bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The FADS1 Genotype Modifies Metabolic Responses to the Linoleic Acid and Alpha‐linolenic Acid Containing Plant Oils–Genotype Based Randomized Trial FADSDIET2
Authors: Lankinen Maria A. , de Mello Vanessa D. , Meuronen Topi , Sallinen Taisa , Ågren Jyrki , Virtanen Kirsi A. , Laakso Markku , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Schwab Ursula
Published: February 2021

Scope

The article investigates the FADS1 rs174550 genotype interaction with dietary intakes of high linoleic acid (LA) and high alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) on the response of fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids (PLs), and of markers of low‐grade inflammation and glucose‐insulin homeostasis.

Methods and results

One‐hundred thirty homozygotes men for FADS1 rs174550 SNP (TT and CC genotypes) were randomized to an 8‐week intervention with either LA‐ or ALA‐enriched diet (13 E% PUFA). The source of LA and ALA are 30–50 mL of sunflower oil (SFO, 62–63% LA) and Camelina sativa oil (CSO, 30– are randomized to an 35% ALA), respectively. In the SFO arm, there is a significant genotype x diet interaction for the proportion of arachidonic acid in plasma phospholipids (p < 0.001), disposition index (DI30) (p = 0.039), and for serum high‐sensitive c‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP, p = 0.029) after excluding the participants with hs‐CRP concentration of >10 mg L‐1 and users of statins or anti‐inflammatory therapy. In the CSO arm, there are significant genotype x diet interactions for n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, but not for the clinical characteristics.

Conclusions

The FADS1 genotype modifies the response to high PUFA diets, especially to high‐LA diet. These findings suggest that approaches considering FADS variation may be useful in personalized dietary counseling.
Maternal Garlic Oil Supplementation Prevents High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Hypertension in Adult Rat Offspring: Implications of H2S‐Generating Pathway in the Gut and Kidneys
Authors: Hsu Chien‐Ning , Hou Chih‐Yao , Chang‐Chien Guo‐Ping , Lin Sufan , Tain You‐Lin
Published: February 2021

Scope

Perinatal high‐fat (HF) diet induces hypertension in adult offspring. Garlic, a naturally dietary source of Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, has been shown benefits in hypertension. The article examines whether maternal garlic oil supplementation can prevent hypertension induced by HF diet and elucidate its protective effects.

Methods and results

Pregnant rats are given either a normal diet or HF diet. Rat dams are given garlic oil or vehicle daily by oral gavage at 100 mg kg‐1 day‐1 during pregnancy and lactation. Male offspring are sacrificed at 16 weeks of age. Garlic oil supplementation during pregnancy and lactation protected against hypertension induced by HF diet in adult male offspring. The beneficial effects of garlic oil are associated with increased renal mRNA expression and activity of H2S‐generating enzymes, increased NO bioavailability, increased plasma short chain fatty acid levels, and alterations of gut microbiota composition. Garlic oil supplementation increases abundance of genus Lactobacillus, but decreases genera Turicibacter and Staphylococcus.

Conclusion

The data reveals associations between H2S‐generating pathway in the gut and kidneys, NO system, gut microbiota, and microbiota‐derived metabolites in hypertension induced by HF intake and provide insight to garlic oil as a hypertension reprogramming strategy for further translational research.
Design and fabrication of MEMS lowpass filter exploiting space mapping algorithm
Authors: Xiao Shaohui , Ou Yi
Published: February 2021

A high‐performance microstrip lowpass filter with coplanar waveguide as the ports is proposed and analyzed. By cascading asymmetric hairpin resonators, a compact elliptic function low‐pass filter with wide stop band was realized. The filter was optimized using aggressive space mapping algorithm, and finally a filter with a cut‐off frequency of 11.8 GHz was obtained. Stop bandwidth with attenuation level better than −27 dB extends from 15.6 to 36 GHz. Also, the maximum insertion loss in the passband is 0.9 dB and the return loss is better than −22 dB. The filter is manufactured on the silicon wafer using micro‐electromechanical systems process, and the measured results in good agreement with the simulation results.
Assessment of pleural invasion and adhesion of lung tumors with dynamic chest radiography: A virtual clinical imaging study
Authors: Tanaka Rie , Samei Ehsan , Segars William Paul , Abadi Ehsan , Matsumoto Isao , Tamura Masaya , Takata Munehisa , Yamashiro Tsuneo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Accurate preoperative assessment of tumor invasion/adhesion is crucial for planning appropriate operative procedures. Recent advances in digital radiography allow a motion analysis of lung tumors with dynamic chest radiography (DCR) with total exposure dose comparable to that of conventional chest radiography. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of preoperative evaluation of pleural invasion/adhesion of lung tumors with DCR through a virtual clinical imaging study, using a four‐dimensional (4D) extended cardiac‐torso (XCAT) computational phantom.

Methods

An XCAT phantom of an adult man (50th percentile in height and weight) with simulated respiratory and cardiac motions was generated to use as a virtual patient. To simulate lung tumors with and without pleural invasion, a 30‐mm diameter tumor sphere was inserted into each lobe of the phantom. The virtual patient during respiration was virtually projected using an x‐ray simulator in posteroanterior (PA) and oblique directions, and sequential bone suppression (BS) images were created. The measurement points (tumor, rib, and diaphragm) were automatically tracked on simulated images by a template matching technique. We calculated five quantitative metrics related to the movement distance and directions of the targeted tumor and evaluated whether DCR could distinguish between tumors with and without pleural invasion/adhesion.

Results

Precise tracking of the targeted tumor was achieved on the simulated BS images without undue influence of rib shadows. There was a significant difference in all five quantitative metrics between the lung tumors with and without pleural invasion both on the oblique and PA projection views (P < 0.05). Quantitative metrics related to the movement distance were effective for tumors in the middle and lower lobes, while, those related to the movement directions were effective for tumors close to the frontal chest wall on the oblique projection view. The oblique views were useful for the evaluation of the space between the chest wall and a moving tumor.

Conclusion

DCR could help distinguish between tumors with and without pleural invasion/adhesion based on the two‐dimensional movement distance and direction using oblique and PA projection views. With anticipated improved image: processing to evaluate the respiratory displacement of lung tumors in the upper lobe or behind the heart, DCR holds promise for clinical assessment of tumor invasion/adhesion in the parietal pleura.
Dynamic PET image reconstruction utilizing intrinsic data‐driven HYPR4D denoising kernel
Authors: Cheng Ju‐Chieh (Kevin) , Bevington Connor , Rahmim Arman , Klyuzhin Ivan , Matthews Julian , Boellaard Ronald , Sossi Vesna
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Reconstructed PET images are typically noisy, especially in dynamic imaging where the acquired data are divided into several short temporal frames. High noise in the reconstructed images translates to poor precision/reproducibility of image features. One important role of “denoising” is therefore to improve the precision of image features. However, typical denoising methods achieve noise reduction at the expense of accuracy. In this work, we present a novel four‐dimensional (4D) denoised image reconstruction framework, which we validate using 4D simulations, experimental phantom, and clinical patient data, to achieve 4D noise reduction while preserving spatiotemporal patterns/minimizing error introduced by denoising.

Methods

Our proposed 4D denoising operator/kernel is based on HighlY constrained backPRojection (HYPR), which is applied either after each update of OSEM reconstruction of dynamic 4D PET data or within the recently proposed kernelized reconstruction framework inspired by kernel methods in machine learning. Our HYPR4D kernel makes use of the spatiotemporal high frequency features extracted from a 4D composite, generated within the reconstruction, to preserve the spatiotemporal patterns and constrain the 4D noise increment of the image estimate.

Results

Results from simulations, experimental phantom, and patient data showed that the HYPR4D kernel with our proposed 4D composite outperformed other denoising methods, such as the standard OSEM with spatial filter, OSEM with 4D filter, and HYPR kernel method with the conventional 3D composite in conjunction with recently proposed High Temporal Resolution kernel (HYPRC3D‐HTR), in terms of 4D noise reduction while preserving the spatiotemporal patterns or 4D resolution within the 4D image estimate. Consequently, the error in outcome measures obtained from the HYPR4D method was less dependent on the region size, contrast, and uniformity/functional patterns within the target structures compared to the other methods. For outcome measures that depend on spatiotemporal tracer uptake patterns such as the nondisplaceable Binding Potential (BPND), the root mean squared error in regional mean of voxel BPNDvalues was reduced from ~8% (OSEM with spatial or 4D filter) to ~3% using HYPRC3D‐HTR and was further reduced to ~2% using our proposed HYPR4D method for relatively small target structures (~10 mm in diameter). At the voxel level, HYPR4D produced two to four times lower mean absolute error in BPNDrelative to HYPRC3D‐HTR.

Conclusion

As compared to conventional methods, our proposed HYPR4D method can produce more robust and accurate image features without requiring any prior information.
Occupational doses to the eye lens in pediatric and adult noncardiac interventional radiology procedures
Authors: Morcillo Ana Belén , Alejo Luis , Huerga Carlos , Bayón José , Marín Alberto , Corredoira Eva , Novo Joan Ricardo , Hernández Teresa , Ponce María Dolores , Garzón Gonzalo , Vañó Eliseo , Guibelalde Eduardo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To assess occupational lens exposure in a mixed interventional radiology department, comparing pediatric and adult procedures. To analyze the correlation between the lens dose and the doses measured at the chest and collar level and the kerma‐area product (PKA).

Methods

For 17 months, three radiologists performing both pediatric and adult interventions were monitored by means of 14 dosimeters per worker: 12 single‐point optically stimulated luminescent (OSL) dosimeters calibrated in terms of Hp(0.07) were placed on the inside and outside of two pairs of lead glasses, one for pediatric procedures and one for adult interventions; another whole‐body OSL dosimeter calibrated in terms of Hp(10) was placed over the thyroid shield; finally, an additional active solid‐state dosimeter, also calibrated for Hp(10), was worn on the chest, over the apron. Furthermore, a database was created to register the demographic and dosimetric data of the procedures, as well as the name of the radiologist acting as first operator.

Results

For the three radiologists, who performed 276–338 procedures/year (20% pediatric), cumulative annual doses to the left bare eye exceeded 20 mSv (21–61 mSv). Considering the glasses’ protection, annual doses exceeded 6 mSv (13–48 mSv) for both eyes. No important differences were observed in lens dose per procedure between pediatric and adult interventions (0.16 vs 0.18, 0.12 vs 0.09, and 0.07 vs 0.07 mSv), although lens dose per PKA was 4.1–4.5 times higher in pediatrics (5.8 vs 1.3, 3.3 vs 0.8, and 2.6 vs 0.6 µSv/Gy·cm2) despite a similar use of the ceiling‐suspended screen. Lens doses were highly correlated with collar readings (with Pearson coefficients [r] ranging from 0.86 to 0.98) and with chest readings (with r ranging from 0.75 to 0.93). However, slopes of the linear regressions varied greatly among radiologists.

Conclusions

There is real risk of exceeding the occupational dose limit to the eye lens in mixed interventional radiology rooms if radiation protection tools are not used properly. Regular monitoring of the lens dose is recommended, given lens exposure might easily exceed 6 mSv/yr. Using a collar dosimeter for this purpose might be suitable if it is preceded by an individualized regression analysis. The same radiation protection measures should be applied to interventional radiologists regardless of whether they are treating pediatric or adult patients.
Electromagnetic simulation of a 16‐channel head transceiver at 7 T using circuit‐spatial optimization
Authors: Li Xin , Pan Jullie W. , Avdievich Nikolai I. , Hetherington Hoby P. , Rispoli Joseph V.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

With increased interest in parallel transmission in ultrahigh‐field MRI, methods are needed to correctly calculate the S‐parameters and complex field maps of the parallel transmission coil. We present S‐parameters paired with spatial field optimization to fully simulate a double‐row 16‐element transceiver array for brain MRI at 7 T.

Methods

We implemented a closed‐form equation of the coil S‐parameters and overall spatial field. We minimized a cost function, consisting of coil S‐parameters and the homogeneity in brain tissue, by optimizing transceiver components, including matching, decoupling circuits, and lumped capacitors. With this, we are able to compare the in silico results determined with and without homogeneity weighting. Using the known voltage range from the host console, we reconstructed the maps of the array and performed RF shimming with four realistic head models.

Results

As performed with homogeneity weighting, the optimized coil circuit components were highly consistent over the four heads, producing well‐tuned, matched, and decoupled coils. The mean peak forward powers and statistics for the head models are consistent with in vivo human results (N = 8). There are systematic differences in the transceiver components as optimized with or without homogeneity weighting, resulting in an improvement of 28.4 ± 7.5% in homogeneity with a small 1.9 ± 1.5% decline in power efficiency.

Conclusion

This co‐simulation methodology accurately simulates the transceiver, predicting consistent S‐parameters, component values, and field. The RF shimming of the calculated field maps match the in vivo performance.
High‐frequency electrical properties tomography at 9.4T as a novel contrast mechanism for brain tumors
Authors: Lesbats Clémentine , Katoch Nitish , Minhas Atul Singh , Taylor Arthur , Kim Hyung Joong , Woo Eung Je , Poptani Harish
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To establish high‐frequency magnetic resonance electrical properties tomography (MREPT) as a novel contrast mechanism for the assessment of glioblastomas using a rat brain tumor model.

Methods

Six F98 intracranial tumor bearing rats were imaged longitudinally 8, 11 and 14 days after tumor cell inoculation. Conductivity and mean diffusivity maps were generated using MREPT and Diffusion Tensor Imaging. These maps were co‐registered with T2‐weighted images and volumes of interests (VOIs) were segmented from the normal brain, ventricles, edema, viable tumor, tumor rim, and tumor core regions. Longitudinal changes in conductivity and mean diffusivity (MD) values were compared in these regions. A correlation analysis was also performed between conductivity and mean diffusivity values.

Results

The conductivity of ventricles, edematous area and tumor regions (tumor rim, viable tumor, tumor core) was significantly higher (P < .01) compared to the contralateral cortex. The conductivity of the tumor increased over time while MD from the tumor did not change. A marginal positive correlation was noted between conductivity and MD values for tumor rim and viable tumor, whereas this correlation was negative for the tumor core.

Conclusion

We demonstrate a novel contrast mechanism based on ionic concentration and mobility, which may aid in providing complementary information to water diffusion in probing the microenvironment of brain tumors.
Optimizing influenza vaccine composition: A machine learning approach
Authors: Bandi Hari , Bertsimas Dimitris
Published: February 2021

We propose a holistic framework based on state‐of‐the‐art methods in machine learning and optimization to prescribe influenza vaccine composition that are specific to a region, or a country based on historical data concerning the rates of circulation of predominant viruses. First, we develop a tensor completion formulation to predict rates of circulation of viruses for the next season based on historical data. Then, taking into account the uncertainty in the predicted rates of circulation of predominant viruses, we propose a novel robust prescriptive framework for selecting suitable strains for each subtypes of the flu virus: Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and B viruses for production. Through numerical experiments, we show that our proposed vaccine compositions could potentially lower morbidity by 11–14% and mortality by 8–11% over vaccine compositions proposed by World Health Organization (WHO) for Northern Hemisphere, and lower morbidity by 8–10% and mortality by 6–9% over vaccine compositions proposed by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for United States, and finally, lower morbidity by 10–12% and mortality by 9–11% over vaccine compositions proposed by European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Europe.
Comparison of different linear‐combination modeling algorithms for short‐TE proton spectra
Authors: Zöllner Helge J. , Považan Michal , Hui Steve C.N. , Tapper Sofie , Edden Richard A.E. , Oeltzschner Georg
Published: February 2021

Short‐TE proton MRS is used to study metabolism in the human brain. Common analysis methods model the data as a linear combination of metabolite basis spectra. This large‐scale multi‐site study compares the levels of the four major metabolite complexes in short‐TE spectra estimated by three linear‐combination modeling (LCM) algorithms. 277 medial parietal lobe short‐TE PRESS spectra (TE = 35 ms) from a recent 3 T multi‐site study were preprocessed with the Osprey software. The resulting spectra were modeled with Osprey, Tarquin and LCModel, using the same three vendor‐specific basis sets (GE, Philips and Siemens) for each algorithm. Levels of total N‐acetylaspartate (tNAA), total choline (tCho), myo‐inositol (mI) and glutamate + glutamine (Glx) were quantified with respect to total creatine (tCr). Group means and coefficient of variations of metabolite estimates agreed well for tNAA and tCho across vendors and algorithms, but substantially less so for Glx and mI, with mI systematically estimated as lower by Tarquin. The cohort mean coefficient of determination for all pairs of LCM algorithms across all datasets and metabolites was
= 0.39, indicating generally only moderate agreement of individual metabolite estimates between algorithms. There was a significant correlation between local baseline amplitude and metabolite estimates (cohort mean
= 0.10).

While mean estimates of major metabolite complexes broadly agree between linear‐combination modeling algorithms at group level, correlations between algorithms are only weak‐to‐moderate, despite standardized preprocessing, a large sample of young, healthy and cooperative subjects, and high spectral quality. These findings raise concerns about the comparability of MRS studies, which typically use one LCM software and much smaller sample sizes.
Minimum cost flow problem with conflicts
Authors: Şuvak Zeynep , Altınel İ. Kuban , Aras Necati
Published: February 2021

The minimum cost flow problem with conflicts is a recent extension of the ordinary minimum cost flow problem. It includes flow compatibility restrictions in addition to flow balance equalities and capacity constraints: at most one of the conflicting arcs can have positive flow. In this work we study this extension of the minimum cost flow problem, which can be faced in many real‐world applications. We give mixed‐integer programming formulations of the problem after briefly analyzing its complexity and propose two exact solution algorithms. One of them is a branch‐and‐bound procedure with combinatorial branching rules based on conflicts in an optimal solution of the relaxations. The other one is a Russian Doll Search method exploring the maximal stable sets of the conflict graph, which is obtained from the original network with the purpose of representing the conflict relations among arcs. Also, a set of preprocessing procedures is introduced with the aim of reducing the size of the problem. We can say that the new algorithms are very efficient according to the results of extensive computational experiments realized on a large set of test problems.
An adaptive harmonic polynomial cell method with immersed boundaries: Accuracy, stability, and applications
Authors: Tong Chao , Shao Yanlin , Bingham Harry B. , Hanssen Finn‐Christian W.
Published: February 2021

We present a 2D high‐order and easily accessible immersed‐boundary adaptive harmonic polynomial cell (IB‐AHPC) method to solve fully nonlinear wave‐structure interaction problems in marine hydrodynamics using potential‐flow theory. To reduce the total number of cells without losing accuracy, adaptive quad‐tree cell refinements are employed close to the free‐surface and structure boundaries. The present method is simpler to implement than the existing IB‐HPC alternatives, in that it uses standard square cells both in the fluid domain and at the boundaries, thus without having to use the more complex and expensive overlapping grids or irregular cells. The spurious force oscillations on moving structures, which is a known issue for immersed boundary methods (IBMs), are eliminated in this study by solving a separate boundary value problem (BVP) for a Lagrangian acceleration potential. We also demonstrate that solving a similar BVP for the corresponding Eulerian acceleration potential is far less satisfactory due to the involved second derivatives of the velocity potential in the body‐boundary condition, which are very difficult to calculate accurately in an IBM‐based approach. In addition, we present, perhaps for the first time since the HPC method was developed, a linear matrix‐based stability analysis for the time‐domain IB‐AHPC method. The stability analysis is also used in this study as a general guide to design robust and stable numerical algorithms, in particular related to the treatment of boundary conditions close to the intersection between a Dirichlet and a Neumann boundary, which is essential in time‐domain wave‐structure interaction analyses using IBMs. We confirm theoretically through the stability analysis that square cells have the best stability properties. The present method has been verified and validated satisfactorily by various cases in marine hydrodynamics, including a moving structure in an infinite fluid, fully nonlinear wave generation and propagation, and fully nonlinear diffraction and radiation of a ship cross section.
Allen's fossa—An attempt to dissolve the confusion of different nonmetric variants on the anterior femoral neck
Authors: Göhring Andrea
Published: February 2021

A comparison of different studies is only possible if the same guidelines are used. However, due to the rather imprecise description of the different nonmetric traits on the anterior femoral neck (i.e., Allen's fossa, femoral plaque, Poirier's facet), it is impossible to compare the results of different authors. This is especially the case for the variant called Allen's fossa or cervical fossa of Allen, which has severely been mistaken in a lot of previous studies. As a consequence, a clarified and more detailed definition of this variant is required what enables the comparison of the results of different investigators. This study gives a detailed overview on the variety of different terms, which are often used simultaneously. The aim of the study is to develop a clarified definition of the term Allen's fossa, including the description of any sex‐ or age‐related differences, based on morphological examinations of archaeological skeletal remains from Karacamirli (Azerbaijan), Unterigling (Germany), and Ur (Iraq). Allen's fossa is shown to be usually bilaterally present in individuals of all age classes, including infants and rather old individuals, without any signs of modifications with increasing age. In addition, the variant is present in both sexes with the same manifestation. These findings are in contrast to other studies, what is very likely the result of previously mistaken variants. The study provides a detailed definition of Allen's fossa and a clear distinction from other variants at the femoral neck. The presented guidelines will allow a better comparability between different investigators in further studies. Individual differences, including vascular deficits and pathological conditions, can cause a considerable amount of variations in the manifestation of Allen's fossa, which is most likely caused by grinding of the zona orbicularis on the femoral neck.
Feasibility of Integration of Yoga in a Behavioral Weight‐Loss Intervention: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Jakicic John M. , Davis Kelliann K. , Rogers Renee J. , Sherman Sally A. , Barr Susan , Marcin Marissa L. , Collins Katherine A. , Collins Audrey M. , Yuan Nalingna , Lang Wei
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study examined the feasibility and comparison of two styles of yoga within the context of a standard behavioral weight‐loss intervention (SBWI).

Methods

Fifty adults with obesity (BMI: 31.3 ± 3.8 kg/m2) participated in this 6‐month study that included a SBWI and a calorie‐ and fat‐reduced diet. Randomization was to restorative Hatha (SBWI+RES) or Vinyasa (SBWI+VIN) yoga. Yoga was prescribed to increase from 20 to 40 to 60 minutes per session across the intervention. Weight was assessed at baseline and 6 months. Perceptions of yoga were assessed at the completion of the intervention.

Results

Adjusted weight loss was −3.4 kg (95% CI: −6.4 to −0.5) in SBWI+RES and −3.8 kg (95% CI: −6.8 to −0.9) in SBWI+VIN (P < 0.001), with no difference between groups. Of all participants, 74.4% reported that they would continue participation in yoga after the SBWI. Session duration was a barrier as yoga increased from 20 to 40 to 60 minutes per day, with 0%, 7.5%, and 48.8% reporting this barrier, respectively.

Conclusions

Among adults with obesity, yoga participation, within the context of a SBWI, appears to be feasible, with weight loss not differing by style of yoga. Progressing to 60 minutes per session appears to be a barrier to engagement in yoga in this population.
Associations Between Brain Gray Matter Volumes and Adipose Tissue Metabolism in Healthy Adults
Authors: Raiko Juho R. H. , Tuulari Jetro J. , Saari Teemu , Parkkola Riitta , Savisto Nina , Nuutila Pirjo , Virtanen Kirsi
Published: February 2021

Objective

Gray matter (GM) volume in different brain loci has been shown to vary in obesity and diabetes, and elevated fasting plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels have been suggested as one potential mechanism. The hypothesis presented in this study is that brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity may correlate with GM volume in areas negatively associated with obesity and diabetes.

Methods

A total of 36 healthy patients (M/F: 12/24, age 39.7 ± 9.4 years, BMI 27.5 ± 5.6 kg/m2) were imaged with positron emission tomography using fatty acid analog [18F]FTHA to measure NEFA uptake and with [15O]H2O to measure perfusion during cold exposure, at room temperature during fasting, or during a postprandial state. A 2‐hour hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was performed to measure whole‐body insulin sensitivity (M value, mean 7.6 ± 3.9 mg/kg/min). T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T was performed on all patients.

Results

BAT NEFA uptake was associated directly with GM volume in anterior cerebellum and occipital lobe (P ≤ 0.04) when adjusted for age, gender, and intra‐abdominal fat volume and with anterior cerebellum, limbic lobe, and temporal lobe GM volumes when adjusted for M value.

Conclusions

BAT NEFA metabolism may participate in protection from cognitive degeneration associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, such as central obesity and insulin resistance. Potential causal relationships between BAT activity and GM volumes remain to be examined.
Feasibility and Predictive Performance of a Triage System for Patients with Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fasola Gianpiero , Pelizzari Giacomo , Zara Diego , Targato Giada , Petruzzellis Giuseppe , Minisini Alessandro Marco , Bin Alessandra , Donato Raffaela , Mansutti Mauro , Comuzzi Chiara , Candoni Anna , Sperotto Alessandra , Fanin Renato
Published: February 2021

Background

Triage procedures have been implemented to limit hospital access and minimize infection risk among patients with cancer during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. In the absence of prospective evidence, we aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of a triage system in the oncological setting.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzes hospital admissions to the oncology and hematology department of Udine, Italy, during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 30 to April 30, 2020). A total of 3,923 triage procedures were performed, and data of 1,363 individual patients were reviewed.

Results

A self-report triage questionnaire identified 6% of triage-positive procedures, with a sensitivity of 66.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43.0%–85.4%), a specificity of 94.3% (95% CI, 93.5%–95.0%), and a positive predictive value of 5.9% (95% CI, 4.3%–8.0%) for the identification of patients who were not admitted to the hospital after medical review. Patients with thoracic cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 95% CI, 1.13–2.53, p = .01), younger age (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.15–2.01, p < .01), and body temperature at admission ≥37°C (OR, 9.52; 95% CI, 5.44–16.6, p < .0001) had increased risk of positive triage. Direct hospital access was warranted to 93.5% of cases, a further 6% was accepted after medical evaluation, whereas 0.5% was refused at admission.

Conclusion

A self-report questionnaire has a low positive predictive value to triage patients with cancer and suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) symptoms. Differential diagnosis with tumor- or treatment-related symptoms is always required to avoid unnecessary treatment delays. Body temperature measurement improves the triage process's overall sensitivity, and widespread SARS-CoV-2 testing should be implemented to identify asymptomatic carriers.

Implications for Practice

This is the first study to provide data on the predictive performance of a triage system in the oncological setting during the coronavirus disease outbreak. A questionnaire-based triage has a low positive predictive value to triage patients with cancer and suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) symptoms, and a differential diagnosis with tumor- or treatment-related symptoms is mandatory to avoid unnecessary treatment delays. Consequently, adequate recourses should be reallocated for a triage implementation in the oncological setting. Of note, body temperature measurement improves the overall sensitivity of the triage process, and widespread testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection should be implemented to identify asymptomatic carriers.
The incubation period of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19): A tremendous public health threat—Forecasting from publicly available case data in India
Authors: Dwivedi Rinshu , Athe Ramesh , Mahesh Kavi , Modem Praveen Kumar
Published: February 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus Disease (COVID‐19) a pandemic due to the huge upsurge in the number of reported cases worldwide. The COVID‐19 pandemic in India has become a public health threat, and if we go by the number of confirmed cases then the situation seems to be a matter of grave concern. According to real‐time data, the numbers of confirmed cases are growing exponentially. No doubt, substantial public health interventions both at the national and state levels are implemented immediately by the Government of India; there is a need for improved preparedness plans and mitigation strategies along with accurate forecasting. The present study aims to forecast the COVID‐19 outbreak infected cases in India. The data have been obtained from https://www.covid19india.org, https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus, and ICMR reported publicly available information about COVID‐19 confirmation cases. We have used the double exponential smoothing method for forecasting the trends in terms of confirmed, active, recovered and death cases from COVID‐19 for emergency preparedness and future predictions. Findings reveal that the estimated value of point forecast is just 8.22% of the total number of confirmed cases reported on a daily basis across the country. It was observed that the deaths were lower for the states and union territories with a higher detection rate. It is suggested that by keeping in view the limited healthcare resources in the country, accurate forecasting, early detection, and avoidance of acute care for the majority of infected cases is indispensable.
Assessment of Waldeyer's ring in pediatric and adolescent Hodgkin lymphoma patients—Importance of multimodality imaging: Results from the EuroNet‐PHL‐C1 trial
Authors: Kurch Lars , Mauz‐Körholz Christine , Fosså Alexander , Georgi Thomas Walther , Kluge Regine , Bartelt Jörg Martin , Kunze Christian , Wohlgemuth Walter Alexander , Pelz Tanja , Vordermark Dirk , Plößl Sebastian , Hasenclever Dirk , Sabri Osama , Landman‐Parker Judith , Wallace William Hamish , Karlen Jonas , Fernández‐Teijeiro Ana , Cepelova Michaela , Klekawka Tomasz , Løndalen Ayca Muftuler , Steiner Dagmar , Krombach Gabriele , Attarbaschi Andishe , Hoffmann Martha , Ceppi Francesco , Pears Jane , Hraskova Andrea , Uyttebroeck Anne , Beishuizen Auke , Dieckmann Karin , Leblanc Thierry , Daw Stephen , Körholz Dieter , Stoevesandt Dietrich
Published: February 2021

Background

In the EuroNet Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma (EuroNet‐PHL) trials, decision on Waldeyer's ring (WR) involvement is usually based on clinical assessment, that is, physical examination and/or nasopharyngoscopy. However, clinical assessment only evaluates mucosal surface and is prone to interobserver variability. Modern cross‐sectional imaging technology may provide valuable information beyond mucosal surface, which may lead to a more accurate WR staging.

Patients, materials, and methods

The EuroNet‐PHL‐C1 trial recruited 2102 patients, of which 1752 underwent central review including reference reading of their cross‐sectional imaging data. In 14 of 1752 patients, WR was considered involved according to clinical assessment. In these 14 patients, the WR was re‐assessed by applying an imaging‐based algorithm considering information from18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, contrast‐enhanced computed tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging. For verification purposes, the imaging‐based algorithm was applied to 100 consecutive patients whose WR was inconspicuous on clinical assessment.

Results

The imaging‐based algorithm confirmed WR involvement only in four of the 14 patients. Of the remaining 10 patients, four had retropharyngeal lymph node involvement and six an inconspicuous WR. Applying the imaging‐based algorithm to 100 consecutive patients with physiological appearance of their WR on clinical assessment, absence of WR involvement could be confirmed in 99. However, suspicion of WR involvement was raised in one patient.

Conclusions

The imaging‐based algorithm was feasible and easily applicable at initial staging of young patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. It increased the accuracy of WR staging, which may contribute to a more individualized treatment in the future.
Influence of wood thermal modification on the supermolecular structure of polypropylene composites
Authors: Odalanowska Majka , Borysiak Sławomir
Published: February 2021

The thermal modification of wood can be an interesting way of improving adhesion in polymer composites, although the mechanical properties of composites with heat treated wood presented so far in many works arouse much controversy. In this work, effects of thermal modification of wood on the supermolecular structure and morphology of wood/polypropylene composites (WPC) were investigated using X‐ray diffraction, hot stage optical microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. A significant impact of the conditions of thermal wood modification on the formation of polymorphic varieties of the polymer matrix has been demonstrated. Furthermore, thermal treatment also affected the nucleation activity of wood, which was confirmed by determined parameters such as, crystal conversion, half crystallization time, and crystallization temperature. In addition, differences in the formation of transcrystalline structures responsible for the level of interfacial adhesion were depicted based on hot stage optical microscopy. Mechanical tests have shown that obtaining the appropriate strength properties of composite materials depends on the selection of appropriate conditions for thermal modification, which determine the supermolecular structure and nucleation activity. The obtained results, not reported so far, are extremely important when designing WPC composite materials with strictly defined physicochemical parameters.
Trends in Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent use and blood transfusions for chemotherapy‐induced anemia throughout FDA's risk evaluation and mitigation strategy lifecycle
Authors: Vega Amarilys , Zhang Rongmei , Wong Hui‐Lee , Wernecke Michael , Alexander Michael , Feng Yuhui , Lo An‐Chi , Lufkin Bradley , Ryan Qin , Izem Rima , MaCurdy Thomas E. , Kelman Jeffrey A. , Graham David J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs), indicated for treating some patients with chemotherapy‐induced anemia (CIA), may increase the risk of tumor progression and mortality. FDA required a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to mitigate these risks. We assessed REMS impact on ESA administration and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion as surrogate metrics for REMS effectiveness.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study including data from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2018 for beneficiaries ≥65 years enrolled in Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Parts A/B with a cancer diagnosis; patients with other indications for ESA use were excluded. Study time was divided into five periods demarcated by issuance of CMS National Coverage Determination (NCD) (Pre‐NCD, Pre‐REMS) and REMS milestones (Grace Period, REMS, post‐REMS). Study outcomes were monthly proportion of chemotherapy episodes (CTEs) with concomitant ESA administration, with post‐CTE ESA administration, and with RBC transfusions.

Results

Of 1 778 855 beneficiaries treated with CT, 308742 received concomitant ESA for CIA. The proportion of CTEs with concomitant and post‐CTE ESA administration decreased Pre‐REMS (9.0 percentage points [pp] and 3.5 pp, respectively). There were no significant post‐REMS changes in the proportion of CTEs with concomitant (0.0 pp) and post‐CTE ESA administration (0.1 pp). Fluctuation in RBC transfusions was <4 pp throughout the study period.

Conclusions

Medicare beneficiaries showed a substantive decrease in ESA administration after NCD, with minimal impact by the REMS and its removal. Small changes in RBC transfusion over the study period were likely due to a national secular trend.
Preparation of polypropylene/high‐melt‐strength PP open‐cell foam for oil absorption
Authors: Yeh Shu‐Kai , Tsai Yi‐Bei , Gebremedhin Kiday Fiseha , Chien Tse‐Yu , Chang Rong‐Yu , Tung Kuo‐Lun
Published: February 2021

Oil spills not only cause significant economic losses; they also harm the environment. In this study, high‐melt‐strength polypropylene (HMSPP) and linear polypropylene (PP) were compounded at different ratios and foamed by supercritical CO2at various temperatures and pressures to develop open‐cell foams for oil absorption applications. The experimental results show that adding HMSPP increased the foam expansion ratio and the open‐cell content and that the foam processing window widened with increasing HMSPP content. The oil absorption experiment results show that the amount of oil absorption increased with the foam expansion ratio and that low oil viscosity resulted in high oil absorption. In addition, the amount of oil absorption remained unchanged after 10 cycles of oil absorption experiments. The oil absorption kinetics study shows that the oil absorption process complied with the pseudo‐second‐order law.
PlastiVan Rolls Into the Motor City
Authors: Vitale Eve
Published: February 2021

Briana Young is one of the newest PlastiVan Educators, hired to help roll out the new PlastiVideo program in her hometown of Detroit. She is a graduate of Central Michigan University and has over 12 years of experience in research and innovation involving material and environmental science and agricultural engineering.
Identification of spliced peptides in pancreatic islets uncovers errors leading to false assignments
Authors: Lichti Cheryl F.
Published: February 2021

Proteasomal spliced peptides (PSPs) have been identified in the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) peptidomes of several tumors and have emerged as novel neoantigens that can stimulate highly specific T cells. Much debate has surrounded the percentage of PSPs in the immunopeptidome; reported numbers have ranged from <1–5% to 12–45%. Recently, our laboratory demonstrated in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice that hybrid insulin peptides (HIPs), a special class of spliced peptides, are formed during insulin granule degradation in crinosomes of the pancreatic β cells and that modified peptides comprised a significant source of false positive HIP assignments. Herein, this study is extended to crinosomes isolated from other mouse strains and to two recent MHC class I studies, to see if modified peptides explained discrepancies in reported percentages of PSPs. This analysis revealed that both MHC‐I peptidomes contained many spectra erroneously assigned as PSPs. While many false positive PSPs did arise from modified peptides, others arose from probable data processing errors. Thus, the reported numbers of PSPs in the literature are likely elevated due to errors associated with data processing and analysis.
Preoperative malnutrition is a risk factor for delayed recovery of mobilization after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Nanri Yuta , Shibuya Manaka , Fukushima Kensuke , Uchiyama Katsufumi , Takahira Naonobu , Takaso Masashi
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Many studies have examined nutritional status and deteriorated postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. However, few studies have focused on nutritional status and postoperative mobility.

Objective

To investigate the impact of preoperative nutritional status on mobility after total hip arthroplasty.

Design

Retrospective single‐institution cohort study.

Setting

Orthopedic inpatient rehabilitation center.

Participants

A total of 503 patients who underwent unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty from 2015 through 2019 were included.

Methods

Data were collected on patient demographics, comorbidities, preoperative nutritional status, and quadriceps strength. Nutritional status was assessed using the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measure

The primary outcome was postoperative mobility defined as the number of days from surgery to starting to walk independently.

Results

Among 503 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty, 18.9% were classified as malnourished. Patients with malnutrition had a one‐day delay in achieving mobilization compared with patients with normal nutrition (6 vs. 5 days, P = .006). According to the Kaplan–Meier curves, patients with malnutrition had a significant delay in mobilization compared with those with normal nutrition (P < .001). All three Cox proportional hazards regression models showed that preoperative malnutrition was associated with a higher risk of delayed mobilization (hazard ratios 0.70–0.74).

Conclusions

Preoperative malnutrition as assessed by the CONUT is a significant risk factor for delayed recovery of mobilization after total hip arthroplasty.
Worry about somatic symptoms as a sign of cancer recurrence: prevalence and associations with fear of recurrence and quality of life in survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Cunningham Sarah J. , Patton Michaela , Schulte Fiona , Richardson Patricia A. , Heathcote Lauren C.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Somatic symptoms (e.g., pain, fatigue) are common after childhood cancer and are associated with greater fear of cancer recurrence and poorer health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Qualitative studies indicate that survivors of childhood cancer (SCCs) worry about somatic symptoms as indicating cancer recurrence, which could in part explain associations between symptoms and poorer psychosocial outcomes. However, the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of symptom worry has not been quantitatively studied.

Methods

SCCs (N = 111; 52% female;Mage at study = 17.67 years, range = 8–25 years;Mage at diagnosis = 6.70 years) across a variety of diagnoses were recruited from a pediatric cancer center in Canada and completed self‐report measures of symptom worry, symptom frequency, general anxiety, fear of cancer recurrence, and HRQoL.

Results

A majority (62%) of SCCs worried about at least one symptom as a sign of recurrence. Pain was the most worrisome symptom, but SCCs also reported worrying about symptoms that are rarely associated with cancer recurrence such as hunger, dizziness, and feeling cold. Symptom worry was more strongly associated with fear of cancer recurrence than the mere frequency of those symptoms, and this relationship held while controlling for treatment factors and general anxiety. Symptom worry and frequency each explained unique variance in HRQoL.

Conclusions

Worry about somatic symptoms as a sign of cancer recurrence is common and may be impactful after childhood cancer. Excessive worry about somatic symptoms could be an important target to reduce fear of recurrence and increase HRQoL in SCCs.
The effects of nebulizer hygiene training on the practices of cystic fibrosis patients and caregivers
Authors: Yilmaz Yegit Cansu , Ergenekon Almala Pinar , Mursaloglu Huseyin Hakan , Cenk Muruvvet , Uzunoglu Burcu Suzer , Tastan Gamze , Gokdemir Yasemin , Erdem Eralp Ela , Karakoc Fazilet , Nasr Samya Z. , Karadag Bulent
Published: February 2021

Background

Nebulizers can be contaminated with microorganisms and may be a source of infection in the lower airways in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Objective

Primary aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge regarding nebulizer hygiene and adherence to CF foundation infection prevention and control (IPC) measures of CF patients in our center. We also evaluated the effect of a standardized training program on nebulizer cleaning and disinfection practises with pre and posttest.

Methods

Caregivers of 173 CF patients followed at Marmara University CF Center filled a questionnaire (pretest) regarding nebulizer hygiene and received didactic education including pictures and videos based on the cystic fibrosis foundation (CFF) IPC guidelines, patients were also provided educational materials. Posttest was performed 1–3 months after the education session.

Results

Following standardized training, usage of appropriate methods according to CFF IPC guidelines improved significantly. Frequency of nebulizer cleaning after each use increased from 58.4% to 78% (p < .01) and disinfection frequency after each/daily usage increased from 33.6% to 75.7% (p < .01). Additionally, methods of cleaning and storage of the nebulizer, also improved significantly (p < .01, p < .01).

Conclusion

Education was highly effective to increase the rate of proper practices for nebulizer hygiene. The necessity of cleaning, disinfection, careful drying, correct storage of the nebulizer parts, and changing the nebulizer equipment within recommended time should be emphasized to CF families regularly.