bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Detection of Mycological Content in Ready to Eat Garri in Bayelsa State
Authors: Tolulope Alade , Ewaoche Itodo Sunday , Olorode Oluwayemisi Agnes , Deborah Levi
Published: May 2020

Background and Objective: Garri is a powdery carbohydrate-based food material of cassava root tubers (Manihot esculenta Crantz) consumed predominantly in West African countries. It can be processed with palm oil rich in carotenoid (Light-yellow) or without palm oil (Creamy-white). In Nigeria, garri is widely acceptable and consumed by both the poor, the middle men or average Nigerian, and also the rich because it serves as a major source of carbohydrate.

The study aimed at detecting fungal strains that produce mycotoxins in garri sourced from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Materials and Methods: A total number of fifty freshly prepared and market displayed-garri samples were collected and processed using standard mycological techniques and Polymerase Chain Reaction from the 23 villages that constitute the LGA.

Results: Results showed that the moulds isolated in yellow garri samples in this study were; Aspergillus spp 9(37.50%),Cladosporium spp 5(20.83%), Fusarium spp 4(16.67%), Penicillus spp 3(12.50%), Rhizopus spp 2(8.30%) and Mucor spp 1(4.17%), while those isolated in the white garri samples were; Aspergillus spp 6(25%), Penicillium spp 8(33.3%), Cladosporium spp 4(16.7%), Rhizopus spp 2(8.3%), Mucor spp 1(4.1%), Alternaria spp 2(8.3%) and Fusarium spp 1(4.1%) with predominance of Penicillium and Asperigellus species. Twenty samples subjected to molecular analysis to determine the Internal Transcribed Spacer region (ITS) and characterization of the fungal strains were all positive (100%).

Conclusion: Fungal contamination on garri mostly results from unhealthy post-processing activity basically from poor packaging and storage. Mycotoxins from fungal strains have serious health implications on humans therefore it is paramount that proper packaging and storage of this product is publicized to reduce its mycological contamination.
Yield of Corn Hybrids in Western Bahia and Southwest Goiania in the Agricultural Year 2017/2018
Authors: Ferreira Luiz Leonardo , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Prado Roselaine Lages Fonseca , Carballau Manuel Rodriguez , Pereira Alexandre Igor de Azevedo , Fernandes Marilaine de Sá , Curvêlo Carmen Rosa da Silva , Carnevale Ariana Bertola , Santos Núbia Sousa Carrijo dos
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield of corn hybrids in west Bahia and south-west Goias in the agricultural year of 2017/2018. The study was carried out in the municipalities of Luís Eduardo Magalhães in west Bahia - BA and Mineiros in south-west Goias – GO, Brasil. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design, the treatments being corn hybrids, 12 in west of Bahia and 23 in south-west of Goias. Each experimental unit was composed of 6 lines of 8 m in length spaced every 0.5 m and population of 70.000 ha-1 plants in 4 replications. The applications of pesticides were carried out in the morning, and the control of weeds, insects and diseases were carried out whenever necessary respecting the good practices of integrated pest management. After the harvest the yield was determined, correcting the grain moisture to 14%. Statistical analyzes were carried out at the Rbio and R interface. The analysis of variance analysis revealed that corn hybrids in the regions of west Bahia and south-west Goias were significant. The cultivation of the DKB390, MG711, DKB290 and 30F53 corn hybrids is recommended for west Bahia and the P3707 hybrid that has obtained yields above 170 sc ha-1 in south-west Goias. For both regions it was evidenced that the UPGMA grouping method using the generalized distance of Mahalanobis was efficient.
A real‐time cell‐binding assay reveals dynamic features of STxB–Gb3 cointernalization and STxB‐mediated cargo delivery into cancer cells
Authors: Encarnação João Crispim , Napolitano Valeria , Opassi Giulia , Danielson U. Helena , Dubin Grzegorz , Popowicz Grzegorz M. , Munier‐Lehmann Hélène , Buijs Jos , Andersson Karl , Björkelund Hanna
Published: May 2020

The interaction between the Shiga toxin B‐subunit (STxB) and its globotriaosylceramide receptor (Gb3) has a high potential for being exploited for targeted cancer therapy. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the capacity of STxB to carry small molecules and proteins as cargo into cells. For this purpose, an assay was designed to provide real‐time information about the StxB–Gb3 interaction as well as the dynamics and mechanism of the internalization process. The assay revealed the ability to distinguish the process of binding to the cell surface from internalization and presented the importance of receptor and STxB clustering for internalization. The overall setup demonstrated that the binding mechanism is complex, and the concept of affinity is difficult to apply. Hence, time‐resolved methods, providing detailed information about the interaction of STxB with cells, are critical for the optimization of intracellular delivery.
Autologous apoptotic neutrophils inhibit inflammatory cytokine secretion by human dendritic cells, but enhance Th1 responses
Authors: Majai Gyöngyike Emese , Gogolák Péter , Tóth Márta , Hodrea Judit , Horváth Dorottya , Fésüs László , Rajnavölgyi Éva , Bácsi Attila
Published: May 2020

Neutrophils represent the most abundant cell type in peripheral blood and exhibit a remarkably brief (6–8 h) half‐life in circulation. The fundamental role of these professional phagocytes has been established in acute inflammation, based on their potential to both initiate and receive inflammatory signals. Furthermore, neutrophils also take part in maintaining chronic inflammatory processes, such as in various autoimmune diseases. Here, we demonstrate that human autologous apoptotic neutrophils are readily engulfed by immature monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (moDCs) with similar efficiency as allogeneic apoptotic neutrophils [Majai G et al. (2010) J Leukoc Biol 88, 981–991]. Interestingly, in contrast to the allogeneic system, exposure of moDCs to autologous apoptotic neutrophils inhibits LPS + IFN‐γ‐induced production of inflammatory cytokines in a phagocytosis‐independent manner. Autologous apoptotic neutrophil‐primed DCs are able to modulate T‐cell responses by inducing the generation of IFN‐γ‐secreting cells while hampering that of IL‐17A‐producing cells. Our observations indicate that capture of autologous apoptotic neutrophils by immature DCs may impede further neutrophil‐mediated phagocytosis and tissue damage, and allow increased clearance of dying cells by macrophages.
Definition of internal target volumes based on planar X‐ray fluoroscopic images for lung and hepatic stereotactic body radiation therapy. Comparison to inhale/exhale CT technique
Authors: Sevillano David , Núñez Luis Miguel , Chevalier Margarita , García‐Vicente Feliciano
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To compare tumor motion amplitudes measured with 2D fluoroscopic images (FI) and with an inhale/exhale CT (IECT) technique

Materials and methods

Tumor motion of 52 patients (39 lung patients and 13 liver patients) was obtained with both FI and IECT. For FI, tumor detection and tracking was performed by means of a software developed by the authors. Motion amplitude and, thus, internal target volume (ITV), were defined to cover the positions where the tumor spends 95% of the time. The algorithm was validated against two different respiratory motion phantoms. Motion amplitude in IECT was defined as the difference in the position of the centroid of the gross tumor volume in the image sets of both treatments.

Results

Important differences exist when defining ITVs with FI and IECT. Overall, differences larger than 5 mm were obtained for 49%, 31%, and 9.6% of the patients in Superior‐Inferior (SI), Anterior‐Posterior (AP), and Lateral (LAT) directions, respectively. For tumor location, larger differences were found for tumors in the liver (73.6% SI, 27.3% AP, and 6.7% in LAT had differences larger than 5 mm), while tumors in the upper lobe benefitted less using FI (differences larger than 5 mm were only present in 27.6% (SI), 36.7% (AP), and 0% (LAT) of the patients).

Conclusions

Use of FI with the linac built‐in CBCT system is feasible for ITV definition. Large differences between motion amplitudes detected with FI and IECT methods were found. The method presented in this work based on FI could represent an improvement in ITV definition compared to the method based on IECT due to FI permits tumor motion acquisition in a more realistic situation than IECT.
Clinical and genetic characteristics of type I sialidosis patients in mainland China
Authors: Lv Rui‐Juan , Li Tao‐Ran , Zhang Yu‐Di , Shao Xiao‐Qiu , Wang Qun , Jin Li‐Ri
Published: May 2020

Objective

Type I sialidosis (ST‐1) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder. To date, there has been no study on ST‐1 patients in mainland China.

Methods

We reported in detail the cases of five Chinese ST‐1 patients from two centers, and summarized all worldwide cases. Then, we compared the differences between Chinese and foreign patients.

Results

A total of 77 genetically confirmed ST‐1 patients were identified: 12 from mainland China, 23 from Taiwan, 10 from other Asian regions, and 32 from European and American regions. The mean age of onset was 16.0 ± 6.7 years; the most common symptoms were myoclonus seizures (96.0%), followed by ataxia (94.3%), and blurred vision (67.2%). Compared to other groups, the onset age of patients from mainland China was much younger (10.8 ± 2.7 years). The incidence of visual impairment was lower in patients from other Asian regions than in patients from mainland China and Taiwan (28.6% vs. 81.8%–100%). Cherry‐red spots were less frequent in the Taiwanese patients than in patients from other regions (27.3% vs. 55.2%–90.0%). Furthermore, 48 different mutation types were identified. Chinese mainland and Taiwanese patients were more likely to carry the c.544A > G mutation (75% and 100%, respectively) than the patients from other regions (only 0%–10.0%). Approximately 50% of Chinese mainland patients carried the c.239C > T mutation, a much higher proportion than that found in the other populations. In addition, although the brain MRI of most patients was normal, 18F‐FDG‐PET analysis could reveal cerebellar and occipital lobe hypometabolism.

Interpretation

ST‐1 patients in different regions are likely to have different mutation types; environmental factors may influence clinical manifestations. Larger studies enrolling more patients are required.
USPSTF stops short of recommending pediatric drug prevention
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2020

In its most recent recommendation, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) last week said there is not enough evidence to recommend either for or against clinicians providing counseling to prevent drug use in young people. In the final recommendation statement, “Primary Care–Based Interventions to Prevent Illicit Drug Use in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement,” published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the task force concluded that “the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of primary care–based behavioral counseling interventions to prevent illicit drug use, including nonmedical use of prescription drugs, in children, adolescents, and young adults.”
More from Louis Baxter on doctors taking MAT
Authors: Baxter Louis E.
Published: May 2020

The question of whether or not doctors and other health care professionals on medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) are safe to practice medicine has been debated for the last few years since the advent of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved MAT for opioid use disorder (OUD). The newly approved medications have been primarily buprenorphine formulations for OUD, naltrexone formulations for OUD and alcohol use disorder (AUD), and, most recently, an alpha 2‐adrenergic medication that specifically targets amelioration of opioid‐withdrawal symptoms from OUD (lofexidine). Quite frankly, the question of safety about medications to treat substance use disorder (SUD) has been asked since the development of methadone for OUD treatment more than 30 years ago.
Reductive Alkylation of Amines with Carboxylic Ortho Esters
Authors: Kadyrov Renat , Moebus Konrad
Published: May 2020

We have demonstrated for the first time that carboxylic ortho esters could be used as an alkylating agent in the reductive alkylation of amines. A variety of amines, including amino acid esters, were alkylated affording mono‐alkylated products with high selectivity in practical to high yields using standard heterogeneous catalysts. By applying acyclic ortho esters alkylation was completed at room temperature.

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Survival analysis of the Black Death: Social inequality of women and the perils of life and death in Medieval London
Authors: Godde Kanya , Pasillas Valerie , Sanchez America
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Described as an indiscriminate killer by many chroniclers, the Black Death descended on London during the 14th century. To best understand the pattern of transmission among demographic groups, models should include multiple demographic and health covariates concurrently, something rarely done when examining Black Death, but implemented in this study to identify which demographic groups had a higher susceptibility. Female predisposition to the Black Death was also explored, focusing on whether social inequality added to vulnerability.

Materials and methods

Three attritional cemeteries from the Wellcome Osteological Research Database were compared with the Black Death cemetery, East Smithfield. A Cox proportional hazards regression estimated hazards ratios of dying of the Black Death, using transition analysis ages‐at‐death as the time variable, and sex and frailty as covariates. Additionally, a binomial logistic regression generated odds ratios for age‐at‐death, sex, and frailty.

Results

The Cox model produced a significant hazards ratio for individuals deemed frail. Similarly, the logit model calculated significantly increased odds ratios for frail individuals, and decreased odds for individuals aged 65+.

Discussion

The older individuals were not undergoing growth during times of great stress in London pre‐dating the Black Death epidemic, which may explain the decreased odds of contracting the Black Death. Further, although women dealt with social inequality, which partially led to the demographic puzzle of the Medieval “missing” women, women's susceptibility to infection by the Black Death was not increased. The phenomenon of the missing women may be due to a combination of factors, including infant and child mortality and preservation.
The use of balloon dilation in revision sinus surgery
Authors: Jang David W. , Cyr Derek D. , Schulz Kristine , Scher Richard , Ryan Phil , Abi Hachem Ralph , Witsell David L.
Published: May 2020

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated a dramatic increase in the use of balloon sinus dilation (BSD) in the United States. However, the use of BSD specifically in revision sinus surgery has not been investigated. This study addresses the question of how BSD is utilized as a tool in revision sinus surgery.

Methods

Data from MarketScan (Truven Health) over a 5‐year period (2012‐2016) were analyzed. Patients who underwent a sinus procedure with a minimum of 2 years of follow‐up were included.

Results

A total of 62,304 patients met inclusion criteria; 6847 (10.99%) underwent revision. Age >55 years, the South geographical region, and medical comorbidities increased the odds of revision on multivariate analysis. For patients undergoing revision, BSD was used 11%, 21%, and 13% of the time for revisions of the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses, respectively. For a sinus that underwent revision after an initial BSD, a repeat BSD was done close to 40% of the time.

Conclusion

BSD is used frequently in the revision setting, especially for the frontal sinus and for patients who had already undergone an initial BSD. Our findings highlight the prevalent role of BSD in revision surgery and the need to evaluate such practices.
Aktivierung einer Metall‐Halogen‐Bindung durch Halogenbrücken
Authors: Wolf Julian , Huber Florian , Erochok Nikita , Heinen Flemming , Guérin Vincent , Legault Claude Y. , Kirsch Stefan F. , Huber Stefan M.
Published: May 2020

In den letzten Jahren haben Halogenbrücken (XB) als nichtkovalente Wechselwirkung vermehrt Anwendung in der Organokatalyse gefunden. Jedoch beschränkten sich Berichte über die Aktivierung von Metall‐Ligand‐Bindungen durch XB bisher auf Reaktionen mit elementarem Iod oder Brom. Hier präsentieren wir die Aktivierung von Metall‐Halogen‐Bindungen durch zwei Klassen inerter Halogenbrückendonoren und die Anwendung der resultierenden aktivierten Komplexe in der homogenen Goldkatalyse. Iodolium‐Derivate erwiesen sich als effektive Aktivatoren in zwei Testreaktionen und ihre Aktivität konnte über das Blockieren der Lewis‐sauren Positionen moduliert werden. Bis(benzimidazolium)‐basierte Halogenbrückenaktivatoren lieferten noch schnelleren Umsatz, während die nicht‐iodierte Referenzverbindung nur geringe Aktivität zeigte. Die Rolle von Halogenbrücken in der Aktivierung von Metall‐Halogen‐Bindungen wurde darüber hinaus durch NMR‐Experimente und DFT‐Rechnungen untersucht, die Halogenbrücken als Hauptmodus der Aktivierung bestätigten.
Synthesis and characterization of Pd(II)–vitamin B6 complex supported on magnetic nanoparticle as an efficient and recyclable catalyst system for C–N cross coupling of amides in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Bagheri Sepideh , Pazoki Farzane , Esfandiary Naghmeh , Fadaei Mohammad Mahdi , Heydari Akbar
Published: May 2020

Vitamin B6–Pd(II) immobilized onto magnetic nanoparticles have been successfully prepared and applied for C–Xcross‐coupling reactions with aryl halides in green deep eutectic solvents. The results prove that the Fe3O4@vitamin B6–Pd(II) magnetic nanoparticles show high catalyst activity and good stability. It was also revealed that this complex can be recycled up to five times without any significant loss in catalytic activity.
Epidermal growth factor‐immobilized surfaces for the selective expansion of neural progenitor cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Yamauchi Yuka , Hirata Isao , Tanimoto Kotaro , Kato Koichi
Published: May 2020

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are considered to be a promising source for stem cell‐based regenerative therapy for central nervous disorders. However, the widespread clinical application of NPCs requires another technology that permits the efficient production of pure NPCs in large quantities. In this study, culture substrates were designed by immobilizing epidermal growth factor (EGF) onto the substrate and evaluated for their feasibility of expanding NPCs obtained through the neurosphere culture of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. After three passages we obtained neurospheres that contained cells abundantly expressing an EGF receptor. The neurospheres were dissociated into single cells and seeded onto the EGF‐immobilized substrates. It was observed that neurosphere‐forming cells seeded and cultured on the EGF‐immobilized surface formed a two‐dimensional cellular network characteristic of NPCs. These cells were found to be capable of being subcultured, while remaining their proliferation potential. Furthermore, a majority of cells (~99% of total cells) on the substrate was shown to express an NPC marker, nestin, whereas a limited number of cells (~1% of total cells) expressed neuronal marker, β‐tubulin III. These results as a whole demonstrate that the EGF‐immobilized substrate allows for iPS cell‐derived NPCs to efficiently proliferate while maintaining the undifferentiated state.
The effect of interbrain synchronization in gesture observation: A fNIRS study
Authors: Fronda Giulia , Balconi Michela
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Gestures characterize individuals' nonverbal communicative exchanges, taking on different functions. Several types of research in the neuroscientific field have been interested in the investigation of the neural correlates underlying the observation and implementation of different gestures categories. In particular, different studies have focused on the neural correlates underlying gestures observation, emphasizing the presence of mirroring mechanisms in specific brain areas, which appear to be involved in gesture observation and planning mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Specifically, the present study aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms, through the use of functional Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), underlying the observation of affective, social, and informative gestures with positive and negative valence in individuals' dyads composed by encoder and decoder. The variations of oxygenated (O2Hb) and deoxygenated (HHb) hemoglobin concentrations of both individuals were collected simultaneously through the use of hyperscanning paradigm, allowing the recording of brain responsiveness and interbrain connectivity.

Results

The results showed a different brain activation and an increase of interbrain connectivity according to the type of gestures observed, with a significant increase of O2Hb brain responsiveness and interbrain connectivity and a decrease of HHb brain responsiveness for affective gestures in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and for social gestures in the superior frontal gyrus (SFG). Furthermore, concerning the valence of the observed gestures, an increase of O2Hb brain activity and interbrain connectivity was observed in the left DLPFC for positive affective gestures compared to negative ones.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the present study showed different brain responses underlying the observation of different types of positive and negative gestures. Moreover, interbrain connectivity calculation allowed us to underline the presence of mirroring mechanisms involved in gesture‐specific frontal regions during gestures observation and action planning.
Adherence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients to tumor board recommendations
Authors: Rangabashyam Mahalakshmi S. , Lee Shi Yan , Tan Sher Yin , Mueller Stefan , Sultana Rehena , Ho Johnatton , Skanthakumar Thakshayeni , Tan Ngian Chye , Tan Hiang Khoon , Soo Khee Chee , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna
Published: May 2020

Background

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings or tumor boards (TBs) are fundamental components of cancer treatment. Although their primary function is improved outcomes, this aspect is often underreported. The main objective of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) discussed at TBs, and to compare the effect of adherence and nonadherence to recommended treatment plans on outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis was conducted of HNSCC patients those who were adherent and nonadherent to TB therapy recommendations during 2008‐2009 at a comprehensive cancer center. Fisher's exact test and t test were used for group‐wise comparison, and Kaplan‐Meier and logistic regression models, for survival analysis and determination of the contributing factors to nonadherence.

Results

Comprehensive Treatment plans were recommended by TBs in 293 HNSCC patients with curative intent. Seventy‐two patients were excluded based on the selection criteria. Among the remaining 221 patients, 172 (77.9%) were adherent to TB recommendations, while 49 (22.1%) failed to comply. Patient (n = 36; 73.5%), clinician (n = 2; 4.1%), and disease‐related (n = 11; 22.4%) factors were significant contributors to nonadherence. Mean (±standard deviation (SD)) survival time was 55.6 ± 2.32 and 29.1 ± 4 months in the adherent and nonadherent groups, (P < .0001, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed that gender, ethnicity, higher T‐stage, and multimodal treatment were associated with nonadherence.

Conclusion

Adherence to TB recommendations improved overall survival, reflecting the importance of interdisciplinary expertise in contemporary cancer treatment. Early identification and intervention is crucial in “at risk” patients to prevent subsequent drop‐out from optimal cancer care.
Efficacy of NEPA, a fixed antiemetic combination of netupitant and palonosetron, vs a 3‐day aprepitant regimen for prevention of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in Chinese patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) in a randomized Phase 3 study
Authors: Chang Jianhua , Chen Gongyan , Wang Dong , Wang Guihua , Lu Shun , Feng Jifeng , Li Wei , Li Ping , Lanzarotti Corinna , Chessari Salvatore , Zhang Li
Published: May 2020

NEPA is the only fixed combination antiemetic, comprised of an NK1RA (netupitant) and a 5‐HT3RA (palonosetron). In the first head‐to‐head trial to compare NK1RA‐containing regimens, a single oral dose of NEPA was non‐inferior to a 3‐day aprepitant/granisetron (APR/GRAN) regimen for the primary endpoint of overall (0‐120 hours) complete response (no emesis/no rescue). This pre‐specified analysis evaluates the efficacy of NEPA versus APR/GRAN in the subset of Chinese patients in the study. In addition, efficacy in patients at greatest emetic risk receiving high‐dose cisplatin (≥70 mg/m2) was explored. Chemotherapy‐naïve patients with solid tumors in this randomized, double‐blind study received either a single dose of NEPA prior to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy or a 3‐day regimen of APR/GRAN, both with dexamethasone on Days 1‐4. Efficacy was evaluated through complete response, no emesis, and no significant nausea rates during the acute (0‐24 hours), delayed (25‐120 hours) and overall phases as well as individual days post‐chemotherapy, as the daily course of CINV protection is often unstudied. The Chinese subset included 667 patients; of these, 363 (54%) received high‐dose cisplatin. Baseline characteristics were comparable. While response rates were similar for NEPA and APR/GRAN during the acute, delayed and overall phases, significantly fewer NEPA patients experienced breakthrough CINV on individual Days 3‐5 in both the Chinese patients and also in those receiving high‐dose cisplatin. As a fixed oral NK1RA/5HT3RA combination given once/cycle, NEPA is a convenient highly effective prophylactic antiemetic that may offer better protection from CINV than a 3‐day APR/GRAN regimen on Days 3‐5 following highly emetogenic chemotherapy.
SARS‐COV‐2 infection presenting as ST‐elevationmyocardial infarction
Authors: Castagna Francesco , Cerrud‐Rodriguez Roberto , Villela Miguel Alvarez , Bortnick Anna E.
Published: May 2020

We describe a patient presenting with chest discomfort, anterolateral ST elevation, and developing acute cardiogenic shock secondary to SARS‐COV‐2infection—patient zero presenting to our institution's cardiac catheterization laboratory. The emergent presentation with limited clinical information led to exposure of personnel. The diagnosis was complicated by two negative tests for SARS‐COV‐2, and high‐clinical suspicion from the patient's occupational history led to additional testing in order to confirm the diagnosis.
Massive coronary thrombosis caused primary percutaneous coronary intervention to fail in a COVID‐19 patient with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Seif Sherif , Ayuna Ahmed , Kumar Abhishek , Macdonald John
Published: May 2020

COVID‐19 is a new viral infection that has a significant impact on global health and economy. Because of its rapid spread worldwide, it may influence the prognosis of other medical conditions, such as ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We report a case of a 58‐year female patient admitted with an infero‐posterior STEMI on the background of recently positive COVID‐19 swab. Reperfusion was attempted through primary PCI but unfortunately failed to restore coronary blood flow due to massive thrombotic burden despite several attempts of balloon dilatation and aspiration thrombectomy. She sadly died later on because of hemodynamic deterioration. This scenario raises concerns about Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETS) which might potentially have propagated inflammation and thrombosis via platelets' aggregation leading to enhanced coagulopathy and massive coronary thrombosis. Therefore, we suggest primary PCI as the first‐choice of revascularization in patients with combined COVID‐19 and STEMI. Additionally, we emphasize on the importance of using the potent new generation P2Y12 inhibitors along with GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors in every STEMI patient with COVID‐19 to achieve favorable conditions for primary PCI as well as favorable outcomes after stent implantation.
Complete remission in refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia using blinatumomab after failure of response to CD‐19 chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy
Authors: Tambaro Francesco Paolo , Khazal Sajad , Nunez Cesar , Ragoonanan Dristhi , Tewari Priti , Petropoulos Demetrios , Kebriaei Partow , Wierda William George , Mahadeo Kris Michael
Published: May 2020

The T‐cell engager monoclonal antibody, blinatumomab, is a potential therapeutic strategy for refractory B acute lymphoblastic leukemia after failure of CD 19 chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy.
Ulnar stress fracture in a softball player
Authors: Myrick Karen M. , Myrick Scott A. , Ezomo Olohiere
Published: May 2020

Clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion in overhead athlete with persistent pain. MRI and bone scans are more sensitive than X‐rays in detecting ulnar stress fractures. Increased awareness will improve diagnosis and patient outcomes.
Digital modeling of function and performance of transport amphorae
Authors: Hein Anno , Kilikoglou Vassilis
Published: May 2020

In antiquity, amphorae served as standard transport containers for diverse goods. For packaging of large numbers of amphorae, the basically ovoid‐shaped amphora bodies were stacked in several layers placing their pointed bases into the spaces between the shoulders of the amphorae in the respective lower layer. Thus, particularly during transport in cargo ships they had to withstand considerable mechanical loads at their contact points. This required high mechanical performance concerning the actual ceramic materials as well as the vessel design. In the present paper, the performance of different types of amphorae will be assessed. On the basis of mechanical tests of specimens of East Aegean transport amphorae of the Hellenistic and Roman Period, the material properties of the ceramics have been estimated. These properties are used in three‐dimensional models, simulating the performance of different amphora types under typical loads by using the finite element method (FEM). In this way, specific design features of different vessel types can be assessed for their performance particularly during transport. On the other hand, the simulations provide information toward the interpretation of typical damages observed in archaeological finds and allow for a realistic assessment of amphora function and the risk of its failure.
Theoretical Mechanistic Studies of Rh‐Catalyzed C(sp3)—H Amination: A Comparison with Co Analogue and Metal Effects
Authors: Yu Yang , Luo Gen , Yang Jimin , Luo Yi
Published: May 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

The mechanism of Rh‐catalyzed C(sp3)—H amination has been computationally investigated. The reaction mechanism mainly involves sequential C(sp3)—H activation, decarboxylation, nitrene migration insertion, and protonation steps. Competitive concerted metalation deprotonation (CMD) and external base assisted deprotonation (EBAD) pathways are found for the involved C(sp3)—H activation in both Rh and Co analogous systems. This is different from the previously reported C(sp2)—H activation, where the CMD is dominant. The key mechanistic difference between the two systems is found to be in the C(sp3)—H activation step. In comparison with Rh species, the lower activity of Co complex toward the C(sp3)—H activation could be ascribed to smaller atomic size of Co and thus larger steric repulsion between ancillary ligand and substrate along with the CMD pathway. In view of the EBAD pathway, however, the lower activity of Co species could be imputed to the triplet nature of Co center, which is against the electron transfer from the electron‐rich carbon atom of the deprotonating C(sp3)—H bond to the Co center. As to the subsequent decarboxylation and nitrene insertion steps, compared with the Co system, the relatively lower reactivity of Rh species is partially due to the stronger Rh—N bond, and the higher π(Rh—N) and π*(Rh—N) orbital energies of the corresponding transition state structure.
Straightforward Sulfonamidation viaMetabisulfite‐Mediated Cross Coupling of Nitroarenes and Boronic Acids under Transition‐Metal‐Free Conditions†
Authors: Li Yaping , Wang Ming , Jiang Xuefeng
Published: May 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A straightforward multicomponent sulfonamidation of nitroarenes, sodium metabisulfite and boronic acids was established under transition‐metal‐free conditions to access diverse sulfonamides from readily available and low‐cost materials modularly. Inorganic salt sodium metabisulfite not only served as a sulfur dioxide source, but also played a key role for both activator and reductant during sulfonamidation. Notably, naturally occurring biomolecules and pharmaceuticals with multiple heteroatoms and sensitive functional groups were intensively investigated in this transformtion providing versatile sulfonamides collectively. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that nitrosoarene is the key intermediate, and the activation of boronic acid is the rate‐determining step in the transformation.
Multi‐group multi‐time point confirmatory factor analysis of the triadic structure of temperament: A nonhuman primate model
Authors: Wood Elizabeth K. , Higley James D. , Champoux Maribeth , Marsiske Michael , Olsen Joseph A. , Suomi Stephen J. , Kay Daniel B.
Published: May 2020

Attempts to describe the latent structure of human infant temperament have led some to suggest the existence of three major dimensions. An earlier exploratory factor analysis (EFA) supported a triadic structure of temperament in week‐old rhesus monkey infants, paralleling the structure in human infants. This study sought to confirm the latent triadic structure of temperament across the first month of life in a larger sample of rhesus monkey infants (N = 668), reared by their mothers or in a neonatal nursery. A weekly behavioral assessment was obtained during the first month of life using a subset of items from the widely utilized Infant Behavioral Assessment Scale (IBAS), an instrument designed to measure temperament in infant monkeys. Using the latent constructs proposed by the earlier EFA (Orienting/Regulation, Negative Affectivity, Surgency/Extraversion), multi‐group, multi‐time point confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to confirm the latent temperament structure across rearing groups at each time point (weeks 1–4). Results confirm and extend those of the earlier EFA: latent Orienting/Regulation,  Negative Affectivity, and Surgency/Extraversion constructs were present across the rearing groups at each time point, with the IBAS items consistently loading onto the latent factors to a similar degree across rearing groups at each time point. These findings suggest foundational evolutionary roots for the triadic structure of human infant temperament, but that its behavioral manifestations vary across maturation and rearing condition. Similarities in latent temperament structure in humans and a representative nonhuman primate highlights the potential for utilizing translational nonhuman primate models to increase understanding of human temperament.
Impact of flash glucose monitoring on glucose control and hospitalization in type 1 diabetes: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Tsur Anat , Cahn Avivit , Israel Meirav , Feldhamer Ilan , Hammerman Ariel , Pollack Rena
Published: May 2020

Background

We evaluated the impact of flash continuous glucose monitoring (FCGM) on glycemic control and healthcare burden in a large real‐world cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) initiating FCGM technology.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included adults (age ≥18 years) with T1D from a large Health Maintenance Organization in Israel, who initiated FCGM during 2018. Primary outcomes included change in HbA1c ≥3 months following FCGM commencement and change in rate of internal‐medicine hospitalization. Additional outcomes included changes in glucose test strip purchases, diabetes related outpatient health care visits and hospitalization for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and/or severe hypoglycemia.

Results

The study included 3490 patients, followed for a median of 14 (inter‐quartile range 11‐15) months after FCGM commencement. Among 2682 patients with an HbA1c measured both at baseline and ≥3 months after FCGM initiation, average HbA1c declined from 8.1% ± 1.46% to 7.9% ± 1.31% (P < .001) at first measurement and was maintained during follow up. Specifically, in those with HbA1c ≥8%, a mean decline of 0.5% (P < .001) was observed. A clinically significant HbA1c reduction of ≥0.5% was experienced by 25.5% of the patients. The rate of internal medicine hospitalization, visits to primary care, or visits to endocrine/diabetes specialists in the period following FCGM commencement vs the 6 months prior was significantly reduced (P < .001). Hospitalization for DKA and/or hypoglycemia declined as well (P = .004).

Conclusions

FCGM was associated with significant and durable improvement in glycemic control as well as reduced consumption of healthcare services.
Hypoglycaemia avoidance behaviour and exercise levels in active youth with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Roberts Alissa J. , Yi‐Frazier Joyce P. , Carlin Kristen , Taplin Craig E.
Published: May 2020

Aims

The primary goal of this exploratory study was to examine the association between fear of hypoglycaemia (FOH), hypoglycaemia avoidance behaviours and exercise in active youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

30 youth with T1D who participate in some physical activity (PA), age 15.0 ± 2.4 years, on insulin pump therapy completed the ‘Type 1 Diabetes Report of Exercise Practices Survey (T1D‐REPS)’ and parent and child hypoglycaemia fear surveys (HFS). Twenty‐eight participants completed the 3‐day PA recall survey. Clinical data and pump downloads were obtained at the time of the survey collection.

Results

Higher child HFS behaviour and total scores were associated with higher PA levels (P = .003, P = .027), and higher parent HFS behaviour score was associated with higher youth PA levels (P = .031), after adjusting for age, sex, duration of diabetes and BMI. Higher child HFS behaviour score was associated with a higher exercise hypoglycaemia avoidance score on T1D‐REPS (r = .38, P = .043). Higher child HFS worry and total scores were associated with higher HbA1c (r = .48, P = .008; r = .46, P = .012).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that, in a generally active cohort of youth with T1D, increased hypoglycaemia avoidance behaviour was associated with higher PA levels. Higher overall FOH scores were associated with PA level, driven by higher behaviour subscale scores, while worry subscales were not correlated with PA level. Those with more FOH intervene more to specifically avoid exercise‐associated hypoglycaemia and appear to have worse overall glycaemic control. Thus, improved education is required to improve glycaemic control around exercise while maintaining avoidance of hypoglycaemia.
Tidal pumping and biogeochemical processes: Dissolution within the tidal capillary fringe of eogenetic coastal carbonates
Authors: Gulley J.D. , Breecker D. , Covington M. , Cooperdock S. , Banner J. , Moore P.J. , Noronha A. , Breithaupt C. , Martin J.B. , Jenson J.
Published: May 2020

Growing evidence suggests microbial respiration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) may be a principal driver of subsurface dissolution and cave formation in eogenetic carbonate rock. Analyses of samples of vadose zone gasses, and geochemical and hydrological data collected from shallow, uncased wells on San Salvador Island, Bahamas, suggest tidally varying water tables may help fuel microbial respiration and dissolution through oxygenation. Respiration of soil organic carbon transported to water tables generates dysaerobic to anaerobic groundwater, limiting aerobic microbial processes. Positive correlations of carbon dioxide (CO2), radon‐222 (222Rn) and water table elevation indicate, however, that tidal pumping of water tables pulls atmospheric air that is rich in oxygen, and low in CO2 and 222Rn, into contact with the tidal capillary fringe during falling tides. Ratios of CO2 and O2 in vadose gas relative to the atmosphere indicate this atmospheric oxygen fuels respiration within newly‐exposed, wetted bedrock. Deficits of expected CO2 relative to O2 concentrations indicate some respired CO2 is likely removed by carbonate mineral dissolution. Tidal pumping also appears capable of transferring oxygen to the freshwater lens, where it could also contribute to respiration and dissolution; dissolved oxygen concentrations at the water table are at least 5% saturated and decline to anaerobic conditions 1–2 m below. Our results demonstrate how tidal pumping of air to vadose zones can drive mineral dissolution reactions that are focused near water tables and may contribute to the formation of laterally continuous vuggy horizons and potentially caves. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mercury concentrations in store‐bought shrimp
Authors: McCormick Angelle , Robertson Matthew D. , Brasso Rebecka , Midway Stephen R.
Published: May 2020

Most mercury exposure to humans comes from consumption of fish and shellfish; however, mercury concentrations are not known for all available seafood, particularly shrimp. Our objective was to estimate the concentration of mercury in a variety of store‐bought shrimp and then to compare total mercury concentrations to other information such as brand, harvest type, and total fat. We sampled a total of n = 159 shrimp from 10 different brands. Across 10 brands of shrimp, there was a significant effect of brand, with mean mercury concentrations among brands varying by up to an order of magnitude. We found no significant differences comparing shrimp between two capture types (wild‐caught and farm‐raised), which was perfectly collinear to whether shrimp were domestic or foreign. We did detect significant differences in mercury levels among different amounts of total fat in shrimp, with the lowest fat shrimp (1 g) having significantly more mercury than the highest fat shrimp (2 g). Although our results confirm that shrimp contains relatively low levels of mercury and is generally considered a good choice for consumers, this study is the first to report significant differences in mercury among both brands of shrimp and total fat content in shrimp.
Mapping the artistic brain: Common and distinct neural activations associated with musical, drawing, and literary creativity
Authors: Chen Qunlin , Beaty Roger E. , Qiu Jiang
Published: May 2020

Whether creativity is a domain‐general or domain‐specific ability has been a topic of intense speculation. Although previous studies have examined domain‐specific mechanisms of creative performance, little is known about commonalities and distinctions in neural correlates across different domains. We applied activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta‐analysis to identify the brain activation of domain‐mechanisms by synthesizing functional neuroimaging studies across three forms of artistic creativity: music improvisation, drawing, and literary creativity. ALE meta‐analysis yielded a domain‐general pattern across three artistic forms, with overlapping clusters in the presupplementary motor area (pre‐SMA), left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Regarding domain‐specificity, musical creativity was associated with recruitment of the SMA‐proper, bilateral IFG, left precentral gyrus, and left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) compared to the other two artistic forms; drawing creativity recruited the left fusiform gyrus, left precuneus, right parahippocampal gyrus, and right MFG compared to musical creativity; and literary creativity recruited the left angular gyrus and right lingual gyrus compared to musical creativity. Contrasting drawing and literary creativity revealed no significant differences in neural activation, suggesting that these domains may rely on a common neurocognitive system. Overall, these findings reveal a central, domain‐general system for artistic creativity, but with each domain relying to some degree on domain‐specific neural circuits.
Familial cancer risk in family members and spouses of patients with early‐onset head and neck cancer
Authors: Mroueh Rayan , Tanskanen Tomas , Haapaniemi Aaro , Salo Tuula , Malila Nea , Mäkitie Antti , Pitkäniemi Janne
Published: May 2020

Background

Reported patterns of familial aggregation of head and neck cancer (HNC) vary greatly, with many studies hampered by the limited number of subjects.

Methods

Altogether 923 early‐onset (≤40 years old) HNC probands, their first‐degree relatives, spouses, and siblings' offspring were ascertained. Cumulative risk and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were estimated.

Results

Of all early‐onset HNC families, only 21 (2.3%) had familial HNC cancers at any age and less than five familial early onset HNC cancers among first‐degree relatives. The cumulative risk of HNC for siblings by age 60 (0.52%) was at population level (0.33%). No increased familial risk of early‐onset HNC could be discerned in family members (SIR 2.68, 95% CI 0.32‐9.68 for first‐degree relatives).

Conclusions

Our study indicates that the cumulative and relative familial risk of early‐onset HNC is modest in the Finnish population and, at most, only a minor proportion of early‐onset HNCs are due solely to inherited genetic mutations.
Long‐term outcomes of skull base chordoma treated with high‐dose carbon‐ion radiotherapy
Authors: Koto Masashi , Ikawa Hiroaki , Kaneko Takashi , Hagiwara Yasuhito , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Tsuji Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

Background

We evaluated the long‐term efficacy and safety of carbon‐ion radiotherapy (C‐ion RT) for skull base chordoma, a rare neoplasm.

Methods

Thirty‐four patients with skull base chordoma who were treated with C‐ion RT were prospectively enrolled and analyzed retrospectively. C‐ion RT was delivered with 60.8 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]) in 16 fractions at four fractions per week.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 108 months. The 5‐ and 9‐year local control rates were 76.9% and 69.2%, respectively. The 5‐ and 9‐year overall survival rates were 93.5% and 77.4%, respectively. Regarding grade 3 or more severe late reactions, one patient developed a grade 3 mucosal ulcer, two developed grade 4 ipsilateral optic nerve injuries, and one developed a grade 5 mucosal ulcer at 9 years and 3 months after C‐ion RT.

Conclusion

C‐ion RT with 60.8 Gy (RBE)/16 fractions is a promising treatment option for inoperable skull base chordoma.