bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese herbal medicine for psoriasis
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yu Qianying , Peng Li , Lin Wenxia , Qin Yuesi , He Ying , Guo Jing , Xiao Min , Chen Mingling
Published: September 2020

Background:

Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent dermatological disease that patents always suffer from different comorbidities. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been commonly used in the treatment of psoriasis for a long history. Previous systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) have shown that CHM may benefit patients with psoriasis. This overview aims to summarize the evidence from published SRs/MAs for clinical application and to provide several directions for future researches.

Methods:

Nine electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, AMED, CINAHL, CBM, CNKI, VIP Database, Wanfang Databases) will be searched from their inceptions to September 2020 without language restrictions. At least 2 reviewers will independently conduct the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. The methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality, and evidence quality will be respectively evaluated by the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Results:

The results of this overview will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Conclusions:

We expect to compile current evidence from published SRs/MAs of CHM for patients with psoriasis in an accessible and useful document.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study is a protocol for an overview of SRs/MAs that did not involve individual data. Thus, ethical approval is not required.

OSF Registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/VC654
Evaluation of automated volumetric breast density software in comparison with visual assessments in an Asian population
Authors: Rahmat Kartini , Ab Mumin Nazimah , Ramli Hamid Marlina Tanty , Fadzli Farhana , Ng Wei Lin , Muhammad Gowdh Nadia Fareeda
Published: September 2020

This study aims to compare Quantra, as an automated volumetric breast density (Vbd) tool, with visual assessment according to ACR BI-RADS density categories and to determine its potential usage in clinical practice.

Five hundred randomly selected screening and diagnostic mammograms were included in this retrospective study. Three radiologists independently assigned qualitative ACR BI-RADS density categories to the mammograms. Quantra automatically calculates the volumetric density data into the system. The readers were blinded to the Quantra and other readers assessment. Inter-reader agreement and agreement between Quantra and each reader were tested. Region under the curve (ROC) analysis was performed to obtain the cut-off value to separate dense from a non-dense breast. Results with P value <.05 was taken as significant.

There were 40.4% Chinese, 27% Malays, 19% Indian and 3.6% represent other ethnicities. The mean age of the patients was 57. 15%, 45.6%, 30.4%, and 9% of patients fall under BI-RADS A, B, C and D density category respectively. Fair agreement with Kappa (κ) value: 0.49, 0.38, and 0.30 were seen for Reader 1, 2 and 3 versus Quantra. Moderate agreement with κ value: 0.63, 0.64, 0.51 was seen when the data were dichotomized (density A and B to “non-dense”, C and D to “dense”). The cut-off Vbd value was 13.5% to stratify dense from non-dense breasts with a sensitivity of 86.2% and specificity of 83.1% (AUC 91.4%; confidence interval: 88.8, 94.1).

Quantra showed moderate agreement with radiologists visual assessment. Hence, this study adds to the available evidence to support the potential use of Quantra as an adjunct tool for breast density assessment in routine clinical practice in the Asian population. We found 13.5% is the best cut-off value to stratify dense to non-dense breasts in our study population. Its application will provide an objective, consistent and reproducible results as well as aiding clinical decision-making on the need for supplementary breast ultrasound in our screening population.
Prognostic and predictive value of KRAS mutation number in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Ucar Gokhan , Ergun Yakup , Aktürk Esen Selin , Acikgoz Yusuf , Dirikoc Merve , Esen İrfan , Bal Öznur , Uncu Doğan
Published: September 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Several mutations are involved in the development of CRC. The prognostic significance of the KRAS mutation has been discussed in many studies. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the number of KRAS mutations in metastatic CRC (mCRC).

Patients with mutations in the KRAS gene were included in the study. They were divided into 2 groups as single mutation and multiple mutations in the KRAS gene.

For the study, 425 CRC patients were screened. KRAS mutation was positive in 191 patients (45%). One hundred ninety-one patients were included in the study, 171 patients (90%) had single mutations and 20 patients (10%) had multiple mutations. Median progression-free survival was 12.8 months in patients with multiple mutations, while it was 8.8 months in patients with single mutations (P: .05). The median overall survival of patients with multiple mutations was 40.7 months, while it was 22.7 months for patients with single mutations (P = .01)

We found that the presence of multiple mutations in KRAS mutant patients was associated with better overall survival and progression-free survival than a single mutation.
Usefulness of 99mTc-ASC lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT in the evaluation of rare lymphatic disorders
Authors: Hou Guozhu , Jiang Yuanyuan , Jing Hongli , Xu Wenshuai , Xu Kai-Feng , Chen Libo , Li Fang , Cheng Wuying
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of 99mTc-antimony sulfide colloid (ASC) lymphoscintigraphy and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in the evaluation of rare lymphatic disorders, including Gorham--Stout disease (GSD), lymphangioma, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).

Nine patients suspected to have rare lymphatic disorders were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent 99mTc-ASC lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT to evaluate the lesions. The lymphoscintigraphy results were compared with the clinical and immunopathological findings.

99mTc-ASC lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT could provide lymphatic draining and anatomical information for rare lymphatic disorders. Among the 9 patients, 3 were diagnosed with GSD (1 female, 2 males; aged 15–34 years, range 27.0 ± 10.4 years), 3 with lymphangioma (1 female, 2 males; aged 17–42 years, range 32.0 ± 13.2 years), and 3 patients were diagnosed with LAM (3 females; aged 33–50 years, range 43.7 ± 9.3 years]. GSD is characterized by multiple bone destruction, including spine, ribs, ilium, pubis, ischium, and femur. The tracer uptake of involved bones and soft tissue around bone is increased, accompanied by chylothorax, chylopericardium, and chylous leakage in abdominal and pelvic cavity. Lymphangiomas present as multiple cystic lesions with increased tracer uptake in the peripancreatic, retroperitoneal, and iliac areas, and in the abdominopelvic cavity. LAM presents as multiple thin-walled cysts in the bilateral lungs and multiple retroperitoneal enlarged lymph nodes with increased tracer uptake.

99mTc-ASC lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT could comprehensively and specifically detect some rare lymphatic disorders, namely, GSD, lymphangioma, and LAM. This technique is useful for the evaluation of GSD, lymphangioma, and LAM.
Effects of visual feedback balance training with the Pro-kin system on walking and self-care abilities in stroke patients
Authors: Zhang Min , You Hong , Zhang Hongxia , Zhao Weijing , Han Tingting , Liu Jia , Jiang Shangrong , Feng Xianhui
Published: September 2020

Some scholars’ studies have demonstrated that Pro-kin balance system training is able to promote the recovery of the balance function in stroke patients. The present study has expanded on those studies, and was not merely limited to studying balance, but also encompassed walking and self-care abilities of the patients; furthermore, the association among balance and walking and self-care abilities was also explored.

A total of 40 stroke patients were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups: the control group (n = 20) and the treatment group (n = 20). Both groups underwent conventional balance training, although the treatment group also underwent visual feedback balance training with the Pro-kin system. The balance function was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed “Up & Go” (TUG) test, and Pro-kin system parameters. The Pro-kin system parameters included the perimeter and ellipse area, which were both tested once with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Walking ability was assessed using the Holden Walking Ability Scale, according to the Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC). The self-care abilities were assessed with the Barthel Index (BI). The tests were conducted prior to training, and 3 weeks after the end of the training programme.

No significant differences were noted among the groups before the training. After 3 weeks of training, for both the groups, significant improvements in balance and the walking and self-care abilities were noted: The BBS value was significantly increased (P < .05), whereas the TUG, perimeter, and ellipse area with EO and EC measurements were significantly decreased after treatment (P < .05). The FAC and BI readings were significantly increased after treatment (P < 0.05), and the treatment group outperformed the control group (P < .05). Furthermore, the balance function was shown to be strongly correlated with the walking and self-care abilities (P < .01).

The present study has demonstrated that the use of the Pro-kin visual feedback balance training system in combination with conventional training is a viable method for improving walking and self-care abilities of stroke patients.
Effects of tactile vibration feedback system on balance function and walking ability of a unilateral transtibial amputee with a prosthesis
Authors: Wang Shi-Qi , Gao Ya-Qian , Xu Ze-Hua , Xu Fang-Yuan , Yuan Li
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

There is still a lack of case reports about tactile vibration feedback devices for the treatment of transtibial amputees so far. This case report aims to introduce a tactile vibration feedback device designed to improve the balance and walking function of the transtibial amputee.

Patient concerns:

The amputee was a 20-year-old man with right transtibial amputation in a car accident four years ago.

Diagnose:

The clinical diagnosis of him was “Right transtibial amputation,” and the rehabilitation diagnosis was “Motor dysfunction (Balance function abnormality and Gait abnormality).”

Interventions:

The patient was reminded to adjust their posture in time via the tactile vibration feedback device.

Outcomes:

The balance and walking function of the volunteer transtibial amputee was improved.

Conclusion:

The tactile vibration feedback device has the potential to improve the balance and walking function of the transtibial amputee after installation. Potential fields that can be recommended for future research include intelligent prosthetics, feedback training, motor function, prosthetic acceptance, compliance, social communication, and the quality of life.
Acute basilar artery occlusion with recurrent shivering
Authors: Lee Chan-Hyuk , Jeon Seung-Ho , Kim Sang Yeon , Shin Byoung-Soo , Kang Hyun Goo
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

Shivering is an important physiological response of the body that causes muscle tremors to maintain temperature homeostasis. Traumatic brain injuries that affect the hypothalamus cause hypothermia, and physical removal of suprasellar tumors causes thermoregulation imbalance. However, no study has reported shivering due to ischemic stroke.

Patient concerns:

A 58-year-old male patient was admitted to our emergency department to evaluate severe stenosis of the basilar artery. While waiting for further examination, he exhibited coarse shivering and severe dysarthria.

Diagnosis:

Brain computed tomography angiography revealed occlusion of the entire basilar artery, and cerebral hypoperfusion was diagnosed in that area.

Interventions:

Transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFCA) was immediately performed, followed by thrombectomy of the basilar artery.

Outcomes:

Neurological deficits, including shivering, were rapidly reversed. The same symptom reoccurred 5 hours later, and TFCA was performed for thrombectomy and stenting, and neurological symptoms immediately reversed. The patient's neurological symptoms did not worsen during hospitalization.

Lessons:

Patients with acute basilar artery occlusion need prompt management because they have a higher mortality rate than those with other intracranial artery occlusions. When a patient exhibits neurological deficits accompanied by abrupt shivering for no specific reason, basilar artery occlusion must be considered.
Ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment for distal suprascapular neuropathy
Authors: Chung Yang-Hoon , Lee Joon-Ho , Koo Bon-Sung , Jung Jaewoong , Lee So Jeong
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

Suprascapular neuropathy is a rare cause of shoulder pain, and patients usually presents with posterosuperior shoulder pain and weakness on forward flexion and external rotation. Suprascapular neuropathy associated with rotator cuff pathology has received attention as an emerging cause of this condition. Suprascapular nerve (SSN) block can be used in these patients, and pulsed radio frequency (PRF) can be applied to achieve a long-term effect. Several studies have reported on PRF treatment of the SSN for shoulder pain, but most applied treatment to the nerve trunk under the transverse scapular ligament. This report describes a patient with suprascapular neuropathy treated with selective application of PRF to the distal SSN under ultrasound guidance.

Patient concerns:

A 68-year-old woman suffered from right posterior shoulder pain after traumatic full thickness rotator cuff tear. Her pain was not diminished despite of 2 surgeries.

Diagnoses:

She was diagnosed with entrapment of the distal SSN in the spino-glenoid (SGN) notch and suprascapular neuropathy.

Interventions:

She underwent surgery to decompress the entrapped SSN in the SGN. After that, we applied PRF on the distal SSN under ultrasound guidance for persistent pain. This treatment was repeated 3 times.

Outcomes:

PRF treatment resulted in a slight reduction in the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score from 7–8/10 to 5–6/10 at the 2 weeks follow-up, and to 2–3/10 at the 1 month follow-up. The reduction in pain was maintained at the 1 year follow-up.

Lessons:

PRF treatment of the SSN is typically approached from the main branch in the suprascapular notch. We selectively applied PRF to the distal SSN close to the SGN. This technique was safe and effective.
Effect of a multidisciplinary program to improve organ donation in the emergency department
Authors: Kim Kahyun , Lee Soo Hoon , Kim Dong Hoon , Lim Daesung , Kang Changwoo , Jeong Jin Hee , Lee Sang Bong , Lee Youn Jung
Published: September 2020

Background and importance

As the emergency department (ED) is an important source of potential organ donors, it may play an important role in the organ donation process.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary organ donation improvement program (ODIP) on identifying potential donors and improving organ donation in South Korean EDs.

Design, settings, and participants

This study was a retrospective, observational study of the ED-inclusive ODIP implemented in 55 tertiary teaching hospitals contracted with the Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) since 2014. The inclusion criteria were: patients in the ED with a serious brain injury and futile prognosis or expected death of the patient within a few days, no contraindications for organ donation, and no objections registered in the donor registry.

Intervention

The ED-inclusive multidisciplinary approach was implemented to improve organ donation. It included regular meetings of the ODIP committee, hospital visits and staff education, improvement of notifications, and support of a coordination team.

Outcomes measure and analysis

We assessed the changes in the number of deceased organ donors per year and notifications of potential brain-dead donors by medical staff after the implementation of the new ED-inclusive ODIP. The entire organ donation process was monitored and measured.

Results

There was a significant increase in deceased organ donors per million population after the implementation of the ED-inclusive multidisciplinary ODIP of KODA compared to the pre-intervention period: 5.21 vs. 9.72, difference 4.51 (95% confidence interval 2.11–6.91). During the study period, the proportion of deceased organ donors occurred from KODA-contracted hospitals increased from 25.3 to 50.3% in South Korea’s total deceased organ donors. Emergency physicians of KODA-contracted hospitals notified increasingly more potential brain-dead donors each year throughout the study period (36 in 2014 vs. 135 in 2018). The longer the period contracted with KODA, the higher the potential brain-death identification rates (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, the implementation of multidisciplinary ODIP in the ED led to significantly higher deceased organ donors per million population and awareness of potential brain-dead donors in South Korea.
Dietary Nitrate Supplementation and Exercise-Related Performance
Authors: Baranauskas Marissa N. , Coggan Andrew R. , Gruber Allison H. , Altherr Cody A. , Raglin John S. , Carter Stephen J.
Published: September 2020

Over the last decade, there has been a growing interest in the utility of nitrate (NO3−) supplementation to improve exercise-related performance. After consumption, dietary NO3− can be reduced to nitric oxide, a free radical gas involved in numerous physiological actions including blood vessel vasodilation, mitochondrial respiration, and skeletal muscle contractile function. Emerging evidence indicates that dietary NO3− supplementation has a small but nevertheless significant beneficial effect on endurance performance through the combined effects of enhanced tissue oxygenation and metabolic efficiency in active skeletal muscle. There is further evidence to suggest that dietary NO3− exerts a direct influence on contractile mechanisms within the skeletal muscle through alterations in calcium availability and sensitivity. Response heterogeneity and sizeable variability in the nitrate content of beetroot juice products influence the effectiveness of dietary NO3− for exercise performance, and so dosing and product quality, as well as training history, sex, and individual-specific characteristics, should be considered.
Malnutrition and Frailty Screening in Older Adults
Authors: Weiler Mary , Arensberg Mary Beth , Paul Marika H. , Gahche Jaime J. , Comee Laura , Krok-Schoen Jessica L. , Dwyer Johanna T.
Published: September 2020

We conducted a Web-based survey of Commission on Dietetic Registration members to identify opportunities and challenges related to malnutrition and frailty screening among older adults (≥65 years old). Of the 9279 surveys sent out in emails, 903 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) returned the surveys (10% response rate), and of those who responded, 576 RDNs were working with adults 65 years or older. They reported greater familiarity with screening tools for malnutrition than for frailty and little use of any frailty screening tools. For malnutrition screening, RDNs were most familiar with the body mass index (99%), Subjective Global Assessment (79%), and Malnutrition Screening Tool (75%). The body mass index (86%) and Malnutrition Screening Tool (42%) were most commonly used for malnutrition screening. For frailty screening, virtually all of the respondents (90%) were unfamiliar with individual tools. Registered dietitian nutritionists were most familiar with the Frailty Index (9%) and Simple FRAIL Questionnaire (6%), and the Simple FRAIL Questionnaire (2%) and Frailty Index (2%) were most commonly used. Major risk factors RDNs considered when screening for malnutrition and frailty were weight loss (malnutrition, 99%; frailty, 87%) and appetite loss (malnutrition, 95%; frailty, 45%), respectively. Although 70% of respondents reported their organizations had policies for malnutrition screening, only 6% did for frailty screening. Most RDNs (68%) agreed that dietetic professionals should play a role in frailty screening. To take a leading role in frailty screening and intervention, RDNs working with older adults need skills-based competency, education, and training.
The Impact of Misaligned Wavefront-guided Correction in a Scleral Lens for the Highly Aberrated Eye
Authors: Rijal Sujata , Hastings Gareth D. , Nguyen Lan Chi , Kauffman Matthew J. , Applegate Raymond A. , Marsack Jason D.
Published: September 2020

SIGNIFICANCE

To achieve maximum visual benefit, wavefront-guided scleral lens corrections (WGCs) are aligned with the underlying wavefront error of each individual eye. This requirement adds complexity to the fitting process. With a view toward simplification in lens fitting, this study quantified the consequences of placing WGCs at two pre-defined locations.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to quantify performance reduction accompanying the placement of the WGC at two locations: (1) the average decentered location (ADL; average decentration observed across individuals wearing scleral lenses) and (2) the geometric center (GC) of the lens.

METHODS

Deidentified residual aberration and lens translation data from 36 conventional scleral lens–wearing eyes with corneal ectasia were used to simulate WGC correction in silico. The WGCs were decentered from the eye-specific pupil position to both the ADL and GC locations. The impact of these misalignments was assessed in terms of change (from the aligned, eye-specific pupil position) in higher-order root mean square (HORMS) wavefront error, change in log of the visual Strehl ratio (logVSX), and predicted change in logMAR visual acuity (VA).

RESULTS

As expected, HORMS increased, logVSX decreased, and predicted VA was poorer at both ADL and GC compared with the aligned condition (P < .001). Thirty-four of 36 eyes had greater residual HORMS, and 33 of 36 eyes had worse logVSX values at the GC than at the ADL. In clinical terms, 19 of 36 eyes at the ADL and 35 of 36 eyes at the GC had a predicted loss in VA of three letters or greater.

CONCLUSIONS

The placement of the WGC at either ADL or GC is predicted to lead to a noticeable reduction in VA for more than half of the eyes studied, suggesting the simplification of the fitting process is not worth the cost in performance.
A Narrative Review of Methods for Causal Inference and Associated Educational Resources
Authors: Landsittel Douglas , Srivastava Avantika , Kropf Kristin
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives:

Root cause analysis involves evaluation of causal relationships between exposures (or interventions) and adverse outcomes, such as identification of direct (eg, medication orders missed) and root causes (eg, clinician's fatigue and workload) of adverse rare events. To assess causality requires either randomization or sophisticated methods applied to carefully designed observational studies. In most cases, randomized trials are not feasible in the context of root cause analysis. Using observational data for causal inference, however, presents many challenges in both the design and analysis stages. Methods for observational causal inference often fall outside the toolbox of even well-trained statisticians, thus necessitating workforce training.

Methods:

This article synthesizes the key concepts and statistical perspectives for causal inference, and describes available educational resources, with a focus on observational clinical data. The target audience for this review is clinical researchers with training in fundamental statistics or epidemiology, and statisticians collaborating with those researchers.

Results:

The available literature includes a number of textbooks and thousands of review articles. However, using this literature for independent study or clinical training programs is extremely challenging for numerous reasons. First, the published articles often assume an advanced technical background with different notations and terminology. Second, they may be written from any number of perspectives across statistics, epidemiology, computer science, or philosophy. Third, the methods are rapidly expanding and thus difficult to capture within traditional publications. Fourth, even the most fundamental aspects of causal inference (eg, framing the causal question as a target trial) often receive little or no coverage. This review presents an overview of (1) key concepts and frameworks for causal inference and (2) online documents that are publicly available for better assisting researchers to gain the necessary perspectives for functioning effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Conclusion:

A familiarity with causal inference methods can help risk managers empirically verify, from observed events, the true causes of adverse sentinel events.
A Targeted Molecular Localization Imaging Method Applied to Tumor Microvasculature
Authors: Zhao Feifei , Unnikrishnan Sunil , Herbst Elizabeth B. , Klibanov Alexander L. , Mauldin F. William , Hossack John A.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Ultrasound contrast agents, consisting of gas-filled microbubbles (MBs), have been imaged using several techniques that include ultrasound localization microscopy and targeted molecular imaging. Each of these techniques aims to provide indicators of the disease state but has traditionally been performed independently without co-localization of molecular markers and super-resolved vessels. In this article, we present a new imaging technology: a targeted molecular localization (TML) approach, which uses a single imaging sequence and reconstruction approach to co-localize super-resolved vasculature with molecular imaging signature to provide simultaneous anatomic and biological information for potential multiscale disease evaluation.

Materials and Methods

The feasibility of the proposed TML technique was validated in a murine hindlimb tumor model. Targeted molecular localization imaging was performed on 3 groups, which included control tissue (leg), tumor tissue, and tumor tissue after sunitinib an-tivascular treatment. Quantitative measures for vascular index (VI) and molecular index (MITML) were calculated from the microvasculature and TML images, respectively. In addition to these conventional metrics, a new metric unique to the TML technique, reporting the ratio of targeted molecular index to vessel surface, was assessed.

Results

The quantitative resolution results of the TML approach showed resolved resolution of the microvasculature down to 28.8 μm. Vascular index increased in tumors with and without sunitinib compared with the control leg, but the trend was not statistically significant. A decrease in MITML was observed for the tumor after treatment (P < 0.0005) and for the control leg (P < 0.005) compared with the tumor before treatment. Statistical differences in the ratio of molecular index to vessel surface were found between all groups: the control leg and tumor (P < 0.05), the control leg and tumor after sunitinib treatment (P < 0.05), and between tumors with and without sunitinib treatment (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings validated the technical feasibility of the TML method and pre-clinical feasibility for differentiating between the normal and diseased tissue states.
Effects of storage temperature and film treatment on sprouting and
growth of ginseng seedlings
Authors: Chang Eun Ha , Lee Ji Hyun , Choi Ji Weon , Lim Sooyeon , Shin Il Sheob
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the effect of storage temperature 0, −2, and
−4°C on growth and quality of ginseng seedlings for 10 months to
cultivate ginseng sprouts. The effects of 50 μm functional low density
polyethylene (LDPE) containing 5% zeolite and pegmatite and 80 μm
nylon/polyethylene (Ny/PE) films on the storage of the ginseng seedlings were
also investigated. The quality of the seedlings was visually inspected every two
months and the growth of the sprouts investigated. After 4 months of storage,
the growth and quality of the sprouts showed significant differences, which was
the effect of the storage temperature. The growth of healthy ginseng sprouts
were 58.3% at 0°C, 72.1% at −2°C, and
34.2% at −4°C. After storing the ginseng seedling for 8
months, a growth of 9.7% at 0°C, 54.3% at
−2°C, and 6.9% at −4°C was observed. The
ginseng seedlings were packaged with functional and Ny/PE films and the growth
of the sprouts determined after 8 months of storage at −2°C. A
growth rate of 56.7% was achieved using the functional film; however, no
live ginseng seedlings were observed upon applying the Ny/PE film.
Quality and textural properties of jelly prepared with different
gelling agents
Authors: Kim Yu Mi , Kim Jung-Min , Youn Kwang-Sup
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the quality and textural properties of jelly produced
using different gelling agents (gelatin; jelly prepared with 3.5%
gelatin, carrageenan: jelly prepared with 1.5% carrageenan, konjac: jelly
prepared with 2% konjac, agar: jelly prepared with 2.5% agar,
w/w). The pH was lowest in gelatin, and the soluble solid contents of the
jellies were not affected by the gelling agents. The L and a color values were
highest in konjac, and the b value was highest in gelatin. In terms of texture
properties, the hardness decreased in the order agar > konjac >
carrageenan > gelatin. The springiness and cohesiveness were highest in
gelatin, and the chewiness was highest in konjac. The jelly prepared with
gelatin had the highest melting down rate among the jellies. The transparency
was lowest in the agar sol state, and greatest in the gelatin sol state.
Syneresis tended to decrease in all the gelling agents over time. The melting
and gelling temperatures were the lowest in gelatin, which was unstable toward
heat, whereas agar showed the highest temperatures and was thus stable toward
heat. The results of this study could be useful not only in the production of
gelled foods, but also in the selection of gelling agents suitable for various
processing purposes and consumer targets as alternative materials for improving
physical properties.
Transient Reductions in Postoperative Pain and Anxiety using Virtual Reality in Children
Authors: Olbrecht Vanessa A. , O’Conor Keith T. , Williams Sara E. , Boehmer Chloe O. , Marchant Gilbert W. , Glynn Susan M. , Geisler Kristie J. , Pickerill Hannah M. , Ding Lili , Yang Gang , King Christopher D.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising method to manage pain. Distraction-based VR (VR-D) is thought to reduce pain by redirecting attention. While VR-D can reduce pain associated with acutely painful procedures, it is unclear if VR-D can reduce pain after surgery. We assessed the ability of a single VR-D session to decrease acute postoperative pain and anxiety and explored if pain catastrophizing and anxiety sensitivity influenced the ability of VR-D to reduce these outcomes in children following surgery.

Design

Single-center, prospective, pilot study

Setting

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC)

Subjects

50 children/adolescents (age 7-21 years) with postoperative pain followed by the Acute Pain Service

Methods

Patients received a single VR-D session following surgery. Prior to the VR-D session, patients completed pain catastrophizing (PCS-C) and anxiety sensitivity (CASI) questionnaires. Primary outcome consisted of changes in pain intensity following VR-D (immediately, 15, and 30 minutes). Secondary outcomes included changes in pain unpleasantness and anxiety.

Results

VR-D decreased pain intensity immediately and 15-minutes after VR-D. Reductions in pain unpleasantness were observed up to 30 minutes following VR-D. Anxiety was also reduced immediately and at 15-minutes following VR-D. While patients with higher pain catastrophizing had higher baseline pain intensity and unpleasantness, they did not show larger pain reductions following VR-D compared to those with lower pain catastrophizing.

Conclusions

VR-D is beneficial in transiently reducing pain intensity, unpleasantness, and anxiety in children with acute postoperative pain. This study informs design of larger, controlled study assessing VR-D for acute postoperative pain and anxiety.
Molecular characterization of triple negative breast cancer formaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded samples by data-independent acquisition proteomics
Authors: García-Adrián Silvia , Trilla-Fuertes Lucía , Gámez-Pozo Angelo , Chiva Cristina , López-Vacas Rocío , López-Camacho Elena , Prado-Vázquez Guillermo , Zapater-Moros Andrea , Lumbreras-Herrera María I. , Hardisson David , Yébenes Laura , Zamora Pilar , Sabidó Eduard , Vara Juan Ángel Fresno , Espinosa Enrique
Published: September 2020

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15-20% of all breast carcinomas and it is clinically characterized by an aggressive phenotype and bad prognosis. TNBC does not benefit from any targeted therapy, so further characterization is needed to define subgroups with potential therapeutic value. In this work, the proteomes of one hundred twenty-five formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer were analyzed by mass spectrometry using data-independent acquisition. Hierarchical clustering, probabilistic graphical models and Significance Analysis of Microarrays were used to characterize molecular groups. Additionally, a predictive signature related with relapse was defined. Two molecular groups with differences in several biological processes as glycolysis, translation and immune response, were defined in this cohort, and a prognostic signature based on the abundance of proteins RBM3 and NIPSNAP1 was defined. This predictor split the population into low-risk and high-risk groups. The differential processes identified between the two molecular groups may serve to design new therapeutic strategies in the future and the prognostic signature could be useful to identify a population at high-risk of relapse that could be directed to clinical trials.
Modelling optimal vaccination strategy for SARS-CoV-2 in the UK
Authors: Moore Sam , Hill Edward M. , Dyson Louise , Tildesley Michael J. , Keeling Matt J.
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted our vulnerability to novel infections. Faced with this threat and no effective treatment, in line with many other countries, the UK adopted enforced social distancing (lockdown) to reduce transmission– successfully reducing the reproductive numberRbelow one. However, given the large pool of susceptible individuals that remain, complete relaxation of controls is likely to generate a substantial second wave. Vaccination remains the only foreseeable means of both containing the infection and returning to normal interactions and behaviour. Here, we consider the optimal targeting of vaccination within the UK, with the aim of minimising future deaths or quality adjusted life year (QALY) losses. We show that, for a range of assumptions on the action and efficacy of the vaccine, targeting older age groups first is optimal and can avoid a second wave if the vaccine prevents transmission as well as disease.
Enhanced functionality of low-affinity CD19 CAR T-cells is associated with activation priming and a polyfunctional cytokine phenotype
Authors: Michelozzi Ilaria M. , Castaneda Eduardo Gomez , Pohle Ruben V.C. , Rodriguez Ferran Cardoso , Sufi Jahangir , Costa Pau Puigdevall , Subramaniyam Meera , Kirtsios Efstratios , Eddaoudi Ayad , Wu Si Wei , Guvenel Aleks , Fisher Jonathan , Ghorashian Sara , Pule Martin A. , Tape Christopher J. , Castellano Sergi , Amrolia Persis J. , Giustacchini Alice
Published: September 2020

We recently described a low-affinity second-generation CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) CAT that showed enhanced expansion, cytotoxicity, and anti-tumour efficacy compared to the high-affinity (FMC63 based) CAR used in Tisagenlecleucel, in pre-clinical models. Furthermore, CAT demonstrated an excellent toxicity profile, enhancedin vivoexpansion, and long-term persistence in a Phase I clinical study. To understand the molecular mechanisms behind these properties of CAT CAR T-cells, we performed a systematicin vitrocharacterization of the transcriptomic (RNA-seq) and protein (CyTOF) changes occurring in T-cells expressing low-affinityvshigh-affinity CD19 CARs following stimulation with CD19-expressing cells. Our results show that CAT CAR T-cells exhibit enhanced activation to CD19 stimulation and a distinct transcriptomic and protein profile, with increased activation and cytokine polyfunctionality compared to FMC63 CAR T-cells. We demonstrate that the enhanced functionality of low-affinity CAT CAR T-cells is a consequence of an antigen-dependent priming induced by residual CD19-expressing B-cells present in the manufacture.
Microbial metabolites of flavanols in urine are associated with enhanced anti-proliferative activity in bladder cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Griffin Laura E. , Kohrt Sarah E. , Rathore Atul , Kay Colin D. , Grabowska Magdalena M. , Neilson Andrew P.
Published: September 2020

Dietary flavanols and their metabolites are excreted primarily via the urine, suggesting uroepithelial cells as a site of activity due to lengthy exposure to high concentrations of these compounds. Flavanols are metabolized by the gut microbiota to numerous bioavailable metabolites. The observed effects of flavanols, including cancer chemoprevention, may be due in part to the activities of microbial metabolites. Mostin vitromechanistic work in this area relies on a limited pool of commercially available or synthesized flavanol microbial metabolites, and little work has been done in the area of bladder cancer. The impact of physiologically relevant mixtures of native flavanols and their metabolites generatedin vivoremains unknown. Rats were fed various flavanols after which 48 h urine samples, approximating the total bioavailable metabolome, were collected. Urine samples were profiled by UPLC-MS/MS, and their anti-proliferative activities were assayedin vitroin four bladder cancer cell models. Significant interindividual variability was observed for chemical profiles and anti-proliferative activities. Concentrations of microbial metabolites (valerolactones, phenylalkyl acids and hippuric acids) were positively associated with reduced bladder cancer cell proliferationin vitro, while native flavanols were poorly correlated with activity. These results suggest that microbial metabolites may be the primary compounds responsible for chemoprevention in uroepithelial cell following flavanol consumption. Furthermore, this highlights the potential for exploiting knowledge about individual genetics, microbiome profiles, flavonoid metabolism profiles, tumor characteristics, etc. to design personalized dietary interventions for cancer prevention and/or adjuvant therapy to reduce bladder cancer incidence and improve outcomes.
In silico identification and validation of inhibitors of the interaction between neuropilin receptor 1 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
Authors: Perez-Miller Samantha , Patek Marcel , Moutal Aubin , Cabel Carly R. , Thorne Curtis A. , Campos Samuel K. , Khanna Rajesh
Published: September 2020

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a multifunctional transmembrane receptor for ligands that affect developmental axonal growth and angiogenesis. In addition to a role in cancer, NRP-1 is a reported entry point for several viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The furin cleavage product of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein takes advantage of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) binding site on NRP-1 which accommodates a polybasic stretch ending in a C-terminal arginine. This site has long been a focus of drug discovery efforts for cancer therapeutics. We recently showed that interruption of the VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling pathway ameliorates neuropathic pain and hypothesize that interference of this pathway by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interferes with pain signaling. Here, we report hits from a small molecule and natural product screen of nearly 0.5 million compounds targeting the VEGF-A binding site on NRP-1. We identified nine chemical series with lead- or drug-like physico-chemical properties. Using an ELISA, we demonstrate that six compounds disrupt VEGF-A-NRP-1 binding more effectively than EG00229, a known NRP-1 inhibitor. Secondary validation in cells revealed that almost all tested compounds inhibited VEGF-A triggered VEGFR2 phosphorylation. Two compounds displayed robust inhibition of a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus protein that utilizes the SARS-CoV-2 Spike for entry and fusion. These compounds represent a first step in a renewed effort to develop small molecule inhibitors of the VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling for the treatment of neuropathic pain and cancer with the added potential of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 virus entry.
Comparing two automated methods of DNA extraction from degraded skeletal remains
Authors: Rubinstein Linda
Published: September 2020

DNA extraction from degraded skeletal samples is often particularly challenging. The difficulty derives from the fact that variable environment has significant effect on DNA preservation. During the years 2002-2015 unidentified degraded skeletal remains were accumulated at our institute, National Institute of Forensic Medicine (NIFM), most of them with none or partial DNA profile.

As new methods rapidly emerge, we revisited the samples with partial DNA profiles. We have chosen to use these samples to compare two automated methods: Prepfiler Express BTA (Applied Biosystems) and QIAcube (Quiagen), in hope of acquiring a more complete DNA profile and eventually even make new identifications. In both methods a preparation step is required, after which the samples undergo automatic DNA extraction.

The two protocols are based on different extraction methods. Fresh or non-problematic bone samples as the positive control gave the same results in both methods. In the degraded skeletal samples, the results were significantly better using the QIAcube method.
Smart Film Impacts Stomatal Sensitivity of Greenhouse Capsicum Through Altered Light
Authors: Zhao Chenchen , Chavan Sachin , He Xin , Zhou Meixue , Cazzonelli Christopher I. , Chen Zhong-Hua , Tissue David T. , Ghannoum Oula
Published: September 2020

Optical films that alter light transmittance may reduce energy consumption in high-tech greenhouses, but their impact on crop physiology remains unclear. We compared the stomatal responses of capsicum plants grown hydroponically under control glass (70% diffuse light) or smart glass (SG) film ULR-80, which blocked >99% of ultraviolet light and 19% of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). SG had no significant effects on steady-state (gs) or maximal (gmax) stomatal conductance. In contrast, SG reduced stomatal pore size and sensitivity to exogenous ABA thereby increasing rates of leaf water loss, guard cell K+and Cl-efflux, and Ca2+influx. The transition between low (100 μmol m−2s−1) and high (1500 μmol m−2s−1) PAR induced faster stomatal closing and opening rates in SG relative to control plants. The fraction of blue light (0% or 10%) did not affectgs, but induced stomatal oscillations in SG plants. Increased expression of stomatal closure and photoreceptor genes in epidermal peels of SG plants is consistent with fast stomatal responses to light changes. In conclusion, light intensity was more critical than spectral quality for optimal stomatal responses of capsicum under SG, and re-engineering of the SG should maximize PAR transmission to maintain a better stomatal development.

Highlights

Capsicum plants grown under SG film exhibit decreased stomatal pore area, higher water loss and reduced ABA-sensitivity.

SG-grown plants have faster rates of stomatal closing and opening in response to light intensity changes.

SG increases efflux of K+and Cl-and influx of Ca2+of guard cells.

SG upregulated the expression of key genes involved in stomatal regulation and light sensing.
Accelerated decline in white matter microstructure in subsequently impaired older adults and its relationship with cognitive decline
Authors: Williams Owen A. , Shafer Andrea T. , Rivera Evian Perez , An Yang , Landman Bennett A. , Ferrucci Luigi , Resnick Susan M.
Published: September 2020

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about longitudinal decline in white matter (WM) microstructure and its associations with cognition in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

METHODS

Longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging and neuropsychological testing from 50 older adults who subsequently developed mild cognitive impairment or dementia (subsequently impaired, SI) and 200 cognitively normal controls. Rates of WM decline were compared between groups using voxel-wise linear mixed-effects models. Associations between change in WM and cognition were examined.

RESULTS

SI had faster decline in fractional anisotropy (FA) in the right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (R.IFOF) and bilateral splenium of the corpus callosum. Decline in R.IFOF FA was related to decline in verbal memory, visuospatial ability, processing speed, and MMSE (p≤ 0.05). Decline in bilateral splenium FA was related to decline in verbal fluency, processing speed, and MMSE (p≤ 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Accelerated regional WM decline is characteristic of preclinical AD and related to domain specific cognitive decline.
LRRK2p.M1646T is associated with glucocerebrosidase activity and with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sosero Yuri L. , Yu Eric , Krohn Lynne , Rudakou Uladzislau , Mufti Kheireddin , Ruskey Jennifer A. , Asayesh Farnaz , Laurent Sandra B. , Spiegelman Dan , Fahn Stanley , Waters Cheryl , Sardi S. Pablo ,   International Parkinson Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC), Bandres-Ciga Sara , Alcalay Roy N. , Gan-Or Ziv , Senkevich Konstantin
Published: September 2020

Background and objectives

TheLRRK2p.G2019S Parkinson’s disease (PD) variant is associated with elevated glucocerebrosidase (GCase) activity in peripheral blood. We aimed to evaluate the association of otherLRRK2variants with PD and its association with GCase activity.

Methods

LRRK2andGBAwere fully sequenced in 1,123 PD patients and 576 controls from the Columbia and PPMI cohorts, in which GCase activity was measured in dried blood spots by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

LRRK2p.M1646T was associated with increased GCase activity in the Columbia University cohort (β=1.58,p=0.0003), and increased but not significantly in the PPMI cohort (β=0.29,p=0.58). p.M1646T was associated with PD (OR=1.18, 95%CI=1.09-1.28,p=7.33E-05) in 56,306 PD patients and proxy-cases, and 1.4 million controls.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the p.M1646T variant is associated with risk of PD with a small effect and with increased GCase activity in peripheral blood.