bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
locStra: Fast analysis of regional/global stratification in whole‐genome sequencing studies
Authors: Hahn Georg , Lutz Sharon M. , Hecker Julian , Prokopenko Dmitry , Cho Michael H. , Silverman Edwin K. , Weiss Scott T. , Lange Christoph ,   The NHLBI Trans‐Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Consortium
Published: September 2020

locStra is an ‐package for the analysis of regional and global population stratification in whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) studies, where regional stratification refers to the substructure defined by the loci in a particular region on the genome. Population substructure can be assessed based on the genetic covariance matrix, the genomic relationship matrix, and the unweighted/weighted genetic Jaccard similarity matrix. Using a sliding window approach, the regional similarity matrices are compared with the global ones, based on user‐defined window sizes and metrics, for example, the correlation between regional and global eigenvectors. An algorithm for the specification of the window size is provided. As the implementation fully exploits sparse matrix algebra and is written in C++, the analysis is highly efficient. Even on single cores, for realistic study sizes (several thousand subjects, several million rare variants per subject), the runtime for the genome‐wide computation of all regional similarity matrices does typically not exceed one hour, enabling an unprecedented investigation of regional stratification across the entire genome. The package is applied to three WGS studies, illustrating the varying patterns of regional substructure across the genome and its beneficial effects on association testing.
Why are pharmacy acquisition costs and consumer prescription drug price indices apparently diverging?
Authors: Wolff Carolyn , Lutter Randall
Published: September 2020

Pharmacy acquisition costs for prescription (Rx) drugs have been trending below levels implied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) Consumer Price Index for Rx drugs, with the divergence higher when generic approvals are high. Dropping the first 6 months of generic sales from price indices calculated from pharmacy acquisition costs eliminates most of the difference between such indices and BLS indices.
HepatoScore‐14: Measures of Biological Heterogeneity Significantly Improve Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk
Authors: Morris Jeffrey S. , Hassan Manal M. , Zohner Ye Emma , Wang Zeya , Xiao Lianchun , Rashid Asif , Haque Abedul , Abdel‐Wahab Reham , Mohamed Yehia I. , Ballard Karri L. , Wolff Robert A. , George Bhawana , Li Liang , Allen Genevera , Weylandt Michael , Li Donghui , Wang Wenyi , Raghav Kanwal , Yao James , Amin Hesham M. , Kaseb Ahmed Omar
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Therapeutic, clinical trial entry and stratification decisions for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are made based on prognostic assessments, using clinical staging systems based on small numbers of empirically selected variables that insufficiently account for differences in biological characteristics of individual patients’ disease.

Approach and Results

We propose an approach for constructing risk scores from circulating biomarkers that produce a global biological characterization of individual patient’s disease. Plasma samples were collected prospectively from 767 patients with HCC and 200 controls, and 317 proteins were quantified in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments–certified biomarker testing laboratory. We constructed a circulating biomarker aberration score for each patient, a score between 0 and 1 that measures the degree of aberration of his or her biomarker panel relative to normal, which we call HepatoScore. We used log‐rank tests to assess its ability to substratify patients within existing staging systems/prognostic factors. To enhance clinical application, we constructed a single‐sample score, HepatoScore‐14, which requires only a subset of 14 representative proteins encompassing the global biological effects. Patients with HCC were split into three distinct groups (low, medium, and high HepatoScore) with vastly different prognoses (medial overall survival 38.2/18.3/7.1 months; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, HepatoScore accurately substratified patients within levels of existing prognostic factors and staging systems (P < 0.0001 for nearly all), providing substantial and sometimes dramatic refinement of expected patient outcomes with strong therapeutic implications. These results were recapitulated by HepatoScore‐14, rigorously validated in repeated training/test splits, concordant across Myriad RBM (Austin, TX) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits, and established as an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusions

HepatoScore‐14 augments existing HCC staging systems, dramatically refining patient prognostic assessments and therapeutic decision making and enrollment in clinical trials. The underlying strategy provides a global biological characterization of disease, and can be applied broadly to other disease settings and biological media.
Developmental onset of enduring long‐term potentiation in mouse hippocampus
Authors: Ostrovskaya Olga I. , Cao Guan , Eroglu Cagla , Harris Kristen M.
Published: September 2020

Analysis of long‐term potentiation (LTP) provides a powerful window into cellular mechanisms of learning and memory. Prior work shows late LTP (L‐LTP), lasting >3 hr, occurs abruptly at postnatal day 12 (P12) in the stratum radiatum of rat hippocampal area CA1. The goal here was to determine the developmental profile of synaptic plasticity leading to L‐LTP in the mouse hippocampus. Two mouse strains and two mutations known to affect synaptic plasticity were chosen: C57BL/6J and Fmr1−/y on the C57BL/6J background, and 129SVE and Hevin−/− (Sparcl1−/−) on the 129SVE background. Like rats, hippocampal slices from all of the mice showed test pulse‐induced depression early during development that was gradually resolved with maturation by 5 weeks. All the mouse strains showed a gradual progression between P10‐P35 in the expression of short‐term potentiation (STP), lasting ≤1 hr. In the 129SVE mice, L‐LTP onset (>25% of slices) occurred by 3 weeks, reliable L‐LTP (>50% slices) was achieved by 4 weeks, and Hevin−/− advanced this profile by 1 week. In the C57BL/6J mice, L‐LTP onset occurred significantly later, over 3–4 weeks, and reliability was not achieved until 5 weeks. Although some of the Fmr1−/y mice showed L‐LTP before 3 weeks, reliable L‐LTP also was not achieved until 5 weeks. L‐LTP onset was not advanced in any of the mouse genotypes by multiple bouts of theta‐burst stimulation at 90 or 180 min intervals. These findings show important species differences in the onset of STP and L‐LTP, which occur at the same age in rats but are sequentially acquired in mice.
Mutation analysis of TCOF1 gene in Chinese Treacher Collins syndrome patients
Authors: Zhang Chuan , An Lisha , Xue Huiqin , Hao Shengju , Yan Yousheng , Zhang Qinghua , Jin Xiaohua , Li Qian , Zhou Bingbo , Feng Xuan , Ma Panpan , Wang Xing , Chen Xue , Chen Cuixia , Cao Zongfu , Ma Xu
Published: September 2020

Background

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a rare autosomal dominant or recessive disorder, that involves unique bilateral craniofacial malformations. The phenotypes of TCS are extremely diverse. Interventional surgery can improve hearing loss and facial deformity in TCS patients.

Method

We recruited seven TCS families. Variant screening in probands was performed by targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS). The variants identified were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of all the mutations was evaluated using the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and InterVar software.

Results

Three frameshift variants, two nonsense variants, one missense variant, and one splicing variant of TCOF1 were identified in the seven TCS probands. Five variants including c.1393C > T, c.4111 + 5G>C, c.1142delC, c.2285_2286delCT, and c.1719delG had not been previously reported. Furthermore, we report the c.149A > G variant for the first time in a Chinese TCS patient. We provided prenatal diagnosis for family 4. Proband 7 chose interventional surgery.

Conclusion

We identified five novel variants in TCOF1 in Chinese patients with TCS, which expands the mutation spectrum of TCOF1 in TCS. Bone conduction hearing rehabilitation can improve hearing for TCS patients and prenatal diagnosis can provide fertility guidance for TCS families.
A resilient research approach: Using community‐based participatory action research in a rural area of India
Authors: Shadowen Noel L. , Guerra Nancy G. , Beveridge Ryan , McCoy Elizabeth K.
Published: September 2020

This community‐based participatory action research (CBPAR) study describes a method for evaluating an after‐school resilience‐focused intervention in a low‐resource rural area of southern India. Communities Rising, a locally developed resilience and academic program, was evaluated in a cross‐continent collaboration between a research team at a U.S. university and the local community. The CBPAR literature highlights the importance of cultural considerations, community considerations, and community participation in the research process. The present case study describes the CBPAR research process and considerations at every phase of the research project, providing a road map of how community engagement can strengthen research, empower the community, and provide valuable knowledge. This study was conducted in three phases that focused on inclusion of local voices in the development both of the resilience program and the evaluation data collection process. Youth surveyors were particularly key to the research process. Data on participant demographics, satisfaction with the program, and qualitative contributions are also provided. Strengths and limitations of this study process in a rural community are discussed.
Circles of Privacy
Authors: Jagadish H. V.
Published: September 2020

Privacy is a complex construct: it is not all or nothing, it is based on control over sharing and reuse, it can depend on context, and is organized in what is called "circles of privacy." Whether to share information is often not a real choice, since sharing is required for basic transactions such as obtaining utilities, services, or products. Furthermore, scale matters, and information asymmetries can quickly create playing fields that are not level. Even in these bleak circumstances, there is reason for hope that we develop socio‐technical systems that better align with our values.
Transvaginal ultrasound‐guided direct thrombin injection for the treatment of intramyometrial pseudoaneurysm in a young female with uterine hemorrhage after failed uterine artery embolization
Authors: Shetty Gurucharan S. , Kamath Gayathri D. , Srinivasan Pradeep
Published: September 2020

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon but important cause of severe uterine bleeding in the postpartum or postsurgical setting. The standard treatment options are endovascular uterine artery embolization and bilateral surgical internal iliac artery ligation for uterus conservation or hysterectomy. We report the case of a young female with hemorrhage from an intramyometrial pseudoaneurysm following repeated curettage and hysteroscopic excision of retained products of conception. Uterus preservation was of priority, and the patient underwent uterine artery embolization; however, the pseudoaneurysm persisted due to ovarian artery collaterals. The pseudoaneurysm was subsequently treated with transvaginal ultrasound‐guided direct thrombin injection. The case highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment options in such clinically challenging cases emphasizing the seldom employed direct injection of thrombin for the treatment of pseudoaneurysms.
Thermal adaptation revisited: How conserved are thermal traits of reptiles and amphibians?
Authors: Bodensteiner Brooke L. , Agudelo‐Cantero Gustavo A. , Arietta A. Z. Andis , Gunderson Alex R. , Muñoz Martha M. , Refsnider Jeanine M. , Gangloff Eric J.
Published: September 2020

Ectothermic animals, such as amphibians and reptiles, are particularly sensitive to rapidly warming global temperatures. One response in these organisms may be to evolve aspects of their thermal physiology. If this response is adaptive and can occur on the appropriate time scale, it may facilitate population or species persistence in the changed environments. However, thermal physiological traits have classically been thought to evolve too slowly to keep pace with environmental change in longer‐lived vertebrates. Even as empirical work of the mid‐20th century offers mixed support for conservatism in thermal physiological traits, the generalization of low evolutionary potential in thermal traits is commonly invoked. Here, we revisit this hypothesis to better understand the mechanisms guiding the timing and patterns of physiological evolution. Characterizing the potential interactions among evolution, plasticity, behavior, and ontogenetic shifts in thermal physiology is critical for accurate prediction of how organisms will respond to our rapidly warming world. Recent work provides evidence that thermal physiological traits are not as evolutionarily rigid as once believed, with many examples of divergence in several aspects of thermal physiology at multiple phylogenetic scales. However, slow rates of evolution are often still observed, particularly at the warm end of the thermal performance curve. Furthermore, the context‐specificity of many responses makes broad generalizations about the potential evolvability of traits tenuous. We outline potential factors and considerations that require closer scrutiny to understand and predict reptile and amphibian evolutionary responses to climate change, particularly regarding the underlying genetic architecture facilitating or limiting thermal evolution.
Growth and decline of the COVID‐19 epidemic wave in Italy from March to June 2020
Authors: De Flora Silvio , La Maestra Sebastiano
Published: September 2020

March 21, 2020 was the ridgeline between the growth of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic wave in Italy and the start of its decline. We analyzed the epidemic patterns from March 1 to June 30. There was a progressive drop of cases from March (104,710) to April (94,888), May (25,705) and June (8110). Likewise, after a slight increase of deaths in April (14,804) compared to March (12,396), a considerable decline occurred in May (5170) and June (1464). Doubling times of cumulative cases grew from 2 to 6 days until March 20 to 2 weeks up to April 5, and thereafter no further doubling occurred until June 30. There was a striking North–South gradient of both cases and deaths. At the end of June, the nine Northern Italian regions or provinces, five central regions, and seven southern regions had contributed to the 81.1%, 12.4%, and 6.5% of the 240,578 national cases, respectively. Lombardy, the most populous region, was by far the most heavily affected one, accounting for the 39.0% of the national cases occurring over the analyzed 4‐month period. However, in relative terms, it was preceded by Aosta Valley, the least populous region, less than 1% of the population of both regions having been affected by cases of COVID‐19. The curves showing the ratio of daily cumulative cases and deaths to those of the previous day tended to flatten with time by approaching the zero growth but without reaching it, which documents a persisting circulation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the Italian territory.
Apoptosis and immunophenotyping of peripheral blood lymphocytes in Iranian COVID‐19 patients: Clinical and laboratory characteristics
Authors: Taghiloo Saeid , Aliyali Masoud , Abedi Siavash , Mehravaran Hossein , Sharifpour Ali , Zaboli Ehsan , Eslami‐Jouybari Mohammad , Ghasemian Roya , Vahedi‐Larijani Laleh , Hossein‐Nattaj Hadi , Amjadi Omolbanin , Rezazadeh Hadiseh , Ajami Abolghasem , Asgarian‐Omran Hossein
Published: September 2020

A novel member of human coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has been recently recognized in China and rapidly spread worldwide. Studies showed the decreasing of peripheral blood lymphocytes in a majority of patients. In this study, we have reported the clinical features, laboratory characteristics, the frequency of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations, and their apoptosis pattern in Iranian coronavirus infectious disease (COVID‐19) patients. Demographic and clinical data of 61 hospitalized confirmed cases with COVID‐19 at Imam Khomeini Hospital were collected and analyzed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from all samples and the apoptosis pattern was evaluated using Annexin V/propidium iodide method. The frequency of lymphocyte subsets, including T‐CD4+, T‐CD8+, NK, B cells, and monocytes, was measured in all patients and 31 controls by flow cytometry. Our findings demonstrated that the percentage of lymphocytes, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells were decreased in COVID‐19 patients compared with the control group. Regarding the clinical severity, the number of lymphocytes, CD4+, CD8+ T cells, and NK cells were also decreased in severe cases when compared with mild cases. Finally, our data have also indicated the increase in apoptosis of mononuclear cells from COVID‐19 patients which was more remarkable in severe clinical cases. The frequency of immune cells is a useful indicator for prediction of severity and prognosis of COVID‐19 patients. These results could help to explain the immunopathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 and introducing novel biomarkers, therapeutic strategies, and vaccine candidates.
Exploring Counselor‐Client Agreement on Clients’ Work Capacity in Established and Consultative Dyads
Authors: Millner Uma Chandrika , Brandt Diane , Chan Leighton , Jette Alan , Marfeo Elizabeth , Ni Pengsheng , Rasch Elizabeth , Rogers E. Sally
Published: September 2020

Counselor‐client agreement on the work capacity of clients living with serious mental illnesses informs the counseling relationship and facilitates accurate assessments of client eligibility for public programs. In this exploratory mixed‐methods study, we assessed counselor‐client agreement on clients’ work capacity in 61 established therapeutic dyads and compared it with 30 dyads involved in an initial assessment session. Intraclass correlation coefficients and mountain plots were used to examine counselor‐client agreement. Results revealed moderate counselor‐client agreement of work capacity for both dyads. Counselor interviews illuminated sources of discordance. These results have practical implications for assessing the work capacity of clients.
Starch nanofibers as vehicles for folic acid supplementation: thermal treatment, UVA irradiation and in vitro simulation of digestion
Authors: Fonseca Laura M , Crizel Rosane L , da Silva Francine T , Fontes Milena RV , da Rosa Zavareze Elessandra , Dias Alvaro RG
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

The supplementation of folic acid in food is essential in the human diet. The present study aimed to encapsulate folic acid at different concentrations (5, 10 and 15% (w/w) on a dry basis) in potato starch nanofibers produced through electrospinning. The starch/folic acid nanofibers were evaluated through morphology, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, thermal properties, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and in vitro simulation of the human digestion. The nanofibers were also evaluated based on the folic acid content after thermal treatment (100 and 180 °C) and UVA irradiation (1 and 24 h).

RESULTS

Folic acid incorporation influenced the morphology of the nanofibers to display a homogeneous and beadless morphology for nanofibers containing 15% folic acid compared with the other nanofibers (0, 5 and 10% folic acid). The mean diameter varied from 75 to 81 nm. Folic acid characteristic bands and peaks were not found in the nanofiber FTIR spectra and thermograms, respectively. The EE was 73, 87 and 95% for nanofibers with 5, 10 and 15% folic acid, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The starch nanofibers protected folic acid from high temperature and UVA irradiation and during in vitro digestion, showing a release of the vitamin at the end of the simulation (intestinal conditions). The supplementation of folic acid in foods can be effectively achieved by its encapsulation into starch nanofibers, to ensure its protection and controlled release. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Management of the positive sentinel lymph node in the post‐MSLT‐II era
Authors: Bredbeck Brooke C. , Mubarak Eman , Zubieta Daniela G. , Tesorero Rachael , Holmes Adam R. , Dossett Lesly A. , VanKoevering Kyle K. , Durham Alison B. , Hughes Tasha M.
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

The publication of MSLT‐II shifted recommendations for management of sentinel lymph node biopsy positive (SLNB+) melanoma to favor active surveillance. We examined trends in immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND) following publication of MSLT‐II.

Methods

Using a prospective melanoma database at a high‐volume center, we identified a cohort of consecutive SLNB+ patients from July 2016 to April 2019. Patient and disease characteristics were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression to examine factors associated with CLND.

Results

Two hundred and thirty‐five patients were included for analysis. CLND rates were 67%, 33%, and 26% for the year before, year after, and second‐year following MSLT‐II. Factors associated with undergoing CLND included primary located in the head and neck (59% vs 33%, P = .003 and odds ratio [OR], 5.22, P = .002) and higher sentinel node tumor burden (43% vs 10% for tumor burden ≥0.1 mm, P < .001 and OR, 8.64, P = .002).

Conclusions

Rates of CLND in SLNB+ melanoma decreased dramatically, albeit not uniformly, following MSLT‐II. Factors that increased the likelihood of immediate CLND were primary tumor located in the head and neck and high sentinel node tumor burden. These groups were underrepresented in MSLT‐II, suggesting that clinicians are wary of implementing active surveillance recommendations for patients perceived as higher risk.
Impact of Uterine Sliding Sign in Routine United States Ultrasound Practice
Authors: Young Scott W. , Dahiya Nirvikar , Yi Johnny , Wasson Megan , Davitt John , Patel Maitray D.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The study aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the uterine sliding sign in predicting deeply infiltrating endometriosis in the setting of non‐physician sonographers performing but not interpreting the maneuver. The impact of uterine sliding sign has not been previously demonstrated in this practice setting.

Methods

Physicians' remote interpretations of transvaginal ultrasound examinations in 2016, before uterine sliding sign, were compared to examinations in 2019 after addition of uterine sliding sign to determine the diagnostic rates. Surgical and histopathological results were reviewed to determine sensitivity and specificity of the respective exam techniques.

Results

Two hundred eighty‐five transvaginal ultrasounds were performed in 2016 and 390 sliding sign ultrasounds in 2019. The number of deeply infiltrating endometriosis cases identified increased significantly from 2% to 6% during the study period (chi‐square, Fisher's exact test p = .012). The sensitivity and specificity of routine pelvic sonography for detecting deeply infiltrating endometriosis improved from 36%/94% to 68%/98%.

Conclusions

Uterine sliding sign videos should be included in the standard sonographic protocol for patients presenting with chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis history, or sonographic evidence of endometriosis in the setting of physicians interpreting sonographic images obtained by non‐physicians.
Current Status and Future Trends: Pediatric Intracapsular Tonsillectomy in the United States
Authors: Huoh Kevin C. , Haidar Yarah M. , Dunn Brandyn S.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

1) To assess the current status of pediatric intracapsular tonsillectomy in the United States, and 2) To apply lessons from the scientific literature and adoption of surgical innovation to predict future trends in pediatric intracapsular tonsillectomy.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional survey study and literature review. An anonymous survey was sent to all members of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) to determine current practices in pediatric tonsillectomy. Statistical analysis was performed to compare differences in individuals who perform intracapsular tonsillectomy as opposed to extracapsular tonsillectomy. A literature analysis of the adoption of new technological advancements and innovative surgical techniques was then performed.

Results

The survey was sent to 540 pediatric otolaryngologists with a response rate of 42%. Of all respondents, 20% currently perform intracapsular tonsillectomy. The primary reason cited for not performing the procedure was concern for tonsillar regrowth. Time in practice, practice setting, and fellowship status was not associated with an increased incidence of intracapsular tonsillectomy.

Conclusions

Only 20% of pediatric otolaryngologist respondents in the United States perform intracapsular tonsillectomy. Based on the documented advantages of intracapsular tonsillectomy over extracapsular tonsillectomy and an analysis of adoption of novel surgical techniques, we predict a paradigm shift in the specialty toward intracapsular tonsillectomy.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:S1–S9, 2021
A Reactive Template Synthesis of Hierarchical Porous Carbon and Its Application to Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Yan Xiang‐Hui , Xu Hao , Fang Guoli , Xue Tong , Meng Ziwei , Lee Jong‐Min
Published: September 2020

Hierarchical porous carbons (HPCs) are highly in demand as electrode materials for efficient supercapacitors. Herein, a modified template carbonization approach in conjunction with chemical activation is described for synthesis of HPCs by direct one‐pot pyrolysis of a mixture of glucose (G), reactive template precursor (Zn2(OH)2CO3)(BZC), and K2CO3 (PC) in which in situ ZnO produced from decomposition of Zn2(OH)2CO3 acts as template and K2CO3 as activator, followed by simple acid‐leaching. The resultant undoped carbon [HPC(G‐BZC‐PC)] is endowed with coral reef‐like morphology, 3D porous networks, numerous micro/mesopores, ultrahigh surface area, and goodelectrical conductivity. The specific capacitance delivered by a two‐electrode symmetric supercapacitor with the HPC(G‐BZC‐PC) achieves 241.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, which is superior to that of the two control samples prepared without addition of BZC and PC, respectively. Furthermore, the rate capability reaches as high as to 90.5% and 74.6% with current density from 1 to 10 A g−1 and 50 A g−1, respectively, and an excellent cycling stability is observed with more than 98% of retention after 10 000 cycles at 5 A g−1 in 6 m KOH. It is concluded that a cooperative effect deriving from the above‐mentioned unique features contributes to the enhanced supercapacitor performance.
Bill would improve MH service access for BIPOC communities
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2020

Several health, civil rights and mental health organizations this month announced their support of legislation that would improve access to mental health services for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities. The bill, introduced by two members of the House, would fund these services under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin‐istration (SAMHSA) Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Program.
The impact of different computational assumptions in 131I dosimetry for hyperthyroidism therapy
Authors: Abuqbeitah Mohammad , Sağer Sait , Demir Mustafa , Yeyin Nami , Akovalı Burak , Sönmezoğlu Kerim
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The goal of the current study was to investigate the impact of different computational models on 131I dosimetry prior to hyperthyroidism therapy. It was also aimed to highlight an accurate and cost‐effective method for routine dosimetry of graves and toxic adenoma patients.

Methods

A cohort of 45 patients was recruited in the current study with Graves (n = 30) and Toxic Adenoma (n = 15) diseases. The eligibility criterion was determined using the patients’ blood test, 99mTc‐ pertechnetate scintigraphy, and ultrasound scan. A properly calibrated thyroid probe equipped with sodium iodide crystal [NaI(Tl)] was used to obtain the uptake measurements at 2, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h following administration of 0.27–0.73 MBq 131I tracer. The absorbed radiation dose of the thyroid gland/nodule was calculated by three different methods. The calculation models were based on the time‐integrated activity (recommended by MIRD), effective half‐life (recommended by EANM), and ellipsoidal‐shape assumption.

Results

The mean effective half‐life was 138 ± 41 h and 110 ± 48 h in Graves and Toxic Adenoma patients, respectively. The mean residence time was 125 ± 5 h in Graves patients, while it was 93 ± 55 h in Toxic Adenoma. The amount of 131I activity required to deliver 200 Gy to the thyroid gland in Graves patients was calculated as 436 ± 381 MBq, 426 ± 370 MBq, and 488 ± 455 MBq according to MIRD, EANM, and ellipsoidal‐shape model, respectively. However, the activity required to impart 300 Gy in the toxic nodules was computed as 622 ± 332 MBq by MIRD, 907 ± 588 MBq by EANM, and 1060 ± 639 MBq by the ellipsoidal‐shape model. Overall, no significant difference was found between the MIRD and both of the EANM and ellipsoidal‐shape models in the Graves patients (R2 = 0.99, P > 0.05). In contrast, less agreement (R2 = 0.86) was shown between EANM and MIRD in Toxic Adenoma patients with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05), while the difference was significant (Pvalue < 0.05) between the MIRD and the ellipsoidal‐shape model with moderate association (R2 = 0.66).

Conclusion

It was deduced that the effective half‐life‐based model (EANM model) is a successful and affordable method for performing dosimetry in Graves patients. While, unit density sphere model sounds the most appropriate approach to be used in Toxic Adenoma dosimetry. However, using the ellipsoidal‐shape assumption in the thyroid gland/or nodule dose calculation leads to redundantly larger activity administration.
Patients responses to diagnoses of mental disorders: Development and validation of a reliable self‐report measure
Authors: Schnell Thomas , Kehring Anja , Moritz Steffen , Morgenroth Olaf
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Psychiatric patients are regularly informed about diagnoses. Treatment guidelines assume that informing patients fosters functional coping processes, but few research exists on how patients respond. Thus, the objective was to develop a standardized self‐report measure to assess patients reactions to diagnoses.

Methods

Fifty nine items were generated based on a qualitative study. The process of item selection and determination of the factor structure were performed on a sample of 252 patients: Results of an explorative factor analysis with a randomly split sub‐sample 1 were cross‐validated by confirmatory factor analysis on sub‐sample 2. The revised 26‐item instrument was revaluated using data from an independent sample of 1.271 patients with different diagnoses.

Results

Three functional and three dysfunctional processing styles emerged from the analyses and provided good model fit in the revaluation study (TLI = 0.935; CFI = 0.943; RMSEA = 0.051; SRMR = 0.048). Variance‐analytical calculations and post hoc analyses revealed significant differences among diagnoses with regard to coping styles, such as schizophrenia was associated with self‐stigmatization and anorexia nervosa showed pronounced over‐identification. Overall, various diagnosis‐dependent specifics were found.

Conclusions

As patients reactions to diagnoses vary substantially, their formation, impact on treatment and overall cause should be investigated in further studies.
Development of fast multi‐slice apparent T1 mapping for improved arterial spin labeling MRI measurement of cerebral blood flow
Authors: Ji Yang , Lu Dongshuang , Jiang Yinghua , Wang Xiaoying , Meng Yuguang , Sun Phillip Zhe
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To develop fast multi‐slice apparent T1 (T1app) mapping for accurate cerebral blood flow (CBF) quantification with arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI.

Methods

Fast multi‐slice T1app was measured using a modified inversion recovery echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence with simultaneous application of ASL tagging radiofrequency (RF) and gradient pulses. The fast multi‐slice T1app measurement was compared with the single‐slice T1app imaging approach, repeated per slice. CBF was assessed in healthy adult Wistar rats (N = 5) and rats with acute stroke 24 hours after a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (N = 5).

Results

The fast multi‐slice T1app measurement was in good agreement with that of a single‐slice T1app imaging approach (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient = 0.92). CBF calculated using T1app reasonably accounted for the finite labeling RF duration, whereas the routine T1‐normalized ASL MRI underestimated the CBF, particularly at short labeling durations. In acute stroke rats, the labeling time and the CBF difference (ΔCBF) between the contralateral normal area and the ischemic lesion were significantly correlated when using T1‐normalized perfusion calculation (R = 0.844, P = .035). In comparison, T1app‐normalized ΔCBF had little labeling time dependence based on the linear regression equation of ΔCBF = −0.0247*τ + 1.579 mL/g/min (R = −0.352, P = .494).

Conclusions

Our study found fast multi‐slice T1app imaging improves the accuracy and reproducibility of CBF measurement.
Racial and ethnic disparities in survival of children with brain and central nervous tumors in the United States
Authors: Haizel‐Cobbina Joseline , Spector Logan G. , Moertel Christopher , Parsons Helen M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite improvements in overall survival for pediatric cancers, treatment disparities remain for racial/ethnic minorities compared to non‐Hispanic Whites; however, the impact of race on treatment outcomes for pediatric brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the United States is not well known.

Methods

We included 8713 children aged 0‐19 years with newly diagnosed primary brain and CNS tumors between 2000 and 2015 from the Census Tract‐level SES and Rurality Database developed by Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. We used chi‐square tests to assess differences in sociodemographic, cancer, and treatment characteristics by race/ethnicity and Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models to examine differences in 10‐year survival, adjusting for these characteristics.

Results

Among 8713 patients, 56.75% were non‐Hispanic White, 9.59% non‐Hispanic Black, 25.46% Hispanic, and 8.19% from “other” racial/ethnic groups. Median unadjusted survival for all pediatric brain tumors was 53 months, but varied significantly by race/ethnicity with a median survival of 62 months for non‐Hispanic Whites, 41 months for non‐Hispanic Blacks, and 40 months for Hispanic and other. Multivariable analyses demonstrated minority racial groups still had significantly higher hazard of death than non‐Hispanic Whites; Hispanic (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.25 [1.18‐1.31]); non‐Hispanic Black (aHR 1.12 [1.04‐1.21]); other (aHR 1.22 [1.12‐1.32]). Results were consistent when stratified by tumor histology.

Conclusion

We identified disparities in survival among racial/ethnic minorities with pediatric brain and CNS tumors, with Hispanic patients having the highest risk of mortality. Eliminating these disparities requires commitment toward promoting heath equity and personalized cancer treatment.
Self‐assembling cyclic peptide‐oligonucleotide conjugates: Synthetic strategies and the effect of cyclic topology on self‐assembly and base pairing
Authors: Kye Mahnseok , Zhang Zhihao , Lim Yong‐beom
Published: September 2020

Molecules often take advantage of cyclic topology to enable enhancement of their properties such as thermal stability, binding affinity to targets, and self‐assembly profiles. Despite the advantages of cyclization, peptide‐oligonucleotide conjugates (POCs) have not fully utilized the cyclic topology, presumably due to a dearth of generalized synthetic methods. Here, we report a feasible way to synthesize self‐assembling cyclic POCs using a thiol‐maleimide reaction and copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) in the solution phase and evaluate the properties of cyclic POCs such as molecular conformation, Watson‐Crick base pairing, and self‐assembly profile in comparison to those of linear POCs. Although there is a marginal difference between cyclic POCs and linear POCs in terms of their overall conformation, the self‐assembly profile is greatly affected. The cyclic POCs form homogeneous spherical aggregates, while the linear POCs form a heterogeneous population of fibrous and spherical aggregates. On the other hand, these cyclic POCs show less efficiency in Watson‐Crick base pairing to complementary cyclic POCs than linear POCs, which subsequently affects the self‐assembly of each duplex POC. Our study provides a synthetic method for self‐assembling cyclic POCs as well as a better understanding of the effect of cyclic topology on the overall conformation, self‐assembly, and Watson‐Crick base pairing of POCs.
Current progress towards understanding the biodegradation of synthetic condensation polymers with active hydrolases
Authors: Johnson Amber N , Barlow Daniel E , Kelly Abigail L , Varaljay Vanessa A , Crookes‐Goodson Wendy J , Biffinger Justin C
Published: September 2020

Natural and synthetic polymers represent a challenging source of raw materials to harvest and control in our environment. All polymeric materials eventually deteriorate and degrade over time due to changes in the inter‐ or intramolecular bonding resulting from biological and/or environmental exposure. Microorganisms use a combination of cellular hydrolytic and oxidative chemical processes to release carbon sources from polymers. Specifically, polyesters and polyurethanes are susceptible to hydrolysis by catabolic enzymes released by fungi, bacteria and archaea in the environment, and these polymer classes make up 35% of global polymer production. This review focuses on the activity of lipases, cutinases, esterases and proteases with polyesters and polyurethanes reported in articles from 2018 or later as well as new advances and key trends in both fundamental and applied biodegradation research efforts. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Plasma Metabolomic and Lipidomic Profiling of a Genetically Modified Mouse Model of Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhao Mingming , Zhu Yizhang , Zheng Lemin , Yin Yuxin
Published: September 2020

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall and is becoming the principal cause of death globally. The reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) mediated by scavenger receptor class B type I (SR‐BI) is a major protection mechanism against atherosclerosis. To investigate the metabolome changes and to find potential biomarkers involved in RCT, nontargeted metabolomics and nontargeted lipidomics are applied to SR‐BI knockout mice that are fed a high fat and high cholesterol diet. SR‐BI knockout mice and controls are told apart using multidimensional statistical analysis, and potential biomarkers are found and identified. The pathophysiological meaning of the biomarkers and the perturbed metabolic pathways are also addressed, which could provide new evidence for atherosclerosis studies.
Phosphoproteomic Effects of Acute Depletion of PP2A Regulatory Subunit Cdc55
Authors: Plank Michael , Berti Marina , Loewith Robbie
Published: September 2020

Protein phosphatase regulatory subunits are increasingly recognized as promising drug targets. In the absence of an existing drug, inducible degradation provides a means of predicting candidate targets. Here auxin‐inducible degradation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae PP2A regulatory subunit Cdc55 in combination with quantitative phosphoproteomics is employed. A prevalence of hyperphosphorylated phosphopeptides indicates that the approach successfully identified direct PP2ACdc55 targets. PRM follow up of data‐dependent acquisition results confirmed that vacuolar amino acid transporters are among the proteins most strongly affected by Cdc55 depletion.
Coping Strategies of the Urban Poor: A Case Study From Ghana
Authors: Ofori‐Boateng Kenneth , Adams Samuel , Ohemeng Williams
Published: September 2020

The study examines the profile and livelihood strategies of the urban poor. Utilizing the primary data from three selected poverty prone areas in Accra, the study traces the migratory history of 216 poor urbanized youth and solicits how they cope with an urban livelihood. The findings show that respondents did not receive any formal social protection and informal support from family, and social clubs/associations were also minimal. Coping strategies adopted by these respondents included: petty trading (36.2 percent), street “kayayee” (kayaye is a local name given to head porters/truck pushers for a fee. It a common feature at the Central Business District of Accra; 25.5 percent), street hawking (12.8 percent), and truck pushing (10.6 percent). Some also get involved in illegal and immoral activities such as theft (in the case of males) and prostitution (in the case of the females). It is recommended that since most of them are school dropouts and above the age of availing themselves to the new free senior high school education being implemented by the government, both formal and informal skills (apprenticeship), and vocational training should be rigorously and diligently pursued to lift them out of poverty.
Bronchiectasis associated with electronic cigarette use: A case series
Authors: Mull Eric S. , Shell Richard , Adler Brent , Holtzlander Melissa
Published: September 2020

Bronchiectasis (BE) is defined as a permanent, irreversible dilation of the bronchial tree. In the pediatric population, this disease process is most commonly associated with patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, BE unrelated to CF is increasingly noted as a cause of chronic respiratory related morbidity worldwide. Chronic inflammation and recurrent infection result in cellular cascades that lead to irreversible structural changes of the airways. When these architectural changes occur, they confer extensive risks to morbidity usually due to continued infections. In the adult population, BE has been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is mainly caused by cigarette smoking. In this report, the authors reviewed various cases of BE in the pediatric population at our institution. After a comprehensive case by case review, we compiled details of three cases of newly diagnosed BE where the most likely inciting factor was the electronic cigarette use. Common features of the three cases included at least a year of e‐cigarette use with conjunction of tetrahydrocannabinol and radiologic findings of BE, ground glass opacities, and nodule formation.
Atypical cardiopulmonary manifestations in pediatric Behçet's disease
Authors: Ben‐David Yael , Gur Michal , Ilivitzki Anat , Khoury Asaad , Bentur Lea , Butbul Aviel Yonatan
Published: September 2020

Background

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem autoinflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Cardiopulmonary involvement is rare, especially in young patients, and carries high morbidity and mortality rates.

Aim

Of 26 patients with pediatric BD enlisted in our center, we encountered three patients with severe atypical cardiorespiratory presentations. Our aim was to describe the manifestations and the course that led to the diagnosis of BD.

Results

Three adolescents presented with intracardiac thrombi and left anterior descending obstruction causing myocardial infarction, pulmonary artery aneurysm with pulmonary embolism in situ, and suspected epiglottitis. Two patients had a delayed diagnosis of BD, and all had a good response to anti‐inflammatory agents.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that pediatric BD is associated with atypical cardiopulmonary manifestations which maybe life threatening. Since diagnosis maybe challenging, a high index of suspicion is needed especially in young patients, to promptly diagnose and treat these complications. Cardiopulmonary signs and symptoms, though uncommon, maybe the first manifestation and a clue to the diagnosis of this rare disease.
Optimization and field demonstration of the Lygus pratensis (Hemiptera: Miridae) sex pheromone
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhang Xiaofang , Wyckhuys Kris A G , Yao Yongsheng , Li Haiqiang , Lu Wei , Lu Yanhui
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

The plant bug Lygus pratensis Linnaeus is a widely distributed polyphagous herbivore that increasingly attains outbreak population levels on cotton in northwestern China. Although the sex pheromone of L. pratensis from the United Kingdom has been identified as hexyl butyrate, (E)‐2‐hexenyl butyrate and (E)‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal, at a ratio of 100:25:24, this volatile blend does not prove attractive to Chinese field populations.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified and optimized the sex pheromone of L. pratensis strains from northwestern China. In coupled gas chromatography and electro‐antennogram detection (GC–EAD) assays, three compounds within whole‐body extracts of virgin L. pratensis females elicited antennal responses: hexyl butyrate, (E)‐2‐hexenyl butyrate and (E)‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal. In field trials, a 20:1:30 ratio blend was the most attractive to L. pratensis males.

CONCLUSION

Traps baited with this synthetic pheromone blend present considerable advantages over traditional sweep‐net sampling for L. pratensis population monitoring. It can readily be incorporated into monitoring schemes and integrated pest management packages.
Fast finite‐time adaptive event‐triggered tracking for uncertain nonlinearsystems
Authors: Sun Zong‐Yao , Zhou Chao , Liu Zhen‐Guo , Meng Qinghua
Published: September 2020

This article investigates the fast finite‐time adaptive tracking control via event‐triggered mechanism for a class of high‐order uncertain nonlinear systems. An adaptive tracking controller is constructed for the first time by utilizing a new fast finite‐time performance function and a serial of transformations equipped with a barrier function and event‐triggering rules, which guarantees that the tracking error is restricted in a time‐varying prescribed region and converges to an arbitrarily small constant in a faster speed compared with some traditional finite‐time control strategies. A remarkable feature of this article is to avoid Zeno phenomenon without taking a derivative with respect to the absolute value of the event‐triggered error which may not be differentiable at some discrete points. Finally, a simulation example is provided to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of theoretical results.
Optimized Self‐Templating Synthesis Method for Highly Crystalline Hollow Cu2O Nanoboxes
Authors: Dai Ruoyun , Cheong Weng‐Chon , Jiao Jiqing , Zhang Chao , Zhang Yu , Chen Zheng , Nan Caiyun , Chen Chen
Published: September 2020

Hollow nanomaterials consisting of non‐noble metal oxides have wide applications in catalysis, and many preparation methods for this kind of structures are established. However, it is still challenging to fabricate non‐noble‐metal hollow structures featuring high crystallinity, regular polyhedral morphologies, and small sizes, owing to their relatively low chemical stability and the stringent hollowing conditions. Here in this work, an optimized self‐templating synthesis method with refined control over the heating program and solution environment, which can alleviate the common issues of morphology and crystallinity degradation from precursors during hollowing process, is reported. Through this method, highly crystalline Cu2O nanobox with sizes below 50 nm is successfully prepared. Benefiting from the unique hollow structures, the Cu2O nanobox/C catalyst gives outstanding performances in catalyzing the oxidative homocoupling of phenylacetylene, with the advantages of lower metal loading, mild reaction conditions, and no additives. This optimized method can be extended to the preparation of other non‐noble‐metal hollow materials with sophisticated architectures.