bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation on working memory and global cognition in older patients with remitted major depression: A pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Batist Judah , Ghazala Zaid , Zomorrodi Reza M. , Brooks Heather , Goodman Michelle , Blumberger Daniel M. , Daskalakis Zafiris J. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Rajji Tarek K.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To assess the effects of a 10‐day course of bilateral anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on working memory and global cognition in elderly participants with remitted major depressive disorder at 14 days (primary outcome) and 90 days (secondary outcome) post intervention.

Design

Randomized double blind controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov # NCT02212366).

Setting

Community dwelling outpatient setting.

Participants

Sixty or older with previous single or recurrent episodes of major depression currently in full remission.

Intervention

A 10 day course of active or sham bilateral DLPFC anodal tDCS.

Measurements

(a) Working memory assessed by a computerized N back task, and (b) global cognition assessed by a standard paper and pencil neuropsychological test battery.

Results

Thirty‐three participants, (mean (SD) age = 66. 5 (5.7) year) were enrolled, out of which 18 (mean (SD) age = 66. 3 (5.8) year) were randomized to active tDCS and 15 (mean (SD) age = 66. 7 (5.8) years) to sham tDCS. All randomized participants except one from the sham group ‐completed the tDCS course. There were no differences between the groups on working memory performance or global cognition at 14 or 90 days post intervention. Both groups showed promising changes in working memory and global cognition over time.

Conclusions

tDCS was well tolerated in older patients with remitted MDD, however, as compared to the sham group, it did not improve working memory or global cognition. Future studies should investigate tDCS with alternative parameters to enhance cognition in this population.
Fruits and vegetables intake and gastric cancer risk: A pooled analysis within the Stomach cancer Pooling Project
Authors: Ferro Ana , Costa Ana Rute , Morais Samantha , Bertuccio Paola , Rota Matteo , Pelucchi Claudio , Hu Jinfu , Johnson Kenneth C. , Zhang Zuo‐Feng , Palli Domenico , Ferraroni Monica , Yu Guo‐Pei , Bonzi Rossella , Peleteiro Bárbara , López‐Carrillo Lizbeth , Tsugane Shoichiro , Hamada Gerson Shigueaki , Hidaka Akihisa , Malekzadeh Reza , Zaridze David , Maximovich Dmitry , Vioque Jesus , Navarrete‐Muñoz Eva M. , Alguacil Juan , Castaño‐Vinyals Gemma , Wolk Alicja , Håkansson Niclas , Hernández‐Ramírez Raúl Ulises , Pakseresht Mohammadreza , Ward Mary H. , Pourfarzi Farhad , Mu Lina , López‐Cervantes Malaquias , Persiani Roberto , Kurtz Robert C. , Lagiou Areti , Lagiou Pagona , Boffetta Paolo , Boccia Stefania , Negri Eva , Camargo Maria Constanza , Curado Maria Paula , La Vecchia Carlo , Lunet Nuno
Published: June 2020

A low intake of fruits and vegetables is a risk factor for gastric cancer, although there is uncertainty regarding the magnitude of the associations. In our study, the relationship between fruits and vegetables intake and gastric cancer was assessed, complementing a previous work on the association betweenconsumption of citrus fruits and gastric cancer. Data from 25 studies (8456 cases and 21 133 controls) with information on fruits and/or vegetables intake were used. A two‐stage approach based on random‐effects models was used to pool study‐specific adjusted (sex, age and the main known risk factors for gastric cancer) odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Exposure‐response relations, including linear and nonlinear associations, were modeled using one‐ and two‐order fractional polynomials. Gastric cancer risk was lower for a higher intake of fruits (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.64‐0.90), noncitrus fruits (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.73‐1.02), vegetables (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.56‐0.84), and fruits and vegetables (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49‐0.75); results were consistent across sociodemographic and lifestyles categories, as well as study characteristics. Exposure‐response analyses showed an increasingly protective effect of portions/day of fruits (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57‐0.73 for six portions), noncitrus fruits (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.61‐0.83 for six portions) and vegetables (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.43‐0.60 for 10 portions). A protective effect of all fruits, noncitrus fruits and vegetables was confirmed, supporting further dietary recommendations to decrease the burden of gastric cancer.
Fluropyrimidine single agent or doublet chemotherapy as second line treatment in advanced biliary tract cancer
Authors: Neuzillet Cindy , Casadei‐Gardini Andrea , Brieau Bertrand , Vivaldi Caterina , Brandi Giovanni , Tougeron David , Filippi Roberto , Vienot Angélique , Silvestris Nicola , Pointet Anne‐Laure , Lonardi Sara , Rousseau Benoît , Scartozzi Mario , Dahan Laetitia , Aprile Giuseppe , Le Sourd Samuel , Evesque Ludovic , Meurisse Aurélia , Lièvre Astrid , Vernerey Dewi ,   the AGEO (Association des Gastro‐Entérologues Oncologues) Investigators,   GICO (Italian Group of Cholangiocarcinoma) Investigators
Published: June 2020

Fluoropyrimidine (FP) plus platinum chemotherapy has been recently established as a second‐line (L2) preferred option in advanced biliary tract cancer (aBTC) (ABC‐06 phase III trial). However, the overall survival (OS) benefit was limited and comparison with FP monotherapy was not available. Our aim was to assess the OS of patients treated with a FP monotherapy compared to a doublet with irinotecan or platinum in L2. We performed a retrospective analysis of two large multicenter prospective cohorts: a French cohort (28 centers) and an Italian cohort (9 centers). All consecutive patients with aBTC receiving FP‐based L2 after gemcitabine plus cisplatin/gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin L1 between 2003 and 2016 were included. A subgroup analysis according to performance status (PS) and an exploratory analysis according to platinum sensitivity in L1 were planned. In the French cohort (n = 351), no significant OS difference was observed between the FP monotherapy and doublet groups (median OS: 5.6 vs 6.8 months, P = .65). Stratification on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) PS showed similar results in PS 0‐1 and 2. Median OS was not different between FP monotherapy, platinum‐ and irinotecan‐based doublets (5.6 vs 7.1 vs 6.7 months, P = .68). Similar findings were observed in the Italian cohort (n = 174) and in the sensitivity analysis in pooled cohorts (n = 525). No L2 regimen seemed superior over others in the platinum resistant/refractory or sensitive subgroups. Our results suggest that FP monotherapy is as active as FP doublets in aBTC in L2, regardless of the patient PS and country, and could be a therapeutic option in this setting.
Preterm parturition and pre‐eclampsia: The confluence of two great gestational syndromes
Authors: Jayaram Aswathi , Collier Charlene H. , Martin James N.
Published: June 2020

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) and pre‐eclampsia independently, and frequently concurrently, adversely affect the pregnancy outcomes of millions of mothers and infants worldwide each year.

Objectives

To fill the gap between PTB and pre‐eclampsia, which continue to constitute the two most important current global challenges to maternal and perinatal health.

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until December 2019 using the terms spontaneous PTB (SPTB), indicated preterm delivery (IPTD), early‐onset pre‐eclampsia, and pre‐eclampsia.

Results

History of PTB and pre‐eclampsia were the strongest risk factors contributing to the occurrence of SPTB or IPTB. The risk of PTB and pre‐eclampsia among non‐Hispanic African American women was higher than the rate among all other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Low‐dose aspirin (LDA) has been reported to reduce the risk of pre‐eclampsia by at least 10% and PTB by at least 14%. Lastly, women and their fetuses who develop early‐onset pre‐eclampsia are at higher risk for developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life.

Conclusions

While better clarity is needed, efforts to coordinate prevention of both PTB and pre‐eclampsia, even though imperfect, are critically important as part of any program to make motherhood as safe as possible.
Preimplantation genetic testing to reduce preterm births in assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Simpson Joe L. , Rechitsky Svetlana
Published: June 2020

The 10% rate of preterm birth rate worldwide has not been proved amenable to reduction. Avoiding multiple embryo transfer in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) using in vitro fertilization is one unassailable method. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to select only a single euploid embryo for transfer is one unequivocal way, maintaining 50%–60% pregnancy rates while avoiding twins. Contemporary methodology entails trophectoderm biopsy of a 5–6‐day blastocyst, and cryopreservation of biopsied embryos while awaiting analysis by next generation sequencing. Embryo biopsy is safe, analytic validity for chromosomal analysis high, and global access to PGT high.
Mobile emergency care service for pregnant adolescents: A population‐based study
Authors: de Freitas Cijara L. , Eleutério José , Vale Adson J.M. , de Medeiros Kleyton S. , Sarmento Ayane Cristine , Gonçalves Ana K.
Published: June 2020

The mobile emergency care service could be an effective strategy to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of pregnant adolescents in low‐income countries.
An efficient path planning GLOSA‐based approach over large scale and realistic traffic scenario
Authors: Karoui Mouna , Chalhoub Gerard , Freitas Antonio
Published: June 2020

Vehicle speed and trajectories play an important role in influencing fuel consumption, gas emissions and travel time. ITS services are often proposed in order to reduce the impact of these issues on the environment and the comfort of drivers. Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C‐ITS) introduced many services that target traffic efficiency management and road safety. Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA) is one of the traffic efficiency services that can significantly cut fuel consumption and decrease waiting time while crossing intersections. When approaching a signalized intersection, GLOSA informs the driver of an advisory speed to respect in order to reach the intersection while the traffic light is green. In this paper, we propose an Efficient Path Planning GLOSA‐based (EPP‐GLOSA) approach using Dijkstra greedy algorithm and GLOSA service. EPP‐GLOSA aims at proposing the fastest path for the driver to follow in order to reach its destination. The estimated duration to reach the destination takes into consideration the state of traffic lights along the path on top of Dijkstra algorithm. The proposed approach is evaluated under a large scale scenario in free flow and rush‐hour conditions. Our findings show that EPP‐GLOSA offers a balanced scale between travel time reduction and fuel saving especially in free flow conditions.
APOC3rs2854116, PNPLA3rs738409, and TM6SF2rs58542926 polymorphisms might influence predisposition of NAFLD: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tong Mingjiong , Wang Fengyong
Published: June 2020

It is plausible that apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3), patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3), and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) polymorphisms may affect predisposition of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the results of so far published studies remain controversial. The authors conducted this meta‐analysis to clarify relationships between APOC3/PNPLA3/TM6SF2 polymorphisms and predisposition of NAFLD by pooling the findings of eligible studies. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI was endorsed by the authors to identify already published studies. Forty‐nine studies were found to be eligible for meta‐analyses. The pooled meta‐analyses results showed that genotypic frequencies of APOC3 rs2854116, PNPLA3 rs738409, and TM6SF2 rs58542926 polymorphisms among patients and controls differed significantly. Moreover, genotypic frequencies of PNPLA3 rs738409 and TM6SF2 rs58542926 polymorphisms among patients and controls from both Caucasians and Asians also differed significantly. But However, no such differences in genotypic frequencies were observed for the APOC3 rs2854117 polymorphism. This meta‐analysis suggested that APOC3 rs2854116, PNPLA3 rs738409, and TM6SF2 rs58542926 polymorphisms might affect predisposition of NAFLD.
Quantification of diabetic macular ischemia using novel three‐dimensional optical coherence tomography angiography metrics
Authors: Borrelli Enrico , Sacconi Riccardo , Querques Lea , Battista Marco , Bandello Francesco , Querques Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

We applied three‐dimensional (3D) analysis to optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to measure macular ischemia in eyes affected by non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). A previously validated algorithm was applied to OCTA data in order to obtain 3D visualization of the retinal vasculature. Successively, a global thresholding algorithm was applied and two novel quantitative metrics were introduced: 3D vascular volume and 3D perfusion density. Two‐dimensional (2D) OCTA metrics were also obtained with different binarization thresholds for comparison. Of the 30 patients included, 15 were diagnosed with DR and 15 were controls. The 3D vascular volume and 3D perfusion density were reduced in DR eyes (P < .0001). The 2D variables also significantly differ between groups. The 3D perfusion density had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.964) among tested variables. Assessing quantitative perfusion using 3D analysis is reliable and promising, and with an elevated diagnostic efficacy in identifying DR eyes.
Development of novel surface coating composed of MDPB and MPC with dual functionality of antibacterial activity and protein repellency
Authors: Thongthai Pasiree , Kitagawa Haruaki , Kitagawa Ranna , Hirose Nanako , Noree Susita , Iwasaki Yasuhiko , Imazato Satoshi
Published: June 2020

Resin‐based reconstructive/restorative materials with antibacterial effects are potentially useful for preventing dental and oral diseases. To this end, the immobilization of an antibacterial component on the surface of a resin by incorporating polymerizable bactericide such as a quaternary ammonium compound‐monomer 12‐methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB) is an effective technique. However, the effectiveness of immobilized bactericide is reduced by salivary protein coverage. We address this issue by utilizing 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer, which exhibits protein repellency, with MDPB to fabricate a novel copolymer, which served as a surface coating on a methacrylate‐based resin. This coating provided a more hydrophilic surface than that provided by MDPB coating and reduced the adsorption of bovine serum albumin and salivary protein. To evaluate bacterial growth on the contact surface, Streptococcus mutans suspension was placed on the coated specimen. After 24‐h incubation, MDPB/MPC copolymer exhibited killing effects against S. mutans. Moreover, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate biofilm formation after 48‐h incubation in S. mutans suspension, which revealed sparse biofilm and dead bacteria in biofilm on the surface coated with MDPB/MPC. Overall, the proposed surface coating on dental resins exhibited protein‐repellent ability and inhibitory effects against bacteria and oral biofilms.
Trends, burden, and impact of arrhythmia on cardiac amyloid patients: A 16‐year nationwide study from 1999 to 2014
Authors: Isath Ameesh , Correa Ashish , Siroky Gregory P. , Perimbeti Stuthi , Mohammed Selma , Chahal C. Anwar A. , Padmanabhan Deepak , Mehta Davendra
Published: June 2020

Background

Patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) have increased mortality, which can be explained in part by an increased risk of arrhythmias. The burden of arrhythmias in CA, their predictors, and impact on in‐hospital outcomes remains unclear. The role of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICD) in this population is also uncertain.

Methods

We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) using ICD‐9‐CM codes 277.39 and 425.7 to identify CA. Twelve common arrhythmias were extracted using appropriate, validated ICD‐9‐CM codes. ICD implantation was identified using procedure ICD‐9 codes 37.94 to 37.98, 00.51 and 00.54.

Results

There were a total of 145,920 CA hospitalizations between 1999 and 2014 in the United States and 56,199 (38.5%) of them were associated with arrhythmias. The prevalence of arrhythmias remained relatively constant from 41.5% in 1999 to 40.2% in 2014. The most common arrhythmia was atrial fibrillation (25.4%). In‐patient mortality was significantly higher in CA patients with arrhythmias (10.4% vs 6.5%, P < .001). ICD implantation was performed in 1,381 (0.94%) patients with CA and analysis revealed an incremental trend in implantation over the study period (0.48% in 1999 to 0.65% in 2014). In‐hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients who underwent ICD implantation (3.7% vs 8%; P = .0078). CA patients with arrhythmias also had an increased cost of hospitalization and length of stay ($65,046 ± 1,079 vs $53,322 ± 687 and 8.3 ± 0.1 vs 7.4 ± 0.1 days, respectively; P < .0001).

Conclusion

Cardiac arrhythmias are common in patients with CA and are associated with worse in‐hospital outcomes, increased length of stay, and cost of hospitalization.
Primary tumor location impacts survival in colorectal cancer patients after resection of liver metastases
Authors: Bingmer Katherine , Ofshteyn Asya , Bliggenstorfer Jonathan T. , Kethman William , Ammori John B. , Charles Ronald , Stein Sharon L. , Steinhagen Emily
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

Right‐sided colon cancers (R‐CC) are associated with worse outcomes compared to left‐sided colon cancers (L‐CC). We hypothesize that R‐CC with synchronous liver metastases who undergo resection of primary and metastatic sites have worse survival and that survival will vary significantly among R‐CC, L‐CC, and rectal cancer (ReC).

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2016 was used to identify colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases who underwent surgical resection of both primary and metastatic disease. Survival was analyzed by multivariate Cox regression.

Results

A total of 2275 patients were included; 38% R‐CC, 46% L‐CC, and 16% ReC. R‐CC primary tumors tended to be larger than 5 cm, higher grade, and mucinous (all P < .001). Compared to patients with R‐CC, both L‐CC and ReC had improved overall (HR 0.72; P < .001; HR 0.75, P = .006) and disease‐specific (HR 0.71, P < .001; HR 0.73, P = .008) survival. There was no difference in survival between L‐CC and ReC.

Conclusions

Patients with R‐CC have significantly worse survival than L‐CC or ReC. This provides additional evidence that R‐CC tumors are fundamentally different from L‐CC and ReC tumors. Future studies should determine factors responsible for this disparity, and identify targeted treatment based on primary tumor location.
Effect of Treatment Sequencing on the Tumor Response to Combined Treatment With Ultrasound‐Stimulated Microbubbles and Radiotherapy
Authors: Klein Jonathan , Tran William , Lai Priscilla , Al‐Mahrouki Azza , Giles Anoja , Czarnota Gregory J.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To investigate whether timing and sequencing of ultrasound‐stimulated microbubbles (USMBs) and external beam radiotherapy (XRT) affect the treatment response in a preclinical prostate cancer model.

Methods

Prostate cancer xenografts were treated with ultrasound‐stimulated lipid microspheres before and after 8‐Gy XRT. Treatments were separated by 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours, with 5 tumors per group. Tumor effects were evaluated by microvessel density (measured by CD31 staining), cell death (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end‐labeling and hematoxylin–eosin staining), and hypoxia (carbonic anhydrase 9 staining).

Results

Administering USMBs 6 hours before XRT showed the maximum treatment effect using all 3 assays. At this time, the mean cell death index ± SD was 36% ± 10%, compared with 19% ± 4% for no separation between USMB treatment and XRT; the microvessel density was 9 ± 3 counts per field (19 ± 5 without separation); and the percentage of hypoxic cells was 10% ± 5% (21% ± 4%). The observed treatment effect was greater with USMBs before XRT than when administering XRT first, but these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The maximum tumor effect was observed with USMBs delivered 6 hours before XRT. The sequencing of treatment did not have a significant effect on the tumor response.
A novel strategy for the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and chemoresistance of hepatocellular carcinoma: DNA methylation
Authors: Liu Aimei , Wu Qinghua , Peng Dapeng , Ares Irma , Anadón Arturo , Lopez‐Torres Bernardo , Martínez‐Larrañaga María‐Rosa , Wang Xu , Martínez María‐Aránzazu
Published: June 2020

The cancer mortality rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second highest in the world and the therapeutic options are limited. The incidence of this deadly cancer is rising at an alarming rate because of the high degree of resistance to chemo‐ and radiotherapy, lack of proper, and adequate vaccination to hepatitis B, and lack of consciousness and knowledge about the disease itself and the lifestyle of the people. DNA methylation and DNA methylation‐induced epigenetic alterations, due to their potential reversibility, open the access to develop novel biomarkers and therapeutics for HCC. The contribution to these epigenetic changes in HCC development still has not been thoroughly summarized. Thus, it is necessary to better understand the new molecular targets of HCC epigenetics in HCC diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. This review elaborates on recent key findings regarding molecular biomarkers for HCC early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Currently emerging epigenetic drugs for the treatment of HCC are summarized. In addition, combining epigenetic drugs with nonepigenetic drugs for HCC treatment is also mentioned. The molecular mechanisms of DNA methylation‐mediated HCC resistance are reviewed, providing some insights into the difficulty of treating liver cancer and anticancer drug development.
Conformable dual‐band wireless energy harvester dedicated to the urban environment
Authors: Berges Romain , Fadel Ludivine , Oyhenart Laurent , Vigneras Valérie , Taris Thierry
Published: June 2020

This study presents a wireless energy harvester optimized to convert far‐field radio frequency (RF) energy to direct current (DC) voltages at very low received power levels. It is based on a conformable dual‐band rectenna implemented on a polyimide‐based flexible substrate using screen printing technology and commercially off the shelf devices. At 900 MHz, the proposed rectenna provides a rectified voltage of 1 V for a power density of 10.5 mW m−2 and features an RF to DC conversion of 20% for an available input power of −15 dBm reaching 30% at −5 dBm. At 2.4 GHz, the optimal efficiency is only 10%. The harvester has been characterized in laboratory and then tested in a realistic scenario: the remote powering of a clock, consuming 5 μA at 1 V is demonstrated with a smartphone downloading a video at 30 cm.
Taking compact NMR to monitoring real reactions in large‐scale chemical industries—General considerations and learnings from a lab‐scale test case
Authors: Nestle Nikolaus , Lim Zi Jian , Böhringer Tobias , Abtmeyer Sarah , Arenz Sven , Leinweber Felix C. , Weiß Thomas , von Harbou Erik
Published: June 2020

The considerations for use of compact nuclear magnetic resonance in a large‐scale industrial environment clearly differ from those in academic and educational settings and even from those in smaller companies. In the first part of this article, these differences will be discussed along with the additional requirements that need to be fulfilled for successful applicability in different use cases. In the second part of the article, outcomes from different research activities aiming to fulfill these requirements will be presented with a focus on an online reaction‐monitoring study on a lab‐scale nucleophilic chlorination reaction.
Adaptive isogeometric analysis for phase‐field modeling of anisotropic brittle fracture
Authors: Chen Lin , Li Bin , de Borst René
Published: June 2020

The surface energy a phase‐field approach to brittle fracture in anisotropic materials is also anisotropic and gives rise to second‐order gradients in the phase field entering the energy functional. This necessitates C1 continuity of the basis functions which are used to interpolate the phase field. The basis functions which are employed in isogeometric analysis (IGA), such as nonuniform rational B‐splines and T‐splines naturally possess a higher order continuity and are therefore ideally suited for phase‐field models which are equipped with an anisotropic surface energy. Moreover, the high accuracy of spline discretizations, also relative to their computational demand, significantly reduces the fineness of the required discretization. This holds a fortiori if adaptivity is included. Herein, we present two adaptive refinement schemes in IGA, namely, adaptive local refinement and adaptive hierarchical refinement, for phase‐field simulations of anisotropic brittle fracture. The refinement is carried out using a subdivision operator and exploits the Bézier extraction operator. Illustrative examples are included, which show that the method can simulate highly complex crack patterns such as zigzag crack propagation. An excellent agreement is obtained between the solutions from global refinement and adaptive refinement, with a reasonable reduction of the computational effort when using adaptivity.
An update on maternal medication‐related embryopathies
Authors: Gheysen Willem , Kennedy Debra
Published: June 2020

There is a general perception that any exposure to medication during pregnancy poses a potential risk to the fetus. Most available data about teratogenic drugs is derived from animal studies, case reports, or cohort studies. As a result, counseling women and their partners about the safety of drugs during pregnancy can be difficult due to limited information about efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and teratogenicity of some drugs. However, this should always be done in the context of weighing up potential teratogenic risks with the perinatal risks of an untreated medical or psychiatric condition. Ideally, this counseling should occur prior to a planned pregnancy so that medications and treatment of chronic medical conditions can be optimized. It is important that clinicians providing antenatal care are able to confidently manage women including utilizing appropriate resources. This paper aims at reviewing a selected (non‐exhaustive) list of the most commonly prescribed medications considered significant human teratogens and provides recommendations for pre‐conception and antenatal counseling.
Measures of nocturnal oxyhemoglobin desaturation in children with neuromuscular disease or Prader‐Willi syndrome
Authors: Kaditis Athanasios G. , Polytarchou Anastasia , Moudaki Aggeliki , Panaghiotopoulou‐Gartagani Polytimi , Kanaka‐Gantenbein Christina
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Evidence for nocturnal oximetry interpretation in patients with abnormal neuromuscular function is limited. We aimed to compare children with neuromuscular disease (NMD) or Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) to otherwise healthy subjects with obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) or without respiratory disorder (controls) regarding nocturnal oximetry parameters.

Methods

We analyzed recordings from children with: (a) NMD; (b) PWS; (c) snoring and adenotonsillar hypertrophy and/or obesity (SDB); and (d) controls. Outcomes included: (a) basal SpO2; (b) proportions of subjects with McGill oximetry score (MOS) >1 (clusters of desaturations); and (c) desaturation index (SpO2 drops ≥3%/h‐ODI3).

Results

Data of 12 subjects with NMD (median age, 5.2 years; IQR, 2.7, 8.2), 14 children with PWS (5 years; 2.3, 6.9), 21 children with SDB (5.8 years; 4.6, 9.6), and 20 controls (6.2 years; 5.4, 11.2) were analyzed. Children with NMD, PWS, and SDB had lower basal SpO2 than controls (95.6% [94.5%, 96.9%], 96.2% [95.1%, 97.4%], 96.1% [95.8%, 97.5%] vs 97.8% [97.2%, 97.9%], respectively; (P < .01). NMD and PWS showed the greatest negative effect on basal SpO2 (P < .05). Children with SDB or PWS had a higher risk of MOS >1 than patients with NMD (OR, 25.9 [95% CI, 3.4‐200.4] and 9.5 [1.5‐62.6]). NMD, PWS, and SDB were similar regarding ODI3, which was elevated compared to ODI3 in controls (P < .05). Frequent desaturations predominated in NMD, while periods of sustained desaturation were noted in NMD and PWS.

Conclusion

PWS and NMD have a negative effect on basal SpO2, while clusters of desaturations are prevalent in patients with PWS or obstructive SDB.
Ligand‐protein interactions in lysozyme investigated through a dual‐resolution model
Authors: Fiorentini Raffaele , Kremer Kurt , Potestio Raffaello
Published: June 2020

A fully atomistic (AT) modeling of biological macromolecules at relevant length‐ and time‐scales is often cumbersome or not even desirable, both in terms of computational effort required and a posteriori analysis. This difficulty can be overcome with the use of multiresolution models, in which different regions of the same system are concurrently described at different levels of detail. In enzymes, computationally expensive AT detail is crucial in the modeling of the active site in order to capture, for example, the chemically subtle process of ligand binding. In contrast, important yet more collective properties of the remainder of the protein can be reproduced with a coarser description. In the present work, we demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach through the calculation of the binding free energy of hen egg white lysozyme with the inhibitor di‐N‐acetylchitotriose. Particular attention is payed to the impact of the mapping, that is, the selection of AT and coarse‐grained residues, on the binding free energy. It is shown that, in spite of small variations of the binding free energy with respect to the active site resolution, the separate contributions coming from different energetic terms (such as electrostatic and van der Waals interactions) manifest a stronger dependence on the mapping, thus pointing to the existence of an optimal level of intermediate resolution.
Simulation of vadose zone flow processes via inverse modeling of modified multistep outflow for fine‐grained soils
Authors: Bahrami Amir , Aghamir Fateme
Published: June 2020

Characterization and measurement of the hydraulic properties of unsaturated porous media is still a challenge in natural environments, although exact knowledge of the soil's hydraulic properties [unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity (K), volumetric water content (θ), soil matric head (h)] is crucial for solving many soil, hydrological, and environmental issues. The main purpose of this study was to establish a modified multistep outflow technique that facilitates laboratory operations and reduces time and costs. We also focused on inverse parameter optimization of the Mualem–van Genuchten (MVG) model with laboratory‐provided data for three fine‐grained soils. This modified version was assessed by inverse modeling of the MVG model and the generalized reduced gradient algorithm. The results represent the best estimate of the adjusted parameters and the very low uncertainty associated with the fitted values. The soil hydraulic functions were simulated well up to pressures of 1,500 kPa and their uncertainties were extremely low. The R2 values were 88 to 97 and 81 to 96% for the soil water characteristics and the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity functions, respectively. The simultaneous optimization of the nonlinear hydraulic functions from a single transient flow experiment agreed well with their observed data for each soil examined. Besides, by eliminating the use of tensiometers and having no independent measurements of saturated soil hydraulic conductivity and saturated volumetric water content, the modified version was faster and easier than the conventional method. The proposed protocol appears to be suited for the vadose zone flow simulation of fine‐grained soils.
A new Changhsingian (Lopingian) brachiopod fauna of the shallow‐water clastic shelf facies from Fujian Province, south‐eastern China
Authors: Wu Huiting , Zhang Yang , Stubbs Thomas L. , Liu Jingqi , Sun Yuanlin
Published: June 2020

Although much attention has been paid to Changhsingian brachiopods in South China, there are only two Chinese studies, published in 1979 and 1990, on Changhsingian brachiopods from the south‐eastern part of South China. Based on systematically collected fossil material, this paper describes and quantitatively analyses a Changhsingian brachiopod fauna from the Luokeng Formation at the Hongtian section, Fujian Province, south‐eastern China, for the first time. Of the brachiopods (30 species in 19 genera) described and illustrated, Cathaysia yongdingensis Liao and an endemic genus of South China (Qinglongia) are reported in English for the first time. Two new species, Neochonetes (Sommeriella) longa and Neochonetes (Sommeriella) transversa, are also proposed. The Hongtian fauna is mainly composed of Cathaysia (29.4%), Neochonetes (19.3%), Linoproductus (13.5%), and Orthothetina (11.7%), and is correlated with the brachiopod fauna from the lower part of the Luokeng Formation in Fujian Province. Based on new and previously published quantitative data, we suggest that the Cathaysia–Neochonetes–Orthothetina Assemblage should represent the early Changhsingian brachiopod fauna in the shallow‐water clastic shelf of Fujian Province. After comparing this fauna with contemporaneous brachiopod fauna from the shallow‐water clastic shelf in the Yangtze area, we find that Neochonetes is a common genus in both areas, but that Fusichonetes is predominant in the Yangtze, while Cathaysia–Orthothetina are the additional main genera in south‐western China.
Protective effects of Sasa veitchii extract on acute ethanol‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice
Authors: Yoshioka Hiroki , Tominaga Sarah , Nishikawa Mai , Ichimaru Yoshimi , Maeda Tohru , Nonogaki Tsunemasa , Fujii Hirohisa , Nakao Makoto
Published: June 2020

Aim

High alcohol consumption leads to alcohol‐related disease. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of Sasa veitchii extract (SE) on ethanol‐induced liver injury.

Methods

Of four groups of 7‐week‐old male mice (control, SE, ethanol, and SE + ethanol groups), SE and SE + ethanol groups were orally treated with SE once a day for 3 days. Twenty‐four hours after the last administration, the SE + ethanol and ethanol groups were intraperitoneally injected with ethanol (2 g/kg). The mice in each group were euthanized 24 h after ethanol administration, and blood and livers were collected.

Results

Histopathological examination of the livers of ethanol‐treated mice revealed a depletion of glycogen. Ethanol injection resulted in high plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and high levels of hepatic lipid peroxidation and inflammatory cytokines. Pretreatment with SE reversed all these changes in SE + ethanol mice compared to that in the ethanol group. Moreover, SE injection increased the hepatic protein levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2.

Conclusion

Our results show that SE protected the mice against acute ethanol‐induced hepatic injury by modulating oxidative stress and ethanol metabolism, and hence, could be explored for treatment of alcohol‐related disease.
Micrositing under practical constraints addressing the energy‐noise‐cost trade‐off
Authors: Mittal Prateek , Mitra Kishalay
Published: June 2020

Wind energy is running well ahead of its peers to deal with the demand–supply and environmental crisis due to fossil fuels. However, continuous exploitation of land led wind farms built in close proximity of dwellings of human beings, restricted zones, causing adverse effect on health and the environment. In this work, using a widely used model for wake and acoustic model (ISO‐9613‐2), the optimal number and locations of turbines in a farm has been determined while meeting several conflicting objectives such as noise propagation, energy, and cost. An index‐based decomposition and repair strategy (iDRS) using different indices for grid locations and performing repair on chromosomes to enhance the performance of convergence has been proposed as solution methodology. Comparing with a well‐established case study, the methodology is applied next to another realistic case, where the effects of the presence of practical constraints on the optimal layout are demonstrated. A designer can select a layout from several choices from the obtained Pareto set of solutions based on the permissible noise limits, cost obligations, and the extent of harnessed energy.
Identifying and Overcoming Barriers to Climate Change Adaptation in the Seychelles
Authors: Etongo Daniel , Amelie Vincent , Pouponneau Angelique , Filho Walter Leal
Published: June 2020

As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Seychelles is quite vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and adaptation is considered a national priority. Despite efforts to enhance its adaptive capacity, a number of barriers still hamper the adaptation process such as fragile institutions and inadequate governance to climate change, financial and human resource capacity constraints, and limited scientific knowledge and understanding of how climate change affects the country. A key barrier to climate change adaptation in the Seychelles is called “remote” or “legacy” barriers – linked to land use decisions made five decades ago during which wetlands were reclaimed for property development. Therefore, 80% of Seychelles’ critical infrastructures are located on the coastline and are exposed to floods, erosion, and sea level rise. Additionally, the pros and cons of hard and soft adaptation interventions in the Seychelles ranging from rock armoring, retaining wall, groynes to ecosystem-based adaptation actions such as timber piling, beach nourishment, dune management, rainwater harvesting, and mangrove and coral restoration are assessed with recommendations on the way forward. In other words, this chapter provides some examples of actions and strategies that may assist the island nations to improve on adaptation actions. An example that addresses partly the financial constrain is the Seychelles’ Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) that provide funding for medium- and large-scale project in the Seychelles since 2015.
Test Procedure and Description for System Testing
Authors: Heussen K. , Babazadeh D. , Degefa M. Z. , Taxt H. , Merino J. , Nguyen V. H. , Teimourzadeh Baboli P. , Moghim Khavari A. , Rikos E. , Pellegrino L. , Tran Q. T. , Jensen T. V. , Kotsampopoulos P. , Strasser T. I.
Published: June 2020

In order to systematically plan, specify, and execute system-level test for smart grids in a cyber-physical and multi-domain manner, the ERIGrid holistic testing approach is introduced. Also, the corresponding test description and templates are discussed.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Assessment Methods
Authors: Nguyen V. H. , Tran Q. T. , Guillo-Sansano E. , Kotsampopoulos P. , Gavriluta C. , Lauss G. , Strasser T. I. , Jensen T. V. , Heussen K. , Gehrke O. , Besanger Y. , Nguyen T. L. , Syed M. H. , Brandl R. , Arnold G.
Published: June 2020

The importance of using real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop techniques for the domain of power and energy systems is covered by this chapter. A brief overview of the main concepts is provided as well as a method for their integration into a holistic validation framework for testing smart grid systems. Also, corresponding reference implementations are outlined.
Laboratory Coupling Approach
Authors: Pellegrino L. , Pala D. , Bionda E. , Rajkumar V. S. , Bhandia R. , Syed M. H. , Guillo-Sansano E. , Jimeno J. , Merino J. , Lagos D. , Maniatopoulos M. , Kotsampopoulos P. , Akroud N. , Gehrke O. , Heussen K. , Tran Q. T. , Nguyen V. H.
Published: June 2020

This chapter deals with the coupling of smart grid laboratories for joint experiments. Therefore, various possibilities are outlined and a reference implementation is introduced. Finally, the vision of a distributed, virtual research infrastructure is presented.
Experiences with System-Level Validation Approach
Authors: Teimourzadeh Baboli P. , Babazadeh D. , Siagkas D. , Manikas S. , Anastasakis K. , Merino J.
Published: June 2020

A summary of experiences and discussion of lessons learned from using the ERIGrid system-level validation approach in various projects is provided by this chapter. Also, the main advantages and shortcomings are discussed.
Train like an athlete: applying exercise interventions to manage type 2 diabetes
Authors: Savikj Mladen , Zierath Juleen R.
Published: June 2020

Exercise elicits high energy demands, stimulating cardiorespiratory function and substrate mobilisation and oxidation. Repeated bouts of exercise lead to whole-body adaptations, which improve athletic performance. Distinct exercise modalities and intensities and nutritional conditions pose specific physiological challenges, subsequently inducing different adaptations to training. Athletes often modify these variables to achieve individualised training goals and maximise performance. Exercise training improves glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes; however, the precise training regimen that confers the most beneficial metabolic adaptations in this population is unknown. In this review, we discuss how modifying exercise type, intensity and modality and nutritional status affects the beneficial effects of exercise on glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Evidence indicates that greater improvements in glycaemic control can be achieved through combined aerobic and resistance training regimens compared with either training type alone. However, the increased frequency of training and a greater number of exercise bouts during combined programmes could be responsible for apparent advantages over a single training modality. The beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on glycaemic control seem to rise with training intensity, with superior adaptations achieved by high-intensity interval training (HIT). In addition, training with low carbohydrate availability (‘training low’) improves cardiorespiratory function and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity more than conventional training in healthy untrained individuals. Examinations of various training regimens are warranted to assess the safety, efficacy, feasibility and beneficial effects in the type 2 diabetes population. Just like competitive athletes, individuals with type 2 diabetes should be encouraged to adopt training regimens that improve fitness and metabolism.
Exercising your fat (metabolism) into shape: a muscle-centred view
Authors: Gemmink Anne , Schrauwen Patrick , Hesselink Matthijs K. C.
Published: June 2020

Fatty acids are an important energy source during exercise. Training status and substrate availability are determinants of the relative and absolute contribution of fatty acids and glucose to total energy expenditure. Endurance-trained athletes have a high oxidative capacity, while, in insulin-resistant individuals, fat oxidation is compromised. Fatty acids that are oxidised during exercise originate from the circulation (white adipose tissue lipolysis), as well as from lipolysis of intramyocellular lipid droplets. Moreover, hepatic fat may contribute to fat oxidation during exercise. Nowadays, it is clear that myocellular lipid droplets are dynamic organelles and that number, size, subcellular distribution, lipid droplet coat proteins and mitochondrial tethering of lipid droplets are determinants of fat oxidation during exercise. This review summarises recent insights into exercise-mediated changes in lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in relation to lipid droplet characteristics in human liver and muscle.
Advances in reconstructing the AMOC using sea surface observations of salinity
Authors: Estella-Perez Victor , Mignot Juliette , Guilyardi Eric , Swingedouw Didier , Reverdin Gilles
Published: June 2020

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is one of the main drivers of climate variability at decadal and longer time scales. As there are no direct multi-decadal observations of this key circulation, the reconstruction of past AMOC variations is essential. This work presents a step forward in reconstructing the AMOC using climate models and time-varying surface nudging of salinity and temperature data, for which independent multi-decadal observed series are available. A number of nudging protocols are explored in a perfect model framework to best reproduce the AMOC variability accommodating to the characteristics of SST and SSS available products. As reference SST products with sufficient space and time coverage are available, we here choose to focus on the limitations associated to SSS products with the goal of providing protocols using independent salinity products. We consider a global gridded dataset and, additionally, a coarser SSS dataset restricted to the Atlantic and with a quite low spatial resolution (order of 10 degrees vs. 2 for the model grid). We show how, using the latter, we can improve the efficiency of the nudging on the AMOC reconstruction by adding a high-resolution annual cycle to the coarse resolution SSS product as well as a spatial downscaling to account for SSS gradient. The final protocol retained for the coarse SSS data is able to reconstruct a 100-year long AMOC period (average of 10.18 Sv and a standard deviation of 1.39 Sv), with a correlation of 0.76 to the target and a RMSE of 0.99 Sv. These values can be respectively compared to 0.85 and 0.75 Sv when using the global salinity surface observations. This work provides a first step towards understanding the limitations and prospects of historical AMOC reconstructions using different sea surface salinity datasets for the surface nudging.
Evaluation of the SAMEO-ATO surgical classification in a Dutch cohort
Authors: ten Tije Fleur A. , Alkema Sietze , van der Putten Lisa , Koopman Jan Pieter , Buwalda Joeri , Kramer Sophia E. , Pauw Robert Jan , Merkus Paul ,   Dutch Cholesteatoma Data Consortium
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Differences in the definition and classification of cholesteatoma hinders comparing of surgical outcomes of cholesteatoma. Uniform registration is necessary to allow investigators to share and compare their findings. For many years surgical cholesteatoma procedures were divided into two main groups: canal wall up mastoidectomy (CWU) and canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWD). Recently, mastoid obliteration can be added to both procedures. Because of great variation within these main groups, the International Otology Outcome Group (IOOG) proposed the new SAMEO-ATO classification system to categorize tympanomastoid operations. The aim of our study was to correlate the mastoid bone extirpation (M-stage) with the contemporary (CWU, CWD with or without obliteration) system.

Methods

Demographic characteristics and type of performed surgery were registered for 135 cholesteatoma patients from sixteen hospitals, both secondary and tertiary care institutions, across the Netherlands. In addition, the surgical reports were collected, retrospectively classified according to the contemporary system and the new system and compared. Correlations of the outcomes were calculated.

Results

In total, there were 112 CWU and 14 CWD (both with or without obliteration) suitable for correlation analysis. Z test for correlation between the M-stage and CWU procedure was significant for M1a and M1b procedure and significant for M2c with the CWD procedure.

Conclusion

The newly proposed SAMEO-ATO classification seems to be more detailed in the registration of surgical procedures than surgeons currently are used to. All M-stages of the SAMEO-ATO system are correlating well to the standard CWU and CWD except one ‘in between’ M-stage.