bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secure intravariceal sclerotherapy with red dichromatic imaging decreases the recurrence rate of esophageal varices: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Furuichi Yoshihiro , Abe Masakazu , Kasai Yoshitaka , Takeuchi Hirohito , Yoshimasu Yuu , Itoi Takao
Published: January 2021

Background

Red dichromatic imaging (RDI) is next‐generation image‐enhanced endoscopy technique released in July 2020. We previously reported that RDI can predict esophageal varices (EV) depth and decrease their recurrence rate by accurate intravariceal injections during endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) using unreleased prototype RDI endoscope. In this study, we analyzed whether RDI improves the overall survival (OS) rate and whether it is more accurate independent predictor of EV recurrence than white light imaging (WLI), using propensity score matching.

Methods

A total of 179 patients were enrolled. Patients were matched for age, platelet count, liver function, EV size, luminal diameter, and EV depth using propensity score matching, and 78 patients (RDI, 39; WLI, 39) were finally matched. Primary endpoints were OS and recurrence rates. Secondary endpoints were success rate of intravariceal injection, operating time, incidence of adverse events (AEs), and predictors associated with OS and recurrence rates.

Results

There was no difference in OS (P = .193), but the cumulative recurrence rate in the RDI group was significantly lower than in the WLI group (P = .002). Success rates of intrainjection, operating time, and incidence of AEs were better in the RDI group (p = 0.035, .026, and .0019, respectively). Independent predictors associated with recurrence rate by Cox proportional regression were RDI function and luminal diameter (P < .001 and .017, respectively).

Conclusion

RDI did not improve OS but decreased the recurrence rate. Independent predictors of recurrence rate were RDI and luminal diameter, resulting from secure intravariceal injections in EIS.
Characterizing the alkaptonuria joint and spine phenotype and assessing the effect of homogentisic acid lowering therapy in a large cohort of 87 patients
Authors: Ranganath Lakshminarayan R. , Khedr Milad , Vinjamuri Sobhan , Gallagher James A.
Published: January 2021

A large alkaptonuria (AKU) cohort was studied to better characterize the poorly understood spondyloarthropathy of rare disease AKU. Eighty‐seven patients attended the National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC) between 2007 and 2020. Seven only attended once. Fifty‐seven attended more than once and received nitisinone 2 mg daily. Twenty‐three attended at least twice without receiving nitisinone. Assessments included questionnaire analysis, 18FPositron emission tomography computerised tomography (PETCT), as well as photographs of ochronotic pigment in eyes and ears at baseline when 2 mg nitisinone was commenced and yearly thereafter. Blood and urine samples were collected for chemical measurement. The prevalence of ochronosis, as well as pain, PETCT and combined pain and PETCT scores, was greatly increased at 90.5%, 85.7%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Joint pain scores were greatest in proximal joints in upper and lower limbs. PETCT joint scores were higher in proximal joints in upper limb but higher in distal joints in the lower limb. Spine pain scores were highest in lumbar, followed by cervical, thoracic, and cervical regions at 77.4%, 59.5%, 46.4%, and 25%, respectively. PETCT spine scores were highest in thoracic followed by lumbar, cervical, and sacroiliac regions at 74.4%, 70.7%, 64.6%, and 47.8% respectively; ochronosis associated closely with spondyloarthropathy scores (R = .65; P < .0001). Nitisinone reversed ochronosis significantly, with a similar pattern of decreased joint and spine disease. Spondyloarthropathy is a highly prevalent feature in this NAC cohort. Ochronosis appears to be associated with spondyloarthropathy. Nitisinone decreases ochronosis and had a similar nonsignificant effect pattern on spondyloarthropathy.
Quantifying the operation of sinusoidal mass filters
Authors: Huntley Adam P. , Reilly Peter T.A.
Published: January 2021

Even though sinusoidal quadrupole mass filters have been around for more than 50 years, the relationships defining resolution, resolving power, and transmission from the applied voltages have not been rigorously quantified or discussed. Traditional quadrupole mass filter theory implies that voltages are scanned at constant direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) voltage ratios with the scanline passing through the origin of the voltage stability diagram. A prominent feature of constant voltage ratio scans is constant baseline theoretical resolving power (m/Δm) that is the same for all masses. Commercial quadrupole instruments rarely scan at constant resolving power because ion transmission increases with mass. Instead, they scan at constant resolution, meaning that the mass window width is fixed. Constant resolution mass scans are preferred because ion transmission does not change with mass. Commercial mass filter systems create constant resolution scans by linearly changing the DC and AC voltages at a fixed ratio in the presence of an additional negative DC voltage offset. This manuscript systematically quantifies the effects of the DC and AC voltages on resolution, resolving power, pseudopotential well depth, and transmission. To quantify these properties, recently developed spreadsheet tools that calculate the laboratory frame stability of ions from the matrix solutions of Hill's equation were used. Voltage scanning methods and their effects on theoretically determined transmission and sensitivity will be discussed.
Emotion suppression and perceptions of interpersonal citizenship behavior: Faking in good faith or bad faith?
Authors: Lam Catherine K. , Walter Frank , Lawrence Sandra A.
Published: January 2021

Teammates' perceptions of person‐focused interpersonal citizenship behavior (ICB) are important for effective teamwork, and a member's emotion suppression may critically influence others' respective perceptions. The existing research is inconclusive, however, whether emotion suppression is helpful or harmful in this regard. This ambiguity hampers our understanding of the development of ICB perceptions within work teams, and it creates uncertainty as to whether members' emotion suppression is beneficial or detrimental for themselves and the overall team. Hence, we examine a model that specifies important boundary conditions for the emotion suppression–ICB perception linkage. We illustrate a three‐way interactive relation across two studies, such that a member's emotion suppression is positively or negatively associated with a teammate's person‐focused ICB perceptions, depending on both the dyadic interaction context (i.e., relationship conflict) and the overall team context (i.e., goal interdependence). Beyond creating new knowledge on the origins of ICB perceptions, these results reconcile prior, seemingly contradictory perspectives on the role of emotion suppression by explicating when this emotion regulation strategy appears as either “faking in good faith” or “faking in bad faith.” Moreover, reiterating our findings' relevance, we link others' ICB perceptions with members' receipt of ICB from their teammates as well as team performance.
Creativity and paternalistic leadership in a developing country's restaurants: The role of job embeddedness and career stage
Authors: Khorakian Alireza , Baregheh Anahita , Eslami Ghasem , Yazdani Narjes , Maharati Yaghoob , Jahangir Mostafa
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the relationship between paternalistic leadership and employee creativity in the tourism and hospitality industry, considering the mediating role of job embeddedness and the moderating role of career stage based on Social Exchange Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory. A paired survey questionnaire was developed and distributed to evaluate the research variables targeting managers and chefs of restaurants in a developing country. To analyze the data, structural equation modeling has been used. Findings demonstrate that job embeddedness has a positive effect on creativity as well as a mediating role between moral and benevolence leadership and creativity. Moreover, employees' career stage is positively linked to job embeddedness and creativity. This study contributes to the existing literature by studying the role that job embeddedness and career path play on employee creativity. Thus, reflecting on how the tourism and hospitality industry can be more innovative, considering the specific sociocultural features given that the study is conducted in a tourist city in a developing country.
A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Treating Posttraumatic Psychopathology: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: O'Donnell Meaghan L. , Lau Winnie , Chisholm Katherine , Agathos James , Little Jonathon , Terhaag Sonia , Brand Rachel , Putica Andrea , Holmes Alexander C. N. , Katona Lynda , Felmingham Kim L. , Murray Kim , Hosseiny Fardous , Gallagher Matthew W.
Published: January 2021

The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) is an intervention that targets common mechanisms that maintain symptoms across multiple disorders. The UP has been shown to be effective across many disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive episode (MDE), and panic disorder, that commonly codevelop following trauma exposure. The present study represented the first randomized controlled trial of the UP in the treatment of trauma‐related psychopathology, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety symptoms. Adults (N = 43) who developed posttraumatic psychopathology that included PTSD, MDE, or an anxiety disorder after sustaining a severe injury were randomly assigned to receive 10–14 weekly, 60‐min sessions of UP (n = 22) or usual care (n = 21). The primary treatment outcome was PTSD symptom severity, with secondary outcomes of depression and anxiety symptom severity and loss of diagnosis for any trauma‐related psychiatric disorder. Assessments were conducted at intake, posttreatment, and 6‐month follow‐up. Posttreatment, participants who received the UP showed significantly larger reductions in PTSD, Hedges’ g = 1.27; anxiety, Hedges’ g = 1.20; and depression symptom severity, Hedges’ g = 1.40, compared to those receiving usual care. These treatment effects were maintained at 6‐month follow‐up for PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptom severity. Statistically significant posttreatment loss of PTSD, MDE, and agoraphobia diagnoses was observed for participants who received the UP but not usual care. This study provides preliminary evidence that the UP may be an effective non–trauma‐focused treatment for PTSD and other trauma‐related psychopathology.
Brown Bear Density and Estimated Harvest Rates in Northwestern Alaska
Authors: Schmidt Joshua H. , Robison Hillary L. , Parrett Lincoln S. , Gorn Tony S. , Shults Brad S.
Published: January 2021

Human‐caused mortality in general, and unregulated hunting in particular, have been implicated in reductions in brown bear (Ursus arctos) populations throughout much of their range. In northwestern Alaska, USA, bear densities have not been assessed in 20 years while harvest regulations have been liberalized, raising concerns that broad undetected population declines might occur. We used a modified mark‐resight approach to estimate brown bear density during 2005–2018 in 4 subareas throughout the region. We also summarized harvest information for each subarea and used our survey results to estimate harvest rates. We estimated densities for independent bears assuming constant or heterogeneous probabilities of detection and occurrence. We present the results of the constant model for more direct comparison with past work and the heterogeneity model results to provide estimates of density that are less likely to be negatively biased. Using the constant model, we estimated the density of independent bears was 17.0, 49.2, 24.9, and 19.4/1,000 km2 on portions of the Seward Peninsula, the lower Noatak River, the upper Noatak River, and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, respectively. These estimates are broadly similar to those from past work in interior and northwestern Alaska, with the exception of the lower Noatak River subarea where our estimates are the highest reported for a bear population in northern Alaska. We estimated that the harvest rate on the Seward Peninsula was approximately 5.2% or 7.7% on average, depending upon the model used. In the remaining areas, we estimated annual harvest rates were <2.5%, well within sustainability guidelines from past work. Overall, our results suggest that brown bear densities are similar or somewhat higher than in the past in much of northwestern Alaska and that current harvest rates are sustainable in most areas, except perhaps the Seward Peninsula. Ongoing survey work will be useful for further evaluating the assumptions of the modified mark‐resight survey approach, assessing population trajectory, and determining the effect of harvest on brown bear populations. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Lifestyle psychiatry for depression and anxiety: Beyond diet and exercise
Authors: Piotrowski Madison C. , Lunsford Julia , Gaynes Bradley N.
Published: January 2021

There are a range of lifestyle factors which can negatively affect both a person's physical and mental health, and there is increasing evidence that therapeutic lifestyle change can be useful for the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. The six core features of lifestyle medicine—regular physical activity, a whole food and plant predominant diet, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of substance abuse, and positive social connection—are important foci for mental health providers trying to help patients make meaningful lifestyle changes to improve their well‐being. Alongside these elements, there are likely many other aspects of lifestyle important to mental health. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of five potential lifestyle targets which may play a role in the development and treatment of depression and anxiety, including financial stability, time in nature, pet ownership, materialistic values, and the use of social media. The paper will explore the evidence that these factors contribute to the burden of depression and anxiety in the modern world and will review the potential mechanisms of these effects and clinical implications of interventions targeting these factors.
Albumin‐PEG‐Based Biomaterial for Laser‐Tissue Soldering and Its Real‐Time Monitoring With Swept‐Source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Alam Zoya , Mohan Muktesh , Pal Kaustav , Poddar Raju
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives

The study presents a noninvasive, real‐time monitoring technique for the cross‐sectional imaging of the laser‐tissue soldering process with a swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) system. The study also aims at performing a comparative study of the laser‐tissue soldering (LTS) process using optimized compositions of albumin as solder biomaterials.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The experimental study was conducted both ex vivo and in vivo to assess the superiority of the LTS process over conventional methods using a noninvasive imaging tool. In our attempt to combine the two techniques into one diagnostic tool, we have used the SSOCT system for a thoroughgoing investigation of the process in real‐time. Laser‐assisted tissue soldering was performed using a pulsed near‐infrared (NIR) laser with a central wavelength of 980 nm, an output power of 5 W, and beam diameter (1/e
2) of 6 mm. Here, the SSOCT system has been utilized to observe and analyze the transitions taking place in real‐time without disrupting the process. For the comparative study, we have used serum albumin in a 70% w/v concentration and albumin‐PEG conjugate in a 6:1 ratio as soldering materials. Different stages of the laser interaction process were monitored with OCT B‐scans of the incision area. Also, the basis of biomaterial‐tissue interaction was studied with the help of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the soldering materials.

Results

FTIR spectrum alludes to the fact that the intertwining of the soldering biomaterial with tissue collagen creates adhesion. Biomaterial serum albumin with 70% w/v concentration as soldering material demonstrates complete sealing of tissue at the incision with 3 minutes of laser irradiation. SSOCT B‐scans have been useful in imaging the incision noninvasively at different stages.

Conclusion

Both ex vivo and in vivo demonstration of the LTS process were presented with a clinical resemblance. OCT can be of great value to determine the wound contraction in case of incisional wounds or sealed wounds produced by the LTS procedure. Also, volumetric measurements of percentage reduction in wound area can be done with OCT. SSOCT system can be a potential imaging modality for real‐time noninvasive imaging of surgical procedures like LTS. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Assessing the Outcomes of Focused Heating of the Skin by a Long‐Pulsed 1064 nm Laser with an Integrated Scanner, Infrared Thermal Guidance, and Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Mehrabi Joseph N. , Kelly Kristen M. , Holmes Jon D. , Zachary Christopher B.
Published: January 2021

Background and Objective

Long‐term benefits can be predicted by the incorporation of more intelligent systems in lasers and other devices. Such systems can produce more reliable zones of thermal injury when used in association with non‐invasive monitoring and precise laser energy delivery. The more classical endpoint of tumor destruction with radiofrequency or long‐pulsed (LP) 1064 nm laser is the non‐specific appearance of tissue graying and tissue contraction. Herein we discuss combining non‐invasive LP 1064 nm Nd:YAG treatment with the assistance of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the forward‐looking infrared (FLIR) thermal camera while testing literature‐based formulae for thermal destruction.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The skin on the forearm and back of two consenting volunteers was marked and anesthetized with lidocaine with epinephrine. The parameters of a scanner‐equipped LP 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser were adjusted to achieve an epidermal/superficial dermal heating of between 50°C and 60°C over a specified time course. Experimental single treatments examined various adjusted parameters including, fluence, pulse overlap, pulse duration, scan size, and pulse rate. A FLIR camera was used to record skin temperature. Outcome measures included skin temperature, post‐treatment appearance, and OCT assessment of skin and vascular damage. The clinical response of each treatment was followed daily for 4 weeks.

Results

Optimal protocols initially raised the skin temperature to between 55°C and 60°C, which was carefully maintained using subsequent laser passes over a 60‐second time course. Immediately post laser, clinical responses included erythema, edema, and blistering. Immediate OCT revealed increased vascularity with intact, dilated blood vessels. Prolonged exposure above 60°C resulted in sub‐epidermal blistering and an absence of blood flow in the treatment area with prolonged healing.

Conclusion

The LP 1064 nm laser can be used to achieve heat‐related tissue injury, though the narrow parameters necessary for the desired endpoint require the assistance of IR thermal regulation to avoid unacceptable outcomes. The use of the laser scanner ensures precise energy delivery over a defined treatment area. Future studies might explore this as a selective hyperthermic method for the treatment of non‐melanoma skin cancer. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Revisiting Berlyne's inverted U‐shape relationship between complexity and liking: The role of effort, arousal, and status in the appreciation of product design aesthetics
Authors: Althuizen Niek
Published: January 2021

A common assumption in the psychology of aesthetics is that there exists an inverted U‐shape relationship between complexity and liking due to two countervailing effects of increasing complexity, namely a negative effect of cognitive effort and a positive effect of arousal or interest. In the context of product design, several studies with over 1800 participants in total showed that aesthetic complexity does influence consumer appraisals, but there was scant evidence for an inverted U‐shape relationship. Regarding the underlying mechanisms, arousal or interest and perceived producer effort or skill were found to be more important mediators than cognitive effort. When accounting for the influence of mediators and covariates, aesthetic complexity appeared negatively related to product liking and positively related to perceived originality. Brand status was also found to moderate the relationship between complexity and liking. These findings call for further research and a more nuanced perspective on the role of complexity.
Demystifying the link between emotional loneliness and brand loyalty: Mediating roles of nostalgia, materialism, and self‐brand connections
Authors: Loh Huey S. , Gaur Sanjaya S. , Sharma Piyush
Published: January 2021

This paper explores the mechanism by which consumers use their self‐brand connections and emotional attachment with brands to cope with the emotional loneliness that may be caused by the absence of intimate relationships with close others. The authors also examine the mediating roles played by nostalgia and materialism on the reinforcement of brand loyalty in this process using a multistage model. An online survey with 456 Malaysians working adults supports all the hypotheses. Specifically, emotional loneliness has positive associations with nostalgia and materialism, both of which mediate the positive associations between emotional loneliness and self‐brand connections. Self‐brand connections also mediate the positive associations of nostalgia and materialism with emotional brand attachment, which in turn mediates the positive association between self‐brand connections and brand loyalty. The authors discuss the theoretical contribution and managerial implications of these findings.
A Report of Tamoxifen and Parkinson's Disease in a US Population and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Avram Carmen M. , Brumbach Barbara H. , Hiller Amie L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, has been shown to variably affect Parkinson's disease (PD) risk.

Objective

The aim of this study was to review epidemiological literature and evaluate the rate of PD in women with breast cancer with tamoxifen exposure in a US population.

Methods

A literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis using the Nurses' Health Study Version One to report descriptive statistics.

Results

Most studies suggest there may be a time‐dependent effect of tamoxifen on PD risk, with the risk increasing with time from exposure. However, rates of PD in persons exposed to tamoxifen overall appear to be low. In our cohort, PD was evident in 6.2 per 1,000 of those with tamoxifen use and 3.6 per 1,000 of those without tamoxifen use. Time from breast cancer to PD diagnosis was 9.7 years among women with tamoxifen exposure and 11.7 among women without.

Conclusions

Tamoxifen may be associated with an increased risk for PD. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of estrogen and selective estrogen antagonism in PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Lovastatin in Early‐Stage Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Lin Chin‐Hsien , Chang Chin‐Hao , Tai Chun‐Hwei , Cheng Mei‐Fang , Chen Yi‐Chieh , Chao Ying‐Ting , Huang Tse‐Le , Yen Ruoh‐Fang , Wu Ruey‐Meei
Published: January 2021

Background

Recent evidence indicates that lipophilic statins have a neuroprotective benefit in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of this study was to evaluate whether lovastatin has the potential to slow motor symptom progression in patients with early‐stage PD.

Methods

This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial enrolled 77 patients with early‐stage PD between May 23, 2017, and July 12, 2018, with follow‐up ending September 1, 2019. Lovastatin 80 mg/day or placebo with 1:1 randomization was administered for 48 weeks. Mean change in the parts I–III scores of the Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS), changes in the striatal dopamine uptake ratio measured by 18F‐dopa PET scan, and changes in PD medications between baseline and the week 48 visit were measured.

Results

Of the 77 randomized patients, 70 (90.9%) completed the study. There was a slightly beneficial trend of the MDS‐UPDRS motor score in the lovastatin group (−3.18 ± 5.50) compared with the placebo group (−0.50 ± 6.11); P = 0.14 adjusted for age, sex, disease duration, and baseline LEDD. Mean percentage change in the striatal 18F‐dopa uptake ratio deteriorated less in the lovastatin group than in the placebo group on the dominant side of caudate (1.2% ± 7.3% vs −7.1% ± 8.2%, P < 0.01) and putamen (2.3% ± 7.1% vs −6.4% ± 8.1%, P < 0.01). We found no between‐group differences in the change in part I or part II MDS‐UPDRS scores. Lovastatin was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions

Lovastatin treatment in patients with early‐stage PD was associated with a trend of less motor symptom worsening and was well tolerated. A future larger long‐term follow‐up study is needed to confirm our findings. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Gabapentin Relieves Vertigo of Periodic Vestibulocerebellar Ataxia: 3 Cases and Possible Mechanism
Authors: Coin J. Thaddeus , Vance Jeffery M.
Published: January 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to report relief of optokinetic‐triggered vertigo (OKTV) with low‐dose gabapentin in three patients with periodic vestibulocerebellar ataxia [episodic ataxia type 4 (EA4); OMIM 606552].

Methods

Clinical observations and analysis of video‐recorded eye movements were used before and after gabapentin.

Results

Gabapentin relieved vertigo of all three treated patients with EA4, particularly during activities that typically would induce vertiginous symptoms. Two patients reported 8–12 hours of sustained relief after the first 100 mg dose. One has benefited from 100–200 mg TID for 7 years. Video analysis of nystagmus revealed improved target tracking on smooth pursuit and a steadier gaze hold.

Conclusions

Gabapentin effectively relieved the optokinetic‐triggered vertigo in our patients with EA4. Mechanisms are postulated in terms of known tight gabapentin binding to the Purkinje cell voltage‐gated calcium channel. The observations may offer insight into this rare disease's neuropathology. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
High frequency of the risk allele of rs4132601 and rs11978267 from the IKZF1 gene in indigenous Mexican population
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Franco Jorge , Ayón‐Pérez Miriam Fabiola , Durán‐Avelar Ma. de Jesús , Vibanco‐Pérez Norberto , Sánchez‐Jasso Diego Eduardo , Bañuelos‐Aguayo Dulce Guadalupe , Sánchez‐Meza Jaime , Pimentel‐Gutiérrez Helia Judith , Zambrano‐Zaragoza José Francisco , Agraz‐Cibrián Juan Manuel , Vázquez‐Reyes Alejandro
Published: January 2021

Background

IKZF1 is a relevant gene associated with the pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and the rs4132601 (T>G) and rs11978267 (A>G) polymorphisms have been associated with the development of this disease in several populations. The aim of this study was to determine the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the rs4132601 and rs11978267 polymorphisms in two indigenous Mexican groups (Cora and Huichol) and Mestizo populations from Nayarit, Mexico, and compare them with the frequencies of both polymorphisms in other populations of the world.

Methods

One hundred, 116, and 100 subjects from the Mestizo, Huichol, and Cora populations, respectively, all of them residents of the state of Nayarit, Mexico, were analyzed. The frequencies of rs4132601 and rs11978267 were determined by allelic discrimination using TaqMan assays.

Results

The allelic frequencies of rs4132601 were as follows: Mestizo group T = 0.74, G = 0.26; Cora T = 0.745, G = 0.255; and Huichol T = 0.47, G = 0.53. In the case of the rs11978267 polymorphism, the allelic frequencies were Mestizo A = 0.745, G = 0.255; Cora A = 0.735, G = 0.265; and Huichol A = 0.457, G = 0.543. For each population, both polymorphisms were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.

Conclusion

The Huichol population from Nayarit presented the highest frequencies of the risk allele reported to date in the whole world for both rs4132601 and rs11978267 polymorphisms.
Netherton syndrome caused by compound heterozygous mutation, c.80A>G mutation in SPINK5 and large‐sized genomic deletion mutation, and successful treatment of intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Pan Chaolan , Wei Ruoqu , Li Huaguo , Yang Yijun , Chen Jiawen , Li Ming , Yao Zhirong
Published: January 2021

Background

Netherton syndrome (NS) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to mutations in the SPINK5 gene. Here, we report the first case of NS caused by a large genomic deletion.

Methods

We present the clinical data of a 3‐year‐old Chinese boy who was initially misdiagnosed with severe atopic dermatitis. Subsequently, the patient presented with typical ichthyosis linearis circumflexa and had representative hair shaft of trichorrhexis invaginate, which alerted the physician of the high possibility of NS. A genomic DNA sample was extracted from peripheral blood and whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed. Sanger sequencing and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were performed to verify the mutation and genomic deletion, respectively, in the pedigree.

Results

WES revealed compound heterozygous mutations in SPINK5, including a c.80A>G mutation and a ~275 Kb‐sized genomic deletion (chr5:147443576‐147719312). The c.80A>G mutation was verified by Sanger sequencing in the pedigree. The father had the same heterozygous mutation; however, the mutation was absent in the proband's mother. The qRT‐PCR results identified a large deletion (chr5:147444834‐147445034) in SPINK5 in the proband and his mother. The eruptions improved remarkably after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy.

Conclusions

This is the first observation of NS caused by a large deletion. Our findings have important implications for mutation screening and genetic counseling in NS. Our report also verifies and supports the safety and efficacy of IVIG therapy in patients with NS.
A novel 3D segmentation approach for extracting retinal layers from optical coherence tomography images
Authors: Sleman Ahmed A. , Soliman Ahmed , Elsharkawy Mohamed , Giridharan Guruprasad , Ghazal Mohammed , Sandhu Harpal , Schaal Shlomit , Keynton Robert , Elmaghraby Adel , El‐Baz Ayman
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Accurate segmentation of retinal layers of the eye in 3D Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) data provides relevant information for clinical diagnosis. This manuscript describes a 3D segmentation approach that uses an adaptive patient‐specific retinal atlas, as well as an appearance model for 3D OCT data.

Methods

To reconstruct the atlas of 3D retinal scan, the central area of the macula (macula mid‐area) where the fovea could be clearly identified, was segmented initially. Markov Gibbs Random Field (MGRF) including intensity, spatial information, and shape of 12 retinal layers were used to segment the selected area of retinal fovea. A set of coregistered OCT scans that were gathered from 200 different individuals were used to build a 2D shape prior. This shape prior was adapted subsequently to the first order appearance and second order spatial interaction MGRF model. After segmenting the center of the macula “foveal area”, the labels and appearances of the layers that were segmented were utilized to segment the adjacent slices. The final step was repeated recursively until a 3D OCT scan of the patient was segmented.

Results

This approach was tested in 50 patients with normal and with ocular pathological conditions. The segmentation was compared to a manually segmented ground truth. The results were verified by clinical retinal experts. Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), 95% bidirectional modified Hausdorff Distance (HD), Unsigned Mean Surface Position Error (MSPE), and Average Volume Difference (AVD) metrics were used to quantify the performance of the proposed approach. The proposed approach was proved to be more accurate than the current state‐of‐the‐art 3D OCT approaches.

Conclusions

The proposed approach has the advantage of segmenting all the 12 retinal layers rapidly and more accurately than current state‐of‐the‐art 3D OCT approaches.
A general algorithm for distributed treatments of multiple brain metastases
Authors: Chen Mingli , Wardak Zabi , Stojadinovic Strahinja , Gu Xuejun , Lu Weiguo
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become a primary treatment for multiple brain metastases (BM) but may require distribution of BMs over several sessions to make delivery time and radiation toxicity manageable. Contrasting to equal fraction dose in conventional fractionation, distributed SRS delivers full dose to a subset of BMs in each session while avoiding adjacent BMs in the same session to reduce toxicity from overlapping radiation. However, current clinical treatment planning for distributed SRS relies on manual BM assignment, which can be tedious and error prone. This work describes a novel approach to automate the distribution of BM in the Gamma Knife (GK) clinical workflow.

Methods

We represent each BM as an electrostatic field of the same polarity that exerts repulsive forces on other BMs in the same session. This representation naturally leads to separation of close BMs into different sessions to lower the potential energy. Indeed, the BM distribution problem can be formulated as minimization of the total potential energy from all treatment sessions subject to delivery time constraints in mixed‐integer quadratic programming (MIQP). We retrospectively studied eight clinical GK cases of multiple BM and compared the automated MIQP solution with clinically used BM distribution to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.

Results

With the problem size equal to the number of BMs times the number of sessions, this MIQP can be solved in a minute on a personal workstation. The MIQP solution effectively separated BMs for a given number of treatment sessions and evened out the delivery time distribution among sessions. Compared to the clinically used manual BM distributions in paired t‐test for a similar range of delivery time variation, the automated BM distributions had lower energy objectives (range of decrease: [11% 89%]; median: 25%; ), more uniformly distributed treatment volumes (range of decrease for the normalized standard deviation of volume distribution: [0.02 0.95]; median: 0.16; ), more scattered BMs in each treatment session (range of increase for the mean minimum BM distance: [0 14] mm; median: 6 mm; ), and lower overall (range of decrease: [0.0 1.6] cc; median: 0.2 cc; ). Moreover, without distribution, that is, with all BMs treated in the same session, was substantially larger compared to both manual and automated BM distributions; the increase ranged from 0.1 to 16.6 cc with a median of 1.3 cc.

Conclusions

The proposed approach models the clinical practice and provides an efficient solution for optimal selection of BM subsets for distributed SRS. Further evaluations are underway to establish this approach as a tool for improving clinical workflow and to facilitate systematic study on the benefits of distributed SRS treatments.
Estimation of liver elasticity using the finite element method and four‐dimensional computed tomography images as a biomarker of liver fibrosis
Authors: Fujimoto Koya , Shiinoki Takehiro , Yuasa Yuki , Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Current radiotherapy planning procedures are generally designed based on anatomical information only and use computed tomography (CT) images that do not incorporate organ‐functional information. In this study, we developed a method for estimating liver elasticity using the finite element method (FEM) and four‐dimensional CT (4DCT) images acquired during radiotherapy planning, and we subsequently evaluated its feasibility as a biomarker for liver fibrosis.

Materials and methods

Twenty patients who underwent 4DCT and ultrasound‐based transient elastography (UTE) were enrolled. All patients had chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. Liver elasticity measurements of the UTE were performed on the right lobe of the patient’s liver in 20 patients. The serum biomarkers of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) were available in 18 of the 20 total patients, which were measured within 1 week after undergoing 4DCT. The displacement between the 4DCT images obtained at the endpoints of exhalation and inspiration was determined using the actual (via deformable image registration) and simulated (via FEM) respiration‐induced displacement. The elasticity of each element of the liver model was optimized by minimizing the error between the actual and simulated respiration‐induced displacement. Then, each patient's estimated liver elasticity was defined as the mean Young’s modulus of the liver’s right lobe and that of the whole liver using the estimated elasticity map. The estimated liver elasticity was evaluated for correlations with the elasticity obtained via UTE and with two serum biomarkers (APRI and FIB‐4).

Results

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the errors between the actual and simulated respiration‐induced displacement in the liver model was 0.54 ± 0.33 mm. The estimated liver’s right lobe elasticity was statistically significantly correlated with the UTE (r = 0.87, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the estimated whole liver elasticity was statistically significantly correlated with the UTE (r = 0.84, P < 0.001), APRI score (r = 0.62, P = 0.005), and FIB‐4 score (r = 0.54, P = 0.021).

Conclusion

In this study, liver elasticity was estimated through FEM‐based simulation and actual respiratory‐induced liver displacement obtained from 4DCT images. Furthermore, we assessed that the estimated elasticity of the liver’s right lobe was strongly correlated with the UTE. Therefore, the estimated elasticity has the potential to be a feasible imaging biomarker for assessing liver fibrosis using only 4DCT images without additional inspection or equipment costs. Because our results were derived from a limited sample of 20 patients, it is necessary to evaluate the accuracy of elasticity estimation for each liver segment on larger groups of biopsied patients to utilize liver elasticity information for radiotherapy planning.
Stick‐slip like behavior in shear fracture propagation including the effect of fluid flow
Authors: Hageman Tim , de Borst René
Published: January 2021

Shear‐based fracture propagation in fluid‐saturated porous materials is investigated using a displacement–pressure formulation that includes acceleration and inertial effects of the fluid. Pressure‐dependent plasticity with a nonassociated flow rule is adopted to realistically represent the stresses in the porous bulk material. The domain is discretized using unequal order T‐splines and cast into a finite element method using Bézier extraction. An implicit scheme is used for the temporal integration. The solid acceleration‐driven fluid flow reacts to stress waves, but it results in pressure oscillations. Adding fluid acceleration terms dampens these oscillations and increases the fluid pressure near the fracture tips. By simulating a typical shear fracture case, it is shown that stick‐slip like, or stepwise, fracture propagation occurs for a high permeability, also upon mesh refinement. The acceleration driven fluid flow results in a build‐up of pressure near the fracture tip. Once this pressure region encompasses the fracture tip, propagation arrests until the pressure has diffused away from the crack tip, after which propagation is resumed and the build‐up of pressure begins anew. This results in a stick‐slip like behavior, with large arrests in the fracture propagation. Stepwise propagation related to the initial conditions has also been observed, but disappears once the fracture length exceeds the size of the region influenced by the initial conditions.
Inorganic hole transport layers in inverted perovskite solar cells: A review
Authors: Arumugam Gowri Manohari , Karunakaran Santhosh Kumar , Liu Chong , Zhang Cuiling , Guo Fei , Wu Shaohang , Mai Yaohua
Published: January 2021

In the past decades, the inverted structure (p‐i‐n structure) perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) have been attracted more by the researchers owing to their ease of fabrication, cost‐effectiveness, lower processing temperature for the fabrication of large scale and flexible devices with negligible J−V hysteresis effects. The hole transporting layer (HTL) as a major served content of PVSCs has significant influence on light harvesting, carrier extraction and transportation, perovskite crystallization, stability and cost. Generally, the organic materials are used as HTLs which have less stability due to their morphology under thermal conditions; thus, leads to change in properties of them. A tantalizing possibility is replacement of p‐type inorganic materials instead of organic materials but the plenty of options are available for inorganic HTLs. However, the development of more variants for inorganic HTL is a major challenge. Till date, many materials have been reported, but their performances have not superseded that of their organic counterparts. Herein, the review on various inorganic HTLs based inverted PVSCs has been reported and analyzed their performances with appropriate properties such as proper energy level and high carrier mobility which are not only assisted with charge transport, but also improved the stability of PVSCs under ambient conditions.
Review of ferroelectric field‐effect transistors for three‐dimensional storage applications
Authors: Park Hyeon Woo , Lee Jae‐Gil , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: January 2021

The ferroelectric field‐effect transistor (FeFET) is one of the leading contenders to succeed charge‐trap‐based flash memory (CTF) devices in the current vertically‐integrated NAND flash storage market. The operation of a FeFET is based on the field‐effect in the channel of the FET that is exerted by the uncompensated ferroelectric bound charge, which is also the fundamental source of the depolarization effect. This paper briefly reviews the current status of CTF‐based NAND flash memory as a benchmark for FeFET. Then, a one‐dimensional model based on a load‐line analysis of FeFET technology is presented. The paper subsequently deals with the two‐dimensional domain effect in nano‐sized NAND‐type FeFET devices. While NAND‐type FeFET operation is likely, current ferroelectric materials with high remanent polarization (Pr) of ∼10 μCcm‐2 and coercive field (Ec) of ∼1 MVcm‐1 are not feasible for use in such devices. This is fundamentally due to the high depolarization field induced by the unnecessarily high Pr, which not only destabilizes the memory state but also induces a severe interference effect between neighboring cells. Therefore, a new ferroelectric material with a moderately low Pr and higher Ec > ∼3 MVcm‐1 is necessary, along with structural innovation to minimize the interference effect.
Quantification and reduction of uncertainties in a wind turbine numerical model based on a global sensitivity analysis and a recursive Bayesian inference approach
Authors: Hirvoas Adrien , Prieur Clémentine , Arnaud Elise , Caleyron Fabien , Munoz Zuniga Miguel
Published: January 2021

A framework to perform quantification and reduction of uncertainties in a wind turbine numerical model using a global sensitivity analysis and a recursive Bayesian inference method is developed in this article. We explain how a prior probability distribution on the model parameters is transformed into a posterior probability distribution, by incorporating a physical model and real field noisy observations. Nevertheless, these approaches suffer from the so‐called curse of dimensionality. In order to reduce the dimension, Sobol' indices approach for global sensitivity analysis, in the context of wind turbine modeling, is presented. A major issue arising for such inverse problems is identifiability, that is, whether the observations are sufficient to unambiguously determine the input parameters that generated the observations. Global sensitivity analysis is also used in the context of identifiability.
Impact of night shift rotations on nursing performance and patient safety: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alsharari Abdalkarem F. , Abuadas Fuad H. , Hakami Mohammed N. , Darraj Adel A. , Hakami Magbool W.
Published: January 2021

Aim

Hospitals operate on a 24‐hr basis, with shiftwork being unavoidable for most nurses. This study aims to explore the impact of night shiftwork rotations on nurses' physiological status, work performance and patient safety concerns among nurses in public hospitals.

Design

A descriptive predictive correlational design using a self‐administered questionnaire.

Methods

Electronic and printable survey questionnaires were distrusted among nurses working in public hospitals in multiple regions of Saudi Arabia. The study recruited 1,256 nurses from different nationalities, hospital work units and work experience.

Results

A large proportion of nurses on night shiftwork encountered patient safety issues (85.7%) and physiological consequences (93.6%). Counselling sessions and programmes to support at‐risk nurses are recommended.
Numerical solutions of the partial differential equations for investigating the significance of partial slip due to lateral velocity and viscous dissipation: The case of blood‐gold Carreau nanofluid and dusty fluid
Authors: Koriko Olubode Kolade , Adegbie Kolawole S. , Shah Nehad Ali , Animasaun Isaac L. , Olotu M. Adejoke
Published: January 2021

The dynamics of blood conveying gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are helpful to the health workers while air conveying dust particles over rockets is helpful to space scientists during the testing phase. However, little is known on the significance of thermal diffusivity in these aforementioned cases. In this report, the partial differential equation suitable to unravel the implication of increasing partial slip and viscous dissipation on the dynamics of the mixture of (i) blood and nano size of GNPs (ii) air and dust particles on an object with an increasing diameter (uhspr) is investigated. The density, zero shear rate viscosity, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity treated in this study vary with volume fraction nanoparticles. In the second case, the interaction between the solid particles and air is incorporated into the momentum equation using the Stokes drag. Transformation and parametrization of the two‐dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations were obtained with the aid of suitable similarity variables. Thereafter, the numerical solutions of the corresponding boundary valued problems were obtained using the classical Runge–Kutta integration scheme together with shooting techniques and Matlab bvp5c package. Enhancement in the rate of viscous dissipation is a major factor suitable to increase the velocities of both fluids, boost temperature distribution across both fluids, and local skin friction coefficients. There exist a significant difference between the effect of partial slip on the dynamics of blood‐gold nanofluid and dusty fluid.