bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel active fixation lead guided by electrical delay can improve response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure
Authors: Casale Matteo , Mezzetti Maurizio , Gigliotti De Fazio Marianna , Caccamo Loredana , Busacca Paolo , Dattilo Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

Aims

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for heart failure (HF) recently has shown optimal results by targeting electrically delayed sites in coronary sinus (CS) branches. However this purpose often cannot be reached because of unstable left ventricular (LV) lead position. In current study were assessed the long‐term effects of the novel active fixation LV lead in CS, guided by electrical delay (QLV), in patients with HF due to coronary artery disease.

Methods

One hundred eighty‐five consecutive patients underwent CRT with intraoperative evaluation of QLV in the target position of the LV lead. When the novel active fixation LV lead was available, 98 consecutive patients received it, composing the Fix group. They were compared with 87 patients with a conventional passive fixation lead (No Fix group). The final LV lead position was assessed by fluoroscopy. Clinical response to CRT was assessed within a period of about 3 years: patients experiencing HF rehospitalization and death due to HF were defined as non‐responders.

Results

There were no significant differences between groups in the final position of LV lead in left anterior oblique view (Pearson χ2 = 0.12; P = 0.73). In right anterior oblique view, a basal position was reached more in the Fix group (38%) than in the No Fix group (6.5%) (Pearson χ2 = 23.095; P < 0.001). QLV was significantly greater in the Fix group (122.6 ± 33.2 ms; SE = 3.6) than in the No Fix group (97.5 ± 37.8 ms; SE = 4.9) (t = 4.17; P < 0.001). Rehospitalizations for HF were 37 in the No Fix group and 14 in the Fix group. Deaths due to HF were 49 in the No Fix group and 18 in the Fix group. Survival analysis, assessed by Cox regression, showed that the Fix group had a better outcome both for HF rehospitalizations [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.25–0.9; P = 0.023] and death due to HF (HR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.31–0.97; P = 0.04) in comparison with the No Fix group. Adjustment for baseline characteristics by multivariate analysis showed that an active fixation lead in CS, as a covariate, was still significant both for HF rehospitalizations (HR 0.46; 95% CI = 0.24–0.88; P = 0.019) and for death due to HF (HR 0.5; 95% CI = 0.28–0.9; P = 0.021).

Conclusions

The novel active fixation LV lead allowed to target sites with greater QLV. Often maximum QLV was documented in basal segments, were stability of conventional passive fixation leads is not enough. Patients receiving it experienced less HF rehospitalizations and less death due to HF. Active fixation lead in CS guided by QLV can improve long‐term prognosis in patients with HF due to coronary artery disease undergoing to CRT.
Heart transplantation strategies in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a tertiary ARVC centre experience
Authors: Scheel Paul J. , Giuliano Katherine , Tichnell Crystal , James Cynthia , Murray Brittney , Tandri Harikrishna , Carter Debra , Fehr Tracey , Umapathi Priya , Vaishnav Joban , Lewsey Sabra C. , Hsu Steven , Calkins Hugh , Sharma Kavita , Choi Chun Woo , Gilotra Nisha A. , Kilic Ahmet
Published: December 2021

Aims

End‐stage heart failure necessitating evaluation for heart transplantation is increasingly recognized in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). These patients present unique challenges in pre‐transplant and peri‐transplant management given their predominantly right ventricular (RV) failure and propensity for ventricular arrhythmias. We sought to utilize a tertiary ARVC referral and heart transplant centre experience to describe management of a series of patients with ARVC undergoing heart transplantation at our centre.

Methods and results

We queried the Johns Hopkins ARVC Registry for all patients who underwent heart transplantation and further studied the subset undergoing transplantation at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and pre‐transplant clinical course were obtained from the registry and electronic medical records. Of the 532 patients in the ARVC Registry, 63 (12%) underwent heart transplantation. Nine (six male) of these patients both had known ARVC prior to transplant and were transplanted at Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2006 and 2020 at a mean age of 42 ± 14 years old. Pathogenic ARVC genetic variants were identified in six (67%) patients, all of whom had variants in the plakophilin‐2 (PKP2) gene. RV failure was universal with median right atrial to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (RA/PCWP) ratio of 1.4 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.2–1.5] and median right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWI) of 0 g·m/m2/beat (IQR 0–0.3). Six had a history of catheter ablation for ventricular arrhythmia with five of the six having at least three ablations. Transplant evaluation was initiated an average of 344 ± 407 days after first developing heart failure symptoms. The most common bridge to transplant support included inotropes (n = 3) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (n = 2). Contraindication to inotropes or mechanical support was common due to ventricular arrhythmia and RV predominant cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions

Heart transplantation is a curative treatment for ARVC, but due to frequent ventricular arrhythmias and RV predominant pathology, patients require unique considerations in regard to timing of evaluation, haemodynamic support options, and wait listing qualification.
The Determination of Timolol Maleate Using Silver/Tannic Acid/Titanium Oxide Nanocomposite as an Electrochemical Sensor in Real Samples
Authors: Mehmandoust Mohammad , Çakar Soner , Özacar Mahmut , Erk Nevin
Published: December 2021

Herein, a portable and cost‐effective electrochemical sbased on Silver/tannic acid/titanium dioxide/glassy carbon electrode (Ag/TA@ TiO2/GCE) was fabricated to determine timolol(TM) assay. The Ag/TA@TiO2/GCE offered an irreversible oxidation peak at +0.99 V, and exhibited an extraordinary electrochemical performance with a wide linear working ranges from 0.01–0.84 and 0.84–49.0 μM and a low detection limit of 5.2 nM. The detection of TM in the presence of interfering agents and real samples was also analyzed. The sensor‘s selectivity was studied by comparing the binding of TM, propranolol, nebivolol, and metoprolol. The developed electrochemical sensing platform could have promising potential for the determination of TM in clinical samples.
Characterization of the Impact of Classical Cell‐culture Media on the Response of Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Chmayssem Ayman , Petit Lauriane , Verplanck Nicolas , Mourier Véronique , Vignoud Séverine , Vrana Nihal Engin , Mailley Pascal
Published: December 2021

Biocompatibility testing is usually performed through staining and imaging of cell lines. We propose here to monitor cytotoxicity through real‐time measurement of metabolites specifically issued from cell stress behaviour using a multiparametric electrochemical (bio)sensing platform. However, the composition of culture media varies widely according to the requirements of the utilized cell lines. This matter may have significant effects on the sensor's sensitivity. With this mind, the sensitivity of four electrochemical (bio)sensors (pH, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide/nitrite (NO and its by‐product) and lactate) is investigated in different cell culture media. The main culture media studied were Minimum Essential Medium Eagle (MEM), Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), Williams’ Medium E and RPMI 1640 medium that were the recommended culture media for the cell types to be monitored. This work shows the impact of the different cell culture media on the performances of the different sensors (limit of detection, sensitivity, selectivity, response time and dynamic range). More particularly, FBS strongly impacts the response of the amperometric (bio)sensors. Then, cellular viability testing was effected within optimized medium (FBS content) for electrochemical sensor read‐outs in the case of short‐term cultures (one day) devoted to cytotoxicity testing. Real‐time electrochemical monitoring provides important additional information about cell behaviour during biocompatibility testing that might be further implemented in different settings including pharmaceutical efficacy and biomaterials applications.
Advances in electrochemical detection methods for measuring contaminants of emerging concerns
Authors: Hassan Mohamed H. , Khan Reem , Andreescu Silvana
Published: December 2021

The presence of contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), per/poly‐fluorinated substances (PFAS), pesticides, and nanomaterials poses significant challenges to the environment and human health. This review discusses the current status of electrochemical sensing methods and their potential as low‐cost analytical platforms for the detection and characterization of emerging contaminants. Recent developments in advanced materials and fabrication techniques such as electrophoretic deposition, layer‐by‐layer deposition, roll‐to‐roll and 3D printing techniques, and the scalable manufacturing of low‐cost portable electrochemical devices are discussed. Examples of detection mechanisms, electrode modification procedures, device configuration, and their performance along with recent developments in fundamental electrochemistry, particularly nanoimpact methods, are provided to demonstrate the capabilities of these methods for the environmental monitoring of CECs. Finally, a critical discussion of future research needs, detection challenges, and opportunities is provided to demonstrate how electrochemistry can be used to advance field monitoring of these chemicals. These methods can be used as complementary or alternative methods to the currently used laboratory‐based analytical instrumentation to facilitate large‐scale studies and manage risks associated with the presence of CECs in the environment and other matrices.
Prediction of longwall mining‐induced stress in roof rock using LSTM neural network and transfer learning method
Authors: Qin Changkun , Zhao Wusheng , Zhong Kun , Chen Weizhong
Published: December 2021

Real‐time monitoring of three‐dimensional stress in the field is an effective approach to detect evolving stress in roof rock and to evaluate rock bursts risk. However, the sensors or data transmission cables may be damaged due to the volatile environment found in coal mines, which can lead to the loss of relevant monitoring data, and some critical information for rock burst prediction may be missed entirely. A number of methods that use historical data to predict missing data or future structural states have been proposed. However, the performance of these methods is poor when the training data are insufficient owing to lack of data. To address this issue, a methodology framework is proposed to predict the mining‐induced stress when some monitoring data are missing. The framework uses a long short‐term memory neural network integrated with the transfer learning method. The proposed method can transfer the knowledge learned from complete monitored data of adjacent sensor to target sensor to boost forecasting. A case study has been conducted to evaluate the method. The results show that the developed model can significantly improve the prediction performance for the target domain, which can be improved further by increasing the size of the target domain training data available.
Performance enhancement with inorganic phase change materials for the application of thermal energy storage: A critical review
Authors: Kundu Rohan , Kar Satya Prakash , Sarangi Radhakanta
Published: December 2021

In the current energy crisis, energy saving becomes important to reduce the gap of supply and demand of energy. Phase change material (PCM) plays a bigger role to store energy due to its high latent of fusion. The present article provides an insight into the present developments in enhancing the performance of inorganic PCMs. In this article, a comprehensive review of different techniques like mixing of different salts, addition of nanoparticle, addition of nucleating agents, encapsulation methods and so on are discussed in detail. Special attention is given to know the enhancement in high thermal conductivity, large phase change enthalpy, high density, thermal stability, corrosion resistance and so on.
Mitochondria‐targeted nanoparticles in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Zhang Yue , Yang Han , Wei Daohe , Zhang Xinhui , Wang Jian , Wu Xiaoli , Chang Jin
Published: December 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a class of heterogeneous diseases that includes Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mitochondria play an important role in oxidative balance and metabolic activity of neurons; therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with NDs and mitochondria are considered a potential treatment target for NDs. Several obstacles, including the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and cell/mitochondrial membranes, reduce the efficiency of drug entry into the target lesions. Therefore, a variety of neuron mitochondrial targeting strategies has been developed. Among them, nanotechnology‐based treatments show especially promising results. Owing to their adjustable size, appropriate charge, and lipophilic surface, nanoparticles (NPs) are the ideal theranostic system for crossing the BBB and targeting the neuronal mitochondria. In this review, we discussed the role of dysfunctional mitochondria in ND pathogenesis as well as the physiological barriers to various treatment strategies. We also reviewed the use and advantages of various NPs (including organic, inorganic, and biological membrane‐coated NPs) for the treatment and diagnosis of NDs. Finally, we summarized the evidence and possible use for the promising role of NP‐based theranostic systems in the treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction‐related NDs.
An adaptive mesh refinement‐multiphase lattice Boltzmann flux solver for three‐dimensional simulation of droplet collision
Authors: Yuan Hai‐Zhuan , Liu Qing , Zeng Gang
Published: December 2021

A three‐dimensional adaptive mesh refinement‐multiphase lattice Boltzmann flux solver (3D‐AMR‐MLBFS) is developed for effectively simulating complex multiphase flows with large density ratio and high Reynolds number. In the method, the multiphase lattice Boltzmann flux solver (MLBFS) is used to solve the flow field and the level set method is adopted to capture the interface. In addition, a free energy‐based continuum surface tension force (FE‐CSF) model, which has a clear physical basis and does not need to introduce a regularization function, is applied to calculate the surface tension force. In order to improve the computational efficiency and at the same time ensure accuracy, the adaptive mesh refinement technology is introduced. This method is used to simulate three‐dimensional collision of two equal‐sized droplets for a wide range of parametric conditions. We not only verify the developed method by comparing with available literature data but also successfully reproduce four typical outcomes of droplet collision, namely coalescence, reflexive separation, stretching separation, and liquid membrane shattering, for which the evolutions of droplet morphologies and various energies are revealed.
Interaction between bacterial diversity and biogenic amines production in a salted mackerel stored at soft frozen (−7℃–0℃) storage
Authors: Tao Zhihua , Liu Weiqi , Hu Qinxia , Wu Xue , Xie Shuying , Zhang Hongmei , Fu Minghui , Yang Jing , Jiang Yan
Published: December 2021

The bacterial diversity of salted mackerel “one‐night courtyard” at soft frozen area (−7℃–0℃) storage was studied. The fish samples at 0, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days were analysis for bacterial structure using high‐throughput sequencing technologies (HTS) and biogenic amines using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The analysis results of HTS showed that the dominant bacteria species was varied gradually following with storage time. On the 0th, 21st, and 28th days of storage, dominant Vibrionaceae was accounting for 71.70%, 59.16%, and 70.68% of the total sequences analyzed, respectively. On the 14th and 35th days, Shewanellaceae was the dominant bacterial, accounting for 87.53% and 70.95% of the total sequences analyzed, respectively. In addition, 21st and 28th days, an abundance of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) was top. The dominant bacterial of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, was producer of biogenic amines. Furthermore, the analysis results of HPLC shown the total biogenic amines of maximum amount 363.01 mg/kg in the sample of HY.14 lower than 1000 mg/kg of the FDA regulation. The range ability of cadaverine was obvious following with the storage time. Cadaverine was 87.36 mg/kg on the 0th day, and it was maximum amount of 276.89 mg/kg on the 14th days. Putrescine was 20 mg/kg on the 0th day and maximum amount of 55.04 mg/kg on the 28thdays of storage. The tyramine was smallest amount of production, and the largest amount was 38.99 mg/kg on 28th, and the smallest amount was 11.97 mg/kg on 35th. Nevertheless, the maximum amount of histamine was 55.04 mg/kg on the 0th day and about 23.14 mg/kg of histamine was little change from 14th to 35th days of storage. Dominant bacteria affect the change of biogenic amines. The study can help understand the interaction between microbial flora and biogenic amines in the salted mackerel of one‐night courtyard.
Characterization and assessment of flood inundated areas of lower Brahmaputra River Basin using multitemporal Synthetic Aperture Radar data: A case study from NE India
Authors: Devrani Rahul , Srivastava Pradeep , Kumar Rohit , Kasana Parv
Published: December 2021

Floods are known to be one of the greatest disasters in documented human history. In the Indian subcontinent, the Ganga‐Brahmaputra plains annually accommodate monsoon‐driven flooding of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, causing widespread flood inundation and geomorphic changes. In the present study, we present flood inundation maps of Assam and suggest a possible geomorphic explanation for the frequent flood inundation areas. We have used a novel SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar)‐based approach for a comprehensive flood inundation mapping of Assam. The Google Earth Engine (GEE), a cloud‐based data computing and analysis platform, is used to access and analyse the Sentinel SAR 1 GRD datasets for 30 events from 2018 to 2020. The Sentinel‐2 imagery, WWF Hydrosheds, 90 m DEM (SRTM), and JRC Global Surface Water Dataset are also used to conduct the flood inundation mapping for 80,236 (1 × 1 km) grids in Assam and morphometric analysis in the lower Brahmaputra River Basin. We also carried out detailed mapping and geomorphic analysis on channel and sediment bar area and channel width in 100 (6.25 km wide) grids on the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Our results suggest that high flood inundation areas are well scattered in Assam, and Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Sibsagar, Sonitpur, and Barpeta are the most affected districts from 2018 to 2020. We also observe that the geomorphology can act as primary control over the frequent flood inundation in highlighted areas in Assam. On a basin scale, we recognize a low correlation between the stream power index, topographic wetness index, plan curvature, slope, and flood inundated areas, mainly due to the coarse resolution of the digital elevation model. In a braided river system like the Brahmaputra River, the channel and bar area and channel width are well correlated during flood events. Finally, the channel sinuosity also controls channel and bar area and width during regular and influential flood events.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the contribution of oligodendrocyte and radial glia‐derived cues for maintenance of microglia identity
Authors: Timmerman Raissa , Zuiderwijk‐Sick Ella A. , Oosterhof Nynke , 't Jong Anke E. J. , Veth Jennifer , Burm Saskia M. , van Ham Tjakko J. , Bajramovic Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2021

Microglia are increasingly being recognized as druggable targets in neurodegenerative disorders, and good in vitro models are crucial to address cell biological questions. Major challenges are to recapitulate the complex microglial morphology and their in vivo transcriptome. We have therefore exposed primary microglia from adult rhesus macaques to a variety of different culture conditions including exposure to soluble factors as M‐CSF, IL‐34, and TGF‐β as well as serum replacement approaches, and compared their morphologies and transcriptomes to those of mature, homeostatic in vivo microglia. This enabled us to develop a new, partially serum‐free, monoculture protocol, that yields high numbers of ramified cells. We also demonstrate that exposure of adult microglia to M‐CSF or IL‐34 induces similar transcriptomes, and that exposure to TGF‐β has much less pronounced effects than it does on rodent microglia. However, regardless of culture conditions, the transcriptomes of in vitro and in vivo microglia remained substantially different. Analysis of differentially expressed genes inspired us to perform 3D‐spherical coculture experiments of microglia with oligodendrocytes and radial glia. In such spheres, microglia signature genes were strongly induced, even in the absence of neurons and astrocytes. These data reveal a novel role for oligodendrocyte and radial glia‐derived cues in the maintenance of microglial identity, providing new anchor points to study microglia in health and disease.
Machine learning can identify patients at risk of hyperparathyroidism without known calcium and intact parathyroid hormone
Authors: Greer Melody L. , Davis Kyle , Stack Brendan C.
Published: December 2021

Background

To prove the concept of diagnosing primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) without calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) values and identifying potential risk factors for pHPT.

Methods

Data were extracted from the clinical data warehouse (CDW) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Epic EHR (2014–2019).

Results

1737 patients with over 185 000 rows of clinical data were provided in a relational structure and processed/flattened to facilitate modeling. Phenotype elements were identified for pHPT without advance knowledge of calcium and PTH levels. The area under the curve (AUC) for the prediction of pHPT using our model was 0.86 with sensitivity and specificity of 0.8953 and 0.6686, respectively, using a 0.45 probability threshold.

Conclusion

Primary hyperparathyroidism was predicted from a dataset excluding calcium and PTH data with 86% accuracy. This approach needs to be validated/refined on larger samples of data and plans are in place to do this with other regional/national datasets.
Acceptability of the Direct Health Facility Financing (DHFF) initiative in Tanzania: A mixed methods process evaluation of the moderating factors
Authors: Kalolo Albino , Kapologwe Ntuli A. , Samky Hendry , Kibusi Stephen M.
Published: December 2021

Despite wide agreement that stakeholder acceptability plays a critical role in an intervention's effectiveness, gaps remain on understanding acceptability of complex health financing interventions. We aimed to understand the moderators of acceptability of the Direct Health Facility Financing (DHFF) initiative across primary health facilities in Tanzania. Employing a mixed methods approach and guided by the theoretical framework for acceptability (TFA), we collected data from implementers and their supervisors using a structured questionnaire and semi‐structured interview guides. We analysed data using a chi square test, logistic regression, and thematic analysis. We recruited 238 participants, of whom 71% were females and 54% were below 37 years old. Acceptability was found to be 63% and received high rating in qualitative interviews. Moderators of acceptability included sex (AOR = 1.93, p = 006), work experience (AOR = 3.47, p = 0.001), knowledge (13.8, p = 0.00), supportive work environment (AOR = 2.28, p = 0.019), and capability to implement the programme (AOR = 0.12, p = 0.00). Moderators reported in qualitative interviews related to individual and contextual factors. This study suggests that the DHFF initiative is acceptable and influenced by factors operating at the individual level and beyond. Addressing moderators of acceptability as programs are designed and implemented is the holy grail of acceptability of complex interventions.
Dupilumab may be an alternative option in the treatment of acquired reactive perforating collagenosis combined with AD
Authors: Ying Yang , Shuang Chen , Zhen‐Ying Zhang
Published: December 2021

The management of acquired reactive perforating collagenosis (ARPC) is challenging. Here, we shared two cases of ARPC combined with elderly atopic dermatitis (AD) that did not respond well to conventional treatment but responded well to the monotherapy of dupilumab, which suggests that dupilumab may be an alternative option for the treatment.
CR‐SSL: A closely related self‐supervised learning based approach for improving breast ultrasound tumor segmentation
Authors: Mishra Arnab Kumar , Roy Pinki , Bandyopadhyay Sivaji , Das Sujit Kumar
Published: December 2021

Breast ultrasound (BUS) tumor segmentation can help with the early detection of breast cancer; however, the lack of human‐labeled training data is a big problem in this area. To deal with this, we propose a novel self‐supervised learning approach (CR‐SSL), where several related pretext tasks like unsupervised segmentation and edge detection are firstly learned, followed by the target tumor segmentation based fine‐tuning. Learning such related pretext tasks ensures better representation learning. Experimental study shows that CR‐SSL can improve the mean Dice and Jaccard scores by more than 4–5%, with ≥0.6 scores while having access to only 20–50 human‐labeled training samples. The best Dice scores of 0.7303 and 0.8207, and Jaccard scores of 0.7082 and 0.8015 are obtained by CR‐SSL on the test datasets. Compared with the No‐SSL baseline, CR‐SSL can achieve (10–20)% improvements in segmentation quality while working in small‐sized training dataset scenarios, suggesting its high potential practical utility.
Bone Microarchitecture Phenotypes Identified in Older Adults Are Associated With Different Levels of Osteoporotic Fracture Risk
Authors: Whittier Danielle E , Samelson Elizabeth J , Hannan Marian T , Burt Lauren A , Hanley David A , Biver Emmanuel , Szulc Pawel , Sornay-Rendu Elisabeth , Merle Blandine , Chapurlat Roland , Lespessailles Eric , Wong Andy Kin On , Goltzman David , Khosla Sundeep , Ferrari Serge , Bouxsein Mary L , Kiel Douglas P , Boyd Steven K
Published: December 2021

Prevalence of osteoporosis is more than 50% in older adults, yet current clinical methods for diagnosis that rely on areal bone mineral density (aBMD) fail to detect most individuals who have a fragility fracture. Bone fragility can manifest in different forms, and a “one-size-fits-all” approach to diagnosis and management of osteoporosis may not be suitable. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) provides additive information by capturing information about volumetric density and microarchitecture, but interpretation is challenging because of the complex interactions between the numerous properties measured. In this study, we propose that there are common combinations of bone properties, referred to as phenotypes, that are predisposed to different levels of fracture risk. Using HR-pQCT data from a multinational cohort (n = 5873, 71% female) between 40 and 96 years of age, we employed fuzzy c-means clustering, an unsupervised machine-learning method, to identify phenotypes of bone microarchitecture. Three clusters were identified, and using partial correlation analysis of HR-pQCT parameters, we characterized the clusters as low density, low volume, and healthy bone phenotypes. Most males were associated with the healthy bone phenotype, whereas females were more often associated with the low volume or low density bone phenotypes. Each phenotype had a significantly different cumulative hazard of major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and of any incident osteoporotic fracture (p < 0.05). After adjustment for covariates (cohort, sex, and age), the low density followed by the low volume phenotype had the highest association with MOF (hazard ratio = 2.96 and 2.35, respectively), and significant associations were maintained when additionally adjusted for femoral neck aBMD (hazard ratio = 1.69 and 1.90, respectively). Further, within each phenotype, different imaging biomarkers of fracture were identified. These findings suggest that osteoporotic fracture risk is associated with bone phenotypes that capture key features of bone deterioration that are not distinguishable by aBMD. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Dense fine speckled immunofluorescence pattern in a Chinese population: Prevalence and clinical association
Authors: Zhang Keyi , Su Zhenzhen , Hu Jing , Huang Zhuochun , Hu Chaojun , Yang Bin
Published: December 2021

Objective

To provide information on the prevalence and possible clinical association in a Chinese population for medical practice of the dense fine speckled pattern (DFS pattern).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted with patients who had the DFS pattern from June 2018 to December 2019 in West China Hospital.

Results

A total of 469 patients (1.27% of patients with positive anti‐nuclear antibody indirect immunofluorescence (ANA IIF) test results) revealed the DFS pattern, of which 92.96% had isolated DFS pattern and 23.67% had titers above/equal to 1:320. The average age of patients with the DFS pattern was 43.45 years, and females accounted for 76.97% of them. Ten different kinds of diseases made up the vast majority of the disease spectrum, in which inflammatory or infectious diseases (46.11%), mental diseases (21.45%), and systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) (18.23%) ranked in the top three. The most common SARDs were rheumatoid arthritis (RA), undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Forty‐six patients (10.55%) had positive or suspicious extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) antibodies test results and a higher risk of suffering from SARDs. Forty‐seven patients would be missed if the DFS pattern with negative ENA antibodies test result was considered as exclusion criterion of SARDs.

Conclusions

The DFS pattern is basically isolated and with low titer. It is unwise to exclude the diagnosis of SARDs only depending on the appearance of the DFS pattern. Autoimmune diseases‐related antibodies, clinical information of patients, and long‐term follow‐up are of great importance to avoid missed or delayed diagnosis of SARDs.
Application of bone metabolic parameters in the diagnosis of growing pains
Authors: Li Huamei , Wang Bing , He Lin , Tao Ran , Shang Shiqiang
Published: December 2021

Objective

The present study aimed to assess the diagnostic significance of serum bone metabolic parameters in children with growing pains (GPs).

Methods

All patients diagnosed with GP and healthy controls matched with age and gender were recruited at the outpatient clinic of Children's Hospital at Zhejiang University School of Medicine from August 2016 to August 2021. In all subjects, serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), procollagen type‐I N‐terminal (PINP), parathormone (PTH), 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐(OH)D), osteocalcin (OC), N‐terminal cross‐linked telopeptides of type‐I collagen (CTX), and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase type 5b (TRACP5b) were investigated. The univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to identify the bone metabolic parameters factors for diagnosing GP.

Results

We enrolled 386 children with GP and 399 healthy controls in present study. The mean age of GP group was 5.319 years, and, primarily, the subjects were preschool‐age children. The gender ratio (male‐to‐female) was 1.27 in GP group. After adjusting for age and gender, we identified that the serum levels of Ca (p < 0.001, OR: 25.039), P (p = 0.018, OR: 2.681), PINP (p < 0.001, OR: 1.002), and PTH (p = 0.036, OR: 0.988) were independent diagnostic factors associated with GP. Area under curve (AUC) of the ROC curves was in the order: PINP (0.612) > Ca (0.599) > P (0.583) > PTH (0.541). A combination of independent diagnostic factors and multivariable logistic regression analysis provided a refined logistic regression model to improve the diagnostic potential, of which the AUC had reached 0.655.

Conclusions

Serum levels of Ca, P, PINP, and PTH could be independent diagnostic factors associated with GP. The logistic model was significantly superior to bone metabolic parameters for diagnosing GP.
Hsa_circ_0000437 upregulates and promotes disease progression in rheumatic valvular heart disease
Authors: Zhu Linwen , Wang Zhifang , Sun Lebo , Zheng Dawei , Hu Bingchuan , Li Ni , Shao Guofeng
Published: December 2021

Background

Currently, the diagnosis and outcome of rheumatic valvular heart disease (RVHD) are less than ideal, and there are no accurate biomarkers. Circular RNA (circRNA) might participate in the occurrence and development of RVHD.

Materials and methods

We use circRNA microarray to filter out the target has_circ_0000437. qRT‐PCR was used to measure the expression levels of hsa_circ_0000437 in RVHD plasma samples. We assessed the diagnostic value of hsa_circ_0000437 in RVHD. Cell function in vitro experiment was to explore the effect of has_circ_0000437 on RVHD.

Results

Has_circ_0000437 is highly expressed in RVHD (p < 0.001). has_circ_0000437 has the diagnostic value in RVHD. In RVHD, hsa_circ_0000437 can promote cell proliferation and migration but inhibits its apoptosis. This may be due to the combination of has_circ_0000437 and target miRNA in the cytoplasm that affects the progress of RVHD.

Conclusions

Has_circ_0000437 can promote the process of RVHD and may be a potential for the diagnosis and treatment of RVHD.
The hidden breast lesions: A case report of bilateral breast cancer
Authors: Dai Chaochao , Bao Lingyun , Tan Yanjuan , Jiang Chenxiang
Published: December 2021

Bilateral breast cancer (BBC) is rare and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Consequently it is crucial to improve diagnostic performance of breast cancer in the clinical setting. We report a case of BBC in a 66‐year‐old woman and describe the imaging findings, including mammography, hand‐held ultrasound, automated breast ultrasound, anatomical intelligence for breast ultrasound (AI‐breast), and magnetic resonance imaging. Only AI‐breast ultrasound successfully located the two tumors, while other imaging examinations failed to detect the tumor in the right breast.
Physiological and behavioral responses of Orchestia gammarellus (Amphipoda, Talitridae) towards trace elements contamination soil
Authors: Jelassi Raja , Khemaissia Hajer , Ayari Anas , Bohli‐Abderrazek Dhouha , Ghemari Chedliya , Raimond Maryline , Souty‐Grosset Catherine , Nasri‐Ammar Karima
Published: December 2021

Effects of trace elements on the hepatopancreas ultrastructure and on the locomotor activity rhythm were investigated in the amphipod talitrid Orchestia gammarellus collected from Bizerte lagoon banks situated in the north of Tunisia. Animals were exposed to a series of contaminated soil with different concentrations of cadmium and zinc. The locomotor activity rhythm was studied under constant darkness. Histopathological analysis showed that the trace elements, especially the Cd, induced significant changes in the morphology and in the ultrastructural organization of hepatopancreatic cells. The significant alterations obtained were dose dependent. Concerning the behavioral response, results revealed the presence of two components whatever the experimental conditions. In addition, a great inter‐individual variability of the locomotor rhythm was observed. Patterns were in majority bimodal for the control individuals and became unimodal and multimodal when exposed under Cd and Zn, respectively. Furthermore, ultradian and circadian periods were determined. The circadian period lengthened after Zn exposure. In addition, the locomotor activity rhythm was more stable for control individuals. However, those exposed to Cd were less active.
Updating MISEV: Evolving the minimal requirements for studies of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Witwer Kenneth W , Goberdhan Deborah CI , O'Driscoll Lorraine , Théry Clotilde , Welsh Joshua A , Blenkiron Cherie , Buzás Edit I , Di Vizio Dolores , Erdbrügger Uta , Falcón‐Pérez Juan M , Fu Qing‐Ling , Hill Andrew F , Lenassi Metka , Lötvall Jan , Nieuwland Rienk , Ochiya Takahiro , Rome Sophie , Sahoo Susmita , Zheng Lei
Published: December 2021

The minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (EVs, MISEV) is a field‐consensus rigour initiative of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV). The last update to MISEV, MISEV2018, was informed by input from more than 400 scientists and made recommendations in the six broad topics of EV nomenclature, sample collection and pre‐processing, EV separation and concentration, characterization, functional studies, and reporting requirements/exceptions. To gather opinions on MISEV and ideas for new updates, the ISEV Board of Directors canvassed previous MISEV authors and society members. Here, we share conclusions that are relevant to the ongoing evolution of the MISEV initiative and other ISEV rigour and standardization efforts.
Ultrashort Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques: Met and Unmet Needs in Musculoskeletal Imaging
Authors: Afsahi Amir Masoud , Ma Yajun , Jang Hyungseok , Jerban Saeed , Chung Christine B. , Chang Eric Y. , Du Jiang
Published: December 2021

This review article summarizes recent technical developments in ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging of musculoskeletal (MSK) tissues with short‐T2 relaxation times. A series of contrast mechanisms are discussed for high‐contrast morphological imaging of short‐T2 MSK tissues including the osteochondral junction, menisci, ligaments, tendons, and bone. Quantitative UTE mapping of T1, T2*, T1ρ, adiabatic T1ρ, magnetization transfer ratio, MT modeling of macromolecular proton fraction, quantitative susceptibility mapping, and water content is also introduced. Met and unmet needs in MSK imaging are discussed.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
MRA of the Supraaortic Vasculature: Comparison of Gadobutrol and Gadoterate Meglumine at 1.5 T
Authors: Cerne John W. , Pathrose Ashitha , Singer Alyssa M. , Moore Jackson E. , Serhal Ali , Aouad Pascale , Umair Muhammad , Ragin Ann , Allen Bradley D. , Avery Ryan , Markl Michael , Carr James C.
Published: December 2021

Background

Gadobutrol (GB) and gadoterate meglumine (GM) are contrast agents used for contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CEMRA). Supraaortic vasculature (SAV) CEMRAs are used to evaluate stroke risk and neurologic symptoms. There is a need to compare the SAV CEMRA image quality obtained with GB and GM.

Purpose

To intra‐individually compare MRA images obtained with equimolar GB and GM at 1.5 T in the SAV.

Study Type

Prospective, crossover.

Population

Twenty‐eight subjects (54 ± 13 years; 17 female).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T; three‐dimensional (3D) gradient recalled echo.

Assessment

Quantitative image quality was measured by normalized signal intensity (SIn) [SIn = SI blood/SD blood] and contrast ratio (CR) [CR = SI blood/SI muscle], determined by an observer (JWC) with 1 year of vascular imaging experience. Three radiologists (AS, PA, and MU) with (5, 5, and 6 years of) vascular imaging experience evaluated image quality by Likert‐scale ratings (of image impression, wall conspicuity, and artifact absence).

Statistical Tests

SIn and CR were compared with paired t‐tests or Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests and Bland–Altman plots. Qualitative ratings were compared with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

No significant difference in SIn was found between GB and GM. CRs with GB were significantly higher than GM at the right common carotid (6.9 ± 2.5 vs. 4.8 ± 1), left internal carotid (7.3 ± 2 vs. 4.4 ± 1.2), right internal carotid (7.7 ± 2.2 vs. 5 ± 1.1), and left vertebral (6.6 ± 2.2 vs. 4.5 ± 1.1) arteries. Bland–Altman plots showed relatively greater differences between GB and GM at higher CRs and SIns. GM showed significantly higher artifact than GB (3.56 ± 0.52 vs. 3.36 ± 0.46) and significantly lower overall image quality (10.73 ± 1.45 vs. 11.26 ± 1.58) at the left vertebral artery.

Data Conclusion

At 1.5 T and equimolar demonstration, GB (0.1 mL/kg, i.e., 0.1 mmol/kg) showed higher CRs in the SAV compared to GM (0.2 mL/kg, i.e., 0.1 mmol/kg) at most vessels. Subjective image quality was not significantly different between the two agents for most vessels.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Maintenance shelf‐life quality of cocktail tomatoes by using UV‐C illumination and Arabic gum coating
Authors: Kurubas Mehmet S , Yildirim Isilay K , Ali Qasid , Erkan Mustafa
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Arabic gum (AG) coating, UV‐C illumination and its combinations on postharvest quality parameters of cocktail tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Ipekce F1). After harvest, mature green tomatoes were treated with 10% Arabic gum (AG10), 20% AG (AG20), 3.6 kJ m−2 ultraviolet‐C (UV‐C) illumination, 3.6 kJ m−2 UV‐C+AG10 and 3.6 kJ m−2 UV‐C+AG20, and stored at 20 °C for 20 days.

RESULTS

The highest titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS) and the lowest weight loss were obtained in AG20 treatments. Maximum fruit firmness and L* value were in AG20 and UV‐C+AG20 treatment. The greatest h° values were recorded in AG20, UV‐C+AG20 and control group. The highest vitamin C content were obtained from AG20, UV‐C+AG10 and UV‐C+AG20 treated tomatoes. Minimum lycopene content was determined from AG10, AG20, UV‐C+AG10 and UV‐C+AG20 treatments. Maximum chlorophyll content was determined from UV‐C+AG20‐treated tomatoes. AG10, AG20, UV‐C+AG10 and UV‐C+AG20 treatments resulted in lower ethylene emissions as compared to control and UV‐C‐treated tomatoes. AG20, UV‐C+AG10 and UV‐C+AG20 treatments generally had lower values than control and UV‐C in term of respiration rates.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that AG20 treatment effectively maintained the postharvest quality and biochemical properties of cocktail tomatoes as compared to other tested treatments. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Technique to Reduce the Early Recurrence of Intussusception in Ultrasound‐Guided Hydrostatic Reduction
Authors: Yu Feng , Chen Huanhua , Cao Xiaoqing , Mao Weihao , Jiang Shuanglan , Yao Zhiguang , Zhang Min
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Ultrasound‐guided saline enema is highly successful in treating pediatric intussusception; however, early recurrence—within 48 hours—is possible. This study aimed to explore effective methods of reducing early recurrence.

Methods

This study included patients aged 0 to 14 years diagnosed with ileocolic intussusception with a symptom duration of <48 hours from January 2019 to March 2021. The patients were divided into control and intervention groups. All patients received successful treatment with ultrasound‐guided saline enema; however, in patients treated before January 4, 2020 (control group), the intestinal fluid was drained immediately, and in patients treated after January 4, 2020 (intervention group), the intestinal fluid was drained after 15 minutes of intestinal pressure maintenance. Early recurrence rates of the groups were compared.

Results

Ileocolic intussusception was treated successfully by ultrasound‐guided saline enema in 231 patients (116, control group;115, intervention group). The early recurrence rate in the intervention group (10%; 95% CI: 4.9–16.5) was numerically lower than that in the control group (19%; 95% CI: 12.3–27.3). No significant difference was observed in the number of recurrences per person between the groups (P = .448). Patients without early recurrence were older (P = .004) and received enemas of a shorter duration (P < .001) and lower pressure (P < .001) than patients without early recurrence.

Conclusions

Maintaining reduction pressure for 15 minutes after a successful ultrasound‐guided saline enema may reduce the early recurrence of intussusception. A randomized controlled trial is needed because the intervention and control cohorts were most probably incomparable (due to the COVID‐19 pandemic).
Steam reforming of ethanol to hydrogen formation: Kinetic modeling and experimental investigations
Authors: Mosayebi Amir
Published: December 2021

To derive the kinetic model for steam reforming of ethanol, the experiment tests were accomplished at vast working conditions (i.e., temperature: 300–900°C, pressure: 1–11 bar, and H2O/C2H5OH ratio (S/E) of 3–21) on the Ni‐Pt/CeO2 catalyst in a fixed bed reactor. The physicochemical properties of the prepared catalyst were investigated by x‐ray fluorescence, thermal gravimetric analysis x‐ray diffractometer, and N2 adsorption/desorption Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) tests. The kinetic model was developed based on the Langmuir–Freundlich approach, and the proposed mechanism included four reversible reactions on two types of the active site. The values of estimated activation energy for four reactions were in the range of reported values by various workers. The kinetic model error to anticipate the responses was 11.96% and a well forecasted H2 yield compared to other responses. The complete ethanol conversion reached above 700°C at 1 bar pressure irrespective of the S/E value. The variation of CO yield in terms of temperature was very low up to 700°C. An augmentation in S/E, enhanced ethanol conversion and H2 yield, while these trends were reversed for CO yield and CH4 selectivity.
The Prognostic Value of Human Papilloma Virus Infection in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Christianto Stephanus , Li Kar Yan , Huang Ting Hsiang , Su Yu‐Xiong
Published: December 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection has been confirmed as a favorable prognostic factor in oropharyngeal cancer. However, the prognostic value of HPV in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still unclear. Therefore, a systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of HPV infection in OSCC patients.

Study Design

Systematic literature review with meta‐analysis.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and secondary outcomes were local control (LC), regional control (RC), and distant control (DC).

Results

A total of 22 articles with 3065 OSCC patients were included in this study. Meta‐analysis demonstrated that compared to HPV‐negative OSCC patients, HPV‐positive OSCC patients had a significantly shorter OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.45, 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.10–1.93) and lower DC (HR = 2.16, 95% CI, 1.54–3.04). There was no significant difference in DFS (HR = 1.20, 95% CI, 0.63–2.26), DSS (HR = 1.20, 95% CI, 0.63–2.26), LC (HR = 1.44, 95% CI, 0.97–2.14), and RC (HR = 1.50, 95% CI, 0.98–2.30) between HPV‐positive and negative OSCC patients. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the above results.

Conclusions

Our systematic review and meta‐analysis reveal that HPV‐positive is associated with significantly decreased OS and DC, suggesting HPV infection is an adverse prognostic factor in OSCC. Laryngoscope, 132:1760–1770, 2022