bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parkinson's disease or atypical parkinsonism? The importance of acoustic voice analysis in differential diagnosis of speech disorders
Authors: Kowalska‐Taczanowska Renata , Friedman Andrzej , Koziorowski Dariusz
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Speech disorder is a common clinical manifestation in patients with Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonian syndromes and tends to occur before the onset of the axial parkinsonian symptoms. Due to parkinsonian features that overlap those of Parkinson's disease, the differentiation of voice and a speech disorder is a challenge for clinicians primarily in the early stage of the disease.

Methods

Speech samples were obtained from 116 subjects including 30 cases of Parkinson's disease, 30 cases of progressive supranuclear palsy, 30 cases of multiple system atrophy, and control group consisted of 26 subjects. Differential diagnosis of dysarthria subtypes was based on the quantitative, acoustic analysis of particular speech components. Additionally, Voice Handicap Index questionnaire was taken into account to differentiate the severity of voice impairment in the study groups.

Results

Our results showed significant differences in the distribution of acoustic parameters between Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonian syndromes. A mixed type of dysarthria with a combination of hypokinetic, spastic, and atactic features has been found in patients with atypical parkinsonism. In patients with the clinical diagnosis of the parkinsonian variant of multiple system atrophy, ataxic components of dysarthria were observed. Patients with PD presented pure hypokinetic dysarthria. Some parameters may be used as a marker for the diagnosis of the initial stage of PD. Voice impartment was significantly more frequent and severe in atypical parkinsonism than in Parkinson's disease.

Conclusion

Acoustic voice analysis is a very sensitive and noninvasive tool, provides objective information for the assessment of different speech components, has the specific potential to provide quantitative data essential for the improvement of the diagnostic process, and maybe a useful instrument in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes.
Modulating the function of ABCB1: in vitro and in vivo characterization of sitravatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Ji Ning , Cai Chao‐Yun , Wang Jing‐Quan , Lei Zi‐Ning , Teng Qiu‐Xu , Wu Zhuo‐Xun , Cui Qingbin , Pan Yihang , Chen Zhe‐Sheng
Published: June 2020

Background

Overexpression of ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter is a major contributor to multidrug resistance (MDR), in which cancer cells acquire resistance to a wide spectrum of chemotherapeutic drugs. In this work, we evaluated the sensitizing effect of sitravatinib, a broad‐spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), on ATP‐binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1)‐ and ATP‐binding cassette subfamily C member 10 (ABCC10)‐mediated MDR.

Methods

MTT assay was conducted to examine cytotoxicity and evaluate the sensitizing effect of sitravatinib at non‐toxic concentrations. Tritium‐labeled paclitaxel transportation, Western blotting, immunofluorescence analysis, and ATPase assay were carried out to elucidate the mechanism of sitravatinib‐induced chemosensitization. The in vitro findings were translated into preclinical evaluation with the establishment of xenograft models.

Results

Sitravatinib considerably reversed MDR mediated by ABCB1 and partially antagonized ABCC10‐mediated MDR. Our in silico docking simulation analysis indicated that sitravatinib strongly and stably bound to the transmembrane domain of ABCB1 human‐mouse chimeric model. Furthermore, sitravatinib inhibited hydrolysis of ATP and synchronously decreased the efflux function of ABCB1. Thus, sitravatinib could considerably enhance the intracellular concentration of anticancer drugs. Interestingly, no significant alterations of both expression level and localization of ABCB1 were observed. More importantly, sitravatinib could remarkably restore the antitumor activity of vincristine in ABCB1‐mediated xenograft model without observable toxic effect.

Conclusions

The findings in this study suggest that the combination of sitrvatinib and substrate antineoplastic drugs of ABCB1 could attenuate the MDR mediated by the overexpression of ABCB1.
False‐positive semiquantitative immunochromatography assays for procalcitonin in three patients with rheumatoid arthritis—A case series
Authors: Sato Hiroe , Ito Satoshi , Nakazono Kiyoshi , Kurosawa Yoichi , Nozawa Yukiko , Nakatsue Takeshi , Wada Yoko , Kuroda Takeshi , Suzuki Yoshiki , Nakano Masaaki , Narita Ichiei
Published: June 2020

We report three rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with false‐positive procalcitonin (PCT) based on semiquantitative immunochromatography assays without infection, but who had negative PCT assay results based on quantitative methods. Immunochromatography was useful for screening; however, other heterophilic antibodies rather than rheumatoid factor were possible to affect, especially in RA flare.
The challenge in diagnosing cardiac tumors to avoid unnecessary cardiac surgery
Authors: Joseph Gowsini , Zelechowski Marek Wojciech , Gronlund Jens , Zaremba Tomas
Published: June 2020

Cardiac magnetic resonance in cardiac mass: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) should be considered in the evaluation of patients with cardiac mass. Especially, when the diagnosis is not certain, CMR could provide paramount information that could be helpful for the decision on cardiac surgery.
Dental rehabilitation of a cleft lip and palate patient by implant‐supported overdenture: A case report
Authors: Arshad Mahnaz , Ameri Narges , Heidari Abdolreza , Shirani Gholamreza
Published: June 2020

Our patient was a 27‐year‐old male with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Considering the mobility of bone segments around the cleft, an implant‐supported removable overdenture (obturator) was fabricated, which improved the function and esthetics and led to patient satisfaction. The treatment results are still satisfactory after 5 years of follow‐up.
Popular decision rules in SIMCA: Critical review
Authors: Pomerantsev Alexey L. , Rodionova Oxana Ye
Published: June 2020

Soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA by Wold) is a statistically based class modeling approach, which has numerous modifications. Two basic statistics, the score and orthogonal distances, are utilized in all known SIMCA versions. The difference between the methods is the way they interpret and apply statistics in decision rules. The four most popular SIMCA decision rules, simple (by Massart), alternative (by Wise), combined index (by Joe Qin), and data driven (by Pomerantsev), are described in detail and compared using simulated and real‐world cases. The examples originate from various fields, and what is more important for statistical analysis is that they present different statistical structures. It is shown that depending on the way the decision rule is built, different SIMCA results can be obtained.
Evaluating narrative exposure therapy for post‐traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms: A meta‐analysis of the evidence base
Authors: Raghuraman Shruti , Stuttard Nathan , Hunt Nigel
Published: June 2020

Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an intervention for trauma spectrum disorders. Originally developed to treat refugee populations, NET has since been tested for efficacy across different settings. In this review, the NET evidence base is examined through a retrieval, synthesis and appraisal of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published since 2002. Two independent reviewers (S. R. and N. S.) searched online databases including EMBASE, PsycINFO and PubMed. Twenty‐four RCTs were selected for a meta‐analysis of three outcomes: post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and PTSD and depression symptoms. All outcomes were analysed at short‐term (3–4 months), midterm (6–7 months) and long‐term (≥12 months) data points. A random‐effects model was applied to yield standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) as indicators of NET treatment effect. Subgroup analyses for type of trauma and type of control groups were conducted to examine potential heterogeneity. For the NET group, moderate effect sizes for PTSD symptom severity were observed at midterm and long term and at midterm for depression symptom severity. The number of PTSD diagnoses decreased significantly in the short term for the NET condition, but this was not sustained at the long term. Caution must be exercised when interpreting these results due to high heterogeneity estimates and low quality of evidence across trials. Potential small‐study effects further complicate the interpretation of the findings. Recommendations are made for augmenting statistical significance research with qualitative analyses of NET efficacy to better inform clinical practice.
A metagenomic study of biliary microbiome change along the cholecystitis‐carcinoma sequence
Authors: Song Xiaoling , Wang Xu'an , Hu Yunping , Li Huaifeng , Ren Tai , Li Yongsheng , Liu Liguo , Li Lin , Li Xuechuan , Wang Ziyi , Huang Wen , Bao Runfa , Zhang Yijian , Li Maolan , Wang Xuefeng , Liu Feng , Gu Jun , Zheng Linhui , Wu Wenguang , Liu Yingbin
Published: June 2020

Background

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common cancer type of the biliary tract, and an association has been found between chronic calculous cholecystitis (CCC) and an increased incidence of GBC mortality. An understanding of the relationship between CCC and its carcinogenesis may enable us to prevent and cure GBC. In this study, we attempted to explore changes in the microbiome profile that take place during the transition from chronic cholecystitis mucosa to malignant lesions.

Results

Seven paired human GBC and CCC samples were provided by patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy or radical cholecystectomy. Mucosal DNA extraction and metagenomic sequencing were performed to evaluate changes in the microbiota between the two groups. We found that GBC patients and CCC patients shared similar stable and permanent dominant species and showed apparent differences in their biliary microbial composition and gene function. Peptostreptococcus stomatis and Enterococcus faecium may potentially play a role in GBC progression. In addition, the metagenomic species profiles, co‐abundance and co‐exclusion correlations, and CAZyme prevalence showed significant differences between the CCC and GBC groups.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that changes in the microbiota between CCC and GBC may help deepen our understanding of the complex spectrum of different microbiotas involved in the development of GBC. Although the cohort size was small, this study has presented the first evidence of the existence of an altered biliary microbiota in GBC, which is clearly different from that in CCC patients.
Plasma parameters of microarcs towards minuscule discharge gap
Authors: Baeva Margarita , Loffhagen Detlef , Becker Markus M. , Siewert Erwan , Uhrlandt Dirk
Published: June 2020

This paper describes the behaviour of the plasma parameters of microarcs generated between a cooled copper anode and a ceriated tungsten cathode by means of a one‐dimensional unified non‐equilibrium model for gap lengths between 15 and 200 μm and current densities from 2 × 105 up to 106 A/m2. The results obtained show that the decrease of the gap length to a few tens of micrometres for a given current density results in a progressive shrinking of the quasi‐neutral bulk in the microplasma and its complete disappearance. The decrease of the gap length further leads to an increase of the discharge voltage and the electron temperature and to slightly less heating of the
gas.
Optimal Resource allocation in NOMA‐based M2M communication using Hybrid Rider Optimization with FireFly: Power Saving Strategy of IoT
Authors: K Selvam , K Kumar
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, the Orthogonal Multiple Access (OMA) principle has utilized for allocating proper radio resources in wireless networks. However, as the count of users rises, OMA‐based approaches may not satisfy the stringent emerging requirements including very low latency, very high spectral efficiency, and massive device connectivity. Moreover, there are significant challenges in cellular‐enabled Machine‐to‐Machine (M2M) communications due to the unique features of M2M‐based applications. In order to overwhelm these challenges, non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) principles emerge as a solution to enhance the spectral efficiency while allowing some degree of multiple access interference at receivers. Hence, this paper intends to develop an optimal resource allocation mechanism for M2M communication. Here, the nonlinear energy harvesting performed with the aid of an accessing technology termed as NOMA. The key objective of the proposed resource allocation model is the minimization of the total energy consumption of the network. For attaining the minimized power consumption, the time allocation, and transmission power of NOMA is optimally tuned by a hybrid optimization algorithm. The proposed hybrid algorithm merges the beneficial concepts of Rider Optimization Algorithm (ROA) and FireFly (FF) algorithm and implements a new algorithm termed as FireFly Modified Bypass‐based Rider Optimization Algorithm (FMB‐ROA). Finally, the analysis of total energy concerning various constraints validates the performance of the proposed model over conventional models.
Lithium as a candidate treatment for COVID‐19: Promises and pitfalls
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: June 2020

The pandemic of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS‐nCoV‐2) is a global health crisis. Despite numerous preliminary results, there is as yet no treatment of proven efficacy for this condition. In this context, the pharmacological properties of lithium, better known as a treatment for mood disorders, merit closer examination. Lithium has shown in vitro efficacy at inhibiting the replication of coronaviruses responsible for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in animals. It has immunomodulatory properties that may be of additional benefit in moderating the host inflammatory response to the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2). Furthermore, there is evidence that lithium may exert a protective action against upper respiratory infections and influenza‐like illnesses in patients taking it for other indications. These promising reports must be balanced against the narrow therapeutic index and high risk of toxicity associated with lithium therapy, its documented interactions with several commonly used drugs, and the absence of evidence of its efficacy against coronaviruses responsible for human disease. Nevertheless, naturalistic studies of the risk of COVID‐19 in patients already receiving lithium could provide indirect evidence of its efficacy, and understanding the putative antiviral and immune‐regulatory mechanisms of lithium in models of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection may provide leads for the development of safer and more effective treatments with a specific action against COVID‐19.
A novel social fear conditioning procedure alters social behavior and mTOR signaling in differentially housed adolescent rats
Authors: Dawud Lamya’a M. , Loetz Esteban C. , Lloyd Brian , Beam Rachel , Tran Simon , Cowie Kim , Browne Kim , Khan Tassawwar , Montoya Richard , Greenwood Benjamin N. , Bland Sondra T.
Published: June 2020

Vulnerabilities to fear‐related disorders can be enhanced following early life adversity. This study sought to determine whether post‐weaning social isolation (PSI), an animal model of early life adversity, alters the development of social fear in an innovative model of conditioned social fear. Male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent either social rearing (SR) or PSI for 4 weeks following weaning. Rats were then assigned to groups consisting of either Footshock only, Social conditioned stimulus (CS) only, or Paired footshock with a social CS. Social behavior was assessed the next day. We observed a novel behavioral response in PSI rats, running in circles, that was rarely observed in SR rats; moreover, this behavior was augmented after Paired treatment in PSI rats. Other social behaviors were altered by both PSI and Paired footshock and social CS. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was assessed using immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 (pS6) in subregions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala. Paired treatment produced opposite effects in the PFC and amygdala in males, but no differences were observed in females. Conditioned social fear produced alterations in social behavior and the mTOR pathway that are dependent upon rearing condition and sex.
Considering unseen arrivals in predictions of establishment risk based on border biosecurity interceptions
Authors: Turner Rebecca M. , Plank Michael J. , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Pawson Stephen , Liebhold Andrew , James Alex
Published: June 2020

Assessing species establishment risk is an important task used for informing biosecurity activities aimed at preventing biological invasions. Propagule pressure is a major contributor to the probability of invading species establishment; however, direct assessment of numbers of individuals arriving is virtually never possible. Inspections conducted at borders by biosecurity officials record counts of species (or higher‐level taxa) intercepted during inspections, which can be used as proxies for arrival rates. Such data may therefore be useful for predicting species establishments, though some species may establish despite never being intercepted. We present a stochastic process‐based model of the arrival–interception–establishment process to predict species establishment risk from interception count data. The model can be used to estimate the probability of establishment, both for species that were intercepted and species that had no interceptions during a given observation period. We fit the stochastic model to data on two insect families, Cerambycidae and Aphididae, that were intercepted and/or established in the United States or New Zealand. We also explore the effects of variation in model parameters and the inclusion of an Allee effect in the establishment probability. Although interception data sets contain much noise due to variation in inspection policy, interception effort and among‐species differences in detectability, our study shows that it is possible to use such data for predicting establishments and distinguishing differences in establishment risk profile between taxonomic groups. Our model provides a method for predicting the number of species that have breached border biosecurity, including both species detected during inspections but also “unseen arrivals” that have never been intercepted, but have not yet established a viable population. These estimates could inform prioritization of different taxonomic groups, pathways or identification effort in biosecurity programs.
Torrent frogs have fewer macroparasites but higher rates of chytrid infection in landscapes with smaller forest cover
Authors: Forti Lucas Rodriguez , Pontes Mariana Retuci , Alcantara Edna Paulino , Morais Drausio Honorio , da Silva Reinaldo José , Dodonov Pavel , Toledo Luís Felipe
Published: June 2020

Deforestation can compromise ecological processes and biotic interactions, including the host–parasite relationship. While some parasites infect only one host, others require multiple hosts to complete their complex life cycles. In this context, different parasites may have different demands and traits and may have specific responses to habitat degradation. Here, we tested whether forest cover has different effects on different frogs' parasites, as chytrid (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis; Bd) and helminths (Platyhelminthes and Nematoda). We collected data on two stream frog species (Crossodactylus caramaschiiandCrossodactylus schmidti) from nine sites in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, with forest cover ranging from 20% to 99%. Bd presence and load increased with decreasing forest cover, but the opposite was observed for nematodes. Load of monoxenous and heteroxenous helminths increased with forest cover. We suggest that variations in potential host diversity, microclimate conditions, and host immune response may be responsible for the contrasting patterns found for micro‐(Bd) and macroparasites (helminths, except Platyhelminthes). Our work brings evidence of how habitat reduction can affect host–parasite relationships, including infection with the pathogen responsible for hundreds of global species extinctions.
Analysis on homomorphic technique for data security in fog computing
Authors: Murugesan Arun , Saminathan Balamurali , Al‐Turjman Fadi , Kumar R. Lakshmana
Published: June 2020

The fog computing model has given new trends of networking with different types of devices providing services at the end‐user point. It inherits most advanced features of cloud computing with localization rather than centralization like a cloud. It builds a platform for the Internet of things of different standards. Similar to the cloud, it is prone to privacy and security threat while sharing resources and services at the network edge. When the request for support is with more sensitive data, for example, as in business or research area, then fog devices face many potential threats resulting in leakage of data. The existing cloud environment provides data sharing service to the legal requestor in a highly secured manner using cryptographic encryption techniques. The uploaded data undergoes encryption and decryption, at the sending and receiving end only on providing the private key. Even more, security can be achieved by further computation on encrypted data. As an extension to fog computing, the data communication between fog nodes‐fog nodes and fog node‐cloud center is done with encryption/decryption for ensuring confidentiality. Homomorphic encryption is a cryptographic technique which allows performing computations on encrypted data without decryption so that the original message need not be disclosed to intermediates (servers) who are the only service provider and not a data user. Our work is motivated by the flaw of security issues in fog computing platforms, which involve heterogeneous devices.
Forecasting real‐time economic activity using house prices and credit conditions
Authors: Kishor Narayan Kundan
Published: June 2020

Using real‐time data from 1985:Q1 to 2017:Q3 and simple vector autoregression (VAR) models, we show that there is a substantial payoff in combining credit supply indicators with house prices for forecasting real economic activity in the USA. Consistent with the findings in the literature, we show that the forecasts from a bivariate VAR model of real activity and credit conditions dominate the forecasts from a univariate model of real activity. The most interesting finding of the paper is that once real house price growth is added to the bivariate VAR model of real activity and credit conditions, the forecasting performance improves significantly. The forecasts from the model that contains credit supply indicator and real house price growth are also competitive with the forecasts of the Survey of Professional Forecasters. These results provide further evidence in support of the recent theoretical and empirical research on the dynamic relationship between housing market and credit conditions and its role in explaining real economic activity fluctuations in the USA.
Mallotus furetianus extract protects against ethanol‐induced liver injury via the activation of the cAMP‐PKA pathway
Authors: Yoshikawa Eri , Matsui‐Yuasa Isao , Huang Xuedan , Kobayashi Yoshinori , Kojima‐Yuasa Akiko
Published: June 2020

The protective effects of Mallotus furetianus extract (MF) on liver fibrosis induced with ethanol were examined using in vivo and in vitro model. MF treatment suppressed plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in ethanol plus carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced cirrhosis rat model. MF also suppressed the increase in type l collagen and α‐smooth muscle actin expression in the livers of ethanol plus CCl4‐induced rat by the maintenance of intracellular glutathione levels. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of MF on the alcohol‐induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are responsible for the increased production and deposition of the extracellular matrix in liver injury. Here, we observed the enhancement of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the increase in type I collagen and a‐SMA expression in HSCs activated with ethanol. However, the enhanced ROS levels were suppressed with the treatments of MF or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI). Furthermore, the treatment of MF or DPI suppressed the increase in type I collagen and a‐SMA expression activated with ethanol. We also observed that the treatment of MF or LY194002 suppressed the increase in type I collagen expression in HSCs activated with ethanol, suggesting that ethanol induced type I collagen expression via the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. On the other hand, the suppression of the synthesis of type I collagen in ethanol and MF‐treated HSCs was inhibited by H‐89. From these results, MF may suppress the increase in the activity of NADPH oxidase in HSCs activated with ethanol through the cAMP‐PKA pathway.
Altered awareness of motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies: A systematic review
Authors: Pennington Catherine , Duncan Gordon , Ritchie Craig
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Altered awareness of motor symptoms is reported in people with Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and may adversely affect quality of life and medication concordance. How symptom awareness is influenced by motor and cognitive disease severity, age and medication use is not fully understood. We carried out a systematic review of the literature on motor symptom awareness in Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies.

Methods

Pubmed and Wed of Science were searched for relevant articles published in or prior to March 2019. Data regarding participant demographics, diagnosis, cognitive status, method of assessing awareness and study findings were extracted from relevant publications.

Results

Sixteen relevant publications were identified. Motor symptom awareness appears to decline over the course of Parkinson's disease. Imaging studies implicate the prefrontal cortex, with different mechanisms involved in hypokinesia and dyskinesia awareness. The hypothesis that people with right hemisphere based disease would have more severely reduced awareness is only weakly supported. Most studies focused on cognitively intact individuals, and on awareness of dyskinesia rather than hypokinesia.

Conclusions

Whilst reduced awareness of dyskinesia and to a lesser extent hypokinesia is common, there is a lack of longitudinal data on how awareness changes over time, and how it interacts with global cognitive changes. Motor symptom awareness in Dementia with Lewy Bodies is understudied. Future studies of symptom awareness should include robust assessment of overall cognitive functioning, and use a longitudinal design to elucidate how awareness changes over time. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:‐, 2020.
An integrative typology of global strategy and global value chains: The management and organization of cross‐border activities
Authors: Pananond Pavida , Gereffi Gary , Pedersen Torben
Published: June 2020

Research summary

We contend that a synthesis between the literatures on global strategy and global value chains (GVCs) is mutually beneficial. A typology of four themes—managed cross‐border activities, network optimization, bottom‐up upgrading, and strategic coevolution—illustrates the underlying concepts and mechanisms that these two approaches share in common. Our integrative typology provides an analytical framework to understand the interplay between the statics of GVC governance and the dynamics of firm strategy. Firm‐level actions are a key factor in effective GVC‐level policy making, and our framework provides a roadmap to analyze how major disruptions, such as digitalization and pandemics, affect the symbiotic relationships between GVCs and firm strategy.

Managerial summary

While the global strategy literature has underplayed the interdependence among firms and other actors in global value chains (GVCs) and highlighted the scope for firm agency, the GVC literature limits the attention to firm strategies per se but puts more emphasis on the governance structure of global industries. In their strategic decision making, managers must take into consideration how firms are positioned along the value chain in terms of four themes: managed cross‐border activities; network optimization; bottom‐up upgrading; and strategic coevolution. Integrating the GVC view adds a further impetus to global strategy beyond the analysis of intra‐firm determinants. Conversely, integrating global strategy into GVC analysis entails a more dynamic view on behaviors of different actors in the value chain. Understanding these interactions enable managers and policy makers to better incorporate how changes and disruptions affect firm strategies within the governance of GVCs.
Impact of local control and surgical lymph node evaluation in localized paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee
Authors: Routh Jonathan C. , Dasgupta Roshni , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Shnorhavorian Margarett , Tian Jing , Walterhouse David O. , Breneman John , Wolden Suzanne L. , Arndt Carola A. , Hawkins Douglas S. , Rodeberg David A.
Published: June 2020

Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma (PT‐RMS) carries a favorable prognosis, but questions persist regarding optimal management. Our goal was to determine the importance of primary tumor resection and surgical assessment of retroperitoneal lymph nodes during staging in patients with PT‐RMS. We analyzed patients with localized PT‐RMS enrolled onto one of four Children's Oncology Group studies (D9602, ARST0331, D9803 or ARST0531). Surgical resection of the primary tumor prior to chemotherapy and radiotherapy was encouraged when possible with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) recommended for patients ≥10 years of age. Among 279 patients (median 8.1 years old), most tumors were resected with negative margins (78.5%) and most patients did not have radiographic enlargement of regional lymph nodes (90.3%). In patients older than 10 years, imaging alone will miss over 51.5% of nodal disease. Five‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 92.0% (95% CI 88.4%‐95.6%). Sampling ≥7 to 12 retroperitoneal lymph nodes appeared optimal for detecting positive nodes; while there was a trend toward improved EFS among those undergoing template RPLND, this was not statistically significant (P = .068). Age (P = .28), N‐stage (P = .39), T‐stage (P = .11) and pathologic node involvement (P = .53) were not associated with overall survival. However, older age and larger tumor size had an additive impact on EFS (P = .027) though not overall survival (P = .13). In conclusion, outcomes for patients with PT‐RMS are excellent. Reliance on imaging to detect nodal involvement will miss pathologic node involvement and may result in undertreatment. Surgical nodal staging requires at least 7 to 12 nodes to accurately identify patients with regional nodal disease.
Progesterone and preterm birth
Authors: Norman Jane E.
Published: June 2020

Progestogens (vaginal progesterone and intramuscular 17‐hydroxyprogesterone acetate) are widely recommended for women at high risk of preterm birth. Typical regimens include 17‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate (250 mg intramuscularly weekly), starting at 16–20 gestational weeks until 36 weeks or delivery for women with a singleton gestation and a history of spontaneous preterm birth, or vaginal progesterone (90‐mg vaginal gel or 200‐mg micronized vaginal soft capsules) for women with a short cervix (typically ≤25 mm). Although some randomized trials support this approach, neither of the largest trials (PROLONG for 17‐hydroxyprogesterone acetate or OPPTIMUM for vaginal progesterone) demonstrated efficacy. There are almost no data on long‐term effects, and none that shows benefit beyond the neonatal period. Although some analyses suggest the cost‐effectiveness of the approach, a cervical length screening program followed by progesterone for those with a short cervix will reduce preterm birth rates by less than 0.5%. The present review assesses evidence on the efficacy, likely impact, and long‐term effects of implementing the recommendations for progestogens in full. Clinicians and pregnant women can look forward to resolution of the conflicting views on efficacy once the Patient‐Centered Outcomes Research Initiative (PCORI)‐funded individual patient data meta‐analysis is published.
Breath indeed carries significant information about a disease: Potential biomarkers of cerebral palsy
Authors: Maiti Kiran Sankar , Roy Susmita , Lampe Renée , Apolonski Alexander
Published: June 2020

Objective and reliable noninvasive medical diagnostics of a large variety of diseases is still a dream. As a step in the direction of realization, a spectroscopic breath study of cerebral palsy (CP) was performed. Principal component analysis revealed data clustering for a healthy group and CP individuals was observed, with a P‐value below 10−5. Learning algorithms resulted in 91% accuracy in distinguishing the groups. With the help of manual analysis of absorption spectral features of breath samples, two volatile organic compounds were identified that demonstrate significant deviations in the groups. These represent two esters of propionic acid (PPAE). A transportation scheme was hypothesized that links the gut where propionic acid (PPA) and PPAE are produced, the brain of CP patients, through which PPA and PPAE transmit, and the lungs where PPAE releases. The results show a possibility to detect one more brain‐related disorder via breath, in this case CP.
Synthesis and optical characterization of new ketocyanine dyes with extended polymethine chaines
Authors: Miltsov Sergey , Alonso‐Chamarro Julian , Puyol Mar
Published: June 2020

New symmetrical and unsymmetrical near‐infrared absorbing ketocyanine‐type dyes are synthesized and their optical characterization is done. The relationships between their structure and optical properties are discussed. The synthesized ketocyanine dyes show a positive solvatochromism and are poorly fluorescent. A new procedure for the preparation of N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylvinamidinium perchlorate, which was a very useful reagent for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds as well as for the preparation of cyanine dyes is developed.
Influences on willingness to use vaginal or oral HIV PrEP during pregnancy and breastfeeding in Africa: the multisite MAMMA study
Authors: van der Straten Ariane , Ryan Julia H , Reddy Krishnaveni , Etima Juliane , Taulo Frank , Mutero Prisca , Taylor Jamilah , Piper Jeanna , Musara Petina ,   the MTN‐041/MAMMA Study Team
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Women in sub‐Saharan Africa spend a substantial portion of their reproductive lives pregnant and/or breastfeeding (P/BF), yet they have limited options to prevent HIV during these maternal stages. In preparation for phase 3b prevention trials in P/BF women, we explored attitudes about using a vaginal ring or oral pills for pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), perceptions of HIV risk during P/BF and key influences on future PrEP use.

Methods

In 2018, we conducted 16 single‐sex focus group discussions (FGDs) with community‐ and clinic‐recruited HIV‐uninfected women, currently or recently P/BF, aged 18 to 40, and men with (currently or recently) P/BF partners, aged 18+. Participants completed a behavioural questionnaire, viewed an educational video and handled prototype placebo products. FGDs were conducted in local languages and transcribed, coded and analysed, using a socio‐ecological framework, for key influences on willingness to use products, HIV risk perceptions and opinions on product attributes.

Results

Of the 128 participants (65 women, 63 men) 75% lived with their partner and 84% had a child. Women reported the most important influencers when P/BF were partners, and all stated that health decisions when P/BF are typically made jointly (e.g. medication use; ante/postnatal and baby care). There was consensus that P/BF women are at high risk for HIV, primarily because of their partner’s infidelities, and new prevention options were welcomed. Participants valued multiple options and stated that woman’s personal preference would be key to product choice. Anticipated concerns about products included risk of miscarriage, impact on infant development, complications during delivery and adequate production or taste of breastmilk. Specific perceived disadvantages emerged for the ring (e.g. vaginal discomfort, difficulty inserting/removing) and for pills (e.g. nausea/vomiting) that may be exacerbated during pregnancy. Health care providers’ (HCPs) knowledge and approval of product use during P/BF was needed to mitigate anticipated fears.

Conclusions

Participants perceived pregnancy and breastfeeding as high HIV risk periods and valued new prevention options. HIV protection of the mother‐child dyad, safety of the baby, and ultimately, health of the family were paramount. Endorsement by HCPs and support from partners were key to future product acceptance. Participants recommended involving partners and HCPs in sensitization efforts for future trials.
The Social and Financial Performance of Microfinance Institutions in the Middle East and North Africa Region: Do Islamic Institutions Outperform Conventional Institutions?
Authors: Berguiga I. , Said Y.Ben , Adair P.
Published: June 2020

The performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) is analysed over 2004–2015 on a sample of 67 MFIs in the Middle East and North Africa regions. It includes a subsample of 18 Islamic MFIs (IMFIs), whereof Solebusiness grant exclusively Islamic financial services, and Window provide both Islamic and conventional services. A model of simultaneous equations with interacting variables tests seven hypotheses addressing financial performance, social performance and the social and financial performance relationship. Conventional MFIs experience higher financial performance than IMFIs, and Window experience higher financial performance than Solebusiness. IMFIs do not experience higher social performance than conventional MFIs; whether conventional or Islamic, MFIs face a financial vs. social performance trade‐off. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization of morphine, codeine, and thebaine in corona discharge–ion mobility spectrometry: Protonation, ammonium attachment, and carbocation formation
Authors: Valadbeigi Younes , Ilbeigi Vahideh , Mirsharifi Maryam S.
Published: June 2020

Atmospheric pressure chemical ionizations (APCIs) of morphine, codeine, and thebaine were studied in a corona discharge ion source using ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) at temperature range of 100°C–200°C. Density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) and M062X/6‐311++G(d,p) levels of theory were used to interpret the experimental data. It was found that in the presence of H3O+ as reactant ion (RI), ionization of morphine and codeine proceeds via both the protonation and carbocation formation, whereas thebaine participates only in protonation. Carbocation formation (fragmentation) was diminished with decrease in the temperature. At lower temperatures, proton‐bound dimers of the compounds were also formed. Ammonia was used as a dopant to produce NH4+ as an alternative RI. In the presence of NH4+, proton transfer from ammonium ion to morphine, codeine, and thebaine was the dominant mechanism of ionization. However, small amount of ammonium attachment was also observed. The theoretical calculations showed that nitrogen atom of the molecules is the most favorable proton acceptor site while the oxygen atoms participate in ammonium attachment. Furthermore, formation of the carbocations is because of the water elimination from the protonated forms of morphine and codeine.
Exhaled breath analysis using on‐line preconcentration mass spectrometry for gastric cancer diagnosis
Authors: Hong Yi , Che Xinxin , Su Haibo , Mai Zebin , Huang Zhengxu , Huang Weibin , Chen Wei , Liu Shulin , Gao Wei , Zhou Zhen , Tan Guobin , Li Xue
Published: June 2020

Breath volatile biomarkers are capable of distinguishing patients with various cancers. However, high throughput analytical technology is a prerequisite to a large‐cohort study intended to discover reliable breath biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. Single‐photon ionization (SPI) is a universal ionization technology, and SPI‐mass spectrometry (SPI‐MS) shows a remarkable advantage in the comprehensive detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in particular, nonpolar compounds. In this study, we have introduced SPI‐MS coupled with on‐line thermal desorption (TD‐SPI‐MS) to demonstrate nontarget analysis of breath VOCs for gastric cancer patients. The breath fingerprints of the gastric cancer patients were significantly distinct from that of the control group. Acetone, isoprene, 1,3‐dioxolan‐2‐one, phenol, meta‐xylene, 1,2,3‐trimethylbenzene, and phenyl acetate showed higher relative peak intensities in the breath profiles of gastric cancer patients. A diagnostic prediction model was further developed by using a training set (121 samples) and validated with a test set (53 samples). The predication accuracy of the developed model was 96.2%, and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) was 0.997, indicating a satisfactory prediction ability of the developed model. Thus, by taking gastric cancer as an example, we have shown that TD‐SPI‐MS will be a promising tool for high throughput analysis of breath samples to discover characteristic VOCs in patients with various cancers.
Rapid Diagnosis of Altered Mental Status in Home Parenteral Nutrition Patient
Authors: Byerly Saskya , Lee Eugenia E. , Byers Patricia , Yeh Daniel Dante
Published: June 2020

This report describes the application of a routine lab test to confirm a diagnosis of hypernatremia suspected to be secondary to an error in parenteral nutrition compounding. The novel aspect of this case is the use of the “urine electrolytes” laboratory test to verify that the electrolyte concentration of the mixture is consistent with what was printed on the bag label.
Immunohistochemical analysis of protein expression in formalin fixed paraffin embedded human intervertebral disc tissues
Authors: Binch Abbie , Snuggs Joseph , Le Maitre Christine L.
Published: June 2020

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a useful technique for the localization and semiquantification of protein expression within tissues. Adult human intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues contain a large amount of auto‐fluorescence which often makes immunofluorescence techniques inappropriate on tissue samples but can be applied to isolated cell samples. Thus, IHC remains one of, if not the most common application for protein detection within IVD tissue. Immunostaining localizes antigen expression through specific epitope‐antibody interactions. Within the field of IVD research, IHC is commonly used on fresh frozen and paraffin embedded tissues to elucidate the expression of antigens. Here, we discuss the principles of IHC applied to formalin fixed paraffin embedded IVD tissue and supply optimized protocols for antibodies used within our group to guide research within the IVD field.
Mud‐associated organic matter and its direct and indirect role in marsh organic matter accumulation and vertical accretion
Authors: Mariotti G. , Elsey‐Quirk T. , Bruno G. , Valentine K.
Published: June 2020

In situ plant production is often assumed to be the major contributor to organic matter (OM) accumulation and vertical accretion in tidal marshes. Here, we evaluate the contribution of mud‐associated OM in salt and brackish marshes in Louisiana. Based on 14 soil cores, the OM content of the mud fraction—i.e., any material smaller than 64 μm—was 17% ± 7% for the salt marshes and 28% ± 14% for the brackish marshes. This remains nearly uniform over the top 35 cm depth, suggesting that this material is deposited contemporaneously with the mud. The dry bulk density of the mud (300–450 kg m−3) is also much lower than what was estimated using a previously proposed two‐constituent mixing model (1990 kg m−3). To reconcile this discrepancy, we developed a modified mixing model that includes mud OM and differentiates sand as a separate constituent with its high dry bulk density. The model estimates that mud contributes to ~ 60% of the total marsh vertical accretion in Louisiana, considerably higher than the ~ 14% estimated with the two‐constituent mixing model. The result, which is a direct consequence of the relatively high porosity of mud, highlights that mud deposition is crucial for the accretion of microtidal marshes. Further, the model estimates that the mud OM constitutes ~ 60% of the total soil OM, emphasizing that in situ plant production is not the only—and, in minerogenic marshes, not the major—contributor to OM accumulation.
Further results of existence of positive solutions of elliptic Kirchhoff equation with general nonlinearity of source terms
Authors: Boulaaras Salah , Bouizem Youcef , Guefaifia Rafik
Published: June 2020

The paper deals with some existence results for elliptic Kirchhoff equations with respect to general nonlinear source terms and changing sign data, where we have used three different methods: direct variational method, Galerkin approach, and subsolution–supersolution method.
Dietary Fiber from Oat and Rye Brans Ameliorate Western Diet–Induced Body Weight Gain and Hepatic Inflammation by the Modulation of Short‐Chain Fatty Acids, Bile Acids, and Tryptophan Metabolism
Authors: Kundi Zuzanna Maria , Lee Jetty Chung‐Yung , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Chan Chi Bun , Leung Kin Sum , So Stephanie Sik Yu , Nordlund Emilia , Kolehmainen Marjukka , El‐Nezami Hani
Published: June 2020

Scope

Dietary fiber (DF) induces changes in gut microbiota function and thus modulates the gut environment. How this modulation is associated with metabolic pathways related to the gut is largely unclear. This study aims to investigate differences in metabolites produced by the gut microbiota and their interactions with host metabolism in response to supplementation with two bran fibers.

Methods and Results

Male C57BL/6N mice are fed a western diet (WD) for 17 weeks. Two groups of mice received a diet enriched with 10% w/w of either oat or rye bran, with each bran containing 50% DF. Microbial metabolites are assessed by measuring cecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), ileal and fecal bile acids (BAs), and the expression of genes related to tryptophan (TRP) metabolism. Both brans lowered body weight gain and ameliorated WD‐induced impaired glucose responses, hepatic inflammation, liver enzymes, and gut integrity markers associated with SCFA production, altered BA metabolism, and TRP diversion from the serotonin synthesis pathway to microbial indole production.

Conclusions

Both brans develop a favorable environment in the gut by altering the composition of microbes and modulating produced metabolites. Changes induced in the gut environment by a fiber‐enriched diet may explain the amelioration of metabolic disturbances related to WD.