bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis Studies on Grain Yield and Its Contributing Characters in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Taiwo O. P. , Nwonuala A. I. , Isaiah B. F. , Olawamide D. O. , Agbugba I. K.
Published: June 2020

In crop breeding, the selection for yield is made complex because of the quantitative and polygenic nature of the character. This study was undertaken to assess character association and show the contribution of various yield contributing characters in some maize varieties through the help of correlation and path coefficient analyses in order to identify appropriate plant characters for selection to improve maize grain yield. Seventeen maize varieties were sown in a randomized complete block design with three replications in a humid environment of Port Harcourt, Nigeria in 2018 under rainfed condition. Data were recorded for days to 50% anthesis, days to 50% silking, anthesis-silking interval, plant height (cm) and ear height (cm), number of plants per plot, number of plants harvested, number of ears harvested, moisture content (%), field weight (kg), and grain yield (t ha-1). Results showed number of plants per plot, number of plants harvested, number of ears harvested and field weight correlated positively and significantly both phenotypically and genotypically with grain yield. Path coefficient analysis at the genotypic level also revealed field weight and days to 50% anthesis as the characters exerting the highest positive direct effect on grain yield. Therefore, maize grain yield could be improved through indirect selection for these characters.
Morphofunctional Changes in Basophilic Cells of the Adenohypophysis during Post-resuscitation Disease
Authors: Karabayev Aminjon Gadaeyevich , Isroilov Rajabboy Isroilovich
Published: June 2020

In the post-resuscitation period through the I-II-III-IV-V - stages and long - term periods (1 and 3 months) of post – resuscitation disease, the morpho functional activity of β-and d-basophil cells of the adenohypophysis was studied in white male rats with a weight of 180-220 g, who suffered a 10-minute stop of systemic circulation (compression of the vascular bundle of the heart by the method of V. G. Korpachev). False-operated animals served as a control. Morphological, morphometric, histochemical, and cytophotometric studies of the state of both β - and d - basophil cells of the adenohypophysis were performed. We used image analysis using a leys microscope with an electronic micro-nozzle attached to an Intel computer, and the content of the glycoprotein was studied using a cytophotometer. In the postoperative period during the phase I identified in the background of gipergidratace cytoplasmic β - and d - basophilic cells of the anterior pituitary, in the period of II-III stage disease gipergidratace nuclei β - and d - basophilic cells of the anterior pituitary revealed an increase in the excretion of glycoprotein in blood, i.e., the observed compensatory-adaptive reactions. Starting from stage IV and in remote periods of post-resuscitation disease, compensatory and restorative processes were observed against the background of hyperhydration of the nuclei.
From Fossil Fuels to Renewable Biogas Production from Biomass Based Feedstock – A Review of Anaerobic Digester Systems
Authors: Dölle Klaus , Hughes Thomas , Kurzmann David E.
Published: June 2020

Three-quarters of the global energy consumption is expected to come from fossil fuels by 2040 despite many drawbacks to the world’s reliance on fossil fuels. The primary drawback of fossil fuels is in procuring, transporting, refining, and combusting them which generates pollution biproducts, global warming, which in turn generate a plethora of associated problems. Biomass as a renewable resource and its conversion into renewable fuel products can offset use and drawback of fossil fuels.

Anaerobic digestion is known since the 10thcentury BC has become today a versatile tool to produce renewable energy in form of biogas from many biomass-based feedstock sources. These sources can be agriculturally based such as livestock waste, energy crops, plant (lignocellulosic) based, forest residues, or industrial and municipal waste such food waste, wastewater treatment sludge, distiller grains and food product residues. Feed stocks can be used in anaerobic fermentation processes as single or co-digest feedstock. Each feedstock represents a challenge on its own for anaerobic digestion processes in order achieve good operational stability and good biogas production.

Selecting a suitable anaerobic fermentation process from today’s available technical sound processes described in this review is essential for future fossil fuel independence.
Cataclysmic Geomagnetic Field Collapse: Global Security Concerns
Authors: Herndon J. Marvin
Published: June 2020

In 2015, Tyler J. Williams authored “Cataclysmic Polarity Shift: Is U. S. National Security Prepared for the Next Geomagnetic Pole Reversal?” That document provides an extremely cogent and thorough description of some of the risks to national security and infrastructure expected to result from a geomagnetic polarity reversal. However, it describes geomagnetic field generation solely as currently promoted by the geophysics community which is based upon old ideas, circa 1940s-1960s, that are taken to be factual without any attempt to understand their limitations or to evaluate their validity in light of subsequent scientific developments. Moreover, the security concerns Williams described are relevant to humanity globally. Here I have reviewed the historical development of those old ideas, pointed out their problematic nature, and reviewed subsequent published advances that overcome their inherent problems and lead to a better understanding of the geophysics related to geomagnetic polarity reversals, geomagnetic excursions, and, at some yet unknown time, the permanent demise of the geomagnetic field. Mechanisms of rapid geomagnetic field collapse, both natural and potentially human-induced, are described. The present state of nuclear georeactor activity, whether geomagnetic field collapse leads to increased georeactor output, and whether it is likely to trigger earthquakes and volcano eruptions are yet unknown matters of seriously troubling human security concerns. Global security preparedness, even though addressed by sovereign nations, should be predicated upon the latest and most correct scientific understanding. In some areas that may be the case, but in the scientific areas described here there are clearly problems. The inherent problems, I submit, do not result from inadequate funding, but from inadequate methodologies, expectations and responsibilities of scientists, their national and parent institutions, publishers, and respective funding-agencies.
Cellular changes diagnosed by cérvico-vaginal cytology in a public health laboratory of Teresina-PI
Authors: Cavalcante Gisele Lopes , Teixeira Sabryna Coelho , Brandim Sergio Ricardo Pereira , Moura Maria Camila Leal de , Pires Yara Maria da Silva , Nascimento Paulo Pedro do
Published: June 2020

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases of women, which begins with precursor lesions that can progress to become invasive cancers. However, its development can be prevented by cytology screening and appropriate treatment. This study aimed to verify the frequency of the cellular alterations of the female genital tract in women assisted by a clinical laboratory of Teresina – Piaui, Brazil, in 2016. The data were collected from the cervical cytology reports of 2016. 9040 reports were analyzed, among which 8,095 (89.55%) had negative oncology and 945 (10.45%) were positive. It was identified 1.97% of squamous cells of indeterminate significance, with 5.84%, low-grade intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 1.33% of high-grade intraepithelial lesions, 1.25% of glandular cell atypia (ACG) and 0.06% of invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Regarding the level of schooling, women who did not complete elementary school corresponded to the higher percentage to attend to cytopathological exams. It is concluded that the incidence of atypia was considerably higher than described in the literature. Thus, it is recommended the adoption of strategies of health promotion designed to improve the cytopathological care.
Comportamento e preferências alimentares de pacientes com obesidade encaminhados à cirurgia bariátrica
Authors: Costa Jessica Santos , Vaz Maria Clara Andrade , Damascena Nadjane Ferreira , Santana Mônica Leila Portela de , De Sousa Cláudia Daltro , Daltro Carla
Published: June 2020

Introdução:A obesidade é um importante problema de saúde pública e está relacionada com fatores genéticos, ambientais e hábitos alimentares.Objetivo:Descrever os hábitos alimentares de pacientes obesos encaminhados a cirurgia bariátrica.Métodos:Estudo descritivocom pacientes do Núcleo de Tratamento e Cirurgia da Obesidade entre 2014 e 2016, Salvador-Bahia. Utilizou-se dados dos prontuários obtidos antes da cirurgia. As variáveis foram: dados antropométricos (índice de massa corporal), sociodemográficos e hábitos alimentares. Foram coletados dados através de um questionário auto aplicado na consulta inicial. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o programa estatístico SPSS for Windows® 20.0. A comparação das variáveis qualitativas foi realizada utilizando o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson. Foram considerados significantes valores de p< 0,05. Resultados:Foram avaliados 542 pacientes, a maioria do sexo feminino, com média de idade e índice de massa corporal de 35,9 ± 9,8 anos e 41,5 ±4,9kg/m2 respectivamente. Verificou-se que adultos jovens realizavam menos o desjejum (65,1% x 75,4%; p= 0,011) e ingeriammaior volume das refeições (90,7% x 81,1%; p=0,007) comparado com os mais velhos.O turno que sentiam mais fome era a noite (58,3%), e o hábito de acordar para comer foi mais frequente nos homens do que nas mulheres (31,2% x 21,6%; p=0,029). Destacou-se que os pacientes tinham preferência por cereais e massas (62,4%), seguido de carne e ovos (58,1%). Conclusão:Foi evidenciado diferença quanto aos hábitos alimentares em relação ao sexo e idade mostrando a importância dessas informações para construção de um plano alimentar individualizado.
Determinantes sociodemográficos da falta de prontidão para atividade física em adultos quilombolas
Authors: Mussi Ricardo Franklin de Freitas , Almeida Claudio Bispo de , Petroski Edio Luiz , Carvalho Ferdinando Oliveira
Published: June 2020

O objetivo do estudo é analisar os determinantes sociodemográficos da falta de prontidão para atividade física (FPAF) em adultos quilombolas. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com amostra representativa residentes em quilombos de região geografia baiana. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevista com formulário padronizado que investigou as características sociodemográficas e a prontidão para AF. Utilizou-se qui-quadrado de Pearson para análise de associação e a regressão de Poisson para estimar razões de prevalência, ambas considerando significância estatística para p<0,05.  Dentre os 850 participantes, com idade média de 45,0+17,0 anos, 61,2% eram do sexo feminino. A FPAF foi prevalente em 62,9% (IC95%: 59,6: 66,2) dos quilombolas. Os problemas ostearticulares que pioram com atividade física (36,2%) foram os principais problemas indicados como impedimento para a inserção imediata em programas de AF. A FPAF se associou independentemente com sexo e grupo etário. Então, ser do sexo feminino e ter idade >40 anos aumentam a probabilidade para a FPAF em adultos quilombolas.
Plantas medicinais utilizadas para o tratamento de distúrbios associados à menopausa
Authors: Silva Brenda da , Siochetta Thailene Martins , Berlezi Evelise Moraes
Published: June 2020

Introdução:   Com o aumento da expectativa de vida e do envelhecimento da população, tendo em vista que a expectativa de vida das mulheres no Brasil é de 79,4 anos, espera-se que grande parte da população feminina passará aproximadamente um terço de suas vidas na pós menopausa. Objetivo: Sistematizar estudos científicos experimentais com modelo animal e humano que utilizaram plantas medicinais no tratamento de sintomas e patologias associadas à menopausa. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica sistemática do tipo integrativa, realizada a partir das recomendações do PRISMA, em junho de 2018, a partir de artigos publicados no período de 2014 a agosto de 2018 nas seguintes bases eletrônicas: Scielo;  Pubmed; Springer;  Science Direct e  Ebesco, utilizando-se como palavras-chaves menopause (menopausa) e Plants, Medicinal (plantas medicinais) e seus respectivos sinônimos. Resultados: Foram selecionados 453 artigos nas bases eletrônicas Scielo;  Pubmed; Springer;  Science Direct e  Ebesco. Após leitura inicial dos pesquisadores foram selecionados 68 artigos para análise final. Na extração dos dados dos artigos selecionados realizada pelos pesquisadores, priorizou-se a busca pelos objetivo do estudo, tipo de modelo experimental, planta utilizada, dose e tempo de tratamento, forma de apresentação do tratamento, resultados, conclusão, utilidade investigada e local do estudo. Conclusão: As plantas medicinais parecem ser uma alternativa bastante efetiva e que apresenta poucos efeitos colaterais quando comparados à TRH. No entanto, mais estudos e ensaios clínicos são necessários para tornar estas ervas medicinais como um tratamento complementar ou alternativo para o tratamento dos sintomas associados a menopausa em um futuro próximo. 
Potencial antimicrobiano e caracterização fitoquímica de extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae)
Authors: Sobottka Andréa Michel , Da Luz Caroline Boff , Tonial Fabiana , Rossato-Grando Luciana Grazziotin , Bertol Charise Dallazem
Published: June 2020

Introdução: na área da saúde, a resistência aos antimicrobianos tem se constituído um grave problema, fazendo com que a busca por alternativas farmacológicas assuma grande importância. Produtos de origem natural, como extratos de plantas, têm sido pesquisados para uso potencial no tratamento antibacteriano. Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae) é uma árvore nativa do Brasil que tem sido utilizada como medicinal. Objetivo: investigar o perfil fitoquímico e a atividade antimicrobiana de amostras obtidas a partir de extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis. Metodologia:  frações de características químicas variadas foram obtidas a partir de extratos da casca do caule da planta. Realizou-se o screening fitoquímico destas frações através de reações gerais de caracterização e cromatografia em camada delgada. As amostras foram testadas por difusão em ágar e por microdiluição contra bactérias Gram-positivas e Gram-negativas e contra uma levedura. Resultados: o perfil fitoquímico mostrou diferenças entre as frações analisadas. Alcaloides foram detectados nas frações mais apolares. Taninos e flavonoides estavam presentes nas amostras mais polares e obtidas sem o uso de calor. As amostras com maior atividade antimicrobiana foram as obtidas com os solventes hexano e diclorometano, de características mais apolares. Destaca-se a atividade contra Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina e Candida albicans. Conclusão: extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis apresentam potencial antimicrobiano, com destaque para as frações mais apolares contra bactérias gram positivas.
Spreading in ALS: The relative impact of upper and lower motor neuron involvement
Authors: Gromicho Marta , Figueiral Manuel , Uysal Hilmi , Grosskreutz Julian , Kuzma‐Kozakiewicz Magdalena , Pinto Susana , Petri Susanne , Madeira Sara , Swash Michael , de Carvalho Mamede
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate disease spread in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and determine the influence of lower (LMN) and upper motor neuron (UMN) involvement.

Methods

We assessed disease spread in ALS in 1376 consecutively studied patients, from five European centers, applying an agreed proforma to assess LMN and UMN signs. We defined the pattern of disease onset and progression from predominant UMN or lower motor neuron (LMN) dysfunction in bulbar, upper limbs, lower limbs, and thoracic regions Non‐linear regression analysis was applied to fit the data to a model that described the relation between two random variables, graphically represented by an inverse exponential curve. We analyzed the probability, rate of spread, and both combined (area under the curve).

Results

We found that progression was more likely and quicker to or from the region of onset to close spinal regions. When the disease had a limb onset, bulbar motor neurons were more resistant. Furthermore, in the same time frame more patients progressed from bulbar to lower limbs than vice‐versa, whether predominantly UMN or LMN involvement. Patients with initial thoracic involvement had a higher probability for rapid change. The presence of predominant UMN signs was associated with a faster caudal progression.

Interpretation

Contiguous progression was leading pattern, and predominant UMN involvement is important in shortening the time for cranial‐caudal spread. Our results can best be fitted to a model of independent LMN and UMN degeneration, with regional progression of LMN degeneration mostly by contiguity. UMN lesion causes an acceleration of rostral‐caudal LMN loss.
Small Molecule from Natural Phytochemical Mimics Dietary Restriction by Modulating FoxO3a and Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Kim Juewon , Lee Shin‐Hae , Cho Miook , Lee Jee‐Young , Choi Dong‐Hwa , Lee Hye‐Yeon , Cho Siyoung , Min Kyung‐Jin , Suh Yousin
Published: June 2020

Many studies utilizing animal models have revealed the genetic and pharmacogenetic modulators of the rate of organismal aging. However, finding routes for healthy aging during extended life remains one of the largest questions. With regards to an antiaging reagent, it has been shown that natural phytochemical syringaresinol (SYR) delays cellular senescence by activating sirtuin1 (SIRT1). Here, it is found that SYR treatment results in metabolic changes similar to those observed during dietary restriction (DR). The DR mimetic effects are mediated by FoxO3a‐dependent SIRT1 activation and insulin/insuline growth factor‐1 signaling modulation. The direct binding of SYR‐FoxO3a is identified and this could partially explain the DR‐like phenotype. The report gives a clue as to how the longevity gene involves the DR pathway and suggests that natural phytochemicals applied as a geroprotector mimics DR effects.
Fuzzy active disturbance rejection control design for autonomous underwater vehicle manipulators system
Authors: Li XiaoGang , Wang JiaMeng
Published: June 2020

In this article, a fuzzy active disturbance rejection controller (FADRC) is proposed for autonomous underwater vehicle manipulator system (AUVMS). First, the AUVMS is separated into nine subsystems. Then, for each subsystem, dynamic uncertainties, hydrodynamic forces, unknown disturbance, and nonlinear coupling effects are lumped into a total disturbance. Next, a linear extended state observer (LESO) and linear feedback control law are designed to estimate and compensate the total disturbance. The convergence and estimation error of the LESO are analyzed here to validate its performance. Then considering the control output in real industry are always limited, a saturated proportional‐derivative (PD) controller is proposed, and close‐loop stability of the controller can be ensured. Given the fact that there are many parameters to be scheduled in practical industrial applications, an FADRC is proposed to determine the parameters of the proposed LESO and saturated PD controller. The given fuzzy rules of the parameters' change of the saturated PD controller and bandwidths of LESO can be used in other FADRCs. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, two tasks are chosen to test the performance of trajectory tracking and the capability of rejecting and attenuating the total disturbance. Simulation shows that the proposed FADRC can achieve better performance and consume less energy than classic fuzzy logic controllers and linear active disturbance rejection controllers.
Selective Autophagy Pathway of Nanoparticles and Nanodrugs: Drug Delivery and Pathophysiological Effects
Authors: Raj Emmanuel Naveen , Lin Yu‐Wei , Chen Chien‐Hung , Liu Kuang‐Kai , Chao Jui‐I
Published: June 2020

Research attention has been given to selective autophagy due to its potential application in the pathophysiology of human diseases. The selective autophagy pathway contributes to the target recognition and degradation of intracellular components or foreign pathogens for maintaining cellular homeostasis in multiple organisms. Notably, this process is mediated by autophagy receptors in the recognition of autophagy cargoes through binding to the ubiquitin‐binding domain and LC3‐interacting region to the formation of autophagosomes. Nanotechnology is an emerging field; related research has focused on the study and manipulation of nanoscale materials that can be applied for numerous applications, especially for the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. Nanoparticle‐mediated autophagy activation holds promise for use in autophagy‐related disease applications. The selective autophagy of nanoparticles and nanodrugs occurs through binding to ubiquitinated proteins, autophagy receptors, and LC3, the formation of nanoparticulosomes, and their delivery to lysosomes; the process is termed nanoparticulophagy. This review focuses on the mechanisms of nanoparticulophagy, the role of selective autophagy receptors, and potential applications in autophagy‐related diseases achieved using these nanoparticles and nanodrugs. Nanoparticulophagy will provide an understanding of related intracellular trafficking mechanisms and degradation pathways for processing nanoparticles and nanodrugs in terms of drug delivery and pathophysiological effects.
Heterogeneous Responses to Mechanical Force of Prostate Cancer Cells Inducing Different Metastasis Patterns
Authors: Liu Zhixiao , Wang Liujun , Xu Huan , Du Qiqige , Li Li , Wang Ling , Zhang En Song , Chen Guosong , Wang Yue
Published: June 2020

The physical cues in the extracellular environment play important roles in cancer cell metastasis. However, how metastatic cancer cells respond to the diverse mechanical environments of metastatic sites is not fully understood. Here, substrates with different mechanical properties are prepared to simulate the extracellular mechanical environment of various human tissues. The prostate cancer (PC) cells derived from different cancer metastasis sites show heterogeneity in mechanical response. This heterogeneity mediates two distinct metastasis patterns. High stiffness promotes individual cell migration and proliferation by inducing Yes‐associated protein and tafazzin (YAP/TAZ) nuclear localization in bone metastasis‐derived cells, whereas low stiffness promotes cell migration and proliferation by inducing lymphatic metastasis‐derived cells to form clusters characterized by high expression of CD44. The different metastasis patterns induced by the mechanical properties of the extracellular environment are crucial in the development of PC.
Colloidal Quantum Dot Bulk Heterojunction Solids with Near‐Unity Charge Extraction Efficiency
Authors: Choi Min‐Jae , Baek Se‐Woong , Lee Seungjin , Biondi Margherita , Zheng Chao , Todorovic Petar , Li Peicheng , Hoogland Sjoerd , Lu Zheng‐Hong , de Arquer F. Pelayo García , Sargent Edward H.
Published: June 2020

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are of interest for optoelectronic applications owing to their tunable properties and ease of processing. Large‐diameter CQDs offer optical response in the infrared (IR), beyond the bandgap of c‐Si and perovskites. The absorption coefficient of IR CQDs (≈104 cm−1) entails the need for micrometer‐thick films to maximize the absorption of IR light. This exceeds the thickness compatible with the efficient extraction of photogenerated carriers, a fact that limits device performance. Here, CQD bulk heterojunction solids are demonstrated that, with extended carrier transport length, enable efficient IR light harvesting. An in‐solution doping strategy for large‐diameter CQDs is devised that addresses the complex interplay between (100) facets and doping agents, enabling to control CQD doping, energetic configuration, and size homogeneity. The hetero‐offset between n‐type CQDs and p‐type CQDs is manipulated to drive the transfer of electrons and holes into distinct carrier extraction pathways. This enables to form active layers exceeding thicknesses of 700 nm without compromising open‐circuit voltage and fill factor. As a result, >90% charge extraction efficiency across the ultraviolet to IR range (350–1400 nm) is documented.
Subspace based model identification for missing data
Authors: Patel Nikesh , Mhaskar Prashant , Corbett Brandon
Published: June 2020

This article addresses the problem of missing process data in data‐driven dynamic modeling approaches. The key motivation is to avoid using imputation methods or deletion of key process information when identifying the model, and utilizing the rest of the information appropriately at the model building stage. To this end, a novel approach is developed that adapts nonlinear iterative partial least squares (NIPALS) algorithms from both partial least squares (PLS) and principle component analysis (PCA) for use in subspace identification. Note that the existing subspace identification approaches often utilize singular value decomposition (SVD) as part of the identification algorithm which is generally not robust to missing data. In contrast, the NIPALS algorithms used in this work leverage the inherent correlation structure of the identification matrices to minimize the impact of missing data values while generating an accurate system model. Furthermore, in computing the system matrices, the calculated scores from the latent variable methods are utilized as the states of the system. The efficacy of the proposed approach is shown via simulation of a nonlinear batch process example.
Surgical outcomes in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease without aspirin desensitization
Authors: Grose Elysia , Lee Daniel J. , Yip Jonathan , Cottrell Justin , Sykes Jenna , Lee Jason K. , Lee John M.
Published: June 2020

Background

Aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) represents a severe endotype of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. Although aspirin desensitization (AD) has emerged as an effective therapeutic option, the natural history of AERD without AD remains unclear.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of AERD patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) without AD between 2010 and 2019. The primary outcomes were revision surgery rate and time to revision surgery. Secondary outcomes included changes in 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores and Lund‐Kennedy endoscopy scores (LKES). A subgroup analysis was performed for patients on monoclonal antibody therapy (MAT).

Results

Of 141 patients, 37 (26.2%) underwent revision ESS with a median time to revision of 3.3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2.2‐4.9) years. The probability of remaining free of revision surgery at 1, 3, and 5 years was: 98.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95.7‐100.0%), 78.8% (95% CI, 70.2‐88.4%), and 44.8% (95% CI, 32.4‐62.1%), respectively. SNOT‐22 scores decreased by 34 (IQR, 18‐52) points at 6 months and 27 (IQR, 20‐46) points at 1 year postoperatively. In the revision cohort, the decrease in SNOT‐22 score was not sustained at 1 year postoperatively. No difference was found in time to revision compared with those without MAT (p = 0.23).

Conclusion

A significant proportion of AERD patients benefit from ESS and medical therapy alone without AD. This study presents preliminary results on the impact of MAT on surgical outcomes as it is limited by the small sample size. Further research on the use of MAT in AERD is needed.
Suction mitigation of airborne particulate generated during sinonasal drilling and cautery
Authors: Workman Alan D. , Xiao Roy , Feng Allen , Gadkaree Shekhar K. , Quesnel Alicia M. , Bleier Benjamin S. , Scangas George A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has significantly impacted endonasal surgery, and recent experimentation has demonstrated that sinonasal drilling and cautery have significant propensity for airborne particulate generation immediately adjacent to the surgical field. In the present investigation, we assessed nasopharyngeal suctioning as a mitigation strategy to decrease particulate spread during simulated endonasal surgical activity.

Methods

Airborne particulate generation in the 1‐µm to 10‐µm range was quantified with an optical particle sizer in real‐time during cadaveric‐simulated anterior and posterior endonasal drilling and cautery conditions. To test suction mitigation, experiments were performed both with and without a rigid suction placed in the contralateral nostril, terminating in the nasopharynx.

Results

Both anterior (medial maxillary wall and nasal septum) and posterior (sphenoid rostrum) drilling produced significant particulate generation in the 1‐µm to 10‐µm range throughout the duration of drilling (p < 0.001) without the use of suction, whereas nasopharyngeal suction use eliminated the detection of generated airborne particulate. A similar effect was seen with nasal cautery, with significant particle generation (p < 0.001) that was reduced to undetectable levels with the use of nasopharyngeal suction.

Conclusion

The use of nasopharyngeal suctioning via the contralateral nostril minimizes airborne particulate spread during simulated sinonasal drilling and cautery. In the era of COVID‐19, this technique offers an immediately available measure that may increase surgical safety.
Rapid biomonitoring of perfluoroalkyl substance exposures in serum by multisegment injection‐nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Azab Sandi , Hum Rebecca , Britz‐McKibbin Philip
Published: June 2020

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a major contaminant class due to their ubiquitous prevalence, persistence, and putative endocrine disrupting activity that may contribute to chronic disease risk notably with exposures early in life. Herein, multisegment injection‐nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis‐tandem mass spectrometry (MSI‐NACE‐MS/MS) is introduced as a high throughput approach for PFAS screening in serum samples following a simple methyl‐tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) liquid extraction. Separation and ionization conditions were optimized to quantify low nanomolar concentration levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) from serum extracts when using multiple reaction monitoring under negative ion mode conditions. Multiplexed separations of PFOA and PFOS were achieved with excellent throughput (<3 min/sample), adequate concentration sensitivity (LOD ∼ 20 nM, S/N = 3) and good technical precision over three consecutive days of analysis (mean CV = 9.1%, n = 84). Accurate quantification of PFASs was demonstrated in maternal serum samples (n = 16) when using MSI‐CE‐MS/MS following pre‐column sample enrichment with median concentrations of 3.46 nM (0.7‐9.0 nM) and 3.29 nM (1.5‐6.6 nM) for PFOA and PFOS, respectively. This was lower than average PFAS exposures measured in pregnant women who had serum collected prior to 2009 likely due to subsequent phase out of their production. Overall, this method offers a convenient approach for large‐scale biomonitoring of environmental exposures to legacy PFASs and their emerging replacements that is relevant to maternal health and chronic disease risk assessment in children.
Chemical Toolbox to Decode the Microbiota Lexicon
Authors: Qiao Yuan , Hayashi Hirohito , Chong Teo Seng
Published: June 2020

The human microbiota deploys a diverse range of molecules and metabolites to engage in chemical communications with the host, mediating fundamental aspects of host health. Studies of the structures and activities of bioactive molecules produced by the microbiota are imperative to address their implications in microbiota associated diseases in human. By drawing experiences from different research fields, chemists and chemical biologists, who are experts in dealing with chemical molecules, are uniquely positioned to contribute to the emerging knowledge of human microbiota. In this minireview, we discuss the current chemical tools and methods that are pertinent to the discovery of microbiota molecules and metabolites, characterizations of their protein targets, as well as evaluations of their biodistributions in hosts. These are key aspects in understanding the chemical underpinnings of the microbiota‐host interactions that would enable future development of diagnostics and therapeutics targeting the human microbiota.
Syntheses of Tetrasubstituted [10]Cycloparaphenylenes by a Pd‐catalyzed Coupling Reaction. Remarkable Effect of Strain on the Oxidative Addition and Reductive Elimination
Authors: Kayahara Eiichi , Nakano Masaya , Sun Liansheng , Ishida Kosuke , Yamago Shigeru
Published: June 2020

A small library of tetrasubstituted [10]cycloparaphenylene ([10]CPP) derivatives bearing alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and aryl substituents was constructed by a Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction starting from tetratriflate [10]CPP 5 e, which was readily available in high yields on a >2 g scale. The CPP skeleton increases the reactivity of aryl triflate for oxidative addition to the Pd species, and 5 e is 10 times more reactive than its linear paraphenylene analogue, as determined by competition experiments. Theoretical calculations suggest that the accumulation of the small strain relief from each paraphenylene unit not involved in the reaction is responsible for the observed enhanced reactivity.
Neural substrates underlying progressive micrographia in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kanno Shigenori , Shinohara Mayumi , Kanno Kasumi , Gomi Yukihiro , Uchiyama Makoto , Nishio Yoshiyuki , Baba Toru , Hosokai Yoshiyuki , Takeda Atsushi , Fukuda Hiroshi , Mori Etsuro , Suzuki Kyoko
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The neural substrates associated with the development of micrographia remain unknown. We aimed to elucidate the neural substrates underlying micrographia in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.

Methods

Forty PD patients and 20 healthy controls underwent handwriting tests that involved free writing and copying. We measured the size of each letter and the resting cerebral glucose metabolic rate of the PD patients and another group of age‐ and sex‐matched 14 healthy controls (HCs), who had not participated in the writing tests, using resting‐state 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

Results

In the PD patients, the prevalence of consistent micrographia (CM) associated with free writing was 2.5% for both tasks. Alternatively, the prevalence of progressive micrographia (PM) was 15% for free writing and 17.5% for copying. In the PD patients, there was no significant difference in the letter sizes between these tasks, whereas the variability of the letter sizes for copying was significantly different from that for free writing. The means and decrements in letter sizes in either task were not significantly correlated with the severity of brady/hypokinesia in the PD patients. For free writing, the PD patients with PM showed glucose hypometabolism in the anterior part of the right middle cingulate cortex, including the rostral cingulate motor area, compared with those without PM. For copying, the PD patients with PM showed glucose hypometabolism in the right superior occipital gyrus, including V3A, compared with those without PM.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that PM in free writing in PD patients is caused by the difficulty of monitoring whether the actual handwriting movements are desirable for maintaining letter size during self‐paced handwriting. By contrast, PM in copying in PD patients is evoked by a lack of visual information about the personal handwriting and hand motions that are used as cues for maintaining letter sizes.
Functional network activity during errorless and trial‐and‐error color‐name association learning
Authors: Yamashita Madoka , Shimokawa Tetsuya , Peper Ferdinand , Tanemura Rumi
Published: June 2020

Introduction

In cognitive rehabilitation, errorless (EL) and trial‐and‐error (T&E) learning are well‐known methods, but their neural mechanisms are not well known. In this study, we investigated functional magnetic resonance imaging data for healthy adults during EL and T&E learning.

Methods

Participants memorized color‐name associations in both methods using Japanese traditional colors which were unfamiliar to study participants. A functional network analysis was conducted by applying graph theory. We focused on two major cognitive networks: the default mode network (DMN) and the fronto‐parietal network (FPN). Also, we used “within‐network connectivity” and “between‐network connectivity” graph metrics. The former represents the functional connectivity strength of a subnetwork, namely the within‐DMN connectivity and within‐FPN connectivity, while the latter represents the number of links between the DMN and FPN.

Results

The within‐DMN connectivity in T&E learning was significantly higher than in EL learning. The difference between the memory scores of EL and T&E learning weakly correlated with the between‐network connectivity differences between both learning tasks.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that within‐DMN connectivity is important in T&E learning and that the learning benefit differences between EL and T&E approaches potentially relate to the functional integration strength between the DMN and FPN.
A nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Wu Jie , Zhang Huibo , Li Lan , Hu Mengxue , Chen Liang , Xu Bin , Song Qibin
Published: June 2020

Background

Low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG‐ESS) is a rare tumor that lacks a prognostic prediction model. Our study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict overall survival of LG‐ESS patients.

Methods

A total of 1172 patients confirmed to have LG‐ESS between 1988 and 2015 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. They were further divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort. The Akaike information criterion was used to select variables for the nomogram. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were evaluated using concordance index (C‐index), area under time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (time‐dependent AUC), and calibration plots. The net benefits of the nomogram at different threshold probabilities were quantified and compared with those of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) criteria‐based tumor staging using decision curve analysis (DCA). Net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were also used to compare the nomogram's clinical utility with that of the FIGO criteria‐based tumor staging. The risk stratifications of the nomogram and the FIGO criteria‐based tumor staging were compared.

Results

Seven variables were selected to establish the nomogram for LG‐ESS. The C‐index (0.814 for the training cohort and 0.837 for the validation cohort) and the time‐dependent AUC (> 0.7) indicated satisfactory discriminative ability of the nomogram. The calibration plots showed favorable consistency between the prediction of the nomogram and actual observations in both the training and validation cohorts. The NRI values (training cohort: 0.271 for 5‐year and 0.433 for 10‐year OS prediction; validation cohort: 0.310 for 5‐year and 0.383 for 10‐year OS prediction) and IDI (training cohort: 0.146 for 5‐year and 0.185 for 10‐year OS prediction; validation cohort: 0.177 for 5‐year and 0.191 for 10‐year OS prediction) indicated that the established nomogram performed significantly better than the FIGO criteria‐based tumor staging alone (P < 0.05). Furthermore, DCA showed that the nomogram was clinically useful and had better discriminative ability to recognize patients at high risk than the FIGO criteria‐based tumor staging.

Conclusions

A prognostic nomogram was developed and validated to assist clinicians in evaluating prognosis of LG‐ESS patients.
Unexpected thymoma in a challenging case of hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Raveglia Federico , De Pasquale Loredana , Cioffi Ugo , Ghilardi Giorgio , De Simone Matilde , Falleni Monica , Baisi Alessandro
Published: June 2020

We report the case of a woman with primary hyperparathyroidism suspected of mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenoma revealed to be a thymoma. Our aim was to focus on some possible criticisms in distinguishing between ectopic parathyroid and thymus.
Cancer surveillance and distress among adult pathogenic TP53 germline variant carriers in Germany: A multicenter feasibility and acceptance survey
Authors: Rippinger Nathalie , Fischer Christine , Haun Markus W. , Rhiem Kerstin , Grill Sabine , Kiechle Marion , Cremer Friedrich W. , Kast Karin , Nguyen Huu P. , Ditsch Nina , Kratz Christian P. , Vogel Julia , Speiser Dorothee , Hettmer Simone , Glimm Hanno , Fröhling Stefan , Jäger Dirk , Seitz Stephan , Hahne Andrea , Maatouk Imad , Sutter Christian , Schmutzler Rita K. , Dikow Nicola , Schott Sarah
Published: June 2020

Background

Li‐Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a high‐risk cancer predisposition syndrome caused by pathogenic germline variants of TP53. Cancer surveillance has noted a significant survival advantage in individuals with LFS; however, little is known about the feasibility, acceptance, and psychosocial effects of such a program.

Methods

Pathogenic TP53 germline variant carriers completed a 7‐part questionnaire evaluating sociodemographics, cancer history, surveillance participation, reasons for nonadherence, worries, and distress adapted from the Cancer Worry Scale. Counselees' common concerns and suggestions were assessed in MAXQDA Analytics Pro 12.

Results

Forty‐nine participants (46 females and 3 males), aged 40.0 ± 12.6 years, formed the study population; 43 (88%) had a personal cancer history (including multiple cancers in 10 [20%]). Forty‐three individuals participated (88%) in surveillance during the study or formerly. Willingness to undergo surveillance was influenced by satisfaction with genetic testing and counseling (P = .019 [Fisher‐Yates test]) but not by sociodemographics, cancer history, or distress level. Almost one‐third of the participants reported logistical difficulties in implementing surveillance because of the high frequency of medical visits, scheduling difficulties, and the travel distance to their surveillance providers. Self‐reported distress and perceived emotional burden for family members and partners were moderate (median for self‐reported distress, 3.3; median for perceived emotional burden, 3.0). For both, the interquartile range was moderate to very high (2.7‐3.7 and 3.0‐3.7, respectively).

Conclusions

Individuals with LFS require efficient counseling as well as an accessible, well‐organized, interdisciplinary, standardized surveillance program to increase adherence and psychological coping.
Pyrolysis of Iron‐Containing Polyanilines under Micropore Generation Control: Electrocatalytic Performance in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Dao Quang‐Duy , Inada Yuhi , Daijo Masato , Haneoka Hitoshi , Murakami Yosuke , Eguchi Nao , Amaya Toru , Suzuki Takeyuki , Ohkawa Takafumi , Tsuji Ryotaro , Hirao Toshikazu
Published: June 2020

Pyrolyzed iron‐containing polyaniline (C−Fe‐PANI) is one of the most promising candidates as a non‐precious metal based electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Although the ORR activity depends on the surface area arisen from pyrolysis‐generated micropores on C−Fe‐PANI particles, the micropore generation is hindered by pyrolysis‐formed iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) embedded inside C−Fe‐PANI particles. Here, we demonstrate the pyrolysis of iron‐containing PANIs under suppression of micropore‐generation hindrance by blocking the Fe NPs formation. The higher‐molecular‐weight (MW: 100,000) PANI was dispersed in an FeCl3 solution before pyrolysis for preventing FeCl3 penetration inside PANI particles. As a result, as compared to the case of lower‐MW (5,000) PANI, the Fe NPs formation was more suppressed inside catalyst particles to give 1.9 (1.8) times micropore volume (specific surface area), leading to a 11 % higher current density in ORR electrocatalytic performance test in acidic media.
Dissecting Oligomeric States with Photoactivated Localization Microscopy: A Numerical Model
Authors: Daniels Brian , Wunder Christian , Chen Vanessa , Renz Malte
Published: June 2020

Although photoactivated localization microscopy offers the potential to interrogate protein interactions in the physiological environment of a cell, uncertainties in the detection efficiency of photoactivatable proteins lead to complications with data interpretation. Here, we present a numerical model that provides probabilities to detect neighboring molecules dependent on their oligomerization status, density, detection efficiency, and radius, and can be used to assess oligomeric states or detection efficiencies of two molecular species. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Testing for top‐down cascading effects in a biomass‐driven ecological network of soil invertebrates
Authors: Conti Erminia , Di Mauro Letizia Stella , Pluchino Alessandro , Mulder Christian
Published: June 2020

To investigate the structural changes of a food‐web architecture, we considered real data coming from a soil food web in one abandoned pasture with former low‐pressure agriculture management and we reproduced the corresponding ecological network within a multi‐agent fully programmable modeling environment in order to simulate dynamically the cascading effects due to the removal of entire functional guilds.

We performed several simulations differing from each other for the functional implications. At the first trophic level, we simulated a removal of the prey, that is, herbivores and microbivores, while at the second trophic level, we simulated a removal of the predators, that is, omnivores and carnivores. The five main guilds were removed either separately or in combination.

The alteration in the food‐web architecture induced by the removal of entire functional guilds was the highest when the entire second trophic level was removed, while the removal of all microbivores caused an alteration in the food‐web structure of less than 5% of the total changes due to the removal of opportunistic and predatory species.

Omnivores alone account for the highest shifts in time of the numerical abundances of the remaining species, providing computational evidence of the importance of the degree of omnivory in the stabilization of soil biota.