bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rare case of pediatric cardiomyopathy: Alström syndrome identified by gene panel analysis
Authors: Spinelli Valentina , Girolami Francesca , Marrone Chiara , Consigli Veronica , Iascone Maria , Passantino Silvia , Porcedda Giulio , Calabri Giovanni Battista , De Simone Luciano , Olivotto Iacopo , Santoro Giuseppe , Favilli Silvia
Published: October 2020

Genetic investigation of early‐onset Dilatative cardiomyopathy phenotype, including molecular autopsy, is the key to appropriate recognition and management of rare etiologies and atypical presentations and to offer genetic counseling to the family.
Semi‐Interpenetrating Polymer Electrolyte as a Coating Layer Constructed on Polyphenylene Sulfide Nonwoven to Afford Superior Stability and Performance for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhu Changqing , Zhang Jingxi , Zeng Xinyu , Xu Jing , Wang Luoxin , Li Zi‐Chen
Published: October 2020

High power lithium‐ion battery (LIB) puts forward higher requirements for separator. In this study, a new composite separator (SIPN/PPS) with superior stability and improved electrochemical performance was fabricated by the construction of semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (SIPN) on polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) nonwoven substrate. In SIPN, branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) was selected as crosslinking points due to multiple reactive terminal groups −NH2. Meanwhile, PEI owned irregular topology structure, which would be beneficial to interrupt the crystallization of polymer matrix and increase electrolyte storage by swelling. Characterization results show that this designed composite separator can exhibit higher porosity, improved electrolyte wettability, enhanced electrolyte uptake and excellent electrochemical performance, thus endowing battery with superior discharge capacity even at 3 C. In addition, the introduction of SIPN is confirmed to increase mechanical strength more obviously than that of single cross‐linked network reported in previous study. Meanwhile, anode current begins to be detected for SIPN/PPS composite separator under higher applied voltage (4.6 V vs Li+/Li), indicating its broader electrochemical window. Moreover, SIPN/PPS composite separator is displayed satisfactory cycling stability with higher discharge capacity retention ratio (85.3 %). Consequently, this contribution opens a new avenue for separator applied in high power LIB.
Utility of Core–Shell Nanomaterials in the Catalytic Transformations of Renewable Substrates
Authors: Cui Xinjiang , van Muyden Antoine P. , Dyson Paul J.
Published: October 2020

In recent years, core–shell nano‐catalysts have received increasing attention due to their tunable properties and broad applications in catalysis. Control of the two components of these materials allows their catalytic properties to be tuned to various sustainable processes in synthetic and energy‐related applications. This Concept article describes recent state‐of‐the‐art core–shell materials and their application as heterogeneous catalysts for a range of sustainable catalytic transformations, focusing on two important classes of renewable substrates, CO2 and biomass. In the discussion, emphasis is directed to the role of the constituent parts of the core–shell structure and how they can be manipulated to enhance activity.
Selection of Planar Chiral Conformations between Pillar[5,6]arenes Induced by Amino Acid Derivatives in Aqueous Media
Authors: Chen Yuan , Fu Lulu , Sun Baobao , Qian Cheng , Pangannaya Srikala , Zhu Hong , Ma Jing , Jiang Juli , Ni Zhigang , Wang Ruibing , Lu Xiancai , Wang Leyong
Published: October 2020

Chiral α‐amino acids play critical roles in the metabolic process in nearly all life forms. So far, chiral recognition of α‐amino acids has mainly focused on the determination of l/d enantiomers. Herein, selection of planar chiral conformations between water‐soluble pillar[5]arene WP5 and pillar[6]arene WP6 was observed due to α‐side chain or ethyl ester moieties of l‐α‐amino acid ethyl ester hydrochlorides binding with WP5 and WP6, respectively. Therefore, α‐side chain and ethyl ester moieties of l‐α‐amino acid ethyl ester hydrochlorides were recognized by observing the induced CD signal and its inversion. This is a rare example of being able to detect the chiral region around α‐carbon of a chiral α‐amino acid molecule.
Plausible Emergence of Biochemistry in Enceladus Based on Chemobrionics
Authors: Angelis Georgios , Kordopati Golfo G. , Zingkou Eleni , Karioti Anastasia , Sotiropoulou Georgia , Pampalakis Georgios
Published: October 2020

Saturn's satellite Enceladus is proposed to have a soda‐type subsurface ocean with temperature able to support life and an iron ore‐based core. Here, it was demonstrated that ocean chemistry related to Enceladus can support the development of Fe‐based hydrothermal vents, one of the places suggested to be the cradle of life. The Fe‐based chemical gardens were characterized with Fourier‐transform (FT)IR spectroscopy and XRD. The developed chemobrionic structures catalyzed the condensation polymerization of simple organic prebiotic molecules to kerogens. Further, they could passively catalyze the condensation of the prebiotic molecule formamide to larger polymers, suggesting that elementary biochemical precursors could have emerged in Enceladus.
Completing the Redox‐Series of Silicon Trisdioxolene:ortho‐Quinone and Lewis Superacid Make a Powerful Redox Catalyst
Authors: Maskey Rezisha , Bendel Christoph , Malzacher Jonas , Greb Lutz
Published: October 2020

Quinones are mild oxidants, the redox potentials of which can be increased by supramolecular interactions. Whereas this goal has been achieved by hydrogen bonding or molecular encapsulation, a Lewis acid‐binding strategy for redox amplification of quinones is unexplored. Herein, the redox chemistry of silicon tris(perchloro)dioxolene1was studied, which is the formal adduct ofortho‐perchloroquinoneQClwith the Lewis superacid bis(perchlorocatecholato)silane2. By isolating the anionic monoradical1.−, the redox‐series of a century‐old class of compounds was completed. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed that the redox potential in1was shifted by more than 1 V into the anodic direction compared toQCl, reaching that of “magic blue” or NO+. It allowed oxidation of challenging substrates such as aromatic hydrocarbons and could be applied as an efficient redox catalyst. Remarkably, this powerful reagent formed in situ by combining the two commercially available precursors SiI4andQCl.
Sirolimus for patients with progressive epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Smrke Alannah M. , Huang Paul H. , Jones Robin L.
Published: October 2020

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is an ultrarare soft tissue sarcoma with limited literature to guide treatment. The results from a robust retrospective cohort study support the use of sirolimus for patients who have multifocal epithelioid hemangioendothelioma without serosal effusion.
Monitoring Inflammasome Priming and Activation in Response to Candida albicans
Authors: Santana Darian J. , Anderson Faith M. , O'Meara Teresa R.
Published: October 2020

Candida albicans is a common mucosal colonizer, as well as a cause of lethal invasive fungal infections. The major predisposing factor for invasive fungal disease is a compromised immune system. One component of the host immune response to fungal infection is the activation of the inflammasome, a multimeric protein complex that is critical for regulating host pro‐inflammatory responses. Here, we describe methods for investigating the interactions between C. albicans and host macrophages, with a focus on the inflammasome. C. albicans isolates differ in the degree to which they activate the inflammasome due to differences in internalization, morphogenic switching, and inflammasome priming. Therefore, we include protocols for identifying these factors. This simple in vitro model can be used to elucidate the contributions of specific C. albicans strains or mutants to different aspects of interactions with macrophages. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Measuring inflammasome priming in response to Candida albicans

Basic Protocol 2: Measuring inflammasome activation in response to Candida albicans

Support Protocol: Controlling for phagocytosis
Efficiency evaluation of a bridgeless totem‐pole power factor correction rectifier using GaN and insulated gate bipolar transistor devices for battery charger
Authors: Mayer Robson , Berrehil El Kattel Menaouar , Jeske Edson , Garcia Oliveira Sérgio Vidal
Published: October 2020

Wide‐bandgap semiconductor materials, like gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC), promise to deliver a substantial advancement in the level of energy efficiency and overall size reduction in power electronic converters. This work uses the bridgeless totem‐pole power factor correction (PFC) rectifier to compare theoretical and experimental efficiency and switching energies when using GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) and insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) devices. An experimental prototype of 1‐kW output power and 220‐V input voltage is built to verify the characteristics of GaN HEMT technology as well as the performance of the converter in power supplies for application with battery charging. The theoretical switching energies that are calculated to the traditional methods, were shown to be in close agreement with the experimental data, simplifying the design and choice of GaN devices by the designers. GaN devices showed a marginally better efficiency than theoretical predictions, even at low switching frequencies, whereas IGBT devices showed a poorer efficiency than theoretical predictions. Peak efficiency using GaN HEMTs was 98.43% at 50% load and 98.16% at full load. With the use of IGBTs, the peak efficiency was 96.69% at 30% load.
Immunogenetic and tolerance strategies against a novel parasitoid of wild field crickets
Authors: Sikkink Kristin L. , Bailey Nathan W. , Zuk Marlene , Balenger Susan L.
Published: October 2020

Among the parasites of insects, endoparasitoids impose a costly challenge to host defenses because they use their host’s body for the development and maturation of their eggs or larvae, and ultimately kill the host. Tachinid flies are highly specialized acoustically orienting parasitoids, with first instar mobile larvae that burrow into the host’s body to feed. We investigated the possibility that Teleogryllus oceanicus field crickets employ postinfestation strategies to maximize survival when infested with the larvae of the parasitoid fly Ormia ochracea. Using crickets from the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, where the parasitoid is present, and crickets from the Cook Islands (Mangaia), where the parasitoid is absent, we evaluated fitness consequences of infestation by comparing feeding behavior, reproductive capacity, and survival of males experimentally infested with O. ochracea larvae. We also evaluated mechanisms underlying host responses by comparing gene expression in crickets infested with fly larvae for different lengths of time with that of uninfested control crickets. We observed weak population differences in fitness (spermatophore production) and survival (total survival time postinfestation). These responses generally did not show an interaction between population and the number of larva hosts carried or by host body condition. Gene expression patterns also revealed population differences in response to infestation, but we did not find evidence for consistent differences in genes associated with immunity or stress response. One possibility is that any postinfestation evolved resistance does not involve genes associated with these particular functional categories. More likely, these results suggest that coevolution with the fly does not strongly select for either postinfestation resistance or tolerance of parasitoid larvae in male crickets.
Identifying participants with knee osteoarthritis likely to benefit from physical therapy education and exercise: A hypothesis‐generating study
Authors: Tanaka So , Nishigami Tomohiko , Wand Benedict Martin , Stanton Tasha R. , Mibu Akira , Tokunaga Masami , Yoshimoto Takaaki , Ushida Takahiro
Published: October 2020

Background

The purpose of this investigation was to undertake a hypothesis‐generating study to identify candidate variables that characterize people with knee osteoarthritis who are most likely to experience a positive response to exercise.

Methods

One hundred and fifty participants with knee osteoarthritis participated in this observational, longitudinal study. All participants received a standard exercise intervention that consisted of 20‐min sessions two to three times a week for three months. The classification and regression tree methodology (CART) was used to develop prediction of positive clinical outcome. Positive pain and disability outcomes (dependent variables) were defined as an improvement in pain intensity by >50% or an improvement of five or more on the Oxford knee score, respectively. The predictor variables considered included age, sex, body mass index, knee osteoarthritis severity (Kellgren/Lawrence grade), pain duration, use of medication, range of knee motion, pain catastrophizing, self‐efficacy and knee self‐perception.

Results

Fifty‐five participants (36.6%) were classified as responders for pain intensity and 36.6% were classified as responders for disability. The CART model identified impairments in knee self‐perception and knee osteoarthritis severity as the discriminators for pain intensity reduction following exercise. No variables predicted reduction of disability level following exercise.

Conclusions

Such findings suggest that both body perception and osteoarthritis severity may play a role in treatment outcome with exercise. It also raises the possibility that those with higher levels of disrupted body perception may need additional treatment targeted at restoring body perception prior to undertaking exercise.

Significance

Regardless age, sex, body mass index, pain duration, use of medication, knee range of motion, pain catastrophizing and self‐efficacy, participants with knee osteoarthritis who report low levels of body perception disruption (a FreKAQ score ≦ 17) and minimal structural changes (KL grade I) demonstrate significantly better outcomes from exercise therapy than other participants.
Multi‐scenario comprehensive benefit evaluation model of a multi‐energy micro‐grid based on the matter‐element extension model
Authors: Liu Hang , Shen Weijie , He Xinying , Zeng Bo , Liu Yingxin , Zeng Ming , Zhao Chaoyue
Published: October 2020

Integrated energy systems and multi‐energy micro‐grids are complex multi‐agent collaborative optimization projects. According to the operating structure and characteristics of the multi‐energy system, considering the externality, economy and other factors, a scientific and effective comprehensive evaluation are important decision supports to ensure its implementation and promote its development. Therefore, this paper proposes a comprehensive benefit evaluation model of a multi‐energy micro‐grid based on the matter‐element extension model. With the research trends and practical requirements of multi‐energy micro‐grid benefit evaluation, an evaluation index system covering energy efficiency indicators, economic indicators, reliability indicators, and renewable energy consumption indicators has been constructed, and uncertainties have been resolved in cloud model and fuzzy set theory. Based on the advantages of the performance evaluation information, the system operation scenarios in the process of planning scheme formation are fully considered, and then a matter‐element‐extensible multi‐attribute decision‐making model is proposed to evaluate the comprehensive benefits of multi‐energy micro‐grids. Finally, the feasibility of the above method is verified by comparing the comprehensive benefit evaluation results of the multi‐energy micro‐grid under different planning scenarios. In addition, a certain decision‐making reference is provided for the formation of a multi‐energy micro‐grid configuration scheme.
Effects of dietary oils prepared from the internal organs of the Japanese giant scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) on cholesterol metabolism in obese type‐II diabetic KK‐Ay mice
Authors: Sugimoto Koki , Hosomi Ryota , Yoshida Munehiro , Fukunaga Kenji
Published: October 2020

Our research team has successfully prepared high‐quality scallop oil (SCO), containing high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and phospholipids (PL) from the internal organs of Japanese giant scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) which is the largest unutilized marine resource in Japan. In this study, we prepared SCOs from scallop internal organs obtained from Mutsu (Aomori) and Uchiura (Hokkaido) bays in Japan, and named them SCO‐M and SCO‐U, respectively. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary SCO‐M and SCO‐U on cholesterol metabolism in obese type‐II diabetic KK‐Ay mice. Four‐week‐old male KK‐Ay mice were divided into four groups. The Control group was fed with AIN93G‐modified high‐fat (3 wt% soybean oil + 17 wt% lard) diet, and the other groups were fed with high‐fat diet, in which 7 wt% of the lard contained in the Control diet was replaced with SCO‐M, SCO‐U, or tuna oil (TO). After the mice had been fed with the experimental diet for 49 days, their serum, liver, and fecal lipid contents, as well as their liver messenger ribonucleic acid expression levels, were evaluated. The SCO‐M and SCO‐U groups were significantly decreased liver cholesterol contents compared to those of the Control and TO groups, partially through the enhancement of the fecal neutral sterol excretions and the tendency to increase the cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase expression level of the liver. These results indicated that dietary SCO‐M and SCO‐U exhibited cholesterol‐lowering functions in the liver that can help prevent the development of lifestyle‐related diseases.
Reference Ability Neural Network‐selective functional connectivity across the lifespan
Authors: Argiris Georgette , Stern Yaakov , Habeck Christian
Published: October 2020

Previous studies have demonstrated that four latent variables, or reference abilities (RAs), can account for the majority of age‐related changes in cognition: these being episodic memory, fluid reasoning, speed of processing, and vocabulary. In the current study, we focused on RA‐selective functional connectivity patterns that vary with both age and behavior. We analyzed fMRI data from 287 community‐dwelling adults (20–80 years) on a battery of tests relating to the four RAs (three tests per RA = 12 tests). Functional connectivity values were calculated between a pre‐defined set of 264 ROIs (nodes). Across all participants, we (a) identified connections (edges) that correlated with an RA‐specific indicator variable and, indexing only these edges; (b) performed linear regression analysis per edge, regressing indicator correlations (Model 1) and connectivity values (Model 2) on Age, Behavioral Performance, and the Interaction term; and (c) took the conjunction of significant edges between models. Results revealed a different subset of edges for each RA whose connectivity strength and domain‐selectivity varied with age and behavior. Strikingly, the fluid reasoning RA was particularly vulnerable to the effects of age and displayed the most extensive connectivity and selectivity “footprint” for behavior. These findings indicate that different functional networks are recruited across RA, with fluid reasoning displaying a special status among them.
Development of a multiomics database for personalized prognostic forecasting in head and neck cancer: The Big Data to Decide EU Project
Authors: Cavalieri Stefano , De Cecco Loris , Brakenhoff Ruud H. , Serafini Mara Serena , Canevari Silvana , Rossi Silvia , Lanfranco Davide , Hoebers Frank J. P. , Wesseling Frederik W. R. , Keek Simon , Scheckenbach Kathrin , Mattavelli Davide , Hoffmann Thomas , López Pérez Laura , Fico Giuseppe , Bologna Marco , Nauta Irene , Leemans C. René , Trama Annalisa , Klausch Thomas , Berkhof Johannes Hans , Tountopoulos Vasilis , Shefi Ron , Mainardi Luca , Mercalli Franco , Poli Tito , Licitra Lisa ,   the BD2Decide Consortium
Published: October 2020

Background

Despite advances in treatments, 30% to 50% of stage III‐IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients relapse within 2 years after treatment. The Big Data to Decide (BD2Decide) project aimed to build a database for prognostic prediction modeling.

Methods

Stage III‐IV HNSCC patients with locoregionally advanced HNSCC treated with curative intent (1537) were included. Whole transcriptomics and radiomics analyses were performed using pretreatment tumor samples and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scans, respectively.

Results

The entire cohort was composed of 71% male (1097)and 29% female (440): oral cavity (429, 28%), oropharynx (624, 41%), larynx (314, 20%), and hypopharynx (170, 11%); median follow‐up 50.5 months. Transcriptomics and imaging data were available for 1284 (83%) and 1239 (80%) cases, respectively; 1047 (68%) patients shared both.

Conclusions

This annotated database represents the HNSCC largest available repository and will enable to develop/validate a decision support system integrating multiscale data to explore through classical and machine learning models their prognostic role.
Assessing uncertainty in the natural rate of interest: Info‐gap as guide for monetary policy in the euro area
Authors: Ben‐Haim Yakov , Van den End Jan Willem
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we assume that the natural rate of interest is fundamentally uncertain. Based on a small‐scale macroeconomic model, info‐gap theory is used to rank different monetary policy strategies in terms of their robustness against this uncertainty. Applied to the euro area, we find that an inert or patient monetary strategy is more robust to natural rate uncertainty than a strategy that follows an estimated Taylor rule. An actively responsive monetary strategy is least robust. Our analysis presents a methodology that is applicable in a wide range of policy analyses under deep uncertainty.
Concept of photonic hook scalpel generated by shaped fiber tip with asymmetric radiation
Authors: Minin Igor V. , Minin Oleg V. , Liu Yan‐Yu , Tuchin Valery V. , Liu Cheng‐Yang
Published: October 2020

Structured light have made deep impacts on modern biotechnology and clinical practice, with numerous optical systems and lasers currently being used in medicine to treat disease. We demonstrate a new concept of fiber‐based optical hook scalpel. The subwavelength photonic hook is obtained in the vicinity of a shaped fiber tip with asymmetric radiation. A 1550 nm continuous‐wave source, commonly used for medical imaging, has been required. Photonic hook with a lateral feature size less than the half‐wavelength is achieved using a hemispherical shaped fiber tip with metallic mask. This breakthrough is carried out in ambient air by using a 4‐μm‐diameter fiber with a shaped tip. A good correlation is observed between the computed intensity distribution of photonic hook and the tip sizes. Photonic hook generated with a shaped fiber tip, easier to manipulate, shows far‐reaching benefits for potential applications such as ophthalmic laser surgery, super‐resolution microscopy, photolithography and material processing.
On induced subgraphs of the Hamming graph
Authors: Dong Dingding
Published: October 2020

In connection with his solution of the Sensitivity Conjecture, Hao Huang (arXiv: 1907.00847, 2019) asked the following question: Given a graph with high symmetry, what can we say about the smallest maximum degree of induced subgraphs of with vertices, where denotes the size of the largest independent set in ? We study this question for , the ‐dimensional Hamming graph over an alphabet of size . Generalizing a construction by Chung et al. (JCT‐A, 1988), we prove that has an induced subgraph with more than vertices and maximum degree at most . Chung et al. proved this statement for (the ‐dimensional cube).
Three‐year follow up of using combination therapy with fresh‐frozen plasma and iron chelation in a patient with acaeruloplasminemia
Authors: Tridimas Andreas , Gillett Godfrey T. , Pollard Sally , Sadasivam Nandini , Williams Adrian , Mellor Kirsty , Catchpole Anthony , Stepien Karolina M.
Published: October 2020

Acaeruloplasminemia is a rare autosomal recessive condition caused by inactivating mutations of the CP gene encoding caeruloplasmin (ferroxidase). Caeruloplasmin is a copper‐containing plasma ferroxidase enzyme with a key role in facilitating cellular iron efflux. We describe a case of a patient with acaeruloplasminemia, confirmed by genetic analysis, treated with combination therapy of monthly fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) or Octaplas and iron chelation over a 3‐year period. This 19‐year‐old male was diagnosed at the age of 14 after developing issues with social interaction at school prompting investigation. Prior to this, he had been well with a normal childhood. He was found to have an iron deficient picture with a paradoxically high ferritin, with low serum copper and undetectable caeruloplasmin. Genetic testing identified a homozygous splicing mutation, c.(1713 + delG);(c.1713 + delG), in intron 9 of the caeruloplasmin gene. Ferriscan showed a high liver iron concentration of 5.3 mg/g dry tissue (0.17‐1.8). Brain and cardiac T2‐weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging did not detect iron deposition of the brain or heart respectively. Treatment with monthly Octaplas infusion was commenced alongside deferasirox (540 mg o.d.) in an attempt to increase caeruloplasmin levels and reduce iron overload, respectively. After 3 years of treatment, there was biochemical improvement with a reduction in ferritin from 1084 (12‐250) to 457 μg/L, ALT from 87 (<50) to 34 U/L together with improvement in his microcytic anaemia. No significant adverse events occurred. This case report adds further evidence of treatment efficacy and safety of combined FFP and iron chelation therapy in acaeruloplasminemia.
Three successful pregnancies in a patient with glycogen storage disease type 0
Authors: Grünert Sarah C. , Rosenbaum‐Fabian Stefanie , Hannibal Luciana , Schumann Anke , Spiekerkötter Ute
Published: October 2020

Glycogen storage disease type 0 (GSD 0) is a rare inborn error of metabolism due to deficiency of the enzyme glycogen synthase (EC 2.4.1.11). The disorder is clinically characterized by ketotic fasting hypoglycemia in combination with postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperlactatemia. So far, only one pregnancy has been described in a woman with GSD 0. We report a 32‐year‐old GSD 0 patient with three successful pregnancies. The diagnosis of GSD 0 was made in early childhood due to characteristic symptoms. The patient had two healthy children at the time of her first visit in our metabolic center. The diet was optimized prior to her third pregnancy with a protein‐rich diet including cornstarch and protein supplements. Pregnancy was confirmed at week 6 of gestation. Dietary management was difficult during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester due to severe nausea. Labor was induced at 37 weeks of gestation due to cholestasis of pregnancy, and the patient delivered a healthy baby girl. Perinatally, the mother received a high glucose infusion to stabilize blood glucose levels. The neonate also required a glucose infusion postnatally because of impaired glucose homeostasis. Similar to diabetic fetopathy, recurrent maternal hyperglycemia may result in hyperinsulinism of the child and trigger neonatal hypoglycemia. All four pregnancies in women with GSD 0 described to date occurred with minor complications and resulted in healthy offspring, which underpins the good prognosis and rather benign character of this rare metabolic disease. Careful monitoring during pregnancy and delivery is, however, necessary to minimize the risk of recurrent hypoglycemia for both mother and child.
Kinematics and morphology: A comparison of3D‐patterns in the fifth pereiopod of swimming and non‐swimming crab species (Malacostraca, Decapoda, Brachyura)
Authors: Schmidt Michel , Hazerli Dennis , Richter Stefan
Published: October 2020

Swimming crabs of the taxon Portunoidea show specialized, paddle‐shaped fifth pereiopods (P5), which play a role in these crabs' ability to swim. In this study, the morphology of the fifth pereiopod in swimming and non‐swimming crabs was studied in detail and the mobility in the articulations between podomeres was calculated from reconstructed three‐dimensional (3D)‐models. This way, we aimed to provide new estimates of kinematic parameters, and to answer the question on a possible homology of the P5 within several portunoid clades. We measured and compared podomere length ratios, orientations of the joint axes, and modeled single range of motion (sROM) of each joint as well as the total range of motion (tROM) of all joints of the P5 as a whole. Seven Portunoidea species, four of them belonging to the P5‐swimming crab morphotype (Liocarcinus depurator,Polybius henslowii,Callinectes sapidus,Portunus pelagicus) and three not belonging to this morphotype (Carcinus aestuarii,Portumnus latipes, and with uncertain statusCarupa tenuipes) were compared with the non‐portunoidsSternodromia monodi,Ranina ranina,Raninoides bouvieri,Eriocheir sinensis,Varuna litterata,Ashtoret lunaris, andCancer pagurus. The study was carried out using a combination of microcomputer tomography (μCT)‐techniques and 3D‐reconstructions. TheμCT‐data were used to create surface models of the P5 in Amira, which were then 3D‐animated and manipulated in Maya to qualitatively compare modeled kinematic parameters. Results show that the merus and carpus in swimming crabs are shorter than in non‐swimming crabs, whilesROMangles are generally larger. ThetROMof all joints expressed as Euclidean distances is generally higher in the portunoids (except forCarcinus). Our comparison of the complete trajectory of the dactylus tip regarding all maximum joint positions of the studied species suggests that the P5‐swimming leg might have evolved once in the Portunoidea and got lost afterward in certain clades.
Nutritional interventions to improve neurophysiological impairments following traumatic brain injury: A systematic review
Authors: McGeown Joshua P. , Hume Patria A. , Theadom Alice , Quarrie Kenneth L. , Borotkanics Robert
Published: October 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for significant global health burden. Effects of TBI can become chronic even following mild injury. There is a need to develop effective therapies to attenuate the damaging effects of TBI and improve recovery outcomes. This literature review using a priori criteria (PROSPERO; CRD42018100623) summarized 43 studies between January 1998 and July 2019 that investigated nutritional interventions (NUT) delivered with the objective of altering neurophysiological (NP) outcomes following TBI. Risk of bias was assessed for included studies, and NP outcomes recorded. The systematic search resulted in 43 of 3,748 identified studies met inclusion criteria. No studies evaluated the effect of a NUT on NP outcomes of TBI in humans. Biomarkers of morphological changes and apoptosis, oxidative stress, and plasticity, neurogenesis, and neurotransmission were the most evaluated NP outcomes across the 43 studies that used 2,897 animals. The risk of bias was unclear in all reviewed studies due to poorly detailed methodology sections. Taking these limitations into account, anti‐oxidants, branched chain amino acids, and ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have shown the most promising pre‐clinical results for altering NP outcomes following TBI. Refinement of pre‐clinical methodologies used to evaluate effects of interventions on secondary damage of TBI would improve the likelihood of translation to clinical populations.
Prognostic Impact of Tumor‐Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Zhang Duo , Tang Di , Heng Yu , Zhu Xiao‐Ke , Zhou Liang , Tao Lei , Lu Li‐ming
Published: October 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been shown to be associated with the prognosis of many tumors, yet few studies have investigated their roles in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). We aim to investigate the prognostic values of tumor‐infiltrating CD3+/CD4+/CD8+/Foxp3+ T‐cells and neutrophils in LSCC patients that received total or partial laryngectomy.

Study Design

Retrospective case series of LSCC patients who underwent total or partial laryngectomy from 2013 to 2014 at Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University.

Methods

In our study, 41 tumor tissues from patients with LSCC were retrospectively assessed using immunohistochemistry for CD3+/CD4+/CD8+/Foxp3+ T‐cells and CD66b+ neutrophils. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were recorded using Kaplan–Meier methods.

Results

Generally, patients with high density of TILs (CD3, CD4, CD8) showed improved OS or DFS. Specifically, high density of CD3+ TILs were associated with better OS, yet poorer OS and DFS for CD66b+ neutrophils. Patients with an Immunoscore of 0–1 experienced the worst OS and DFS, compared with Immunoscore 2–4 (P = .0111 for OS, P = .0391 for DFS). In Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusted for N stage and T stage, only stroma CD66b+ neutrophils densities were able to predict OS, with odds ratios of 4.819 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.149–20.206; P = .032*), and DFS 2.888 (95% CI 1.043–7.997; P = .041*).

Conclusions

The density of TILs and CD66b+ neutrophils may help predict the prognosis of patients with LSCC after surgery.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1249–E1255, 2021
Intracordal Injection of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in 100 Cases of Vocal Fold Atrophy and Scar
Authors: Hirano Shigeru , Sugiyama Yoichiro , Kaneko Mami , Mukudai Shigeyuki , Fuse Shinya , Hashimoto Keiko
Published: October 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Vocal fold atrophy, scar, and sulcus reduce the vibratory function of the vocal fold mucosa, which causes severe refractory dysphonia. We have reported encouraging preliminary results using an intracordal injection of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and showed improvement in phonatory parameters and voice. The present study summarizes our experience with 100 cases of stiffened vocal folds that were treated with bFGF injections.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review with Interstitial Review Board (IRB) approval.

Methods

Local injection of bFGF was performed in 100 cases of vocal fold pathology, which included 43 cases of vocal fold atrophy, 41 cases with scar, and 16 cases with sulcus. Ten micrograms of bFGF were injected into the vocal folds under topical anesthesia 4 times in each patient. Therapeutic outcomes were examined with maximum phonation time (MPT), voice handicap index‐10 (VHI‐10), and GRBAS scale.

Results

MPT, VHI‐10, and GRBAS scores significantly improved in all pathology groups. An improvement on the VHI‐10 greater than five points was observed in 82% of atrophy cases, 78% of scar cases, and 67% of sulcus cases. Improvement on the VHI‐10 was significantly better in the atrophy group than the scar or sulcus groups. The mild/moderate cases of scar and sulcus showed better improvement than severe cases.

Conclusions

The current large case series indicates positive effects of intracordal injection of bFGF for improvement of voice with no severe adverse events. The effects appeared best for cases of atrophy, while the treatment of severe scar and sulcus requires further improvement.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2059–2064, 2021
Estimating the Effect of Early Treatment Initiation in Parkinson's Disease Using Observational Data
Authors: van den Heuvel Lieneke , Evers Luc J.W. , Meinders Marjan J. , Post Bart , Stiggelbout Anne M. , Heskes Tom M. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Krijthe Jesse H.
Published: October 2020

Background

Both patients and physicians may choose to delay initiation of dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD) for various reasons. We used observational data to estimate the effect of earlier treatment in PD. Observational data offer a valuable source of evidence, complementary to controlled trials.

Method

We studied the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative cohort of patients with de novo PD to estimate the effects of duration of PD treatment during the first 2 years of follow‐up, exploiting natural interindividual variation in the time to start first treatment. We estimated the Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) Part III (primary outcome) and several functionally relevant outcomes at 2, 3, and 4 years after baseline. To adjust for time‐varying confounding, we used marginal structural models with inverse probability of treatment weighting and the parametric g‐formula.

Results

We included 302 patients from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative cohort. There was a small improvement in MDS‐UPDRS Part III scores after 2 years of follow‐up for patients who started treatment earlier, and similar, but nonstatistically significant, differences in subsequent years. We found no statistically significant differences in most secondary outcomes, including the presence of motor fluctuations, nonmotor symptoms, MDS‐UPDRS Part II scores, and the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale.

Conclusion

Earlier treatment initiation does not lead to worse MDS‐UPDRS motor scores and may offer small improvements. These findings, based on observational data, are in line with earlier findings from clinical trials. Observational data, when combined with appropriate causal methods, are a valuable source of additional evidence to support real‐world clinical decisions. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Configuration‐based electrical properties tomography
Authors: Iyyakkunnel Santhosh , Schäper Jessica , Bieri Oliver
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To introduce phase‐based conductivity mapping from a configuration space analysis.

Methods

The frequency response function of balanced SSFP (bSSFP) is used to perform a configuration space analysis. It is shown that the transceive phase for conductivity mapping can be directly obtained by a simple fast Fourier transform of a series of phase‐cycled bSSFP scans. For validation, transceive phase and off‐resonance mapping with fast Fourier transform is compared with phase estimation using a recently proposed method, termed PLANET. Experiments were performed in phantoms and for in vivo brain imaging at 3 T using a quadrature head coil.

Results

For fast Fourier transform, aliasing can lead to systematic phase errors. This bias, however, decreases rapidly with increasing sampling points. Interestingly, Monte Carlo simulations revealed a lower uncertainty for the transceive phase and the off‐resonance using fast Fourier transform as compared with PLANET. Both methods, however, essentially retrieve the same phase information from a set of phase‐cycled bSSFP scans. As a result, configuration‐based conductivity mapping was successfully performed using eight phase‐cycled bSSFP scans in the phantoms and for brain tissues. Overall, the retrieved values were in good agreement with expectations. Conductivity estimation and mapping of the field inhomogeneities can therefore be performed in conjunction with the estimation of other quantitative parameters, such as relaxation, using configuration theory.

Conclusions

Phase‐based conductivity mapping can be estimated directly from a simple Fourier analysis, such as in conjunction with relaxometry, using a series of phase‐cycled bSSFP scans.
Study of common quantification methods of amide proton transfer magnetic resonance imaging for ischemic stroke detection
Authors: Foo Lee Sze , Larkin James R. , Sutherland Brad A. , Ray Kevin J. , Yap Wun‐She , Hum Yan Chai , Lai Khin Wee , Manan Hanani Abdul , Sibson Nicola R. , Tee Yee Kai
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To assess the correlation and differences between common amide proton transfer (APT) quantification methods in the diagnosis of ischemic stroke.

Methods

Five APT quantification methods, including asymmetry analysis and its variants as well as two Lorentzian model‐based methods, were applied to data acquired from six rats that underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion scanned at 9.4T. Diffusion and perfusion‐weighted images, and water relaxation time maps were also acquired to study the relationship of these conventional imaging modalities with the different APT quantification methods.

Results

The APT ischemic area estimates had varying sizes (Jaccard index: 0.544 ≤ J ≤ 0.971) and had varying correlations in their distributions (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.104 ≤ r ≤ 0.995), revealing discrepancies in the quantified ischemic areas. The Lorentzian methods produced the highest contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNRs; 1.427 ≤ CNR ≤ 2.002), but generated APT ischemic areas that were comparable in size to the cerebral blood flow (CBF) deficit areas; asymmetry analysis and its variants produced APT ischemic areas that were smaller than the CBF deficit areas but larger than the apparent diffusion coefficient deficit areas, though having lower CNRs (0.561 ≤ CNR ≤ 1.083).

Conclusion

There is a need to further investigate the accuracy and correlation of each quantification method with the pathophysiology using a larger scale multi‐imaging modality and multi‐time‐point clinical study. Future studies should include the magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry results alongside the findings of the study to facilitate the comparison of results between different centers and also the published literature.
An exploration of UK student physiotherapists' goal setting practices within anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation
Authors: Alexanders Jenny , Chesterton Paul , Brooks Anna , Kaye Jo Ann
Published: October 2020

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common and complex injury coupled with a lengthy rehabilitation. Goal setting is said to be an effective psychological tool within ACL rehabilitation due to its simplicity and is commonly used amongst sport and health professionals. To date, literature surrounding goal setting practices has only focused on qualified therapists.

Purpose

The central aim of this study was to explore UK student physiotherapists' perceptions towards goal setting practices used in ACL rehabilitation and whether they feel prepared for practice.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews involving 11 participants from one UK university was conducted using an inductive approach. Data analysis included thematic analysis with triangulation and a comprehensive five‐stage analysis process to enhance confirmability and credibility, whilst respecting ethical considerations.

Results/Discussion

Participants reported some understanding of goal setting and the importance of involving the patient during this process. However, participants negatively experienced goal setting practices as being mainly therapist/protocol led. The training participants received on goal setting was minimal, but further training was welcomed by all participants. The findings were consistent with previous UK and international research surrounding inadequate education and training across sport and health professionals when applying goal setting practice within ACL rehabilitation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that, initially, a review of the psychological content of sport and health professional courses is warranted to clearly identify potential knowledge gaps. There is also an opportunity whereby a global specialist interest group could be designed to share psychological practices and globally connect like‐minded sport and health professionals together.
A review of the biomechanical properties of single extracellular vesicles
Authors: LeClaire Michael , Gimzewski James , Sharma Shivani
Published: October 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a unique, heterogeneous class of biological nanoparticles secreted by most cells. As potential a class of novel diagnostics and therapeutics, the physio‐chemical characterization as well as the biomolecular composition of EVs are widely investigated. However, there is emerging evidence suggesting that biomechanical analysis of lipid‐bilayer membrane‐bound single EVs may provide key insights into their biological structure, biomarker functions, and potential therapeutic functions. In this review, we focus on the unique biomechanical properties of single EVs such as elasticity, stiffness, and deformability. We compare common indentation models used in atomic force microscopy (AFM)‐based biomechanical analysis of EVs, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each model encompassing the heterogeneous EV sub‐populations—mainly the small EVs (or exosomes). Next, we discuss high‐throughput approaches to determine the biomechanical landscape of EVs that may overcome some of the challenges associated with the accurate determination of particle sizes and particle‐by‐particle indentations. Finally, we highlight exciting new opportunities for EV biomechanical fingerprinting emanating from machine learning capabilities. In particular, we propose multi‐parametric AFM structure‐mechanical analysis to further advance label‐free, orthogonal biophysical understanding of EVs beyond biomolecular or particle size analysis, with significant implications for research and clinical use.
Retrospective analysis of heroin detoxification with buprenorphine in a psychiatric hospital in Japan
Authors: Nagano Tatsushi , Kimoto Sohei , Aso Katsuro , Komori Takashi , Yamaguchi Yasunari , Okamura Kazuya , Yamamoto Noriya , Kishimoto Toshifumi
Published: October 2020

Aim

We assessed the efficacy of buprenorphine replacement taper therapy in a psychiatric hospital in Japan.

Methods

Based on the medical records, a retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the outcomes of buprenorphine replacement taper therapy in 106 subjects with heroin dependence.

Results

We found that replacement and taper therapy with buprenorphine could significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. In addition, the completion rate of detoxification was significantly improved and the length of hospital stay was significantly reduced relative to those who received conventional treatment without buprenorphine. However, the readmission rate increased after the introduction of detoxication therapy with buprenorphine.

Conclusion

The present findings suggest not only the efficacy and safety of buprenorphine replacement and taper therapy, but also the requirement for maintenance therapy for individuals with heroin dependence.
A novel antifouling and thermally stable polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes with sulfobetaine polyimide as porogen
Authors: Li Dalong , Sun Xiuhua , Wang Wei , Gao Hongwei , Huang Yudong , Gao Changlu
Published: October 2020

Polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes were prepared with sulfobetaine polyimide (s‐PI) via phase inversion process, during which s‐PI migrated and enriched on the surfaces of membranes/pores due to its hydrophilic nature. Therefore, s‐PI not only enhanced surface hydrophilicity, but also acted as a pore‐forming agent. It was proved that the introduction of s‐PI effectively promoted membrane porosity and antifouling ability. Under optimized conditions, the pure water flux of blend membranes reached 220.58 L m−2 h−1 with a protein rejection ratio of 99.3%, and a flux recovery ratio of 90.86%, indicating the superior antifouling property and filtration performances of zwitterionic polymer blend membranes. Moreover, the blend membrane can stand a temperature of 90°C without degrading its separation performance. Besides excellent thermal stability, the blend membranes exhibited a distinctly advanced mechanical strength due to the addition of rigid s‐PI polymer. Overall, this study provided a facile and scalable method for the preparation of antifouling and thermally stable ultrafiltration membranes.