bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a Modified Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment as a nutritional assessment tool in cancer patients
Authors: Fu Zhenming , Zhang Rui , Wang Kun‐Hua , Cong Ming‐Hua , Li Tao , Weng Min , Guo Zeng‐Qing , Li Zeng‐Ning , Li Zhao‐Ping , Wang Chang , Xu Hong‐Xia , Song Chun‐Hua , Zhuang Cheng‐Le , Zhang Qi , Li Wei , Shi Han‐Ping ,   The INSCOC Study Group
Published: December 2021

Background

Completing Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA) questionnaires is time consuming. This study aimed to develop and validate an easy‐to‐use modified PG‐SGA (mPG‐SGA) for cancer patients.

Methods

Seventy professionals assessed the content validity, comprehensibility, and difficulty of the full PG‐SGA. A survey including the PG‐SGA and other questionnaires was completed by 34 071 adult hospitalized cancer patients with first cancer diagnosis or recurrent disease with any tumour comorbidities from the INSCOC study. Among them, 1558 patients were followed for 5 years after admission. Reliability and rank correlation were estimated to assess the consistency between PG‐SGA items and to select mPG‐SGA items. The external and internal validity, test–retest reliability, and predictive validity were tested for the mPG‐SGA via comparison with both the PG‐SGA and abridged PG‐SGA (abPG‐SGA).

Results

After deleting items that more than 50% of professionals considered difficult to evaluate (Worksheet 4) and items with an item‐total correlation <0.1, the mPG‐SGA was constructed. Nutritional status was categorized using mPG‐SGA scores as well‐nourished (0 points) or mildly (1–2 points), moderately (3–6 points), or severely malnourished (≥7 points) based on the area under curve (0.962, 0.989, and 0.985) and maximal sensitivity (0.924, 0.918, and 0.945) and specificity (1.000, 1.000, and 0.938) of the cut‐off scores. The external and internal validity and test–retest reliability were good. Significant median overall survival differences were found among nutritional status groups categorized by the mPG‐SGA: 24, 18, 14, and 10 months for well‐nourished, mildly malnourished, moderately malnourished, and severely malnourished, respectively (all Ps < 0.05). Neither the PG‐SGA nor the abridged PG‐SGA could discriminate the median overall survival differences between the well‐nourished and mildly malnourished groups.

Conclusions

We systematically developed and validated the mPG‐SGA as an easier‐to‐use nutritional assessment tool for cancer patients. The mPG‐SGA appears to have better predictive validity for survival than the PG‐SGA and abridged PG‐SGA.
Effects of AST‐120 on muscle health and quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients: results of RECOVERY study
Authors: Cha Ran‐hui , Kang Seok Hui , Han Mi Yeun , An Won Suk , Kim Su‐Hyun , Kim Jun Chul
Published: December 2021

Background

The prevalence of sarcopenia is increased with declining renal function. Elevated serum indoxyl sulfate levels are associated with poor skeletal muscle conditions. We aimed to determine the effects of AST‐120, the oral adsorbent of indoxyl sulfate, on sarcopenia and sarcopenia‐associated factors in chronic kidney disease patients.

Methods

This was a 48 week, randomized controlled, parallel group, open‐label, multicentre trial (n = 150). The participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the control (CON) and AST‐120 (Renamezin®, REN) groups. Outcome measurements were performed at baseline and every 24 weeks for 48 weeks. The primary outcome was gait speed difference ≥0.1 m/s between the two groups, and secondary outcomes included hand grip strength, muscle mass, and health‐related quality of life.

Results

A difference of gait speed ≥0.1 m/s was not observed during the study period. The mean dynamic‐start gait speed in the REN group increased from baseline to 48 weeks (1.04 ± 0.31 to 1.08 ± 0.32 m/s, P = 0.019). The static‐start gait speed changed by −0.024 and 0.04 m/s (P = 0.049) in the CON and REN groups over 48 weeks, respectively. Hand grip strength decreased during the first 24 weeks and did not significantly change over the next 24 weeks in either group. The proportion of low muscle mass or sarcopenia at baseline was larger in the REN group than in the CON group, but the difference attenuated over the study period [low muscle mass and sarcopenia in the CON and REN groups at baseline, 4.0% vs. 18.9% (P = 0.004) and 2.7% vs. 13.5% (P = 0.017); at 24 weeks, 2.9% vs. 13.6% (P = 0.021) and 1.4% vs. 10.5% (P = 0.029); and at 48 weeks, 7.6% vs. 12.9% (P = 0.319) and 4.5% vs. 8.1% (P = 0.482), respectively]. Bodily pain, vitality, symptoms/problems, and cognitive function in the REN group improved, while the quality of social interactions and the kidney disease effects in the CON group aggravated from baseline to 48 weeks. Interaction between time and group was evident only in symptoms/problems, cognitive function, and kidney disease effects.

Conclusions

The addition of AST‐120 to standard treatment in chronic kidney disease patients did not make a significant difference in gait speed, although AST‐120 modestly had beneficial effects on gait speed change and quality of life and showed the potential to improve sarcopenia. (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03788252).
Morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla in adults of Xylotrechus quadripes
Authors: Yang Yang , Shan Yunhui , Liu Anqi , Li Yawen , Liu Xiaofei , Cao Jun , He Feifei , Ye Hui
Published: December 2021

Xylotrechus quadripes (Chevrolat) is the serious woodborer pest of arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.). To further elucidate the behavior mechanism of the insect based on chemical odorant and to advance effective trapping methods, the typology, distribution, and abundance of antennal sensilla were investigated meticulously in both sexes of X. quadripes by scanning electron microscopy. The filiform antennae of both sexes are composed of 11 segments, namely the scape, pedicel, and nine flagellomeres (f1–9). Ten types (14 subtypes) of sensilla were identified morphologically: sensilla chaetica (three subtypes, Ch.1–3), sensilla basiconica (three subtypes, Ba.1–3), Böhm bristles (Bb), sensilla dentiform (De), sensilla trichodea (Tr), sensilla auricillica (Au), sensilla campaniformia (Ca), grooved peg sensilla (Gp), cuticular pores (Cp), and a newly observed sensillum, named sensilla cone (Cone). The sensilla were mainly distributed in flagellomeres, and the types and amounts increased in frequency from scape to the ninth flagellomere. The numbers of sensilla were the highest on the antennal dorsal side, while the lowest on the ventral side. The types of sensilla were the most abundant on the lateral side, and two sensilla basiconica (Ba.1–2) were found exclusively. The average number of Tr, Ba, and Au on the antenna of the males was significantly greater than females, while the Gp and Cp on the antenna of the females were significantly greater than males. Ca was exclusively occurred on the male antennae but was absent in females. This study discusses the putative functions of the antennal sensilla in adults of X. quadripes based on their characteristics in related species' sensilla, and these results provide an important foundation to clarify the ecological adaption, olfactory recognition mechanism, and to develop the chemical ecology control of X. quadripes.
Isolated pancreatectomy using mesenteric approach
Authors: Nakao Akimasa
Published: December 2021

In 1981, we developed the first antithrombogenic bypass catheter for the portal system. This catheter‐bypass procedure relieved the time limitation caused by portal occlusion and facilitated safe and easy resection and reconstruction of the portal vein or hepatic artery. We thereafter explored isolated pancreatoduodenectomy, in which pancreatoduodenectomy is performed under non‐touch isolation techniques. It is difficult to perform isolated pancreatoduodenectomy because of the complex arterial anatomy of the peripancreatic head region. In 1992, a mesenteric approach was developed for pancreatoduodenectomy. This approach allows dissection from the non‐cancerous side and determination of both cancer‐free margins and resectability followed by systematic lymphadenectomy around the superior mesenteric artery. This approach also enables early ligation of the inferior pancreatoduodenal artery and dorsal pancreatic artery branches from the superior mesenteric artery, as well as complete excision of the total mesopancreas (which is thought to be the second portion of the pancreatic head nerve plexus). Through this development of the mesenteric approach and antithrombogenic catheter‐bypass procedure, our isolated pancreatoduodenectomy was finally established in 1992. This is the ideal surgery for pancreatic head cancer from both surgical and oncological aspects. We herein introduce the precise surgical techniques.
Kojic acid aldol adduct with isatin as inhibitors of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase
Authors: Elinson Michail N. , Ryzhkova Yuliya E. , Ryzhkov Fedor V. , Fakhrutdinov Artem N.
Published: December 2021

The new catalytic aldol transformation has been found: the reaction of isatins and kojic acid in ethanol in the presence of basic catalysts results in the formation of the new pharmacologically important substituted 3‐hydroxy‐3‐[3‐hydroxy‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)‐4‐oxo‐4H‐pyran‐2‐yl] indolin‐2‐ones in 60%–90% yields. The optimized reaction conditions and a mechanistic rationale for this catalytic aldol transformation are presented. This new catalytic process is a facile and efficient way to compounds containing both 3‐hydroxyindolin‐2‐one and 5‐hydroxy‐2‐hydroxymethyl‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one fragments, which are promising compounds for different biomedical applications, among them anticonvulsant, anticancer, anti‐AIDS agents, and antiinflammatory remedies. All synthesized compounds were investigated using a molecular docking procedure. The investigation showed that these compounds are prone to occupy the binding site in pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) inhibiting the binding of adenosine triphosphate. It makes them promising ligands for the investigations in the treatment of PDK‐related diseases such as heart failure, diabetes, and cancers of certain types.
Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of myocarditis associated with the mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine
Authors: Woo Wongi , Kim Ah Y. , Yon Dong K. , Lee Seung W. , Hwang Jimin , Jacob Louis , Koyanagi Ai , Kim Min S. , Moon Duk H. , Jung Jo W. , Choi Jae Y. , Jung Se Y. , Eun Lucy Y. , Lee Sungsoo , Shin Jae Il , Smith Lee
Published: December 2021

To analyze the clinical presentation and outcomes of myocarditis after administration of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine. Nine case series and 15 case reports (74 patients) of myocarditis after administration of the BNT162b2 or mRNA‐1273 vaccine were reviewed from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. We analyzed clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, and outcomes. In addition, we performed a pooled analysis and investigated risk factors leading to admission to the intensive care unit and recovery with conservative care. Most patients were male (94.6%), and the median age (range) was 17.6 (14–70) years. Patients who received the BNT162b2 (n = 58, 78.4%) vaccine presented fewer systemic symptoms and left ventricular dysfunction than mRNA‐1273 recipients. Although patients under 20 years experienced more fever and myalgia, they had better ejection fraction and less prominent myocardial inflammation in magnetic resonance imaging than older patients. The clinical course of all patients was favorable without mortality, and one‐third of patients resolved with conservative care alone. Risk factor analyses revealed that patients with gastrointestinal symptoms required intensive care (odds ratio: 20.3, 95% confidence interval 1.90–217, p = 0.013). The risk of fatality in myocarditis subjected to mRNA vaccination seems to be low. However, patients with gastrointestinal symptoms received more intensive care, and a significant proportion of patients recovered with conservative management.
Epidemiological characteristics and cerebrospinal fluid cytokine profiles of enterovirus encephalitis in children in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Xu Jialu , Sun Zeyu , Li Wei , Liu Lifang , Gao Feng , Pan Dongli
Published: December 2021

Enteroviruses (EVs) are common causes of viral encephalitis in children. To better understand the epidemiological and pathological characteristics of EV encephalitis, we enrolled suspected encephalitis patients younger than 15 years old in Hangzhou, China, from October 2016 to September 2019 for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection and analyses. A total of 7735 CSF samples were collected, among which 330 (4.27%) were positive for the EV genome. The positivity rate was significantly higher in boys than girls (χ2 =  5.68, p =  0.02). The monthly case numbers peaked from June to August (80.30%). Among the different age groups, the 0–2 months age group showed the highest number of cases (28.48% of all cases). The 6–7 years (10.82%) and 9–10 years (9.29%) age groups showed the highest EV‐positivity rates among suspected encephalitis cases. Sixty‐two EV‐positive and 53 control CSF samples were collected for Bio‐Plex Pro human cytokine assays that simultaneously tested 48 cytokines. Principle component analyses showed significant separation between EV‐positive and control samples, but insignificant separation between children and newborns. The levels of 28 cytokines and chemokines were significantly elevated in the EV‐positive group including many proinflammatory and a few anti‐inflammatory cytokines, as well as chemokines belonging to the CC and CXC subfamilies. Only one cytokine, stem cell growth factor‐β, showed a decrease in the EV‐positive group. Thus, this study revealed age, sex, and seasonal preferences for EV encephalitis incidences in children and identified many cytokines dysregulated during EV encephalitis.
Super droughts over East Asia since 1960 under the impacts of global warming and decadal variability
Authors: Wang Lin , Chen Wen , Fu Qiang , Huang Gang , Wang Qiulin , Chotamonsak Chakrit , Limsakul Atsamon
Published: December 2021

In the last decade, a sequence of once‐in‐50 year or even once‐in‐100 year high‐impact drought events have hit East Asia. By defining a super drought with the Standardized Precipitation Evaporation Index for the time scales of 3, 6, 12 and 24 months all below −1.5, this study aims to examine the changes in super droughts and the underlying mechanism over East Asia in the past 60 years, putting the recent high‐impact droughts in the context. Super droughts in the last 10 years over East Asia have been the most expansive, with two hotspots located in the Transitional Climate Zone (TCZ) and the Southeast Asian region (SEA) regions, together accounting for 2/3 of the total. The seasonal distribution characterizes the largest contribution from summer followed by autumn and then spring and winter. Super droughts over TCZ peak in the recent two decades, which are primarily driven by the increase in potential evaporation (PET) contributing 41 and 80% in the first and second 10 years, respectively. It turns out that global warming signal can explain more than 90% of this PET increase. Over SEA, the recent decade and the period around 1990 saw the most widespread super droughts that were not spatially uniformly distributed but clustered in three subregions. Different from TCZ, the precipitation rather than PET is the most influential in governing super droughts over SEA. Out of the total variability in precipitation, about half of the super droughts in the recent decade is caused by decadal variability, while the trend mode has negligible influence.
Analogue methods and ERA5: Benefits and pitfalls
Authors: Horton Pascal
Published: December 2021

Perfect prognosis statistical downscaling relies on the statistical relationships established using observational data for predictands and predictors. Predictors are often retrieved from reanalyses, which are considered pseudo‐observations. The impact of the choice of a reanalysis dataset on the performance of the downscaling method is usually overlooked, as global reanalyses are frequently assumed to be equivalent for the last few decades and data‐rich regions such as Europe. However, it was recently shown that the reanalysis dataset can have a bigger impact on the method skill than the choice of predictor variables. Generally, reanalyses processed by more recent atmospheric models assimilate more data and perform best. This work is aimed at assessing the extent of potential gains from the use of ERA5, following its release, compared to other global reanalyses. The assessment was carried out using six variants of analogue methods, which are statistical downscaling techniques, to predict daily precipitation at 301 stations across Switzerland. ERA5 proved to be one of the best performing reanalyses across the different analogue methods. Due to data availability, we recommend using 20CR for applications starting between 1851 and 1900, CERA‐20C for those between 1900 and 1950, and ERA5 for applications after 1950. However, ERA5 high spatial resolution (0.25°) turned out to be a trap for simple calibration techniques. The domains over which the predictor fields are compared need to be optimized, and high‐resolution grids come along with numerous sub‐optimal local solutions. An enhanced calibration procedure, thus, must be used. Besides the risk of poorly‐calibrated domains, the high resolution also requires much higher computational time with no gain in skill, provided that the predictors considered are relevant at a synoptic scale. Although ERA5 should be the dataset of choice, its use at a lower resolution to predict daily precipitation should provide equivalent performance.
Recent Observed Changes in Extreme High‐Temperature Events and Associated Meteorological Conditions over Africa
Authors: Iyakaremye Vedaste , Zeng Gang , Ullah Irfan , Gahigi Aimable , Mumo Richard , Ayugi Brian
Published: December 2021

More frequent and intensified high‐temperature extremes are acceptable indicators of global warming, which pose serious socio‐economic impacts. In the present research, the Climate Prediction Center daily minimum and maximum temperature are used to characterize high temperatures into intensity of hot days (TXx), hot nights (TNx), and frequency indices based on the 90th percentile of hot days (TX90p) and hot nights (TN90p) as defined by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices from 1981 to 2020 over Africa. The regression approach based on iterative reweighted least squares and correlation analyses are used to estimate the trends in extreme high‐temperature events and their relationship with various meteorological variables. Furthermore, the Pruned exact linear time algorithm is used to assess if the maximum temperature experienced an abrupt change. Results show that many parts of Africa experienced more frequent and intensified hot days and nights in the current period (1998–2020) compared to the recent past (1981–1997), suggesting a clear shift in climate. Thus, we used the climatological mean differences between meteorological parameters before and after the breakpoint to assess the relationship between atmospheric conditions and extreme high‐temperature events. As a result, we found that the current period observed an increase in the geopotential height at 500 hPa and reduced total cloud cover, as well as an increase in upward longwave radiation resulting in an upsurge in the frequency of hot days over many African sub‐regions. The present study's findings provide useful information for future planning and development of early warning systems to cope with risks associated with hot extremes.
Spraying high concentrations of chelated zinc enhances zinc biofortification in wheat grain
Authors: Xu Meng , Liu Mengjiao , Si Linlin , Ma Qingxu , Sun Tao , Wang Jun , Chen Kaijun , Wang Xiangjie , Wu Lianghuan
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Foliar application of highly concentrated ZnSO4 fertilizer improves Zn biofortification in wheat grains. However, excess ZnSO4·7H2O concentration (≥5 g kg−1, w v−1) has been associated with leaf burn and yield loss, necessitating Zn sources with a high threshold concentration. The aim of this study, based on a 2 year field experiment conducted on wheat cultivated in acidic and alkaline soil, was to identify a suitable Zn formulation with a high Zn concentration or efficient adjuvant to achieve optimal Zn biofortification levels without compromising agronomic performance.

RESULTS

There was a continued increase in the Zn concentration in wheat grains and a decrease in grain yield with an increase in the concentration of the Zn foliar sprays in both soil types examined. Wheats treated with chelated Zn foliar sprays – Zn glycine chelate (ZnGly) and Zn‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (ZnEDTA) – had less foliar injury than those treated with unchelated Zn fertilizers. Furthermore, irrespective of wheat cultivars and soil types, ZnEDTA applied to wheat at a concentration of 10 g kg−1 achieved the highest grain Zn concentration without negatively affecting the wheat performance. Adjuvant type and concentration caused no significant variation in grain Zn concentration.

CONCLUSION

Overall, without foliar burn, wheat treated with 10 g kg−1 ZnEDTA foliar spray had the best performance with regard to grain Zn concentration and grain yield, which could have considerable implications for Zn biofortification of wheat grain. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
High‐performance counter‐current chromatography purification and off‐line mass spectrometry monitoring and identification of pyrrolizidine alkaloid markers of tropical Ghanaian honey
Authors: Letsyo Emmanuel
Published: December 2021

The nutritional and medicinal properties of honey have been well‐documented. However, honey has occasionally been contaminated with hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids as a result of bees foraging on the flowers of pyrrolizidine alkaloid plants. This study establishes a simple and rapid method to determine the marker pyrrolizidine alkaloids in honey using high‐performance counter‐current chromatography and an off‐line electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry, in order to identify the botanical sources responsible for the contamination. The honey sample was initially liquid‐liquid extracted (sulfuric acid/hexane, 2:3, v/v) to enrich the pyrrolizidine alkaloids and subsequently purified by a semi‐preparative high‐performance counter‐current chromatography using a solvent system, hexane/butanol/1% aqueous ammonia, 1:1:2, v/v, based on partition coefficient measurements of the target alkaloids. The recovered fractions were profiled by injecting them sequentially into an off‐line electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry device to monitor the preparative molecular weight based on elution and extrusion modes. The monitored lycopsamine‐type pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N‐oxides (m/z 300, 316; lycopsamine, intermedine, rinderine, and echinatine) were used as the phytochemical markers to identify plants like Chromolaena odorata, Ageratum spp., or Heliotropium spp. to be responsible for the pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination. Identification of these pyrrolizidine alkaloid plants could guide beekeepers in locating their beehives in order to minimize their potential liver damaging effects.
Role of Shear Wave Elastography of Thyroid Gland in Children With Newly Diagnosed Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Preliminary Study
Authors: Agarwal Divij , Bhatia Anmol , Saxena Akshay K. , Dayal Devi , Sodhi Kushaljit S.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The data on the use of shear wave elastography (SWE) in children with thyroid disorders is limited. We aimed to assess the role of SWE in the evaluation of the thyroid gland in children newly diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT).

Methods

The thyroid gland was evaluated in 18 children (5 boys and 13 girls, age range: 5–12 years) with newly diagnosed HT and 27 (21 boys and 6 girls, age range: 4–12 years) healthy controls using grayscale ultrasound followed by SWE. The values of SWE (in kPa) were compared between cases and controls and were also correlated with various demographic variables and serum thyroid hormone concentrations.

Results

The overall median of SWE values in cases and controls was 20.6 kPa (IQR = 19.16–26.94) and 10.7 kPa (IQR = 9.9–16.32), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (W = 438.5, P < .001). There was a moderate positive correlation between serum triiodothyronine concentrations and SWE (ρ = 0.57, P = .016) and a moderate negative correlation between serum thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations and SWE (ρ = −0.54, P = .020). A significant difference (W = 61.0, P = .003) was also seen in median SWE of the thyroid gland between boys (median: 29.63 kPa, IQR = 27.53–32.88) and girls (median: 19.43 kPa, IQR = 18.88–21.32).

Conclusion

There is a significant difference between SWE values of thyroid in normal children and children with newly diagnosed HT. Hence, SWE may be used as a noninvasive imaging technique in distinguishing normal and abnormal thyroid gland at an early stage. We suggest larger studies to confirm our preliminary findings of SWE in pediatric HT.
Potential Application of Low‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Rapidly Relieving Delayed‐Onset Muscle Soreness Induced by High‐Intensity Exercise
Authors: Xia Yi , Li Jianhu , Wang Disen , Chen Jinyun , Shen Mingxue , Li Faqi , Wang Yan , Jiang Ping
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of low‐intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) treatment on rapid relief of delayed‐onset muscle soreness (DOMS) triggered by high‐intensity exercise.

Methods

A total of 16 healthy male college students were randomly divided into two groups: the LIFU group (n = 8) and the Sham group (n = 8). After the exercise protocol, the LIFU group received treatment, which parameters included that the power output was 2.5 W/cm2, the frequency was 1 MHz, and the treating time was 20 minutes. The Sham group was treated with LIFU without energy output. Visual analog scale was used to evaluate the level of DOMS in every participant. The activities of plasma creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and the plasma concentration were measured by spectrophotometry. Tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 of serum were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The visual analog scale of quadriceps femoris and/or calf muscles in the LIFU group decreased significantly at 24 hours (P < 0.01) and 48 hours (P < .01) after the exercise protocol. Both the accumulation of lactic acid (P < .01) in muscle and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (P < .01) reduced immediately after LIFU treatment. The activities of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 24 hours lowered in the LIFU group (P < .01).

Conclusions

LIFU treatment could relieve muscle soreness rapidly and effectively in the early stages of DOMS. The application of LIFU may provide a potential strategy for clinical treatment for DOMS.
The Role of Superb Microvascular Imaging and Shearwave Elastography in the Evaluation of Intraductal Papilloma‐Like Lesions
Authors: Kayadibi Yasemin , Bulut Iclal Nur , Aladag Kurt Seda , Erginöz Ergin , Ozturk Tulin , Velidedeoglu Mehmet , Taskin Fusun , Esen Icten Gul
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of quantitative values obtained by superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and shearwave elastography (SWE) in the prediction of malignancy in intraductal papilloma‐like lesions (IDPL).

Methods

In the study, 61 patients between the ages of 14 to 73 years (mean age 44) diagnosed with IDPL on ultrasound (US) examination between the years 2020 and 2021 were included. The B‐Mode US findings (shape, margins, size, echo pattern, and accompanying ductal dilatation), SMI vascular index (SMIvi), E‐mean, and SWE‐ratio values were recorded.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between malignant (n = 14) and benign (n = 47) groups in terms of symptoms (P = .005), size (P = .042), shape (P = .002), margins (P =  .001), echogenicity (P = .023), microcalcifications (P = .009), SMIvi (P = .031), E‐mean (P < .005), and SWE‐ratio (P = .007). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, area under the curve (AUC), positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) were 57.1%, 87.2%, 80%, 0.722, 57.1%, 87.2% for US; 71.4%, 49%, 55.7%, 0.692, 30.3%, 85.7% for SMIvi; 85.7%, 71%, 74%, 0.864, 46%, 94.3% for E‐mean, and 50%, 75.4%, 83%, 0.707, 91.5%, and 50% for SWE‐ratio, respectively. Best results were obtained when SMI and SWE values were used together, achieving a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, AUC, PPD, NPD of 78.6%, 93.6%, 93.4%, 0.872, 91.7%, and 93.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

The SMI and SWE examinations are successful in the differentiation of benign and malignant intraductal lesions. They complement each other and contribute to B‐mode US in managing IDPLs especially when used together. Our study is the first to compare the quantitative data of SWE and SMI in the differentiation of IDPLs.
Shear‐Wave Elastography of Patellar Ligament and Achilles Tendon in Semiprofessional Athletes: Comparing With Nonexercising Individuals
Authors: Selcuk Can Tuba , Ozdemir Sevim , Yilmaz Behice Kaniye
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To compare semiprofessional athletes and nonexercising individuals in terms of p‐SWE properties of the patellar ligament and the Achilles tendon.

Methods

This case–control study was conducted in University of Health Sciences, Haseki Education and Research Hospital. A total of 58 individuals, with 29 in each group (according to power analysis), were included in the study. All relevant findings, including demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), and exercise (km run per week, km/w) were recorded. The MyLab 9 (Esaote, Genova, Italy) device was used for SWE. The QElaXto‐p‐SWE software was utilized for P‐SWE interpretation and analyses.

Results

The mean age was 47.21 ± 12.16 years (range 22–70). Weight (P = .001) and BMI (P < .001) values were significantly higher in the nonathlete group than in the athlete group. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of age, gender, and height. Median SWE values of bilateral patellar ligaments (P < .001 and P < .001) and bilateral Achilles tendons (P < .001 and P < .001) were significantly higher in the athlete group than in the nonathlete group.

Conclusions

We revealed normal p‐SWE characteristics for the patellar ligament and Achilles tendon, which are frequently injured in athletes. These scores are important in early detection and follow‐up of injuries in athletes.
Spatial and temporal patterns of soil salinization in shallow groundwater environments of the Bahía Blanca estuary: Influence of topography and land use
Authors: Celleri Carla , Pratolongo Paula , Arena Maximiliano
Published: December 2021

Soil salinization is considered an environmental threat as high salt content hinders plant growth. Soil salinity is usually associated with climate aridity at a regional scale, while topography, subsurface hydrology, and land use combine with climate to produce salinization patterns at landscape scale. In this study, the first such assessment for the study area, we investigated the relationship between climate, groundwater level (GWL) changes, and soil salinity. For comparison, two adjacent vegetation units used as marginal grazing lands were selected: thickets of Allenrolfea patagonica (Ap thicket), located at the base of a scarp, and bushes of Cyclolepis genistoides (Cg bush), located away from the topographic discontinuity. Electrical conductivity (ECrs) maps derived from LANDSAT‐8/OLI were used to analyze salinity patterns. The results showed that GWL rose in coincidence with precipitation events and fell during dryer and warmer periods. GWL was always closer to the surface in the Ap thicket, and level changes were more likely to occur there. ECrs showed a seasonal pattern with significantly higher (p < 0.05) values in the Ap thicket during summer. Within the Cg bush, relatively higher ECrs appeared around a permanent water trough. Within this zone, ECrs values during summer were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Coupled evaluation of GWL dynamics and soil salinization patterns showed that GWL changes interact with land use practices to produce local‐scale patterns of salinization. Topography played an important role in controlling soil surface properties through its influence on groundwater dynamics and small topographic changes produced largely different conditions for vegetation growth.
Correlation of the Chinese velopharyngeal insufficiency‐related quality of life instrument and speech in subjects with cleft palate
Authors: Sakran Karim Ahmed , Al‐Rokhami Remsh Khaled , Wu Min , Chen Nan , Yin Heng , Guo Chunli , Wang Yan , Alkebsi Khaled , Abotaleb Bassam Mutahar , Mohamed Abdo Ahmed , Al‐Watary Mohammed Qasem , Shi Bing , Huang Hanyao
Published: December 2021

Objective

Assessment of the hypothesized correlation between the Chinese Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI) Effects on Life Outcomes (VELO) instrument and measured speech parameters.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Oral Clefts Center of West China Hospital of Stomatology between January 2019 and December 2019. Speech parameters including speech intelligibility deficit, VPI severity, VP gap, and need for speech therapy were evaluated by speech‐language pathologists. All patients and their parents completed the VELO instrument. The correlation between aforementioned speech parameters and VELO scores was examined utilizing Spearman correlation coefficients. The reliability of VELO test–retest and parent proxy assessment was estimated utilizing intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the cutoff VELO score.

Results

One hundred and forty patients with their parents were enrolled. The mean age was 12.58 ± 3.72 years. Both parent and youth VELO total and domain scores recorded moderate to strong correlations with all speech parameters (r > −.40, P ˂ .001) except the swallowing domain. Most VELO domain items have shown significant correlations with at least one speech parameter. Moreover, the scales of all speech parameters showed different VELO scores (P ˂ .001). The ICC reported test–retest correlation >.73 in all domains, and parent proxy correlation >.63 in most domains except the emotional and perception domains. The cutoff VELO score was 79.04 in parent version and 85.77 in youth version.

Conclusions

The correlations between VELO scores and measured speech parameters have provided evidence for test–retest and parent proxy reliability and criterion and construct validity of the Chinese version of the VELO instrument. A VELO score ≥79.04 (in parent version) or ≥85.77 (in youth version) mostly reflects proper speech‐related quality of life. Hence, this instrument could serve as a simple tool to help clinicians understand the social, emotional, and physical influences of VPI.
Estimating pelagic primary production in lakes: Comparison of 14C incubation and free‐water O2 approaches
Authors: Lottig Noah R. , Phillips Joseph S. , Batt Ryan D. , Scordo Facundo , Williamson Tanner J. , Carpenter Stephen R. , Chandra Sudeep , Hanson Paul C. , Solomon Chistopher T. , Vanni Michael J. , Zwart Jacob
Published: December 2021

Historically, estimates of pelagic primary production in lake ecosystems were made by measuring the uptake of carbon‐14 (14C)‐labeled inorganic carbon in samples incubated under laboratory or in situ conditions. However, incubation approaches are increasingly being replaced by methods that analyze diel changes in high‐frequency in situ data such as free‐water dissolved oxygen (O2). While there is a rich literature on the comparison of approaches for estimating primary production using incubations (e.g., 14C and O2 bottle experiments), as well for approaches using high‐frequency data (e.g., diel O2 and CO2 metabolism models), there are few direct comparisons of 14C incubations and free‐water O2 approaches for estimating primary production. We used 20 lake‐years of concurrent measurements of primary production quantified from high‐frequency free‐water O2 data and 14C incubations in four different lakes (4–7 years per lake) to compare these different approaches. Across all lakes, 61% of the 14C production estimates were within the 95% credible intervals of the free‐water O2 production estimates. Error‐in‐variable regressions support the assumption that 14C methods estimate a production value between gross primary production and net primary production and the bottle effect is constant across the entire range of production values considered here. There was little evidence that daily pelagic, epilimnetic estimates of primary production differed substantially based on the selection of free‐water O2 or 14C approaches in these lakes during summer stratified conditions.
Practices and Perceptions of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nondirected Donation, and Liver Paired Exchange: A National Survey
Authors: Kaplan Alyson , Rosenblatt Russell , Jackson Whitney , Samstein Benjamin , Brown Robert S.
Published: December 2021

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) remains underutilized in the United States. Barriers to LDLT and acceptance of nondirected living liver donation (ND‐LLD) and liver paired exchange (LPE) are unclear. The medical and surgical directors of 99 unique transplantation programs (56 LDLT programs and 43 non‐LDLT programs) were surveyed to gain insight into perceptions and practices of LDLT and types of donors utilized. The response rate was 84%. Most LDLT programs (65%) reported performing ND‐LLD, though opinions regarding allocation and the need for additional evaluation of these donors were mixed. Only a minority of LDLT programs reported performing LPE (12%), but most programs (78%) would be open to cross‐institutional LPE barring logistical barriers. There were significant differences between LDLT and non‐LDLT programs with regard to perceived barriers to LDLT, with LDLT programs reporting mainly donor and recipient factors and non‐LDLT programs reporting institutional factors (P < 0.001). Understanding perceptions and practices of LDLT, ND‐LLD, and LPE is important to aid in the growth of LDLT.
I will say “No” to that cookie: How imagined future self‐regulation drives current self‐regulation
Authors: Park Jihye , Yi Youjae
Published: December 2021

Consumer decision processes in the real world often involve consideration of related choices that are temporally separated but similar in nature. In the context of sequential choices, this study examines how consumers respond to temptation in the present when imagining themselves engaging in their future behavior in the face of similar temptation. We demonstrate that consumers are more likely to resist (succumb to) current temptation when imagining themselves resisting (succumbing to) future temptation. Our investigation suggests a consistency effect whereby a future behavior involving temptation allows consumers to demonstrate that behavior when making an actual choice in the present. We further show that this consistency effect is stronger for nonimpulsive consumers and explained by the mechanism of counteractive construal, which occurs when consumers resolve a self‐control conflict by exaggerating the threat of a temptation to a goal (e.g., construing a tempting food as containing more calories than it actually does). By delineating the effect of considering a future behavior on consumers' immediate self‐regulation, this study offers implications for consumers who want to strengthen self‐regulation, for marketers who need to strategically address consumer behavior, and for public policymakers who want to promote a healthier society.
Non‐Stationary Outcome of Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood into Adulthood
Authors: Perulli Marco , Poole Josephine , Di Lazzaro Giulia , D'Ambrosio Sasha , Silvennoinen Katri , Zagaglia Sara , Jiménez‐Jiménez Diego , Battaglia Domenica , Sisodiya Sanjay M. , Balestrini Simona
Published: December 2021

Background

Although described as non‐progressive, alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) can display a sudden deterioration, anecdotally reported mainly in childhood. Outcome in adulthood is uncertain.

Objectives

Aim of this study is to describe the long‐term follow‐up of neurological function in adults with AHC.

Methods

Seven adults with AHC were included in this retrospective single‐center study. Clinical history and previous investigation data were gathered from the review of medical records. Video‐documented neurological examination was performed at the last follow‐up visit in four out of the seven reported indivisuals.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 16 years, neurological outcome and trajectories were heterogeneous. All individuals showed new neurological signs or symptoms. Three experienced a serious irreversible neurological deterioration after prolonged quadriplegic episodes and/or status epilepticus in their second or third decade. One patient died at age 29.

Conclusions

This video‐series suggests that AHC in adulthood is not stationary; larger cohorts are needed to identify genotype–phenotype correlations and clinically useful outcome predictors.
Diabetes Remission Is Modulated by Branched Chain Amino Acids According to the Diet Consumed: From the CORDIOPREV Study
Authors: Cardelo Magdalena P. , Alcala‐Diaz Juan F. , Gutierrez‐Mariscal Francisco M. , Lopez‐Moreno Javier , Villasanta‐Gonzalez Alejandro , Arenas‐de Larriva Antonio P. , Cruz‐Ares Silvia de la , Delgado‐Lista Javier , Rodriguez‐Cantalejo Fernando , Luque Raul M. , Ordovas Jose M. , Perez‐Martinez Pablo , Camargo Antonio , Lopez‐Miranda Jose
Published: December 2021

Scope

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) plasma levels may be differentially associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission through the consumption of the Mediterranean diet (Med) and a low‐fat (LF) diet.

Methods

One hundred eighty‐three newly diagnosed T2DM patients within the CORDIOPREV study are randomized to consume the Med or a LF diet. BCAA plasma levels (isoleucine, leucine, and valine) are measured at fasting and after 120 min of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at the baseline of the study and after 5 years of the dietary intervention.

Results

Isoleucine, leucine, and valine plasma levels after 120 min of an OGTT in the Med diet (N = 80) are associated by COX analysis with T2DM remission: HR per SD (95% CI): 0.53 (0.37–0.77), 0.75 (0.52–1.08), and 0.61 (0.45–0.82), respectively; no association is found in patients who consumed a LF diet (N = 103). BCAA plasma levels combined in a score show a HR of 3.33 (1.55–7.19) of T2DM remission for patients with a high score values in the Med diet, while in those with a LF diet, no association is found.

Conclusion

The study suggests that BCAA measurements potentially be used as a tool to select the most suitable diet to induce T2DM remission by nutritional strategies.
A linear range extension phase frequency detector and charge pump for frequency hopping acceleration and cycle slips elimination
Authors: Qu Ming , Hao Yue
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a phase‐locked loop (PLL) with a novel phase frequency detector (PFD) and charge pump (CP) which can extend the linear phase difference detection range and eliminate cycle slips. Thus, the frequency settling time can be effectively reduced compared with the conventional PFD and CP during the frequency acquisition process. The proposed PLL with linear range extension PFD and CP (LEPFD/CP) is designed in 180 nm BiCMOS technology and occupies 3.61 mm2area. As the LEPFD/CP is disabled when the PLL is locked, the PLL is robust enough and the extra power consumption can be ignored. The measurement results show that a 50 MHz reference frequency acquisition process with 10 μs has been accelerated 3.7 times compared with the conventional PFD/CP PLL with the same 200 kHz loop bandwidth.
STarT MSK tool: Translation, adaptation and validation in Hebrew
Authors: Ben Ami Noa , Hill Jonathan , Pincus Tamar
Published: December 2021

Background

The Keele STarT MSK Tool divides musculoskeletal patients into three prognostic groups for risk‐stratified care. It has shown good predictive and discriminative ability in development and validation samples.

Objectives

This study aimed to translate and validate the STarT MSK in a Hebrew version, among Israeli people living with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain.

Method

A cross‐sectional study, with nested prospective sub‐sample. The STarT MSK was translated into Hebrew using published guidelines. A total of 153 adults (18+) who reported living with MSK pain were administered the STarT MSK. Clinical measures included for validity testing included the 12‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐12), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Fear‐Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) and a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS).

Results

The STarT MSK was forward and backward translated, with minor changes to ensure cultural adaptation. The test‐retest reliability of the STarT MSK total score was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.92). Internal consistency for the MSK scale was (α = 0.612). The Spearman's correlation coefficients between STarT MSK total score and the validation measures confirmed the hypotheses and were significant.

Conclusion

The Israeli translation and validation of the STarT MSK suggest that it is a valid and reliable instrument. The STarT MSK discriminated low‐, medium‐ and high‐risk groups.
Fluorosilicone modified polyacrylate/pigment hybrid latex: Synthesis, properties, and application in binder‐free pigment printing of polyester fabrics
Authors: Lu Lin , Li Jiawei , Wang Fenping , Yan Xiaofei , Qi Dongming , Li Xunxun , Chen Yushuang
Published: December 2021

Pigment printing of textiles is a kind of environmentally friendly technique of saving water and energy, and emission reduction. Fluorosilicone modified polyacrylate/pigment (FSi‐PAcr/PB) hybrid latex was successfully synthesized via a one‐step in situ miniemulsion with subsequent free‐radical polymerization and cationic ring‐opening polymer process, which further improve the hand feeling, permeability, and water‐resistance of the pigment printed polyester fabrics. These FSi‐PAcr/PB hybrid latex particles were used as the binder‐free hybrid pigment in the pigment printing of polyester fabrics. The effects of the weight ratio of 3,5‐tris(3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl)‐1,3,5‐trimethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3F) and octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) on the thermal properties and hydrophobicity of hybrid latex films were studied. The color yield, colorfastness, hand feeling, permeability, and water resistance properties of the binder‐free printed polyester fabrics were tested and compared. The results showed that theFSi‐PAcr/PB hybrid latex films exhibited higher hydrophobicity and lower glass transition temperature (Tg), in comparison with the control system (without fluorosilicone). The printed fabrics with FSi‐PAcr/PB showed a lower stiffness and softer hand feeling, good air permeability, and excellent rubbing fastness compared with the control system. It was considered that the introduction of the fluorosilicone composition into the polyacrylate was prone to shift onto the surface film and coated with a layer of latex film to the surface of the single fiber, retaining the majority of the gaps between fibers.