bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of fungal and invertebrate communities to wood decay in tropical terrestrial and aquatic habitats
Authors: Ferrer Astrid , Heath Katy D. , Canam Thomas , Flores Hector D. , Dalling James W.
Published: May 2020

Wood is a major carbon input into aquatic ecosystems and is thought to decay slowly, yet surprisingly little terrestrial carbon accumulates in marine sediments. A better mechanistic understanding of how habitat conditions and decomposer communities influence wood decay processes along the river–estuary–ocean continuum can address this seeming paradox. We measured mass loss, wood element, and polymer concentrations, quantified invertebrate‐induced decay, and sequenced fungal communities associated with replicate sections ofGuazumabranch wood submerged in freshwater, estuarine, and near‐shore marine habitats and placed on the soil surface in nearby terrestrial habitats in three watersheds in the tropical eastern Pacific. Over 15 months, we found that wood decayed at similar rates in estuarine, marine, and terrestrial sites, reflecting the combined activity of invertebrate and microbial decomposers. In contrast, in the absence of shipworms (Teredinidae), which accounted for ~40% of wood mass loss in the estuarine habitats, decay proceeded more slowly in freshwater. Over the experiment, wood element chemistry diverged among freshwater, estuarine, and marine habitats, due to differences in both nutrient losses (e.g., potassium and phosphorus) and gains (e.g., calcium and aluminum) through decay. Similarly, we observed changes in wood polymer content, with the highest losses of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin moieties in the marine habitat. Aquatic fungal communities were strongly dominated by ascomycetes (88–99% of taxa), compared to terrestrial communities (55% ascomycetes). Large differences in fungal diversity were also observed across habitats with threefold higher richness in terrestrial than freshwater habitats and twofold higher diversity in freshwater than estuarine/marine habitats. Divergent decay trajectories across habitats were associated with widespread order‐level differences in fungal composition, with distinct communities found in freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats. However, few individual taxa that were significantly associated with mass loss were broadly distributed, suggesting a high level of functional redundancy. The rapid processing of wood entering tropical rivers by microbes and invertebrates, comparable to that on land, indicates that estuaries and coastal oceans are hotspots not just for the processing of particulate and dissolved organic carbon, but also for woody debris and for the breakdown of lignin, the most recalcitrant polymer in plant tissue.
α‐Fluorotricarbonyl Derivatives as Versatile Fluorinated Building Blocks: Synthesis of Fluoroacetophenone, Fluoroketo Ester and Fluoropyran‐4‐one Derivatives
Authors: Harsanyi Antal , Lückener Anne , Pasztor Hedvig , Yilmaz Zahide , Tam Lawrence , Yufit Dmitry S. , Sandford Graham
Published: May 2020

Fluorinated acyl‐Meldrum's acid derivatives were synthesized by electrophilic fluorination of appropriate phenacyl Meldrum's acid substrates using Selectfluor. Reactions with water, ethanol, Grignard, and alkynyllithium reagents gave rise to the corresponding fluoro‐acetophenone, –1,3‐keto ester, –1,3‐diketone and ‐pyran‐4‐one products respectively from the same selectively fluorinated scaffold in one‐step procedures.
Synthesis of Symmetrical Dodeco‐6,7‐diuloses
Authors: Bayer Marius , Stocker Simon , Maichle‐Mössmer Cäcilia , Ziegler Thomas
Published: May 2020

Dodeco‐6,7‐diuloses represent a rare class of sugars and can be considered as anomerically linked di‐hexoses with two hemiacetal functions in the middle. Herein, the synthesis of three symmetrical dodeco‐6,7‐diuloses (gluco‐gluco, galacto‐galacto, manno‐manno) is described. For their preparation four synthetic strategies were pursued, whose mutual key step, the connection of the anomeric centers, is particularly emphasized. Specifically, C–C bond forming methods are employed, such as a Grubbs metathesis, a stannyl glycal homocoupling reaction, a coupling of a sulfinyl glycal with a sugar lactone and a Ramberg–Bäcklund rearrangement. Since the ring closure via hemiacetal formation of the target compounds cannot be predicted, intensive NMR spectroscopic structure elucidation of the diuloses was performed.
A systematic review of cross‐cultural validation of the pain catastrophizing scale
Authors: Ikemoto Tatsunori , Hayashi Kazuhiro , Shiro Yukiko , Arai Young‐Chang , Marcuzzi Anna , Costa Daniel , Wrigley Paul
Published: May 2020

Background

Although it has been suggested that the different cultural and social environments between countries contribute to variations in pain catastrophizing (PC), an international comparison of PC in patients with chronic pain has not yet been reported. Prior to undertaking this comparison, a cross‐cultural assessment of the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) was undertaken to explore the different factor structures among each translated version of the PCS.

Methods

The protocol for this systematic review was prospectively registered on International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews 2018 (CRD 42018086719). Electronic searches were conducted in the following databases: Ovid/Embase, Ovid/MEDLINE and Ovid/PsycINFO, and then 19 articles (16 language versions) were included in this review. Based on the COSMIN check list, we investigated language translation followed by five domains of cross‐cultural validation: structural validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability and hypotheses testing for construct validity in each study.

Results

We found that (a) there were inconsistent structural models among each translated version, leading to variant subdomain structures for rumination, magnification and helplessness; (b) all languages versions showed sufficient internal consistency when assessing whole items and (c) the correlation coefficients between pain intensities and total scores of the PCS among each sample of chronic pain varied across the studies.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the total score of the PCS could be compared across each translated version, however, caution is warranted when each subdomain of the PCS is compared between countries.

Significance

Although the pain catastrophizing scale has been translated into approximately 20 languages, methodological quality during their translation process has not been systematically assessed. We found that all languages versions showed sufficient internal consistency when assessing whole items, however, there were inconsistent structural models among each translated version, leading to variant subdomain structures for rumination, magnification and helplessness.
Consequences of enactment and concealment for felt authenticity: Understanding the effects of stigma through self‐distancing and motive fulfillment
Authors: Crabtree Meghan A. , Pillow David R.
Published: May 2020

Grounded in Motivated Identity Construction Theory and Self‐Determination Theory, two studies examined the consequences of identity enactment and concealment for motive fulfillment and explored how these mediate the negative effects of stigmatized identities on felt authenticity. Participants (Ns = 343 and 344) reported the extent to which they had enacted and/or concealed 8 to 12 of their identities in the past 3 days and evaluated their motive fulfillment and felt authenticity. Using multilevel modeling, we found that identity enactment positively predicted felt authenticity via motive satisfaction, while concealment negatively predicted authenticity via thwarted motive satisfaction. Identities were coded with respect to stigmatization in Study 2 and stigmatized identities felt relatively less authentic, with effects mediated through suppressed enactment, heightened concealment, and thwarted motives. Thus, stigmatized identities do not inherently feel less authentic, rather it is individuals’ self‐distancing behaviors that impair feelings of authenticity for a stigmatized identity.
Spectrally Selective Solar Absorbers based on Ta:SiO2 Cermets for Next‐Generation Concentrated Solar–Thermal Applications
Authors: Bilokur Maryna , Gentle Angus , Arnold Matthew D. , Cortie Michael B. , Smith Geoffrey B.
Published: May 2020

An iterative algorithm is used to design a spectrally selective thin‐film stack to provide maximum solar‐to‐thermal conversion efficiency at the very high operating temperatures associated with high solar concentrations. The resulting stack is then fabricated by magnetron sputtering and characterized. It is composed of two Ta:SiO2 layers with differing Ta nanoparticle contents on a refractory metal substrate. A SiO2 antireflecting overlayer completes the stack. Optical and microstructural characterizations indicate that the stack achieves 97.6% solar absorptance up to 900 °C. Spectral selectivity and thermal stability improve on annealing in two ways, first, due to recrystallization of Pt or Ta back reflectors which lowers room temperature thermal emittance to 0.15 from 0.18, and to 0.14 from 0.21, respectively; and second, due to alloying of substrate atoms with the Ta nanoparticles of the cermet.
An extended and unified modeling framework for benchmark dose estimation for both continuous and binary data
Authors: Aerts Marc , Wheeler Matthew W. , Abrahantes José Cortiñas
Published: May 2020

Protection and safety authorities recommend the use of model averaging to determine the benchmark dose approach as a scientifically more advanced method compared with the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level approach for obtaining a reference point and deriving health‐based guidance values. Model averaging however highly depends on the set of candidate dose–response models and such a set should be rich enough to ensure that a well‐fitting model is included. The currently applied set of candidate models for continuous endpoints is typically limited to two models, the exponential and Hill model, and differs completely from the richer set of candidate models currently used for binary endpoints. The objective of this article is to propose a general and wide framework of dose response models, which can be applied both to continuous and binary endpoints and covers the current models for both type of endpoints. In combination with the bootstrap, this framework offers a unified approach to benchmark dose estimation. The methodology is illustrated using two data sets, one with a continuous and another with a binary endpoint.
Moment‐based boundary conditions for straight on‐grid boundaries in three‐dimensional lattice Boltzmann simulations
Authors: Krastins Ivars , Kao Andrew , Pericleous Koulis , Reis Timothy
Published: May 2020

In this article, moment‐based boundary conditions for the lattice Boltzmann method are extended to three dimensions. Boundary conditions for velocity and pressure are explicitly derived for straight on‐grid boundaries for the D3Q19 lattice. The method is compared against the bounce‐back scheme using both single and two relaxation time collision schemes. The method is verified using classical benchmark test cases. The results show very good agreement with the data found in the literature. It is confirmed from the results that the derived moment‐based boundary scheme is of second‐order accuracy in grid spacing and does not produce numerical slip, and therefore offers a transparent way of accurately prescribing velocity and pressure boundaries that are aligned with grid points in three‐dimensional.
Intercomparison of boundary schemes in Lattice Boltzmann method for flow simulation in porous media
Authors: Chen Yilin , Jin Guangqiu , Zhang Pei , Galindo‐Torres S. A. , Scheuermann Alexander , Li Ling
Published: May 2020

The Lattice Boltzmann method has been widely adopted to simulate flow in porous media. The choice of appropriate boundary schemes is essential to achieve simulation accuracy; however, the criteria for the most suitable boundary treatment in the simulation of flow in porous media flow remain unresolved. Here, three types of the most commonly used boundary conditions are tested: interpolation bounce back (IBB), partial saturated method (PSM), and immersed boundary method (IBM). The dimensionless drag of face‐centered cubic (FCC) sphere array and the dimensionless permeability of a random closely packed (RCP) sphere array are calculated and compared at different viscosities and resolutions. In the FCC sphere array case where spheres are not contacted, the IBB and PSM exhibit the same accuracy and both are of the second‐order convergence rate. The IBM is less accurate and is of the first‐order convergence rate. In the RCP sphere array case where the spheres are contacted, the IBB shows finer results and a second‐order convergence rate. PSM underestimates the dimensionless permeability and increases resolution only slightly improved the results of PSM. The IBM overestimates the dimensionless permeability. These results indicate that among the three methods, the IBB is the most accurate. The PSM has the same accuracy as the IBB when sediments are not contacted; however, it loses its accuracy in the simulation of flow in closely packed porous media. This work could serve as a benchmark for further research in choosing the most appropriate method in the simulation of flow in porous media.
Application of essential oils and polyphenols as natural antimicrobial agents in postharvest treatments: Advances and challenges
Authors: Aguilar‐Veloz Laura Maryoris , Calderón‐Santoyo Montserrat , Vázquez González Yuliana , Ragazzo‐Sánchez Juan Arturo
Published: May 2020

The use of natural antimicrobial agents is an attractive ecological alternative to the synthetic fungicides applied to control pathogens during postharvest. In order to improve industrial production systems, postharvest research has evolved toward integration with science and technology aspects. Thus, the present review aims to draw attention to the achieved advances and challenges must be overcome, to promote application of essential oils and polyphenols as antimicrobial agents, against phytopathogens and foodborne microorganisms during postharvest. Besides that, it attempts to highlight the use of coating and encapsulation techniques as emerging methods that improve their effectiveness. The integral knowledge about the vegetable systems, molecular mechanisms of pathogens and mechanisms of these substances would ensure more efficient in vitro and in vivo experiences. Finally, the cost‐benefit, toxicity, and ecotoxicity evaluation will be guaranteed the successful implementation and commercialization of these technologies, as a sustainable alternative to minimize production losses of vegetable commodities.
Evaluation of ultrasound technology to break seed dormancy of common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album)
Authors: Babaei‐Ghaghelestany Ali , Alebrahim Mohammad Taghi , MacGregor Dana R. , Khatami Seyedeh Assieh , Hasani Nasab Farzaneh Rafat
Published: May 2020

Although seed dormancy is advantageous for annual plants in the wild, unsynchronized germination in the laboratory leads to increased error in measurements. Therefore, techniques to promote and synchronize germination are routinely used. Ultrasound is one of the newest methods for breaking dormancy in weed seeds. We have investigated whether ultrasonic waves can be used to break seed dormancy of common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), a highly competitive annual weed that leads to significant reduction of yields of corn, soybeans, and sugar beets. Ultrasonic waves with frequency of 35 kH were applied for 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, and 30 min using a completely randomized design. The results showed that the use of ultrasound waves generally enhanced the traits under investigation in the treated samples compared with the control sample. The maximum enhancement of germination percentage (180%), seedling dry weight (78%), and seedling vigor index I (271%) and II (392%) was seen in the common lambsquarters samples treated with ultrasound for 15 min and seedling length (40%) at 30 min compared with the control samples. Radical lengths were not statistically different from controls under any treatment and plumule length only increased marginally. These changes are reflected in seedling vigor index I and II measurements. For some of these traits, increasing the length of ultrasound treatment to 30 min had negative effects. These results demonstrate that ultrasound technology can be used as a quick, and efficient nondestructive method to break seed dormancy in common lambsquarters.
Neuroglial transmitophagy and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Morales Ingrid , Sanchez Alberto , Puertas‐Avendaño Ricardo , Rodriguez‐Sabate Clara , Perez‐Barreto Adrian , Rodriguez Manuel
Published: May 2020

Mitophagy is essential for the health of dopaminergic neurons because mitochondrial damage is a keystone of Parkinson's disease. The aim of the present work was to study the degradation of mitochondria in the degenerating dopaminergic synapse. Adult Sprague–Dawley rats and YFP‐Mito‐DAn mice with fluorescent mitochondria in dopaminergic neurons were injected in the lateral ventricles with 6‐hydroxydopamine, a toxic that inhibits the mitochondrial chain of dopaminergic neurons and blockades the axonal transport. Dopaminergic terminals closest to the lateral ventricle showed an axonal fragmentation and an accumulation of damaged mitochondria in 2–9 μ saccular structures (spheroids). Damaged mitochondria accumulated in spheroids initiated (showing high Pink1, parkin, ubiquitin, p‐S65‐Ubi, AMBRA1, and BCL2L13 immunoreactivity and developing autophagosomes) but did not complete (mitochondria were not polyubiquitinated, autophagosomes had no STX17, and no lysosomes were found in spheroids) the mitophagy process. Then, spheroids were penetrated by astrocytic processes and DAergic mitochondria were transferred to astrocytes where they were polyubiquitinated (UbiK63+) and linked to mature autophagosomes (STX17+) which became autophagolysosomes (Lamp1/Lamp2 which co‐localized with LC3). Present data provide evidence that the mitophagy of degenerating dopaminergic terminals starts in the dopaminergic spheroids and finishes in the surrounding astrocytes (spheroid‐mediated transmitophagy). The neuron‐astrocyte transmitophagy could be critical for preventing the release of damaged mitochondria to the extracellular medium and the neuro‐inflammatory activity which characterizes Parkinson's disease.
Sensory‐motor network topology in multiple sclerosis: Structural connectivity analysis accounting for intrinsic density discrepancy
Authors: Schiavi Simona , Petracca Maria , Battocchio Matteo , El Mendili Mohamed M. , Paduri Swetha , Fleysher Lazar , Inglese Matilde , Daducci Alessandro
Published: May 2020

Graph theory and network modelling have been previously applied to characterize motor network structural topology in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, between‐group differences disclosed by graph analysis might be primarily driven by discrepancy in density, which is likely to be reduced in pathologic conditions as a consequence of macroscopic damage and fibre loss that may result in less streamlines properly traced. In this work, we employed the convex optimization modelling for microstructure informed tractography (COMMIT) framework, which, given a tractogram, estimates the actual contribution (or weight) of each streamline in order to optimally explain the diffusion magnetic resonance imaging signal, filtering out those that are implausible or not necessary. Then, we analysed the topology of this ‘COMMIT‐weighted sensory‐motor network’ in MS accounting for network density. By comparing with standard connectivity analysis, we also tested if abnormalities in network topology are still identifiable when focusing on more ‘quantitative’ network properties. We found that topology differences identified with standard tractography in MS seem to be mainly driven by density, which, in turn, is strongly influenced by the presence of lesions. We were able to identify a significant difference in density but also in network global and local properties when accounting for density discrepancy. Therefore, we believe that COMMIT may help characterize the structural organization in pathological conditions, allowing a fair comparison of connectomes which considers discrepancies in network density. Moreover, discrepancy‐corrected network properties are clinically meaningful and may help guide prognosis assessment and treatment choice.
Prognostic significance of human papillomavirus and Epstein‐Bar virus in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Verma Nipun , Patel Suchit , Osborn Virginia , McBride Sean , Riaz Nadeem , Lee Anna , Katabi Nora , Sherman Eric , Lee Nancy Y. , Tsai Chiaojung J.
Published: May 2020

Background

The clinical significance of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unclear.

Methods

Three hundred and forty three patients with NPC diagnosed between 1998 and 2017 and treated at our institution were included. Chi‐square was used to identify characteristics associated with viral status. Kaplan‐Meier methods were used to estimate overall survival (OS) and Cox proportional regression was used to identify prognostic factors.

Results

Patients with HPV‐associated NPC were more likely to have a positive smoking history and to present at a higher T classification. At a median follow‐up time of 59.9 months (range: 0.1‐222.4 months), there were no differences in OS (P = .198), time to local failure (LF, P = .403), or time to distant metastasis (DM, P = .849) between the viral subgroups. Older age (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.242, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.374‐3.659, P = .001) and higher overall stage (HR: 2.047, 95% CI 1.235‐3.391, P = .005) were prognostic for worse OS.

Conclusion

In our population, viral status was not prognostic for OS, LF, or DM.
Alanine Aminotransferase and Gamma‐Glutamyl Transpeptidase Predict Histologic Improvement in Pediatric Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Newton Kimberly P. , Lavine Joel E. , Wilson Laura , Behling Cynthia , Vos Miriam B. , Molleston Jean P. , Rosenthal Philip , Miloh Tamir , Fishbein Mark H. , Jain Ajay K. , Murray Karen F. , Schwimmer Jeffrey B. ,   for the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN)
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

Predictive, noninvasive tools are needed to monitor key features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children that relate to improvement in liver histology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between liver chemistries and liver histology using data from the CyNCh (Cysteamine Bitartrate Delayed‐Release for the Treatment of NAFLD in Children) clinical trial.

Approach and Results

This study included 146 children. Improvement in liver histology, defined as decrease in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Activity Score ≥2 points without worsening of fibrosis, occurred in 43 participants (30%). There were 46 participants with borderline zone 1 nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) at baseline, with resolution in 28% (12 of 46). Multivariate models were constructed using baseline and change in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) at 52 weeks, for improvement in (1) liver histology primary outcome, (2) borderline zone 1 NASH, and (3) fibrosis. For improvement in histology, the model (P < 0.0001) retained baseline and change in GGT (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71‐0.87). For borderline zone 1 NASH, the model (P = 0.0004) retained baseline and change in ALT (AUROC, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67‐0.93). For fibrosis, the model (P < 0.001) retained baseline and change in ALT (AUROC, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67‐0.93). Additional clinical parameters were added to the models using Akaike’s information criterion selection, and significantly boosted performance: improvement in histology with AUROC of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.82‐0.95), borderline zone 1 NASH with AUROC of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.83‐0.99), and fibrosis with AUROC of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.82‐0.94). Models were validated using data from the TONIC (Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children) trial.

Conclusions

In children with NAFLD, dynamic changes in serum ALT and GGT are associated with change in liver histology and appear to be powerful indicators of histological response.
Impact of Hall and Ion effects on MHD couple stress nanofluid flow through an inclined channel subjected to convective, hydraulic slip, heat generation, and thermal radiation
Authors: Roja A. , Gireesha B. J.
Published: May 2020

This project mainly concentrates on the numerical investigation of the Hall and Ion impact on couple stress nanofluid flow through an inclined microchannel considering the hydraulic slip and convective boundary conditions in the presence of radiative heat flux. The analysis has been made via assuming that the fluid is incompressible, electrically conducting, and viscous. The parameters of couple stress, convection, and heat generation have been employed. Different water‐based nanofluids containing , and are taken into account. To reduce the nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations, suitable nondimensional variables are applied to the governing equations. Then, this system is solved numerically utilizing the Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg fourth‐fifth‐order method along with the shooting technique. Maple software was employed to get numerical solutions. The results found that the fluid velocity is retarded for larger estimations of the Hall and Ion parameter. The drag force and the Nusselt number are diminished for higher estimations of the nanoparticle volume fraction and Brinkman number, respectively. Furthermore, it is noted that the nanoparticles have a maximum heat transfer rate as compared with the oxides of nanoparticles. The obtained results are compared with existing ones in a limiting case, and provide good agreement.
Revolutionizing the landscape of colorectal cancer treatment: The potential role of immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Tolba Mai F.
Published: May 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third cause of cancer‐related mortalities worldwide. The progression of CRC to the metastatic phase significantly compromises the overall survival rates. Despite the advances in the therapeutic protocols, CRC treatment is still challenging. Cancer immunotherapy joined the ranks of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy as the fifth pillar in the foundation of cancer therapeutics. Interruption of the immunosuppressive signals within the tumor microenvironment and reactivation of antitumor immunity via targeting the molecular immune checkpoints generated promising therapeutic outcomes in several types of hard‐to‐treat cancers. The year 2017 witnessed the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy for the management of CRC. The approval was granted to pembrolizumab (anti‐PD‐1) for the treatment of patients with advanced/metastatic solid malignancies with mismatch‐repair deficiency including CRCs. Such natively immunogenic tumors constitute only a minor percentage of all CRCs. Therefore, it is imperative to utilize novel combinatorial regimens to enhance the response of a wider range of CRC tumors to cancer immunotherapy and help in extending the survival rates in patients with advanced/metastatic disease. This review highlights the novel approaches under clinical development to overcome the resistance of CRCs to immunotherapy and improve the therapeutic outcomes.
Cerebro‐placental ratio as a prognostic factor of fetal outcome in pregnancy complicated by maternal sickle cell disease
Authors: Swarray‐Deen Alim , Nkyekyer Kobinah , Seffah Joseph D. , Mumuni Kareem , Mensah‐Brown Shirley A. , Tuuli Methodius G. , Oppong Samuel A.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To assess the role of the cerebro‐placental ratio (CPR) in predicting adverse fetal outcomes among women with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Methods

A prospective cohort study at Korle‐Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, between January and June 2016. Pregnant women with SCD at 34 gestational weeks or more underwent weekly fetal umbilical and middle cerebral artery Doppler assessment until delivery. Participants were categorized into two study arms based on CPR (<1.1 or ≥1.1). The primary outcome, a composite of adverse perinatal outcomes including intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth, low birthweight, and neonatal intensive care unit admission, was compared between groups.

Results

Overall, 48 pregnant women with SCD were enrolled, and 5 had a fetus with CPR less than 1.1. Low CPR (<1.1) had a sensitivity and specificity of 29.4% and 100%, respectively, for predicting composite adverse perinatal outcomes. Sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 100% and 93.5% for predicting stillbirth, and 40.2% and 97.4% for predicting low birthweight. Perinatal outcomes did not differ between the two major sickle cell genotypes (hemoglobin SS and hemoglobin SC).

Conclusions

Among women with SCD, CPR less than 1.1 was associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, particularly low birthweight and stillbirth.
Ten‐year follow‐up study of long‐term outcomes after conservative surgery for early‐stage ovarian cancer
Authors: Bogani Giorgio , Ditto Antonino , Pinelli Ciro , Lopez Salvatore , Chiappa Valentina , Raspagliesi Francesco
Published: May 2020

Objective

To evaluate long‐term outcomes after surgery for apparent early‐stage ovarian cancer (OC).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of women who underwent staging surgery for apparent early‐stage OC at a single center in Milan, Italy, from 1990 to 2008, and had a follow‐up longer than 10 years (living women with no recurrence). Univariate and multivariate analyses and propensity score matching were carried out.

Results

Overall, 182 women underwent radical (n=148, 81.3%) or conservative (n=34, 18.7%) procedures for early‐stage OC. Ten‐year disease‐free and overall survival were 82.9% (n=151) and 87.9% (n=160), respectively. Conservative or radical surgery had similar disease‐free (log‐rank test, P=0.783) and overall (log‐rank test, P=0.783) survival. These data were confirmed after the application of propensity score matching. High‐risk features correlated with non‐significant worse disease‐free survival (P=0.080). In the high‐risk group (≥Grade 3 or ≥ Stage IC), type of surgical approach (conservative vs radical) did not affect survival (hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–3.56; P=0.781).

Conclusion

Women with early‐stage OC had encouraging long‐term survival. The presence of high‐risk disease had detrimental effects on survival, regardless of surgical approach. High‐risk disease should not be considered a contraindication to conservative surgery.
Call to action for a South American network to fight COVID‐19 in pregnancy
Authors: Costa Maria L. , Pacagnella Rodolfo C. , Guida Jose P. , Souza Renato T. , Charles Charles M. , Lajos Giuliane J. , Haddad Samira M. , Fernandes Karayna G. , Nobrega Guilherme M. , Griggio Thayna B. , Pabon Stephanie L. , Serruya Suzanne J. , Ribeiro‐do‐Valle Carolina C. , Cecatti Jose G. ,   Brazilian Network for Studies on Reproductive and Perinatal Research
Published: May 2020

A call to action for joint efforts by South American centers to tackle COVID‐19 in pregnancy.
Upregulation of Toll‐like receptor 4 through anti‐miR‐Let‐7a enhances blastocyst attachment to endometrial cells in mice
Authors: Hosseini Sara , Hosseini Samaneh , Salehi Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Despite encouraging advances in fertility technology, the success rate of an ongoing pregnancy is relatively low and predominantly associated with implantation failure. Inflammatory responses are beneficial in the fetomaternal interface and supposedly accelerate the chances for successful implantation. The current study aims to determine the effect of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) overexpression in mouse blastocysts via Let‐7a downregulation using intracytoplasmic sperm injection‐sperm‐mediated gene transfer on embryo attachment rate. The pLenti‐III‐GFP‐miR‐Off‐Let‐7a vector was transmitted to oocytes derived via in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vivo oocytes by using NaOH‐treated spermatozoa. Let‐7a and TLR4 expression levels were evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), immunocytochemistry, and western blot analysis in both oocytes and embryos. Blastocyst adhesion on the endometrial cells was monitored by microscopic analysis. qRT‐PCR results showed that Let‐7a expression decreased in the IVM (GV‐MII) oocytes compared to the in vivo oocyte (MII) group (p < .05). TLR4 showed a higher expression in GV‐MII oocytes at both the gene and protein levels (p < .05). Following anti‐miR‐Let‐7a transmission, the TLR4 expression level was significantly upregulated in embryos compared with the control groups (p < .05). Attachment and migration of trophoblasts cells towards endometrial cells dramatically increased compared to the control group (p < .05). Based on our results, we concluded that Let‐7a might mediate embryo attachment through regulation of TLR4 expression levels.
Huntington's Disease Progression: A Population Modeling Approach to Characterization Using Clinical Rating Scales
Authors: Sun Wan , Zhou Di , Warner John H. , Langbehn Douglas R. , Hochhaus Guenther , Wang Yaning
Published: May 2020

Development of effective therapeutics that slow Huntington's disease progression is a research priority that requires an understanding of natural disease progression. We applied a population‐modeling approach to describe the progression of 2 routinely used rating scales — the total motor score and the total functional capacity score. Models were fitted to data from research participants aged ≥ 18 years with Huntington's disease stage I or II at study entry (total functional capacity score ≥ 7), from a controlled clinical trial (CARE‐HD) and 2 observational studies (COHORT and Registry). A logistic model without shape factors was selected as the base model based on placebo data from CARE‐HD and validated using data from the CARE‐HD active‐treatment arms. Albeit with a smaller progression rate constant than was found in CARE‐HD, the proposed models provided reasonable predictions for both rating scales in the pooled data from COHORT and Registry and were considered suitable for use in clinical trial simulations. Results also showed that disease burden score (a product of age and expanded CAG length) is a significant covariate on both the progression rate constant and the baseline score in the total motor score model. These findings suggest that total motor score and total functional capacity progress fastest near their half‐maximal score, implying that the efficiency of clinical trials evaluating disease‐modifying therapeutics for Huntington's disease could be enhanced by enrolling patients with faster disease progression or evaluating treatment effect near their half‐maximal score, provided that the evaluated therapy is expected to be efficacious at this disease stage.
Cortical motor areas show different reorganizational changes in adult patients with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI)
Authors: Tuna Zeynep , Oskay Deran , Algin Oktay , Koçak Orhan Murat
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) may cause permanent disability. It is recently thought to result from the (mal)adaptive reorganizational central nervous system problems.

Methods

In this study, adult patients with BPBI and age‐matched healthy controls were compared for the cortical activity during action observation by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Results

The cortical activity in patients was significantly weaker than in the control group (p < .05). Areas of difference were middle temporal gyrus, premotor area, and inferior parietal lobule. The signal change in these areas was significantly lower in the patient group (p < .05).

Conclusions

This study showed that the cortical activity in the associative motor regions was weaker in the patients while no primary region showed any difference. The results were concluded that there is a diversity in the neuroplastic changes between primary and associative motor areas. Clinically, neurorehabilitative interventions should be planned based on this diversity.
Composition and chemical properties of the soils of the city of Santiago de Compostela, northwestern Spain
Authors: Paradelo Remigio , Herbón Cecilia , Barral María Teresa
Published: May 2020

Urban soils are still insufficiently studied despite the relevance of their functions in the urban environment. The city of Santiago de Compostela (northwestern Spain) offers interesting opportunities for the study of urban soils because of its geological diversity and the variety of land use and vegetation. With the objective of increasing information about urban soils in Spain, we studied samples from 56 urban soils (0–20 cm) in this city, developed over different parent materials (granites, gneiss, schists, and amphibolites) and under several land uses (lawn areas, forested areas, urban allotment gardens, peri‐urban agricultural soils, and a green roof). The main physicochemical properties of the soils were analyzed, including bulk density, texture, pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, available P, and compounds of Fe and Al. The soils are coarse textured (dominant texture is sandy loam) and acidic (pH in water from 4.7 to 6.9), with moderate to high organic matter contents (13–137 g organic C kg−1). Cation exchange capacity ranges from 9 to 48 cmolc kg−1, with Ca as the most abundant exchangeable cation in most soils. Overall, the soils do not show several of the common features of other urban soils, such as alkalinity, high bulk density, or large amounts of artifacts, and their composition is very similar to their natural counterparts in the region. The conservation of these soils with a low degree of artificialization is essential because they can provide a wide range of ecosystem services.
p.Cys223Tyr mutation causing Crigler–Najjar syndrome type II
Authors: Xiong Qing‐Fang , Zhou Hui , Yang Yong‐Feng
Published: May 2020

Crigler–Najjar syndrome (CNs) is a rare hereditary unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia caused by mutations in the bilirubin Uridine (UDP) glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 (UGT1A1, ENSG00000241635) gene. Two patients were clinically diagnosed with Crigler–Najjar Syndrome types II (CNs‐II) can be clinically diagnosed which were based on the level of total bilirubin, efficacy of phenobarbital treatment, normal liver architecture and exclusion of hemolysis. Diagnosis was also confirmed by UGT1A1 gene mutations, which by sequencing the coding region for UGT1A1 gene mutations, which were the homozygous mutations c.668G > A/p.Cys223Tyr and which caused less than 10% of activity of the enzyme. No data have been reported about this mutate in the population. These patients have a good prognosis and require no active intervention, indicating that an early accurate diagnosis is necessary for disease management and genetic counseling.
Rectal stenosis due to solitary pelvic recurrence of hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Shioi Ikuma , Yamaoka Yusuke , Shiomi Akio , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Hino Hitoshi , Manabe Shoichi , Aizawa Daisuke
Published: May 2020

An 85‐year‐old woman was admitted to a hospital with abdominal pain. Five years prior to admission, she had a history of hilar cholangiocarcinoma of pStage IIIC. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed a mass between the rectum and uterus as well as bowel obstruction due to the lesion. Colonoscopy showed severe stenosis at the lower rectum and elevation of the submucosal layer with linear erosion. Rectal cancer was suspected, and pelvic recurrence of hilar cholangiocarcinoma or endometrial carcinoma infiltrating the rectum was considered as differential diagnosis. She underwent robot‐assisted low anterior resection combined with partial resection of the uterus. The immunohistopathological findings of the resected specimen favored a diagnosis of metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma, rather than primary rectal cancer or endometrial carcinoma. There were no signs of recurrence after 10 months of follow‐up. Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a disease with poor prognosis. Recurrence is frequently experienced even after curative resection. Patients with recurrence are rarely candidates for re‐resection. However, better prognosis is reported for those with complete resection.
Evidence for independent peripheral and central age‐related hearing impairment
Authors: Bao Jianxin , Yu Yan , Li Hui , Hawks John , Szatkowski Grace , Dade Bethany , Wang Hao , Liu Peng , Brutnell Thomas , Spehar Brent , Tye‐Murray Nancy
Published: May 2020

Deleterious age‐related changes in the central auditory nervous system have been referred to as central age‐related hearing impairment (ARHI) or central presbycusis. Central ARHI is often assumed to be the consequence of peripheral ARHI. However, it is possible that certain aspects of central ARHI are independent from peripheral ARHI. A confirmation of this possibility could lead to significant improvements in current rehabilitation practices. The major difficulty in addressing this issue arises from confounding factors, such as other age‐related changes in both the cochlea and central non‐auditory brain structures. Because gap detection is a common measure of central auditory temporal processing, and gap detection thresholds are less influenced by changes in other brain functions such as learning and memory, we investigated the potential relationship between age‐related peripheral hearing loss (i.e., audiograms) and age‐related changes in gap detection. Consistent with previous studies, a significant difference was found for gap detection thresholds between young and older adults. However, among older adults, no significant associations were observed between gap detection ability and several other independent variables including the pure tone audiogram average, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Vocabulary score, gender, and age. Statistical analyses showed little or no contributions from these independent variables to gap detection thresholds. Thus, our data indicate that age‐related decline in central temporal processing is largely independent of peripheral ARHI.
Dispersive solid‐phase extraction of buprenorphine from biological fluids using metal‐organic frameworks and its determination by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Mohammadi Farzaneh , Shabani Ali Mohammad Haji , Dadfarnia Shayessteh , Ansari Mehdi , Asgharinezhad Ali Akbar
Published: May 2020

In this work, various types of metal‐organic frameworks were synthesized, and their affinities toward buprenorphine were evaluated using dispersive solid‐phase extraction. The extracted buprenorphine was determined by ultra high performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet detection system. The highest extraction recovery was observed by employing zeolitic imidazole framework‐67. Then, a facile and fast extraction method was designed for the extraction and purification of the target drug. Optimization of the extraction method was carried out by the design of experiment approach. A linearity range of 1–1000 μg/L with the limit of detection of 0.15 μg/L and relative standard deviations (50 μg/L, n = 5) of 3.4% was obtained for standard sample analysis. Under optimized experimental and instrumental conditions, the relative recoveries were in the range of 95 to 111%. Eventually, zeolitic imidazole framework‐67 was successfully employed for the extraction and determination of buprenorphine in the biological fluids with satisfactory results.
Evaluation of the Perinodular Stiffness Potentially Predicts the Malignancy of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Hu Lei , He Nian An , Xie Li , Ye Xianjun , Liu Xiao , Pei Chong , Zhou Hang Cheng , Zhong Wen
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the surrounding tissue stiffness measured by sound touch elastography for differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules (TNs).

Methods

Thirty‐nine benign and 90 malignant TNs were included in this study. The conventional ultrasound features, the maximum Young modulus value of the stiffness of the TNs (recorded as E), and the stiffness of the 0.5‐, 1.0‐, 1.5‐, and 2.0‐mm perinodular regions of the TNs (recorded as Eshell0.5, Eshell1.0, Eshell1.5, and Eshell2.0, respectively) were prospectively analyzed and compared to histopathologic results. The abundance of collagen fibers at various widths in the perinodular regions of the TNs was evaluated by Masson staining and ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). The fibrous structures in the perinodular regions of the TNs were classified.

Results

The various Eshell values of malignant TNs were significantly higher than those of benign TNs (P < .001 for all). Eshell0.5 correlated highly with E in the malignant TNs and in all samples (r = 0.722 and 0.772; P < .001 for both). Eshell2 yielded the highest area under the receiving operating characteristic curve value (0.96) for the differential diagnosis of TNs. The abundance of collagen fibers in the 2‐mm perinodular region of the TNs was closely correlated with Eshell2 in the malignant TNs and in all samples (r =0.729 and 0.867; P < .001). The Eshell2 values for different levels of disorder of the tissue surrounding TNs were significantly different (P < .01 for all).

Conclusions

Perinodular stiffness measured by sound touch elastography improved the diagnostic accuracy in TNs.
One‐Size‐Fits‐All Approach Does Not Work for Gynecology Trainees Learning Endometriosis Ultrasound Skills
Authors: Leonardi Mathew , Ong Jozarino , Espada Mercedes , Stamatopoulos Nicole , Georgousopoulou Ekavi , Hudelist Gernot , Condous George
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To evaluate whether gynecologic surgical trainees (fellows) can become competent in the real‐time classification of the pouch of Douglas (POD) obliteration state and direct visualization of bowel deep endometriosis (DE) during a program with a prespecified number of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) examinations.

Methods

We performed a prospective study between December 2017 and December 2018. Three fellows (F1–F3) performed 50 scans each, which were all supervised by an expert sonologist, who performed the reference standard TVUS examination. The fellows performed a focused TVUS examination to assess the bowel and POD state, having been blinded to the patient's clinical history and reference standard findings. Immediate feedback and hands‐on teaching were provided after each of the fellow's official classifications. To evaluate the number of scans needed to gain competency, the cumulative summation test for the learning curve was used.

Results

A total of 150 examinations were performed on 145 patients. Twenty‐six (17.9%) patients had a diagnosis of bowel DE, and 34 (23.4%) were classified as having a negative sliding sign by the reference standard. The overall accuracy of the presence/absence of bowel DE was 90% (range, 82%–94%). The overall accuracy of POD state classification was 93% (range, 90%–96%). The cumulative summation test for the learning curve for bowel DE showed that F1 did not reach competency by 50 scans, whereas F2 and F3 required 21 and 25 scans, respectively. For POD obliteration, F2 did not reach competency, whereas F1 and F3 required 40 and 22 scans.

Conclusions

Not all trainees can reach competency for TVUS evaluations of POD obliteration and bowel DE in a predefined number of scans.