bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective study of pediatric and adolescent renal cell carcinoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group AREN0321 study
Authors: Geller James I. , Cost Nicholas G. , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Tornwall Brett , Cajaiba Mariana , Perlman Elizabeth J. , Kim Yeonil , Mullen Elizabeth A. , Glick Richard D. , Khanna Geetika , Daw Najat C. , Ehrlich Peter , Fernandez Conrad V. , Dome Jeffrey S. ,   the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Renal Tumor Committee
Published: September 2020

Background

To the authors' knowledge, AREN0321 is the first prospective clinical study of pediatric and adolescent renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Goals of the study included establishing epidemiological, treatment, and outcome data and confirming that patients with completely resected pediatric RCC, including lymph node–positive disease (N1), have a favorable prognosis without adjuvant therapy.

Methods

From 2006 to 2012, patients aged <30 years with centrally reviewed pathology of RCC were enrolled prospectively.

Results

A total of 68 patients were enrolled (39 of whom were male; median age of 13 years [range, 0.17‐22.1 years]). Stage was classified according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM stage seventh edition as stage I in 26 patients, stage II in 7 patients, stage III in 26 patients, and stage IV in 8 patients, and was not available in 1 patient. Sixty patients underwent resection of all known sites of disease, including 2 patients with stage IV disease. Surgery included radical nephrectomy (53 patients [81.5%]), partial nephrectomy (12 patients [18.5%]), and unknown (3 patients [4.4%]). Histology was TFE‐associated RCC (translocation‐type RCC; tRCC) in 40 patients, RCC not otherwise specified and/or other in 13 patients, papillary RCC in 9 patients, and renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) in 6 patients. Lymph node status was N0 in 21 patients, N1 in 21 patients (tRCC in 15 patients, RMC in 3 patients, papillary RCC in 2 patients, and not otherwise specified and/or other in 1 patient), and Nx in 26 patients. The 4‐year event‐free survival and overall survival rates were 80.2% (95% CI, 69.6%‐90.9%) and 84.8% (95% CI, 75.2%‐94.5%), respectively, overall and 87.5% (95% CI, 68.3%‐100%) and 87.1% (95% CI, 67.6%‐100%), respectively, for the 16 patients with N1M0 disease. Among patients presenting with metastases, 2 of 8 patients (2 of 5 patients with RMC) were alive (1 with disease) at the time of last follow‐up, including 1 patient who was lost to follow‐up (succinate dehydrogenase deficiency). The predominant RCC subtypes associated with mortality were tRCC and RMC.

Conclusions

Favorable short‐term outcomes can be achieved without adjuvant therapy in children and adolescents with completely resected RCC, independent of lymph node status. A prospective study of patients with tRCC and RMC with M1 or recurrent disease is needed to optimize treatment.
Developmental distribution of primary cilia in the retinofugal visual pathway
Authors: Alvarado Jorge A. , Dhande Onkar S. , Prosseda Philipp P. , Kowal Tia J. , Ning Ke , Jabbehdari Sayena , Hu Yang , Sun Yang
Published: September 2020

The mammalian visual system is composed of circuitry connecting sensory input from the retina to the processing core of the visual cortex. The two main retinorecipient brain targets, the superior colliculus (SC) and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), bridge retinal input and visual output. The primary cilium is a conserved organelle increasingly viewed as a critical sensor for the regulation of developmental and homeostatic pathways in most mammalian cell types. Moreover, cilia have been described as crucial for neurogenesis, neuronal maturation, and survival in the cortex and retina. However, cilia in the visual relay center remain to be fully described. In this study, we characterized the ciliation profile of the SC and dLGN and found that the overall number of ciliated cells declined during development. Interestingly, shorter ciliated cells in both regions were identified as neurons, whose numbers remained stable over time, suggesting that cilia retention is a critical feature for optimal neuronal function in SC and dLGN. Our study suggests that primary cilia are important for neuronal maturation and function in cells of the SC and dLGN.
Gynaecologic cancer care during COVID‐19 pandemic in India: a social media survey
Authors: Kumari Sarita
Published: September 2020

Background

Health care services across the globe are undergoing a major transformation to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Regardless of the strength of health care infrastructure across different economies, all countries are diverting their resources toward care for COVID‐19 patients.

Aim

The aim of this survey was to evaluate the pattern of care of gynaecologic cancers in a developing country during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

An anonymous survey consisting of 20 questions intended for the gynaecologic cancer care providers with emphasis on their current practice and approach to their patients was distributed online via social media from April 30 to May 31, 2020. Basic descriptive statistics were applied.

Results

Among a total of 61 respondents, 63.9% were gynaecologic oncologists, 18.0% were radiation oncologists and 18.0% were medical oncologists. Majority, that is, 95.1% health care professionals felt that COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant change on their practice pattern and 56.2% practitioners had stopped registering new cases of cancer. In 75.4% centers surgery was being done for gynaecologic cancer cases and among them 60.8% were doing surgery only for cases requiring immediate intervention. Among the centers providing chemotherapy, 39.1% had switched to oral drugs. Among the centers providing radiation, 40.9% were providing radiation to cases based on their type and urgency and 9.0% had implemented hypofractionation. In early stage low risk cases, majority, that is, 34.0% centers were managing as before. In early stage high‐risk cases, 32.6% centers were managing as before. In advanced stage endometrial cancer cases, 28.8% had postponed any treatment and 28.8% administered chemotherapy. In early stage, epithelial ovarian cancer 65.9% centers were performing complete staging of the disease. In advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer, 65.9% centers preferred biopsy followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 11.3% centers performed primary debulking surgery. In cases of interval debulking surgery, 73.3% centers deferred surgery till all six cycles of chemotherapy was completed. In cases of recurrent ovarian cancer amenable for secondary debulking surgery, 38.6% preferred chemotherapy. In early stage cervical cancer, surgical treatment was provided in 46.5% centers. In locally advanced cervical cancer, chemoradiation was given in 65.9% centers. In cases of metastatic cervical cancer, 46.6% centers were performing palliative radiation.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 has affected the treatment of gynecologic cancers patients and health care professionals are trying to mitigate the damage by incorporating new elements which are suited to the current scenario.
Gold Microelectrodes Decorated by Spike‐Like Nanostructures as a Promising Non‐Enzymatic Glucose Sensor
Authors: Hovancová Jana , Niščáková Veronika , Šišoláková Ivana , Oriňaková Renáta , Maskaľová Iveta , Oriňak Andrej , Kovaľ Karol
Published: September 2020

Gold microelectrodes modified via easy method by gold nanostructures were studied as an ideal substrate for non‐enzymatic glucose detection. The results confirmed that spike‐like nanostructure displays the best electrocatalytic activity because of higher amount of edges. Results prove that modified electrode is able to detect glucose in two linear ranges from 100–500 μM and 0.5–30 mM, with limit of detection (48 μM), high sensitivities for both linear ranges (1.7 μA/mM and 2.4 μA/mM), and good stability. In addition, modified electrodes were able to detect glucose in blood serum. This work demonstrates glucose detection on miniaturised system.
Investigation on the physicochemical properties of coal char during pressurized pyrolysis and the mineral transformations of coal ash during pressurized O2/N2 and O2/CO2 combustion
Authors: Lei Ming , Sun Cen , Zhang Yanchao
Published: September 2020

Physicochemical properties of coal char during pressurized pyrolysis and the mineral transformations of coal ash during pressurized O2/N2 and O2/CO2 combustion were investigated by a pressurized tube furnace with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The results indicated that as the pyrolysis pressure increased, the decompositions of the aromatic ring structure and the hydroxyl hydrogen bonds of char were enhanced and the aromatic ring transformed to the low‐substituted single ring. Meanwhile, the aliphatic chain and carboxyl group in the char shortened at elevated pressures. Furthermore, pressurized pyrolysis increased the degree of graphitization of the char, which further influenced the microcrystalline parameters of char. During the pyrolysis process, the decompositions of some low‐temperature minerals in the char were inhibited by the elevated pressure. In addition, the effect of the furnace temperature on the mineral transformations of char was more significant than the effect of the furnace pressure. Compared to what observed at atmospheric pressure, the primary minerals in the coal ash remained the same at elevated pressure, but their relative contents changed to some extent. And, the influence of the furnace pressure on the transformations of minerals in the ash was mainly affected by the combustion temperatures of different ignition mechanisms at different pressures. Compared to the O2/N2 mixture, the decompositions of low‐temperature minerals and the formations of high‐temperature minerals were restrained due to the relatively low combustion temperature in the O2/CO2 mixture. And, the furnace temperature instead of the furnace pressure was the primary factor which influenced the mineral transformations of ash.
Unmanned aerial vehicles integratedHetNetfor smart dense urban area
Authors: Gupta Akshita , Gupta Sachin Kumar , Rashid Mamoon , Khan Amina , Manjul Manisha
Published: September 2020

Due to the massive growth of mobile users, the demand for data traffic along with coverage enhancement has significantly increased and put a significant burden on the pre‐existing system like infrastructure based cellular networks, etc., especially in the urban zone. The inabilities and inefficiencies of pre‐existing systems in handling a large number of traffic demands is a major concern. One way by which the existing infrastructure based cellular network can fulfill the above requirements by the increasing power level of radiations. But increasing the radiation power levels above a safety value defined by international exposure standards results in adverse health effects in the society. The impact is more on the urban societies because of congestion dwelling than rural areas. A vital solution to the above challenges of full filling the user's demand capacity as well as prevent the society from adverse health effects are to control ground‐level data plane network aerially. That is not to make mobile users utterly dependent on the existing base stations. This could be possible through such as Loon Technology, Tethered Balloon, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) concept, etc. The key objective is to efficiently deploy a HetNet wireless network using UAVs in urban canyons for great coverage and capacity enhancement and reduce the effects of radiations. The simulation results show the betterment in spectral efficiency, transmission range, transmission delays, and efficient packet delivery.
Water vapor effects on CO2 separation of amine‐containing facilitated transport membranes (AFTMs) module: mathematical modeling using tanks‐in‐series approach
Authors: Yang Qiang , Lin Qianguo , Sammarchi Sergio , Li Jia , Li Sa , Wang Dong
Published: September 2020

Amine‐containing facilitated transport membranes (AFTMs) are emerging membranes and have great potential for CO2 capture. AFTMs are particularly suitable for humid flue gases, as water vapor enhances the facilitated transportation of CO2. However, there is a lack of mathematical models available to evaluate the impact of water vapor on CO2 separation performance for large‐scale membrane modules. Therefore, developing a mathematical model considering the water vapor effects is of great importance to guide the large‐scale applications of AFTMs for CO2 capture.

In this study, a mathematical model using tanks‐in‐series approach for CO2 capture through AFTMs is proposed. In this model, the tanks‐in‐series approach can reflect the variable (water vapor‐dependent) gas permeance along the membrane module. Modeling results showed the necessity of considering the effect of water vapor content decline along the module. In addition, both increasing temperature and pressure primarily lead to a faster decline of relative humidity (RH) along the membrane module, resulting in an increase of CO2 recovery but a decrease of CO2 product purity. For a gas stream with relatively low water vapor content (<2% in this study), different H2O permeance has a minor effect on separation performance. Moreover, permeate gas with higher water vapor content as well as higher RH is considered more suitable for further treatment of second stage membrane separation. In conclusion, the proposed model provides insights for comprehensive parameter analysis of membrane CO2 capture simulation and could support the development of large‐scale AFTMs separation applications, particularly for systems design and more accurate performance estimation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whole‐brain computational modeling reveals disruption of microscale brain dynamics in HIV infected individuals
Authors: Zhuang Yuchuan , Zhang Zhengwu , Tivarus Madalina , Qiu Xing , Zhong Jianhui , Schifitto Giovanni
Published: September 2020

MRI‐based neuroimaging techniques have been used to investigate brain injury associated with HIV‐infection. Whole‐brain cortical mean‐field dynamic modeling provides a way to integrate structural and functional imaging outcomes, allowing investigation of microscale brain dynamics. In this study, we adopted the relaxed mean‐field dynamic modeling to investigate structural and functional connectivity in 42 HIV‐infected subjects before and after 12‐week of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and compared them with 46 age‐matched healthy subjects. Microscale brain dynamics were modeled by a set of parameters including two region‐specific microscale brain properties, recurrent connection strengths, and subcortical inputs. We also analyzed the relationship between the model parameters (i.e., the recurrent connection and subcortical inputs) and functional network topological characterizations, including smallworldness, clustering coefficient, and network efficiency. The results show that untreated HIV‐infected individuals have disrupted local brain dynamics that in part correlate with network topological measurements. Notably, after 12 weeks of cART, both the microscale brain dynamics and the network topological measurements improved and were closer to those in the healthy brain. This was also associated with improved cognitive performance, suggesting that improvement in local brain dynamics translates into clinical improvement.
The characteristics of intestinal flora of IBS‐D with different syndromes
Authors: Chao Guanqun , Zhang Shuo
Published: September 2020

Objective

To study the distribution of fecal microbiota in diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐D) patients of spleen–kidney‐yang deficiency and liver depression and spleen deficiency, to make an objective foundation for dialectics of different type of IBS‐D. And to provide the clinical doctors an experimental basis for medication by regulating dysbacteriosis.

Methods

We collected feces from the control group, spleen–kidney‐yang deficiency IBS‐D group, and liver‐depression and spleen‐deficiency IBS‐D group. After the extraction of fecal DNA, global DNA was isolated from every sample, and 16S ribosomal RNA was sequenced, and then we analyzed the results for bacteria such as Alpha diversity, community composition, LEfSe, and partial least squares discriminant analysis.

Results

We compared the changes among the fecal bacteria in the intestine of the IBS‐D patients and healthy controls and found the specificity of spleen–kidney‐yang deficiency syndrome and liver‐depression and spleen‐deficiency syndrome. The control group has the highest flora diversity (control group > liver‐depression and spleen‐deficiency > spleen–kidney‐yang deficiency group). The control group, spleen–kidney‐yang deficiency group, and liver‐depression and spleen‐deficiency group are different in phylum (Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria), class (Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria), order (Enterobacteriales, Bifidobacteriales, Fusobacteriales), and family (Bifidobacteriaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Acidaminococcaceae, Veillonellaceae, Fusobacteriaceae). Bifidobacteriaceae and Ruminococcaceae in the control group, Enterobacteriales, Fusobacteriales, Acidaminococcaceae, and Phascolarctobacterium in the spleen–kidney‐yang deficiency group, and streptococcus are the specific bacteria in the liver‐depression and spleen‐deficiency group. Intestinal flora disturbance is closely related to IBS‐D.

Conclusions

There is a correlation between traditional Chinese medicine syndrome type and intestinal flora. The control group, the spleen–kidney‐yang deficiency group, and the liver‐depression and spleen‐deficiency group have specific bacteria.
Boosting the autophagy‐lysosomal pathway by phytochemicals: A potential therapeutic strategy against Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nourbakhsh Fahimeh , Read Morgayn I. , Barreto George E. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: September 2020

The lysosome is a membrane‐enclosed organelle in eukaryotic cells, which has basic pattern recognition for nutrient‐dependent signal transduction. In Alzheimer's disease, the already declining autophagy‐lysosomal function is exacerbated by an increased need for clearance of damaged proteins and organelles in aged cells. Recent evidence suggests that numerous diseases are linked to impaired autophagy upstream of lysosomes. In this way, a comprehensive survey on the pathophysiology of the disease seems necessary. Hence, in the first section of this review, we will discuss the ultimate findings in lysosomal signaling functions and how they affect cellular metabolism and trafficking under neurodegenerative conditions, specifically Alzheimer's disease. In the second section, we focus on how natural products and their derivatives are involved in the regulation of inflammation and lysosomal dysfunction pathways, including how these should be considered a crucial target for Alzheimer's disease therapeutics.
Weight loss over time and survival: a landmark analysis of 1000+ prospectively treated and monitored lung cancer patients
Authors: Le‐Rademacher Jennifer , Lopez Camden , Wolfe Eric , Foster Nathan R. , Mandrekar Sumithra J. , Wang Xiaofei , Kumar Rajiv , Adjei Alex , Jatoi Aminah
Published: September 2020

Background

Eligibility criteria and endpoints for cancer cachexia trials—and whether weight loss should be included—remain controversial. Although most cachexia trials enrol patients after initial cancer diagnosis, few studies have addressed whether weight loss well after a cancer diagnosis is prognostic.

Methods

We pooled data from non‐small cell lung cancer patients from prospectively conducted trials within the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology (1998–2008), a nationally funded infrastructure. We examined (i) weight data availability and weight changes and (ii) survival.

Results

A total of 822 patients were examined. Of these, 659 (80%) were on treatment at the beginning of Cycle 2 of chemotherapy; weight was available for 656 (80%). By Cycles 3 and 4, weight was available for 448 (55%) and 384 (47%), respectively. From baseline to immediately prior to Cycle 2, 208 (32%) gained weight; 225 (34%) lost <2% of baseline weight; and 223 (34% of 656) lost 2% or more. Median survival from the beginning of Cycle 2 was 13.0, 10.9, and 6.9 months for patients with weight gain, weight loss of <2%, and weight loss of 2% or more, respectively. In multivariate analyses, adjusted for age, sex, performance score, type of treatment, and body mass index, weight loss of 2% or more was associated with poor overall survival compared with weight gain [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33–2.07; P < 0.001] and compared with weight loss of <2% (HR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.27–1.95; P < 0.001). Although weight loss of <2% was not associated with poorer overall survival compared with weight gain, it was associated with poorer progression‐free survival (HR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.01–1.51; P = 0.036). Similar findings were observed in a separate 255‐patient validation cohort.

Conclusions

Weight should be integrated into cancer cachexia trials because of its ease of frequent measurement and sustained prognostic association.
The turnover contagion process: An integrative review of theoretical and empirical research
Authors: Porter Caitlin M. , Rigby James R.
Published: September 2020

Employee turnover has long been considered a prominent concern for managers because it is associated with expenses, such as loss of productivity and replacement costs. Moreover, employee turnover is also detrimental to an organization because it may stimulate additional incidents of turnover within the workplace. That is, employee turnover can be “contagious” in that employees tend to imitate the turnover‐related attitudes and behaviors of their coworkers. To date, the “turnover contagion” phenomenon has been investigated from multiple perspectives, splintering this research into several, seemingly distinct topics. Because of such diverse approaches to studying the spread of turnover, we lack a clear perspective on what turnover contagion is, how the turnover contagion process unfolds, and how to manage it. To resolve the ambiguities surrounding the turnover contagion process, we review 42 research papers relevant to the turnover contagion process. Based on our review, we present an integrated perspective on “turnover contagion” that clearly delineates this phenomenon, describes what the extant research says about how coworker turnover processes impact employees' propensities to leave, and offers future research directions with the potential to deepen our understanding and management of turnover contagion.
Location and magnitude of capsular injuries varies following multiple anterior dislocations of the shoulder: Implications for surgical repair
Authors: Yoshida Masahito , Takenaga Tetsuya , Chan Calvin K. , Musahl Volker , Debski Richard E. , Lin Albert
Published: September 2020

Capsular injuries can occur during multiple shoulder dislocations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the location and magnitude of glenohumeral capsular injury following multiple dislocations. We hypothesized that the magnitude of capsular injury would increase and the location of peak injury would vary depending on the number of dislocations. Seven fresh‐frozen cadaveric shoulders were used. A 7 × 11 grid of strain markers was affixed to the anteroinferior capsule. Each joint was then mounted to a six degree‐freedom robotic testing system. Marker tracking was performed following 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 dislocations to determine the nonrecoverable strain as capsular injury. Following each dislocation, the magnitude of the maximum principal strain representing the nonrecoverable strain in the inferior glenohumeral capsule was quantified by comparing the strain marker positions following each dislocation. The peak value of nonrecoverable strain statistically increased with the number of dislocations in five of seven specimens (p = .0007). The capsular location that had the peak value of nonrecoverable strain varied according to the number of dislocations, and from specimen to specimen. The nonrecoverable strain was identified in the posterior capsule and anterior axillary pouch, which increased with the number of dislocations compared to the other regions of the capsule (p = .001–.012) by up to 16%. Clinical significance: While plication of the anterior axillary pouch is important following multiple dislocations, a more extensive anterior capsular shift may be necessary with an increased number of dislocations in addition to a posterior capsular shift when appropriate.
Predictive value of the morphology of proximal tibiofibular joint for total knee replacement in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhao Yi , Zhu Zhaohua , Chang Jun , Wang Guoliang , Zheng Shuang , Kwoh C. Kent , Lynch John , Hunter David J. , Ding Changhai
Published: September 2020

The association between proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) and knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been understudied. The objective of this study was to determine whether the morphology of PTFJ has predictive value for the risk of total knee replacement (TKR). Case knees from Osteoarthritis Initiative participants with TKR at 24–60 months follow up (cases) were 1:1 matched with control knees (no TKR throughout 60 months) by baseline age, sex, and Kellgren–Lawrence grade. PTFJ morphological parameters, including coronal inclination angle (angle α), sagittal inclination angle (angle β), fibular contacting area (S), load‐bearing area (Sτ), lateral stress‐bolstering area (Sφ), and posterior stress‐bolstering area (Sυ) were assessed using coronal and sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively. Associations of the morphological measures at baseline and the time point before TKR (T0) and their changes with TKR risks were examined using conditional logistic regression analyses. Two hundred and twenty‐three knees of 193 participants received TKR between 12 and 60 months and therefore were matched with 223 control knees. Of these, 173 paired knees had MRI readings available both at baseline and T0 time point. While baseline angle α was positively associated with TKR risk, other measures at baseline and all measures at T0 were not significantly associated with TKR risk. Changes in S, Sτ, and Sυ were significantly and negatively associated with the risk of TKR (ΔS, odds ratio [OR] = 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19–0.76; ΔSτ, OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16–0.87; ΔSυ, OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08–0.62, respectively). This data shows that morphological changes of PTFJ predict the risk of TKR, suggesting PTFJ may play a role in knee OA.
A sensitive ultra‐fast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of ten constituents of Deng‐Zhan‐Xi‐Xin injection in rat plasma and its application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study in sham and middle cerebral artery occlusion rats
Authors: Guo Xin , Lin Shan , Liang Wei , Dou Xiuxiu , Wang Xinyu , Tian Xinhui
Published: September 2020

Deng‐Zhan‐Xi‐Xin injection is widely used to treat cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases in clinical practice. A rapid and selective method based on ultra‐fast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was established and validated to simultaneously quantify chlorogenic acid, 1,3‐O‐dicaffeoylquinic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, neochlorogenic acid, erigeside I, cryptochlorogenic acid, apigenin‐7‐O‐glucuronide, scutellarin, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C of Deng‐Zhan‐Xi‐Xin injection in both sham and middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. This was the first quantitative analysis of these ten constituents in both sham and middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. Chromatographic separation of these ten constituents was accomplished on an Acquity HSS T3 column with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water. Mass analysis was performed in negative ion mode with an electrospray ionization source using multiple reaction monitoring technology. The pharmacokinetic study of the ten constituents in sham and middle cerebral artery occlusion rats after intravenous administration of Deng‐Zhan‐Xi‐Xin injection was successfully accomplished by using this validated method. Based on the results of pharmacokinetic parameters, significant differences were observed between the two groups, which might be due to the pathological factors of middle cerebral artery occlusion and pharmacological effects of Deng‐Zhan‐Xi‐Xin injection.
Diagnostic Value of Quantitative Analysis by Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound of Endometrial Lesions
Authors: Xu Jia , Qiao Lang , Xiong Kailing , Cheng Shutao , Luo Hong , Wang Yang , He Junxuan , Chen Xin , Pan Mei
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To explore the diagnostic value of time‐intensity curve parameters from contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations of endometrial lesions.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients with suspected endometrial lesions who received vaginal CEUS examinations were divided into a polyp group (n = 36), a malignant group (n = 11), and a normal control group (n = 5) based on the pathologic diagnosis. The midpoint of the myometrium at the same depth as the endometrial lesion was used as the reference point. The initial increase time, time to peak, area under the curve, and peak intensity were determined by the time‐intensity curve. The relative parameters, namely, the initial increase time difference, peak time difference, area ratio, and peak intensity ratio, were also calculated and analyzed statistically.

Results

The comparison results of the relative parameters among the groups showed that the differences in the time difference, intensity ratio, and area ratio were statistically significant. The differences in the intensity ratio and time difference between the malignant and normal groups were statistically significant (P < .001). The differences in the intensity ratio, area ratio, and time difference between the malignant and polyp groups were statistically significant (P < .001). The diagnostic value of the intensity ratio and area ratio was confirmed by a receiver operating characteristic curve. The sensitivity and specificity of the intensity ratio and area ratio in the groups were 100% and 77.5% and 85.7% and 85.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

The relative CEUS parameters in endometrial lesions provide more diagnostic value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions than the absolute parameters.
Predictive Value of Single or Combined Ultrasound Signs in the Diagnosis of Ovarian Torsion
Authors: Yatsenko Oleg , Vlachou Paraskevi A. , Glanc Phyllis
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To determine predictive values of isolated and combined ultrasound signs in the diagnosis of adnexal torsion.

Methods

This work was a retrospective study of 129 adult female patients who underwent an ultrasound examination followed by a definitive surgical procedure within a 24‐hour period to determine whether adnexal torsion was present.

Results

The positive predictive value (PPV) of the ultrasound diagnosis of adnexal torsion was 82.2%. The statistically significant ultrasound signs in multivariate logistic regression with single‐predictor analyses were relative enlargement of the ovary, an abnormal adnexal position, a twisted vascular pedicle, and the follicular edema “ring sign.” Possible combinations of these ultrasound criteria showed high specificities (74%–100%), high PPVs (93%–100%), and lower sensitivities (29%–71%) and negative predictive values (24%–35%). Any combination that included a twisted vascular pedicle or the follicular ring sign as one of the signs had high odds ratios and positive likelihood ratios.

Conclusions

Ultrasound has a high PPV as a first‐choice imaging modality in the diagnosis of adnexal torsion. The combinations of the following 4 statistically significant ultrasound signs, consisting of an abnormal position, relative enlargement of the index ovary, a twisted vascular pedicle, and the follicular edema ring sign, substantially narrow the imaging differential diagnosis in such cases. The presence of vascular pedicle twisting and the follicular ring sign was highly associated with a positive ovarian torsion diagnosis, with 100% specificity.
Factors Influencing Survival Rates of Pronghorn Fawns in Idaho
Authors: Panting Brett R. , Gese Eric M. , Conner Mary M. , Bergen Scott
Published: September 2020

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) occur throughout western North America. In Idaho, USA, following intensive hunting to reduce crop depredations in the late 1980s, pronghorn populations have not rebounded to desired levels. Because neonatal survival in ungulates is one factor limiting population growth, we evaluated cause‐specific mortality and the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on survival rates of 217 radio‐collared pronghorn fawns across 3 study areas in Idaho during 2015–2016. For intrinsic variables, we determined the sex and body mass index (BMI) for each fawn. For extrinsic variables, we determined the abundance of predators and alternate prey, estimated the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for 1 month pre‐ and post‐parturition, and measured fecal nitrogen and diaminopimelic acid (DAPA). We considered NDVI as a measure of plant productivity, and fecal nitrogen and DAPA as possible proxies of diet quality. We predicted NDVI, fecal nitrogen, and DAPA would be positively related to the nutritional status of females and positively related to fawn survival. We used Program MARK with known fate models to estimate semi‐monthly survival rates of pronghorn fawns for the first 4 months post‐parturition. During both years, the leading cause of fawn mortality was coyote (Canis latrans) predation (58%), followed by unknown causes of mortality (18%), unknown predation (12%), predation by bobcats (Lynx rufus; 6%), predation by golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos; 3%), and other (3%). Mean fawn survival for the 4 months post‐parturition across years and study sites was 0.42 ± 0.04 (SE; range = 28–62%). The top survival model included BMI, lagomorph abundance, and DAPA and had a model weight of 83.3%. All 3 variables were positively related to pronghorn fawn survival. Because females with increased nutrition generally have heavier fawns, BMI was likely correlated to diet quality, which was supported by the positive relationship between DAPA and fawn survival. We hypothesize that high lagomorph abundance created an alternate prey base to buffer coyotes from preying on pronghorn neonates. We found no influence of measures of NDVI (pre‐ and post‐parturition), fecal nitrogen, or predator abundance on fawn survival. Management actions providing high‐quality forage for pronghorn are likely to contribute to production of heavier fawns having the highest chance of survival. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
A Review of Telemedicine Applications in Otorhinolaryngology: Considerations During the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Singh Amrita K. , Kasle David A. , Jiang Roy , Sukys Jordan , Savoca Emily L. , Z. Lerner Michael , Kohli Nikita
Published: September 2020

Objective/Hypothesis

Review the published literature of telemedicine's use within otorhinolaryngology (ORL), highlight its successful implementation, and document areas with need of future research.

Study Design

State of the Art Review.

Methods

Three independent, comprehensive searches for articles published on the subject of telemedicine in ORL were conducted of literature available from January 2000 to April 2020. Search terms were designed to identify studies which examined telemedicine use within ORL. Consensus among authors was used to include all relevant articles.

Results

While several, small reports document clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the cost of telemedicine, much of the literature on telemedicine in ORL is comprised of preliminary, proof‐of‐concept reports. Further research will be necessary to establish its strengths and limitations.

Conclusions

Particularly during the coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic, telemedicine can, and should, be used within ORL practice. This review can assist in guiding providers in implementing telemedicine that has been demonstrated to be successful, and direct future research.Laryngoscope, 131:744–759, 2021
Association and Familial Coaggregation of Idiopathic Dystonia With Psychiatric Outcomes
Authors: Martino Davide , Brander Gustaf , Svenningsson Per , Larsson Henrik , Fernández de la Cruz Lorena
Published: September 2020

Background

Psychiatric comorbidities are common and major determinants of quality of life in idiopathic dystonia. Their prevalence estimates from service‐based studies are heterogeneous.

Objective

We explored the association between idiopathic dystonia and depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, suicide attempts, and death by suicide using Swedish population‐based registers.

Methods

Diagnoses of idiopathic dystonia and psychiatric outcomes from inpatient and outpatient specialist services (1997–2013) were collected from the National Patient Register and the Cause of Death Register. Familial associations were explored using the Multi‐Generation Register. Adjusted logistic regression analyses measured associations with psychiatric disorders in individuals with dystonia compared with general population individuals and their unaffected siblings, as well as in full siblings of individuals with dystonia compared with full siblings of unaffected individuals.

Results

Individuals with dystonia were more likely than those without to have a diagnosis of depressive disorder (adjusted odds ratio = 2.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.77–2.26), anxiety disorder (adjusted odds ratio = 2.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.90–2.39), and suicide attempts/death by suicide combined (adjusted odds ratio = 1.80, 95% confidence interval: 1.50–2.17), with odds higher in most idiopathic dystonia forms. In the full sibling comparison, estimates followed the same pattern, with overall attenuated magnitude. Full siblings of individuals with dystonia had higher likelihood of depressive or anxiety disorders and suicide attempts/death by suicide combined compared with siblings of individuals without dystonia.

Conclusions

Different forms of idiopathic dystonia confirm its association with increased risk for depressive and anxiety disorders and suicide attempts. Familial coaggregation of dystonia and these psychiatric comorbidities supports shared genetic and extragenetic factors. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
An extremely efficient numerical method for pricing options in the Black–Scholes model with jumps
Authors: Ahmadian Davood , Ballestra Luca Vincenzo , Karimi Nader
Published: September 2020

We propose a new numerical method for pricing options in the Black–Scholes model with jumps. Specifically, we consider the partial integro‐differential problem that yields the option price, and we solve it by means of a finite difference scheme that combines a fixed‐point iteration technique and a repeated space‐time Richardson extrapolation procedure. Such an approach turns out to be not only extremely accurate and fast but also very simple to implement, since the use of fast convolution techniques for handling the jump integral is not required. Numerical experiments are presented in which vanilla, barrier, and American options are considered.
Effect of Gluten Ingestion and FODMAP Restriction on Intestinal Epithelial Integrity in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Self‐Reported Non‐Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity
Authors: Ajamian Mary , Rosella Gennaro , Newnham Evan D. , Biesiekierski Jessica R. , Muir Jane G. , Gibson Peter R.
Published: September 2020

Scope

Since epithelial barrier dysfunction has been associated with gluten and fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyols (FODMAPs), the effect of alterations in FODMAP a gluten intake on epithelial barrier function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who self‐reported gluten sensitivity.

Methods and results

Circulating concentrations of markers of epithelial injury (syndecan‐1 and intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein) and bacterial translocation (lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein and soluble CD14) are measured while consuming habitual gluten‐free diet and during blinded challenges with gluten or placebo on a background of low FODMAP intake. In 33 patients, only syndecan‐1 concentrations during their habitual diet are elevated (median 43 ng mL−1) compared with 23 ng mL−1in 49 healthy subjects (p< 0.001). On a low FODMAP diet, symptoms are reduced and levels of syndecan‐1 (but not other markers) fell by a median 3335% (p< 0.001) irrespective of whether gluten is present or not.

Conclusion

Gluten ingestion has no specific effect on epithelial integrity or symptoms in this cohort, but reducing FODMAP intake concomitantly reduces symptoms and reverses apparent colonic epithelial injury. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of populations self‐reporting gluten sensitivity and implicate FODMAPs in colonic injury in IBS.
Multi‐domain convolutional neural network (MD‐CNN) for radial reconstruction of dynamic cardiac MRI
Authors: El‐Rewaidy Hossam , Fahmy Ahmed S. , Pashakhanloo Farhad , Cai Xiaoying , Kucukseymen Selcuk , Csecs Ibolya , Neisius Ulf , Haji‐Valizadeh Hassan , Menze Bjoern , Nezafat Reza
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Cardiac MR cine imaging allows accurate and reproducible assessment of cardiac function. However, its long scan time not only limits the spatial and temporal resolutions but is challenging in patients with breath‐holding difficulty or non‐sinus rhythms. To reduce scan time, we propose a multi‐domain convolutional neural network (MD‐CNN) for fast reconstruction of highly undersampled radial cine images.

Methods

MD‐CNN is a complex‐valued network that processes MR data in k‐space and image domains via k‐space interpolation and image‐domain subnetworks for residual artifact suppression. MD‐CNN exploits spatio‐temporal correlations across timeframes and multi‐coil redundancies to enable high acceleration. Radial cine data were prospectively collected in 108 subjects (50 ± 17 y, 72 males) using retrospective‐gated acquisition with 80%:20% split for training/testing. Images were reconstructed by MD‐CNN and k‐t Radial Sparse‐Sense(kt‐RASPS) using an undersampled dataset (14 of 196 acquired views; relative acceleration rate = 14). MD‐CNN images were evaluated quantitatively using mean‐squared‐error (MSE) and structural similarity index (SSIM) relative to reference images, and qualitatively by three independent readers for left ventricular (LV) border sharpness and temporal fidelity using 5‐point Likert‐scale (1‐non‐diagnostic, 2‐poor, 3‐fair, 4‐good, and 5‐excellent).

Results

MD‐CNN showed improved MSE and SSIM compared to kt‐RASPS (0.11 ± 0.10 vs. 0.61 ± 0.51, and 0.87 ± 0.07 vs. 0.72 ± 0.07, respectively;P< .01). Qualitatively, MD‐CCN significantly outperformed kt‐RASPS in LV border sharpness (3.87 ± 0.66 vs. 2.71 ± 0.58 at end‐diastole, and 3.57 ± 0.6 vs. 2.56 ± 0.6 at end‐systole, respectively;P< .01) and temporal fidelity (3.27 ± 0.65 vs. 2.59 ± 0.59;P< .01).

Conclusion

MD‐CNN reduces the scan time of cine imaging by a factor of 23.3 and provides superior image quality compared to kt‐RASPS.
Pad weight gain in asymptomatic continent women is far less than the current ICS definition
Authors: Duffy Megan , Axell Richard , Nicholls Claire , Gora Audrey , Solomon Eskinder , Kightley Robert , Hamid Rizwan , Ockrim Jeremy L. , Pakzad Mahreen , Greenwell Tamsin J.
Published: September 2020

Aims

To investigate typical pad weight gain (PWG) in asymptomatic women who have never reported any episodes of urinary incontinence.

Methods

An observational study was performed by measuring the increase in weight of small sanitary pads worn by 35 healthy, female volunteers of a median age 36 (range, 23–56) years. Each pad was worn for a minimum of 5 h which is the typical maximum duration of an ambulatory urodynamics study.

Results

The median duration of pad wear was 6 h (interquartile range [IQR], 5–8). The median PWG was 0.111 g (IQR, 0.047–0.255). The maximum recorded PWG was 0.621 g and the minimum was 0.012 g. PWG was not significantly affected by age, parity, years since last delivery, body mass index, or menopausal status.

Conclusions

PWG over a median duration of 6 h (IQR, 5–8) is typically <0.7 g in women who are asymptomatic of urinary incontinence. Therefore, PWGs in excess of 0.7 g over a 5‐h ambulatory urodynamics study in symptomatic women are likely to be diagnostic of urinary incontinence.
The role of perioperative medications in urinary retention following midurethral sling
Authors: Katz Eric G. , Stensland Kristian D. , Alazem Kareem , MacLachlan Lara S.
Published: September 2020

Aims

Postoperative urinary retention (PUR) is a known complication of midurethral sling (MUS) placement. The use of certain perioperative medications may influence the risk of this complication. This study aimed to investigate the association of perioperative medications with urinary retention after MUS.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of women undergoing MUS placement for stress urinary incontinence by a fellowship‐trained urologic surgeon between 2015 and 2018, under approval by the Institutional Review Board. Both retropubic and transobturator approaches were included. All patients underwent an active void trial following surgery. Intraoperative medications given by the anesthesia team were retrospectively noted. The Fisher's exact test was used to compare the association of PUR with categorical variables.

Results

A total of 82 patients were included, 17 (21%) of whom failed postoperative void trial due to urinary retention. Of 25 patients receiving perioperative scopolamine, 40% failed the postoperative void trial, compared to 12% of patients not receiving scopolamine (p = .048). Groups were then stratified based on scopolamine use due to the observed independent association with PUR. Subgroup analysis revealed a stronger association of postoperative retention with scopolamine in patients undergoing concomitant prolapse surgery. Notably, retention rate and scopolamine use were similar whether patients underwent sling placement alone or in combination with prolapse surgery. Rate of retention was also higher for retropubic versus transobturator slings (36% vs. 9%; p = .005).

Conclusions

Perioperative scopolamine may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative urinary retention following MUS, especially in the setting of a concomitant prolapse surgery.
The thermal‐mechanical degradation of mineral‐filled polypropylene‐ethylene copolymer composites during extrusion process
Authors: Saw Lip Teng , Zainuddin Firuz , Cao Xuan Viet , Lan Du Ngoc Uy
Published: September 2020

This work proposes a new understanding of the side effect of mineral fillers in polymer compounding that caused different levels of thermo‐mechanical degradation (TMD) during extrusion. Three mineral fillers, silica (random shape), kaolin (platy), and wollastonite (needle‐like), were selected and compounded with the polypropylene‐ethylene copolymer (PPcoE) using a twin‐screw extruder. Their influences on the TMD of PPcoE were examined by checking the substances in the extrudates using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The built‐up shear stress causing by mineral filler in PPcoE composite (Δτcom) as the root of TMD was measured and estimated using capillary rheometer. In this study, TMD is classified as two levels: chain scission and oxidization. These fillers were found to accelerate the TMD mechanism and generate the oxidised products during extrusion. The silica filler caused the highest Δτcom, the lowest tensile strength, and elongation at break of PPcoE composites. The kaolin filler gave the most potent accelerating effect on oxidization, resulted in the formation of tertiary alcohol, and the highest ester contents in PPcoE composites; although, its composite had the lowest Δτcom among the fillers. Lastly, wollastonite filler provided higher Δτcom than kaolin composite, the second‐highest formation of alkene products, yet better retention in elongation at break compared to the silica‐filled PPcoE composite. In general, the side effect of mineral filler on TMD was a larger particle size always comes with higher chain scission, simpler particle morphology gives a smoother built‐up shear stress and minimizes TMD, and filler having hydroxyl groups catalyzes the oxidization TMD.