bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of the Swede score to predict cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in women with HIV‐1 in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Maringa Vusumuzi David , Chikandiwa Admire , Gilham Clare , Mbodi Langanani , Kelly Helen , Mayaud Philippe , Delany‐Moretlwe Sinead , Adam Yasmin
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the performance of the Swede score to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in women with HIV‐1 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study using secondary data analysis from the HPV in Africa Research Partnership (HARP) study that compared the performance of three different screening tests to detect CIN. Colposcopy was performed on any woman who screened positive and findings were recorded using the Swede score. A biopsy of any lesion and a four‐quadrant biopsy was taken. The score was evaluated against a histological diagnosis of >CIN1. The sensistivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for each score was calculated.

Results

Median age and CD4+ count of the 576 women eligible from the Johannesburg cohort was 34 years (IQR, 30–39) and 427 cells/mm3 (IQR, 323–579), respectively. Almost two‐thirds (64%) were on ART and about 21% had CIN 2+ on histology. A Swede score of 5 or greater had the best combination of sensitivity and specificity for CIN 2+ with an AUC of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.68–0.76) corresponding to a sensitivity of 72.1 (95% CI, 63.5–79.6) and specificity of 71.8 (95% CI, 67.4–75.9).

Conclusion

The Swede score can assist in determining whether women with HIV/AIDS should have treatment at the first colposcopy visit versus those who may be followed up, thereby individualizing treatment.
Exploring the mediating role of integrative self‐knowledge in the relationship between mindfulness and well‐being in the context of a mindfulness‐based stress reduction program
Authors: Abbasi Maryam , Ghorbani Nima , Imani Amir Hossein , Tahbaz Hoseinzadeh Sahar
Published: September 2020

Mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) is an effective program for improving well‐being. A growing body of studies is exploring the mechanisms mediating its beneficial effects. Integrative self‐knowledge (ISK) is the construct of focus in this study. The primary goal of the current study was to investigate the mediating role of ISK in the relationship between improved mindful observing (MO), non‐judging inner experience (NJ), and well‐being following an MBSR program with an Iranian sample. Participants (n = 118) enrolled in MBSR and completed depression, anxiety, stress (DASS), Bartone Symptoms Checklist (BSC), Five‐Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and ISK scale before and after the program. Results showed significant reductions in BSC, DASS, and improvements in MO, NJ, and ISK at the end of the program. Mediation analyses revealed that changes in ISK significantly mediated the relationship between changes in MO and NJ and symptoms (MO indirect effect on DASS: β = 0.11, confidence interval [CI] [0.003, 0.29]; NJ indirect effect on DASS: β = 0.12, CI [−0.16, 0.45]; MO indirect effect on BSC: β = 0.08, CI [0.001, 0.27]; NJ indirect effect on BSC: β = 0.09, CI [0.01, 0.22]). Improvements in MO and NJ may provide a pathway to cultivating ISK in MBSR, which may lead to enhanced well‐being.
Wearable sensors for smart abnormal heart rate detection during skiing
Authors: Yue Nan , Claes Stephan
Published: September 2020

Abnormal heart rate detection has widely used in the evaluation, diagnosis and prediction of heart‐related diseases and autonomic nerve‐related diseases. In this paper, we use the ballistocardiogram (BCG) signal to analyze abnormal heart rate. First, we collect the BCG signals from wearable device during skiing. Second, we use the empirical model decomposition (EMD) and Hilbert transform to remove the noises in collected BCG signals. Third, the denoised BCG signals are used to analyze the heart rate variability (HRV) which is widely used in medical diagnosis. The experimental results show that the HRV analysis based on BCG signal and ECG signal has no significant difference. Lastly, the HRV features are input into a local outlier factor (LOF) to identify abnormal heart rate during skiing.
Functional communication training: From efficacy to effectiveness
Authors: Ghaemmaghami Mahshid , Hanley Gregory P. , Jessel Joshua
Published: September 2020

Functional communication training (FCT; Carr & Durand, 1985) is a common function‐based treatment in which an alternative form of communication is taught to reduce problem behavior. FCT has been shown to result in substantial reductions of a variety of topographically and functionally different types of problem behavior in children and adults (efficacy). The extent to which these reductions maintain in relevant contexts and result in meaningful changes in the lives of those impacted (effectiveness) is the focus of this paper. This review evaluates the degree to which FCT has been established as an evidence‐based practice in psychology (EBPP) according to the definition set out by the American Psychological Association's 2005 Presidential Task Force on Evidence‐Based Practice. Our review finds overwhelming evidence in support of FCT as an efficacious treatment but highlights significant limitations in support of its effectiveness. In order to also be recognized as an EBPP, future research on FCT will need to focus more closely on issues related to home, school, and community application, feasibility, consumer satisfaction, and more general and global changes for the individual.
Novel RPL13 Variants and Variable Clinical Expressivity in a Human Ribosomopathy With Spondyloepimetaphyseal Dysplasia
Authors: Costantini Alice , Alm Jessica J , Tonelli Francesca , Valta Helena , Huber Céline , Tran Anh N , Daponte Valentina , Kirova Nadi , Kwon Yong-Uk , Bae Jung Yun , Chung Woo Yeong , Tan Shengjiang , Sznajer Yves , Nishimura Gen , Näreoja Tuomas , Warren Alan J , Cormier-Daire Valérie , Kim Ok-Hwa , Forlino Antonella , Cho Tae-Joon , Mäkitie Outi
Published: September 2020

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasias (SEMDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders with variable growth failure and skeletal impairments affecting the spine and long bone epiphyses and metaphyses. Here we report on four unrelated families with SEMD in which we identified two monoallelic missense variants and one monoallelic splice site variant in RPL13, encoding the ribosomal protein eL13. In two out of four families, we observed autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance and variable clinical expressivity; the phenotypes of the mutation-positive subjects ranged from normal height with or without hip dysplasia to severe SEMD with severe short stature and marked skeletal dysplasia. In vitro studies on patient-derived dermal fibroblasts harboring RPL13 missense mutations demonstrated normal eL13 expression, with proper subcellular localization but reduced colocalization with eL28 (p < 0.001). Cellular functional defects in fibroblasts from mutation-positive subjects indicated a significant increase in the ratio of 60S subunits to 80S ribosomes (p = 0.007) and attenuated global translation (p = 0.017). In line with the human phenotype, our rpl13 mutant zebrafish model, generated by CRISPR-Cas9 editing, showed cartilage deformities at embryonic and juvenile stages. These findings extend the genetic spectrum of RPL13 mutations causing this novel human ribosomopathy with variable skeletal features. Our study underscores for the first time incomplete penetrance and broad phenotypic variability in SEMD-RPL13 type and confirms impaired ribosomal function. Furthermore, the newly generated rpl13 mutant zebrafish model corroborates the role of eL13 in skeletogenesis. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)..
CEO overconfidence and corporate risk taking: Evidence from pension policy
Authors: Goldberg Cathy S. , Graham Carol M. , Ha Joohyung
Published: September 2020

We examine the relationship between managerial overconfidence and corporate risk taking. More specifically, we investigate how overconfidence affects the risks that CEOs take in managing their firm's pension plans. Using both options‐based and firm‐based measures to proxy for CEO overconfidence, we find that overconfident CEOs are more likely to take on greater risk in managing their pension plans by increasing the amount of pension assets invested in equities and the volatility of the pension fund. Our results are significant in the post‐global financial crisis of 2008 during a period when data indicates average equity allocation in pension assets decreased thus highlighting that overconfident managers behaved contrary to the overall market. This study adds to the literature on both managerial overconfidence and its consequences, and on the drivers of corporate pension policy.
Comments on some chemical properties of diphenyl disulfide and its derivatives: II.Correlating the studies of reductive cleavage of disulfide bonds with the studies of anti‐human immunodeficiency virus activity with lowest unoccupied molecular orbital properties
Authors: Lin Hung‐Sung , Wu Yan , Liu Yu‐Ju , Chen Shu‐Hui , Chen Wei‐Ting , Wang Shao‐Pin
Published: September 2020

The higher anti‐human immunodeficiency virus activity of a symmetrical 2,2′‐disubstitued derivative of diphenyl disulfide (DPDS) has been explained by the lower energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), resulted from a better hydrogen bond stabilization of the σ*SS bond orbital (BO). This conclusion entails the participation of σ*SS BO in constructing the LUMO. The higher content of σ*SS BO, compared to π*CC BOs of phenyl groups, in LUMO of DPDS has been found through analysis of the LUMO of DPDS expanded in the BO space. The high content of σ*SS BO (%σ*SS) in the LUMO of DPDS has laid the foundation for the formation of σ‐type radical anion intermediate in the stepwise reductive cleavage of disulfide bond in the symmetrical 4,4′‐disubstitued DPDS derivatives. For the nine 4,4′‐disubstituted DPDS‐derivatives under reductive cleavage studies, the increasing %σ*SS in the LUMOs is parallel to the increasing value of inner reorganization energy.
Comparison of antifungal and cytotoxicity activities of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles with amphotericin B against different Candida species: In vitro evaluation
Authors: Ahmadpour Kermani Shima , Salari Samira , Ghasemi Nejad Almani Pooya
Published: September 2020

Background

Candida species are known to cause serious fungal infections that produce cutaneous, mucosal, and systemic infections. Nowadays, mortality and morbidity candidiasis in immunocompromised patients have increased. Nanotechnology is a new world‐known technology and includes particles ranging from about 1 to 100 nanometers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antifungal and cytotoxicity activities of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2‐NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) compared to amphotericin B (AmB) on different Candida spp in in vitro conditions.

Methods

In the present study, susceptibility of different Candida species to TiO2‐NPs and ZnO‐NPs compared to AmB was determined by broth microdilution (BMD) and agar well diffusion methods. Cytotoxicity of TiO2‐NPs and ZnO‐NPs and amphotericin B was measured by MTT (3‐(4, 5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay.

Results

The results indicated that the TiO2‐NPs and ZnO‐NPs showed antifungal activities against pathogenic Candida spp. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of TiO2‐NP ranges against Candida spp. were 128‐256 µg/mL and 256‐512 µg/mL, respectively. The MIC and MFC values of ZnO‐NPs were 64‐128 µg/mL and 256‐512 µg/mL, respectively. However, MICs and MFCs of AmB were 8‐16 µg/mL and 16‐32 µg/mL, respectively. The MTT assay results showed that the CC50% belonged to ZnO‐NPs 706.2 μg/mL, for TiO2‐NPs 862.1 μg/mL, and for AmB 70.19 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that TiO2‐NPs and ZnO‐NPs had antifungal effects against all Candida species, yet the antifungal properties of TiO2‐NPs and ZnO‐NPs were significantly less than those of AmB. The CC50% of AmB was significantly lower than ZnO‐NPs and TiO2‐NPs.
Nifedipine Does Not Alter the Pharmacokinetics of Venlafaxine Enantiomers in Healthy Subjects Phenotyped for CYP2D6, CYP2C19, and CYP3A
Authors: Tozatto Eduardo , Benzi Jhohann Richard de Lima , Rocha Adriana , Coelho Eduardo Barbosa , Lanchote Vera Lucia
Published: September 2020

Venlafaxine (VEN) is a P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) substrate, and nifedipine has been described by in vitro and experimental studies as a P‐gp inhibitor. The present study aimed to investigate whether nifedipine alters the kinetic disposition of VEN enantiomers and their metabolites in healthy subjects. A crossover study was conducted in 10 healthy subjects phenotyped as extensive metabolizers for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6, CYP2C19, and CYP3A. In phase 1, the subjects received a single oral dose of 150 mg racemic VEN, and in phase 2, a single oral dose of 40 mg nifedipine was administered with the VEN treatment. Plasma concentrations of VEN enantiomers and their metabolites O‐desmethylvenlafaxine and N, O‐ didesmethylvenlafaxine (ODV and DDV, respectively) were evaluated by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry up to 72 hours after drug administration. Phase 2 was compared with phase 1 using the 90% confidence interval (CI) of the ratio of geometric means for Cmax and area under the curve (AUC). AUC enantiomeric ratios S‐(+)/R‐(−) were evaluated within each and between phases using the Wilcoxon test (P ≤ .05). The kinetic disposition of VEN was enantioselective (phase 1) with VEN S‐(+)/R‐(−) AUC ratio median of 2.83 (AUC0‐∞, 526 vs 195 ng·h/mL). However, AUC median did not differ between enantiomers for the metabolites ODV (1971 vs 2226 ng·h/mL) and DDV (199 vs 151 ng·h/mL). The 90%CI of the ratio of geometric means showed that the phases are bioequivalent. A single oral dose of 40 mg nifedipine did not alter VEN enantiomer pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects.
Five different solutions to mitigate overprescribing opioid medications
Authors: Font Kerri , Johnson Lonnie , Powell Charles
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine took 5 distinct actions to mitigate the amount of opioids prescribed at the dental school between the years 2016‐2020.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated a comprehensive 5‐step quality improvement strategy which was implemented to decrease opioid prescribing. a) development of a Dental Pain Management Protocol, b) implementation of the protocol with pre‐doctoral students, c) incorporating the results of a Master's project that determined the actual postoperative pain after periodontal/oral surgical procedures, d) development of a favorite electronic prescription list, and e) creation of patient instructions to allow for information on nonopioid analgesic use after dental procedures to be disseminated to the patient.

Results

There was a significant decrease (P = 0.05) in the opioid prescribing trend with the implementation of these 5 actions, resulting in an overall 68.8% decrease for prescription writing of opioids and a 78.6% decrease of opioid pills over this 3 year period.

Conclusion

Simple guidelines and protocols resulted in a drastic decrease in opioid prescribing, with limited negative feedback from faculty and patients.
Phenothiazine‐based chalcones as potential dual‐target inhibitors toward cholinesterases (AChE, BuChE) and monoamine oxidases (MAO‐A, MAO‐B)
Authors: Yamali Cem , Engin Feyza Sena , Bilginer Sinan , Tugrak Mehtap , Ozmen Ozgun Dilan , Ozli Gulsen , Levent Serkan , Saglik Begum Nurpelin , Ozkay Yusuf , Gul Halise Inci
Published: September 2020

Chalcones targeting neurodegenerative diseases have been known as attractive structures in drug design and discovery. In this study, phenothiazine‐based chalcones as ChEs and MAOs inhibitors were designed and synthesized via base‐catalyzed Claisen‐Schmidt condensation, and chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by NMRs and HRMS. Compounds 3 and 9 showed promising inhibition potency against AChE enzyme with IC50 values of 0.221 μM and 0.053 μM while compound 9 displayed remarkable inhibition potency toward MAO‐B enzyme with IC50 value of 0.048 μM. Compound 9, as a dual‐target inhibitor, selectively inhibited AChE and MAO‐B enzymes. This promising behavior is an advantage for the compound since MAO‐B and AChE inhibition have a role in Alzheimer's disease. Fused tricyclic ring systems such as phenothiazine incorporated with chalcone moiety being multitargeting ligands may help scientists for the rational design of novel lead compounds targeting neurodegenerative illnesses.
Enhanced Masses on Contrast‐Enhanced Breast: Differentiation Using a Combination of Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI and Quantitative Evaluation with Synthetic MRI
Authors: Matsuda Megumi , Tsuda Takaharu , Ebihara Rui , Toshimori Wataru , Takeda Shiori , Okada Kanako , Nakasuka Kaori , Shiraishi Yasuhiro , Suekuni Hiroshi , Kamei Yoshiaki , Kurata Mie , Kitazawa Riko , Mochizuki Teruhito , Kido Teruhito
Published: September 2020

Background

The addition of synthetic MRI might improve the diagnostic performance of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) in patients with breast cancer.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic value of a combination of DCE‐MRI and quantitative evaluation using synthetic MRI for differentiation between benign and malignant breast masses.

Study Type

Retrospective, observational.

Population

In all, 121 patients with 131 breast masses who underwent DCE‐MRI with additional synthetic MRI were enrolled.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 Tesla, T1‐weighted DCE‐MRI and synthetic MRI acquired by a multiple‐dynamic, multiple‐echo sequence.

Assessment

All lesions were differentiated as benign or malignant using the following three diagnostic methods: DCE‐MRI type based on the Breast Imaging–Reporting and Data System; synthetic MRI type using quantitative evaluation values calculated by synthetic MRI; and a combination of the DCE‐MRI + Synthetic MRI types. The diagnostic performance of the three methods were compared.

Statistical Tests

Univariate (Mann–Whitney U‐test) and multivariate (binomial logistic regression) analyses were performed, followed by receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis.

Results

Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the mean T1 relaxation time in a breast mass obtained by synthetic MRI prior to injection of contrast agent (pre‐T1) was the only significant quantitative value acquired by synthetic MRI that could independently differentiate between malignant and benign breast masses. The AUC for all enrolled breast masses assessed by DCE‐MRI + Synthetic MRI type (0.83) was significantly greater than that for the DCE‐MRI type (0.70, P < 0.05) or synthetic MRI type (0.73, P < 0.05). The AUC for category 4 masses assessed by the DCE‐MRI + Synthetic MRI type was significantly greater than that for those assessed by the DCE‐MRI type (0.74 vs. 0.50, P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

A combination of synthetic MRI and DCE‐MRI improves the accuracy of diagnosis of benign and malignant breast masses, especially category 4 masses.

Level of Evidence 4

Technical Efficacy Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:381–391.
Measuring Creative Writing with the Storyboard Task: The Role of Effort and Story Length
Authors: Taylor Christa L. , Kaufman James C. , Barbot Baptiste
Published: September 2020

The present study examines effort in narrative creative writing (operationalized as time‐on‐task) using a new assessment approach, the storyboard task. Participants (N = 125) completed alternate forms of the storyboard task in two sessions five weeks apart. They also completed measures of divergent thinking and self‐reported ideational behavior. Time‐on‐task, story length, and rated creativity scores were obtained for the participants’ stories. The storyboard task demonstrated good alternate form reliability and convergent validity with the criterion measures. Although time‐on‐task was strongly, positively associated with creativity scores, this relationship was confounded by the contribution of story length. Relationships amongst these variables were similar when creativity was rated by novice raters using a rubric or experienced raters using the consensual assessment technique. Additionally, story length and time‐on‐task were moderately correlated with the external criterion measures of creativity. Thus, the strong associations between rated creativity, story length, and time in creative writing raise important issues and avenues for future research, and results for the storyboard task suggest that it is a valuable assessment of narrative creative writing.
Theoretical treatment of single‐molecule scanning Raman picoscopy in strongly inhomogeneous near fields
Authors: Zhang Yao , Dong Zhen‐Chao , Aizpurua Javier
Published: September 2020

Tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) of a single molecule is commonly described by considering the change in the polarizability of the molecule with respect to a normal coordinate induced by homogeneous illumination. However, the local fields induced by nanoscale and atomic‐scale features at the surface of metallic clusters and nanogaps show strong inhomogeneities in their spatial distribution, which induces breaking of Raman selection rules. In this context, the spatial extension of the molecular electronic states subjected to strongly varying local fields challenges the validity of the point–dipole approximation as an adequate description of TERS in such configurations. Here, we introduce a general treatment to simulate single‐molecule TERS spectra and their energy‐filtered vibrational fingerprints maps, in which the polarization properties of the single molecule and that of the optical enhancing nanoresonator can be calculated separately and then conveniently combined to obtain the total Raman cross section of the molecule under the strongly inhomogeneous field. We apply the general method to study tip‐enhanced scanning Raman picoscopy of a 4,4′‐bipyridine and biphenyl molecules in the proximity of a silver icosahedral cluster with a few atoms at the tip apex mimicking an enhancing picocavity. The polarization of the molecules is calculated within density functional theory (DFT), and the optical response of the tip is calculated within a classical atomistic discrete–dipole approximation. The Raman spectra are found to be extremely sensitive to the spatial distribution of the local fields and to the orientation of the molecule. Our calculations show that the spatial mapping of molecular vibrational fingerprints, as probed by a tip with atomic protrusions, is capable to reveal intramolecular features of a single molecule in real space and thus establish a robust basis for scanning Raman picoscopy.
Bone grafted with β‐TCP granules in the rabbit: A microcomputed tomographic, histologic, Raman microspectrometric, and Raman imaging study
Authors: Aguado Eric , Goyenvalle Eric , Guintard Claude , Chappard Daniel
Published: September 2020

Bone grafting with synthetic substitutes is now the preferred technique in maxillofacial surgery. The biocompatibility of biomaterials such as beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) necessitates animal experimentation. Here, six rabbits received β‐TCP granules in a hole drilled in the femoral condyle and were compared with ungrafted holes with a similar critical size defect on the control‐lateral side. Microcomputed tomography confirmed that new bone trabeculae had invaded the grafted zone after 28 days, whereas only minimal remodeling had occurred at the margins of the hole in control rabbits. Histological sections, after polymethylmethacrylate (pMMA) embedding, evidenced a direct apposition of bone onto the granules. In some areas, osteoid tissue remained unmineralized, sandwiched between the biomaterial and fully calcified bone. Raman analysis was used to characterize the differences between the calcium/phosphate biomaterial and the bone matrix containing hydroxyapatite. Luminescence of β‐TCP was evidenced with a 785‐nm laser used for biological analysis but not with a 532‐nm laser. The ν1 phosphate allowed a clear differentiation of bone and the biomaterial as the subpeaks were not similar (960 cm−1 for bone, 949 and 970 cm−1 for β‐TCP). Hydration (derived from identification of pMMA at 813 cm−1) and crystallinity could be determined. Raman imaging allowed the precise localization of these different peaks or ratios; luminescence peaks of β‐TCP also allowed a clear differentiation of the material from bone.
Development of dispersive solid phase extraction utilizing folic acid as an efficient and green sorbent followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the extraction of some plasticizers from aqueous samples
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Niazi Shokoufeh , Sattari Dabbagh Masoumeh
Published: September 2020

In this investigation, folic acid has been used as an efficient and green sorbent in dispersive solid phase extraction for the extraction of di(2‐ethylhexyl) adipate and three phthalate esters from the plastic‐packed liquids before their determination with gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection. This is the first report on the application of pure folic acid as a sorbent. In this work, limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.13‐0.46 and 0.43‐1.50 µg/L, respectively. Relative standard deviations were in the ranges of 2‐5% for intra‐ (n = 6) and 4‐7% for interday (n = 4) precisions at a concentration of 20 µg/L for each analyte. Enrichment factors and extraction recoveries were obtained in the ranges of 365‐670 and 45‐84%, respectively. Efficiency of the method was evaluated by analyzing the analytes in various plastic‐packed liquids.
Determination of bioactive compounds in the nonmedicinal parts of Scrophularia ningpoensis using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and chemometric analysis
Authors: Li Hui‐wei , Liu Pei , Zhang Huang‐qin , Feng Wei‐meng , Yan Hui , Guo Sheng , Qian Da‐wei , Duan Jin‐ao
Published: September 2020

Although Scrophulariae Radix (root of Scrophularia ningpoensis) has received much attention, little is known about the nonmedicinal parts of S. ningpoensis. A comprehensive evaluation of the multibioactive constituents in the flowers, rhizomes, leaves, and stems of S. ningpoensis during different growth stages would be of value to fully understand the potential medicinal properties of all parts of the plant. Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was performed for accurately determining nine compounds in S. ningpoensis. The results indicated the content of total analytes in S. ningpoensis was in the order of flowers (81.82 mg/g) > roots (31.95 mg/g) > rhizomes (26.68 mg/g) > leaves (16.86 mg/g) > stems (14.35 mg/g). The chemometric analysis showed that these plant parts were rich in iridoids and should not be discarded during the processing of medicinal materials. Dynamic accumulation analysis suggested that the early flowering stage was the optimum time for harvesting flowers and appropriate amounts of stems and leaves. Moreover, considering the accumulation of constituents and biomass of medicinal materials, the medicinal parts should be harvested around December with the rhizomes attached. This research provides a theoretical basis and scientific evidence for comprehensive development and utilization of S. ningpoensis resources.
An Experimental Model of Human Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: A Bridge to Clinical Insights
Authors: Uloza Virgilijus , Kuzminienė Alina , Palubinskienė Jolita , Balnytė Ingrida , Ulozienė Ingrida , Valančiūtė Angelija
Published: September 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the growth pattern of recurrent respiratory papilloma (RRP) implants on chicken embryo chorioallantoic membranes (CAMs) and to evaluate possible associations between the clinical course of the disease and the behavior of experimentally implanted RRP tumors.

Study Design

Experimental study.

Methods

Fresh 172 RRP tissue samples from 12 patients were implanted onto chick embryo CAMs. Morphological and morphometric analysis of the experimental CAM and chorionic epithelium was performed. The microvascular network of the CAM with the RRP implant was investigated under the effect of fluoresceinated anionic dextran. The peculiarities of the clinical course of the disease were evaluated.

Results

The implanted RRP tissue samples survived on CAMs in 86% of cases, retaining their essential morphologic characteristics and proliferative capacity of the original tumor. Implants induced thickening of both the CAM and the chorionic epithelium, but none of the RRP implants crossed the basement membrane of the hosting CAM. A “crawling film” of acellular material with newly formed papilloma sprouts located on the outer chorionic epithelium of the CAM was detected. Direct association between a recurrence rate of RRP and the number of newly formed papilloma sprouts around the implanted tumor on CAMs was revealed.

Conclusion

The chicken embryo CAM‐based model is appropriate for investigations of RRP and facilitates the understanding of tumor biology and the clinical course of the disease, thus providing the basis for further research and acceleration of the identification and development of new specific therapeutic compounds that limit the spread and recurrence of RRP.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 131:E914–E920, 2021
Neural Representations of the Voice Tremor Spectrum
Authors: de Lima Xavier Laura , Simonyan Kristina
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Voice tremor is a common movement disorder that manifests as involuntary oscillations of laryngeal muscles, leading to rhythmic alterations in voice pitch and loudness. Differential diagnosis of essential tremor of voice (ETv) is often challenging and includes dystonic tremor of voice (DTv), which is characterized by irregular, isometric contractions of laryngeal muscles during dystonic activity. Although clinical characteristics of voice tremor are well described, the pathophysiology underlying its heterogeneous phenomenology remains limited.

Methods

We used a multimodal approach of functional magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of brain activity during symptomatic speech production, high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging for the examination of cortical thickness and gray matter volume, and diffusion‐weighted imaging for evaluation of white matter integrity to identify disorder‐specific neural alterations and their relationships with the symptomatology of ETv and DTv.

Results

We found a broad overlap between cortical alterations in ETv and DTv, involving sensorimotor regions responsible for the integration of multisensory information during speech production, such as primary sensorimotor, inferior/superior parietal, and inferior temporal cortices. In addition, ETv and DTv showed unique patterns of abnormalities in regions controlling speech motor preparation, which were localized in the cerebellum in ETv and the premotor cortex, insula, and superior temporal gyrus in DTv. Neural alterations in superior parietal and inferior temporal cortices were correlated with ETv severity, whereas changes in the left premotor cortex were associated with DTv severity.

Conclusions

Our findings point to the pathophysiological spectrum underlying ETv and DTv and favor a more heterogeneous rather than dichotomous diagnostic classification of these voice tremor disorders. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Field lauds congressional support of 988 suicide prevention, MH crisis line
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2020

It seems only fitting that during a month designated as National Suicide Prevention Month, the U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 21 would vote unanimously to pass the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (S. 2661), which creates a universal three‐digit number (988) for suicide prevention and mental health crises. The bill is now awaiting the president's signature.
CPGs for schizophrenia management examined in new study
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2020

Observing that many clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been recently updated in the treatment of adult schizophrenia, researchers set out to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) with the goal to summarize recommendations of CPGs, focusing specifically on long‐acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs).
MHA report examines connection between MH, chronic pain
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2020

People with chronic pain are more likely to screen positive for a mental health condition, according to a new report released Sept. 22 by Mental Health America (MHA) that found that distress, anxiety and negative attitudes are all linked to chronic pain. Conversely, positive outlooks and attitudes like optimism are associated with a greater ability to cope with pain and lower severity of pain, MHA stated.
Partnership to advance early interventions for schizophrenia
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2020

An urgent need for early therapeutic interventions for people at risk of developing schizophrenia is the premise behind a public‐private partnership that aims to promote development of effective, targeted treatments, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Stochastic sensitivity analysis of stationary patterns in spatially extended systems
Authors: Kolinichenko Alexander , Ryashko Lev
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a spatially extended stochastic reaction–diffusion model is studied. Due to Turing instability, stable nonhomogeneous stationary patterns are generated in such models. A theoretical approach to estimating the mean‐square deviation of random solutions from the stable deterministic pattern–attractor is demonstrated. Stochastic sensitivity functions for stable stationary patterns are introduced. Theoretical evaluations are compared with statistically obtained data. Based on this approach, we investigate stochastic properties of different patterns in Brusselator. Variations in pattern sensitivity to noise and phenomenon of stochastic preference are discussed.
An unequal power divider based on ridge gap waveguide with an inserted conductor plate
Authors: Quan Yu , Yang Jian , Wang Hao , Zaman Ashraf Uz
Published: September 2020

A novel unequal power divider based on ridge gap waveguide is proposed and investigated in this paper. The half‐height pin gap waveguide structure is applied to acquire the required stopband. The whole divider can be divided into three parts. The first part is the core of the divider which is a gap waveguide transmission line with a thin inserted conductor plate (ICP). The ICP is printed on a thin substrate for the mechanical feasibility and stability. The position of the ICP can be changed to adjust the power division ratio (PDR). The ICP separates the divider into two different layers. Then, the second and third parts are transitions from top layer and bottom layer to normal gap waveguide transmission lines. Two power dividers with different PDRs of 1:2 and 1:4 working at 28 GHz are designed and manufactured to verify this topology.
Micro‐Doppler effect removal for inverse synthetic aperture radar imaging based on augmented Lagrange multipliers
Authors: Hongxin Yang , Fulin Su
Published: September 2020

Micro‐Doppler (MD) effect may decrease the readability of inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging results, so it is more desirable to solve the problem of MD effect removal. To overcome this issue, a new algorithm based on Augmented Lagrange Multipliers (ALM) is proposed in this paper. In our study, the MD effect in ISAR image is proven to be of low‐rank. Therefore, the MD effect can be removed by the ALM algorithm. In addition to being capable of separating the MD effect from ISAR image, the proposal is robust to a low signal to noise ratio (SNR). Comprehensive experiments are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A novel minimally invasive dynamic‐shield, intensity‐modulated brachytherapy system for the treatment of cervical cancer
Authors: Morcos Marc , Antaki Majd , Viswanathan Akila N. , Enger Shirin A.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To present a novel, MRI‐compatible dynamicshield intensity modulated brachytherapy (IMBT) applicator and delivery system using 192Ir, 75Se, and 169Yb radioisotopes for the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer. Needle‐free IMBT is a promising technique for improving target coverage and organs at risk (OAR) sparing.

Methods and materials

The IMBT delivery system dynamically controls the rotation of a novel tungsten shield placed inside an MRI‐compatible, 6‐mm wide intrauterine tandem. Using 36 cervical cancer cases, conventional intracavitary brachytherapy (IC‐BT) and intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy (IC/IS‐BT) (10Ci 192Ir) plans were compared to IMBT (10Ci 192Ir; 11.5Ci 75Se; 44Ci 169Yb). All plans were generated using the Geant4‐based Monte Carlo dose calculation engine, RapidBrachyMC. Treatment plans were optimized then normalized to the same high‐risk clinical target volume (HR‐CTV) D90 and the D2cc for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid in the research brachytherapy planning system, RapidBrachyMCTPS. Plans were renormalized until either of the three OAR reached dose limits to calculate the maximum achievable HR‐CTV D90 and D98.

Results

Compared to IC‐BT, IMBT with either of the three radionuclides significantly improves the HR‐CTV D90 and D98 by up to 5.2% ± 0.3% (P < 0.001) and 6.7% ± 0.5% (P < 0.001), respectively, with the largest dosimetric enhancement when using 169Yb followed by 75Se and then 192Ir. Similarly, D2cc for all OAR improved with IMBT by up to 7.7% ± 0.6% (P < 0.001). For IC/IS‐BT cases, needle‐free IMBT achieved clinically acceptable plans with 169Yb‐based IMBT further improving HR‐CTV D98 by 1.5% ± 0.2% (P = 0.034) and decreasing sigmoid D2cc by 1.9% ± 0.4% (P = 0.048). Delivery times for IMBT are increased by a factor of 1.7, 3.3, and 2.3 for 192Ir, 75Se, and 169Yb, respectively, relative to conventional 192Ir BT.

Conclusions

Dynamic shield IMBT provides a promising alternative to conventional IC‐ and IC/IS‐BT techniques with significant dosimetric enhancements and even greater improvements with intermediate energy radionuclides. The ability to deliver a highly conformal, OAR‐sparing dose without IS needles provides a simplified method for improving the therapeutic ratio less invasively and in a less resource intensive manner.
Reply to comments on “Explicit versus implicit front advancing schemes for the simulation of hydraulic fracture growth” (Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech., 2019, 43 (6), 1300–1315)” by Prof. Linkov
Authors: Zia Haseeb , Lecampion Brice
Published: September 2020

We reply to Prof. Linkov comments on our article entitled “Explicit versus implicit front advancing schemes for the simulation of hydraulic fracture growth” (Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech., 2019, 43 (6), 1300–1315). We present additional results indicating that both the implicit and explicit front advancement schemes are robust even in the case of a large stress contrast.
Stochastic recursive optimal control problem with mixed delay under viscosity solution's framework
Authors: Meng Weijun , Shi Jingtao
Published: September 2020

This article is concerned with the stochastic recursive optimal control problem with mixed delay. The connection between Pontryagin's maximum principle and Bellman's dynamic programming principle is discussed. Without containing any derivatives of the value function, relations among the adjoint processes and the value function are investigated by employing the notions of super‐ and sub‐jets introduced in defining the viscosity solutions. Stochastic verification theorem is also given to verify whether a given admissible control is really optimal.
Parental functioning during maintenance treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Effects of treatment intensity and dexamethasone pulses
Authors: Rensen Niki , Steur Lindsay M.H. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , van Eijkelenburg Natasha K.A. , van der Sluis Inge M. , Dors Natasja , van den Bos Cor , Tissing Wim J.E. , Kaspers Gertjan J.L. , van Litsenburg Raphaële R.L.
Published: September 2020

Background

During maintenance treatment, Dutch pediatric patients with medium‐risk (MR) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receive intravenous chemotherapy and cyclic dexamethasone. Dexamethasone affects child's sleep and behavior. Standard‐risk (SR) patients only receive oral chemotherapy, without dexamethasone. Effects of stratified therapy on parents are not well known. This study compares parental sleep, distress and quality of life (QoL) with the general population, between MR and SR groups, and on‐ and off‐dexamethasone (MR group).

Procedure

One year after diagnosis, parents of MR patients completed the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) sleep, distress thermometer for parents and Short Form‐12 (SF‐12) twice; once on‐dexamethasone and once off‐dexamethasone. SR parents completed one measurement. Sleep problems, distress and QoL scores (off‐dexamethasone) were compared to reference values and between MR and SR. Score differences on‐ and off‐dexamethasone were assessed by multilevel regression analysis.

Results

Parents (80% mothers) of 121 patients (57% males; 75% MR, 25% SR) completed 191 measurements. Compared to reference values, parents reported more sleep disturbances, higher distress, and lower mental QoL. Additionally, MR parents reported clinical distress (score ≥ 4), whereas SR parents (on average) did not (mean 4.8 ± 2.4 vs 3.5 ± 2.4, P = .02). Within the MR group, outcomes did not significantly differ on‐ and off‐dexamethasone.

Conclusions

Parents of ALL patients report sleep problems, high distress, and QoL impairment. Within the MR group, parental functioning did not differ on‐ and off‐dexamethasone. However, MR parents reported clinical distress more often than SR parents, possibly reflecting differences in prognostic estimates and treatment burden. This perhaps includes the overall strain of cyclic dexamethasone. This study highlights the need for psychosocial support throughout treatment, regardless of risk stratification.
Bioresorbable and degradable behaviors of PGA: Current state and future prospects
Authors: Low Yan Jie , Andriyana Andri , Ang Bee Chin , Zainal Abidin Nor Ishida
Published: September 2020

Polyglycolic acid (PGA) is a class of semicrystalline, bioresorbable polymers that have been widely used in a number of applications. No other bioresorbable materials can fully replace PGA in tissue engineering. Understanding degradation mechanisms in PGA is important for improving the efficiency and effectiveness in various fields including implantation. This review begins with a discussion on terminology of polymer degradation and hydrolytic degradation mechanism with a delineative model. This review also focus on previous degradation studies taking advantage of its fast‐degrading behavior and the mechanism behind hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) being the sole solvent for PGA. Finally, the merits of PGA are discussed with many potential future applications along with their associated challenges.
Chemical degradation and failure analyses by acoustic emission of PP/EOC blends exposed to ultraviolet radiation
Authors: da Silva Jéssica Raquel M. B. , Cavalcanti Rebecca Stéfani F. B. , Rabello Marcelo S.
Published: September 2020

In this work, acoustic emission was used to investigate the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the mechanical behavior of blends of polypropylene (PP) with ethylene‐octene copolymer (EOC) containing photo stabilizers. Together with traditional techniques, like infrared spectroscopy and microscopy, the data obtained from acoustic emission helped the understanding of the failure caused by photodegradation and the influence of the stabilizing additives. Parameters like number and intensity of hits, released energy and acoustic events were recorded and related to the estate of the degradation and to the stress‐strain behavior. The results confirmed the high sensitivity of PP/EOC blends to ultraviolet and the better performance of stabilized compounds, especially when hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) were present. Acoustic emission experiments showed that in stabilized samples the crack propagation took place over a larger time interval, releasing more energy during failure and, hence, postponing the final fracture, from a few seconds for the neat blend to more than 500 seconds for the samples with 0.5% HALS.
A density functional theory study of the reaction mechanism of formation of phenolphthalein and fluorescein
Authors: Yamabe Shinichi , Tsuchida Noriko , Yamazaki Shoko
Published: September 2020

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out for reactions forming (A) phenolphthalein and (B) fluorescein. M06‐2X/6‐311G** and M06‐2X/6‐311++G(2d,p) with SCRF=PCM were applied to the search for elementary processes. Reactant models are (A) phthalic anhydride + (phenol)2 + H2SO4 and (B) phthalic anhydride + (resorcinol)2 + H2SO4, respectively. For (A), the acid catalyzed ortho and para phenol additions to phthalic anhydride were compared. While the ortho addition is more favorable than the para one, the ortho adduct involves the strong O2(HO)S–O−....H–O hydrogen bond and the reaction progress was blocked. In the para route, five elementary processes were obtained to arrive at the product, phenolphthalein. For (B), there are two reaction channels from the phenolphthalein‐like intermediate. The first channel is the direct H2O elimination to the lactoid tautomer of fluorescein. This channel has the significantly large activation energy and is unlikely. The second one includes three intermediates with the open form of the γ‐butyrolactone ring. Nine elementary processes were obtained for the fluorescein formation. A carbocation intermediate was found to be the key one for affording three tautomers (quinoid, zwitterionic, and lactoid) of fluorescein.
Substituted ketenes offer exceptional carbon bases in gas phase: Computational study by density functional theory method
Authors: Golpayegani Fariba , Mirjafary Zohreh , Saeidian Hamid , Mokhtari Javad
Published: September 2020

In the present study, ketene derivatives with cyclopropene and methylenecyclopropene substituents have been investigated by B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) level of theory to evaluate their suitability as powerful carbon superbases. The protonation at C (sp) site provides new neutral organic bases with proton affinities (PAs) = 879–1,218 kJ/mol, in which some are more basic than 1,8‐bis(dimethylamino)‐naphthalene, whose gas‐phase PA of 1,028 kJ/mol is considered the threshold of superbasicity. The PAs of designed ketenes were amplified by substitution of electron‐releasing groups such as methyl and dimethylamino on the molecular framework. Two indices of aromaticity, nucleus‐independent chemical shift and harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity, were also used for elucidation of ketene basicity, which reveals that a cyclopropene ring on the proposed ketene derivatives becomes aromatic upon protonation.
Love in motion: Migration patterns of internationally mobile couples
Authors: Erlinghagen Marcel
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an investigation of the migration pattern of internationally mobile couples using data from the first wave of the German Emigration and Remigration Panel Study (GERPS). GERPS provides information on more than 5,000 couples from which at least one spouse has recently emigrated from Germany or has recently remigrated to Germany. The analyses are theoretically framed by the so‐called trailing wife hypothesis that suggests a clear, gender‐related migration pattern following traditional gender roles. Because most research deals with internal migration, we extend understanding of these topics by investigating international migration. The results of multinomial logistic regressions provide clear evidence for the trailing wife hypothesis but only with regard to couples' timing of emigration. In contrast, women have a higher propensity to become the leading spouse when it comes to remigration. These results contribute to the ongoing debate about tied movers and family‐related inequalities in migration.