bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building the alliance and using experiential techniques in the early phases of psychotherapy for avoidant personality disorder
Authors: Centonze Antonella , Popolo Raffaele , MacBeth Angus , Dimaggio Giancarlo
Published: April 2021

Individuals experiencing avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) tend to make sense of social interactions via maladaptive self‐and other attributions. They also experience difficulties in recognizing emotions. A further feature of AvPD psychopathology is the tendency to resort to maladaptive coping strategies, such as behavioral avoidance and perfectionism. Despite its impact, psychological treatments for AvPD remains poorly investigated. Herein, we describe the first five sessions of Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy with a 28‐year‐old woman, whose treatment goal was to reduce social avoidance. We describe how this goal was achieved through a combination of working through the therapeutic relationship, alongside experiential techniques such as guided imagery, rescripting, and bodily work. Through this treatment configuration, the patient was able to increase self‐awareness of her own emotions, enabling her to realize that she was guided by rigid schemas; specifically seeing herself as inadequate and others as judgmental. Finally, implications for the treatment of AvPD are discussed.
Participation in community organizing: Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses of impacts on sociopolitical development
Authors: Speer Paul W. , Christens Brian D. , Peterson N. Andrew
Published: April 2021

This article reports cross‐sectional (Study 1) and longitudinal (Study 2) results from analyses of civic behaviors and attitudes among two groups: participants in grassroots community organizing in five US cities and a geographically balanced sample of their neighbors, many of whom were participating with other types of voluntary organizations (e.g., neighborhood‐based or school‐based groups). This analytic approach allowed for tests of differences between groups, differences within groups over time, and interactions between groups and time on indicators of sociopolitical development including civic behaviors, psychological sense of community, and the emotional and cognitive components of psychological empowerment. Results showed that community organizing, as a particular type of mediating institution, cultivates sociopolitical development by elevating psychological empowerment and civic engagement over time.
MiR‐138 plays an important role in diabetic nephropathy through SIRT1–p38–TTP regulatory axis
Authors: Liu Fengxun , Guo Jia , Qiao Yingjin , Pan Shaokang , Duan Jiayu , Liu Dongwei , Liu Zhangsuo
Published: April 2021

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and tristetraprolin (TTP) are two important protective factors in DN; however, the regulatory relationship between SIRT1 and TTP, and the underneath mechanism are interesting but still unclear. Identifying the key factors that regulate SIRT1 or TTP may be of great value to the understanding and treatment of the DN. In this study, through systematic experimental methods, we found that the expression of miR‐138 was significantly upregulated in DN clinical patient samples, and our experimental results suggested that miR‐138 could bind the 3ʹ‐UTR of SIRT1 and inhibit its expression in both cultured podocytes and db/db mice kidney tissues. Furthermore, our in vitro and in vivo experiments also indicated miR‐138 could target SIRT1 and affect TTP through p38 pathway. And downregulation of miR‐138 attenuated podocyte injury and showed some extent of therapeutic effects in DN mice models. Our findings revealed that the regulatory axis of miR‐138–SIRT1–p38–TTP might play a key role in DN. We believe that these findings may be of some value for deepening the understanding of DN and may serve as a reference for future treatment of this disease.
An ultrastructural focus on the buccal cavity of the grey gurnard Eutrigla gurnardus (Linnaeus, 1758): Adaptative dietary implications
Authors: Abumandour Mohamed M. A. , Massoud Ehab , El‐Kott Attalla , Morsy Kareem , El‐Bakary Neveen E. R. , Kandyle Ramadan
Published: April 2021

The current investigation represented the first anatomical description of the buccal cavity of the grey gurnard Eutrigla gurnardus. For the achievement of this study, 10 heads of mature fish were used for SEM examinations. The morphological characteristic appearance of the buccal cavity has shown several adaptations in relation concerning its feeding habits. The median fissure of the upper lip divided the upper lip into two halves, this fissure appeared to be formed from many micro‐tubercles with numerous taste buds which aid in holding mucus secretion to the cell surface, help in mucus spread, and provide mechanical protection to the epithelium. Velum had two regions: median and peripheral region. The epithelium covering of the median region of the upper velum had dots‐like epithelial protrusion that carrying numerous taste buds, meanwhile, the epithelium covering of the lower velum not carried taste buds but instead carried numerous small scales‐like structures. The palate is divided into two semicircular regions by small region of microridges into the anterior and posterior region. The slightly bifid tongue had a median tubercle with numerous small taste buds on its dorsal surface. Concluded, these data were necessary to understand the adaptation of fish to its habitat and in developing a new and better method for fishing of this type of fish.
Preserving NLST mortality benefits and acceptable morbidity for lung cancer surgery in a community hospital
Authors: Jacobson Francine L. , Dezube Aaron R. , Bravo‐iñiguez Carlos , Kucukak Suden , Bay Camden P. , Wee Jon O. , Coppolino Antonio A. , Jaklitsch Michael T. , Ducko Christopher T.
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether academic thoracic surgeons could achieve morbidity and mortality rates in community hospitals equivalent to those seen in National Lung Screening Trial (NLST).

Methods

This was a retrospective review of community hospital lung cancer procedures for clinical Stage I–III non‐small‐cell lung cancers from 2007 through 2014. Variables include age, comorbidities, computed tomography (CT) characterization, and operative techniques.

Results

There were 177 patients who had lung cancers removed by a minimally invasive approach (79%), including lobectomy in 127 (72%), segmentectomy in 4 (2%), and wedge‐resections in 46 (26%). The median patient age was 71 years (interquartile range [IQR], 63–76). The cohort was primarily female (58%), clinical Stage I (82%), with a median tumor size of 2.3 cm (IQR, 1.5–3.3). The median length of stay was 6 days (range: 1–35). Complications were experienced by 78 (44.1%) patients, most commonly atrial fibrillation in 20 (11.3%) followed by air‐leak in 19 (10.7%). There were no in‐hospital deaths. Tumor location and extent of resection were associated with complications, while larger tumor size, margin contour, and resection method were associated with air‐leak (all p < 0.05). Higher clinical stage and larger tumor size were associated with occult Stage III disease (both p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The low morbidity and mortality rates from the NLST were achievable in a community setting for early‐stage lung cancer. Characterization of cancers using CT imaging identified factors most commonly associated with postoperative complications and the presence of occult Stage III disease.
RNA Sequencing and Pathways Analyses of Middle Ear Epithelia From Patients With Otitis Media
Authors: Stabenau Kaleigh A. , Zimmermann Michael T. , Mathison Angela , Zeighami Atefeh , Samuels Tina L. , Chun Robert H. , Papsin Blake C. , McCormick Michael E. , Johnston Nikki , Kerschner Joseph E.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Otitis media (OM) is the most common pediatric diagnosis in the United States. However, our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of OM remains relatively poor. Investigation of molecular pathways involved in OM may improve the understanding of this disease process and elucidate novel therapeutic targets. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) was used to discern cellular changes associated with OME compared to healthy middle ear epithelium (MEE).

Study Design

Ex vivo case‐control translational.

Methods

Middle ear epithelia was collected from five pediatric patients diagnosed with OME undergoing tympanostomy tube placement and five otherwise healthy pediatric patients undergoing cochlear implantation. Specimens underwent RNA‐Seq and pathways analyses.

Results

A total of 1,292 genes exhibited differential expression in MEE from OME patients compared to controls including genes involved in inflammation, immune response to bacterial OM pathogens, mucociliary clearance, regulation of proliferation and transformation, and auditory cell differentiation. Top networks identified in OME were organismal injury and abnormalities, cell morphology, and auditory disease. Top Ingenuity canonical pathways identified were axonal guidance signaling, which contains genes associated with auditory development and disease and nicotine degradation II and III pathways. Associated upstream regulators included β‐estradiol, dexamethasone, and G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptor‐1 (GPER1), which are associated with otoprotection or inflammation during insult.

Conclusions

RNA‐Seq demonstrates differential gene expression in MEE from patients with OME compared to healthy controls with important implications for infection susceptibility, hearing loss, and a role for tobacco exposure in the development and/or severity of OME in pediatric patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2590–2597, 2021
Increased Thrombin‐Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor in Response to Sublingual Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Yoshida Kanako , Takabayashi Tetsuji , Imoto Yoshimasa , Sakashita Masafumi , Kato Yukinori , Narita Norihiko , Fujieda Shigeharu
Published: April 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to determine the role of thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) as a candidate biomarker for therapeutic efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and to identify the role of TAFI in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study and laboratory study.

Methods

Serum was collected from patients with allergies to Japanese cedar pollen before, during, and after treatment with SLIT. We measured the levels of immunoreactive TAFI, C3a, and C5a in serum by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and assessed their relative impact on a combined symptom‐medication score. We also examined the impact of TAFI on mast cells and fibroblasts in experiments performed in vitro.

Results

Serum levels of TAFI increased significantly in response to SLIT. By contrast, serum C3a levels decreased significantly over time; we observed a significant negative correlation between serum levels of TAFI versus C3a and symptom‐medication score. Mast cell degranulation was inhibited in response to TAFI, as it was the expression of both CCL11 and CCL5 in cultured fibroblasts.

Conclusions

High serum levels of TAFI may be induced by SLIT. TAFI may play a critical protective role in pathogenesis of AR by inactivating C3a and by inhibiting mast cell degranulation and chemokines expression in fibroblasts.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2413–2420, 2021
Treatment of Cutaneous Melanoma of the Head and Neck With Wide Local Excision Versus Mohs
Authors: Namin Arya W. , Oudin Edouard M. , Tassone Patrick T. , Galloway Tabitha L.I. , Dooley Laura M. , Zitsch Robert P.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Determine if Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is associated with improved overall survival compared to wide local excision (WLE) when treating cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck (CMHN) and to report the proportion of patients treated with MMS versus WLE who also underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) analyzing the overall survival of patients diagnosed with T1 to T4 CMHN between 2004 and 2016 who were treated with either WLE or MMS.

Results

On multivariable analysis, treatment with WLE versus MMS was not significantly associated with overall survival (HR, 1.094; 95% CI, 0.997–1.201). On multivariable analysis, lower Charlson‐Deyo score (HR, 0.489; 95% CI, 0.427–0.560), negative margins (HR, 0.754; 95% CI, 0.705–0.807), and N0 classification (HR 0.698; 95% CI, 0.668–0.730) were associated with improved overall survival. Seventy‐seven percent of patients treated with MMS did not undergo SLNB, while 45% of patients treated with WLE did not undergo SLNB (P < .001).

Conclusions

No difference in overall survival between MMS and WLE when treating CMHN. Patients treated with MMS were significantly less likely to undergo SLNB, suggesting an opportunity for enhancement of multidisciplinary care.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2490–2496, 2021
Truncation error estimates for two‐dimensional sampling series associated with the linear canonical transform
Authors: Huo Haiye
Published: April 2021

The linear canonical transform (LCT) provides a more general framework for many well‐known linear integral transforms, such as Fourier transform, fractional Fourier transform, Fresnel transform, and so forth, in digital signal processing and optics. There has been a great deal of research on sampling expansions of bandlimited signals in the LCT domain. However, results on error estimation and convergence analysis appear to be relatively rare, especially for multi‐dimensional sampling series associated with the LCT. In this paper, we present error estimation and convergence analysis for two‐dimensional (2D) sampling series in the LCT domain. Specifically, we first prove the absolute convergence and uniform convergence of 2D LCT sampling series. Then, we analyze truncation error estimates for uniformly sampling 2D bandlimited signals in the LCT domain, as well as deriving three truncation error bounds. Finally, our theoretical results are demonstrated by numerical examples.
Ulam‐Hyers‐Rassias stability for generalized fractional differential equations
Authors: Boucenna Djalal , Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif , El‐hady El‐sayed , Hammami Mohamed Ali
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we present a generalized Gronwall inequality with singularity. Using this inequality, we investigate the existence, uniqueness, and Ulam‐Hyers‐Rassias stability for solutions of a class of generalized nonlinear fractional differential equations of order α (1 < α < 2). In this way, we improve and generalize several earlier outcomes.
Relationship of HER2 Alteration and Microsatellite Instability Status in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qiu Miao-Zhen , He Cai-Yun , Yang Xin-Hua , Yang Li-Qiong , Lin Jun-Zhong , Zhou Da-Lei , Long Ya-Kang , Guan Wen-Long , Jin Ying , Li Yu-Hong , Wang Feng-Hua , Yang Da-Jun , Xu Rui-Hua
Published: April 2021

Background

The impact of HER2 somatic mutations in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has not been well studied and its relationship with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) is yet to be fully elucidated.

Materials and Methods

From February 2017 to February 2020, the data of patients with CRC who underwent next-generation sequencing and had detailed record of clinicopathological information were investigated. HER2 alteration and its relationship with MSI-H were analyzed.

Results

Among 731 patients who underwent sequencing, 55 patients (7.5%) had HER2 alteration, including 29 (4.0%) with HER2 somatic mutations, 24 (3.3%) with HER2 gene amplification, and 2 patients (0.2%) with both HER2 mutations and amplification. R678Q was the most common mutated kinase domain, and no HER2 kinase domain in-frame insertions/deletions were found in HER2 mutated cases. MSI-H was found in 5.2% of our cohort and 36.8% of MSI-H patients had HER2 mutation. For HER2 mutated cases, 48.3% were MSI-H, whereas none of the HER2 amplification cases were MSI-H. MSI-H patients with HER2 mutation had significantly worse median progression-free survival for programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody than those without HER2 alteration (p = .036).

Conclusion

High MSI-H rate was found in HER2 mutated cases, but no MSI-H was found in HER2 amplification cases. MSI-H patients with HER2 mutated had worse progression-free survival for PD-1 antibody than those without.

Implications for Practice

This study highlights the high microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) rate in HER2 mutated cases but no MSI-H in HER2 amplification cases. Moreover MSI-H patients with HER2 mutated had worse progression-free survival for programmed death-1 antibody than those without. Further research to explore the internal relationship between HER2 alteration and MSI-H is needed.
Poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid)/chitosan semi‐interpenetrating hydrogel for pressure sensor and controlled drug release
Authors: Hong Xiaoyan , Ding Hao , Li Jiao , Xue Yuanyuan , Sun Luyi , Ding Fuchuan
Published: April 2021

With high biocompatibility and pH‐sensitivity, hybrid hydrogels of chitosan (CS) have been widely used in sensor, drug release systems, adsorption, agriculture, and other fields. Herein, a poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid)/chitosan [P(AM‐co‐AA)/CS] hydrogel with semi‐interpenetrating (semi‐IPN) network was synthesized through in situ copolymerization of acrylamide (AM), N,N′‐methylene‐bisacrylamide (MBAA) and acrylic acid (AA) solution of chitosan using potassium persulfate (KPS) and sodium bisulfite (SBS) as oxidation‐reduction co‐initiators. CS‐AA complex monomer was prepared by dissolving CS in AA solution. Meanwhile, MBAA was used as a crosslinker to enhance the strength of the resulted hybrid hydrogels via introducing chemical crosslinking to the substrate P(AM‐co‐AA) copolymer. The morphology of the freeze‐dried sample of P(AM‐co‐AA)/CS hydrogel shows dense interconnected pores. When the CS content is 2.4%, the P(AM‐co‐AA)/CS hydrogel has a compressive stress of 5.06 MPa at strain of 90.0% and a tensile strength of 161.71 kPa at strain of 1082.0%. The CP(AM‐co‐AA)/CS hydrogel also demonstrates extraordinary antifatigue property under cyclic compression of 85%. Because of the outstanding mechanical properties, a capacitive pressure sensor using P(AM‐co‐AA)/CS hydrogel as a dielectric with good durability and linearity at low operating voltage was fabricated. Besides, the water uptake of the P(AM‐co‐AA)/CS hydrogels is pH‐sensitive, and the hydrogels could serve as a matrix for loading of ranitidine hydrochloride with controlled release under different pH environments.
Potent antitumor effect of T cells armed with anti‐GD2 bispecific antibody
Authors: Nakajima Miho , Guo Hong‐fen , Hoseini Sayed Shahabuddin , Suzuki Maya , Xu Hong , Cheung Nai‐Kong V.
Published: April 2021

Background

Humanized 3F8‐bispecific antibody (hu3F8‐BsAb) using the IgG(L)‐scFv format (where scFv is single‐chain variable fragment), where the anti‐CD3 huOKT3 scFv is fused with the carboxyl end of the hu3F8 light chain, has potent antitumor cytotoxicity against GD2(+) tumors. To overcome the insufficient number and function of T cells in cancer patients, they can be rejuvenated and expanded ex vivo before arming with hu3F8‐BsAb for adoptive transfer, potentially reducing toxic side effects from direct BsAb administration.

Procedure

T cells from normal volunteers were expanded and activated ex vivo using CD3/CD28 beads for 8 days. Activated T cells (ATCs) were harvested and co‐incubated with a Good Manufacturing Practice grade hu3F8‐BsAb at room temperature for 20 min. These armed ATCs were tested for cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo against human GD2(+) cell lines and patient‐derived xenografts in BALB‐Rag2−/−IL‐2R‐γc‐KO mice.

Results

Hu3F8‐BsAb armed ATCs showed robust antigen‐specific tumor cytotoxicity against GD2(+) tumors in vitro. In vivo, T cells armed with hu3F8‐BsAb were highly cytotoxic against GD2(+) melanoma and neuroblastoma xenografts in mice, accompanied by T‐cell infiltration without significant side effects. Only zeptomole (10−21) quantities of BsAb per T cell was required for maximal antitumor effects. Tumor response was a function of T‐cell dose.

Conclusion

BsAb armed T cells may have clinical utility as the next generation of cytotherapy combined with recombinant BsAb against human tumors for both adult and pediatrics, if autologous T cells can be activated and expanded ex vivo.
Temozolomide with irinotecan versus temozolomide, irinotecan plus bevacizumab for recurrent medulloblastoma of childhood: Report of a COG randomized Phase II screening trial
Authors: Levy Adam S. , Krailo Mark , Chi Susan , Villaluna Doojduen , Springer Linda , Williams‐Hughes Chris , Fouladi Maryam , Gajjar Amar
Published: April 2021

Background: Approximately 30% of children with medulloblastoma (MB) experience recurrence, which is usually incurable. This study compared the overall survival (OS) of patients receiving temozolomide (TMZ) and irinotecan with that of patients receiving TMZ, irinotecan, and bevacizumab for recurrent MB/central nervous system (CNS) primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET).

Methods: Patients with relapsed/refractory MB or CNS PNET were randomly assigned to receive TMZ (150 mg/m2/day PO on days 1–5) and irinotecan (50 mg/m2/day IV on days 1–5) with or without bevacizumab (10 mg/kg IV on days 1 and 15).

Results: One hundred five patients were eligible and treated on study. Median OS was 13 months in the standard arm and 19 months with the addition of bevacizumab; median event‐free survival (EFS) was 6 months in the standard arm and 9 months with the addition of bevacizumab. The hazard ratio for death from the stratified relative‐risk regression model is 0.63. Overall, 23 patients completed 12 courses of planned protocol therapy, 23% (12/52) in the experimental arm with bevacizumab versus 21% (11/53) in the standard arm. Toxicity profiles were comparable in both treatment arms. The estimate of the incidence of feasibility events associated with the bevacizumab arm is three of 52 (5.8%) (95% CI 1.2–16%). Events included myelosuppression, electrolyte abnormalities, diarrhea, and elevated transaminases. One intracranial hemorrhage event was observed in each arm.

Conclusion: The addition of bevacizumab to TMZ/irinotecan significantly reduced the risk of death in children with recurrent MB. The combination was relatively well tolerated in this heavily pretreated cohort. The three‐drug regimen demonstrated a sufficient risk reduction to warrant further investigation.
A Segmented‐Target Sputtering Process for Growth of Sub‐50 nm Ferroelectric Scandium–Aluminum–Nitride Films with Composition and Stress Tuning
Authors: Rassay Sushant , Hakim Faysal , Li Chao , Forgey Christian , Choudhary Nitin , Tabrizian Roozbeh
Published: April 2021

Harnessing the recently discovered ferroelectricity in scandium aluminum nitride (ScxAl1−xN) for the realization of integrated electronic and electromechanical devices requires a low‐temperature growth process that enables versatile control over film thickness, stoichiometric composition, and stress. Herein, a reactive magnetron sputtering process that enables extreme scaling of film thickness and tuning of composition and residual stress is reported on. Highly crystalline ScxAl1−xN films with thicknesses of over 25–250 nm with scandium concentrations of over 22–30 at% are sputtered using a segmented target created from scandium and aluminum tiles. The residual stress in the films is widely tuned from highly compressive to tensile using a pressure‐ and gas‐flow‐independent approach based on adjusting the electrical termination of the targets. The crystallinity, texture, and ferroelectric characteristics are measured for ScxAl1−xN films with different thicknesses, compositions, and residual stresses. The results highlight the consistent crystallinity and ferroelectric properties despite extreme thickness miniaturization to sub‐50 nm, and the large dependence of the coercive field on the residual stress and Sc concentration.
A comparison of statistical methods for allocating disease costs in the presence of interactions
Authors: Rossel Jean‐Benoît , Rousson Valentin , Eggli Yves
Published: April 2021

We consider the non‐trivial problem of estimating a health cost repartition among diseases from patients' hospital stays' global costs in the presence of multimorbidity, that is, when the patients may suffer from more than one disease. The problem is even harder in the presence of interactions among the disease costs, that is, when the costs of having, for example, two diseases simultaneously do not match the sum of the basic costs of having each disease alone, generating an extra cost which might be either positive or negative. In such a situation, there might be no “true solution” and the choice of the method to be used to solve the problem will depend on how one wishes to allocate the extra costs among the diseases. In this article, we study mathematically how different methods proceed in this regard, namely ordinary least squares (OLS), generalized linear models (GLM), and an iterative proportional repartition (IPR) algorithm, in a simple case with only two diseases. It turned out that only IPR allowed to retrieve the total costs and the unambiguous solution that one would have in a setting without interaction, that is, when no extra cost has to be allocated, while OLS and GLM may produce some negative health costs. Also, contrary to OLS, IPR is taking into account the basic costs of the diseases for the allocation of the extra cost. We conclude that IPR seems to be the most natural method to solve the problem, at least among those considered.
Research on Fault Vibration Signal Features of GIS Disconnector Based on EEMD and Kurtosis Criterion
Authors: Zhao Lihua , Hong Guo , Wang Zelong , Chen Weiwei , Long Wei , Ren Junwen , Wang Zhong , Huang Xiaolong
Published: April 2021

Gas insulated metal enclosed switchgear (GIS) has been widely used in the world because of its compact structure and adaption to the environment. However, due to frequent operation and other reasons, GIS disconnector is prone to mechanical failure with poor contact, leading to abnormal vibration signals. In this paper, a GIS disconnector contact fault simulation platform is built to collect vibration signals in three states: normal contact, moderate poor contact and severe poor contact of disconnector contact. The Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) method is used to decompose the vibration signals, and the IMF decomposition signals are screened by Kurtosis criterion (a numerical statistic method). Finally, the vibration signal features of GIS under different conditions are obtained by reconstructing the screening signals. The results indicate that, under the normal contact, the frequency of GIS vibration signal mainly presents the distribution of 100 Hz and its integer multiple frequency component, when there is a contact defect, the high frequency component in the vibration signal spectrum increases significantly, and the tripling frequency component is present, and the amplitude of component will increase with the severity of the fault. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical reference for on‐line monitoring of GIS disconnecting switch contact fault. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Trans‐ovo permethrin exposure affects growth, brain morphology and cardiac development in quail
Authors: Curtis Grace H. , Nogueiro Sara , Schneider Sydney , Bernhofer Marissa , McDermott Mara , Nixon Erin , Perez Kylie Noelle , Reeve Robyn E. , Easterling Marietta R. , Crespi Erica J.
Published: April 2021

Permethrin is a commonly used, highly effective pesticide in poultry agriculture, and has recently been trialed in conservation efforts to protect Galápagos finch hatchlings from an invasive ectoparasite. Although permethrin is considered safe for adults, pesticides can have health consequences when animals are exposed during early life stages. The few studies that have examined permethrin's effects in embryonic chicks and rats have shown hydrocephaly, anencephaly, reduced cellular energy conversion, and disruption of developing heart muscle. To test whether trans‐ovo exposure of permethrin affects early development in birds, we exposed Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) eggs to cotton treated with 1% permethrin that was incorporated into nests in two amounts (0.2, 0.8 g), each with a paired untreated cotton control group. When measured on incubation Day 15, we found permethrin‐treated developing birds were smaller and showed signs of microcephaly, although mortality rates were the same. Despite no difference in heart mass, ventricular tissue was less compact, cardiac arteries were reduced and heart rates were slower in permethrin‐treated birds. Differences in heart development were also observed at 5 days of incubation, indicating that abnormalities are present from early in cardiac development. Future studies are needed to examine permethrin's effects on developmental pathways and to determine if these effects persist after hatching to affect offspring health. This study provides evidence that permethrin can cross the eggshell to cause non‐lethal but adverse effects on embryonic development, and studies should look beyond hatching when monitoring the efficacy of permethrin on wild bird populations.
Calcified uterine leiomyoma: A rare association with inguinal hernia in a dog
Authors: Sabrina Manfredi , Zanfabro Matteo , Martina Fabbi , Silvia Ferro , Antonella Volta
Published: April 2021

A 10‐year‐old intact female Pug dog was presented with a 3‐month history of left inguinal distension. A tentative diagnosis of cystic endometrial hyperplasia and uterine mineralisation with inguinal herniation was made together with palpation, abdominal radiographic and ultrasonographic examination. Ovariohysterectomy and hernioplasty were simultaneously performed. The left uterine horn was herniated through the inguinal ring. On histopathology, multinodular calcified uterine leiomyoma associated with a diffuse endometrial cystic hyperplasia was diagnosed. Uterine herniation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of inguinal mass in an intact bitch, and uterine neoplasia may be found as an underlying disease.
Performance of single‐stage partial nitritation and anammox reactor treating low‐phenol/ammonia ratio wastewater and analysis of microbial community structure
Authors: He Chunhua , Ren Xuesong , Xu Guoqing , Huang Zhiqiang , Wang Yulan , Hu Zhenhu , Wang Wei
Published: April 2021

Phenol and ammonia are common pollutants in many industrial wastewaters. The partial nitritation and anammox process is a very promising technology for treating phenol–ammonia wastewater. This study was the first time to rapidly achieve the start‐up and operation of the single‐stage partial nitritation /anammox reactor treating phenol–ammonia wastewater. The optimized ratio of phenol and nitrogen (phenol/NH4+‐N=0.3) was set to start‐up the reactor. After 60 days of operation, the total nitrogen and COD removal efficiencies were around 73.0% and 79.5%, respectively. The activity of ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria was291.1 ± 3.0 mg NH4+‐N g−1MLVSS d−1 and the specific anammox activity was 20.9 ± 1.0 mg NH4+‐N g−1MLVSS d−1. The results indicated that the anammox bacteria had adapted to phenol condition and remained stable activity after the 60 days’ operation in the reactor. The sequence analysis of 16SrRNA showed that the microbial community structure evolved to a balanced distribution that the removals of phenol and ammonia could be achieved simultaneously.

Practitioner Points

Phenol/N ratio of 0.3 was set to start up the single‐stage partial nitritation/anammox reactor.

The single‐stage partial nitritation /anammox reactor was rapidly started up when treating the phenol‐ammonia wastewater.

Total nitrogen removal rate and COD removal efficiencies could achieve to 73.0% and 79.5%, respectively.

Microbial community structure evolved to stable distribution of which AOB, anammox bacteria, denitrification bacteria and heterotrophic nitrification bacteria coexisted.
Arthritis
Authors: Grainger Andrew J. , Resnik Charles S.
Published: April 2021

Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of joint disease. However, to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of a patient’s arthritis, consideration must be given to the clinical information available as well as to the imaging features of the disease. The pattern of joint involvement in each case is particularly important, with consideration of the number of joints involved, whether or not the joints are affected symmetrically on both sides of the body, and which specific joints are affected. In cases of peripheral arthritis involving the small joints of the hands and feet, the distribution of joint disease detected on the radiograph is often as important in making the correct diagnosis as the radiographic features of the disease.

While cross-sectional imaging modalities have an important role to play, the conventional radiograph remains fundamental to the diagnosis of joint disease and is commonly the first imaging investigation undertaken.
Spine Degeneration and Inflammation
Authors: Wilson David J. , de Abreu Marcelo
Published: April 2021

Conventional radiographs and CT are primary investigations in spinal trauma. However MRI is the primary technique in the assessment of degenerative and inflammatory disorders. There are occasions when conventional radiographs, CT and bone scintigraphy assist in the diagnosis of degenerative and inflammatory disorders.

A detailed understanding of anatomy and spine dynamic function is essential in the interpretation of imaging.

Degenerative disorders including disc disease sometimes result in neural compression, facet joint and costovertebral arthropathy which is also potentially associated with spinal stenosis and neural compression. Scheuermann described a disorder with template irregularity that mimics degenerative disorders but is a genetic condition. Pars interarticularis stress fractures were once thought to be congenital in origin but are now regarded as stress injuries occurring in adolescence potentially leading to lifelong spondylolisthesis.

Inflammatory joint disease is not just ankylosing spondylitis. There are a range of disorders, and the reporting practitioner must understand and appreciate the symptoms and signs on images. The early diagnosis of inflammatory arthropathy especially ankylosing spondylitis is essential in the effective management of the disease. Imaging is a major component of an accurate and effective diagnosis.
Infection
Authors: Morrison William B. , Kransdorf Mark J.
Published: April 2021

Musculoskeletal infection can be an urgent or emergent clinical issue. Accurate imaging diagnosis is an essential part of the treatment algorithm. This review addresses advantages of available imaging modalities and radiologic appearance of the various manifestations of infection. Controversies are addressed, including the use of the term “osteitis.” Finally, the differential diagnosis of infection is reviewed, such as inflammatory arthropathies and tumors that can simulate infection on imaging exams.
Knee
Authors: Bordalo-Rodrigues Marcelo , White Lawrence M.
Published: April 2021

Imaging has a crucial role in detecting internal derangements of the knee, and knowledge of pathologic conditions has increased. Imaging aspects of meniscal, ligament, tendinous, and chondral lesions will be discussed in this chapter.
The decrease of non-complicated acute appendicitis and the negative appendectomy rate during pandemic
Authors: Ceresoli Marco , Coccolini Federico , Magnone Stefano , Lucianetti Alessandro , Bisagni Pietro , Armao Teodora , Ansaloni Luca , Zago Mauro , Chiarugi Massimo , Catena Fausto , Braga Marco ,   the Appendicitis-COVID study group, Nizzardo Marco , Nespoli Luca , Fattori Luca , Degrate Luca , Perrone Stefano , Cereda Marco , Pisano Michele , Poiasina Elia , Bertoli Paolo , Ballabio Michele , Braga Stefano , Graziano Giorgio , Tartaglia Dario , Arces Francesco , Mariani Marco , Tagliabue Fulvio , Perrone Gennaro , Annicchiarico Alfredo , Giuffrida Mario , Ferrari Giovanni , Benedetti Antonio , Allievi Niccolò , Ciocca Michele , Pinotti Enrico , Montuori Mauro , Carlucci Michele , Tomajer Valentina , Fugazzola Paola
Published: April 2021

Background

During pandemic, admissions for surgical emergencies dropped down dramatically. Also acute appendicitis decreased. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the change in volume and clinical presentation of patients with acute appendicitis during pandemic and the variation in treatment.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients admitted in 11 Italian hospital for acute appendicitis during the lockdown period (March–April 2020) compared with the same period of the previous 2 years (2018–2019). The number and the rate of complicated and non-complicated acute appendicitis were recorded and compared between the two study periods; non-operative vs operative treatment and negative appendectomy rate were also recorded.

Results

The study included 532 patients, 112 in the study period and 420 in the control period; Hospital admission for acute appendicitis dropped by 46% (OR 0.516 95% CI 0.411–0.648 p < 0.001) during the 2020 lockdown. The number of complicated acute appendicitis did not change (− 18%, OR 0.763 95% CI 0.517–1.124 p = 0.1719), whereas the number of non-complicated acute appendicitis significantly decreased (− 56%, OR 0.424 95% CI 0.319–0.564 p < 0.001). Non-operative treatment rate remained similar (12.1% vs. 11.6% p = 0.434). The negative appendectomy rate also significantly decreased (6.1% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

The present study found a significant reduction of both admissions for non-complicated acute appendicitis and negative appendectomy rate during the pandemic period. Conversely, admissions for complicated acute appendicitis did not change.

Trial registration: NCT04649996.
Engineering of a borneol dehydrogenase from P. putida for the enzymatic resolution of camphor
Authors: Hofer Michael , Diener Julia , Begander Benjamin , Kourist Robert , Sieber Volker
Published: April 2021

Several thousand different terpenoid structures are known so far, and many of them are interesting for applications as pharmaceuticals, flavors, fragrances, biofuels, insecticides, or fine chemical intermediates. One prominent example is camphor, which has been utilized since ancient times in medical applications. Especially (−)-camphor is gaining more and more interest for pharmaceutical applications. Hence, a commercial reliable source is needed. The natural sources for (−)-camphor are limited, and the oxidation of precious (−)-borneol would be too costly. Hence, synthesis of (−)-camphor from renewable alpha-pinene would be an inexpensive alternative. As the currently used route for the conversion of alpha-pinene to camphor produces a mixture of both enantiomers, preferably catalytic methods for the separation of this racemate are demanded to yield enantiopure camphor. Enzymatic kinetic resolution is a sustainable way to solve this challenge but requires suitable enzymes. In this study, the first borneol dehydrogenase fromPseudomonassp. ATCC 17453, capable of catalyzing the stereoselective reduction of camphor, was examined. By using a targeted enzyme engineering approach, enantioselective enzyme variants were created withE-values > 100. The best variant was used for the enzymatic kinetic resolution of camphor racemate, yielding 79% of (−)-camphor with aneeof > 99%.

Key points

• Characterization of a novel borneol dehydrogenase (BDH) from P. putida.

• Development of enantioselective BDH variants for the reduction of camphor.

• Enzymatic kinetic resolution of camphor with borneol dehydrogenase.

Graphical abstract
Kinetic analysis and optimisation of 18F-rhPSMA-7.3 PET imaging of prostate cancer
Authors: Malaspina Simona , Oikonen Vesa , Kuisma Anna , Ettala Otto , Mattila Kalle , Boström Peter J. , Minn Heikki , Kalliokoski Kari , Postema Ernst J. , Miller Matthew P. , Scheinin Mika
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This phase 1 open-label study evaluated the uptake kinetics of a novel theranostic PET radiopharmaceutical, 18F-rhPSMA-7.3, to optimise its use for imaging of prostate cancer.

Methods

Nine men, three with high-risk localised prostate cancer, three with treatment-naïve hormone-sensitive metastatic disease and three with castration-resistant metastatic disease, underwent dynamic 45-min PET scanning of a target area immediately post-injection of 300 MBq 18F-rhPSMA-7.3, followed by two whole-body PET/CT scans acquired from 60 and 90 min post-injection. Volumes of interest (VoIs) corresponding to prostate cancer lesions and reference tissues were recorded. Standardised uptake values (SUV) and lesion-to-reference ratios were calculated for 3 time frames: 35–45, 60–88 and 90–118 min. Net influx rates (Ki) were calculated using Patlak plots.

Results

Altogether, 44 lesions from the target area were identified. Optimal visual lesion detection started 60 min post-injection. The 18F-rhPSMA-7.3 signal from prostate cancer lesions increased over time, while reference tissue signals remained stable or decreased. The mean (SD) SUV (g/mL) at the 3 time frames were 8.4 (5.6), 10.1 (7) and 10.6 (7.5), respectively, for prostate lesions, 11.2 (4.3), 13 (4.8) and 14 (5.2) for lymph node metastases, and 4.6 (2.6), 5.7 (3.1) and 6.4 (3.5) for bone metastases. The mean (SD) lesion-to-reference ratio increases from the earliest to the 2 later time frames were 40% (10) and 59% (9), respectively, for the prostate, 65% (27) and 125% (47) for metastatic lymph nodes and 25% (19) and 32% (30) for bone lesions. Patlak plots from lesion VoIs signified almost irreversible uptake kinetics. Ki, SUV and lesion-to-reference ratio estimates showed good agreement.

Conclusion

18F-rhPSMA-7.3 uptake in prostate cancer lesions was high. Lesion-to-background ratios increased over time, with optimal visual detection starting from 60 min post-injection. Thus, 18F-rhPSMA-7.3 emerges as a very promising PET radiopharmaceutical for diagnostic imaging of prostate cancer.

Trial Registration

NCT03995888 (24 June 2019).
Multiscale modeling of glioma pseudopalisades: contributions from the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Li Jing , Surulescu Christina
Published: April 2021

Gliomas are primary brain tumors with a high invasive potential and infiltrative spread. Among them, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) exhibits microvascular hyperplasia and pronounced necrosis triggered by hypoxia. Histological samples showing garland-like hypercellular structures (so-called pseudopalisades) centered around the occlusion site of a capillary are typical for GBM and hint on poor prognosis of patient survival. We propose a multiscale modeling approach in the kinetic theory of active particles framework and deduce by an upscaling process a reaction-diffusion model with repellent pH-taxis. We prove existence of a unique global bounded classical solution for a version of the obtained macroscopic system and investigate the asymptotic behavior of the solution. Moreover, we study two different types of scaling and compare the behavior of the obtained macroscopic PDEs by way of simulations. These show that patterns (not necessarily of Turing type), including pseudopalisades, can be formed for some parameter ranges, in accordance with the tumor grade. This is true when the PDEs are obtained via parabolic scaling (undirected tissue), while no such patterns are observed for the PDEs arising by a hyperbolic limit (directed tissue). This suggests that brain tissue might be undirected - at least as far as glioma migration is concerned. We also investigate two different ways of including cell level descriptions of response to hypoxia and the way they are related .
Disease-modifying therapies and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in multiple sclerosis: an expert consensus
Authors: Centonze Diego , Rocca Maria A. , Gasperini Claudio , Kappos Ludwig , Hartung Hans-Peter , Magyari Melinda , Oreja-Guevara Celia , Trojano Maria , Wiendl Heinz , Filippi Massimo
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) appeared in December 2019 in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has quickly become a global pandemic. The disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type-2 (SARS-CoV-2), an RNA beta coronavirus phylogenetically similar to SARS coronavirus. To date, more than 132 million cases of COVID19 have been recorded in the world, of which over 2.8 million were fatal (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html). A huge vaccination campaign has started around the world since the end of 2020. The availability of vaccines has raised some concerns among neurologists regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) taking immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive therapies.
RAS-NOTECHS: validity and reliability of a tool for measuring non-technical skills in robotic-assisted surgery settings
Authors: Schreyer Julia , Koch Amelie , Herlemann Annika , Becker Armin , Schlenker Boris , Catchpole Ken , Weigl Matthias
Published: April 2021

Background

Non-technical skills (NTS) are essential for safe surgical practice as they impact workflow and patient outcomes. Observational tools to measure operating room (OR) teams’ NTS have been introduced. However, there are none that account for the specific teamwork challenges introduced by robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). We set out to develop and content-validate a tool to assess multidisciplinary NTS in RAS.

Methodology

Stepwise, multi-method procedure. Observations in different surgical departments and a scoping literature review were first used to compile a set of RAS-specific teamwork behaviours. This list was refined and expert validated using a Delphi consensus approach consisting of qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey. Then, RAS-specific behaviours were merged with a well-established assessment tool on OR teamwork (NOTECHS II). Finally, the new tool—RAS-NOTECHS—was applied in standardized observations of real-world procedures to test its reliability (inter-rater agreement via intra-class correlations).

Results

Our scoping review revealed 5242 articles, of which 21 were included based on pre-established inclusion criteria. We elicited 16 RAS-specific behaviours from the literature base. These were synthesized with further 18 behavioural markers (obtained from 12 OR-observations) into a list of 26 behavioural markers. This list was reviewed by seven RAS experts and condensed to 15 expert-validated RAS-specific behavioural markers which were then merged into NOTECHS II. For five observations of urologic RAS procedures (duration: 13 h and 41 min), inter-rater agreement for identification of behavioural markers was strong. Agreement of RAS-NOTECHS scores indicated moderate to strong agreement.

Conclusions

RAS-NOTECHS is the first observational tool for multidisciplinary NTS in RAS. In preliminary application, it has been shown to be reliable. Since RAS is rapidly increasing and challenges for effective and safe teamwork remain at the forefront of quality and safety of surgical care, RAS-NOTECHS may contribute to training and improvement efforts in technology-facilitated surgeries.
Second order rectifiability of varifolds of bounded mean curvature
Authors: Santilli Mario
Published: April 2021

We prove that the support of an m dimensional rectifiable varifold with a uniform lower bound on the density and bounded generalized mean curvature can be covered $$ {\mathscr {H}}^{m} $$

H

m

almost everywhere by a countable union of m dimensional submanifolds of class $$ {\mathcal {C}}^{2} $$

C

2

. The $$ {\mathcal {C}}^{2} $$

C

2

-regularity of the submanifolds is optimal.