bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omalizumab is effective in the preseasonal treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Xi Lin , Gao Yunbo , Huang Yanran , Cao Feifei , Xiong Wei , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo
Published: January 2022

Background

To date no study has evaluated the efficacy of preseasonal omalizumab therapy with cost effective dose and at appropriate time point compared with standard medication in seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) patients.

Methods

This was a prospective randomized controlled open‐label single‐centre trial. 32 SAR patients were randomized to receive a single injection of omalizumab 300‐mg approximately two weeks before start of the pollen period (PP) or medication therapy. All patients completed daily questionnaires; recording symptoms, medication use and quality of life (QoL) throughout the observation period. The primary efficacy parameter was the mean daily Combined Symptom and Medication Score (CSMS).

Results

Preseasonal omalizumab significantly reduced the changes of mean daily CSMS of nose during the PP (p < 0.001), peak pollen period (PPP) and PP after PPP (PPP‐PP) (p = 0.002) and Post‐PP (p = 0.009) compared to standard medication. The proportion of allergy symptoms‐relieving medication‐free days during PPP‐PP was also significantly higher in preseasonal omalizumab‐treated group (76.2(16.7‐98.8))% than in medication‐treated group (19.0(0‐71.4))% (p = 0.030). Omalizumab could achieve the same nasal symptom control during the entire pollen season and better eye symptoms relieving results in PP (p = 0.046) and PPP‐PP (p = 0.004) than medication treatment. Significantly greater improvement in QoL was also obtained with omalizumab‐pretreatment during the PP (p = 0.037) and PPP‐PP (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Administration of a single injection of 300 mg omalizumab two weeks before start of the pollen season achieves better overall control of symptoms and QoL, with significantly reduced allergy symptoms‐relieving medication usage, compared with standard pharmacotherapy in SAR patients.
DiPETrans: A framework for distributed parallel execution of transactions of blocks in blockchains
Authors: Baheti Shrey , Anjana Parwat Singh , Peri Sathya , Simmhan Yogesh
Published: January 2022

Contemporary blockchain such as Bitcoin and Ethereum execute transactions serially by miners and validators and determine the Proof‐of‐Work (PoW). Such serial execution is unable to exploit modern multi‐core resources efficiently, hence limiting the system throughput and increasing the transaction acceptance latency. The objective of this work is to increase the transaction throughput by introducing parallel transaction execution using a static analysis over the transaction dependencies. We propose the DiPETrans framework for distributed execution of transactions in a block. Here, peers in the blockchain network form a community of trusted nodes to execute the transactions and find the PoW in‐parallel, using a leader–follower approach. During mining, the leader statically analyzes the transactions, creates different groups (shards) of independent transactions, and distributes them to followers to execute concurrently. After execution, the community's compute power is utilized to solve the PoW concurrently. When a block is successfully created, the leader broadcasts the proposed block to other peers in the network for validation. On receiving a block, the validators re‐execute the block transactions and accept the block if they reach the same state as shared by the miner. Validation can also be done in parallel, following the same leader–follower approach as mining. We report experiments using over 5 million real transactions from the Ethereum blockchain and execute them using our DiPETrans framework to empirically validate the benefits of our techniques over a traditional sequential execution. We achieve a maximum speedup of 2.2 and 2.0 and an average speedup of 1.6 and 1.5 for the miner and the validator, respectively, with 100–500 transactions per block when using 6 machines in the community. Further, we achieve a peak of 5 end‐to‐end block creation speedup using a parallel miner over a serial miner.
Robustness of deep learning methods for ocular fundus segmentation: Evaluation of blur sensitivity
Authors: Petrović Veljko B. , Gojić Gorana , Dragan Dinu , Gajić Dušan B. , Horvat Nebojša , Turović Radovan , Oros Ana
Published: January 2022

This article analyzes the sensitivity of deep learning methods for ocular fundus segmentation. We use an empirical methodology based on non‐adversarial perturbed datasets. The research is motivated by mass screening and self‐administered tests in which AI methods are needed and may be given images with focus issues. These substandard pictures are simulated using blurring algorithms of varying designs and kernel sizes which are subjected to a test of inter‐network and inter‐dataset sensitivity using Gaussian noise as a control. We test for simulated defocusing, motion blur, and Gaussian noise. The DRIVE, CHASE, and STARE datasets were used to generate 441 synthetic datasets for testing. Analysis of the resultantn= 37,888 sample has identified anomalies illuminating failure modes of state‐of‐the‐art ocular segmentation models. Data analysis led us to conclude that accuracy is a poor measure of sensitivity to input change and that even moderate levels of blur have dramatic effects on said sensitivity. We further concluded that architectures show larger variations in sensitivity to blur which do not match either their reported or measured performance on unblurred test datasets. Our analysis has attributed at least a part of the problem to overfitting non‐essential input dataset features and resolution sensitivity.
Fatty acid esters as novel metabolites of γ‐hydroxybutyric acid: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Kraemer Michael , Broecker Sebastian , Kueting Theresa , Madea Burkhard , Maas Alexandra
Published: January 2022

γ‐Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a substance frequently abused as a knockout agent. Because of possible amnesia experienced by victims of GHB exposure and the short detection time of GHB in biological samples, the proof of GHB uptake is often challenging for forensic toxicologists. For this reason, various approaches have been evaluated to prolong the detection of GHB intake. In the present study, a fatty acid ester of GHB (4‐palmitoyloxy butyrate [GHB‐Pal; 3‐carboxypropyl hexadecanoate]) was synthesized with the intent of examining whether such esters could be detected as metabolites of GHB in blood samples. Using the structurally elucidated synthesis product (structural elucidation by means of high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry [LC‐QToF‐MS]), an LC triple quadrupole mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) method was established for the detection of GHB‐Pal. Blood (plasma) samples from four cases in which GHB was previously detected at relevant concentrations (56.1–96.5 μg/ml) were analyzed with respect to GHB‐Pal. Signals for GHB‐Pal, as well as possible signals for other fatty acid esters of GHB, were detectable in these specimens. (Negative) control samples (20 plasma samples and 20 red blood cell/blood clot samples; from cases in which an intake of GHB or its precursors was not assumed) were all negative for GHB‐Pal. To evaluate a possible forensic benefit of GHB fatty acid esters (prolongation of the detection window of a GHB uptake), the analysis of additional plasma samples collected after GHB uptake (or controlled GHB administration) and quantification of GHB fatty acid esters are needed.
Borderline personality disorder symptoms as mediational mechanisms linking childhood trauma and nonsuicidal self‐injury among women with bulimia nervosa
Authors: Dodd Dorian R. , Crosby Ross D. , Cao Li , Gordon Kathryn H. , Wonderlich Stephen A.
Published: January 2022

Objective

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) frequently co‐occurs with eating disorders, especially bulimia nervosa (BN). Theoretical models and empirical evidence show many overlapping risk factors for the onset and maintenance of NSSI and BN. However, among those with BN, it remains unclear what distinguishes those who do versus do not engage in NSSI. The primary objective of the present study was to identify factors predicting NSSI among women with BN. Specifically, we tested four domains of borderline personality disorder as mediators between childhood trauma and NSSI.

Method

Using structural equation modeling we tested a parallel mediation model to predict NSSI among women with BN (N = 130). Childhood trauma (measured by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire at baseline) was the independent variable. The four parallel mediators (measured at baseline via the Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines, Revised) were lifetime negative affect, impulsive actions, atypical cognitions (e.g., odd thinking, unusual perceptual experiences, quasi‐psychotic thinking), and interpersonal problems. The dependent variable was instances of NSSI during a subsequent two‐week ecological momentary assessment protocol.

Results

Childhood trauma was significantly associated with all four mediators (all p values < .01), but only atypical cognitions predicted NSSI (p = .03). The indirect path from childhood trauma to NSSI, through atypical cognitions was significant (path coefficient = .001, SE < .001, p = .01).

Discussion

Among women with BN, childhood trauma was associated with atypical cognitions, which in turn predicted NSSI. Atypical cognitions may be a mechanism for NSSI in this population.
Long‐term outcome in males with anorexia nervosa: A prospective, sex‐matched study
Authors: Quadflieg Norbert , Naab Silke , Voderholzer Ulrich , Fichter Manfred M.
Published: January 2022

Objective

The objective of this study is to report on the 5.5‐years outcome of anorexia nervosa (AN) in male adolescent inpatients and compare it to the outcome of female adolescent inpatients with AN.

Method

Diagnostic eating disorder outcome was assessed by the Structured Inventory of Anorexic and Bulimic Syndromes (DSM‐IV) in 20 males and 20 females matched for AN diagnosis, age at treatment, and length of follow‐up. For documentation, follow‐up scores of the Eating Disorder Inventory and the Brief Symptom Inventory are reported.

Results

Diagnostic outcome did not differ between sexes. Four male and six female participants had AN at follow‐up. One male and four females had crossed to bulimia nervosa, and five males and three females to eating disorder not otherwise specified. Remission was found in 10 males and 7 females. Effect sizes were mostly small. At follow‐up females had higher scores than males with large effect sizes for drive for thinness (Cohen's d = 0.86) and body dissatisfaction (d = 1.07).

Discussion

Few significant sex differences were found. Additional research involving larger samples of males and a broader range of assessed outcomes (e.g., drive for muscularity) in both sexes is urgently needed.
Pupil psychosensory reflex in response to own and standardised silhouettes in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Couton Céline , Gorwood Philip , Pham‐Scottez Alexandra , Poupon Daphnée , Duriez Philibert
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study aimed to assess the physiological response of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) to different types of silhouettes using pupillometry.

Methods

We measured the pupil psychosensory reflex (PSR) of 42 patients with AN and 35 healthy controls in response to standardised body silhouettes and to pictures of their own silhouettes digitally modified to represent different body mass indices (BMI). Perceptual distortion and body dissatisfaction were assessed using Anamorphic Micro Software©. Twenty‐three of the recruited patients were tested up to four times during an inpatient treatment programme to assess the impact of weight gain.

Results

PSR correlated with the subjective rating of emotional arousal in controls but not in patients. Own silhouettes and standardised silhouettes triggered a different pupil response both in patients with AN and in controls. With pictures of their own silhouettes, pupil response to underweight stimuli differed from pupil response to normal weight or overweight stimuli in both groups. Weight gain was associated with an increase in PSR, an improvement of ideal BMI and a decrease of body dissatisfaction, but no change in perceptual distortion.

Conclusion

Our findings support the idea that pupillometry could be a useful tool to assess the physiological state of patients with AN.
Informant‐based tools for assessment and monitoring of cognition, behavior, and function in neurocognitive disorders: Systematic review and report from a CCCDTD5 Working Group
Authors: Choudhury Samira , Ghodasara Sheena , Stiffel Michael , Fischer Corinne E. , Tang‐Wai David F. , Smith Eric Edward , Massoud Fadi , Robin Hsiung Ging‐Yuek , Lee Linda , Bruneau Marie‐Andrée , Laforce Robert Jr , Ismail Zahinoor , Burhan Amer M. , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: January 2022

Objective

As part of the fifth Canadian Consensus Conference on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, we assessed the literature on informant‐based tools for assessment and monitoring of cognition, behavior, and function in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) to provide evidence‐based recommendations for clinicians and researchers.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses standards guidelines. Publications that validated the informant‐based tools or described their key properties were reviewed. Quality of the studies was assessed using the modified Quality Assessment tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.

Results

Out of 386 publications identified through systematic search, 34 that described 19 informant‐based tools were included in the final review. Most of these tools are backed by good‐quality studies and are appropriate to use in clinical care or research. The tools vary in their psychometric properties, domains covered, comprehensiveness, completion time, and ability to detect longitudinal change. Based on these properties, we identify different tools that may be appropriate for primary care, specialized memory clinic, or research settings. We also identify barriers to use of these tools in routine clinical practice.

Conclusion

There are several good‐quality tools available to collect informant‐report for assessment and monitoring of cognition, behavior, or function in patients with NCDs. Clinicians and researchers may choose a particular tool based on their specific needs such as domains of interest, desired psychometric properties, and feasibility. Further work is needed to make the tools more user‐friendly and to adopt them into routine clinical care.
Simple Modifications for the Facile Preparation of 1,1,2,3,4,4‐Hexaaryl‐1,3‐butadienes
Authors: Sakaguchi Tomoya , Kusumoto Naoki , Shimomura Osamu , Ohtaka Atsushi
Published: January 2022

A facile preparation of 1,1,2,3,4,4‐hexaaryl‐1,3‐butadienes which are important molecules due to their aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) activity was achieved by simple modifications of the reaction conditions reported in the previous work. In this reaction system, the insertion of alkynes into the palladium−carbon bond will be accelerated by changing the palladium intermediate to the cationic one. When silver nitrate was used, the reaction of diarylalkynes with arylboronic acids took place smoothly under mild reaction conditions without any ligand to give the coupling diene products in excellent yields. On the contrary, the reaction hardly proceeded with silver oxide and silver carbonate. Poly(hexaphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene) (PHB) with a similar molecular weight to the previously prepared one was also synthesized from the reaction of diphenylacetylene with phenyldiboronic acid under mild reaction conditions.
FPIA: A database for gene fusion profiling and interactive analyses
Authors: Huang Lu , Zhu Huimin , Luo Zhenhua , Luo Chukun , Luo Linjiang , Nong Baoting , Zhang Shiyu , Wan Chengcheng , Wang Yanzhi , Songyang Zhou , Xiong Yuanyan
Published: January 2022

As one of the hallmarks of cancer, gene fusions play an important role in tumorigenesis, and have been established as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Although recent years have witnessed the development of gene fusion databases, a tool with interactive analytic functions remains lacking. Here, we introduce fusion profiling interactive analysis (FPIA), a web server to perform interactive and customizable analysis on fusion genes. With this platform, researchers can easily explore fusion‐associated biological and molecular differences including gene expression, tumor purity and ploidy, mutation, copy number variations, protein expression, immune cell infiltration, stemness, telomere length, microsatellite instability, survival and novel peptides based on 33 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. Currently, it contains 31 633 fusion events from 6910 patients. FPIA complements the existing gene fusion annotation databases with its multiomics analytic capacity, integrated analysis features, customized analysis selection and user‐friendly design. The comprehensive data analyses by FPIA will greatly facilitate data mining, hypothesis generation and therapeutic target discovery. FPIA is available at http://bioinfo-sysu.com/fpia.
Inventory and drivers of the adoption of flood‐based farming systems in South‐Eastern Africa: Insights from Malawi*
Authors: Msume Arab P. , Mwale Faidess D. , Castelli Giulio
Published: January 2022

Rainfed agriculture, which is dominant in sub‐Saharan Africa, remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In this framework, flood‐based farming systems (FBFS) enable the use of floodwater as an opportunity for crop production. FBFS have received much attention recently; however, there is limited guidance on how they can be promoted effectively in rural areas. To do so and to support the adoption of appropriate systems, it is important to understand the current practice of FBFS. This study focuses on the Balaka District (Malawi) and the types of FBFS in use, the extent of practice, and the factors behind their adoption. A sample size of 398 farmers was considered, using questionnaires, observations, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to collect primary data. The results showed flood recession agriculture (FRA), depression agriculture, spate irrigation, and inundation canals and dugouts among the FBFS used and that FRA was the dominantly adopted method (54%). Lack of capital investment and level of farmer awareness were the factors most associated with FBFS adoption with p = .00003 and p = .004, respectively. Capital investment and actions to increase farmers' awareness should therefore be considered to realize the full benefits of FBFS.
Analysis of skew of visible laser reflections in a living sheep heart
Authors: Stringer Bradley J. , Shumway Spencer B. , Willden Jeremy P. , Kuck Kai
Published: January 2022

Limited methods exist to confirm the position of cardiovascular devices in the heart. In our earlier work, an optical fiber was enclosed in a central catheter and guided to known positions in the superior vena cava and right atrium in the heart of a living sheep. The tissues were illuminated with two wavelengths of visible light and the reflections were analyzed using frequency domain techniques. In this follow‐up work, the data were reanalyzed using statistical estimates of skew and kurtosis as a function of anatomic position. Skew values from a 520 nm laser were able to determine catheter tip position near the cavoatrial junction as validated against known positions previously determined with electrocardiogram and contrast‐enhanced video fluoroscopy. This method successfully confirmed the location of the catheter tip at the cavoatrial junction in 84% of 840 trials. Further research with refined apparatus and algorithms on additional animal subjects is strongly suggested.
Real-World Effectiveness of Anti-Resorptive Treatment in Patients With Incident Fragility Fractures—The STORM Cohort—A Swedish Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Freyschuss Bo , Svensson Maria K. , Cars Thomas , Lindhagen Lars , Johansson Helena , Kindmark Andreas
Published: January 2022

Results from real-world evidence (RWE) from the largest healthcare region in Sweden show low uptake of antiresorptive (AR) treatment, but beneficial effect in those receiving treatment, especially for the composite outcome of hip fracture or death. For RWE studies, Sweden is unique, with virtually complete coverage of electronic medical records (EMRs) and both regional and national registries, in a universal publicly funded healthcare system. To our knowledge, there is no previous RWE study evaluating the efficacy of AR treatment compared to no AR treatment after fragility fracture, including data on parenteral treatments administered in hospital settings. The Stockholm Real World Management (STORM) study cohort was established in the healthcare region of Stockholm to retrospectively assess the effectiveness of AR treatment after first fragility fracture using the regional EMR system for both hospital and primary care. Between 2012 and 2018, we identified 69,577 fragility fracture episodes among 59,078 patients, men and women, 50 years and older. Of those, 21,141 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria (eligible cohort). From these, the final matched study cohort comprised 9840 fragility fractures (cases receiving AR treatment [n = 1640] and controls not receiving AR treatment [n = 8200]). Propensity scores were estimated using logistic regression models with AR treatment as outcome and confounders as independent variables followed by analysis using Cox proportional hazard models. Real world evidence from Sweden's largest healthcare region, comprising a quarter of the Swedish population, show that only 10% of patients receive AR treatment within 1 year after a fragility fracture. Factors associated with not receiving treatment include having a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. In those treated, AR have positive effects particularly on the composite of fracture and death (any fracture/death and hip fracture/death) in individuals matched for all major confounders. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Production of NMSBA catalyzed by Co/Mn/Br together with the porous carbon made from coconut shell with ZnCl2 as activator
Authors: Wang Le‐Yao , Yang Zhen , Guo Feng , Long Xiang‐Li
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

2‐nitro‐4‐methylsulfonylbenzoic acid (NMSBA) is commercially produced from the oxidation of 2‐nitro‐4‐methylsulfonyltoluene (NMST) with nitric acid as oxidant and V2O5 as catalyst in a strong acid solution; this process suffers from the following shortcomings: the discharge of large amounts of wastewater and waste gas, as along with the generation of polynitro compounds. It is necessary to develop a technology to avoid the pollution caused by oxidizing NMST with nitric acid. NMSBA can be synthesized by oxidizing NMST with air under the catalysis of the porous carbon made from coconut shell with ZnCl2 as an activator together with Co/Mn/Br.

RESULTS

The optimum conditions for the preparation of the porous carbon are as follows: impregnation temperature 60 °C, ZnCl2 concentration 0.50 mol L−1, impregnation duration 6 h, carbonization temperature 600 °C, and carbonization time 4 h. The surface characterization suggests that the carbon made in this study holds smaller surface area, acidic groups, and basic groups than the commercial carbon but owns more carboxyl.

CONCLUSION

The Co/Mn/Br/AC (AC,the porous carbon made in this study) catalytic system is superior to the Co/Mn/Br/H3PMo12O40@CAC(CAC,commercial activated carbon) catalytic system in the production of NMSBA from the oxidation of NMST. The NMSBA selectivity gained by the former is 93.40%, while that gained by the latter is 87.14%. The former can cut down the consumption of NMST and the expenditure of catalysts. The catalytic ability of the AC catalyst relies on its surface chemical characteristics and physical properties. More carboxyl on AC is the reason for the upgrade of NMSBA selectivity. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Evaluation of efficacy of ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Zhang Mingzhu , Gao Yuxiu , Zhang Xiaojuan , Ding Zhaoyan , Wang Xinya , Jiang Wenbin , Zhao Cheng
Published: January 2022

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasonographically (US)‐guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

Methods

A total of 35 patients who received MWA treatment in our hospital between August, 2019 and January, 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus levels, and improvement in clinical symptoms were recorded before and after MWA. All patients were followed up for 6 months. Paired‐sample t‐tests and paired sample Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were used to indicate PTH, calcium, and P levels before and after ablation. Postoperative complications were statistically analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of MWA on PHPT patients.

Results

A total of 38 parathyroid nodules in 35 PHPT patients were completely ablated at one time. These results indicated that MWA could effectively destroy parathyroid tissue and decrease the concentrations of PTH, calcium, and phosphorus compared with those before MWA, and the effect was sustained. Moreover, MWA improved clinical symptoms, and improved quality of life of patients. None of patients developed tracheal and esophageal injuries, peripheral hematoma, infection, or other serious complications.

Conclusion

US‐guided MWA has shown to be an effective and safe approach to treat PHPT patients.
Depression, anxiety, and stress among inflammatory bowel disease patients during COVID‐19: A UK cohort study
Authors: Luber Raphael P , Duff Alexa , Pavlidis Polychronis , Honap Sailish , Meade Susanna , Ray Shuvra , Anderson Simon H , Mawdsley Joel , Samaan Mark A , Irving Peter M
Published: January 2022

Background and Aim

Patients with chronic diseases are believed to be at increased risk of mental health conditions during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We aimed to assess the incidence of psychological morbidity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic, explore for association with risk of severe COVID‐19 and other factors, and establish patients' interest in psychological support.

Methods

A survey including the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, General Anxiety Disorder‐7, and Perceived Stress Scale tools for depression, anxiety, and stress was administered to IBD patients from a tertiary center in London, United Kingdom, in June 2020.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐four patients responded to the survey (57% response rate), with 271 (99%) completing it. Moderate–severe depression was observed in 61 (22.5%), while 49 (18%) had moderate–severe anxiety; 39 (14%) had both diagnoses. Mean (SD) stress score was 16.2 (7.4). There was no association between degree of severe COVID‐19 risk and psychological morbidity. Flare symptoms and fatigue were associated with worse psychological morbidity, while accessibility of information regarding COVID‐19 risk and reducing that risk was protective for depression (odds ratio [OR] 0.56 [0.33–0.94], P = 0.03), anxiety (OR 0.62 [0.4–0.96], P = 0.03), and stress (standardized β‐coefficient −0.15 [−0.28 to −0.03], P = 0.02). Seventy‐nine (30%) respondents were interested in receiving psychological support during the pandemic, while 200 (76%) expressed interest beyond the pandemic.

Conclusions

Although depression, anxiety, and stress among IBD patients during the pandemic were common, their frequency was similar to pre‐pandemic rates and recent general population levels. Ensuring easy access to personalized risk information with targeted psychological support may mitigate psychological burden as patients reintegrate into society and deal with future COVID‐19 waves.
Enterococcus spp. have higher fitness for survival, in a pH‐dependent manner, in pancreatic juice among duodenal bacterial flora
Authors: Itoyama Saki , Noda Emika , Takamatsu Shinji , Kondo Jumpei , Kawaguchi Rui , Shimosaka Munefumi , Fukuoka Tomoya , Motooka Daisuke , Nakamura Shota , Tanemura Masahiro , Mitsufuji Suguru , Iwagami Yoshifumi , Akita Hirofumi , Tobe Toru , Kamada Yoshihiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Miyoshi Eiji
Published: January 2022

Background and Aim

Bacterial infection is involved in the progression of many gastrointestinal diseases, including those of pancreas; however, how and which bacteria colonize in pancreatic juice and tissue have yet to be elucidated. Recently, we reported that Enterococcus faecalis exists in the pancreatic juice and tissues of patients with chronic pancreatic disease. Here, we investigated the survival of E. faecalis in duodenal juice with different pH conditions.

Methods

Pancreatic juice samples from 62 patients with cancers of the duodeno‐pancreato‐biliary region were evaluated for the presence of E. faecalis. 16S ribosomal RNA polymerase chain reaction and 16S‐based metagenome analyses were performed to determine the bacterial composition. The survival of E. faecalis in various pancreatic juice conditions was evaluated.

Results

Of 62 samples, 27% (17/62) were positive for Enterococcus spp., among which 71% (12/17) contained E. faecalis. Enterococcus spp. showed the highest fitness for survival in alkaline pancreatic juice among various bacterial species. The microbiome of pancreatic juice from patients with pancreatic and bile duct cancer showed diversity, but Enterococcus spp. were enriched among duodenal tumors and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

Conclusions

Alkalinity is one of the important factors for the selective survival of E. faecalis among microbiota. E. faecalis can colonize the pancreatic duct when the pancreatic juice condition is altered.
Radioiodination of balsalazide, bioevaluation, and characterization as a highly selective radiotracer for imaging of ulcerative colitis in mice
Authors: Sanad M.H. , Gomaa Nermien M. , El Bakary Nermeen M. , Ibrahim Ismail T. , Massoud Ayman
Published: January 2022

This work focuses on tracking ulcerative colitis in mice. High labeling yield and radiochemical purity were achieved for the formation of a [125/131I]balsalazide radiotracer at optimum conditions of oxidizing agent content (chloramines‐T [Ch‐T], 75 μg), substrate amount (100 μg), pH of reaction mixture (6), reaction time (30 min), and temperature (37°C), using radioactive iodine‐125 (200–450 MBq). The radiolabeled compound, [125/131I]balsalazide, was stable in serum and saline solution during 24 h. Balsalazide is acting as a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPARγ). Biodistribution studies were carried in normal and ulcerated colon mice. High uptake of 75 ± 1.90% injected dose/g organ (ID/g) observed in ulcerated mice confirmed the suitability of [131I]balsalazide as a novel radiotracer for ulcerative colitis imaging in mice.
Clinical impact of gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients with positive lavage cytology without gross peritoneal dissemination
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroshi , Honda Michitaka , Kawamura Hidetaka , Takiguchi Koichi , Muto Atsushi , Yamazaki Shigeru , Teranishi Yasushi , Shiraso Satoru , Kono Koji , Hori Soshi , Kamiga Takahiro , Iwao Toshiyasu , Yamashita Naoyuki
Published: January 2022

Background

The prognosis of gastric cancer patients with positive lavage cytology without gross peritoneal dissemination (P0CY1) is poor. The survival benefit of gastrectomy for these patients has not been established.

Patients and Methods

In this population‐based cohort study, we investigated the impact of radical gastrectomy with lymph node dissection for P0CY1 patients. Patients who were diagnosed with Stage IV gastric cancer from 2008 to 2015 in all nine cancer‐designated hospitals in a tertiary medical area were listed. Patients who were diagnosed with histologically proven adenocarcinoma in both the primary lesion and lavage cytology during the operation or a diagnostic laparoscopic examination were enrolled. Patients with a gross peritoneal lesion or other metastatic lesions were excluded. The primary outcome was the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of gastrectomy for overall survival. We also evaluated the survival time in patients who underwent gastrectomy or chemotherapy in comparison to patients managed without primary surgery or with best supportive care.

Results

One hundred patients were enrolled. The aHR (95% confidence interval) of gastrectomy was 0.677 (0.411–1.114, p = 0.125). The median survival time in patients who received gastrectomy (n = 74) was 21.7, while that in patients managed without primary surgery (n = 30) was 20.5 months (p = 0.155). The median survival time in patients who received chemotherapy (n = 76) was 23.0 months, while that in patients managed without chemotherapy was 8.6 months (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Gastrectomy was not effective for improving the survival time in patients with P0CY1 gastric cancer. Surgeons should prioritize the performance of chemotherapy over surgery as the initial treatment.
Modeling electron beam irradiation of methane
Authors: Gu Weiyao , Dibble Theodore S.
Published: January 2022

We built a chemical kinetic model for the electron beam irradiation of methane and report simulation results with dose rates ranging from 2 to 200 kGy s–1 at 298 K and 1 atm pressure. The model contains 92 species and 778 gas‐phase reactions. We report the time evolution of concentrations of stable products (including H2, C2H6, C3H8, C2H4, C3H6, C4H10, C2H2, and C3H4) as well as some radicals and ions. We discuss how yields of products depend on dose rate and how they change during the course of irradiation. To understand the processes controlling product formation, we quantify the extent to which various reactions produce and destroy major products and the key radicals and ions. Normalized sensitivity coefficients are computed for the production of stable products to gain further insight into factors controlling product yields. We were able to reduce the mechanism to 63 species and 331 reactions while incurring less than 5% error in the final concentrations of stable products.
Cochlear implantation under local anesthetic: A systematic review andmeta‐analysis
Authors: Walters Ben , Gaskell Peter , Muzaffar Jameel , Iftikhar Haissan , Monksfield Peter , Bance Manohar
Published: January 2022

Objectives

As the population ages and implantation criteria are relaxed, more patients with complex comorbidities are becoming eligible for cochlear implantation (CI). These patients have higher risks associated with general anesthesia. This systematic review assesses outcomes and complications following CI under local anesthetic to examine utility for patients deemed not suitable or at high risk for general anesthesia.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis performed according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched were MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials andClinicalTrials.gov. There were no limitations on year of publication or language.

Results

Then, 132 unique were identified. After screening abstracts and full texts for eligibility criteria a total of 18 articles were included. In the nine studies where audiological data were reported, all patients demonstrated improvement in audiological outcomes following implantation under local anesthetic (LA). Only minor complications of transient vertigo, wound infection, facial nerve paralysis, confusion, and tinnitus were reported but all were transient. Meta‐analysis showed surgical time was significantly shorter under LA.

Conclusions

CI under LA is safe for patients with comorbidities which preclude them from general anesthesia, with minimal complications and an improved cost‐effectiveness profile. However, larger scale, robust trials are required to assess this further.
Stability of chironomid community structure during historic climatic and environmental change in subarctic Alaska
Authors: Mayfield Roseanna J. , Dearing John A. , Doncaster C. Patrick , Langdon Peter G.
Published: January 2022

By understanding lake ecosystem resilience in the face of increasing environmental and anthropogenic stress, we can hope to anticipate future ecosystem instability. We assess recent historic ecosystem resilience using composition and network analyses of empirical zoobenthos chironomid (Diptera: Chironomidae; nonbiting midges) reconstructions from three Subarctic Alaskan lakes, spanning the last c. 200 yr. We measured community richness, turnover and structure using taxon richness, beta diversity, and network skewness, respectively. Simulated taxonomic networks were created to establish the sensitivity of these metrics to changes in taxon connectivity, and to inform the interpretation of empirical chironomid records. The models indicated that beta diversity was more sensitive to taxon loss, while skewness was more sensitive to taxon gain. Both beta diversity and skewness were required to understand structural change under taxon replacement. The simulated arrival of strongly connected taxa caused a greater decrease in skewness than the arrival of weakly connected taxa. The empirical data sets indicated a rise in taxon richness (measured as rarefaction) and beta diversity in the recent samples. Changes in chironomid composition were associated with climate warming (replacement of cold taxa with temperate taxa) and increased lake biological productivity (the arrival of macrophyte‐associated taxa). Skewness was predominantly negative across the lakes, indicating high taxon connectivity and structural stress. However, little directional change in the skewness trends suggests some resilience within the chironomid community structures in relation to the current levels of climate and environmental stress. Continued climatic warming, and associated rises in nutrient levels, may cause further structural stress and ecological degradation.
The use of investment decision techniques and tools in practice in a frontier market: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Addico Nene Lartey , Amewu Godfred , Owusu‐Ansah Anthony
Published: January 2022

We apply a survey approach to investigate investment decision techniques and tools in practice among listed firms in Ghana. We find that chief financial officers (CFOs) consider the payback period the most used capital budgeting tool, which is not in line with current literature trends. For the cost of equity, the results indicate that there is low or no effort by CFOs in estimating it when calculating the cost of capital. This implies CFOs may be using the cost of debt as the cost of capital. This article provides the improvement opportunities that may support firm value maximisation in a frontier market.
Epigenetic modifications in pancreas development, diabetes, and therapeutics
Authors: Kaimala Suneesh , Kumar Challagandla Anil , Allouh Mohammed Z. , Ansari Suraiya Anjum , Emerald Bright Starling
Published: January 2022

A recent International Diabetes Federation report suggests that more than 463 million people between 20 and 79 years have diabetes. Of the 20 million women affected by hyperglycemia during pregnancy, 84% have gestational diabetes. In addition, more than 1.1 million children or adolescents are affected by type 1 diabetes. Factors contributing to the increase in diabetes prevalence are complex and include contributions from genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. However, molecular regulatory mechanisms influencing the progression of an individual towards increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases such as diabetes are not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that the pathogenesis of diabetes involves epigenetic changes, resulting in a persistently dysregulated metabolic phenotype. This review summarizes the role of epigenetic mechanisms, mainly DNA methylation and histone modifications, in the development of the pancreas, their contribution to the development of diabetes, and the potential employment of epigenetic modulators in diabetes treatment.
Speech and swallowing function following microsurgical reconstruction of palatal defects in a series of six pediatric patients
Authors: Zavala Abraham , Miranda Juan V. , Oré Juan F. , De Pawlikowski Wieslawa
Published: January 2022

Background

Reconstruction of extensive palatal defects in growing patients aims to restore speech intelligibility and swallowing function while avoiding excessive scarring formation that may cause growth disturbances in the palate and midface region. Free flaps transfer healthy, well‐vascularized tissue to the defect area, and their combination with pharyngeal flaps allow for restoration of the velopharyngeal function. We examined speech and swallowing after microsurgical palate reconstruction in a series of six pediatric patients.

Methods

Radial forearm free flaps were used in all cases, in combination with a superiorly based pharyngeal flap in five cases. Mean age at surgery was 10.7 years. Etiologies included recurrent oronasal fistula due to failed primary cleft palate repair (n = 4), embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the maxilla (n = 1), and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (n = 1). Speech evaluations (with the Hirose standard and listener ratings) and swallowing assessments (based on videofluoroscopy swallowing studies and patient‐reported swallowing and diet) were performed in average 44 months postoperatively.

Results

All flaps survived without major postoperative complications. Speech intelligibility was graded as “excellent” in four patients and “moderate” in two. Hypernasality and nasal obstruction were each judged as “none/minimal” in five cases and “moderate” in one case. All patients tolerated oral diet without significant nasal regurgitation. In five of six patients, the swallowing assessment showed good motion and velopharyngeal closure.

Conclusion

Microsurgical reconstruction of extensive palatal defects using radial forearm free flap, with or without a superiorly based pharyngeal flap, is a reliable technique that can deliver substantial improvement of speech and swallowing in pediatric patients.
Double‐pedicle unaffected split‐breast flap for unilateral breast reconstruction
Authors: Satake Toshihiko , Muto Mayu , Okamoto Maki , Onoda Satoshi , Matsui Koshi , Narui Kazutaka , Kobayashi Shinji , Fujii Tsutomu , Ishikawa Takashi , Maegawa Jiro
Published: January 2022

Background

In some breast cancer patients with a contralateral unaffected hypertrophic and ptotic breast, autologous small‐breast reconstruction with contralateral breast reduction is a good option. The current study is aimed to assess the efficacy of the double‐pedicle unaffected split‐breast (USB) flap harvested from the central half of the unaffected breast for unilateral breast reconstruction with contralateral transverse scar reduction mammoplasty.

Methods

Between February 2003 and May 2020, 14 patients underwent breast reconstruction using the USB flap. The mean patient age was 59.1 (range: 48–76) years, and the mean body mass index was 24.2 (range: 19.5–33.3) kg/m2. This flap comprised half of the contralateral breast tissues with the 3rd or 4th internal mammary perforator (IMAP) and the lateral thoracic vessel (LTA/V). After USB flap elevation and LTA/V resection, flap perfusion from the IMAP was evaluated on indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. The medial pedicle USB flap was rotated 180° and was transferred to the affected site via the midline. The LTA/V was anastomosed to the recipient vessel to supercharge the distal part of the USB flap, which was then used for breast reconstruction. Then, the remaining contralateral upper and lower breast poles were used for transverse scar reduction mammoplasty.

Results

The mean flap size was 13.3 × 26.9 (range: 9.5 × 22 to 16 × 29) cm. All flaps and reduced breasts survived without serious complications such as flap necrosis, although there was one patient with hematoma and one patient with hypertrophic scar. ICG revealed poor perfusion in the distal, lateral part of the flap, ranging from 22.0% to 48.5% of the overall flap area. Final aesthetic evaluation was high, with 11 cases (78.6%) being “good” or “excellent” and 3 cases (21.4%) that were either poor or fair. The mean follow‐up period for the patients was 53.8 (range: 15–84) months, with none of the patients presenting second primary breast cancer or recurrence in both breasts.

Conclusion

USB flap breast reconstruction with contralateral reduction mammoplasty is a valuable option in breast cancer patients with a hypertrophic and ptotic breast.
An augmented approach to absolute stability for uncertain Lur'e system with time‐varying delay
Authors: Kim Yeongjae , Lee Yonggwon , Kim Seungho , Lee Seunghoon , Park Myeongjin , Kwon Ohmin
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the absolute stability criteria of Lur'e system with time‐varying delays, uncertainties, and sector bounded nonlinearities. By constructing suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals (LKFs) and utilizing some useful mathematical techniques, an improved delay‐dependent stability criterion is introduced in Theorem 1. Based on the result of Theorem 1, a further enhanced criterion is proposed in Theorem 2 by employing the augmented zero equality approach. Finally, two numerical examples show the improved performance of the criteria by comparing maximum delay bounds.
Leveraging legacy system data to examine generational propensity to volunteer
Authors: Kirby Joseph
Published: January 2022

Nonprofit organizations face increased competition in their volunteer recruitment efforts. Rapidly changing generational demographics within the US and an expanding base of digital marketing sources challenge the effective management of this critical process. Furthermore, many nonprofits lack the data and/or technical skills necessary to organize, analyze, and evaluate their volunteer recruiting processes. This study leverages legacy system data from two Midwest Big Brother Big Sister locations and finds that compared with Millennials, Boomers (2.08/1.63 times) and Gen‐Xers (1.53/1.20 times) are significantly more likely to volunteer. Regression models revealed the significant influence of marketing sources by generation, providing insight for segmented marketing strategies. Findings also suggest an increased focus on marketing to Millennials results in overall lower volunteer rates. This article profiles an approach using basic dimensional data analysis and more advanced data analytics and serves as a guide for nonprofits to follow to develop insight into their volunteer recruitment efforts.