bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of isoflavones in the extract of supplements for menopause symptoms by direct infusion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Beszterda Monika , Frański Rafał
Published: May 2020

In recent years high consumption of dietary supplements has been observed. However, the consumption of dietary supplements may lead to the unexpected side effects that can be related to the number of adulterated supplements quite often marketed. It has prompted the search for a fast and reliable method of identification of main active compounds in the supplements. In this study, the isoflavones present in the methanol extracts of dietary supplements for menopause symptoms were identified by using direct infusion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The product ion spectra of [M‐H]− ions derived from the extracts matched very well those obtained for standard compounds. Daidzein, genistein, and glycitein were identified in the soy‐based supplements, while daidzein, formononetin, and biochanin A were identified in the red clover‐based ones. The respective [M+Na]+ ions were also detected; however, their product ion spectra did not allow isoflavone identification. It can be concluded that the main isoflavones present in the extracts of dietary supplements can be successfully and quickly identified by using the direct infusion electrospray ionization in negative ion mode, followed by the tandem mass spectrometry experiment.
Transport of orally delivered dsRNA in southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula
Authors: Gurusamy Dhandapani , Howell Jeffrey L. , Chereddy Shankar C. R. R. , Koo Jinmo , Palli Subba Reddy
Published: May 2020

The southern green stink bug (SGSB, Nezara viridula) is an emerging polyphagous pest in many regions of the world. RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable method for understanding gene function and holds great potential for pest management. However, RNAi efficiency is variable among insects and the differences in transport of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) are one of the major factors that contribute to this variability. In this study, Cy3 labeled dsRNA was used to track the transport of dsRNA in SGSB tissues. Cy3_dsRNA was detected in the hemocytes, fat body (FB), epidermis, and midgut tissues at 24–72 hr after injection. Orally delivered Cy3_dsRNA or Cypher‐5E labeled dsRNA was mostly detected in the midgut and a few signals were detected in parts of the FB and epidermis. Both injected and fed Cy3_dsRNA showed stronger signals in SGSB tissues when compared to Cy3_siRNA (small interfering RNA) or Cy3_shRNA (short hairpin RNA). dsRNA targeting the gene for a vacuolar‐sorting protein, SNF7, induced higher knockdown of the target gene and greater SGSB mortality compared to siRNA or shRNA targeting this gene. 32P‐labeled dsRNA injected into SGSB was processed into siRNA, but fed 32P‐labeled dsRNA was not efficiently processed into siRNA. These data suggest that transport of orally delivered dsRNA across the midgut epithelium is not efficient in SGSB which may contribute to variable RNAi efficiency. Targeting genes expressed in the midgut rather than other tissues and using dsRNA instead of siRNA or shRNA would be more effective for RNAi‐mediated control of this pest.
Effectiveness and safety of low‐dose apatinib in advanced gastric cancer: A real‐world study
Authors: Du Yingying , Cao Qisheng , Jiang Congqiao , Liang Hui , Ning Zhongliang , Ji Chushu , Wang Jinguo , Zhou Chaoping , Jiang Zonghui , Yu Changjun , Li Lei , Zhao Yong , Xu Yuemei , Xu Tengyun , Hu Wenjun , Wang Daoqin , Cheng Huaidong , Wang Guihe , Zhou Jinhua , Wang Song , Zhang Yanshun , Hu Zhiqiang , Li Xinzhong , Lu Donghui , Zhang Jun , Xie Hua , Sun Guoping
Published: May 2020

Apatinib has been demonstrated to be effective and safe among patients with gastric cancer failing after at least two lines chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate its effectiveness and safety of low‐dose apatinib for the treatment of gastric cancer in real‐world practice. We performed a prospective, multicenter observation study in a real‐world setting. Patients with advanced gastric cancer more than 18 years old were eligible and received low‐dose apatinib (500 mg or 250mg per day) therapy. The median progression‐free survival (PFS), median overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety were assessed. Between September 2017 and April 2019, a total of 747 patients were enrolled. The mPFS was 5.56 months (95% CI 4.47‐6.28), and mOS was 7.5 months (95% CI 6.74‐8.88). Four patients achieved complete response, 47 achieved partial response, and 374 patients achieved stable disease. The ORR was 6.83% and DCR was 56.89%. In addition, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that hand‐foot syndrome was one independent predictor for PFS and OS. The most common adverse events (AEs) at any grade were hypertension (36.55%), proteinuria (10.26%), hand‐foot syndrome (33.53%), fatigue (24.9%), anemia (57.35%), leukopenia (44.49%), thrombocytopenia (34.21%), and neutropenia (53.33%). Grade 3‐4 AEs with incidences of 5% or greater were anemia (13.97%), thrombocytopenia (7.14%), and neutropenia (6.67%). No treatment‐related death was observed during the treatment of apatinib. The prospective study suggested that low‐dose apatinib was an effective regimen for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer with tolerable or controlled toxicity in real world.

Trial registration: NCT03333967.
Chemoradiotherapy vs radiotherapy for nonoperative early stage esophageal cancer: A seer data analysis
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Jia Yibin , Cheng Yufeng , Wang Jianbo
Published: May 2020

Background

The benefit of endoscopic treatment (ET) and esophagectomy for early esophageal cancer (EC) has been sufficiently recognized. Radiotherapy (RT) is the main treatment modality for patients who do not undergo surgery. The effectiveness of adding chemotherapy (CT) to RT remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and RT alone on overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in early EC patients not undergoing surgery.

Methods

Data collected between 2004 and 2015 were obtained from the national Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. All the samples were randomly grouped into the training cohort or the verification cohort. The training cohort was split into subgroups by stage, age, and histology. Stage was based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 6th edition published in 2004. The Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to compare OS and CSS. The performance of the nomogram was measured by a concordance index (C‐index) and the calibration curve.

Results

Data for a total of 5332 patients were obtained from the SEER database. A total of 3736 patients (stage I: n = 1277; stage IIA: n = 1484; stage IIB: n = 975) were used for the training cohort. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, sex, histology, grade, therapy, reasons for no surgery, and year of diagnosis were independent predictors of OS. The survival curve of patients treated with CRT showed a significant survival benefit compared to that in patients treated by RT alone in stage I, stage IIA, and stage IIB. CRT was also found to be related to better survival than RT in patients at a younger age (<65) and an older age (≥65) with squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions

Compared with RT, CRT results in better OS and CSS in early EC patients who do not undergo surgery.
Remote robotic percutaneous coronary intervention: An animal feasibility study
Authors: Eleid Mackram F. , Zheng Park P. , Gulati Rajiv , Bergman Per , Kottenstette Nicholas , Li Yao , Lerman Amir , Sandhu Gurpreet S.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and safety of robotic PCI performed using an off‐siteremote‐control system in an animal model.

Background

Access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a challenge in acute myocardial infarction management. The combination of telemedicine and robotic PCI allow the potential delivery of primary PCI to remote locations without the delay of transfer.

Methods

This single‐center prospective pilot preclinical feasibility study compared robotic PCI with remote PCI on swine across three stages (adjacent room, different floor of the same building, two different buildings). Latency up to 1,000 ms was introduced into the operating environment to simulate decreased network quality (blinded to operator). The primary outcome measures were technical success and acute safety. The secondary outcome measures included lesion wiring time, procedural time and qualitative scoring of the PCI experience by the operator.

Results

Across 52 experiments in 15 animals, technical success was 100%. No procedural complications occurred during the study. No significant difference in lesion treatment time was detected between stages (p = .11) and between time per target vessel when latency up to 1,000 ms was introduced (p = .58). Injected delay >250 ms had the greatest impact on procedure perceived lag. Longer procedure time was associated with lower procedure impact score, regardless of injected latency.

Conclusions

Remote robotic PCI was feasible and safe in an animal model. Procedural duration was acceptable and unaffected by network latency. Future studies are needed to determine the safety and feasibility of remote PCI in humans.
Schistosomiasis and liver disease: Learning from the past to understand the present
Authors: Abdelghani Eman , Zerpa Rommel , Iliescu Gloria , Escalante Carmen P.
Published: May 2020

To diagnose schistosomiasis, past medical history review should include recent travel to or from an endemic area, a history of elevated liver enzymes as well as contact with contaminated sources of water or farm animals.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed (4+1) Annulation: Rearrangement of Allenylic Carbamates to 3‐Pyrrolines through Phosphonium Diene Intermediates
Authors: Blank Brian R. , Andrews Ian P. , Kwon Ohyun
Published: May 2020

We have developed a phosphine‐catalyzed (4+1) annulative rearrangement for the preparation of 3‐pyrrolines from allenylic carbamates via phosphonium diene intermediates. We employed this methodology to synthesize an array of 1,3‐disubstituted‐ and 1,2,3‐trisubstituted‐3‐pyrrolines, including the often difficult to prepare 2‐alkyl variants. A mechanistic investigation employing allenylic acetates and mononucleophiles unexpectedly unveiled that a phosphine‐catalyzed (4+1) reaction for the construction of cyclopentene products, previously reported by Tong, might not occur through a phosphonium diene, as had been proposed, but rather through multiple mechanisms working in concert. Consequently, our phosphine‐catalyzed rearrangement is most likely the first transformation to involve the unequivocal formation of a phosphonium diene intermediate along the reaction pathway. To demonstrate the synthetic utility of this newly developed reaction, we have completed concise formal syntheses of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (±)‐trachelanthamidine and (±)‐supinidine.
CATTELL'S parallel proportional profiles
Authors: Kroonenberg Pieter M. , Harshman Richard A.
Published: May 2020

In a primarily informal and conceptual way we trace the history of Cattell's parallel proportional profiles principle for factor rotation, also known as confactor rotation. Its original idea in connection with standard and confirmatory factor analysis of sets of covariance matrices from random samples is discussed as is its use in the non‐stochastic framework of three‐mode analysis. It will be shown that unfortunately the principle as an alternative for simple structure rotation has not led to a wide‐spread use in the social and behavioral sciences, but that it has celebrated triumphs in sciences like chemistry, signal processing, and other physical sciences mostly under the flag of the PARAFAC/CANDECOMP model, tensor decomposition, or canonical polyadic decomposition.
Structural Optimization of Metal Oxyhalide for CO2 Reduction with High Selectivity and Current Density
Authors: Meng Fan‐Lu , Zhang Qi , Duan Yan‐Xin , Liu Kai‐Hua , Zhang Xin‐Bo
Published: May 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Electrochemical CO2 reduction into value‐added liquid fuels using CO2 neutral renewable energy sources is very promising to solve climatic issues. In order to realize their practical applications, highly active and inexpensive electrocatalysts are urgently required. In this study, we have experimentally achieved high electrocatalytic activity towards CO2 reduction for the synthesis of formate with an enhanced current density of 15.1 mA·cm–2 and significantly improved Faradaic efficiency of 98.4% upon electrochemical reduced ultrathin bismuth oxybromide nanosheets. Moreover, the stable performance during 24 h of operation is also obtained. Furthermore, by detecting the exposed crystal plane after surface reorganization and applying density functional theory calculations, the possible reaction pathways and catalytic active plane of the derived bismuth catalyst are put forward, which would offer basic and design principles to directly develop the optimized metal Bi catalysts for enhanced electrocatalytic CO2 conversion to formate.
The predictive ability of legitimacy and agency theory after the implementation of the EU directive on non‐financial information
Authors: Mio Chiara , Fasan Marco , Marcon Carlo , Panfilo Silvia
Published: May 2020

Directive 2014/95/EU (the EU Directive) requires large companies to disclose information on the way they operate and manage social and environmental challenges, thus shifting the disclosure of non‐financial information (NFI) from the voluntary to the mandatory realm. Building on the idea that regulatory changes can shape stakeholder expectations, we hypothesized that legitimacy (agency) theory's ability to predict NFI disclosure after the implementation of the EU Directive, and hence after NFI disclosure became mandatory, would decrease (increase). By relying on a hand‐collected data set measuring NFI disclosure, we have found that legitimacy theory maintains its predictive ability in the new mandatory setting, while agency theory's predictive ability partially increases.
Suspected‐target and non‐targeted screenings of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in herbal remedies using liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry
Authors: Mohd Yusop Ahmad Yusri , Xiao Linda , Fu Shanlin
Published: May 2020

The lucrative market of herbal remedies spurs rampant adulteration, particularly with pharmaceutical drugs and their unapproved analogues. A comprehensive screening strategy is, therefore, warranted to detect these adulterants and, accordingly, to safeguard public health. This study uses the data‐dependent acquisition of liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF–MS) to screen phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in herbal remedies using suspected‐target and non‐targeted strategies. For the suspected‐target screening, we used a library comprising 95 PDE5 inhibitors. For the non‐targeted screening, we adopted top‐down and bottom‐up approaches to flag novel PDE5 inhibitor analogues based on common fragmentation patterns. LC–QTOF–MS was optimised and validated for capsule and tablet dosage forms using 23 target analytes, selected to represent different groups of PDE5 inhibitors. The method exhibited excellent specificity and linearity with limit of detection and limit of quantification of <40 and 80 ng/mL, respectively. The accuracy ranged from 79.0% to 124.7% with a precision of <14.9% relative standard deviation. The modified, quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction provided insignificant matrix effect within −9.1%–8.0% and satisfactory extraction recovery of 71.5%–105.8%. These strategies were used to screen 52 herbal remedy samples that claimed to enhance male sexual performance. The suspected‐target screening resulted in 33 positive samples, revealing 10 target analytes and 2 suspected analytes. Systematic MS and tandem MS interrogations using the non‐targeted screening returned insignificant signals, indicating the absence of potentially novel analogues. The target analytes were quantified from 0.03 to 121.31 mg per dose of each sample. The proposed strategies ensure that all PDE5 inhibitors are comprehensively screened, providing a useful tool to curb the widespread adulteration of herbal remedies.
Stochasticity‐induced stabilization in ecology and evolution: a new synthesis
Authors: Dean Antony M. , Shnerb Nadav M.
Published: May 2020

The ability of random environmental variation to stabilize competitor coexistence was pointed out long ago and, in recent years, has received considerable attention. Analyses have focused on variations in the log abundances of species, with mean logarithmic growth rates when rare,

, used as metrics for persistence. However, invasion probabilities and the times to extinction are not single‐valued functions of

and, in some cases, decrease as

increases. Here, we present a synthesis of stochasticity‐induced stabilization (SIS) phenomena based on the ratio between the expected arithmetic growth

and its variance

. When the diffusion approximation holds, explicit formulas for invasion probabilities and persistence times are single‐valued, monotonic functions of

. The storage effect in the lottery model, together with other well‐known examples drawn from population genetics, microbiology, and ecology (including discrete and continuous dynamics, with overlapping and non‐overlapping generations), are placed together, reviewed, and explained within this new, transparent theoretical framework. We also clarify the relationships between life‐history strategies and SIS, and study the dynamics of extinction when SIS fails.
Development of inverter structure for reducing switching loss imbalance among parallel connection and among three phases
Authors: Ando Masato , Kogure Hiroshi , Ogawa Kazutoshi , Kohno Yasuhiko , Ishikawa Katsumi
Published: May 2020

Recently, SiC power devices were developed to reduce the size and weight of the power converter circuit. This paper presents a three‐phase inverter structure for reducing imbalances in the switching loss among power modules connected parallel to one another and among the three phases. A proposed double‐sided structure achieved an imbalance of less than 2% in the experimental switching loss using SiC power modules. In addition, it is shown that the double‐sided structure realized stable switching behavior under four SiC power modules connected in parallel.
Impact of recent heart failure hospitalization on clinical outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: an analysis from the PARTNER 2 trial and registries
Authors: Chen Shmuel , Redfors Bjorn , Crowley Aaron , Ben‐Yehuda Ori , Summers Matthew , Hahn Rebecca T. , Jaber Wael A. , Pibarot Philippe , Alu Maria C. , Chau Katherine H. , Kapadia Samir , Nazif Tamim , Vahl Torsten P. , Thourani Vinod , Kodali Susheel , Leon Martin
Published: May 2020

Aims

Heart failure (HF) hospitalization prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with increased post‐procedural mortality. We sought to assess the association between recent (≤6 months) HF hospitalization and long‐term adverse outcomes in patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis, undergoing TAVR in the PARTNER 2 trial and registries.

Methods and results

Intermediate to high or even prohibitive risk patients who underwent TAVR in the PARTNER 2 trial and registries were included in the analysis. Clinical outcomes at 30 days and 2 years were compared between patients according to whether they were recently hospitalized for HF, using Kaplan–Meier event rates and study‐stratified multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using propensity score matching. Of 3988 patients (99.8%) with available information on recent HF hospitalization, 1622 patients (40.7%) were hospitalized for HF symptoms during the 6 months prior to TAVR. After multivariable adjustments, recent HF hospitalization was associated with increased all‐cause mortality at 30 days [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–2.48, P = 0.02] and 2 years (adjusted HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.13–1.49, P = 0.0003), which was driven by increased cardiovascular mortality. Infective endocarditis rate at 2 years was also higher in patients with recent HF hospitalization (adjusted HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.38–4.01, P = 0.002). These results remained consistent when propensity score matching was
used.

Conclusion

In a large cohort of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis from the PARTNER 2 trial and registries, all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality as well as infective endocarditis rates at 2 years were higher in patients with recent HF hospitalization.
Prevalence, phylogenomic insights, and phenotypic characterization of Salmonella enterica isolated from meats in the Tamale metropolis of Ghana
Authors: Adzitey Frederick , Teye Gabriel Ayum , Amoako Daniel Gyamfi
Published: May 2020

Characterization of foodborne pathogens including Salmonella species allows for the determination of their relationship and/or relatedness with others. This study characterized Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) isolated from five meat types (mutton, beef, chevon, guinea fowl, and local chicken) obtained from Tamale metropolis, Ghana. The S. enterica were characterized phenotypically (n = 44) based on their antibiotic resistance pattern with the disc diffusion method and genetically (n = 16) using whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) as well as with bioinformatic analysis for the prediction of their clonal and phylogenomic relationship. Of the 225 meat samples examined, 107 (47.56%) were positive for S. enterica. Mutton was the most contaminated meat type and the least was local chicken. The 44 S. enterica isolates exhibited five different antibiotic patterns with multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranging from 0.13 to 0.63. Resistant to only erythromycin was most common and was exhibited by 34 isolates (77.27%). Four isolates were resistant to four different antibiotics (TeAmpSxtECro) with a percentage of 9.09%, while two isolates (4.55%) were resistant to none of the antibiotics. The sequenced S. enterica isolates consisted of 7 serovars and 8 clonal lineages with the S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Hato (ST5308) being the predominate strain. Phylogenomic analysis showed that the isolates clustered according to their serovars and sequence types (clonal lineages). However, further metadata insights coupled with the phylogenomics revealed a complex intraspread of multiple S. enterica subsp. enterica serovars in diverse meat sources in areas in Tamale which is very worrying for infection management. In summary, our study provides useful insights into S. enterica in meat reservoirs obtained from Tamale metropolis, Ghana.
Tracheotomy in COVID‐19 patients: Optimizing patient selection and identifying prognostic indicators
Authors: Stubington Thomas J. , Mallick Ali S. , Garas Georgios , Stubington Emma , Reddy Chetan , Mansuri Mohammed S.
Published: May 2020

Background

Tracheotomy, through its ability to wean patients off ventilation, can shorten ICU length of stay and in doing so increase ICU bed capacity, crucial for saving lives during the COVID‐19 pandemic. To date, there is a paucity of patient selection criteria and prognosticators to facilitate decision making and enhance precious ICU capacity.

Methods

Prospective study of COVID‐19 patients undergoing tracheotomy (n = 12) over a 4‐week period (March‐April 2020). Association between preoperative and postoperative ventilation requirements and outcomes (ICU stay, time to decannulation, and death) were examined.

Results

Patients who sustained FiO2 ≤ 50% and PEEP ≤ 8 cm H2O in the 24 hours pretracheotomy exhibited a favorable outcome. Those whose requirements remained below these thresholds post‐tracheotomy could be safely stepped down after 48 hours.

Conclusion

Sustained FiO2 ≤ 50% and PEEP ≤ 8 cm H2O in the 48 hours post‐tracheotomy are strong predictive factors for a good outcome, raising the potential for these patients to be stepped down early, thus increasing ICU capacity.
Effects of rainfall on thermal stratification and dissolved oxygen in a deep drinking water reservoir
Authors: Liu Miao , Zhang Yunlin , Shi Kun , Zhang Yibo , Zhou Yongqiang , Zhu Mengyuan , Zhu Guangwei , Wu Zhixu , Liu Mingliang
Published: May 2020

Thermal stratification is crucial for water quality and ecological processes in deep lakes and reservoirs and can be substantially affected by meteorological and hydrological processes in the catchment. However, how thermal stratification responds to rainfalls of different intensities and changing hydrological processes has not been documented very well. Here, high frequency water column profiles at three stations in a large subtropical deep reservoir (Lake Qiandaohu, China) in 2017 were used to elucidate the impacts of rainfall on lake physical process and chemical environment. The impact of rainfalls on the thermal stratification and dissolved oxygen in riverine zone was more impressive than that in transitional and lacustrine zones. The effect on thermal stratification by rainfall was largely affected by the magnitude of rainfall. Moderate and heavy rainfall events could reduce the thermal stability of water column, deepen the mixing layer depth, and shape the thermocline, resulting from decrease of surface water temperature and increased inflows. While rainstorms could totally break up thermoclines in the riverine zone by high volume inflow flushing. In addition, we found that the hypoxia and anoxia initial depths increased during rainfall events in this reservoir, which were well related to the changes of mixing layer depths. This research highlights that quantifying the effects of rainfalls on thermal stratification and dissolved oxygen will be beneficial for optimizing reservoir management.
The exosome encapsulated microRNAs as circulating diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma with low alpha‐fetoprotein
Authors: Ghosh Suchandrima , Bhowmik Sayantani , Majumdar Swagata , Goswami Avijit , Chakraborty Joyeeta , Gupta Subash , Aggarwal Shaleen , Ray Sukanta , Chatterjee Raghunath , Bhattacharyya Suvendranath , Dutta Moumita , Datta Simanti , Chowdhury Abhijit , Dhali Gopal Krishna , Banerjee Soma
Published: May 2020

Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains challenging to clinicians, particularly in a patient with low alpha‐fetoprotein. Here, in silico, ex vivo and in vitro data were combined to identify liver‐specific exosomal miRNAs as an early diagnostic marker for HCC. Transcriptome profiling for mRNA and small RNA in same HCV‐HCC and normal liver tissues followed by cross‐validation of 41 deregulated miRNAs (log2FoldChange > 1.5, Padj < .1) with GEO/TCGA datasets of HCV/HBV related HCC vs normal/adjacent tissue revealed three miRNAs were commonly deregulated (miR‐10b/miR‐21/miR‐182) among all HCC irrespective of viral etiology. Targets of top deregulated miRNAs were identified by TargetScan/miRwalk and validated in mRNA transcriptome data followed by Panther/Gene Ontology enrichment/Cytoscape analysis suggested that targets were mostly from carcinogenesis pathways. Hence, those miRNAs were validated in normal and HCV‐HCC tissues by qRT‐PCR and subsequently in plasma‐derived‐exosomes of both HBV/HCV infected non‐HCC (chronic hepatitis [CH]/liver cirrhosis [LC]) and HCC samples, and in liver‐specific Anti‐Asgr2 immuno‐enriched exosomes. Exosomes were verified using Nanosight/TEM/immune‐blotting with anti‐Alix/anti‐GRP78/anti‐Asgr2. Along with miR‐21‐5p, miR‐10b‐5p/miR‐221‐3p/miR‐223‐3p was found significantly upregulated in the exosome of HCC patients than CH/non‐HCC. The comparable expression pattern was seen in anti‐Asgr2 immuno‐precipitated exosomes. Interestingly, the AFP level was found below 250 ng/mL in about 94% of HCV‐HCC and 62% of HBV‐HCC patients. ROC analysis showed that miR‐10b‐5p + miR‐221‐3p + miR‐223‐3p + miR‐21‐5p could differentiate CH/non‐HCC(CH + LC) from HCC with AUROC: 0.86 (97.5% CI: 0.77‐0.94)/0.80 (97.5% CI: 0.70‐0.89), sensitivity: 74%/58% and specificity: 86%/95% while miR‐10b‐5p + miR‐221‐3p + miR‐223‐3p showed AUROC: 0.84 (97.5% CI: 0.74‐0.94)/0.74 (97.5% CI: 0.63‐0.84), sensitivity: 86%/86% and specificity:66%/53% for low AFP‐HCC vs CH/non‐HCC, respectively, having better sensitivity than the combination of four miRNAs. Multivariate analysis further revealed low Albumin and high miR‐21‐5p as probable independent risk factor for HCC.
Trends and best practices in health care cybersecurity insurance policy
Authors: Kabir Umar Yusuf , Ezekekwu Emmanuel , Bhuyan Soumitra S. , Mahmood Asos , Dobalian Aram
Published: May 2020

Health care organizations are a major target for cyberattacks. This is primarily due to their peculiar vulnerabilities and attractiveness to nefarious cyber actors. Data breaches from these attacks present a significant threat to the viability of health care organizations, ranging from financial losses to compromised patient safety. Cybersecurity insurance has become an essential tool for mitigating financial liabilities that may arise from breaches for many organizations. This paper reviews the current state of cybersecurity insurance adoption in the health care sector. It highlights best practices in cybersecurity insurance policy for health care organizations and recommends future directions to strengthen cybersecurity and improve cybersecurity insurance.
Factors influencing the choice of a publication venue in library and information science
Authors: Lee Jongwook , Yang Kiduk , Oh Dong‐Geun
Published: May 2020

This study proposes a theoretical model of journal selection criteria by consolidating and validating the previously identified elements that influence authors' choice of publication venue. For the study, we surveyed 490 authors who published their work in library and information science journals and performed an exploratory factor analysis. The analysis identified five underlying components of journal selection criteria consisting of 15 items, which were labelled prestige, readership, peer review, infrastructure, and performance. The five components were positively related to each other, and peer review was shown as the most important component in choosing a publication venue, followed by readership, prestige, infrastructure, and performance. The results of this study will help increase the understanding of authors' publishing behaviours and will help journal publishers and editors improve their journals by developing strategies that attract better‐quality manuscripts.
Warming advances virus population dynamics in a temperate freshwater plankton community
Authors: Frenken Thijs , Brussaard Corina P. D. , Velthuis Mandy , Aben Ralf , Kazanjian Garabet , Hilt Sabine , Kosten Sarian , Peeters Edwin T. H. M. , de Senerpont Domis Lisette N. , Stephan Susanne , van Donk Ellen , Van de Waal Dedmer B.
Published: May 2020

Viruses are important drivers in the cycling of carbon and nutrients in aquatic ecosystems. Since viruses are obligate parasites, their production completely depends on growth and metabolism of hosts and therefore can be affected by climate change. Here, we investigated if warming (+4°C) can change the outcome of viral infections in a natural freshwater virus community over a 5‐month period in a mesocosm experiment. We monitored dynamics of viruses and potential hosts. Results show that warming significantly advanced the early summer peak of the virus community by 24 d, but neither affected viral peak abundances nor time‐integrated number of viruses present. Our results demonstrate that warming advances the timing of viruses in a natural community. Although warming may not necessarily result in a stronger viral control of bacterial and phytoplankton communities, our results suggest it can alter host population dynamics through advanced timing of infections, and thus timing of carbon and nutrient recycling.
Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling Combined With Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment for Striae Distensae
Authors: Seong Gi H. , Jin Eun M. , Ryu Tae U. , Kim Myung H. , Park Byung C. , Hong Seung P.
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combined fractional radiofrequency microneedling (FRM) and fractional carbon dioxide (FCO2) laser treatment for striae distensae and to compare the results to those of FRM alone and those of FCO2 alone.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Adult women (Fitzpatrick skin types III–IV) with striae distensae on the abdomen or calf were enrolled in this study. Each lesion was divided into three regions, with each region assigned to one of the three treatments (FCO2, FRM, or combined FCO2 and FRM). Global photographic assessments were performed by three dermatologists and by patients using a scored visual analog scale (VAS). Additionally, each lesion was evaluated using a skin imaging analyzer and a diagnostic ultrasound system.

Results

All 19 female subjects had an average body mass index of 23.85 kg/m2. The global assessment by dermatologists indicated a significant improvement in the combined treatment group (6.1) compared with the other groups (4.3 and 5.1 in the FRM and FCO2 groups, respectively; P < 0.05), and that by the patients indicated a significant improvement in the combined treatment group (6.3) compared with the FRM group (5.1; P = 0.02). Ultrasound results showed significantly increased skin thickness and dermal density (204.9 μm and 8.8%; both P < 0.05) in the combined treatment group. However, results of the skin imaging analysis showed a higher average level of melanin and redness indices in the combined treatment group than in the FRM group (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively), but not in the FCO2 group (P = 0.15, P = 0.11, respectively).

Conclusion

Combined FRM and FCO2 treatments resulted in slightly better clinical outcomes than single treatments, and the side effects of the treatment, such as pigmentation and persistent erythema, did not result in more serious events to a level similar to that of FCO2 alone. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Minimal Clinically Important Differences for Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale and 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey
Authors: Pintér Dávid , Janszky József , Kovács Norbert
Published: May 2020

Background

Although an increasing number of trials are reported on the treatment of generalized or segmental isolated dystonia, the minimal clinically important difference thresholds for the most frequently reported outcome measures are still undetermined.

Objectives

To estimate the minimal clinically important difference for the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale and the 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey in generalized or segmental dystonia.

Methods

A total of 898 paired examinations of 198 consecutive patients, aged >18 years, with idiopathic and inherited (torsin family 1 member A positive) segmental and generalized isolated dystonia were analyzed. To calculate the minimal clinically important difference thresholds, both anchor‐ and distribution‐based methods were used simultaneously.

Results

Any improvement >16.6% or worsening larger than 21.5% on the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale indicates a minimal, yet clinically relevant, change. Threshold values for the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Disability Scale were 0.5 points for both decline and improvement. Cut‐off scores for the Physical Component Summary, the Mental Component Summary, and the Global (Total or Overall) Score of the 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey were 5.5 and 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5, and 7.5 and 8.5 points for clinically meaningful improvement and deterioration, respectively.

Conclusions

The minimal clinically important difference represents the smallest change in an outcome measure that is meaningful to patients. Our estimates for the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale and the 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey may allow more reliable judgment of the clinical relevance of different treatments for segmental and generalized isolated dystonia. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Global existence of solutions for a p‐Laplacian equation with nonlocal Fisher–KPP type reaction terms
Authors: Tao Xueyan , Fang Zhong Bo
Published: May 2020

This work is concerned with the Neumann initial boundary value problem and Cauchy problem of a parabolic p‐Laplacian equation with nonlocal Fisher–KPP type reaction terms. We establish a uniform boundedness and global existence of solutions to the equation by applying the method of multipliers and modified Moser's iteration technique for some ranges of parameters. The ranges of parameters have similar structure to that of the classical critical Fujita exponent.
Dynamics of stochastic single‐species models
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lv Jingliang , Zou Xiaoling
Published: May 2020

A type of stochastic single‐species model is proposed and studied. The sufficient conditions of the existence of a unique solution, the existence of its stationary distribution, and stochastic permanence are obtained. Besides, the threshold conditions for its strong stochastic persistence and extinction are found. Finally, some examples and numerical simulations are introduced to support our main results.
Effect of pigment concentration on NMR relaxometry in acrylic paints
Authors: Rooney Mary , Meldrum Tyler
Published: May 2020

Acrylic emulsion paint is among the most common media employed by 20th century artists. Since early acrylic paintings have begun to require the attention of conservators, scientists are working to characterize the properties of these paints to facilitate conservation efforts. In this study, we report an investigation of the physical and chemical properties of acrylic emulsion paints using single‐sided NMR in conjunction with gloss measurements and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectrometry. Combining the data from these techniques gives insight into pigment‐base interactions and the acrylic curing process, showing that as pigment concentration is increased in paints, the amount of acrylic base adsorbed to pigment particles increases, resulting in films with differing relaxation times. This research both emphasizes and contextualizes the utility of NMR relaxometry in studying cultural heritage objects and prompts further study into the effects of pigment concentration on the curing and conservation of paint films.
DIA WINNERS HAVE LASTING IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY
Authors: Dickson Glen
Published: May 2020

Since 1995, SID's Display Industry Awards (DIAs) have recognized some of the field's most important technical breakthroughs. In fact, the list of winners is essentially a repository of display history, chronicling the major leaps and key refinements that led us to today. We spoke with members of SID's DIA Committee about past winners whose innovations made an outsized impact.
Critical Considerations for Characterizing and Standardizing ILMDs
Authors: Krüger Udo , Rotscholl Ingo , Fong Alexandre
Published: May 2020

Standardization of measurements is crucial for comparing measurement results. Here, three authors from TechnoTeam describe the steps needed for the standardized evaluation of image‐resolved luminance measurement systems and their relation to basic display measurement tasks.
Is the Sky Falling in the US Patent Industry?
Authors: Jablon Clark A.
Published: May 2020

In the last decade, US patent processes have increasingly been affected by the change of political tides. How can innovators best navigate the shifts?
Early 3‐month treatment with comprehensive physical therapy program restores continence in urinary incontinence patients after radical prostatectomy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Soto González Mercedes , Da Cuña Carrera Iria , Gutiérrez Nieto Manuel , López García Sabela , Ojea Calvo Antonio , Lantarón Caeiro Eva M
Published: May 2020

Aims

The objective of this study is to ascertain whether an early three‐month treatment with electrotherapy and biofeedback restores continence in urinary incontinence patients after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods

Design: The study performed a randomized, controlled trial of parallel and open groups.

Configuration: Secondary care, urology department of a university hospital complex.

Participants: Patients sent for RP due to prostate cancer (n = 60), 47 patients finally completed the study.

Interventions: The treatment group (TG) received physiotherapy consisting of electrotherapy and biofeedback, 3 days a week for 3 months, while the control group (CG) received no specific treatment. Both groups received a guide to perform pelvic floor exercises at home. The measurement instruments used were the 1‐ and 24‐hour pad tests and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short‐Form. The recording method used was a micturition (urinary) diary.

Results

The results of the 1‐hour pad test (PT) show statistically significant differences between groups at 3 months (P = .001) and 6 months (P = .001), in favor of those in the TG. Sixty‐four percent of patients in the TG recovered continence as against 9.1% in the CG after 3 months in the 1‐hour PT, in line with the objective of this study.

Conclusions

An early physiotherapy program helps RP patients with urinary incontinence recover continence after 3 months. Moreover, they lead a better quality life.
Nurses' perspectives on technical skill requirements in primary and tertiary healthcare services
Authors: Leonardsen Ann‐Chatrin Linqvist , Blågestad Ina Kristin , Brynhildsen Siri , Olsen Richard , Gunheim‐Hatland Lars , Gregersen Anne‐Grethe , Kvarsnes Anne Herwander , Hansen Wenche Charlotte , Andreassen Hilde Marie , Martinsen Mona , Hansen Mette , Hjelmeland Inger , Grøndahl Vigdis Abrahamsen
Published: May 2020

Aim

To explore nurses' perspectives on technical skill requirements in primary and tertiary healthcare services and their perspectives on where students should learn these skills.

Design

The study was conducted in Norway and had a cross‐sectional, multicentre, descriptive design.

Methods

We used a questionnaire to explore registered nurses and intellectual disability nurses' perspectives on technical skill requirements and learning (N = 437).

Results

All the skills included in the university college curricula were reported to be required, and most skills should from the respondents' perspective be learned in the university college. There were significant differences between registered nurses and intellectual disability nurses about their perspectives on skill learning, but no significant differences between respondents in the interface between hospital and municipality wards.

Conclusions

Results from this study indicate that nurses need extensive technical skills in both primary and tertiary health care. Findings also indicate a need to modify the university college curricula.
The natural history of the fallow deer, Dama dama (Linnaeus, 1758) in Bulgaria in prehistory and new evidence for the existence of an autochthonous Holocene population in the Balkans
Authors: Karastoyanova Nadezhda , Gorczyk John , Spassov Nikolai
Published: May 2020

The fallow deer (Dama dama Linnaeus, 1758) has a long history of interaction with prehistoric humans. Beginning in the Neolithic, humans introduced fallow deer to several areas of the eastern Mediterranean and mainland Europe, with later additional importing happening in the Bronze and Iron Ages. However, in some parts of southeastern Europe, autochthonous populations of extant fallow deer may have survived through the end of the Pleistocene and into the early Holocene, making them available for exploitation by Neolithic and Chalcolithic communities. Climatic and vegetational regimes favourable to fallow deer covered nearly all of Bulgaria during this period; yet, the heavy use of the species by human communities was restricted to a very small area around southeastern Bulgaria. Eventually, climate deterioration, habitat change and overhunting led to the decline of fallow deer in later prehistory in Bulgaria. This paper offers a discussion of the environmental and cultural background of human‐fallow deer interactions from the sixth to fourth millennium BCE in Bulgaria. Using bivariate scatterplots and log ratio techniques, we demonstrate that Neolithic and Chalcolithic communities exploited a large extant fallow‐deer population, appearing to target both males and females equally. Our results are the first step in a larger archaeological investigation of human‐fallow deer relations that unfolded over several millennia, touching upon issues of settlement, migration and perhaps even taming or domestication.
Impact of Combined Hormonal Contraceptive Use on Weight Loss: A Secondary Analysis of a Behavioral Weight‐Loss Trial
Authors: Caldwell Ann E. , Zaman Adnin , Ostendorf Danielle M. , Pan Zhaoxing , Swanson Bryan B. , Phelan Suzanne , Wyatt Holly R. , Bessesen Daniel H. , Melanson Edward L. , Catenacci Victoria A.
Published: May 2020

Objective

This study aimed to perform a preliminary investigation of the impact of combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use on weight loss during an 18‐month behavioral weight‐loss trial.

Methods

Adults (n = 170; 18‐55 years; BMI 27‐42 kg/m2) received a weight‐loss intervention that included a reduced‐calorie diet, a progressive exercise prescription, and group‐based behavioral support. Premenopausal women (n = 110) were classified as CHC users (CHC, n = 17) or non‐CHC users (non‐CHC, n = 93). Changes in weight were examined within groups using a linear mixed model, adjusted for age and randomized group assignment.

Results

At 6 M, weight was reduced from baseline in both CHC (mean, −6.7 kg; 95% CI: −9.8 to −3.7 kg) and non‐CHC (−9.1 kg; −9.1 to −6.4 kg). Between 6 and 18 M, CHC regained weight (4.9 kg; 0.9 to 8.9 kg), while weight remained relatively unchanged in non‐CHC (−0.1 kg; −1.8 to 1.6 kg). At 18 M, weight was relatively unchanged from baseline in CHC (−1.8 kg; −7.3 to 3.6 kg) and was reduced from baseline in non‐CHC (−7.9 kg; −10.2 to −5.5 kg).

Conclusions

In this secondary data analysis, CHC use was associated with weight regain after initial weight loss. Prospective studies are needed to further understand the extent to which CHC use influences weight loss and maintenance.
Making the most of the first prenatal visit: The challenge of expanding prenatal genetic testing options and limited clinical encounter time
Authors: Farrell Ruth M. , Pierce Madelyn , Collart Christina , Edmonds Brownsyne Tucker , Chien Edward , Coleridge Marissa , Rose Susannah L. , Perni Uma , Frankel Richard
Published: May 2020

Objective

Advances in prenatal genetics place additional challenges as patients must receive information about a growing array of screening and testing options. This raises concerns about how to achieve a shared decision‐making process that prepares patients to make an informed decision about their choices about prenatal genetic screening and testing options, calling for a reconsideration of how healthcare providers approach the first prenatal visit.

Methods

We conducted interviews with 40 pregnant women to identify components of decision‐making regarding prenatal genetic screens and tests at this visit. Analysis was approached using grounded theory.

Results

Participants brought distinct notions of risk to the visit, including skewed perceptions of baseline risk for a fetal genetic condition and the implications of screening and testing. Participants were very concerned about financial considerations associated with these options, ranking out‐of‐pocket costs on par with medical considerations. Participants noted diverging priorities at the first visit from those of their healthcare provider, leading to barriers to shared decision‐making regarding screening and testing during this visit.

Conclusion

Research is needed to determine how to restructure the initiation of prenatal care in a way that best positions patients to make informed decisions about prenatal genetic screens and tests.