bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decision-Making Visual Aids for Late, Imaging-Guided Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Moshayedi Pouria , Liebeskind David S. , Jadhav Ashutosh , Jahan Reza , Lansberg Maarten , Sharma Latisha , Nogueira Raul G. , Saver Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose Speedy decision-making is important for optimal outcomes from endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Figural decision aids facilitate rapid review of treatment benefits and harms, but have not yet been developed for late-presenting patients selected for EVT based on multimodal computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.Methods For combined pooled study-level randomized trial (DAWN and DEFUSE 3) data, as well as each trial singly, 100 person-icon arrays (Kuiper-Marshall personographs) were generated showing beneficial and adverse effects of EVT for patients with AIS and large vessel occlusion using automated (algorithmic) and expert-guided joint outcome table specification.Results Among imaging-selected patients 6 to 24 hours from last known well, for the full 7-category modified Rankin Scale (mRS), EVT had number needed to treat to benefit 1.9 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.9 to 2.1) and number needed to harm 40.0 (IQR, 29.2 to 58.3). Visual displays of treatment effects among 100 patients showed that, with EVT: 52 patients have better disability outcome, including 32 more achieving functional independence (mRS 0 to 2); three patients have worse disability outcome, including one more experiencing severe disability or death (mRS 5 to 6), mediated by symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and infarct in new territory. Similar features were present in person-icon figures based on a 6-level mRS (levels 5 and 6 combined) rather than 7-level mRS, and based on the DAWN trial alone and DEFUSE 3 trial alone.Conclusions Personograph visual decision aids are now available to rapidly educate patients, family, and healthcare providers regarding benefits and risks of EVT for late-presenting, imaging-selected AIS patients.
Liver Enzymes and Risk of Stroke: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Ruban Angela , Daya Natalie , Schneider Andrea L.C. , Gottesman Rebecca , Selvin Elizabeth , Coresh Josef , Lazo Mariana , Koton Silvia
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose Liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase [GGT]) are glutamate-regulatory enzymes, and higher glutamate levels correlated with worse prognosis of patients with neurotrauma. However, less is known about the association between liver enzymes and incidence of stroke. We evaluated the association between serum levels of AST, ALT, and GGT and incidence of stroke in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study cohort from 1990 to 1992 through December 31, 2016.Methods We included 12,588 ARIC participants without prevalent stroke and with data on liver enzymes ALT, AST, and GGT at baseline. We used multivariable Cox regression models to examine the associations between liver enzymes levels at baseline and stroke risk (overall, ischemic stroke, and intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH]) through December 31, 2016, adjusting for potential confounders.Results During a median follow-up time of 24.2 years, we observed 1,012 incident strokes (922ischemic strokes and 90 ICH). In age, sex, and race-center adjusted models, the hazard ratios (HRs; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for the highest compared to lowest GGT quartile were 1.94 (95% CI, 1.64 to 2.30) for all incident stroke and 2.01 (95% CI, 1.68 to 2.41) for ischemic stroke, with the results supporting a dose-response association (P for linear trend <0.001). Levels of AST were associated with increased risk of ICH, but the association was significant only when comparing the third quartile with the lowest quartile (adjusted HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.13).Conclusions Elevated levels of GGT (within normal levels), independent of liver disease, are associated with higher risk of incident stroke overall and ischemic stroke, but not ICH.
Long-Term Survival after Stroke in 1.4 Million Japanese Population: Shiga Stroke and Heart Attack Registry
Authors: Takashima Naoyuki , Arima Hisatomi , Kita Yoshikuni , Fujii Takako , Tanaka-Mizuno Sachiko , Shitara Satoshi , Kitamura Akihiro , Sugimoto Yoshihisa , Urushitani Makoto , Miura Katsuyuki , Nozaki Kazuhiko
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose Although numerous measures for stroke exist, stroke remains one of the leading causes of death in Japan. In this study, we aimed to determine the long-term survival rate after first-ever stroke using data from a large-scale population-based stroke registry study in Japan.Methods Part of the Shiga Stroke and Heart Attack Registry, the Shiga Stroke Registry is an ongoing population-based registry study of stroke, which covers approximately 1.4 million residents of Shiga Prefecture in Japan. A total 1,880 patients with non-fatal first-ever stroke (among 29-day survivors after stroke onset) registered in 2011 were followed up until December 2016. Five-year cumulative survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, according to subtype of the index stroke. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess predictors of subsequent all-cause death.Results During an average 4.3-year follow-up period, 677 patients died. The 5-year cumulative survival rate after non-fatal first-ever stroke was 65.9%. Heterogeneity was present in 5-year cumulative survival according to stroke subtype: lacunar infarction, 75.1%; large-artery infarction, 61.5%; cardioembolic infarction, 44.9%; intracerebral hemorrhage, 69.1%; and subarachnoid hemorrhage, 77.9%. Age, male sex, Japan Coma Scale score on admission, and modified Rankin Scale score before stroke onset were associated with increased mortality during the chronic phase of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.Conclusions In this study conducted in a real-world setting of Japan, the 5-year survival rate after non-fatal first-ever stroke remained low, particularly among patients with cardioembolic infarction and large-artery infarction in the present population-based stroke registry.
Shape the Future: how the social sciences, humanities and the arts can SHAPE a positive, post-pandemic future for peoples, economies and environments
Authors: Morgan Jones Molly , Abrams Dominic , Lahiri Aditi
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 is the most challenging global public health crisis we have faced for many decades. However, it is more than a health crisis. The impacts go well beyond the medical sphere and are changing lives, livelihoods, communities and economies within and across nation-states. The British Academy launched its Shape the Future initiative in May 2020 to bring insights from the social sciences, humanities and the arts together to understand how we can shape a positive future for people, the econ�omy and the environment post-pandemic. These disciplines have a critical role to play in the handling of and recovery from the pandemic. This paper summarises the discussions held during twenty policy and research workshops which considered topics under three broad themes relevant to the post-pandemic future: revitalising societal well-being, recreating an inclusive economy around purpose, and revisiting the histories and cultures of science, policy and politics.
Land satellite imagery and integrated geophysical investigations of highway pavement instability in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ademila Omowumi , Olayinka Abel Idowu , Oladunjoye Michael Adeyinka
Published: September 2020

The high global numbers of road accidents due to bad roads and the failure of other engineering structures have necessitated this study, particularly as road transport accounts for a higher percentage of cargo movement in African countries. The geophysical investigation was carried out on six failed and two stable sections along the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo highway to examine the geological factors responsible for highway failure in the area. A Landsat ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) imagery of the study area and its environs was acquired and processed for lineaments analyses. Magnetic, Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and electrical resistivity methods involving Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2-D imaging using a dipole- dipole array were utilized. Lineaments were identified across failed localities. Lateral magnetic variations in the near-surface geological materials characterized the study area. The 2-D VLF-EM models generated showed conductive zones corresponding to fractured zones of conductive clay materials within the basement rocks. Subgrade soils below the highway pavement along the failed sections are typical of incompetent clayey and sandy clay/clayey sand formations with resistivity values between 20–475 Ω∙m. In comparison, the subgrade soil beneath the stable sections has moderate to high resistivity values of 196–616 Ω∙m. 2-D resistivity structures across the failed segments identified low resistivity water-absorbing clay and lithological contacts. Water absorbing, clay enriched subgrade soils and the identified near-surface linear conductive features are the major geologic factors, and poor drainage network resulted in the highway failure. Remote sensing and geophysical investigations of the geological sequence and structures underlying the highway should be carried out before construction to effectively complement the routine geotechnical studies to ensure the sustainability of road  nfrastructure.
Hydrological and soil physiochemical variables determine the rhizospheric microbiota in subtropical lakeshore areas
Authors: Zhang Xiaoke , Wang Huili , Li Zhifei , Xie Jun , Ni Jiajia
Published: September 2020

Background

Due to intensive sluice construction and other human disturbances, lakeshore vegetation has been destroyed and ecosystems greatly changed. Rhizospheric microbiota constitute a key part of a functioning rhizosphere ecosystem. Maintaining rhizosphere microbial diversity is a central, critical issue for sustaining these rhizospheric microbiota functions and associated ecosystem services. However, the community composition and abiotic factors influencing rhizospheric microbiota in lakeshore remain largely understudied.

Methods

The spatiotemporal composition of lakeshore rhizospheric microbiota and the factors shaping them were seasonally investigated in three subtropical floodplain lakes (Lake Chaohu, Lake Wuchang, and Lake Dahuchi) along the Yangtze River in China through 16S rRNA amplicon high-throughput sequencing.

Results

Our results showed that four archaeal and 21 bacterial phyla (97.04 ± 0.25% of total sequences) dominated the rhizospheric microbiota communities of three lakeshore areas. Moreover, we uncovered significant differences among rhizospheric microbiota among the lakes, seasons, and average submerged depths. The Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Bathyarchaeota, Gemmatimonadetes, and Proteobacteria differed significantly among the three lakes, with more than half of these dominant phyla showing significant changes in abundance between seasons, while the DHVEG-6, Ignavibacteriae, Nitrospirae, Spirochaetes, and Zixibacteria varied considerably across the average submerged depths (n = 58 sites in total). Canonical correspondence analyses revealed that the fluctuation range of water level and pH were the most important factors influencing the microbial communities and their dominant microbiota, followed by total nitrogen, moisture, and total phosphorus in soil. These results suggest a suite of hydrological and soil physiochemical variables together governed the differential structuring of rhizospheric microbiota composition among different lakes, seasons, and sampling sites. This work thus provides valuable ecological information to better manage rhizospheric microbiota and protect the vegetation of subtropical lakeshore areas.
Effect of Phosphorus and Boron on the Growth and Yield of French Bean
Authors: Uddin F. M. Jamil , Hadiuzzaman Mohammad , Rashid Harun Or , Karim Saedy
Published: September 2020

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, and Mymensingh to study the effect of phosphorus and boron on the growth and yield of var. BARI Jharsheem-3 along with French bean during November 2017 to March 2018. The experiment was comprised of two factors involving number of levels viz. phosphorus had four levels  15, 20, 25 and 35 kg ha-1 and four levels of boron viz. 0, 0.5, 1.0 and  1.5 kg  ha-1. Triple super phosphate and Borax were used as source of phosphorus and boron, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results exhibited that yield and its contributing characters were significantly influenced by the phosphorus and boron applications. The experimental findings revealed that highest  number of pods per  plant (4.95), pod length (13.06 cm), number of seeds per pod (4.34), and 1000-seed weight (427.99 g), seed yield (1.40 t ha-1), stover yield (1.76 t ha-1), biological yield (3.16 t ha-1) and harvest index (46%) were recorded under phosphorus level at 25 kg ha-1. The experimental findings also revealed that the highest number of pods per plant (4.91), pod length (14.45 cm), number of seeds  per pod (4.36), and 1000-seed weight (427.22 g), seed yield (1.39 t ha-1), stover yield (1.68 t ha-1), biological yield (3.07 t ha-1) and harvest index (45.27 %) were recorded  under boron level at 1.5 kg ha-1. In case of  interaction of phosphorus and boron, the highest number of pods  per plant (5.18),  pod length (14.35 cm), number of seeds pod-1 (4.84), and 1000-seed weight (427.19 g), seed yield (1.86 t ha-1), stover yield (2.05 t ha-1), biological yield (3.91 t ha-1) and harvest index (47.57 %) were recorded under P level at 25 kg  ha-1  and B level at1.5 kg ha-1. So it may be concluded that 25 kg P ha-1 and 1.5 kg B ha-1 could be applied to obtain higher yield of bean.
Comparative Evaluation of Influence of Three Different Obturation Techniques on Removal of Filling Material during Retreatment: An in vitro Study
Authors: Choudhary Deebah
Published: September 2020

Aim: To evaluate the influence of various obturating techniques on retreatment teeth.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Institute of Dental Sciences, Jammu and Kashmir, India between December 2019 and February 2020.

Methodology: Sixty extracted mandibular premolars were randomly divided into three groups (n=20) based on the obturation technique adopted which endodontic treatment i.e., cold lateral compaction, thermoplasticized and GuttaFlow techniques. The samples were evaluated using micro-computed tomography for the volume before and after the retreatment to assess the remaining amount of filling material in the canals, and also the time taken for the removal of filling material during the retreatment. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Post hoc test at P < 0.05.

Results: The percentage of remaining filling material was between 17%-27%. The highest percentage of remaining filling material was seen in samples obturated with GuttaFlow (P < 0.05). The time required for retreatment was highly significant in thermoplasticized technique (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The type of obturating technique influenced the amount of filling material remained in the canal after retreatment and also the time taken during this removal.
Comparison of the Effect of Combined Treatment with Radiotherapy and Hyperthermia versus Exclusively Radiotherapy to Reduce Pain in Patients with Bone Metastases
Authors: Keyvan Baharak , Nikoofar Alireza , Sanei Mastaneh , Tahamtan Mohammadreza Barzegar- , Mahdavi Seyed Rabi , Khalafi Leila , Aryafar Tayebeh
Published: September 2020

Based on the extant studies conducted by scholars, recognizing the best and practical treatment methods in patients with bone metastases is an important and conspicuous focus in improving and amelioration of the treatment and prognosis of patients. Ergo, this study aims to compare the effects of radiotherapy and hyperthermia with radiotherapy only to reduce pain in one of the oncology centers located in Tehran (the capital city of Iran). In this randomized clinical trial study, patients with bone metastases were randomly assigned to one of two group’s radiotherapy and hyperthermia or radiotherapy exclusively and the collected data were processed through Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS). Thenceforth, findings were evaluated and compared between the two groups. A total of 60 patients inclusive of 34 women and 26 men were investigated. In the baseline, 20 patients in the case group (67%) and 21 patients in the control group (70%) used palliative drugs. At the end of the trial, the consumption of palliative drugs was decreased in the case group (12 patients, 43%) but, no change was observed in the control group. After treatment, complete response to treatment (27% vs. 13%), experienced a decrease in the clinical pain (57% vs. 83%) and did not respond to treatment in a stable mode (17% vs. 4%) of which were different between case and control groups, respectively. Regardless of the difference in the ratio of partial response in two groups, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of response to treatment. Although the effect of radiotherapy and hyperthermia in comparison with radiotherapy exclusively was more efficacious in some aspects of the intervention of pain with sleep. However, there was no remarkable and significant difference in other cases.
Sensitivity of the Posterior Mean on the Prior Assumptions: An Application of the Ellipsoid Bound Theorem
Authors: Akanbi Olawale B. , Olubusoye Olusanya E. , Odeyemi Oluwaseun O.
Published: September 2020

This study examines the sensitivity of the posterior mean to change in the prior assumptions. Three plausible choices of prior which include informative, relative-non informative and non-informative priors are considered. The paper considers information level for a prior to cause a notable change in the Bayesian posterior point estimate. The study develops a framework for evaluating a bound for a robust posterior point estimate. The Ellipsoid Bound theorem is employed to derive the Ellipsoid Bound for an independent normal gamma prior distribution. The proposed modification ellipsoid bound for the large prior was establised by varrying different variance co-variance sizes for the independent normal gamma prior. This bound represents the range for the posterior mean when is insensitive and when it’s sensitive in both location and spread. The result shows that; for a large prior parameter value (greater than the OLS estimate) with a positive definite prior variance covariance matrix, and prior parameter values interval which contains the OLS estimate then, the posterior estimate will be less than both the OLS and the prior estimates. Similarly, if the lower bound of the prior parameter values range is greater than the OLS estimate then: The posterior estimate will be greater than the OLS estimate but smaller than the prior estimate. Furthermore, it is observed that no matter the degrees of confidence in the prior values, data information is powerful enough to modify it.
Automatic segmentation and applicator reconstruction for CT‐based brachytherapy of cervical cancer using 3D convolutional neural networks
Authors: Zhang Daguang , Yang Zhiyong , Jiang Shan , Zhou Zeyang , Meng Maobin , Wang Wei
Published: September 2020

In this study, we present deep learning‐based approaches to automatic segmentation and applicator reconstruction with high accuracy and efficiency in the planning computed tomography (CT) for cervical cancer brachytherapy (BT). A novel three‐dimensional (3D) convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture was proposed and referred to as DSD‐UNET. The dataset of 91 patients received CT‐based BT of cervical cancer was used to train and test DSD‐UNET model for auto‐segmentation of high‐risk clinical target volume (HR‐CTV) and organs at risk (OARs). Automatic applicator reconstruction was achieved with DSD‐UNET‐based segmentation of applicator components followed by 3D skeletonization and polynomial curve fitting. Digitization of the channel paths for tandem and ovoid applicator in the planning CT was evaluated utilizing the data from 32 patients. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Jaccard Index (JI), and Hausdorff distance (HD) were used to quantitatively evaluate the accuracy. The segmentation performance of DSD‐UNET was compared with that of 3D U‐Net. Results showed that DSD‐UNET method outperformed 3D U‐Net on segmentations of all the structures. The mean DSC values of DSD‐UNET method were 86.9%, 82.9%, and 82.1% for bladder, HR‐CTV, and rectum, respectively. For the performance of automatic applicator reconstruction, outstanding segmentation accuracy was first achieved for the intrauterine and ovoid tubes (average DSC value of 92.1%, average HD value of 2.3 mm). Finally, HDs between the channel paths determined automatically and manually were 0.88 ± 0.12 mm, 0.95 ± 0.16 mm, and 0.96 ± 0.15 mm for the intrauterine, left ovoid, and right ovoid tubes, respectively. The proposed DSD‐UNET method outperformed the 3D U‐Net and could segment HR‐CTV, bladder, and rectum with relatively good accuracy. Accurate digitization of the channel paths could be achieved with the DSD‐UNET‐based method. The proposed approaches could be useful to improve the efficiency and consistency of treatment planning for cervical cancer BT.
Room Temperature Oxalic Acid‐Catalyzed, Ambient Pressure Dried, and Cost‐Effective Synthesis of Polybenzoxazine Aerogels for Thermal Insulation
Authors: Xiao Yunyun , Li Liangjun , Zhang Sizhao , Feng Junzong , Jiang Yonggang , Feng Jian
Published: September 2020

The quest for ambient pressure dried, cost‐effective, and environmentally friendly synthesis technology has been continuously pursued throughout the aerogel research process. Herein, oxalic acid catalyst is used to synthesize a series of polybenzoxazine (PBZ) aerogels through room temperature ring‐opening polymerization and ambient pressure drying technique based on phenol‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane benzoxazine (PH–mda) monomer. The resultant PBZ aerogels with a microstructure of 3D nanoporous network exhibit a low density of 0.13–0.36 g cm−3 and relatively low thermal conductivities of 0.0323 (105 Pa) and 0.0119 W m−1 K−1 (10 Pa), respectively. Remarkably, PBZ aerogels possess excellent compressibility (the maximum strain can be more than 80%), high compressive modulus, and specific modulus because of their rough skeleton structure. Taking advantage of the simple synthetic route, easily scaled‐up, lightweight, low thermal conductivity, and excellent mechanical property, such PBZ aerogels may have great potential to serve as a new material for energy‐efficient buildings and the other thermal insulating field.
Nanotechnology‐Based CAR‐T Strategies for Improving Efficacy and Safety of Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Meng Fanyan , Yen Ying‐Tzu , Li Rutian , Liu Baorui
Published: September 2020

Therapeutic responses to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in patients with limited treatment options have been appealing in several clinical trials. However, the efficacy of CAR‐T therapy has been challenged by several obstacles when treating patients with solid tumors, such as severe toxicities, restricted access to tumor sites, suboptimal therapeutic persistence, and manufacturing issues. Nanotechnology has the advantages of protecting CAR‐T cells from being suppressed by tumor microenvironment (TME) and favorably adapting immune‐modulating drugs’ pharmacokinetics by modifying their spatiotemporal release profiles. Loaded with nanoparticles and packed onto CAR‐T cells, immune‐modulating drugs can be delivered to the tumor site and lymph node more efficiently, stimulating the expansion and activity of CAR‐T cells. To protect normal tissues from the nonspecific toxicity of the activated CAR‐T cells, formulations are optimized toward tumor targeting delivery of nanotechnology. This review summarizes the nanotechnology strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of CAR‐T therapy. In addition, the unsolved problems existing in the clinical application of CAR‐T therapy are focused on, where study and exploration by the way of nanotechnology is needed.
Analysis of ZTE MRI application to sandstone and carbonate
Authors: Covington Kyle L. , Goroncy Alexander K. , Lehmann Teresa E. , Kou Zuhao , Wang Heng , Alvarado Vladimir
Published: September 2020

Microtomography (μCT) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have been used to characterize porous media for decades. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables direct visualization of pore architecture and many pulse sequences exist. In this work, we tested the MRI pulse sequence Zero Echo Time (ZTE) to study sandstone and carbonate for its ability to address short relaxation times. We aimed at resolving two fluid conduit scales, that is, pores and fractures. In this research, we study tighter porous systems than those previously reported using ZTE. Additionally, pore cluster analysis (PCA), combined with ZTE, can be used to analyze pore‐fracture connectivity of relatively large core plugs. We show that ZTE can resolve two‐scale pore systems simultaneously, that is, fractures and pores. By combining time‐domain NMR pore‐size analysis and PCA, we show that careful selection of resolution is necessary to understand transport in porous media.
Investigation of thickness and wax content of wax deposits in polyethylene pipe using a flow loop
Authors: Li Rongbin , Huang Qiyu , Zhang Dongxu , Zhu Xiangrui , Shan Jinxu , Li Zhimin
Published: September 2020

In this study, the thickness and wax content of wax deposits were found to be thinner and lower in the polyethylene (PE) pipe than in the stainless steel (SS) pipe using a flow loop apparatus. The diffusivity of wax, radial thermal gradient, and wax precipitation rate in the PE and SS pipes were calculated and compared. It was found the diffusivity of wax in the PE pipe was higher and tended to enhance the wax deposition in the PE pipe, while the radial thermal gradient and wax precipitation rate were lower in the PE pipe and had the opposite effects. These factors are shown to be comparable with each other and the effect of the thermal gradient dominates the mass flux of wax from bulk to the oil‐deposit interface and into the deposits finally, thus causing differences in thickness and wax content of deposits between the PE and SS pipes.
Diagnosis of Chediak Higashi disease in a 67‐year old woman
Authors: Yarnell David S. , Roney Joseph C. , Teixeira Cláudia , Freitas Maria I. , Cipriano Ana , Leuschner Pedro , Krzewski Konrad , Stephen Joshi , Dorward Heidi , Gahl William A. , Gochuico Bernadette R. , Toro Camilo , Malicdan May C. , Introne Wendy J.
Published: September 2020

Chediak‐Higashi disease is a rare disease caused by bi‐allelic mutations in the lysosomal trafficking regulator gene, LYST. Individuals typically present in early childhood with partial oculocutaneous albinism, a bleeding diathesis, recurrent infections secondary to immune dysfunction, and risk of developing hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Without intervention, mortality is high in the first decade of life. However, some individuals with milder phenotypes have attenuated hematologic and immunologic presentations, and lower risk of HLH. Both classic and milder phenotypes develop progressive neurodegeneration in early adulthood. Here we present a remarkable patient diagnosed with Chediak‐Higashi disease at age 67, many decades after the diagnosis is usually established. Diagnosis was suspected by observing the pathognomonic granules within leukocytes, and confirmed by identification of bi‐allelic mutations in LYST, reduced LYST mRNA expression, enlarged lysosomes within fibroblasts, and decreased NK cell lytic activity. This case further expands the phenotype of Chediak‐Higashi disease and highlights the need for increased awareness. Individuals with milder phenotypes may escape early diagnosis, but identification is important for close monitoring of potential complications, and to further our understanding of the function of LYST.
Polymethine‐Based Semiconducting Polymer Dots with Narrow‐Band Emission and Absorption/Emission Maxima at NIR‐II for Bioimaging
Authors: Liu Ming‐Ho , Zhang Zhe , Yang Yu‐Chi , Chan Yang‐Hsiang
Published: September 2020

Deep‐penetration fluorescence imaging in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window heralds a new era of clinical surgery, in which high‐resolution vascular/lymphatic anatomy and detailed cancerous tissues can be visualized in real time. Described here is a series of polymethine‐based semiconducting polymers with intrinsic emission maxima in the NIR‐IIa (1300–1400 nm) window and absorption maxima ranging from 1082 to 1290 nm. These polymers were prepared as semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) in aqueous solutions with fluorescence quantum yields of 0.05–0.18 %, and they demonstrate promising applications in noninvasive through‐skull brain imaging in live mice with remarkable spatial resolution as well as signal‐to‐background contrast. This study offers a platform for future design of NIR‐IIa or even NIR‐IIb emitting Pdots.
Ligand‐Controlled Copper‐Catalyzed Regiodivergent Carbonylative Synthesis of α‐Amino Ketones and α‐Boryl Amides from Imines and Alkyl Iodides
Authors: Wu Fu‐Peng , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: September 2020

Regioselective transformation is among the long‐standing challenges in organic synthesis. In this communication, a copper‐catalyzed selectivity controlled regiodivergent borocarbonylation of imines with alkyl iodides has been developed. Various α‐amino ketones and α‐boryl amides were produced in moderate to good yields from the same substrates. The choice of the ligand is key for the regioselectivity control: α‐amino ketones were produced selectively in good yields with (p‐CF3C6H4)3P as the ligand, whereas the corresponding α‐boryl amides were obtained with high regioselectivities when using MeIMes as the ligand.
A Mixed Heavier Si=Ge Analogue of a Vinyl Anion
Authors: Majhi Paresh Kumar , Huch Volker , Scheschkewitz David
Published: September 2020

The versatile reactivities of disilenides and digermenide, heavier analogues of vinyl anions, have significantly expanded the pool of silicon and germanium compounds with various unexpected structural motifs in the past two decades. We now report the synthesis and isolation of a cyclic heteronuclear vinyl anion analogue with a Si=Ge bond, potassium silagermenide as stable thf‐solvate and 18‐c‐6 solvate by the KC8reduction of germylene or digermene precursors. Its suitability as synthon for the synthesis of functional silagermenes is proven by the reactions with chlorosilane and chlorophospane to yield the corresponding silyl‐ and phosphanyl‐silagermenes. X‐ray crystallographic analysis, UV/Vis spectroscopy and DFT calculations revealed a significant degree of π‐conjugation between N=C and Si=Ge double bonds in the title compound.
Electrochemical B−H Nitrogenation: Access to Amino Acid and BODIPY‐Labeled nido‐Carboranes
Authors: Yang Long , Bongsuiru Jei Becky , Scheremetjew Alexej , Kuniyil Rositha , Ackermann Lutz
Published: September 2020

Electrocatalyzed oxidative B−H nitrogenations of nido‐carborane (nido‐7,8‐C2B9H12−) with N‐heterocycles have been established, enabling the preparation of various N‐substituted nido‐carboranes without chemical oxidants or metal catalyst under ambient conditions. The electrolysis manifold occurred with high levels of efficiency as well as chemo‐ and position‐ selectivity, employing sustainable electricity as the sole oxidant. The strategy set the stage for a user‐friendly access to novel amino acid and fluorogenic boron‐dipyrrin (BODIPY)‐labeled nido‐carborane hybrids.
Using an Academic‐Practice Partnership to Implement a Perioperative Nursing Elective in a Baccalaureate Nursing Program
Authors: Rogers Carol E. , Wilcox Jeana , Bodine-Ford Victoria
Published: September 2020

Many perioperative nurses are reaching retirement age and hospital leaders are experiencing difficulty with maintaining staffing levels. When baccalaureate nursing students seek employment after graduation, they may not consider perioperative nursing because of a lack of familiarity with the specialty. Faculty members at one college of nursing collaborated with hospital leaders in Oklahoma and developed a perioperative nursing elective course to address this gap. During the first three years of the partnership, 34 students completed the course. Nine students accepted perioperative nurse externships and nine graduates accepted perioperative nurse positions. All the students who completed the perioperative nursing course passed the NCLEX‐RN examination on the first attempt. The academic‐practice leaders continue to offer the course as a strategy to recruit perioperative nurses in Oklahoma. This article describes a process for developing a perioperative nursing elective course to prepare baccalaureate nursing students for employment after graduation.
Molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of BmSOD3 in silkworm (Bombyx mori)
Authors: Shi Guiqin , Shen Jiaxin , Ren Fei , Yang Weikai
Published: September 2020

Superoxide dismutases (SODs) play an essential role in eliminating excess reactive oxygen species and maintaining the redox balance of the immune system. To study the function of BmSOD3 in silkworm, 543‐bp full‐length complementary DNA‐encoding BmSOD3 was cloned from silkworm. The BmSOD3 amino acids were compared to their homologs, and several highly conserved regions were analyzed. We also carried out phylogenetic analyses of the SOD gene. Our results showed that the BmSOD3 gene belonged with the ecCu/Zn SOD gene. The BmSOD3 gene was transformed into the pET28a vector for functional expression in Escherichia coli. The sodium salt‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results showed that the molecular weight of recombinant BmSOD3 was about 22 kDa. The recombinant protein BmSOD3 was purified to detect its properties. After purification analyses, the enzyme activity showed Cu/Zn SOD activity, and the specific activity of the purified enzyme was 0.51 U/mg. The BmSOD3 transcripts showed tissue‐specific expression in the midgut and malpighian tubule. The immune microarray data for BmSOD3 showed an expression signal that had a strong response to the induction of four pathogens (Bacillus bombyseptieus, Beauveria bassiana, E. coli, and nuclear polyhedrosis virus), particularly after infection for 24 h, which indicates that the BmSOD3 gene plays a key role in response to bacterial, fungal, and viral invasion. The fusion protein also showed antibacterial activity against E. coli in vitro. Thus, the fusion protein BmSOD3 exhibits antibacterial activity and may be used in production to combat diseases caused by bacteria in silkworm.
Multimodal treatment of persistent postural–perceptual dizziness
Authors: Axer Hubertus , Finn Sigrid , Wassermann Alexander , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando , Klingner Carsten M. , Witte Otto W.
Published: September 2020

Background

Persistent postural–perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic disorder with fluctuating symptoms of dizziness, unsteadiness, or vertigo for at least three months. Its pathophysiological mechanisms give theoretical support for the use of multimodal treatment. However, there are different therapeutic programs and principles available, and their clinical effectiveness remains elusive.

Methods

A database of patients who participated in a day care multimodal treatment program was analyzed regarding the therapeutic effects on PPPD. Vertigo Severity Scale (VSS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed before and 6 months after therapy.

Results

Of a total of 657 patients treated with a tertiary care multimodal treatment program, 46.4% met the criteria for PPPD. PPPD patients were younger than patients with somatic diagnoses and complained more distress due to dizziness. 63.6% completed the follow‐up questionnaire. All patients showed significant changes in VSS and HADS anxiety, but the PPPD patients generally showed a tendency to improve more than the patients with somatic diagnoses. The change in the autonomic–anxiety subscore of VSS only reached statistical significance when comparing PPPD with somatic diagnoses (p = .002).

Conclusions

Therapeutic principles comprise cognitive–behavioral therapy, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, and serotonergic medication. However, large‐scale, randomized, controlled trials are still missing. Follow‐up observations after multimodal interdisciplinary therapy reveal an improvement in symptoms in most patients with chronic dizziness. The study was not designed to detect diagnosis‐specific effects, but patients with PPPD and patients with other vestibular disorders benefit from multimodal therapies.
Appendix muscle bands, a forgotten entity
Authors: Handra‐Luca Adriana
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Appendix muscle bands (AMB) develop from the appendix muscle layer into the mesoappendix. There are few recent publications on this forgotten entity. The objectives of this study were to assess the morphological features of AMB as detected at microscopy examination of appendectomy specimens.

Methods

Sixty‐six cases of AMB as detected on appendectomy specimens were assessed for microscopy features on routine hematoxilin and eosin stained tissue slides. The morphological features were analyzed with regard to the main clinico‐pathological parameters.

Results

AMBs were multiple in 35 cases. Most AMBs were located between the tip and cecal limit, 7 at the tip, and 1 at the cecal limit of the appendectomy specimen. Associated appendix lesions were: acute appendicitis, neuroma, mesoappendix cyst, muscle hiatus, and diverticulae (60,6,2,45, and 1, respectively). In 24 appendices, the AMB developed from the perihiatus muscle. Two microscopy types of AMBs were detected: muscle‐AMB and mesoappendix‐AMB.

Conclusion

AMB may be detected incidentally at microscopy of appendectomy specimens. Acute appendicitis was associated in most cases, independently on the microscopy type of AMB. Appendix abnormalities as neuroma, mesoappendix cyst, muscle hiatus, and diverticulae can be associated to AMBs.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and Avelumab in early stage resectable nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Tfayli Arafat , Al Assaad Majd , Fakhri Ghina , Akel Reem , Atwi Hanine , Ghanem Hady , El Karak Fadi , Farhat Fadi , Al Rabi Kamal , Sfeir Pierre , Youssef Pierre , Mansour Ziad , Assi Hazem , Haidar Mohamad , Abi Ghanem Alain , Khalifeh Ibrahim , Boulos Fouad , Mahfouz Ramy , Youssef Bassem , Zeidan Youssef , Bejjany Rachelle , Khuri Fadlo
Published: September 2020

Multiple randomized studies have shown that combination of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) leads to better response rates and survival as compared to chemotherapy alone in the advanced stage of NSCLC. Data suggesting a benefit to using ICIs in the neoadjuvant therapy of patients with early stage NSCLC are emerging. Eligible subjects were treatment naïve patients with stage IB, II, and resectable IIIA NSCLC. Patients received three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with four doses of avelumab every 2 weeks. Patients with squamous cell cancer received cisplatin or carboplatin on day 1 and gemcitabine on days 1 and 8 of each cycle of chemotherapy. Patients with nonsquamous histology received cisplatin or carboplatin with pemetrexed on day 1 of each cycle. Patients then proceeded to their planned surgery. Out of 15 patients accrued as part of stage 1 of the study, four had a radiologic response (1 complete response), lower than the minimum of six responses needed to continue to phase 2 of the study. The study was therefore terminated. Majority had adenocarcinoma histology and stage IIIA disease. The treatment was well tolerated with no unexpected side effects. Four patients (26.7%) had grade III/IV CTCAE toxicity. This study confirms that the preoperative administration of chemotherapy and avelumab is safe. There was no indication of increased surgical complications. The benefit of adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy did not appear to enhance the overall response rate of patients in the neoadjuvant setting in patients with resectable NSCLC because this study failed to meet its primary endpoint.
miR‐155‐5p regulates mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis and proliferation by targeting GSK3B in steroid‐associated osteonecrosis
Authors: Wu Fei , Huang Wei , Yang Yue , Liu Feng , Chen Jin , Wang Guangyong , Sun Zhibo
Published: September 2020

microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been recognized as playing an important role in bone‐associated diseases. This study investigated whether the reduced miR‐155‐5p in steroid‐associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) attenuated osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation by targeting GSK3B. Bone marrow was collected from the proximal femurs of patients with steroid‐associated ONFH (n = 10) and patients with new femoral neck fracture (n = 10) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated. The expression profile, the biological function of miR‐155‐5p, and the interaction between miR‐155‐5p and GSK3B were investigated by cell viability measurement, western blot, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, luciferase reporter assay, and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining of MSCs. The MSCs that were obtained from the femoral neck fracture group and from the steroid‐associated ONFH group were transfected with or without miR‐155‐5p. We found that, in ONFH samples, the level of mature miR‐155‐5p was significantly lower than that of control samples. By inhibiting GSK3B, miR‐155‐5p promoted the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin, increased the expression of osteogenesis‐related genes, and facilitated the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs. Restoring the expression of GSK3B in MSCs partially reversed the effect of miR‐155‐5p. These findings suggest that reduced miR‐155‐5p in steroid‐associated ONFH attenuates osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation by increased levels of GSK3B and inhibition of Wnt signaling.
Melatonin ameliorates degenerative alterations caused by age in the rat prostate and mitigates high‐fat diet damages
Authors: Tamarindo Guilherme H. , Gobbo Marina G. , Taboga Sebastião R. , Almeida Eduardo A. , Góes Rejane M.
Published: September 2020

Imbalance of sexual steroids milieu and oxidative stress are often observed during aging and correlated to prostate disorders. Likewise, high‐fat intake has been related to prostate damage and tumor development. Melatonin (MLT) is an antioxidant whose secretion decreases in elderly and is also suggested to protect the gland. This study evaluated the impact of a long‐term high‐fat diet during aging on prostate morphology and antioxidant system of rats and tested the effects of MLT supplementation under these conditions. Male rats were assigned into four groups: control, treated with MLT, high‐fat diet and high‐fat diet treated with MLT. The high‐fat diet was provided from the 24th week of age, MLT from the 48th (100 μg/kg/day) and rats were euthanized at the 62nd week. The high‐fat diet increased body weight, retroperitoneal fatness, glycaemia, and circulating estrogen levels. It aggravated the aging effects, leading to epithelial atrophy (∼32% reduction of epithelial height) and collagen fibers increase (83%). MLT alone did not alter biometric and physiological parameters, except for the prostate weight decrease, whereas it alleviated biometric as well as ameliorated acinar atrophy induced by high‐lipid intake. Systemic oxidative stress increased, and prostatic glutathione peroxidase activity decreased fivefold with the high‐fat diet despite the indole. Regardless of the diet, MLT triggered epithelial desquamation, reduced androgen receptor‐positive cells, increased smooth muscle layer thickness (12%), decreased at least 50% corpora amylacea formation, and stimulated prostatic gluthatione‐S‐transferase activity. In conclusion, MLT partially recovered prostate damage induced by aging and the long‐term high‐fat diet and ameliorated degenerative prostate alterations.
Diagnosis and prognosis potential of four gene promoter hypermethylation in prostate cancer
Authors: Li Yang , Meng Lingyin , Shi Tao , Ren Jing , Deng Quanjun
Published: September 2020

The current prostate special antigen (PSA) test causes the overtreatment of indolent prostate cancer (PCa). It also increases the risk of delayed treatment of aggressive PCa. DNA methylation aberrations are important events for gene expression dysregulation during tumorigenesis and have been suggested as novel candidate biomarkers for PCa. This may improve the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa. This study assessed the differential methylation and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression between normal and PCa samples. Correlation between promoter methylation and mRNA expression was estimated using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Moreover, the diagnostic potential of candidate methylation markers was estimated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve using continuous beta values. Survival and Cox analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic potential of the candidate methylation markers. A total of 359 hypermethylated sites 3435 hypomethylation sites, 483 upregulated genes, and 1341 downregulated genes were identified from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Furthermore, 17 hypermethylated sites (covering 13 genes), including known genes associated with hypermethylation in PCa (e.g., AOX1 and C1orf114), showed high discrimination between adjacent normal tissues and PCa samples with the area under the ROC curve from 0.88 to 0.94. Notably, ANXA2, FGFR2, HAAO, and KCNE3 were identified as valuable prognostic markers of PCa through the Kaplan–Meier analysis. Using gene methylation as a continuous variable, four promoter hypermethylation was significantly associated with disease‐free survival in univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression. This study identified four novel diagnostic and prognostic markers for PCa. The markers provide important strategies for improving the timely diagnosis and prognosis of PCa.
Facile Synthesis of Three‐dimensional Hierarchical Ni3S2@CoAl‐LDHs Nanosheet Arrays and Their Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Du Yuhang , Lu Yufei , Zhang Hongjian , Nie Zhentao , Sun Zhicheng , Han Congying , Li Ruizi , Zhu Jixin
Published: September 2020

Designing an electrocatalyst with optimized structure and performance is vital for the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen. Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchical composite electrode material is proposed for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), consisting of Co−Al hydroxides (CoAl‐LDHs) nanosheets decorated with vertically aligned nickel sulfide (Ni3S2) arrays (Ni3S2@CoAl‐LDHs/NF). The as‐obtained electrocatalyst displays a minimum overpotential of 175 mV at 10 mA cm−2 toward HER. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel slope further reveals outstanding kinetics in the electrolysis process. The catalytic performance of the electrode can still maintain 90 % capacity after 1000 CV cycles. The outstanding properties of the composite material benefits from its unique 3D hierarchical structure, which promote plentiful active sites and faster electronic transfer rate. This work sheds lights on the current research of noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts and the design of overall water splitting.
Application of Lyapunov's Methods for Analyzing the Stability of a Tubular Chemical Reactor with Recycle
Authors: Berezowski Marek
Published: September 2020

The first and second Lyapunov methods were adapted to analyze the stability of a tubular chemical reactor with recycle. The criterion of local stability in the form of inequalities was derived using Lyapunov's first method. It is an explicit algebraic form, despite the fact that the mathematical model of the reactor is a partial differential problem with a boundary condition. As part of the second Lyapunov method, a mathematical criterion for non‐local stability was derived in the form of an increase of Lyapunov's function. Both criteria are presented on graphs.