bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activating Adenosine Monophosphate–Activated Protein Kinase Mediates Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 Protection From Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Lin Qian , Huang Zhifeng , Cai Genxiang , Fan Xia , Yan Xiaoqing , Liu Zhengshuai , Zhao Zehua , Li Jingya , Li Jia , Shi Hongxue , Kong Maiying , Zheng Ming‐Hua , Conklin Daniel J. , Epstein Paul N. , Wintergerst Kupper A. , Mohammadi Moosa , Cai Lu , Li Xiaokun , Li Yu , Tan Yi
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 1 demonstrated protection against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in type 2 diabetic and obese mice by an uncertain mechanism. This study investigated the therapeutic activity and mechanism of a nonmitogenic FGF1 variant carrying 3 substitutions of heparin‐binding sites (FGF1△HBS) against NAFLD.

Approach and Results

FGF1△HBS administration was effective in 9‐month‐old diabetic mice carrying a homozygous mutation in the leptin receptor gene (db/db) with NAFLD; liver weight, lipid deposition, and inflammation declined and liver injury decreased. FGF1△HBS reduced oxidative stress by stimulating nuclear translocation of nuclear erythroid 2 p45‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and elevation of antioxidant protein expression. FGF1△HBS also inhibited activity and/or expression of lipogenic genes, coincident with phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its substrates. Mechanistic studies on palmitate exposed hepatic cells demonstrated that NAFLD‐like oxidative damage and lipid accumulation could be reversed by FGF1△HBS. In palmitate‐treated hepatic cells, small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of Nrf2 abolished only FGF1△HBS antioxidative actions but not improvement of lipid metabolism. In contrast, AMPK inhibition by pharmacological agent or siRNA abolished FGF1△HBS benefits on both oxidative stress and lipid metabolism that were FGF receptor (FGFR) 4 dependent. Further support of these in vitro findings is that liver‐specific AMPK knockout abolished therapeutic effects of FGF1△HBS against high‐fat/high‐sucrose diet–induced hepatic steatosis. Moreover, FGF1△HBS improved high‐fat/high‐cholesterol diet–induced steatohepatitis and fibrosis in apolipoprotein E knockout mice.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that FGF1△HBS is effective for preventing and reversing liver steatosis and steatohepatitis and acts by activation of AMPK through hepatocyte FGFR4.
Reminders activate the prefrontal‐medial temporal cortex and attenuate forgetting of event memory
Authors: Sekeres Melanie J. , Moscovitch Morris , Winocur Gordon , Pishdadian Sara , Nichol Dan , Grady Cheryl L.
Published: September 2020

Replicas of an aspect of an experienced event can serve as effective reminders, yet little is known about the neural basis of such reminding effects. Here we examined the neural activity underlying the memory‐enhancing effect of reminders 1 week after encoding of naturalistic film clip events. We used fMRI to determine differences in network activity associated with recently reactivated memories relative to comparably aged, non‐reactivated memories. Reminders were effective in facilitating overall retrieval of memory for film clips, in an all‐or‐none fashion. Prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were activated during both reminders and retrieval. Peak activation in ventro‐lateral prefrontal cortex (vPFC) preceded peak activation in the right hippocampus during the reminders. For film clips that were successfully retrieved after 7 days, pre‐retrieval reminders did not enhance the quality of the retrieved memory or the number of details retrieved, nor did they more strongly engage regions of the recollection network than did successful retrieval of a non‐reminded film clip. These results suggest that reminders prior to retrieval are an effective means of boosting retrieval of otherwise inaccessible episodic events, and that the inability to recall certain events after a delay of a week largely reflects a retrieval deficit, rather than a storage deficit for this information. The results extend other evidence that vPFC drives activation of the hippocampus to facilitate memory retrieval and scene construction, and show that this facilitation also occurs when reminder cues precede successful retrieval attempts. The time course of vPFC‐hippocampal activity during the reminder suggests that reminders may first engage schematic information meditated by vPFC followed by a recollection process mediated by the hippocampus.
Causal relationships between body mass index, smoking and lung cancer: Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization
Authors: Zhou Wen , Liu Geoffrey , Hung Rayjean J. , Haycock Philip C. , Aldrich Melinda C. , Andrew Angeline S. , Arnold Susanne M. , Bickeböller Heike , Bojesen Stig E. , Brennan Paul , Brunnström Hans , Melander Olle , Caporaso Neil E. , Landi Maria Teresa , Chen Chu , Goodman Gary E. , Christiani David C. , Cox Angela , Field John K. , Johansson Mikael , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Lam Stephen , Lazarus Philip , Le Marchand Loïc , Rennert Gad , Risch Angela , Schabath Matthew B. , Shete Sanjay S. , Tardón Adonina , Zienolddiny Shanbeh , Shen Hongbing , Amos Christopher I.
Published: September 2020

At the time of cancer diagnosis, body mass index (BMI) is inversely correlated with lung cancer risk, which may reflect reverse causality and confounding due to smoking behavior. We used two‐sample univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) to estimate causal relationships of BMI and smoking behaviors on lung cancer and histological subtypes based on an aggregated genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) analysis of lung cancer in 29 266 cases and 56 450 controls. We observed a positive causal effect for high BMI on occurrence of small‐cell lung cancer (odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.24‐2.06, P = 2.70 × 10−4). After adjustment of smoking behaviors using multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR), a direct causal effect on small cell lung cancer (ORMVMR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.06‐1.55, PMVMR = .011), and an inverse effect on lung adenocarcinoma (ORMVMR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.77‐0.96, PMVMR = .008) were observed. A weak increased risk of lung squamous cell carcinoma was observed for higher BMI in univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR) analysis (ORUVMR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.01‐1.40, PUVMR = .036), but this effect disappeared after adjustment of smoking (ORMVMR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.90‐1.16, PMVMR = .746). These results highlight the histology‐specific impact of BMI on lung carcinogenesis and imply mediator role of smoking behaviors in the association between BMI and lung cancer.
Association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and kidney cancer risk: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lee Min‐Jing , Huang Chien‐Wei , Chen Yi‐Lung , Yang Yao‐Hsu , Chen Vincent Chin‐Hung
Published: September 2020

The association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposure and cancer incidence has been investigated; however, no epidemiological study has investigated the association between exposure to individual SSRIs and kidney cancer incidence. The aim of this study is to examine whether SSRI use affected the risk of kidney cancer. We conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. After adjusting for sex, age, urbanization level, comorbidity and medication use through propensity score matching, we identified 222 024 SSRI users and 221 361 SSRI nonusers. A robust Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the associations between use of individual SSRIs and the risk of kidney cancer with 1‐ and 2‐year induction periods. The result showed that SSRI users tended to be associated with a lower risk of kidney cancer with a 2‐year induction period than nonusers; however, the association was not statistically significant (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77‐1.01). We further examined the effects of individual SSRIs and observed a significantly lower risk of kidney cancer associated with the use of citalopram (aHR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.47‐0.96) and paroxetine (aHR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.58‐0.97) with the 2‐year induction period. These findings support that SSRIs are associated with decreased kidney cancer risk and indicate that citalopram and paroxetine have protective effects in depressed patients with kidney cancer.
Family ownership and M&A payment method
Authors: Teti Emanuele , Dallocchio Maurizio , Currao Tancredi
Published: September 2020

We investigate the effects of family ownership on the choice between cash and stock payment in M&A operations. On a sample of 269 M&A transactions performed by Italian listed bidders over the period 2008–2015, we demonstrate that families are more inclined to pay in cash in order to avoid dilution. We also find that the influence of family ownership on the choice of the payment method is stronger for intermediate levels of control than for other levels. Furthermore, we document that financial structure considerations, bidder growth opportunities and deal specific characteristics influence the choice of payment method.
Are mindful people more risk‐averse? Effects of trait and state mindfulness on risk preference in decision‐making
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Chen Zhuo Job , Lu Shuang , Ni Shiguang
Published: September 2020

The current research investigated whether various aspects of mindfulness were differentially associated with risk preference in decision‐making. In Studies 1 and 2, attention and present‐focus aspects of trait mindfulness were associated with lower risk preference in making monetary gains. In Study 3, participants completed either a mindfulness training or listened to a comparable control recording. Compared to the control condition, subjects in the mindfulness condition were more risk‐averse in making choices for monetary gains. The attention and present‐focus aspects of state mindfulness mediated this connection. Study 4 introduced a loss framing, where attention and present‐focus no longer associated with lower risk preference, but awareness and acceptance aspects of trait mindfulness associated with higher risk preference in avoiding monetary losses. The results suggest that different aspects of mindfulness have potential for mitigating risk preference, but such potential is limited depending on the framing of a decision context.
Hybrid compression of biomedical ECG and EEG signals based on differential clustering and encoding techniques
Authors: Angeline M , Suja Priyadharsini S
Published: September 2020

Signal processing techniques incorporated with data compression processes enrich the signals and boost up storage efficiency and transmission reliability. Transmitting uncompressed original data consume wide bandwidth, which increases transmission time and leads to data hammering. These limitations enforce to look for strategic data compression techniques. Lossless compression techniques are requisite where it is important that the original and the decompressed data should be identical or where deviations from the original data would lead to catastrophic consequences, especially in biomedical signal analysis and diagnostics. For which, the input signal preprocessed with differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) reduces the interchannel dependencies to get the desired output. A whole array of unique compression techniques are being utilized in the compression process. The combination of (K‐means clustering, arithmetic encoding [AE], Huffman encoding [HE]) clustering and coding compression techniques are analyzed using electro cardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The proposed method employs k‐means clustering combined with Huffman encoding (DiKHE) and k‐means clustering combined with arithmetic encoding (DiKAE) individually. Compression ratio (CR) is analyzed with these combinations of compression techniques for various cluster size K (K = 2,3,4,5,6). A maximum CR of 6.03144 and 4.54126 is obtained for ECG and EEG signals respectively. The compressions based on these techniques are efficient since the compressed signal is reconstructed perfectly as it matches exactly with the original signal.
Role of silica in mitigation of Cd, Pb and Cr toxicities in rice under irrigation with drainage water in the Egypt Nile delta*
Authors: El‐Habet Howida B.I.
Published: September 2020

This work targeted investigation of the efficiency of silica application on anatomical structures of the root system after 45 days from sowing and grain yield at maturity of the five rice varieties, Sakha104 (V1), Egyptian hybrid rice1 (EHR1) (V2), Sakha105 (V3), Giza178 (V4) and Giza179 (V5) under irrigation with drainage water (DW), having varied concentrations of Cd, Pb and Cr. Potassium silicate, potassium sulphate and silicon dioxide were sprayed individually as an aqueous solution at a concentration of 2% silica, applied twice 15 and 30 days after sowing. The collected results for the anatomical characteristics indicated that the highest values of cortex (650 length and 650 width μm), vascular bundle (750 length and 750 width μm), epidermis (241 μm) and xylem (175 length and 160 width μm) were recorded with application of Si as potassium silicate or silicon dioxide under the two types of irrigation water and in two consecutive growing seasons. Si application significantly increased shoots and root weight and length, and grain yield, compared to the Si‐untreated counterparts. The concentrations of Cd, Pb and Cr in harvested grains with application of potassium silicate or silicon dioxide under irrigation by DW were below the safety limits of 0.40, 0.20 and 1.00 ppm respectively.
Risk evaluation for C2C E‐commerce via an improved credit counting method
Authors: Li Yingxuan , Chen Lin
Published: September 2020

E‐commerce has become a popular way for shopping, especially during the Covid‐19 pandemic. The key of the E‐commerce is the credit evaluation, for instance the client to client (C2C) mode E‐commerce. In this paper, an improved credit scoring method is proposed. The improved credit scoring method uses the interval distribution of commodity prices to add points for successful transactions and deduct points for failed transactions by using credit grade deduction coefficients and credit level, which can solve credit hype and periodic deception. Through the analysis of credit risk, a risk calculation method for online transactions is designed by using the improved credit scoring model. The proposed risk calculation method can evaluate the risk of current transactions based on historical transaction conditions and current transaction prices. The simulated experiments show that the improved credit scoring method has better anti‐credit speculation and periodic deception effects, and the risk assessment method is more accurate and effective for risk analysis and prediction in C2C E‐commerce transactions.
Therapeutic Interventions in Endothelial Dysfunction: Endothelium as a Target Organ
Authors: Cooke John P.
Published: September 2020

Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as the initial step in the atherosclerotic process. To date, most interventions attempting to improve endothelial dysfunction have targeted one or more of the numerous risk factors that can cause endothelial damage: hypertension (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium antagonists), hypercholesterolemia (lipid‐lowering agents), cigarette smoking (cessation), sedentary lifestyle (increased physical activity), menopause (estrogen replacement therapy), and diabetes mellitus (control of associated metabolic abnormalities). Interventions targeted specifically to the endothelium remain speculative, as the precise mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction are still being elucidated. Several pharmacologic agents have been suggested to achieve vascular protection through mechanisms that go beyond their primary therapeutic (e.g., hypotensive or hypocholesterolemic) actions; examples of these are angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors. Beneficial changes to the endothelium might result from promotion of vasorelaxation, inhibition of vasoconstriction, reduction in the production of free radicals, or other mechanisms that protect the endothelium from injury.
Interim Analysis of a Phase 2 Open-Label Trial Assessing Burosumab Efficacy and Safety in Patients With Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia
Authors: Imanishi Yasuo , Ito Nobuaki , Rhee Yumie , Takeuchi Yasuhiro , Shin Chan Soo , Takahashi Yutaka , Onuma Hiroki , Kojima Masahiro , Kanematsu Masanori , Kanda Hironori , Seino Yoshiki , Fukumoto Seiji
Published: September 2020

Patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO), an acquired paraneoplastic condition characterized by osteomalacia due to hypophosphatemia, exhibit a similar clinical picture to those with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia (XLH). The human monoclonal anti-fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) antibody burosumab (KRN23) increases serum phosphate and improves bone turnover, fracture healing, pain, and physical function in XLH patients by inhibiting circulating FGF23; thus, burosumab is expected to be an effective treatment for TIO. We report here an interim analysis of a multicenter, open-label, intraindividual dose-adjustment study of burosumab (0.3 to 2.0 mg/kg every 4 weeks) in Japanese and Korean TIO patients. The primary endpoint was the fasting serum phosphate level at each visit. Key secondary endpoints were changes over time in bone biomarkers, pharmacodynamic markers, bone histomorphometric parameters, motor function, and patient-reported outcomes. Safety was assessed based on treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Thirteen patients received burosumab treatment, of whom 4 underwent bone biopsy. The mean dose after week 112 was approximately 1.0 mg/kg. After the first burosumab administration, mean serum phosphate levels increased and remained above the lower limit of normal and in the normal range from weeks 14 to 112. Bone biomarkers initially increased, reaching maximum values at week 16 or 24, and then gradually decreased. After burosumab treatment, patients were able to walk further (evaluated by the 6-minute walk test), reported decreased pain levels, and showed a tendency toward healing of baseline fractures and pseudofractures. Two patients discontinued, one each due to disease progression and consent withdrawal. Burosumab was generally well tolerated, with no treatment-related TEAEs of grade ≥3 and no treatment-related serious AEs. In conclusion, the interim results of this first study of burosumab to treat TIO patients indicate that this drug has the potential to provide clinical benefit for patients with unresectable tumors. The full study results are eagerly anticipated. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)..
Downregulation of SOX11 in fetal heart tissue, under hyperglycemic environment, mediates cardiomyocytes apoptosis
Authors: Su Dongmei , Gao Qianqian , Guan Lina , Sun Peng , Li Qian , Shi Cuige , Ma Xu
Published: September 2020

Gestational diabetes mellitus is one of the causes of abnormal embryonic heart development, but the mechanism is still poor. This study investigated the regulatory mechanism and role of SOX11 in congenital heart abnormality in a hyperglycemic environment. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) showed decreased SOX11 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the heart tissue of diabetic offspring compared with the control group. A Sequenom EpiTYPER MassArray showed that methylation sites upstream in SOX11 region 1 were increased in the diabetic group compared with the control group. Luciferase reporter assays and qRT‐PCR showed that Dnmt3b overexpression decreased SOX11 promoter activity and its mRNA level, whereas Dnmt3a had little effect on regulating SOX11 expression. Furthermore, we found that Dnmt3L cooperated with Dnmt3b to regulate SOX11 gene expression. Additionally, the function of SOX11 silencing was analyzed by using small interfering RNA‐mediated knockdown. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide and apoptotic assays showed that SOX11 downregulation inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Overexpression of the SOX11 gene suppressed cardiomyocytes apoptosis after high glucose treatment. We identified a novel epigenetic regulatory mechanism of SOX11 during heart development in a hyperglycemic environment and revealed a distinct role of SOX11 in mediating cardiomyocytes viability and apoptosis.
REST‐repressed lncRNA NPPA‐AS1 regulates cervical cancer progression by modulating miR‐302e/DKK1/Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Luan Yanan , Xie Bin , Wei Wenbin
Published: September 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a group of transcripts, have been revealed to be critical participants in regulating multiple biological processes of malignant tumors. The knowledge of NPPA‐AS1 (a new lncRNA) in cancer research is hardly known. Thus, it is of urgent need to study the underlying role of NPPA antisense RNA 1 (NPPA‐AS1) in cervical cancer (CC). In this study, NPPA‐AS1 was discovered to be lowly expressed and upregulation of it impaired cell proliferation and migration in CC. Besides, downregulation of it led to opposite results. Molecular mechanism assays uncovered that increased expression of NPPA‐AS1 could inactivate Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in CC. In addition, NPPA‐AS1 was found to negatively interact with miR‐302e whereas positively correlate with dickkopf‐1 (DKK1, an inhibitor of Wnt pathway) in CC. Besides, loss of function assay illuminated that miR‐302e inhibition restrained cell proliferation and migration in CC. Subsequent rescue assays confirmed that NPPA‐AS1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA in CC by sponging miR‐302e to upregulate DKK1 expression. Finally, the RE‐1 silencing transcription factor (REST) was testified to function as a transcription suppressor of NPPA‐AS1 in CC. In brief, REST‐repressed NPPA‐AS1 regulates CC progression by modulating miR‐302e/DKK1/Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Comprehensive landscape of STEAP family functions and prognostic prediction value in glioblastoma
Authors: Chen Huaijun , Xu Chaoran , Yu Qian , Zhong Chen , Peng Yucong , Chen Jingyin , Chen Gao
Published: September 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common, malignant, and deadly primary glioma. Six‐transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate (STEAP) family is involved in tumorigenesis; here, we have explored the biological function and the prognostic value of the STEAP family in GBM. Differentially expressed STEAP genes in tumor and normal samples were screened by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression identified the prognosis‐related genes: STEAP2 and STEAP3, which were involved in the regulation of immune response and cell cycle. Finally, a prognostic nomogram combining age, gender, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, IDH1 status, and the risk score model based on STEAP2 and STEAP3 was built and further validated in TCGA and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) cohorts via concordance index and calibration plot, which suggested a favorable value for prognosis prediction. In conclusion, our results provided a comprehensive analysis of the STEAP family and a model for the prognosis prediction of GBM.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Phenobarbital in Neonates and Infants on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and the Influence of Concomitant Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Thibault Céline , Massey Shavonne L. , Abend Nicholas S. , Naim Maryam Y. , Zoraian Alexandra , Zuppa Athena F.
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) of intravenous phenobarbital in neonates and infants on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and to provide dosing recommendations in this population. We performed a retrospective single‐center PK study of phenobarbital in neonates and infants on ECMO between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018. We developed a population PK model using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling, performed simulations using the final PK parameters, and determined optimal dosing based on attainment of peak and trough concentrations between 20 and 40 mg/L. We included 35 subjects with a median (range) age and weight of 14 days (1–154 days) and 3.4 kg (1.6–8.1 kg), respectively. A total of 194 samples were included in the analysis. Five children (14%) contributing 30 samples (16%) were supported by continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). A 1‐compartment model best described the data. Typical clearance and volume of distribution for a 3.4–kg infant were 0.038 L/h and 3.83 L, respectively. Clearance increased with age and CVVHDF. Although on ECMO, phenobarbital clearance in children on CVVHDF was 6‐fold higher than clearance in children without CVVHDF. In typical subjects, a loading dose of 30 mg/kg/dose followed by maintenance doses of 6–7 mg/kg/day administered as divided doses every 12 hours reached goal concentrations. Age did not impact dosing recommendations. However, higher doses were needed in children on CVVHDF. We strongly recommend therapeutic drug monitoring in children on renal replacement therapy (excluding slow continuous ultrafiltration) while on ECMO.
Effect of Pregnancy and Concomitant Antiretrovirals on the Pharmacokinetics of Tenofovir in Women With HIV Receiving Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate‐Based Antiretroviral Therapy Versus Women With HBV Receiving Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Monotherapy
Authors: Bukkems Vera E. , Smolders Elise J. , Jourdain Gonzague , Burger David M. , Colbers Angela P. , Cressey Tim R. ,   PANNA Network and iTAP Study Group
Published: September 2020

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is recommended as part of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant women with HIV and as monotherapy for pregnant women with hepatitis B virus (HBV) monoinfection at high risk of transmitting infection to their infants. Tenofovir (TFV) plasma exposures are reduced during pregnancy; however, concomitant antiretrovirals and the viral infection itself can also influence TFV pharmacokinetics. Our aim was to compare TFV pharmacokinetics in pregnant women receiving TDF‐based ART, with or without a ritonavir‐boosted protease inhibitor (r/PI), to pregnant women with HBV receiving TDF monotherapy. Non‐r/PI regimens were primarily integrase strand transfer inhibitors or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor–based regimens. Data were combined from a pharmacokinetic study of pregnant women with HIV on ART (PANNA), and a study assessing TFV pharmacokinetics in pregnant women with HBV (iTAP). A total of 196 pregnant women, 59 with HIV (32 receiving r/PIs) and 137 with HBV monoinfection were included. Intraindividual TFV area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to 24 hours was 25%, 26%, and 21% lower during the third trimester compared to 1 month postpartum in women with HIV using TDF and an r/PI or TDF and non‐r/PI and women with HBV receiving TDF monotherapy, respectively. TFV area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to 24 hours was similar in pregnant women receiving non‐r/PI to pregnant women with HBV receiving TDF monotherapy (1.84 vs 1.86 µg • h/mL); however, pregnant women receiving TDF with an r/PI had higher exposures (2.41 µg • h/mL; P < .01). Pregnancy reduces TFV exposure and the relative size was not impacted by concomitant antiretroviral drugs or viral infection, but a drug‐drug interaction between TDF and r/PI remains during pregnancy, leading to higher exposures than those on TDF and non‐r/PI or TDF monotherapy.
Successful treatment of a femoral pseudoaneurysm by ultrasonographically‐guided application of a suture‐mediated closure device
Authors: Gong Xue , Zhang Wenlong , Sang Lin , Sun Yuanyuan , Yu Ming
Published: September 2020

We treated successfully a man with a femoral artery pseudoaneurysm by ultrasonography‐guided application of a suture‐mediated closure device. Radiography was not needed, as a guide wire was placed into the femoral artery along the rupture under ultrasonographic guidance alone, and the femoral artery was then sutured with the vascular closure device. The pseudoaneurysm was then completely resolved. This novel approach, which minimizes risks and costs, may be a safe and acceptable option to control iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms, especially when thrombin injection is not feasible.
Patient satisfaction with dental treatment at a university dental clinic: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Klaassen Hannah , Dukes Kimberly , Marchini Leonardo
Published: September 2020

Purpose/Objectives

The aim for this study was to identify important factors influencing patient satisfaction in a university dental clinic, through qualitative analysis.

Methods

From June 1, 2014 to January 30, 2018, 7827 patient satisfaction surveys were collected. A thematic analysis was conducted on the 10,956 patient responses to 3 open‐ended questions. A thematic coding dictionary was inductively developed using thematic analysis managed with MAXQDA 2018 Standard, a qualitative data management software program.

Results

The thematic dictionary included 12 categories, developed from 48 working codes, and enabled the patient annotations to be grouped and sorted based on common themes to highlight significant aspects of the patient experience. Four notable themes that emerged from patient comments include: (1) satisfaction with the emotional care felt during their appointments; (2) satisfaction with skills and treatment provided and the connections made with various personnel; (3) the importance of establishing and maintaining patient expectations throughout their care; and (4) the high value patients place on clear communication with the patient, as well as the communication between departments, dental student and faculty, providers, and front desk.

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight 12 key themes related to the patient experience at the College of Dentistry from the patients’ perspective. These data provide insight into aspects of the dental experience that have a large effect on patient satisfaction. With this knowledge, steps can be taken to enhance the patient experience and, therefore, help dental schools move further in the direction of person‐centered care.
New‐onset posttransplant diabetes mellitus after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide
Authors: Mangan Brendan L. , Patel Dilan , Chen Heidi , Gatwood Katie S. , Byrne Michael T. , Sengsayadeth Salyka , Goodman Stacey , Dholaria Bhagirathbhai , Kassim Adetola A. , Jagasia Madan , Chinratanalab Wichai , Culos Kathryn A. , Engelhardt Brian G.
Published: September 2020

Haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo‐HCT) with posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) is utilized for patients with hematological disorders but without conventional donors. The effects of new‐onset posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) following haplo‐HCT are unknown. We examined PTDM incidence and outcomes after haplo‐HCT with PTCY. Patients without diabetes receiving haplo‐HCT (n = 64) were analyzed for PTDM diagnosis (defined as blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL). By day 100, 14 (22%) patients developed PTDM (median, 18 days). Hyperglycemia (blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL) preceded corticosteroids in 11 (79%) individuals. PTDM patients had increased death/relapse (P = .029). PTDM occurs frequently, precedes corticosteroids, and leads to inferior outcomes following haplo‐HCT. PTDM prophylaxis/treatment may improve HCT survival.
Comparative morphology of shark pectoral fins
Authors: Hoffmann Sarah L. , Buser Thaddaeus J. , Porter Marianne E.
Published: September 2020

Sharks vary greatly in morphology, physiology, and ecology. Differences in whole body shape, swimming style, and physiological parameters have previously been linked to varied habitat uses. Pectoral fin morphology has been used to taxonomically classify species and hypotheses on the functional differences in shape are noted throughout the literature; however, there are limited comparative datasets that quantify external and skeletal morphology. Further, fins were previously categorized into two discrete groups based on the amount of skeletal support present: (a) aplesodic, where less than half of the fin is supported and (b) plesodic where greater than half of the fin is supported. These discrete classifications have been used to phylogenetically place species, though the methodology of classification is infrequently described. In this study, we sampled fins from 18 species, 6 families, and 3 orders, which were also grouped into five ecomorphotype classifications. We examined the external morphology, extent of skeletal support, and cross‐sectional shape of individual cartilaginous elements. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we show that fin shape does not differ significantly between ecomorphotypes, suggesting there may be some mechanical constraint. However, we find that the internal anatomy of the fin does vary significantly between ecomorphotypes, especially the extent and distribution of calcification of skeletal support, suggesting that the superficial similarity of fin shapes across ecomorphotypes may belie differences in function. Finally, we find that a number of morphological variables such as number of radials, radial calcification and shape, and fin taper all correlate with the extent of skeletal support. Within these morphospaces, we also describe that some orders/families tend to occupy certain areas with limited overlap. While we demonstrate that there is some mechanical constraint limiting external variations in shark pectoral fin morphology, there are compounding differences in skeletal anatomy that occur within ecomorphotypes which we propose may affect function.
Convalescent plasma for the treatment of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019: A preliminary report
Authors: Omrani Ali S. , Zaqout Ahmed , Baiou Anas , Daghfal Joanne , Elkum Naser , Alattar Rand A. , Bakdach Dana , Abusriwil Hatem , Mostafa Abdalrahman M. , Alhariri Bassem , Ambra Naseem , Khatib Mohamed , Eldeeb Ali M. , Merenkov Zeyd , Fawzi Zeinab , Hmissi Saloua M. , Hssain Ali A. , Coyle Peter V. , Alsoub Hussam , Almaslamani Muna A. , Alkhal Abdullatif
Published: September 2020

Background

The role of convalescent plasma therapy for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively compared outcomes in a cohort of critical COVID‐19 patients who received standard care (SC Group) and those who, in addition, received convalescent plasma (CP Group).

Results

In total, 40 patients were included in each group. The median patient age was 53.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 42–60.5), and the majority of patients required invasive ventilation (69, 86.2%). Plasma was harvested from donors after a median of 37 days (IQR 31–46) from the first positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result and 26 days (IQR 21–32) after documented viral clearance; it was administered after a median of 10 days (IQR 9–10) from the onset of symptoms and 2.5 days (IQR 2–4) from admission to intensive care unit. The primary endpoint of improvement in respiratory support status within 28 days was achieved in 26 patients (65%) in the SC Group and 31 patients (77.5%) in the CP Group (p = .32). The 28‐day all‐cause mortality (12.5% vs. 2.5%; p = .22) and viral clearance (65% vs. 55%; p = .49) were not significantly different between the two groups. Convalescent plasma was not significantly associated with the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.51–1.49; p = .62). Adverse events were balanced between the two study groups.

Conclusion

In severe COVID‐19, convalescent plasma therapy was not associated with clinical benefits. Randomized trials are required to confirm our findings.
Could ferritin level be an indicator of COVID‐19 disease mortality?
Authors: Tural Onur Seda , Altın Sedat , Sokucu Sinem Nedime , Fikri Burcu İleri , Barça Tuğçe , Bolat Erkut , Toptaş Mehmet
Published: September 2020

While the number of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) cases is increasing day by day, there is limited information known about the hematological and laboratory findings of the disease. We aimed to investigate whether serum ferritin level predicts mortality is a marker for rapid progression for inpatients. Our study included 56 patients who were died due to COVID‐19 as the study group, and 245 patients who were hospitalized and recovered as the control group. The laboratory data of the patients were evaluated from the first blood tests (pre) taken from the first moment of admission to the hospital and the blood tests taken from before the patient's discharge or exitus (post) were evaluated retrospectively. The mean age of the nonsurvivor group was 62.0 ± 15.7 and the mean age of the control group was 54.34 ± 13.03. Age and length of stay are significantly higher in the nonsurvivor group. When comparing the pre‐ and postvalues of ferritin, according to the two groups separately, there was no significant difference in the control group and a high level of significance was observed in the nonsurvivor group (p < .01). COVID‐19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 causes high mortality with widespread inflammation and cytokine storm. Ferritin is a cheap and widespread available marker, ferritin, which can be used for its predictivity of the mortality and hope it would be a useful marker for clinicians for the management of the disease.
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Hefei: Clinical features, risk factors, and ribavirin therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Zhang Yin , Miao Wen , Xu Yuanhong , Huang Ying
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study described the clinical features, risk factors, factors affecting the outcome of this disease, and ribavirin therapeutic efficacy for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) patients in Hefei.

Methods

Between April 2020 and July 2020, 62 cases admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were included in this study. Serum samples were collected from all patients, after which diagnosis was made via reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and via the use of a colloidal gold immunochromatography assay approach.

Results

In multivariate analysis, the following factors were determined as risk factors for SFTS: Being a farmer (odds ratio [OR], 3.033), working in areas with weeds and shrubs (OR, 2.807), and being bitten by a tick (OR, 6.64). The rates of confusion, neck stiffness, viral encephalopathy, and the presence of liver damage were higher in the patients who died than that in the surviving ones. Additionally, the median of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, activated partial thromboplastin time, D‐dimer, fibrinogen degradation products, creatinine, and urea was also higher in the patients who died. One of the 15 patients treated with ribavirin in the early stage could not survive (6.7%), whereas 11 of the 35 patients treated with ribavirin in the late stage could not survive (31.4%); this difference was statistically significant. However, there was no significant difference in mortality between the untreated group and the other two groups (i.e., patients who started antiviral treatment <5 days from the onset and those who started antiviral treatment ≥5 days from the onset). Moreover, there was no positive effect determined on clinical or laboratory parameters in SFTS patients treated with ribavirin. Also, it was observed that leukocyte levels and platelet levels took longer to return to normal.

Conclusions

In Hefei, clinical features, prognostic factors, and risk factors associated with SFTS are similar to those in other areas. Patients who were given ribavirin did not have better survival rates than patients who were not given ribavirin.
A hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin method for simulation of electrostatic problems with floating potential conductors
Authors: Chen Liang , Dong Ming , Li Ping , Bagci Hakan
Published: September 2020

In an electrostatic simulation, an equipotential condition with an undefined/floating potential value has to be enforced on the surface of an isolated conductor. If this conductor is charged, a nonzero charge condition is also required. While implementation of these conditions using a traditional finite element method (FEM) is not straightforward, they can be easily discretized and incorporated within a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method. However, DG discretization results in a larger number of unknowns as compared to FEM. In this work, a hybridizable DG (HDG) method is proposed to alleviate this problem. Floating potential boundary conditions, possibly with different charge values, are introduced on surfaces of each isolated conductor and are weakly enforced in the global problem of HDG. The unknowns of the global HDG problem are those only associated with the nodes on the mesh skeleton and their number is much smaller than the total number of unknowns required by DG. Numerical examples show that the proposed method is as accurate as DG while it improves the computational efficiency significantly.
On integrability of an extended Bogoyavlenskii‐Kadomtsev‐Petviashvili equation: Multiple soliton solutions
Authors: Wazwaz Abdul‐Majid
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we construct an extended Bogoyavlenskii‐Kadomtsev‐Petviashvili (eBKP) equation. We use the Painlevé analysis to justify the integrability of the eBKP equation. We also examine the integrability of a related extended CBS equation. We derive multiple soliton solutions via using the Hirota's direct method. In addition, a variety of exact solutions, that include singular kink solutions, periodic solutions, and exponential solutions, are derived as well.
Combined pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap with lymphatic tissue preservation and lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for defect reconstruction and lymphedema–lymphocele prevention in thigh sarcoma surgery: Preliminary results
Authors: Scaglioni Mario F. , Meroni Matteo , Fritsche Elmar , Fuchs Bruno
Published: September 2020

Background

Sarcoma surgery often requires large tissue resection to be treated safely. When the tumor is localized in the groin and/or medial thigh, lymphocele and lymphedema are common complications because of the rich lymphatic network present there. The aim of this study is to share the outcome of seven patients who received defect reconstruction in this area with combined pedicled superficial circumflex artery perforator (SCIP) flap with lymphatic tissue preservation and lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for prevention of lymphatic complications.

Patients and Methods

Seven patients who underwent surgical resection of sarcoma in the groin and/or adductors compartment received defect reconstruction with pedicled SCIP flap combined with LVA. For a better dead space obliteration, four of them also received an additional tissue flap: two pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps and two free anterolateral thigh flaps. Indocyanine green lymphography was performed in all cases to identify the lymphatic pathway, make the preoperative marking and check the patency of the anastomoses.

Results

All seven patients were successfully treated reaching a good aesthetic result and a full range of motion. No immediate nor delayed complications such as lymphocele or lymphorrhea and early extremity lymphedema were observed during the follow up (range: 6–9 months; mean: 7.3) and no secondary procedures were required.

Conclusions

The combination of the pedicle SCIP lymphatic tissue transfer with LVA seems to be effective in preventing the development of lymphatic sequelae after large resections in the medial thigh.
Versatile Polarization Generation and Manipulation Using Dielectric Metasurfaces
Authors: Ding Fei , Chang Bingdong , Wei Qunshuo , Huang Lingling , Guan Xiaowei , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: September 2020

Advances in polarization optics and integrated photonics require fundamentally new polarization‐managing strategies allowing for efficient generation and complete control over vectorial fields with well‐defined polarization states using surface‐confined configurations with ultracompact footprints and extended bandwidths. Recently, metasurfaces have been extensively explored to demonstrate compact planar devices enabling diverse polarization control. However, the main drawback of the state‐of‐the‐art metasurface‐based polarization converters is related to their limitations resulting in individual simple functionalities and low‐efficiencies. Here, the strategy for producing dielectric metasurfaces that efficiently generate diversified polarization states with controllable wavefronts and high efficiencies over a broadband spectrum range from a linearly‐polarized light source by generalizing an existing theory of simultaneous phase and polarization control with birefringent meta‐atoms, is demonstrated. Advanced polarization and wavefront manipulation functionalized to realize an efficient polarization‐resolved multifocal metalens and vectorial holographic display is accomplished using judiciously designed dielectric metasurfaces composed of segmented sub‐arrays capable of manipulating, simultaneously and independently, both polarization and phase of the transmitted beams. The versatility of this concept provides opportunities to develop a complete set of flat polarization optics for integrated photonics and quantum optics.