bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Active Charcoal and Mannitol in Patients with Haff Disease Caused by the Consumption of Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lv Jian , Zhou Qun , Wang Shuangle , Wei Fengqin , Zhang Xiaozheng , Zhang Luyao , Ni Haibin
Published: September 2020

This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of activated charcoal combined with mannitol (ACM) for the treatment of Haff disease. This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at the Emergency Department of Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine. Consecutive patients who were hospitalized during a two‐year time frame (from June 2016 to August 2017) and diagnosed with Haff disease were reviewed. Clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, pain/anxiety scores, and treatment‐related adverse events were collected. Sixty‐eight Haff disease patients after boiled crayfish consumption were enrolled in this study. Besides standard treatments for Haff disease, 22 patients had an oral administration of activated charcoal and mannitol within 12 hours of hospital admission (ACM group), while the other 46 patients did not receive such treatment (non‐ACM group). Baseline characteristics including clinical symptoms, serum enzyme levels, and pain/anxiety scores were comparable between the two groups. Activated charcoal and mannitol treatment led to lower CK‐MB and AST levels from 12 hours to 60 hours, lower ALT and LDH levels from 12 hours to 72 hours, and lower CK levels from 24 hours to 72 hours after hospitalization. Patients in the ACM group had significantly shortened duration of hospital stays (7.5 [6.0–8.0] days vs 8.0 [6.8–10.0] days, p = 0.032) and lower anxiety scores 24 hours after hospital admission (40.7 ± 4.9 vs 44.1 ± 6.3, p = 0.032) than in the non‐ACM group. No patient experienced treatment‐related adverse events. The overall prognosis of both groups is good. Among patients with Haff disease caused by boiled crayfish, activated charcoal combined with mannitol treatment resulted in shorter hospital stays, lower serum CK, CK‐MB, AST, ALT, and LDH levels, and lower anxiety scores.
Functionalized Glutathione on Chitosan-Genipin Cross-Linked Beads Used for the Removal of Trace Metals from Water
Authors: Akaji Samira R. , Dewez David
Published: September 2020

Functionalized glutathione on chitosan-genipin cross-linked beads (CS-GG) was synthesized and tested as an adsorbent for the removal of Fe(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solution. The beads were characterized by several techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), CNS elementary analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The effect of several parameters such as the pH, the temperature, and the contact time was tested to optimize the condition for the adsorption reaction. The beads were incubated in aqueous solutions contaminated with different concentrations of Fe(II) and Cu(II) (under the range concentration from 10 to 400 mg·L−1), and the adsorption capacity was evaluated by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The adsorption equilibrium was reached after 120 min of incubation under optimal pH 5 for Fe(II) and after 180 min under optimal pH 6 for Cu(II). According to theLangmuirisotherm, the maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) for Fe(II) and Cu(II) were 208 mg·g−1and 217 mg·g−1, respectively. Our results showed that the adsorption efficiency of both metals on CS-GG beads was correlated with the degree of temperature. In addition, the adsorption reaction was spontaneous and endothermic, indicated by the positive values of ΔG0and ΔH0. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that the new synthesized CS-GG beads had a strong adsorption capacity for Fe(II) and Cu(II) and were efficient to remove these trace metals from aqueous solution.
Effect of Acupuncture Intervention and Manipulation Types on Poststroke Dysarthria: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Park Young-Jae , Lee Jin-Moo
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture intervention and manipulation types on poststroke dysarthria. Electronic database, including PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, RISS, and CNKI, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT), treating dysarthria using acupuncture, speech‐language therapy (SLT), and general management (GM), published before April 2019. The number, distribution, intensity, depth, and repetition of acupuncture and bleeding therapy on the sublingual veins were considered as manipulation types. Risk of bias of the included trials was evaluated, and their efficacy was assessed using risk ratio (RR) and the standard mean differences in the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment and Speech Function Grading, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Fifteen RCT trials involving 1453 patients were isolated. Electroacupuncture plus SLT and manual acupuncture plus SLT were more effective than SLT only, respectively (RR = 1.520, 95% CI [1.183–1.952], RR = 1.380, 95% CI [1.281–1.488]). The clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus GM was higher than that of GM alone (RR = 1.165, 95% CI [1.050–1.293]). Meta‐ANOVA showed that none of the manipulation types increased the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on dysarthria. The methodological quality was low. In conclusion, our study suggests that the effect of acupuncture on poststroke dysarthria may be maximized when manual acupuncture or electroacupuncture is combined with SLT, irrespective of manipulation types.
Role of Serum Uric Acid as a Protective Biomarker in Patients with Different Histopathological Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: a Case‐Control Study
Authors: Manifar Soheila , Rahimzamani Arezoo , Shirkhoda Mohammad , Ghamsari Mohammad Nikkhah , Bakhshi Mahin
Published: September 2020

The antioxidant properties of uric acid may have a protective effect against the formation of oxygen radicals and subsequently against carcinogenicity. The present study aimed at evaluating the serum level of uric acid in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with different histopathological grades. In this descriptive‐analytical, case‐control study, patients with OSCC and healthy controls were selected and matched regarding age and gender. The serum samples were collected from patients (before radiotherapy and chemotherapy) and controls, and their serum uric acid levels were measured enzymatically. Data were analyzed using independent t‐test and ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance. The mean serum uric acid level in OSCC patients (4.2 ± 1.5 mg/dL) and healthy controls (4.38 ± 1.22 mg/dL) was not significantly different (P = 0.377). No significant association was noted between the histopathological grade of OSCC and mean serum uric acid (P = 0.781). The serum uric acid level had a direct significant correlation with age in OSCC patients (P < 0.001). The results of this study did not support the role of uric acid as a protective biomarker in OSCC. Further prospective studies are recommended to better elucidate the role of uric acid in the etiology of OSCC.
An In Vitro Study for Evaluating Permeability and Metabolism of Kurarinone
Authors: Qin Youfa , Zhu Yongkun , Xue Xiaoyan , Zhou Guanghui , Li Huibo , Wang Jian
Published: September 2020

Kurarinone is a major component found in the dried roots of Sophora flavescens Ait. that participates in vital pharmacological activities. Recombinant CYP450 supersomes and liver microsomes were used to study the metabolic profiles of kurarinone and its inhibitory actions against cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes. 100 μM of kurarinone strongly inhibited more than 90% of UGT1A1, UGT1A6, CYP1A2, and CYP2C9. CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 played important roles in catalyzing the biotransformation of kurarinone. Moreover, metabolism of kurarinone considerably differs among species, and metabolic characteristics were similar between monkey and human. Kurarinone demonstrated moderate permeability at values of pH 4.0 and 7.4. Our findings offer a clearer idea to understand the pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms of kurarinone.
Blow up of Coupled Nonlinear Klein-Gordon System with Distributed Delay, Strong Damping, and Source Terms
Authors: Ouchenane Djamel , Boulaaras Salah Mahmoud , Alharbi Asma , Cherif Bahri
Published: September 2020

This present work deals with the blow up of the coupled Klein-Gordon system with strong damping, distributed delay, and source terms, under suitable conditions.
Upregulation of MicroRNA-125b Leads to the Resistance to Inflammatory Injury in Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Yang Ke , Liu Xing , Lin Wanwen , Zhang Yuanyuan , Peng Chaoquan
Published: September 2020

Objectives. MicroRNA-125b (miR-125b) has been recognized as one of the key regulators of the inflammatory responses in cardiovascular diseases recently. This study sought to dissect the role of miR-125b in modulating the function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the inflammatory environment of ischemic hearts. Methods. EPCs were cultured and transfected with miR-125b mimic and negative control mimic. Cell migration and adhesion assays were performed after tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) treatment to determine EPC function. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The activation of the NF-κB pathway was measured by western blotting. EPC-mediated neovascularization in vivo was studied by using a myocardial infarction model. Results. miR-125b-overexpressed EPCs displayed improved cell migration, adhesion abilities, and reduced cell apoptosis compared with those of the NC group after TNF-α treatment. miR-125b overexpression in EPCs ameliorated TNF-α-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway. Mice transplanted with miR-125b-overexpressed EPCs showed improved cardiac function recovery and capillary vessel density than the ones transplanted with NC EPCs. Conclusions. miR-125b protects EPCs against TNF-α-induced inflammation and cell apoptosis by attenuating the activation of NF-κB pathway and consequently improves the cardiac function recovery and EPC-mediated neovascularization in the ischemic hearts.
Convergence Analysis of Iterative Learning Control for Two Classes of 2-D Linear Discrete Fornasini–Marchesini Model
Authors: Wan Kai
Published: September 2020

This paper first investigates convergent property of two iterative learning control (ILC) laws for two kinds of two-dimensional linear discrete systems described by the first Fornasini–Marchesini model (2-D LDFFM with a direct transmission from inputs to outputs and 2-D LDFFM with input delay). Different from existing ILC results for 2-D LDFFM, this paper provides convergence analysis in a three-dimensional (3-D) framework. By using row scanning approach (RSA) or column scanning approach (CSA), it is theoretically proved no matter which method is adopted, perfect tracking on the desired reference surface is accomplished. In addition, linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique is utilized to computer the learning gain of the ILC controller. The effectiveness and feasibility of the designed ILC law are illustrated through numerical simulation on a practical thermal process.
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Dorsal Arachnoid Web: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Inoue Junichi , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Hongo Michio , Kobayashi Takashi , Abe Toshiki , Kikuchi Kazuma , Abe Eiji , Kasukawa Yuji , Ishikawa Yoshinori , Kudo Daisuke , Kinoshita Hayato , Kimura Ryota , Shimada Yoichi
Published: September 2020

Introduction. An arachnoid web (AW) is a relatively rare disease and shows clinical symptoms and radiological findings similar to those of an arachnoid cyst (AC) or spinal cord herniation (SCH). Since the operative procedures for an AW are generally different from those intrathecal disorders, correct preoperative differential diagnosis is important. The purposes of this study were to report the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) myelography for diagnosing AW and to show the histological findings and clinical results. Case Description. Two patients, a 79-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman, are presented. The primary diagnoses were AC with ossification of the ligamentum flavum and epidural hematoma, respectively, in previous hospitals. They were finally diagnosed by the characteristic MRI and CT myelogram finding called the “scalpel sign.” Histological findings showed epithelial cells and fibrous tissue derived from arachnoid tissues and microcalcifications. After surgery, the scalpel sign has vanished, and aggravation of their symptoms was prevented. Conclusion. An AW is refractory, but early detection by MRI and CT myelography and early treatment improve outcomes after surgery.
Sequential Network with Residual Neural Network for Rotatory Machine Remaining Useful Life Prediction Using Deep Transfer Learning
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Qiang , Shao Siyu , Niu Tianlin , Yang Xinyu , Ding Haibin
Published: September 2020

Deep learning has a strong feature learning ability, which has proved its effectiveness in fault prediction and remaining useful life prediction of rotatory machine. However, training a deep network from scratch requires a large amount of training data and is time-consuming. In the practical model training process, it is difficult for the deep model to converge when the parameter initialization is inappropriate, which results in poor prediction performance. In this paper, a novel deep learning framework is proposed to predict the remaining useful life of rotatory machine with high accuracy. Firstly, model parameters and feature learning ability of the pretrained model are transferred to the new network by means of transfer learning to achieve reasonable initialization. Then, the specific sensor signals are converted to RGB image as the specific task data to fine-tune the parameters of the high-level network structure. The features extracted from the pretrained network are the input into the Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory to obtain the RUL prediction results. The ability of LSTM to model sequence signals and the dynamic learning ability of bidirectional propagation to time information contribute to accurate RUL prediction. Finally, the deep model proposed in this paper is tested on the sensor signal dataset of bearing and gearbox. The high accuracy prediction results show the superiority of the transfer learning-based sequential network in RUL prediction.
Immunomodulatory Activity of a Traditional Sri Lankan Concoction of Coriandrum sativum L. and Coscinium fenestratum G.
Authors: Kothalawala Shashika Dinethri , Edward Daniya , Harasgama Jayamini C. , Ranaweera Loshini , Weerasena Ovitigala Vithanage Don Sisira Jagathpriya , Niloofa Roshan , Ratnasooriya Wanigasekera Daya , Premakumara Galbada Arachchige Sirimal , Handunnetti Shiroma M.
Published: September 2020

Objective. To investigate the immunomodulatory activity of a traditional Sri Lankan concoction of Coriandrum sativum L. and Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr., which is a Sri Lankan traditional medicine used to relieve inflammation and cold. Methods. In vivo anti‐inflammatory activity was tested using carrageenan‐induced rat paw‐edema model. Mechanism of anti‐inflammatory activity was assessed by investigating the production of nitric oxide (NO), expression of iNOS enzyme, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by rat peritoneal cells. The membrane stabilizing activity was also tested. The antibody response was determined by assessing the specific haemagglutination antibodies raised against sheep red blood cells. Results. The three doses of freeze‐dried concoction used ((human equivalent dose (HED)—183 mg/kg) 2 × HED and 1/2HED; n = 6 rats/group) showed significant inhibition of paw edema compared to water control at 3rd–5th hours (p < 0.05). Both HED and 1/2HED exhibited marked anti‐inflammatory activity (72–83% inhibition at 4th‐5th hours; p < 0.05). The HED of the concoction showed significant inhibition of NO (77.5 ± 0.73%, p < 0.001) and ROS production (26.9 ± 2.55%; p < 0.01) by rat peritoneal cells. Inhibition of NO production in the concoction treated rat peritoneal cells was confirmed by the lack of iNOS expression. The concoction also exhibited significant membrane stabilizing activity (IC50 = 0.0006 μg/ml; p = 0.001). HED resulted in a significantly high induction of specific antibody production against SRBC antigens as detected by SRBC haemagglutination assay (mean day 14 titers 253.3 compared to control: 66.7) (p < 0.01). Conclusions. The traditional Sri Lankan concoction of C. sativum and C. fenestratum demonstrated potent in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity, significant reduction of ROS, and NO production by rat peritoneal cells and the lack of iNOS expression confirmed the low NO production. The increased membrane stability also supports the anti‐inflammatory activity of the concoction. Further, this concoction induced a significantly high antibody response reflecting its immunostimulatory activity. Together these results scientifically validate the therapeutic use of the concoction of C. sativum and C. fenestratum in Sri Lankan traditional medicinal system for immunomodulatory effects.
Genomic and Epigenomic Landscaping Defines New Therapeutic Targets for Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Pancreas
Authors: Lenkiewicz Elizabeth , Malasi Smriti , Hogenson Tara L. , Flores Luis F. , Barham Whitney , Phillips William J. , Roesler Alexander S. , Chambers Kendall R. , Rajbhandari Nirakar , Hayashi Akimasa , Antal Corina E. , Downes Michael , Grandgenett Paul M. , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Cridebring Derek , Xiong Yuning , Lee Jeong-Heon , Ye Zhenqing , Yan Huihuang , Hernandez Matthew C. , Leiting Jennifer L. , Evans Ronald M. , Ordog Tamas , Truty Mark J. , Borad Mitesh J. , Reya Tannishtha , Von Hoff Daniel D. , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E. , Barrett Michael T.
Published: September 2020

Adenosquamous cancer of the pancreas (ASCP) is a subtype of pancreatic cancer that has a worse prognosis and greater metastatic potential than the more common pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) subtype. To distinguish the genomic landscape of ASCP and identify actionable targets for this lethal cancer, we applied DNA content flow cytometry to a series of 15 tumor samples including five patient-derived xenografts (PDX). We interrogated purified sorted tumor fractions from these samples with whole-genome copy-number variant (CNV), whole-exome sequencing, and Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) analyses. These identified a variety of somatic genomic lesions targeting chromatin regulators in ASCP genomes that were superimposed on well-characterized genomic lesions including mutations in TP53 (87%) and KRAS (73%), amplification of MYC (47%), and homozygous deletion of CDKN2A (40%) that are common in PDACs. Furthermore, a comparison of ATAC-seq profiles of three ASCP and three PDAC genomes using flow-sorted PDX models identified genes with accessible chromatin unique to the ASCP genomes, including the lysine methyltransferase SMYD2 and the pancreatic cancer stem cell regulator RORC in all three ASCPs, and a FGFR1-ERLIN2 fusion associated with focal CNVs in both genes in a single ASCP. Finally, we demonstrate significant activity of a pan FGFR inhibitor against organoids derived from the FGFR1-ERLIN2 fusion–positive ASCP PDX model. Our results suggest that the genomic and epigenomic landscape of ASCP provide new strategies for targeting this aggressive subtype of pancreatic cancer.

Significance:

These data provide a unique description of the ASCP genomic and epigenomic landscape and identify candidate therapeutic targets for this dismal cancer.
Allosteric SHP2 Inhibitor, IACS-13909, Overcomes EGFR-Dependent and EGFR-Independent Resistance Mechanisms toward Osimertinib
Authors: Sun Yuting , Meyers Brooke A. , Czako Barbara , Leonard Paul , Mseeh Faika , Harris Angela L. , Wu Qi , Johnson Sarah , Parker Connor A. , Cross Jason B. , Di Francesco Maria Emilia , Bivona Benjamin J. , Bristow Christopher A. , Burke Jason P. , Carrillo Caroline C. , Carroll Christopher L. , Chang Qing , Feng Ningping , Gao Guang , Gera Sonal , Giuliani Virginia , Huang Justin K. , Jiang Yongying , Kang Zhijun , Kovacs Jeffrey J. , Liu Chiu-Yi , Lopez Anastasia M. , Ma Xiaoyan , Mandal Pijus K. , McAfoos Timothy , Miller Meredith A. , Mullinax Robert A. , Peoples Michael , Ramamoorthy Vandhana , Seth Sahil , Spencer Nakia D. , Suzuki Erika , Williams Christopher C. , Yu Simon S. , Zuniga Andy M. , Draetta Giulio F. , Marszalek Joseph R. , Heffernan Timothy P. , Kohl Nancy E. , Jones Philip
Published: September 2020

Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase (SHP2) is a phosphatase that mediates signaling downstream of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) and is required for full activation of the MAPK pathway. SHP2 inhibition has demonstrated tumor growth inhibition in RTK-activated cancers in preclinical studies. The long-term effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as the EGFR inhibitor (EGFRi), osimertinib, in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is limited by acquired resistance. Multiple clinically identified mechanisms underlie resistance to osimertinib, including mutations in EGFR that preclude drug binding as well as EGFR-independent activation of the MAPK pathway through alternate RTK (RTK-bypass). It has also been noted that frequently a tumor from a single patient harbors more than one resistance mechanism, and the plasticity between multiple resistance mechanisms could restrict the effectiveness of therapies targeting a single node of the oncogenic signaling network. Here, we report the discovery of IACS-13909, a specific and potent allosteric inhibitor of SHP2, that suppresses signaling through the MAPK pathway. IACS-13909 potently impeded proliferation of tumors harboring a broad spectrum of activated RTKs as the oncogenic driver. In EGFR-mutant osimertinib-resistant NSCLC models with EGFR-dependent and EGFR-independent resistance mechanisms, IACS-13909, administered as a single agent or in combination with osimertinib, potently suppressed tumor cell proliferation in vitro and caused tumor regression in vivo. Together, our findings provide preclinical evidence for using a SHP2 inhibitor as a therapeutic strategy in acquired EGFRi-resistant NSCLC.

Significance:

These findings highlight the discovery of IACS-13909 as a potent, selective inhibitor of SHP2 with drug-like properties, and targeting SHP2 may serve as a therapeutic strategy to overcome tumor resistance to osimertinib.
Iron and Cancer: 2020 Vision
Authors: Torti Suzy V. , Torti Frank M.
Published: September 2020

New and provocative insights into the relationships between iron and cancer have been uncovered in recent years. These include delineation of connections that link cellular iron to DNA repair, genomic integrity, and oncogenic signaling as well as the discovery of ferroptosis, a novel iron-dependent form of cell death. In parallel, new molecules and pathways that regulate iron influx, intracellular iron trafficking, and egress in normal cells, and their perturbations in cancer have been discovered. In addition, insights into the unique properties of iron handling in tumor-initiating cells (cancer stem cells), novel contributions of the tumor microenvironment to the uptake and regulation of iron in cancer cells, and new therapeutic modalities that leverage the iron dependence of cancer have emerged.
Genetic Colorectal Cancer and Adenoma Risk Variants Are Associated with Increasing Cumulative Adenoma Counts
Authors: Sullivan Brian A. , Qin Xuejun , Redding Thomas S. , Gellad Ziad F. , Stone Anjanette , Weiss David , Madison Ashton N. , Sims Kellie J. , Williams Christina D. , Lieberman David , Hauser Elizabeth R. , Provenzale Dawn
Published: September 2020

Background:

The genetic basis for most individuals with high cumulative lifetime colonic adenomas is unknown. We investigated associations between known colorectal cancer–risk single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and increasing cumulative adenoma counts.

Methods:

The Cooperative Studies Program #380 screening colonoscopy cohort includes 612 selected participants age 50 to 75 with genotyped blood samples and 10 years of clinical follow-up. We evaluated 41 published “colorectal cancer–risk SNPs” for associations with individual cumulative adenoma counts or having ≥10 cumulative adenomas. SNPs were analyzed singly or combined in a polygenic risk score (PRS). The PRS was constructed from eight published SNPs associated with multiple adenomas, termed “adenoma-risk SNPs.”

Results:

Four colorectal cancer–risk SNPs were associated with increasing cumulative adenoma counts (P < 0.05): rs12241008 (gene: VTI1A), rs2423279 (BMP2/HAO1), rs3184504 (SH2B3), and rs961253 (FERMT1/BMP2), with risk allele risk ratios of 1.31, 1.29, 1.24, and 1.23, respectively. Three colorectal cancer–risk SNPs were associated with ≥10 cumulative adenomas (P < 0.05), with risk allele odds ratios of 2.09 (rs3184504), 2.30 (rs961253), and 1.94 (rs3217901). A weighted PRS comprised of adenoma-risk SNPs was associated with higher cumulative adenomas (weighted rate ratio = 1.57; P = 0.03).

Conclusions:

In this mostly male veteran colorectal cancer screening cohort, several known colorectal cancer–risk SNPs were associated with increasing cumulative adenoma counts and the finding of ≥10 cumulative adenomas. In addition, an increasing burden of adenoma-risk SNPs, measured by a weighted PRS, was associated with higher cumulative adenomas.

Impact:

Future work will seek to validate these findings in different populations and then augment current colorectal cancer risk prediction tools with precancerous, adenoma genetic data.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Sarcoma Incidence Are Independent of Census-Tract Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Diessner Brandon J. , Weigel Brenda J. , Murugan Paari , Zhang Lin , Poynter Jenny N. , Spector Logan G.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Epidemiologic analyses of sarcoma are limited by the heterogeneity and rarity of the disease. Utilizing population-based surveillance data enabled us to evaluate the contribution of census tract-level socioeconomic status (CT-SES) and race/ethnicity on sarcoma incidence rates.

Methods:

We utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program to evaluate associations between CT-SES and race/ethnicity on the incidence rates of sarcoma. Incidence rate ratios and 99% confidence intervals were estimated from quasi-Poisson models. All models were stratified by broad age groups (pediatric: <20 years, adult: 20–65 years, older adult: 65+ years) and adjusted for sex, age, and year of diagnosis. Within each age group, we conducted analyses stratified by somatic genome (fusion-positive and fusion-negative sarcomas) and for subtypes with >200 total cases. A P value less than 0.01 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

We included 55,415 sarcoma cases in 35 sarcoma subtype–age group combinations. Increasing CT-SES was statistically significantly associated with 11 subtype–age group combinations, primarily in the older age group strata (8 subtypes), whereas malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in adults were associated with decreasing CT-SES. Nearly every sarcoma subtype–age group combination displayed racial/ethnic disparities in incidence that were independent of CT-SES.

Conclusions:

We found race/ethnicity to be more frequently associated with sarcoma incidence than CT-SES. Our findings suggest that genetic variation associated with ancestry may play a stronger role than area-level SES-related factors in the etiology of sarcoma.

Impact:

These findings provide direction for future etiologic studies of sarcomas.
First Infertile Case with CSTF2TGene Mutation
Authors: Gorukmez Ozlem , Gorukmez Orhan
Published: September 2020

Male infertility is multifactorial and presents with heterogeneous phenotypic features. Genetic factors are responsible for up to 15% of the male infertility cases. Loss of the Cstf2t gene in male mice results in infertility. No disease-associated mutations have been described for this gene in infertile men. Here, we report a patient diagnosed with infertility in whom a homozygous nonsense mutation in the CSTF2T gene was detected by clinical exome sequencing. This case is the first description of an infertile patient who has a homozygous CSTF2T mutation.
The Merging Tracks of Anosognosia and Neglect
Authors: Langer Karen G. , Bogousslavsky Julien
Published: September 2020

Anosognosia and hemineglect are among the most startling neurological phenomena identified during the 20th century. Though both are associated with right hemisphere cerebral dysfunction, notably stroke, each disorder had its own distinct literature. Anosognosia, as coined by Babinski in 1914, describes patients who seem to have no idea of their paralysis, despite general cognitive preservation. Certain patients seem more than unaware, with apparent resistance to awareness. More extreme, and qualitatively distinct, is denial of hemiplegia. Various interpretations of pathogenesis are still deliberated. As accounts of its captivating manifestations grew, anosognosia was established as a prominent symbol of neurological and psychic disturbance accompanying (right-hemisphere) stroke. Although reports of specific neglect-related symptomatology appeared earlier, not until nearly 2 decades after anosognosia’s inaugural definition was neglect formally defined by Brain, paving a path spanning some years, to depict a class of disorder with heterogeneous variants. Disordered awareness of body and extrapersonal space with right parietal lesions, and other symptom variations, were gathered under the canopy of neglect. Viewed as a disorder of corporeal awareness, explanatory interpretations involve mechanisms of extinction and perceptual processing, disturbance of spatial attention, and others. Odd alterations involving apparent concern, attitudes, or belief characterize many right hemisphere conditions. Anosognosia and neglect are re-examined, from the perspective of unawareness, the nature of belief, and its baffling distortions. Conceptual parallels between these 2 distinct disorders emerge, as the major role of the right hemisphere in mental representation of self is highlighted by its most fascinating syndromes of altered awareness.
First Isolation of Candida nivariensis, an Emerging Fungal Pathogen, in Kuwait
Authors: Alobaid Khaled , Asadzadeh Mohammad , Bafna Ritu , Ahmad Suhail
Published: September 2020

Objective: C. nivariensis is a rare Candida species which is phenotypically closely related to Candida glabrata and Candida bracarensis. The 3 species form the C. glabrata sensu lato complex. Here, we describe the first isolation and characterization of a C. nivariensis isolate cultured from the tracheal aspirate obtained from a young man in Kuwait. Materials and Methods: The yeast isolate was initially tested by VITEK 2 followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and multiplex PCR. The identification was confirmed by sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by Etest, and phylogenetic comparison with other international strains was carried out by using MEGA version 7 software. Results: The C. nivariensis isolate was misidentified by VITEK 2, but correctly identified by MALDI-TOF MS with updated software and multiplex PCR. The identity was confirmed by sequence comparisons of ITS region of rDNA. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against fluconazole, but low MICs against amphotericin B and echinocandins. Phylogenetically, our isolate was closely related to Indian isolates. Conclusions: This report extends the geographic distribution of C. nivariensis to the Arabian Peninsula. MALDI-TOF MS with updated software and molecular tests are needed to correctly identify C. nivariensis. Since C. nivariensis may exhibit reduced susceptibility to antifungal agents, accurate identification and antifungal susceptibility testing are essential, particularly for isolates from sterile sites, for optimal patient management.
Presence of Subclinical Hypercortisolism in Clinical Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas Predicts Lower Clinical Success
Authors: Peng Kang-Yung , Liao Hung-Wei , Chan Chieh-Kai , Lin Wei-Chou , Yang Shao-Yu , Tsai Yao-Chou , Huang Kuo-How , Lin Yen-Hung , Chueh Jeff S , Wu Vin-Cent
Published: September 2020

The clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with clinical aldosterone-producing adenomas harboring
KCNJ5
mutations with or without subclinical hypercortisolism remain unclear. This prospective study is aimed at determining factors associated with subclinical hypercortisolism in patients with clinical aldosterone-producing adenomas. Totally, 82 patients were recruited from November 2016 to March 2018 and underwent unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy with at least a 12-month follow-up postoperatively. Standard subclinical hypercortisolism (defined as cortisol >1.8 μg/dL after 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test [DST]) was detected in 22 (26.8%) of the 82 patients. Intriguingly, a generalized additive model identified the clinical aldosterone-producing adenoma patients with 1 mg DST>1.5 μg/dL had significantly larger tumors (
P
=0.02) than those with 1 mg DST<1.5 μg/dL. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the presence of
KCNJ5
mutations (odds ratio, 0.22,
P
=0.010) and body mass index (odds ratio, 0.87,
P
=0.046) were negatively associated with 1 mg DST>1.5 μg/dL, whereas tumor size was positively associated with it (odds ratio, 2.85,
P
=0.014). Immunohistochemistry revealed a higher degree of immunoreactivity for CYP11B1 in adenomas with wild-type
KCNJ5
(
P
=0.018), whereas CYP11B2 was more commonly detected in adenomas with
KCNJ5
mutation (
P
=0.007). Patients with wild-type
KCNJ5
and 1 mg DST>1.5 μg/dL exhibited the lowest complete clinical success rate (36.8%) after adrenalectomy. In conclusion, subclinical hypercortisolism is common in clinical aldosterone-producing adenoma patients without
KCNJ5
mutation or with a relatively larger adrenal tumor. The presence of serum cortisol levels >1.5 μg/dL after 1 mg DST may be linked to a lower clinical complete success rate.
Predictors of Mortality by Sex and Race in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: ARIC Community Surveillance Study
Authors: Sharma Kavita , Mok Yejin , Kwak Lucia , Agarwal Sunil K. , Chang Patricia P. , Deswal Anita , Shah Amil M. , Kitzman Dalane W. , Wruck Lisa M. , Loehr Laura R. , Heiss Gerardo , Coresh Josef , Rosamond Wayne D. , Solomon Scott D. , Matsushita Kunihiro , Russell Stuart D.
Published: September 2020

Background

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for half of heart failure hospitalizations, with limited data on predictors of mortality by sex and race. We evaluated for differences in predictors of all‐cause mortality by sex and race among hospitalized patients with HFpEF in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Community Surveillance Study.

Methods and Results

Adjudicated HFpEF hospitalization events from 2005 to 2013 were analyzed from the ARIC Community Surveillance Study, comprising 4 US communities. Comparisons between clinical characteristics and mortality at 1 year were made by sex and race. Of 4335 adjudicated acute decompensated heart failure cases, 1892 cases (weighted n=8987) were categorized as HFpEF. Men had an increased risk of 1‐year mortality compared with women in adjusted analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06–1.52 [
P
=0.01]). Black participants had lower mortality compared with White participants in unadjusted and adjusted analyses (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.64–0.97 [
P
=0.02]). Age, heart rate, worsening renal function, and low hemoglobin were associated with increased mortality in all subgroups. Higher body mass index was associated with improved survival in men, with borderline interaction by sex. Higher blood pressure was associated with improved survival among all groups, with significant interaction by race.

Conclusions

In a diverse HFpEF population, men had worse survival compared with women, and Black participants had improved survival compared with White participants. Age, heart rate, and worsening renal function were associated with increased mortality across all subgroups; high blood pressure was associated with decreased mortality with interaction by race. These insights into sex‐ and race‐based differences in predictors of mortality may help strategize targeted management of HFpEF.
The Hearing Test: Evidence of a Vegetal Entity
Authors: Beloff Laura
Published: September 2020

The author's artistic experiment The Hearing Test focuses on detection of high frequency clicking sounds that are emitted by the tips of plants' roots. Scientists have claimed that plants' roots produce high frequency clicks between 20 and 300 kHz by bursting air bubbles. But while the phenomenon has been described, its cause remains unexplained. This lack of knowledge opens up possibilities for multiple interpretations and invites experimental approaches as well as speculation concerning plant intelligence, the role of species-specific hearing and sound as evidence. The article is an extended reflection on the experiment.
Microbial Sensing: Constructing Perception through Technological Layers
Authors: Mackenzie Louise
Published: September 2020

The author introduces the concept of looking without seeing to describe the layered use of technology required to experience microorganisms during the making of The Stars Beneath Our Feet: an audiovisual installation for Lumiere Durham, a four-day international light festival produced by Artichoke in the U.K. First, the author describes the experience of technological layering when attempting to perceive microorganisms in the visual field and then the methodology adopted to determine how the same microorganisms might be perceived in the auditory field. The conclusion describes the author's sense of being with the organism as a form of constructed perception in the context of “looking for” and “listening for” microorganisms through an expanded technological frame.
Listening Geopolitics and the Anthropocene Contact zones of the Bali and Georgia Strait
Authors: Zinovieff Freya , Aceves Sepúlveda Gabriela
Published: September 2020

Building on Pratt and Haraway's ideas of the contact zone, we examine the soundscape in two maritime boundaries: the Bali Strait and the Strait of Georgia. Both places, imbued with colonial histories, are rich in ecological diversity and signify different degrees of violence perpetuated against those who attempt to cross their geopolitical boundary zones. Using practices taken from sensory, multispecies, sonic and autoethnography, we explore how sound and listening offer a textural analysis of space, a way to sense and experience histories and the possibility of listening as activism.
The identity of the exotic Pterygoplichthys sailfin catfishes in Sri Lanka (Teleostei: Loricariidae)
Authors: ABESINGHE AKILA , SUDASINGHE HIRANYA , AMARASINGHE ANJALIE , FAREED FAZLA , SENAVIRATHNA THARANI , MEEGASKUMBURA MADHAVA
Published: September 2020

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a major threat to biodiversity and have contributed to population declines in native species worldwide (Vilà et al. 2011; Gurevitch & Padilla 2004). IUCN’s Invasive Species Specialist Group lists some 80 invasive or potentially invasive species in Sri Lanka, which is part of a global biodiversity hotspot (Myers et al. 2000; Marambe et al. 2011). The major release of aquatic IAS on the island are routed through the ornamental-fish industry (Marambe et al. 2011; Sudasinghe 2016), though a minority represents deliberate, if unplanned, introductions by governmental and non-governmental agencies (Marambe et al. 2011).
Naval Power and Effects of Third-Party Trade on Conflict
Authors: Feldman Nizan , Eiran Ehud , Rubin Aviad
Published: September 2020

This study argues that the effect of third-party trade on dyadic conflicts is conditional on the naval power of both the potential conflict initiator and its target state. This conditional effect occurs mainly because naval power allows trade-integrated initiators to reduce their trade dependence on a given trade partner and its allies more easily. At the same time, the target’s naval power increases the costs that conflict inflict on the initiator’s trade. As maritime trade accounts for about 80 percent of world trade volume, naval capability has an important effect on combatant states’ ability to substitute trading partners during a conflict and to mitigate trade-related costs, thereby affecting the relationship between third-party trade and conflict. The findings of our statistical analyses support our theoretical expectation that the pacifying effect of third-party trade diminishes as the initiator’s naval power increases, yet increases as the naval power of the potential target increases.
PTSD as a Risk Factor Predicting Polydrug Use: A Dual Systems of Self-Control Mediation Model
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas
Published: September 2020

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased risk for polydrug use. Low self-control is a key characteristic of the disorder and is predictive of polydrug use. However, there is a dearth of research focused on the relevance of a dual systems model delineation of self-control into the constructs of risk-seeking and impulsivity as it pertains to polydrug use and PTSD. This study tested dual systems mediation of this relationship. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to test for mediation effects. Results indicated that more PTSD symptoms predicted increased drug use variety (coefficient = 0.024; confidence interval [CI] = [0.001, 0.046]). Inclusion of dual systems constructs fully attenuated this relationship. The total indirect effect achieved marginal significance (coefficient = 0.005; CI = [>−0.001, 0.009]). Sensitivity analyses of the specific indirect effect of impulsivity as the sole mediator indicated significant mediation. These results provide some indication that impulsivity-based programming may help to treat polydrug use among those with severe PTSD.
Changes in Vestibular Function in Patients With Head-and-Neck Cancer Undergoing Chemoradiation
Authors: Hülse Roland , Stuck Boris A. , Hörmann Karl , Rotter Nicole , Nguyen Julia , Aderhold Christoph , Schell Angela
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

While the cochleotoxicity of cisplatin has been well investigated, less is known about the effects of platinum-based chemotherapy on the vestibular system. In particular, there is a lack of prospective studies using modern laboratory vestibular testing that examine the effects of cisplatin on the semicircular canals and on the otolith organs. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to investigate the vestibulotoxic effect of cisplatin in patients with head and neck tumors who are undergoing chemoradiation.

Methods:

Forty-five patients undergoing cisplatin-based chemoradiation for head and neck cancer received a vestibular assessment consisting of anamnesis, a horizontal video head impulse test (vHIT), ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing, as well as pure tone audiometry. This assessment was performed before therapy, 6 weeks after therapy, and 3 months after therapy.

Results:

Video head impulse test showed a significantly reduced median gain 6 weeks after chemoradiation. In addition, significantly more refixational saccades could be detected after therapy. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential testing results also revealed significant changes, whereas pure tone audiometry did not. None of the patients mentioned “dizziness” during the follow-up examinations.

Conclusion:

We demonstrated a vestibulotoxic effect of cisplatin-based chemoradiation in patients with head and neck cancer. Future studies are needed to better understand cisplatin-induced vestibulotoxicity and to identify possible vestibuloprotective substances. Still, before and after chemoradiation, patients should undergo not only auditory testing but also vestibular testing in order to detect potential vestibular loss as soon as possible and to quickly initiate vestibular physiotherapy.
Strategies and Controversies in the Treatment With Carbon Dioxide Laser of Laryngeal Hemangioma: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mesolella Massimo , Allosso Salvatore , Mansueto Gelsomina , Fuggi Mariano , Motta Gaetano
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

The hemangioma is the most common vascular tumor, involving the head and neck in 60% of cases. It is rare in the larynx. In children, hemangiomas are more frequent on the subglottis, whereas in adults the most common site is the supraglottis. Laryngeal hemangioma with cavernous features isolated to the free edge of the vocal fold is a very rare clinical finding. We present 2 cases of glottic hemangioma. Both patients reported severe hoarseness.

Cases:

In the first patient, an extensive blue-purple mass was seen on the right vocal cord. The patient was posted for microlaryngeal surgery with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Second patient had a large, smooth, flesh-colored polypoid mass emanating from the left vocal cord. The patient was posted for microlaryngeal surgery. After 2 months, both patients showed a considerable voice improvement.

Discussion:

Vocal cord hemangiomas are very rare, and they usually cause problem in the voice of the patient. A vascular lesion that may mimic a hemangioma may sometimes result from an organizing hematoma following a hemorrhage on the vocal cords due to voice abuse. Laryngeal hemangiomas also need to be distinguished pathologically from polypoidal vascular granulation tissue that may be produced by laryngeal biopsy, intubation, or trauma. Indirect endoscopy is enough to diagnosis. No active treatment is advised for adult laryngeal hemangiomas unless the lesions are symptomatic or show a tendency to involve other parts. There is no uniformly accepted treatment of head and neck hemangiomas. Surgical excision with laser CO2 microlaryngoscopic techniques gives satisfactory results.
Recurrent Intramuscular Hemangioma (Infiltrating Angiolipoma) of the Lower Lip: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: DeGiovanni Jason C. , Simmonds Jonathan , Lang-Orsini Melanie , Lee Arnold
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To report a case of a recurrent intramuscular hemangioma (IMH) of the lower lip of a 68-year-old female and review the published literature to provide an overview of the presentation, diagnostic strategy, pathological classification, and management of these lesions within the oral cavity.

Methods:

A case report was conducted by reviewing the documentation at a single institution. A systematic literature review on OVID MEDLINE and PubMed was performed using the MESH terms “intramuscular hemangioma” and “oral cavity,” “tongue,” “cheek,” “buccal,” “gingiva,” and “lip.”

Results:

A 62-year-old female presented to our institution with a 2 × 2 × 1 cm IMH of the lower lip involving the surrounding orbicularis oris muscle. She underwent a submucosal resection and did well postoperatively. Six and a half years later, she represented to our institution with a new lower lip lesion in the area of her previous resection. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed a new 10 × 11 mm lesion with a well circumscribed central component surrounded by ill-defined tissue. Preoperative angiography showed that the lesion was supplied by vessels branching off the left facial artery, which were embolized. She underwent wide-local excision (WLE) with bilateral advancement flaps and at her 2-month postoperative visit has not had recurrence.

Conclusion:

Only 39 cases of IMH in the oral cavity have been reported, with only 3 others occurring in the lower lip. Here we add the first case of an IMH of the oral cavity that recurred after primary WLE. The patient was successfully retreated with WLE. At a 3-month follow-up visit, she noted some incompetence with oral secretions and occasional tingling along the incision site but no evidence of recurrence.