bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploitation of a novel slowly mutating Y‐STRs set and evaluation of slowly mutating Y‐STRs plus Y‐SNPs typing strategy in forensic genetics and evolutionary research
Authors: Liu Jing , Ming Tianyue , Lang Min , Liu Hai , Xie Minkun , Li Jienan , Wang Mengge , Song Feng , He Guanglin , Wang Shouyu , Wang Zheng , Hou Yiping
Published: January 2021

The Y‐chromosome short tandem repeats (Y‐STRs) loci with different mutation rates existing in the Y chromosome non‐recombination region (NRY) allow to be applied in human forensics, genealogical researches, historical investigations and evolutionary studies. Currently, there is a high demand for pedigree search to narrow the scope of crime investigations. However, the commonly used Y‐STRs kits generally contain Y‐STRs with high mutation rates that could cause individuals from the same pedigree to display different haplotypes. Herein, we put forward a new strategy of Slowly Mutating (SM) Y‐STRs plus Y‐SNPs typing, which could not only improve the resolution and accuracy of pedigree search, but also be applicable to evolutionary research. First, we developed a nine SM Y‐STRs assay by evaluating their mutation rates in 210 pedigrees. Then the gene diversity and efficiency of the SM Y‐STRs and 172 Y‐SNPs sets were investigated by 2304 unrelated males from 24 populations. Furthermore, network and time estimation analyses were performed to evaluate the new strategy's capability to reconstruct phylogenetic tree and reliability to infer the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA). The nine SM Y‐STRs assay even had a higher resolution and a comparable capacity of revealing population genetic differentiation compared to 172 Y‐SNPs system. This new strategy could optimize the phylogenetic tree generated by commonly used Y‐STR panels and obtain a quite consistent time estimations with the published dating.
Neurodevelopmental origins of self‐limiting rolandic epilepsy: Systematic review of MR imaging studies
Authors: Smith Stuart D. W. , Smith Anna B. , Richardson Mark P. , Pal Deb K.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Recent neuroimaging studies have revealed differences in cortical and white matter brain structure in children with self‐limiting rolandic epilepsy (RE). Despite this, reproducibility of the findings has been difficult, and there is no consensus about where and when structural differences are most apparent. We performed a systematic review of quantitative neuroimaging studies in children with RE to explore these questions.

Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines, we used a multilayered search strategy to identify neuroimaging studies in RE. Publications were included if they were quantitative and derived from controlled group studies and passed a quality assessment. Findings of the studies were presented and stratified by duration of epilepsy and age of participants.

Results

We identified six gray matter studies and five white matter studies. Consistent findings were found inside and outside the central sulcus, predominantly within the bilateral frontal and parietal lobes, striatal structures, such as the putamen and white matter, mainly involving the left superior longitudinal fasciculus and connections between the left pre‐ and postcentral gyrus. Stratification of the T1 studies by age found that cortical thickness differences varied between the under and over 10 year olds. Furthermore, the longer the duration of epilepsy, the less likely differences were detected. In white matter studies, there was a reduction in differences with increased age and duration of epilepsy.

Significance

These findings would suggest that the development of regions of the cortex in children with RE is abnormal. These regions are more widespread than the suspected seizure onset zone. Moreover, the findings would suggest that these differences are evidence of neurodevelopmental delay rather than apparent “damage” from the epilepsy.
Ground target finding mechanism for unmanned aerial vehicles to secure crop field data
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Ammad , Ayaz Muhammad , Mansour Ali , Aggoune El‐Hadi M. , El Fawal Ahmad Hani , Razzak Imran
Published: January 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being used in many military and civil applications while their use along wireless sensors is emerging abruptly as it upgrades the network in terms of reliability, lifetime, and connectivity. The system performance and throughput can be further enhanced if the UAVs in use are capable to locate ground sensor nodes as a means to address them smartly. In typically localization, the direction of arrival of incoming signals from a target node is measured by using a uniformed linear array (ULA) of antennas having signal processing capabilities. However, adding numerous antennas (transmitter receivers set) on a UAV is an extra burden which ultimately effects its speed, flight time, agility, and payload capacity. Considering the issue, a typical ULA antenna system is modeled by using virtual phased array (VPA) antenna. In the proposed VPA, a single antenna installed on a moving UAV will achieve the desire results. The well‐known multiple signal classification algorithm is modified to adapt this virtual antenna system. Four extra modules including calibrator, virtual antenna, rectifier, and adjustment are added in classical multiple signal classification algorithm to make it enable to work with single antenna. The proposed system mitigates the existing challenges of physical ULA and improves system throughput. Furthermore, due to its virtualness, VPA can adjust the number of antenna elements and interelement spacing, which adds multifrequency support and adaptive precision mechanism. A simulation model is developed in MATLAB to verify the performance of the VPA where the proposed system is evaluated against different scenarios with a varying number of parameters. It is found that VPA gives the same resolution and precision as a physical ULA antenna but it is more flexible, user‐friendly, cost‐effective, reliable, and most importantly, does not affect the UAV characteristics.
Knowledge creation and mobility in and through futures workshops
Authors: Heino Hanna
Published: January 2021

Participatoryfutures workshopsare commonly used to create future‐oriented knowledge. It is essential to understand how to managefutures knowledgeto benefit from it and utilize it; however, it is unclear how theknowledge creationprocess is developed in futures workshops and how the created futures knowledge is mobilized by participants. These questions were answered by an empirical study using participant observation and interview methods. The results showed that futures knowledge is socially constructed through several processes, but individually interpreted, and that individual understanding and personal contacts are vital for knowledge mobilization.
A Theoretical Study on Terpene‐Based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent: Relationship between Viscosity and Hydrogen‐Bonding Interactions
Authors: Fan Chen , Liu Yang , Sebbah Tarik , Cao Xueli
Published: January 2021

The aim of this work is to shed light on the origins of unique properties by studying the relationship between viscosity and hydrogen‐bonding interactions of terpene‐based natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). Five systems including camphor/formic acid, menthol/acetic acid, menthol/β‐citronellol, menthol/lactic acid, and thymol/β‐citronellol are prepared (molar ratio 1:1). Their structures and nature of the associated hydrogen bonds are investigated through multiple methods and theories. The viscosity of NADES is consistent with the product of hydrogen‐bond number and lifetime. Through visualization of non‐covalent interactions, terpene‐acid‐based NADES with single sites show the lowest viscosity among the studied systems because of weak and unstable hydrogen bonding. Inversely, multi‐site terpene‐acid‐based NADES possess relatively high viscosity. Owing to the stability of hydrogen bonds in the network, the terpene‐terpene‐based system is in the middle level of viscosity. In‐depth analysis of these hydrogen bonds shows that they can be classified as “weak to medium” and are mainly derived from electrostatic interactions. Moreover, there is an obvious connection between viscosity and hydrogen‐bonding strength (integrated core‐valence bifurcation index) in the networks. The discovery of intrinsic rules between viscosity and hydrogen‐bonding interactions is beneficial for the design of novel low‐viscosity NADES in the future.
Sedimentary unknowns constrain the current use of frequency analysis of radiocarbon data sets in forming regional models of demographic change
Authors: Ward Ingrid , Larcombe Piers
Published: January 2021

Statistical manipulation of large radiometric data sets (big data) is increasingly applied to those grand challenges in archaeology that relate to past human‐behavioural dynamics and includes frequency analysis of radiocarbon ages (summed probability distributions [SPDs]). Australian SPD studies use the radiocarbon database “AustArch” to examine regional‐ and continental‐scale demographic change. We review Australian studies, focussing on sampling bias and taphonomic bias, finding that (i) time‐averaged radiometric data cannot simply be correlated across regions, and (ii) sedimentology imposes genuine constraints upon what can be known. Internationally, flaws in SPD use occur in all main research phases, and most importantly, at the initial phase of defining research questions, logic and general approach. Major problems stem from not planning to obtain a sound understanding of the variability of past sedimentary environments, potential occupation sites and site formation processes. Thus, cultural inferences are too often made from archaeological data without due consideration of the natural processes that may explain the data. Highlighting exemplar studies, we present practical approaches to improve SPD use for exploring changes in demography, aimed at reducing uncertainties and reconnecting archaeological, chronological, geological and sedimentary data. Most important is to increase understanding of physical processes and their control on the archaeological record.
Single‐cell transcriptomic profiling of satellite glial cells in stellate ganglia reveals developmental and functional axial dynamics
Authors: van Weperen Valerie Y. H. , Littman Russell J. , Arneson Douglas V. , Contreras Jaime , Yang Xia , Ajijola Olujimi A.
Published: January 2021

Stellate ganglion neurons, important mediators of cardiopulmonary neurotransmission, are surrounded by satellite glial cells (SGCs), which are essential for the function, maintenance, and development of neurons. However, it remains unknown whether SGCs in adult sympathetic ganglia exhibit any functional diversity, and what role this plays in modulating neurotransmission. We performed single‐cell RNA sequencing of mouse stellate ganglia (n = 8 animals), focusing on SGCs (n = 11,595 cells). SGCs were identified by high expression of glial‐specific transcripts, S100b and Fabp7. Microglia and Schwann cells were identified by expression of C1qa/C1qb/C1qc and Ncmap/Drp2, respectively, and excluded from further analysis. Dimensionality reduction and clustering of SGCs revealed six distinct transcriptomic subtypes, one of which was characterized the expression of pro‐inflammatory markers and excluded from further analyses. The transcriptomic profiles and corresponding biochemical pathways of the remaining subtypes were analyzed and compared with published astrocytic transcriptomes. This revealed gradual shifts of developmental and functional pathways across the subtypes, originating from an immature and pluripotent subpopulation into two mature populations of SGCs, characterized by upregulated functional pathways such as cholesterol metabolism. As SGCs aged, these functional pathways were downregulated while genes and pathways associated with cellular stress responses were upregulated. These findings were confirmed and furthered by an unbiased pseudo‐time analysis, which revealed two distinct trajectories involving the five subtypes that were studied. These findings demonstrate that SGCs in mouse stellate ganglia exhibit transcriptomic heterogeneity along maturation or differentiation axes. These subpopulations and their unique biochemical properties suggest dynamic physiological adaptations that modulate neuronal function.
The intergenerational effects of socioeconomic inequality on unhealthy bodyweight
Authors: Balasooriya Namal N. , Bandara Jayatilleke S. , Rohde Nicholas
Published: January 2021

We study the effects of inherited socioeconomic characteristics on markers of unhealthy bodyweight. Taking Australian microdata from 2007 to 2013, we show that approximately 4% of the variation in outcomes is determined by factors beyond an individual's control, such as their race, gender, and social class. Paternal socioeconomic status is the primary explanatory factor, with those born to more affluent fathers slightly less likely to be overweight in adulthood. Decompositions reveal that only 20%–25% of this effect is attributable to advantaged families exhibiting better health behaviors, which implies that unobserved factors also play an important role. Since diseases associated with unhealthy weight place a major strain on public healthcare systems, our results have implications for the provision of treatment when resources are constrained.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 prevalence in 1170 asymptomatic Norwegian conscripts
Authors: Borud Einar Kristian , Nakstad Espen Rostrup , Håberg Siri Eldevik , Lind Andreas , Fadum Elin Anita , Taxt Arne Michael , Steens Anneke , Gjein Gaute Eriksen , Sunde Magne Wiken , Iversen Petter , Svanevik Marius , Ahmad Babar Mushtaq , Waldow Thomas , Norheim Arne Johan
Published: January 2021

Background

Accurate estimates of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in different population groups are important for the health authorities. In Norway, public infection control measures have successfully curbed the pandemic. However, military training and service are incompatible with these measures; therefore extended infection control measures were implemented in the Norwegian Armed Forces. We aimed to describe these measures, discuss their value, and investigate the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) prevalence and seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2, as well as changes in antibody titer levels over the 6‐week military training period in a young, asymptomatic population of conscripts.

Methods

In April 2020, 1170 healthy conscripts (median age 20 years) enrolled in military training. Extended infection control measures included a pre‐enrollment telephone interview, self‐imposed quarantine, questionnaires, and serial SARS‐CoV‐2 testing. At enrollment, questionnaires were used to collect information on symptoms, and SARS‐CoV‐2 rapid antibody testing was conducted. Serial SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR and serology testing were used to estimate the prevalence of confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 and monitor titer levels at enrollment, and 3 and 6 weeks thereafter.

Results

At enrollment, only 0.2% of conscripts were SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR‐positive, and seroprevalence was 0.6%. Serological titer levels increased nearly 5‐fold over the 6‐week observation period. Eighteen conscripts reported mild respiratory symptoms during the 2 weeks prior to enrollment (all were PCR‐negative; one was serology‐positive), whereas 17 conscripts reported respiratory symptoms and nine had fever at enrollment (all were PCR‐ and serology‐negative).

Conclusions

The prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 was less than 1% in our sample of healthy Norwegian conscripts. Testing of asymptomatic conscripts seems of no value in times of low COVID‐19 prevalence. SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titer levels increased substantially over time in conscripts with mild symptoms.
Biogeography based optimization for mining rules to assess credit risk
Authors: Giri Parimal Kumar , De Sagar S. , Dehuri Sachidananda , Cho Sung‐Bae
Published: January 2021

Financial institutions, by and large, rely on the use of machine learning techniques to improve the classic credit risk assessment model for reduction of costs, delivery of faster decisions, guaranteed credit collections, and risk mitigations. As such, several data mining and machine learning approaches have been developed for computation of credit scores over the last few decades. Moreover, the existing rule‐based classification algorithms tend to generate a number of rules with a large number of conditions in the antecedent part. However, these algorithms fail to demonstrate high predictive accuracy while balancing coverage and simplicity. Thus, it becomes quite a challenging task for the researchers to generate an optimal rule set with high predictive accuracy. In this paper, we present an effective rule based classification technique for the prediction of credit risk using a novel Biogeography Based Optimization (BBO) method. The novel BBO in the context of rule mining is named as locally and globally tuned biogeography based rule‐miner (LGBBO‐RuleMiner). This is applied for discovering optimal rule set with high predictive accuracy from the dataset containing both the categorical and continuous attributes. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared against a variety of rule‐miners such as OneR (1R), PART, JRip, Decision Table, Conjunctive Rule, J48, and Random Tree, along with some meta‐heuristic based rule mining techniques by considering two credit risk datasets obtained from University of California, Irvine (UCI) repository. It is found from the comparative study that the proposed rule miner in ten independent runs of ten‐fold cross validation outperforms all of the aforesaid algorithms in terms of predictive accuracy, coverage, and simplicity.
Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of methomyl, carbaryl, metalaxyl, and pendimethalin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Saquib Quaiser , Siddiqui Maqsood A. , Ansari Sabiha M. , Alwathnani Hend A. , Musarrat Javed , Al‐Khedhairy Abdulaziz A.
Published: January 2021

Pesticides have adverse effects on the cellular functionality, which may trigger myriad of health consequences. However, pesticides‐mediated toxicity in the endothelial cells (ECs) is still elusive. Hence, in this study, we have used human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as a model to quantify the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of four pesticides (methomyl, carbaryl, metalaxyl, and pendimethalin). In the MTT assay, HUVECs exposed to methomyl, carbaryl, metalaxyl, and pendimethalin demonstrated significant proliferation inhibition only at higher concentrations (500 and 1000 μM). Likewise, neutral red uptake (NRU) assay also showed proliferation inhibition of HUVECs at 500 and 1000 μM by the four pesticides, confirming lysosomal fragility. HUVECs exposed to the four pesticides significantly increased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Comet assay and flow cytometric data exhibited DNA damage and apoptotic cell death in HUVECs after 24 h of exposure with methomyl, metalaxyl, carbaryl, and pendimethalin. This is a first study on HUVECs signifying the cytotoxic–genotoxic and apoptotic potential of carbamate insecticides (methomyl and carbaryl), fungicide (metalaxyl), and herbicide (pendimethalin). Overall, these pesticides may affect ECs functions and angiogenesis; nonetheless, mechanistic studies are warranted from the perspective of vascular biology using in vivo test models.
Full‐field optical multi‐functional angiography based on endogenous hemodynamic characteristics
Authors: Guan Caizhong , Yi Min , Du Qianyi , Xiong Honglian , Tan Haishu , Wang Mingyi , Zeng Yaguang
Published: January 2021

Blood flow functional imaging is widely applied in biological research to provide vascular morphological and statistical parameters. It relies on the absorption difference and is, therefore, easily affected by complex biological structures, and it cannot accommodate abundant functional information. We propose a full‐field multi‐functional angiography method to classify arteriovenous vessels and to display flow velocity and vascular diameter distribution simultaneously. Unlike previous methods, an under‐sampled laser Doppler acquisition mode is used to record the low‐coherence speckle, and multi‐functional angiography is achieved by modulating the endogenous hemodynamic characteristics from low‐coherence speckle. To demonstrate the combination of classified angiography, blood flow velocity measurement, and vascular diameter measurement realized using our method, we performed experiments on the flow phantom and living chicken embryos and generated multi‐functional angiograms. The proposed method can be used as a label‐free multi‐functional angiography technique in which red blood cells provide a strong endogenous source of naturally hemodynamic characteristics.
Bone formation at Ti‐6Al‐7Nb scaffolds consisting of 3D honeycomb frame and diamond‐like carbon coating implanted into the femur of beagles
Authors: Kawaguchi Masahito , Segawa Ayumu , Shintani Kazuhiro , Nakamura Yuka , Ishigaki Yasuhito , Yonezawa Katsutaka , Sasamoto Takeshi , Kaneuji Ayumi , Kawahara Norio
Published: January 2021

We fabricated Ti‐6Al‐7Nb bone scaffolds with 5 mm diameter and 20 mm length comprise of a three‐dimensional (3D) honeycomb frame structure of truncated octahedra created by selective laser sintering 3D printing. The honeycomb frame was then coated with 0.1 μm thick diamond‐like carbon (DLC) to increase biocompatibility. A round rod of Ti‐6Al‐7Nb alloy (ASTM F1295) was as a control material. They were implanted into the femur bones of beagles to evaluate bone morphometrics and to investigate changes in the transcriptome of the new bone tissue using DNA microarray analysis and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the present report, the 3D honeycomb material with and without DLC film consisting of a‐C:H is referred to as 3D_a‐C:H and 3D_non, respectively. At 3 weeks after implantation, the 3D_non had more contact between the new and artificial bones compared with the control, and the 3D_a‐C:H had more contact between the new and artificial bones compared with the control and 3D_non. Furthermore, 3D_a‐C:H showed even more new bone compared with the control and 3D_non. At 8 weeks after implantation, more appeared lamellar bone with the 3D_a‐C:H implant than those with the control and 3D_non. The real‐time PCR results at 1 week of implantation revealed higher expression levels of VEGF, RANKL, and NOTCH2 expression with 3D_a‐C:H than with 3D_non and control. As a result of real‐time PCR at 2 weeks of implantation, OPN and CTSK expressions were found to be higher with 3D_a‐C:H and 3D_non than that with the control.
Kinetics and thermodynamics adsorption of Oxazepam drug on the multi‐walled carbon nanotube
Authors: Mohammadi Majid , Vadi Mehdi , Bagehri Narges , Shekoohi Khadijeh , Younessi Floura
Published: January 2021

Nowadays, it is admitted to using of suitable carrier results in improving drug delivery such as nanotubes. So, multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) has been proposed as a carrier (adsorbent) to improve the neurological Oxazepam (OZ) drug delivery. Freundlich, Temkin, and Langmuir isotherm models have been used in order to do assay adsorption of the OZ on the MWCNT. The maximum value of the isotherm constant (b = 0.14 L/mg) at 303 K temperature indicates stronger (better) adsorption of the OZ on the MWCNT surface in low concentrations (20 mg/L) and acidic pH; in fact, increasing of pH led to decreasing adsorption (60 → 35.91 mg/g) and dehydrogenation of the OZ drug. Reaching to the equilibrium state after 90 min and negative value of the ∆H (−41.57 kJ/mol) shows that the OZ adsorption has fast kinetic and exothermic processes. These issues imply depending of the OZ adsorption on the OZ concentration and the weight of adsorbent in the adsorption process.
Syntheses, structural diversity, and selective luminescence sensing of three Co(II)/Cd(II) metal–organic frameworks composed of carboxylic acids and nitrogen‐rich mixed ligands
Authors: Xin Lingyun , Ju Fengyang , Zheng Lei , Liu Guang‐Zhen
Published: January 2021

By adopting mixed‐ligand strategy, three Co(II)/Cd(II) metal–organic frameworks were prepared by hydrothermal reactions of Co(II)/Cd(II) acetate with 1,2‐phenylenediacetic acid or 1,3‐phenylenediacetic acid(1,2‐H2phda/1,3‐H2phda) combining with two imidazolyl/trazol/pyridyl‐type tectons, namely, {[Co(1,2‐phda)(bip)(H2O)2]·0.25H2O}n (1), {[Cd0.5(1,2‐phda)0.5(bip)0.5(H2O)0.5]·0.5H2O}n (2) and [Cd2(1,3‐phda)2(itmb)2]n (3) (bip = 3,5‐bis(1‐imidazoly)pyridine and itmb = 1‐(imidazo‐1‐ly)‐4‐(1,2,4‐trazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene). The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses show that three compounds contain various metal(II)‐carboxylate motifs, including carboxylate mononuclear (1), carboxylate chain (2), and carboxylate layer (3), which are further extended by two kinds of coligands to afford a vast diversity of the structures from 3‐connected {63}‐hcb topology (1), (4,4) grids layer (2) to 6‐connected {412·63} pcu topology (3). Furthermore, the photoluminescences of both Cd(II) complexes exhibit highly selective sensing of Fe3+ ion through fluorescence quenching, and may be used as a potential Fe3+ sensor material.
Quality of life in patients of corrosive esophageal stricture treated with endoscopic dilatation
Authors: Anand Naveen , Sharma Akhilesh , Shah Jimil , Kochhar Rakesh , Singh Shubh Mohan
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

Caustic ingestion is associated with long‐term sequelae in the form of esophageal and/or gastric cicatrization requiring endoscopic or surgical intervention. Quality of life (QoL) and disability in patients with caustic‐induced sequelae is less explored.

Methods

In this prospective study, we included consecutive patients with symptomatic caustic‐induced esophageal stricture undergoing endoscopic dilatation. QoL was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQoL‐BREF). Disability was measured using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). Subjective dysphagia score was calculated by Likert scale.

Results

A total of 42 patients were included in the study; 25 (59.5%) patients were male. Patients had poor WHOQoL‐BREF and WHODAS scores compared to normality data in all domains of the scores among both the genders. A majority (66.7%) of patients had a current psychiatric diagnosis, with the most common being mood disorder (50%) followed by suicidality (45.2%). Males had a higher prevalence of a previous psychiatric diagnosis compared to females, while females had a higher prevalence of suicidality. Dysphagia score had strong correlation with the WHOQoL (r = −0.66; P < 0.01) and WHODAS (r = 0.71; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Patients with esophageal stricture due to caustic ingestion on long‐term endoscopic dilatation have poor QoL, high prevalence of psychological morbidity, and disability.
Usefulness of self‐expandable metal stents for malignant biliary obstruction using a short‐type single‐balloon enteroscope in patients with surgically altered anatomy
Authors: Tanisaka Yuki , Ryozawa Shomei , Mizuide Masafumi , Fujita Akashi , Ogawa Tomoya , Tashima Tomoaki , Noguchi Tatsuya , Suzuki Masahiro , Katsuda Hiromune , Araki Ryuichiro
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) using a short‐type single‐balloon enteroscopy (short SBE) in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA).

Methods

The technical success rate, clinical success rate, recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), time to RBO (TRBO), procedure related adverse events, and reintervention after RBO were evaluated from September 2011 to June 2020.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients (11 patients with distal MBO and 26 with hilar MBO) who underwent SEMS placement were included in the analysis. The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 94.6%. Seven patients underwent bilateral stenting (partial stent‐in‐stent placement) for hilar MBO. The RBO rate was 13.5% (5/37) and the median TRBO was 212 (interquartile range [IQR], 154‐296) days. No food impaction occurred in this study. Procedure related adverse events occurred in 5.4% (2/37) of cases. Reintervention was attempted in five patients and all succeeded (four patients underwent SEMS replacement, and one underwent plastic stent placement).

Conclusions

SEMS placement for unresectable MBO using a short SBE in patients with SAA is effective and safe in similar ways to that in patients with normal anatomy in terms of bilateral stenting, stent patency, and reintervention.
Automation of Quantifying Axonal Loss in Patients with Peripheral Neuropathies through Deep Learning Derived Muscle Fat Fraction
Authors: Chen Yongsheng , Moiseev Daniel , Kong Wan Yee , Bezanovski Alexandar , Li Jun
Published: January 2021

Background

Axonal loss denervates muscle, leading to an increase of fat accumulation in the muscle. Therefore, fat fraction (FF) in whole limb muscle using MRI has emerged as a monitoring biomarker for axonal loss in patients with peripheral neuropathies. In this study, we are testing whether deep learning‐based model can automate quantification of the FF in individual muscles. While individual muscle is smaller with irregular shape, manually segmented muscle MRI images have been accumulated in this lab; and make the deep learning feasible.

Purpose

To automate segmentation on muscle MRI images through deep learning for quantifying individual muscle FF in patients with peripheral neuropathies.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

24 patients and 19 healthy controls.

Field Strength/Sequences

3T; Interleaved 3D GRE.

Assessment

A 3D U‐Net model was implemented in segmenting muscle MRI images. This was enabled by leveraging a large set of manually segmented muscle MRI images. B1+ and B1− maps were used to correct image inhomogeneity. Accuracy of the automation was evaluated using Pixel Accuracy (PA), Dice Coefficient (DC) in binary masks; and Bland‐Altman and Pearson correlation by comparing FF values between manual and automated methods.

Statistical Tests

PA and DC were reported with their median value and standard deviation. Two methods were compared using the ± 95% confidence intervals (CI) of Bland‐Altman analysis and the Pearson’s coefficient (r2).

Results

DC values were from 0.83 ± 0.17 to 0.98 ± 0.02 in thigh and from 0.63 ± 0.18 to 0.96 ± 0.02 in calf muscles. For FF values, the overall ± 95% CI and r2 were [0.49, –0.56] and 0.989 in thigh and [0.84, –0.71] and 0.971 in the calf.

Data Conclusion

Automated results well agreed with the manual results in quantifying FF for individual muscles. This method mitigates the formidable time consumption and intense labor in manual segmentations; and enables the use of individual muscle FF as outcome measures in upcoming longitudinal studies.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Differential proteome analysis of the leaves of lead hyperaccumulator, Rhoeo discolor (L. Her.) Hance
Authors: Enot Melania M. , Weiland Florian , Mittal Parul , Hoffmann Peter , Sillero‐Mahinay Myrna , Pukala Tara
Published: January 2021

The present study investigated Rhoeo discolor (L. Her.) Hance for its ability to accumulate Pb, which is of relevance to phytoremediation applications. Based on this analysis, plants were found to accumulate greater than 10 mg/g (0.1%) of dry weight Pb in the shoots, which classifies the plant a Pb hyperaccumulator. Further, changes in the leaf proteome profiles in response to Pb stress were investigated. Wild‐type plants were subjected to a high concentration of Pb(NO3)2, and the levels of Pb that accumulated in different plant tissues were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Using 2D‐difference gel electrophoresis, 181 protein spots were detected to be differentially abundant in response to Pb stress and selected spots exhibiting the strongest differential abundance suggested an impairment of the photosynthetic apparatus of the plant under Pb stress. Subsequently, a more extensive, proteome wide analysis utilizing label‐free quantitation further identified a predominant decrease in protein levels and a significant effect on the nuclear proteome, as well as photosynthesis, carbon fixation and metabolism, providing insight into the Pb tolerance of this system in a potential phytoremediation context.
Collision energies on QTof and Orbitrap instruments: How to make proteomics measurements comparable?
Authors: Szabó Dániel , Schlosser Gitta , Vékey Károly , Drahos László , Révész Ágnes
Published: January 2021

Quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QTof) collision‐induced dissociation (CID) and Orbitrap higher‐energy collisional dissociation (HCD) are the most commonly used fragmentation techniques in mass spectrometry‐based proteomics workflows. The information content of the MS/MS spectra is first and foremost determined by the applied collision energy. How can we set up the two instrument types to achieve maximum transferability? To answer this question, we compared MS/MS spectra obtained on a Bruker QTof CID and a Thermo Q‐Exactive Focus Orbitrap HCD instrument as a function of collision energy using the similarity index. Results show that with a few eV lower collision energy setting on HCD (Orbitrap‐specific CID) than on QTof CID, nearly identical MS/MS spectra can be obtained for leucine enkephalin pentapeptide standard, for selected +2 and +3 enolase tryptic peptides and for a large number of peptides in a HeLa protein digest. The Bruker QTof was able to produce colder ions, which may be significant to study inherently labile compounds. Further, we examined energy dependence of peptide identification confidence, as characterized by Mascot scores, on the HeLa peptides. In line with earlier QTof results, this dependence shows one or two maxima (unimodal or bimodal behavior) on Orbitrap. The fraction of bimodal peptides is lower on Orbitrap. Optimal energies as a function of m/z show a similar linear trend on both instruments, which suggests that with appropriate collision energy adjustment, matching conditions for proteomics can be achieved. Data have been deposited in the MassIVE repository (MSV000086434).
Benchmark estimate of the effect of anthropogenic emissions on the ocean surface
Authors: Stone Dáithí A. , Pall Pardeep
Published: January 2021

Investigations into the role of anthropogenic emissions in the occurrence of extreme weather often use a method that compares simulations of atmospheric climate models run under a factual scenario of historical boundary conditions observed during the period of the event against simulations run under a counterfactual scenario of what those boundary conditions might naturally have been over that same period in the absence of anthropogenic emissions. A particular requirement for this experiment design is an accurate estimation of ocean surface boundary conditions for use by the counterfactual natural simulations. Here we use output from the CMIP5 multi‐climate‐model archive to develop a robust estimate of sea surface temperatures and sea ice conditions for use in counterfactual natural simulations, intended as a benchmark estimate to facilitate comparison across climate models and across studies. This development includes tests to ensure that the final estimate is stable from year‐to‐year and stable against other perturbations to the methodology, as well as consideration of the strengths and weaknesses in comparison to other available attributable warming estimates. While this estimate is tailored specifically for the International CLIVAR C20C+ Detection and Attribution Project, it can be used by related projects as well.
Refinement of spectra using a deep neural network: Fully automated removal of noise and background
Authors: Gebrekidan Medhanie Tesfay , Knipfer Christian , Braeuer Andreas Siegfried
Published: January 2021

We report the potential of U‐Net deep neural network for the efficient removal of noise and background from raw Raman spectra. The U‐Net method was first trained on simulated spectra and then tested with experimental spectra. The quality of the test results was quantified via different signal‐to‐noise ratios and the structural similarity index metric. The U‐Net recovered Raman spectra feature a high structural similarity index, even for raw spectra that were dominated by background. The U‐Net model does not rely on any human intervention.
A green molecular imprinted solid‐phase extraction protocol for bisphenol A monitoring with HPLC‐UV to guarantee the quality and safety of walnuts under different storage conditions
Authors: Kalogiouri Natasa P. , Pritsa Agathi , Kabir Abuzar , Furton Kenneth G. , Samanidou Victoria F.
Published: January 2021

Monitoring the residual toxicant concentrations in foods is the key step for minimizing potential hazards. The huge interest about food contamination and exposure to endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A has emerged the development of sensitive analytical methodologies to guarantee the safety and quality of foods. In this work, a green molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction protocol coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection was optimized following the principles of green analytical chemistry. An imprinted sol–gel silica‐based hybrid inorganic–organic polymeric sorbent was used to monitor the leaching of bisphenol A from different packaging materials (glass vessels, cans, and polypropylene containers) in walnuts stored within a period of 6 months at 25 and 4°C. Extraction parameters including loading time (5–20 min), solvent type (acetonitrile, ethanol, methanol, acetone, acetonitrile:methanol, 50:50, v/v), and elution flow rate (0.2–1 mL/min) were optimized with one‐factor‐at‐a‐time method. The selected extraction optimum parameters incorporated elution with acetonitrile at 0.2 mL/min flow rate, for 10 min sample holding time. The imprinting factor was equal to 4.55 ± 0.26 (n = 3). The optimized method presented high recovery (94.3 ± 4.2%, n = 3), good linearity (>0.999), intra‐assay repeatability (90.2–95.6%, n = 3), and interassay precision (86.7–93.1%, n = 3).
Utility of 80‐MHz Ultrasound Biomicroscopy and Lacrimal Endoscopy in Chronic Lacrimal Canaliculitis
Authors: Luo Ban , Qi Xin
Published: January 2021

Lacrimal canaliculitis (LC) is a rare infection of lacrimal passage, which is usually late diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Traditional lacrimal system tests barely provide a clear and definite understanding of the pathological changes in lacrimal passage. We presented three patients with asymptomatic and atypical symptoms who were misdiagnosed and were eventually diagnosed with chronic LC with assistance of 80‐MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy (80‐MHz UBM) and lacrimal endoscopy. To our knowledge, the mutual assistance of above two techniques diagnosing LC has never been reported, it can provide better images and observations of the canaliculus from the inside out and can guide the differential diagnosis.
Level of Foxp3, DNMTs, methylation of Foxp3 promoter region, and CD4 + CD25 + CD127low regulatory T cells in vulvar lichen sclerosus
Authors: Wang Lin , Yi Jin‐Ling , Chen Hai‐Yan , Wang Pei‐Liang , Shen Yan‐Li
Published: January 2021

This study is to investigate the pathogenesis of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) by analyzing the level of Foxp3, DNMTs, methylation of Foxp3 promoter region, and CD4 + CD25 + CD127low Regulatory T cells (Tregs). This study enrolled 15 VLS patients and 25 controls. Lesional and extralesional vulvar skin tissues, normal vulvar skin tissues and peripheral blood were collected. Compared with the control group, Foxp3 protein in the lesional and extralesional skin of VLS group was significantly reduced. The levels of DNMT1 and DNMT3b proteins in lesional skin of VLS group were significantly increased. There was no difference in the total methylation rates of the promoter region of the Foxp3 gene. The methylation rates of CpG1, CpG4, CpG9, and CpG10 were significantly higher in lesional skin of VLS group than in control group. There was no correlation between the total methylation rates of 10 CpG sites and the level of Foxp3 and DNMT1 proteins; there was a positive correlation between Foxp3 and DNMT1 protein in lesional skin of VLS group (r = 0.675, p < 0.05), and a negative correlation (r = −0.665, p < 0.05) in extralesional skin of VLS group. However, there was no correlation of Foxp3 with DNMT3b. The number of CD4 + CD25 + CD127low Tregs VLS decreased significantly. The expression of Foxp3 protein and the quantity of CD4 + CD25 + CD127low Tregs in patients with VLS decreased, which may cause local or systemic abnormal immunosuppression of Tregs, leading to the occurrence of VLS. This may be related with methylation or DNMT1, which needs further verification.
One Hundred Cases of Localized Laryngeal Amyloidosis ‐ Evidence for Future Management
Authors: Harris Georgina , Lachmann Helen , Hawkins Philip , Sandhu Guri
Published: January 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

To update the current understanding of localized laryngeal amyloidosis by analyzing the NHS National Amyloidosis Database and to further clarify the important ongoing management issues.

Study Design

Retrospective review, case series.

Methods

Patients with laryngeal amyloid were identified from the database of the NHS National Amyloidosis Center, UCL, Royal Free Hospital, London between 2000 and 2017. Patient demographics and disease profile were collated, including the exact location of amyloid deposit, treatments if any, and progression of disease.

Results

One hundred and three patients with localized laryngeal amyloid where identified from the database, with a mean age of 54 at diagnosis and female to male ratio of 54:49. Three patients were excluded from further analysis due to limited database information. The majority of amyloid was found in either the supraglottis (44) or glottis (53) but all the laryngeal subsites were involved. One‐third of the patients (34) had amyloid in more than one laryngeal subsite. No patients were found to progress to systemic amyloid, but many progressed locally to other subsites or further down the LTB tree (29%). Three patients were successfully treated with radiotherapy after other modalities had failed.

Conclusions

This is the largest case series reported to date of localized laryngeal amyloidosis. It highlights the high incidence of multifocal disease and the significant proportion of patients who progressed, not to systemic amyloidosis but to more extensive localized amyloid. We recommend that in all cases of laryngeal amyloid, patients should undergo a thorough assessment of the upper and lower airways and have ongoing surveillance for at least 15 years.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1912–E1917, 2021
PET/CT Poorly Predicts AJCC 8th Edition Pathologic Staging in HPV‐Related Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Snyder Vusala , Goyal Lindsey K. , Bowers Eve M. R. , Kubik Mark , Kim Seungwon , Ferris Robert L. , Johnson Jonas T. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Gooding William E. , Branstetter Barton F. , Rath Tanya J. , Sridharan Shaum S.
Published: January 2021

Objective

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition introduced distinct clinical and pathological staging paradigms for human papilloma virus positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Treatment planning for OPSCC often utilizes positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to assess clinical stage. We hypothesize that PET/CT will accurately predict final pathologic AJCC 8th edition staging in patients with HPV+ OPSCC.

Methods

All patients with primary HPV+ OPSCC with preoperative PET/CT who underwent transoral robotic surgery and neck dissection between 2011 and 2017 were identified. Data were collected via chart review. Two neuroradiologists performed blinded re‐evaluation of all scans. Primary tumor size and cervical nodal disease characteristics were recorded and TNM staging was extrapolated. Cohen's kappa statistic was used to assess interrater reliability. Test for symmetry was performed to analyze discordance between radiologic and pathologic staging.

Results

Forty‐nine patients met inclusion criteria. Interrater reliability was substantial between radiologists for nodal (N) and overall staging (OS) (κ = 0.715 and 0.715). Radiologist A review resulted in identical OS for 67% of patients, overstaging for 31%, and understaging for 2%. Radiologist B review resulted in 61% identical OS, 39% overstaging, and 0% understaging. In misclassified cases, the test of symmetry shows strong bias toward overstaging N stage and OS (P < .001). Radiologic interpretation of extracapsular extension showed poor interrater reliability (κ = 0.403) and poor accuracy.

Conclusion

PET/CT predicts a higher nodal and overall stage than pathologic staging. PET/CT should not be relied upon for initial tumor staging, as increased FDG uptake is not specific for nodal metastases. PET/CT is shown to be a poor predictor of ECE.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1535–1541, 2021
Bullying and Children who are Deaf or Hard‐of‐hearing: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bouldin Emerson , Patel Shubham R. , Tey Ching Siong , White Mia , Alfonso Kristan P. , Govil Nandini
Published: January 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

The goal of this scoping review is to evaluate and synthesize the published research regarding bullying and children who are deaf or hard‐of‐hearing (DHH).

Study Design

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for scoping review (PRISMA‐ScR) statement was used as the guideline for conducting this review.

Methods

This review included studies assessing pediatric (0–21 years) DHH children. Seventy records underwent the initial title‐abstract screening, 33 underwent full‐text review, and 23 studies met inclusion criteria. During the data extraction process, an additional six were excluded, resulting in a total of 17 evaluated studies.

Results

Of the 17 studies assessed, nine compared peer victimization of DHH children and their hearing peers. Of those, seven studies reported that hearing loss (HL) is significantly associated with increased victimization. Two studies found that HL is significantly associated with decreased bullying perpetration. Notably, bullying in DHH children was not associated with a visible sign of disability, such as a hearing assistive device. Rather, variables such as educational setting, parental, and peer support are more likely to mediate bullying in this population.

Conclusions

DHH children have a higher risk of peer victimization and may bully others less often than their hearing peers. Studies described the health consequences of bullying in children who are DHH, including sleep issues and anxiety. These consequences may have implications for the patients' overall HL management. Additional research regarding bullying interventions and prevention in this population should be conducted.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:1884–1892, 2021