old G2 P1001 obese female underwent NIPS at 14 weeks gestation and normal 46, XY karyotype was identified. Morphological sonographic assessment at 20 weeks was not consistent with a male fetus. The patient declined invasive testing. Postnatally, the karyotype was 46, XX and the neonate was phenotypically female. The reason for the discordant results was not identified. In the third case, a 25‐year‐old G1 P0 obese female underwent NIPS at 13 weeks gestation and normal 46, XY karyotype was identified. Morphological sonographic assessment at 20 weeks was indeterminate; however, follow‐up at 24 weeks was consistent with a female fetus. The patient declined invasive prenatal testing. Postnatally, the karyotype was 46, XX, and the neonate was phenotypically female with uterus present on ultrasound. The reason for the discordant results was not identified.

Discussion

Our cases demonstrate possible limitations of NIPS in correctly identifying sex chromosomes.

Conclusions

Providers and patients need to be aware of these limitations, and invasive diagnostic prenatal testing should be offered in cases of discordance between NIPS and sonographic sex assessment.
A systematic review on the mechanisms of vitamin K effects on the complications of diabetes and pre‐diabetes
Authors: Karamzad Nahid , Maleki Vahid , Carson‐Chahhoud Kristin , Azizi Samaneh , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Gargari Bahram Pourghassem
Published: October 2019

Diabetes mellitus and pre‐diabetes are prevalent endocrine disorders associated with substantial morbidity and premature mortality. Vitamin K is known to have several beneficial effects on complications of diabetes and pre‐diabetes. However, systematic consolidation of evidence is required to quantify these effects in order to inform clinical practice and research. A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases was undertaken from database inception up to October 2018 to evaluate functional roles of different forms of vitamin K on diabetes and pre‐diabetes. From 3,734 identified records, nine articles met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. Vitamin K supplementation was found to be associated with significant reductions in blood glucose (six studies), increased fasting serum insulin (four studies), reduced hemoglobin A1c (three studies), reduced homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance index (HOMA‐IR) (two studies), and increased ß‐cell function (two studies) in diabetic animal studies. Following 2‐hour oral glucose tolerance test, vitamin K supplementation was observed to be effective in reducing blood glucose and insulin levels in the pre‐diabetic population. However, no evidence of effect was observed for fasting blood sugar, insulin, HOMA‐IR, and homeostatic model assessment‐β‐cell function index (two studies). A statistically significant effect was also noted with vitamin K in improving dyslipidemia (three studies) as well as oxidative stress and inflammatory markers (five studies) in diabetic animals. In conclusion, clinical trials and animal studies confirm that vitamin K supplementation may improve both clinical features and complications of diabetes and pre‐diabetes. However, quantification of clinical efficacy in the pre‐diabetic population and among individuals with comorbidities requires further investigation.
Aberrant patterns of default‐mode network functional connectivity associated with metabolic syndrome: A resting‐state study
Authors: Rashid Barnaly , Dev Sheena I. , Esterman Michael , Schwarz Nicolette F. , Ferland Tori , Fortenbaugh Francesca C. , Milberg William P. , McGlinchey Regina E. , Salat David H. , Leritz Elizabeth C.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of three or more cardiovascular risk factors (RF), including hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, or hyperglycemia. MetS and its component RFs are more prevalent in older age, and can be accompanied by alterations in brain structure. Studies have shown altered functional connectivity (FC) in samples with individual RFs as well as in clinical populations that are at higher risk to develop MetS. These studies have indicated that the default mode network (DMN) may be particularly vulnerable, yet little is known about the overall impact of MetS on FC in this network.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the integrity of FC to the DMN in participants with MetS relative to non‐MetS individuals. Using a seed‐based connectivity analysis approach, resting‐state functional MRI (fMRI) data were analyzed, and the FC measures among the DMN seed (isthmus of the cingulate) and rest of the brain voxels were estimated.

Results

Participants with MetS demonstrated reduced positive connectivity between the DMN seed and left superior frontal regions, and reduced negative connectivity between the DMN seed and left superior parietal, left postcentral, right precentral, right superior temporal and right superior parietal regions, after accounting for age‐ and sex‐effects.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that MetS is associated with alterations in FC between the DMN and other regions of the brain. Furthermore, these results indicate that the overall burden of vascular RFs associated with MetS may, in part, contribute to the pathophysiology underlying aberrant FC in the DMN.
Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behavior: A neglected or unknown issue?
Authors: Calabrò Rocco S. , Cacciola Alberto , Bruschetta Daniele , Milardi Demetrio , Quattrini Fabrizio , Sciarrone Francesca , la Rosa Gianluca , Bramanti Placido , Anastasi Giuseppe
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm are mediated by complex, yet still not fully understood, interactions of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems operating at the central and peripheral levels. Disruption of endocrine, neural, or vascular response, caused by aging, medical illness, neurological diseases, surgery, or drugs, can lead to sexual dysfunctions, thus significantly affecting patients' quality of life.

Purpose

This narrative review aims at characterizing the involvement of the central nervous system in human sexual behavior.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed in its entirety up to June 2018, analyzing the studies dealing with the neurobiological and neurophysiological basis of human sexuality.

Results

Sexual behavior is regulated by both subcortical structures, such as the hypothalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord, and several cortical brain areas acting as an orchestra to finely adjust this primitive, complex, and versatile behavior. At the central level, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems appear to play a significant role in various factors of sexual response, although adrenergic, cholinergic, and other neuropeptide transmitter systems may contribute as well.

Conclusions

Providing healthcare professionals with information concerning sexual behavior may overcome useless and sometimes dangerous barriers and improve patient management, since sexual well‐being is considered one of the most important aspects of one's quality of life.
Monocyte/lymphocyte ratio is associated with carotid stenosis in ischemic stroke: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Zuo Bo , Zhu Sha , Meng Xue , Zhao Danhua , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2019

Background

Carotid artery stenosis, mainly caused by carotid atherosclerosis, is related to ischemic stroke. This study was to investigate whether monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) was associated with increased severity of carotid stenosis in patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods

A total of 395 participants with ischemic stroke were retrospectively analyzed. The severity of carotid stenosis was evaluated by ultrasound examination. Patients were divided into two groups: nonsevere stenosis group and severe stenosis group. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to evaluate risk factors.

Results

A significant correlation was found between MLR and the severity of carotid stenosis in patients with ischemic stroke. MLR was the independent risk factor of carotid stenosis (OR: 9.74, 95% CI: 1.16–81.54). In the ROC curves analysis, a cutoff value of 0.20 for MLR predicted the severity of carotid stenosis with a sensitivity of 80.40% and specificity of 26.40% (ROC area under the curve: 0.598, 95% CI: 0.53–0.67, p = .004).

Conclusion

Monocyte/lymphocyte ratio plays important roles in carotid stenosis in patients with ischemic stroke and is an independent risk factor of the severity of carotid stenosis. Therefore, MLR might be considered a potential index in the diagnosis of carotid stenosis in patients with ischemic stroke.
Coexistence of Dense and Sparse Areas in the Longitudinal Smooth Muscle of the Anal Canal: Anatomical and Histological Analyses Inspired by Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Muro Satoru , Kagawa Ryuzaburo , Habu Maika , Ka Hiromasa , Harada Masayo , Akita Keiichi
Published: October 2019

Magnetic resonance images of the anal canal show small, circular, low‐intensity areas arranged in a row and a high‐intensity area surrounding them internally and externally in the longitudinal muscle layer that cannot be explained by current anatomical findings. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the detailed structure of the longitudinal smooth muscle of the anal canal and to interpret the magnetic resonance image of the longitudinal muscle. Specimens for macroscopic anatomy and histology were obtained from six and seven cadavers, respectively. The histological nature of the longitudinal muscle was examined by staining serial transverse and coronal sections of the lateral wall of the anal canal with Masson's trichrome stain and using immunohistochemistry for smooth and skeletal muscle fibers. Dense and sparse areas of smooth muscle fibers coexisted in the longitudinal muscle layer. The dense areas formed columnar muscle bundles approximately 1.0–1.5 mm in diameter, and they continued from the longitudinal muscle bundles of the rectum. The columnar muscle bundles of the longitudinal anal muscle were internally and externally surrounded by sparsely arranged smooth muscle fibers that ran longitudinally. The coexistence of dense and sparse areas of smooth muscle fibers suggests that the structure of the smooth muscle is optimized for its function. This histological nature is probably reflected in the magnetic resonance image of the longitudinal muscle as the coexistence of low‐ and high‐intensity areas. Clin. Anat. 33:619–626, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dysbiosis signatures of the microbial profile in tissue from bladder cancer
Authors: Liu Fei , Liu Anwei , Lu Xin , Zhang Zhensheng , Xue Yongping , Xu Jinshan , Zeng Shuxiong , Xiong Qiao , Tan Haoyuan , He Xing , Xu Weidong , Sun Yinghao , Xu Chuanliang
Published: October 2019

Background

To examine the microbial profiles in parenchyma tissues in bladder cancer.

Methods

Tissue samples of cancerous bladder mucosa were collected from patients diagnosed with bladder cancer (22 carcinoma tissues and 12 adjacent normal tissues). The V3‐V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was PCR amplified, followed by sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform. Bioinformatics analysis for microbial classification and functional assessment was performed to assess bladder microbiome diversity and variations.

Results

The predominant phylum in both tissues was Proteobacteria. The cancerous tissues exhibited lower species richness and diversity. Beta diversity significantly differed between the cancerous and normal tissues. Lower relative abundances of the microbial genera Lactobacillus, Prevotella_9, as well as Ruminococcaceae were observed, whereas those of Cupriavidus spp., an unknown genus of family Brucellaceae, and Acinetobacter, Anoxybacillus, Escherichia‐Shigella, Geobacillus, Pelomonas, Ralstonia, and Sphingomonas were higher in the cancerous tissues. These findings indicate that these genera may be potentially utilized as biomarkers for bladder cancer. PICRUSt analysis revealed that several pathways involved in the metabolism of harmful chemical compounds were enriched in the cancer tissues, thereby providing evidence that environmental factors are strongly associated with bladder cancer etiology.

Conclusion

This is the first study that has described and analyzed the dysbiotic motifs of urinary microbiota in the parenchymatous tissues of bladder cancer via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Our results suggest that changes in the bladder microbiome may serve as biomarkers for bladder cancer, possibly assisting in disease screening and monitoring.
Self‐Identified African Americans and prostate cancer risk: West African genetic ancestry is associated with prostate cancer diagnosis and with higher Gleason sum on biopsy
Authors: Grizzle William E. , Kittles Rick A. , Rais‐Bahrami Soroush , Shah Ebony , Adams George W. , DeGuenther Mark S. , Kolettis Peter N. , Nix Jeffrey W. , Bryant James E. , Chinsky Ravi , Kearns James E. , Dehimer Kerry , Terrin Norma , Chang Hong , Gaston Sandra M.
Published: October 2019

Concerns about overtreatment of clinically indolent prostate cancer (PrCa) have led to recommendations that men who are diagnosed with low‐risk PrCa be managed by active surveillance (AS) rather than immediate definitive treatment. However the risk of underestimating the aggressiveness of a patient's PrCa can be a significant source of anxiety and a barrier to patient acceptance of AS. The uncertainty is particularly keen for African American (AA) men who are about 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with PrCa than European American (EA) men and about 2.4 times more likely to die of this disease. The AA population, as many other populations in the Americas, is genetically heterogeneous with varying degrees of admixture from West Africans (WAs), Europeans, and Native Americans (NAs). Recommendations for PrCa screening and management rarely consider potential differences in risk within the AA population. We compared WA genetic ancestry in AA men undergoing standard prostate biopsy who were diagnosed with no cancer, low‐grade PrCa (Gleason Sum 6), or higher grade PrCa (Gleason Sum 7‐10). We found that WA genetic ancestry was significantly higher in men who were diagnosed with PrCa on biopsy, compared to men who were cancer‐negative, and highest in men who were diagnosed with higher grade PrCa (Gleason Sum 7‐10). Incorporating WA ancestry into the guidelines for making decisions about when to obtain a biopsy and whether to choose AS may allow AA men to personalize their approach to PrCa screening and management.
Does transdermal fentanyl work in patients with low BMI? Patient‐reported outcomes of pain and percent pain relief in cancer patients on transdermal fentanyl
Authors: Moryl Natalie , Bokhari Ali , Griffo Yvona , Hadler Rachel , Koranteng Lauren , Filkins Alexandra , Zheng Tianyu , Horn Susan D. , Inturrisi Charles E.
Published: October 2019

Background

Low body mass index (BMI) is suspected of being associated with low transdermal fentanyl (TDF) blood levels and worse pain relief. Clinical pain data to support this claim are lacking.

Methods

Using a Chronic Pain Registry, we identified 901 cancer patients who received TDF at outpatient pain service clinics of our cancer center from 7/1/2011 to 12/1/2016. Of these, 240 patients had a BMI measure, pain intensity, and pain relief scores documented within 30 days of a TDF order. We examined associations between BMI, TDF dose, Worst and Least pain scores, and pain relief scores using standard statistical tests.

Results

In cancer patients receiving TDF, low BMI (<18.5) was significantly associated with greater pain relief irrespective of TDF dose and borderline significantly associated with greater percent pain relief after controlling for age, cancer diagnoses, and pain etiology (P = .073), suggesting that low BMI may independently predict better pain relief in cancer patients. As there were no significant associations between BMI and TDF dose, we find no basis for BMI‐dependent dose modification or avoiding TDF in cachectic and low BMI patients.

Conclusions

When predicting percent pain relief, we conclude that there is no basis for avoiding TDF or modifying its dose in cancer patients with low BMI and cachexia.
Use of bone‐modifying agents and clinical outcomes in older adults with multiple myeloma
Authors: Olszewski Adam J. , Barth Peter M. , Reagan John L.
Published: October 2019

Background

Guidelines recommend bone‐modifying agents (BMAs) for all patients initiating treatment for myeloma. We examined adherence to this recommendation, and BMA effectiveness in the era of bortezomib/lenalidomide‐based therapy among Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods

From the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare registry, we selected beneficiaries receiving anti‐myeloma chemotherapy in 2007‐2013. We matched BMA recipients (within 90 days of first chemotherapy) to nonrecipients using a propensity score, balancing patient‐, disease‐, and therapy‐related confounders. Cumulative incidence of skeletal‐related events (SREs) and overall survival (OS) was compared in proportional hazard models accounting for competing risks and immortal‐time bias.

Results

Among 4611 patients with median age of 76 years, 51% received BMA. Bone‐modifying agents use remained steady over time (P = .87) and was significantly less frequent for patients who were older, with comorbidities, without prior SRE, and those treated without bortezomib or lenalidomide. In a propensity score‐matched cohort, BMA recipients experienced a lower incidence of SRE (11.0% vs 14.6% at 3 years; subhazard ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60‐0.89) and better OS (53.3% vs 47.8% at 3 years; hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77‐0.95). The results were consistent in the subgroup (76%) treated with bortezomib and/or immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). The incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) was 3.2% at 3 years.

Conclusions

In this observational study, the observed benefits of early BMA administration among patients treated with contemporary anti‐myeloma regimens were similar to historical clinical trials. Frequent omission of BMA highlights a remediable deficiency in the quality of supportive care, and suggests that timely administration may be a useful indicator of quality care in myeloma.
Prognostic impact of glioblastoma stem cell markers OLIG2 and CCND2
Authors: Bouchart Christelle , Trépant Anne‐Laure , Hein Matthieu , Van Gestel Dirk , Demetter Pieter
Published: October 2019

Aims

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal malignant brain tumor in adults. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are implicated in this poor prognosis and in radio(chemo‐)resistance. We have previously demonstrated that among potentially highly specific GSC markers oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor 2 (OLIG2) appears to be the most specific and cyclin D2 (CCND2) the only one related to cell cycle regulation. The purpose of this work was to investigate the clinical significance and the evolution of OLIG2 and CCND2 protein expression in GBM.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemical expression analysis of Olig2 and Ccnd2 was carried out on a cohort of human paired GBM samples comparing initial resections with local recurrent tumors after radiation therapy (RT) alone or radio‐chemotherapy with temozolomide (RT‐TMZ). Uni‐ and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that significant risk factors predicting early mortality (<12 months) are: subtotal surgery for recurrence, time to recurrence <6 months, Ccnd2 nuclear expression at initial surgery ≥30%, and Olig2 nuclear expression <30% at second surgery after RT alone and RT‐TMZ.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that patients for whom nuclear expression of Olig2 becomes low (<30%) after adjuvant treatments have a significantly shorter time to recurrence and survival reflecting most probably a proneural to mesenchymal transition of the GSCs population. We also highlighted the fact that at initial surgery, high nuclear expression (≥30%) of CCND2, a G1/S regulator specific of GSCs, has a prognostic value and is associated with early mortality (<12 months).
Failure of NIPT to detect constitutional chromoanasynthesis involving chromosome 21 in a case of fetal hydrops—A case report
Authors: Bone Kathleen , MacPherson Melissa Jean , Chernos Judy , Lauzon Julie
Published: October 2019

We report a case of a de novo ring 21 complex chromosomal rearrangement in a fetus presenting with hydrops. Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) failed to detect the imbalance. This case highlights the need to understand the various limitations and strengths of NIPT technology when counseling patients.
Homozygous 15q13.3 microdeletion in a child with hypotonia and impaired vision: A new report and review of the literature
Authors: Simon Julie , Stoll Katie , Fick Roger , Mott Jared , Lawson‐Yuen Amy
Published: October 2019

Although there are numerous reports of heterozygous 15q13.3 microdeletion, homozygous 15q13.3 microdeletion is rare. We report a new patient with homozygous microdeletion of 15q13.2q13.3 and review the previous literature reports. Common clinical features include encephalopathy, hypotonia, developmental delay, cortical vision impairment, optic nerve abnormality, epilepsy, and abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) findings.
Irradiation Direction‐Dependent Surface Charge Recombination in Hematite Thin‐Film Oxygen Evolution Photoanodes
Authors: Xie Guancai , Zhang Xiaoyue , Ouyang Xiao , Xin Qi , Guo Beidou , Gong Jian Ru
Published: October 2019

For photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices, light irradiation direction changes photogenerated charge distribution and thus will affect the charge collection efficiency of the photoelectrodes. Herein, we studied the influence of irradiation direction on charge collection properties of α‐Fe2O3 photoanodes with different geometries, and demonstrated the controlled charge collection by modifying surface geometry. An irradiation direction‐dependent surface charge recombination was identified. In comparison with backside irradiation, frontside irradiation was found to be favorable to obtain high photocurrent because of the effective hole collection, except for the thick planar film due to its high surface recombination. This problem can be solved by patterning the planar film surface with nanonet geometry to promote surface charge transfer. As a result, the nanonet photoanode exhibited a higher photocurrent than the planar counterpart under frontside irradiation. Our finding provides useful guidance on designing high efficiency PEC devices.
Sustainable Gold Catalysis in Water Using Cyclodextrin‐tagged NHC‐Gold Complexes
Authors: Sak Hülya , Mawick Matthias , Krause Norbert
Published: October 2019

The synthesis of 10 water‐soluble β‐cyclodextrin‐tagged NHC‐gold(I) complexes is described. Key steps are nucleophilic substitutions, as well as, copper‐(CuAAC)‐ and ruthenium‐(RuAAC)‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloadditions. Whereas the CuAAC reliably affords 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles, the regioselectivity of the RuAAC depends on the structure of the coupling partners. Permethylated cyclodextrin‐tagged NHC‐gold(I) complexes are soluble both in water and in organic solvents. They show excellent catalytic activity and recyclability in cyclization reactions of functionalized allenes and alkynes in bulk water. The enantioselective cycloisomerization of γ‐ and δ‐hydroxyallenes could be achieved with up to 38 % ee. Thus, it is possible to take advantage of the chirality of the cyclodextrin moiety for enantioselective gold‐catalyzed transformations.
BRCA testing in unaffected young women in the United States, 2006‐2017
Authors: Guo Fangjian , Scholl Matthew , Fuchs Erika L. , Berenson Abbey B. , Kuo Yong‐Fang
Published: October 2019

Background

The discovery of the BRCA gene in the 1990s created an opportunity for individualized cancer prevention. BRCA testing in young women before cancer onset enables early detection of those with an increased cancer risk and creates an opportunity to offer lifesaving prophylactic procedures and medications. This study assessed trends in BRCA testing in women younger than 40 years without diagnosed breast or ovarian cancer (unaffected young women [UYW]) for cancer prevention between 2006 and 2017 in the United States.

Methods

This study included 93,278 adult women 18 to 65 years old with insurance claims for BRCA testing between 2006 and 2017 from the de‐identified Optum Clinformatics Data Mart database. The data contained medical claims and administrative information from privately insured individuals in the United States. The proportion of BRCA testing in UYW younger than 40 years among adult women aged 18 to 65 years who received BRCA testing was assessed.

Results

In 2006, only 10.5% of the tests were performed in UYW. The proportion of BRCA tests performed in UYW increased significantly to 25.5% in 2017 (annual percentage change for the 2006‐2017 period, 6.9; 95% confidence interval, 6.4‐7.3; P < .001). The increased trend in the proportion of BRCA tests in UYW significantly differed by region of residence and family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

Over the past decade, there was increased use of BRCA testing for cancer prevention. Additional efforts are needed to maximize the early detection of women with BRCA pathogenic variants so that these cancers may be prevented.
The habenula as an evolutionary conserved link between basal ganglia, limbic, and sensory systems—A phylogenetic comparison based on anuran amphibians
Authors: Freudenmacher Lars , von Twickel Arndt , Walkowiak Wolfgang
Published: October 2019

Based on anatomical and functional data, the habenula—a phylogenetically old brain structure present in all vertebrates—takes part in the integration of limbic, sensory, and basal ganglia information to guide effective response strategies appropriate to environmental conditions. In the present study, we investigated the connections of the habenular nuclei of the oriental fire‐bellied toad, Bombina orientalis, and compared them with published data from lampreys, chondrichthyes, teleosts, reptiles, birds, and mammals. During phylogenetic development, the primordial habenula circuitry underwent various evolutionary adaptations and in the tetrapod line, the circuit complexity increased. The habenula circuitry of anuran amphibians, decedents of the first land‐living tetrapods, seem to exhibit a mix of ancient as well as modern features. The anuran medial and lateral habenula homologs receive differential input from the septum, nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca, preoptic area, hypothalamus, rostral pallium, nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Additional input arises from a border region in the ventral prethalamus, here discussed as a putative homolog of the entopeduncular nucleus of rodents. The habenular subnuclei also differentially innervate the interpeduncular nucleus, raphe nuclei, substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area homologs, superficial mamillary area, laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, locus coeruleus, inferior and superior colliculus homologs, hypothalamus, preoptic area, septum, nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca, and main olfactory bulb. It seems likely that the main connectivity between the habenula and the basal ganglia, limbic, and sensory systems was already present in the common tetrapod ancestor.