bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential spectroscopic analysis of size‐dependent phycobilisome from Spirulina maxima
Authors: Park Jong Ho , Song Hyeon Gi , Kim Yeon Kyu , Shin Hwa Sung
Published: June 2020

C‐phycocyanin (C‐Pc), a photosynthetic pigment for use as a fluorescent indicator or in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic products, exists in a phycobilisome complex with allophycocyanin (APC), phycoerythrin (PE), and linker polypeptides. This heterogeneity makes it difficult to quantify phycobilisome composition in an ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrum. In this study, derivative analysis of UV–vis spectra was successfully applied to display the distinct wavelengths at which C‐Pc, APC, and PE have maximal peaks. In all samples, C‐Pc of the largest portion had a “zero‐crossing” first order, APC did not have a zero‐crossing first order, and PE did not have first derivative for zero crossing or local minimum from the 500 and 700 nm, respectively. The results show that derivative analyses coupled with signal smoothing can be applied to elucidate the composition of phycobilisome under various conditions including purification and environment.
Design‐based mapping of tree attributes by 3P sampling
Authors: Fattorini Lorenzo , Franceschi Sara , Corona Piermaria
Published: June 2020

The estimation of individual values (marks) in a finite population of units (e.g., trees) scattered onto a survey region is considered under 3P sampling. For each unit, the mark is estimated by means of an inverse distance weighting interpolator. Conditions ensuring the design‐based consistency of maps are considered under 3P sampling. A computationally simple mean squared error estimator is adopted. Because 3P sampling involves the prediction of marks for each unit in the population, prediction errors rather than marks can be interpolated. Then, marks are estimated by the predictions plus the interpolated errors. If predictions are good, prediction errors are more smoothed than raw marks so that the procedure is likely to better meet consistency requirements. The purpose of this paper is to provide theoretical and empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the interpolation based on prediction errors to prove that the proposed strategy is a tool of general validity for mapping forest stands.
Direct transpedal pressure measurement during transpedal below‐the‐knee interventions in critical limb ischemia
Authors: Ruzsa Zoltán , Csavajda Ádám , Deák Mónika , Viktor Óriás , Hizoh István , Nemes Balázs , Bertrand Olivier F , Merkely Béla , Kwan Tak W.
Published: June 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of the distal pressure measurement during transpedal below‐the‐knee interventions in chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI) and to assess the hemodynamic response after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Methods

The clinical and angiographic data of 137 consecutive patients treated via transpedal access in CLTI (Rutherford 4–6) were evaluated. Distal pedal pressure (PP) at the end of the pedal sheath was measured and the pedal‐to‐aortic pressure index (PAPI) was also calculated before and after the intervention.

Results

Good angiographic results was achieved in 131 patients (95.6%) in the femoro‐popliteal and at least in one below‐the‐knee artery. Significant differences were found in PP and PAPI between before‐ and after‐intervention values (103.2 ± 41.6 mmHg vs. 138.2 ± 37.8 mmHg and 0.74 ± 0.29 vs. 1.03 ± 0.34), respectively. Post‐procedural PP and PAPI were significantly higher in patients who underwent good and borderline/unsuccessful intervention 141.7 [135.8–147.6] versus 82.6 [33.8–131.5] mmHg and 1.05 [1–1.1] versus 0.53 [0.2–0.8], respectively. PP's are significantly different in various Rutherford classification groups. Among the studied parameters, postprocedural PAPI was found to have the best discriminatory power to predict 3‐month amputation (c‐statistic: 0.749, 95% CI: 0.546–0.952, p = .016, sensitivity: 57.1%, specificity: 92.3% using the cut‐off criterion ≤0.58). Major adverse event was detected in 17 patients at 3 months follow up (12.4%), including 7 major amputations (5.1%).

Conclusion

Transpedal pressure and pedal‐to‐aortic pressure index significantly increased during transpedal below‐the‐knee angioplasty and final pressure and index correlates significantly with limb salvage.
Herbicide resistance in annual bluegrass on Tennessee golf courses
Authors: Brosnan James T. , Vargas Jose J. , Breeden Gregory K. , Zobel John M.
Published: June 2020

Research was conducted to determine the extent of herbicide resistance in annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) randomly collected from Tennessee golf courses during 2018. Harvested plants were cultured for seed collection, with progeny screened for resistance to glyphosate (Roundup Pro; 32 fl oz acre−1), foramsulfuron (Revolver; 17.4 fl oz acre−1), simazine (Princep 4FL; 2 qt acre−1), or prodiamine (Barricade 65WG; 0.001 mM). In postemergence herbicide screens, annual bluegrass collections were grouped based on survival percentage: resistant (>30% survival), segregating for resistance (5–30% survival), or susceptible (<5% survival). For prodiamine, annual bluegrass collections were screened in hydroponics and deemed resistant when <20% of plants exhibited symptoms of herbicide treatment (e.g., club roots), whereas those with >90% of plants showing symptoms were deemed susceptible; the remainder were intermediate and classified as segregating for resistance. In total, 64% of the annual bluegrass collections had some degree of resistance to glyphosate. Similarly, 21% had some degree of resistance to foramsulfuron, while 58% of annual bluegrass collections had some degree of resistance to prodiamine. Only 3% of the annual bluegrass collections were susceptible to simazine, and 25% of those surviving treatment were resistant to glyphosate or foramsulfuron. Multiple resistance to glyphosate, foramsulfuron, and simazine was reported in 4% of the annual bluegrass collections. The results of this research highlight the need for more diversified weed management strategies to control annual bluegrass on Tennessee golf courses.
Challenges in engineering conductive protein fibres: Disentangling the knowledge
Authors: Roy Sophia , Xie Oliver , Dorval Courchesne Noémie‐Manuelle
Published: June 2020

Conductive protein materials are promising candidates for next‐generation bioelectronics due to their genetically‐customizable functionalities, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. We envision that they could be used in a variety of bio‐friendly functional devices, including bio‐electronic interfaces, bio‐energy devices, and sensors. However, their practical uses are limited by gaps in our understanding of charge transport in proteins, and by challenges in establishing reliable data collection methods. Moreover, characterization protocols are not always designed with applications in mind, which hinders engineering developments. Here, we review the effects of sample preparation, environmental conditions (ie, hydration level, pH, temperature), measurement scale (nano, micro, and macro), and geometrical considerations, on the measured electrical properties of proteins. We emphasize the need for standardized methods and collaborations across fields for the design of conductive protein materials, keeping in mind their end goal applications. Our objective for this review is to disentangle the knowledge on protein conductivity, and to clarify the current challenges, limitations, and future possibilities for these biological conductors.
Design and practical implementation of verify‐your‐vote protocol
Authors: Chaieb Marwa , Yousfi Souheib , Lafourcade Pascal , Robbana Riadh
Published: June 2020

One of the most critical properties that must be ensured to have a secure electronic voting is verifiability. Political parties, observers, and especially voters want to be able to verify that all eligible votes are cast as intended and counted as cast without compromising votes secrecy or voters privacy. Over the past few decades, an important number of e‐voting protocols attempt to deal with this issue by using cryptographic techniques and/or a public bulletin board. Recently, some blockchain‐based e‐voting systems have been proposed, but were not found practical in the real world, because they do not support situations with large numbers of candidates and voters. In this article, we design and implement a verifiable blockchain‐based online voting protocol, called verify‐your‐vote . Our protocol ensures several security properties thanks to some cryptographic primitives and blockchain technology. We also evaluate its performance in terms of time, cost, and the number of voters and candidates that can be supported.
In‐Plate Quantitative Characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana Susceptibility to the Fungal Vascular Pathogen Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Huerta Apolonio Ignacio , Kesten Christopher , Menna Alexandra Lauren , Sancho‐Andrés Gloria , Sanchez‐Rodriguez Clara
Published: June 2020

Root vascular pathogens are some of the world's most devastating plant pathogens. However, the methods used to determine plant susceptibility to this class of pathogen are laborious, variable, and in most cases qualitative. Here we present a rapid, simple, and robust infection assay for the characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana resistance to the fungal root pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. The method utilizes fungal root vascular penetrations and fungal‐induced root growth inhibition to deliver a quantitative assessment of plant susceptibility with spatial and temporal resolution. These plant susceptibility indicators are paired with a semiautomated data analysis pipeline to deliver a reproducible assessment of plant susceptibility to root vascular pathogens such as F. oxysporum. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Arabidopsis thaliana plate infection assay using fluorescently labeled Fusarium oxysporum

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of A. thaliana germination plates

Support Protocol 2: Preparation of the F. oxysporum culture

Basic Protocol 2: Data acquisition of F. oxysporum plant infection assay

Support Protocol 3: Acquiring root growth inhibition data using Fiji
Single‐Dose Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Transthyretin Targeting N‐acetylgalactosamine–Small Interfering Ribonucleic Acid Conjugate, Vutrisiran, in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Habtemariam Bahru A. , Karsten Verena , Attarwala Husain , Goel Varun , Melch Megan , Clausen Valerie A. , Garg Pushkal , Vaishnaw Akshay K. , Sweetser Marianne T. , Robbie Gabriel J. , Vest John
Published: June 2020

Vutrisiran (ALN‐TTRsc02) is a liver‐directed, investigational, small interfering ribonucleic acid drug for the treatment of transthyretin (TTR)‐mediated amyloidosis. This phase I, randomized, single‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single ascending dose study evaluated the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and safety profile of subcutaneously administered vutrisiran (5–300 mg) in healthy subjects (n = 80). Vutrisiran treatment achieved potent and sustained TTR reduction in a dose‐dependent manner, with mean maximum TTR reduction of 57–97%, maintained for ≥ 90 days post dose. Vutrisiran was rapidly absorbed (peak plasma concentration 3–5 hours post dose), had a short plasma half‐life (4.2–7.5 hours), and plasma concentrations increased in a dose‐proportional manner. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic results were similar in Japanese and non‐Japanese subjects. Vutrisiran had an acceptable safety profile; the most common treatment‐related adverse event was mild, transient injection site reactions in four (6.7%) vutrisiran‐treated subjects. The favorable pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety results observed here support vutrisiran's continued clinical development.
Advancing plant phenology causes an increasing trophic mismatch in an income breeder across a wide elevational range
Authors: Rehnus Maik , Peláez Marta , Bollmann Kurt
Published: June 2020

To avoid trophic mismatches, large herbivores should reschedule the breeding timing to keep in synchrony with the recent advance of plant phenology caused by climate change. To do so, individuals must track resources along two main non‐exclusive axes: time (rescheduling the breeding timing) and space (i.e., shifting their range). While the vast majority of studies have focused on the study of specific populations inhabiting small and homogeneous environments, little is known about the response of species across large regions with highly heterogeneous topographies. Here, we studied roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), an income breeder that has demonstrated a lack of phenotypic plasticity on birth timing in a densely forested lowland area, and evaluated its ability to track resources along a wide elevational gradient (288–2366 m a.s.l.). We used data from 8986 parturition events collected in Switzerland during the period 1971–2015. We hypothesize that the mismatch between roe deer parturition dates and peak resource availability will increase over the study period. In addition, we expect this mismatch to be larger in low areas compared to higher elevation areas. Contrary to previous studies, we did find a consistent, but small, trend toward more advance parturition dates through time across all elevations. However, this rate of advance was less than that of the plant phenology indicators, resulting in an increasing mismatch at all elevations. Parturition dates changed on average at a rate between 7.5 times slower than the growing season start and 5 times slower than the flowering start. Thus, at the lowest elevations, parturition timing has already fallen outside the optimal time window for high‐quality forage, while at high elevations, parturitions are still synchronized with the peak availability of quality forage. Our study emphasizes the need for large‐scale study designs along climatic gradients to help understand the complex relationships that shape adaptation across environments. This would allow for better understanding of how populations will respond to the new environmental conditions imposed by climate change.
Ethnic differences in association of outcomes with trimethylamine N‐oxide in acute heart failure patients
Authors: Yazaki Yoshiyuki , Aizawa Kenichi , Israr Muhammad Zubair , Negishi Keita , Salzano Andrea , Saitoh Yuka , Kimura Natsuka , Kono Ken , Heaney Liam , Cassambai Shabana , Bernieh Dennis , Lai Florence , Imai Yasushi , Kario Kazuomi , Nagai Ryozo , Ng Leong L. , Suzuki Toru
Published: June 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate whether ethnicity influences the associations between trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) levels and heart failure (HF) outcomes.

Methods and results

Trimethylamine N‐oxide levels were measured in two cohorts with acute HF at two sites. The UK Leicester cohort consisted mainly of Caucasian (n = 842, 77%) and South Asian (n = 129, 12%) patients, whereas patients in the Japanese cohort (n = 116, 11%) were all Japanese. The primary endpoint was the measurement of all‐cause mortality and/or HF rehospitalization within 1 year post‐admission. Association of TMAO levels with outcome was compared in the entire population and between ethnic groups after adjustment for clinical parameters. TMAO levels were significantly higher in Japanese patients [median (interquartile range): 9.9 μM (5.2–22.8)] than in Caucasian [5.9 μM (3.6–10.8)] and South Asian [4.5 μM (3.1–8.4)] (P < 0.001) patients. There were no differences in the rate of mortality and/or HF rehospitalization between the ethnic groups (P = 0.096). Overall, higher TMAO levels showed associations with mortality and/or rehospitalization after adjustment for confounders ( P = 0.002). Despite no differences between ethnicity and association with mortality/HF after adjustment (P = 0.311), only in Caucasian patients were TMAO levels able to stratify for a mortality/HF event (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Differences were observed in the association of mortality and/or rehospitalization based on circulating TMAO levels. Elevated TMAO levels in Caucasian patients showed increased association with adverse outcomes, but not in non‐Caucasian patients.
Human identification in health care systems using mobile edge computing
Authors: Yu Wenjun , Choi Jaeho
Published: June 2020

Mobile edge computing (MEC) is a new technology that provides an IT service environment and cloud‐computing resource at the edge of the mobile network, aiming to improve the user experience by reducing latency and delivering highly efficient services. A mobile health care system is a typical case of MEC. Recent advances in mobile health technology enable us to automatically record the states and behaviors of patients in hospitals by identifying their faces. Instead of using a centralized server or cloud to process these heavy loading analyses, MEC analyzes the patients' behavior locally in their rooms to enable quick response to their accidents and reduce the storage size of large‐scale patient information. By using MEC, only one frontal face for each patient is available in the gallery to reduce the local computational power. Although a patient's face can be captured from any other pose, doing so challenges the face‐identification algorithm. Several studies have been published to solve this problem, but most of them rely on pose estimation and landmark detection. In this paper, we propose a deeper convolutional neural network to extract the pose‐invariant face features and synthesize the virtual poses simultaneously, aiming to develop a landmark‐free and pose‐estimation‐free frontal‐face synthesis system. The deeper network was divided into multiple overlapped local networks, each one trained to synthesize a small pose change, such as one larger than 45°to30°. The local networks were jointly trained to synthesize the frontal face from a nonfrontal pose in a progressive manner. By stacking multiple local networks, we were able to extract more robust pose‐invariant features, to generate multiple virtual poses before the frontal face was synthesized. The pose‐invariant features and virtual poses were incorporated to identify the face across poses. The proposed method was evaluated on the CAS‐PEAL dataset with 16 layers and fine‐tuned on the FERET dataset with 12 layers. The experimental results showed our network achieved impressive performance for pose‐unconstrained face recognition, which can be applied for human identification in healthcare systems using MEC.
Employment‐Based, For‐Profit Health Care in a Pandemic
Authors: Kolmes Sara
Published: June 2020

The emergence of Covid‐19 in the United States has revealed a critical weakness in the health care system in the United States. The majority of people in the nation receive health care via employment‐based health insurance from providers in a competitive market. However, neither employment‐based health care nor a competitive health care market can adequately provide treatment during a global pandemic. Employment‐based health care will fail to provide care for a large number of people in any destabilizing economic event, including a pandemic. Competitive for‐profit health care systems distribute limited goods based on markets rather than health care needs. If a global pandemic results in unusually high demand for specific medical supplies, then these will be distributed suboptimally. The combined risk of suboptimal distribution of needed goods and a significant drop in health care access in a global pandemic indicates that the U.S. health care system has serious vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
The Future of Bioethics: It Shouldn't Take a Pandemic
Authors: Churchill Larry R. , King Nancy M. P. , Henderson Gail E.
Published: June 2020

The Covid‐19 pandemic has concentrated bioethics attention on the “lifeboat ethics” of rationing and fair allocation of scarce medical resources, such as testing, intensive care unit beds, and ventilators. This focus drives ethics resources away from persistent and systemic problems—in particular, the structural injustices that give rise to health disparities affecting disadvantaged communities of color. Bioethics, long allied with academic medicine and highly attentive to individual decision‐making, has largely neglected its responsibility to address these difficult “upstream” issues. It is time to broaden our teaching, research, and practice to match the breadth of the field in order to help address these significant societal inequities and unmet health needs.
Mega‐analysis methods in ENIGMA: The experience of the generalized anxiety disorder working group
Authors: Zugman André , Harrewijn Anita , Cardinale Elise M. , Zwiebel Hannah , Freitag Gabrielle F. , Werwath Katy E. , Bas‐Hoogendam Janna M. , Groenewold Nynke A. , Aghajani Moji , Hilbert Kevin , Cardoner Narcis , Porta‐Casteràs Daniel , Gosnell Savannah , Salas Ramiro , Blair Karina S. , Blair James R. , Hammoud Mira Z. , Milad Mohammed , Burkhouse Katie , Phan K. Luan , Schroeder Heidi K. , Strawn Jeffrey R. , Beesdo‐Baum Katja , Thomopoulos Sophia I. , Grabe Hans J. , Van der Auwera Sandra , Wittfeld Katharina , Nielsen Jared A. , Buckner Randy , Smoller Jordan W. , Mwangi Benson , Soares Jair C. , Wu Mon‐Ju , Zunta‐Soares Giovana B. , Jackowski Andrea P. , Pan Pedro M. , Salum Giovanni A. , Assaf Michal , Diefenbach Gretchen J. , Brambilla Paolo , Maggioni Eleonora , Hofmann David , Straube Thomas , Andreescu Carmen , Berta Rachel , Tamburo Erica , Price Rebecca , Manfro Gisele G. , Critchley Hugo D. , Makovac Elena , Mancini Matteo , Meeten Frances , Ottaviani Cristina , Agosta Federica , Canu Elisa , Cividini Camilla , Filippi Massimo , Kostić Milutin , Munjiza Ana , Filippi Courtney A. , Leibenluft Ellen , Alberton Bianca A. V. , Balderston Nicholas L. , Ernst Monique , Grillon Christian , Mujica‐Parodi Lilianne R. , van Nieuwenhuizen Helena , Fonzo Gregory A. , Paulus Martin P. , Stein Murray B. , Gur Raquel E. , Gur Ruben C. , Kaczkurkin Antonia N. , Larsen Bart , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Harper Jennifer , Myers Michael , Perino Michael T. , Yu Qiongru , Sylvester Chad M. , Veltman Dick J. , Lueken Ulrike , Van der Wee Nic J. A. , Stein Dan J. , Jahanshad Neda , Thompson Paul M. , Pine Daniel S. , Winkler Anderson M.
Published: June 2020

The ENIGMA group on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (ENIGMA‐Anxiety/GAD) is part of a broader effort to investigate anxiety disorders using imaging and genetic data across multiple sites worldwide. The group is actively conducting a mega‐analysis of a large number of brain structural scans. In this process, the group was confronted with many methodological challenges related to study planning and implementation, between‐country transfer of subject‐level data, quality control of a considerable amount of imaging data, and choices related to statistical methods and efficient use of resources. This report summarizes the background information and rationale for the various methodological decisions, as well as the approach taken to implement them. The goal is to document the approach and help guide other research groups working with large brain imaging data sets as they develop their own analytic pipelines for mega‐analyses.
Synchronous bilateral renal cell carcinomas with differing histologies
Authors: Shigehisa Ryu , Karashima Takashi , Kobayashi Shu , Atagi Kaya , Takemori Daigo , Fukuhara Hideo , Fukata Satoshi , Murakami Ichiro , Kuroda Naoto , Inoue Keiji
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Bilateral renal cell carcinomas with different histological types are rare. We report herein the first description of bilateral renal carcinomas with clear cell renal cell carcinoma and mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma occurring synchronously.

Case presentation

A 62‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital with bilateral renal tumors. The tumors on each side showed different findings from both contrast‐enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The tumors were partially resected. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of the left renal tumor diagnosed clear cell renal carcinoma. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of the right renal tumor diagnosed mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

We encountered a case with clear cell renal cell carcinoma and mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma occurring simultaneously in bilateral kidneys.
Novel color center platforms enabling fundamental scientific discovery
Authors: Norman Victoria A. , Majety Sridhar , Wang Zhipan , Casey William H. , Curro Nicholas , Radulaski Marina
Published: June 2020

Color centers are versatile systems that generate quantum light, sense magnetic fields and produce spin‐photon entanglement. We review how these properties have pushed the limits of fundamental knowledge in a variety of scientific disciplines, from rejecting local‐realistic theories to sensing superconducting phase transitions. In the light of recent progress in material processing and device fabrication, we identify new opportunities for interdisciplinary fundamental discoveries in physics and geochemistry.

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Tooth sealing formulation with bacteria‐killing surface and on‐demand ion release/recharge inhibits early childhood caries key pathogens
Authors: Ibrahim Maria Salem , Balhaddad Abdulrahman A. , Garcia Isadora M. , Hefni Eman , Collares Fabricio M. , Martinho Frederico C. , Weir Michael D. , Xu Hockin H. K. , Melo Mary Anne S.
Published: June 2020

Herein, we investigated a biointeractive tooth sealing material consisted of dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) and amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles (NACPs) to address the above issues simultaneously. Of note, 5% DMAHDM was incorporated into the resin blend, and 20% NACP was added to inorganic filler content of dental formulations intended as dental sealants. The sealing materials were used to seal human extracted teeth. The sealed teeth were subjected to an early childhood caries (ECC) key pathogen (Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans) biofilm model using a dynamic caries tooth model (CDC reactor). The biofilm growth over the sealed teeth was assessed via colony‐forming unit counting metabolic activity assays. The enamel surface hardness loss, degree of conversion, shear bond strength (SBS), and cytotoxicity were also investigated. Formulations having DMAHDM displayed antibacterial efficiency of 2.8–3.5 and 1.4–4.0 log inhibition for Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, respectively. Furthermore, the metabolic activity was reduced on the top of the sealed tooth with the biointeractive sealing materials (p < .05). The degree of conversion values was acceptable. The enamel surface hardness loss decreases (36 ± 9.8%) when in contact with the biointeractive tooth sealing material. The SBS of the combined formulation (5% DMAHDM + 20% NACP) was lower than commercial sealant but similar to experimental control. The investigated sealing material holds valuable dual antibacterial and antifungal activities associated with a reduced mineral loss against the cariogenic challenge promoted by ECC key pathogens.
Extraction of phenolic acids from ancient wheat bran samples by ultrasound application
Authors: Cengiz Mehmet Fatih , Babacan Umit , Akinci Ersin , Tuncer Kesci Sude , Kaba Adem
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Wheat bran contains high levels of phenolic acids having important roles in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, heart condition and many cancer diseases. Ancient wheats contain high levels of these valuable ingredients. Therefore, an ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) technique was optimized using response surface methodology for the extraction of major phenolic acids (ferulic, salicylic, 2‐hydroxycinnamic, p‐coumaric, t‐ferulic, caffeic and vanillic acids) from bran layers of some important ancient wheat species. Optimum combinations were determined for each phenolic acid.

RESULTS

Various experimental conditions, extraction time (5.86–34.14 min) and temperature variation (21.71–78.28 °C) were examined to optimize the UAE. Solvent type (ethanol, methanol and acetone) and solid‐to‐liquid ratio (1/90–1/30) were also evaluated. Among the solvent types, the highest extraction yield was obtained in ethanol for all analyzed phenolic acids. Extraction temperature of 44.57 °C and extraction time of 23.00 min were found to be an optimal combination for multiple response prediction. To evaluate the usefulness of the method, 18 ancient wheat (einkorn and emmer wheat) bran samples were analyzed. Various levels of individual phenolic acids were detected in the samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Analytical conditions giving the highest amount of each phenolic acid were determined in the study. The method can be a good choice because of its simplicity, rapid processing time and low solvent requirements. UAE could be considered in the food, nutrition and pharmaceutical industries for the extraction of some valuable phenolic acids. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in Human Well‐being in the Final Phase of Conflict: Evidence from Northern Uganda
Authors: Tseng Fu‐Min
Published: June 2020

Armed conflict devastated Northern Uganda for almost two decades and caused enormous losses of life and human well‐being. Rebuilding a society requires massive resources, which can cause a heavy economic burden especially in low‐income countries. Understanding changes in well‐being before the start of redevelopment plans can reduce the misallocation of resources. This study estimates changes in well‐being in the final phase of conflict. The result shows that the incidence of self‐reported illness drops significantly by 9.1 per cent and food consumption per capita increases by 37.1 per cent. The utilisation of health care shifts 13.7 per cent of visits to private from public when people choose formal providers. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting: from evolution to clinical applications
Authors: Hsieh Jean J. L. , Svalbe Imants
Published: June 2020

In 2013, Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) emerged as a method for fast, quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This paper reviews the current status of MRF up to early 2020 and aims to highlight the advantages MRF can offer medical imaging professionals. By acquiring scan data as pseudorandom samples, MRF elicits a unique signal evolution, or ‘fingerprint’, from each tissue type. It matches ‘randomised’ free induction decay acquisitions against pre‐computed simulated tissue responses to generate a set of quantitative images of T1, T2 and proton density (PD) with co‐registered voxels, rather than as traditional relative T1‐ and T2‐weighted images. MRF numeric pixel values retain accuracy and reproducibility between 2% and 8%. MRF acquisition is robust to strong undersampling of k‐space. Scan sequences have been optimised to suppress sub‐sampling artefacts, while artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques have been employed to increase matching speed and precision. MRF promises improved patient comfort with reduced scan times and fewer image artefacts. Quantitative MRF data could be used to define population‐wide numeric biomarkers that classify normal versus diseased tissue. Certification of clinical centres for MRF scan repeatability would permit numeric comparison of sequential images for any individual patient and the pooling of multiple patient images across large, cross‐site imaging studies. MRF has to date shown promising results in early clinical trials, demonstrating reliable differentiation between malignant and benign prostate conditions, and normal and sclerotic hippocampal tissue. MRF is now undergoing small‐scale trials at several sites across the world; moving it closer to routine clinical application.
Commentary on the Special Issue on Moral Injury: Leveraging Existing Constructs to Test the Heuristic Model of Moral Injury
Authors: Zalta Alyson K. , Held Philip
Published: June 2020

The literature on moral injury (MI) is currently undermined by the lack of clear boundaries regarding the construct and a dearth of research on the processes by which potentially morally injurious events lead to MI. The heuristic continuum model of moral stressors proposes ways of distinguishing between moral frustrations, moral distress, and MI. In this commentary, we highlight five testable principles that can be derived from the heuristic model and evaluated using well‐established constructs. Specifically, we describe meaningful distinctions between guilt and shame and address how these moral emotions can be used to distinguish between moral distress and MI. We also describe the potential role of event‐related rumination, shame proneness, and cognitive flexibility in the development of MI following exposure to potentially morally injurious events. We believe that these principles offer critical next steps for the advancement of the MI field and illustrate how MI research can be generalized beyond the military context.
Incidence Rates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Over a 17‐Year Period in Active Duty Military Service Members
Authors: Judkins Jason L. , Moore Brian A. , Collette Tyler L. , Hale Willie J. , Peterson Alan L. , Morissette Sandra B.
Published: June 2020

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 8% of the general population. The prevalence of PTSD is twice as high in active duty service members and military veterans. Few studies have investigated the incidence rates of PTSD in active duty military personnel. The present study evaluated the incidence of PTSD diagnoses and the differences between demographic factors for service members between 2001 and 2017. Data on 182,400 active duty service members between 2001 and 2017 were drawn from the Defense Medical Epidemiological Database and examined by sex, age, service branch, military pay grade, marital status, and race. From 2001 to 2017, the incidence rates of PTSD in the active force (per 1,000 service members) steadily climbed, with a low of 1.24 in 2002 to a high of 12.94 in 2016. Service members most often diagnosed with PTSD were in the U.S. Army, with the enlisted pay grades of E‐5–E‐9, White, married, male, and between 20 and 24 years old. Statistically significant differences, ps < .001, were found between observed and expected counts across all examined demographic variables. The present study is the first to our knowledge to provide a comprehensive examination of PTSD incidence rates in an active duty military population.
Effect of Wendler Glottoplasty on Acoustic Measures of Voice
Authors: Chang Joseph , Brown Sarah K. , Hu Shirley , Sivakumar Ganesh , Sataluri Medha , Goldberg Leanne , Courey Mark S.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Voice therapy has been the primary treatment for voice feminization in transfemale patients due to concerns that surgery worsens voice quality. We aim to determine the impact of Wendler glottoplasty on acoustic measures of voice.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Transgender female patients treated for vocal feminization with Wendler glottoplasty at a single tertiary care center were identified. Pre‐ and postoperative measures were taken with the Kay Elemetrics Real‐Time Pitch, Analysis of Dysphonia in Speech and Voice, and Multidimensional Voice Program.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients were included in this study. There were no statistically significant changes in fundamental frequency variation, peak amplitude variation, soft phonation index, noise‐to‐harmonics ratio, cepstral peak prominence, or cepstral spectral index of dysphonia at a significance level of P < .05. Average speaking fundamental frequency (SF0) increased from 143 Hz after voice therapy to 163 Hz after surgery (P = .0009). Lower range decreased in 61% and increased in 26% of patients. Upper range decreased in 52% and increased in 48% of patients.

Conclusions

Wendler glottoplasty does not worsen voice quality based on acoustic measures. Although most patients experience an increase in average SF0, effects on vocal range are variable with approximately half of patients experiencing a reduction and half experiencing an increase in upper pitch limit.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:583–586, 2021
Interpretation challenges of novel dual‐class missense and splice‐impacting variant in POLR3A‐related late‐onset hereditary spastic ataxia
Authors: Morales‐Rosado Joel A. , Macke Erica L. , Cousin Margot A. , Oliver Gavin R. , Dhamija Radhika , Klee Eric W.
Published: June 2020

Background

RNA polymerase III (Pol III)‐related disorders are autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorders caused by variants in POLR3A or POLR3B. Recently, a novel phenotype of adult‐onset spastic ataxia was identified in individuals with the c.1909+22G>A POLR3A variant in compound heterozygosity.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was performed in the proband and parents. Variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. RNA sequencing was performed to evaluate splicing implications.

Results

A 42‐year‐old female was evaluated for unexplained neurological findings with a slow progressive decline in gait and walking speed since adolescence. WES revealed a novel missense variant (c.3593A>C, p.Lys1198Arg) in exon 27 of POLR3A in compound heterozygosity with the c.1909+22G>A variant. Summary of previously reported clinical features from individuals with pathogenic biallelic alterations in POLR3A and adult‐onset phenotype is consistent with our findings. RNA analysis revealed c.3593A>G drives the production of four RNA transcript products each with different functional impacts.

Conclusion

The novel dual‐class c.3593A>C variant in POLR3A causes an amino acid substitution and complex disruption of splicing. Our report supports the need to investigate variants near splice junctions for proper interpretation. Current interpretation guidelines need to address best practices for inclusion of predicted or measured transcriptional disruption pending functional activity or reliable transcript abundance estimates.
Exact and hyper‐heuristic solutions for the distribution‐installation problem from the VeRoLog 2019 challenge
Authors: Kheiri Ahmed , Ahmed Leena , Boyacı Burak , Gromicho Joaquim , Mumford Christine , Özcan Ender , Dirikoç Ali Selim
Published: June 2020

This work tackles a rich vehicle routing problem (VRP) problem integrating a capacitated vehicle routing problem with time windows (CVRPTW), and a service technician routing and scheduling problem (STRSP) for delivering various equipment based on customers' requests, and the subsequent installation by a number of technicians. The main objective is to reduce the overall costs of hired resources, and the total transportation costs of trucks/technicians. The problem was the topic of the fourth edition of the VeRoLog Solver Challenge in cooperation with the ORTEC company. Our contribution to research is the development of a mathematical model for this problem and a novel hyper‐heuristic algorithm to solve the problem based on a population of solutions. Experimental results on two datasets of small and real‐world size revealed the success of the hyper‐heuristic approach in finding optimal solutions in a shorter computational time, when compared to our exact model. The results of the large size dataset were also compared to the results of the eight finalists in the competition and were found to be competitive, proving the potential of our developed hyper‐heuristic framework.
A systematic review of psychosocial interventions to improve quality of life of people with cancer and their family caregivers
Authors: Gabriel Israel , Creedy Debra , Coyne Elisabeth
Published: June 2020

Aims

To review the characteristics and effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on quality of life of adult people with cancer and their family caregivers.

Design

A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

Seven databases were searched from 2009–2019 using key terms. Included studies were assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.

Results

1909 studies were retrieved with 12 studies included, involving 3,390 patients/caregivers. Interventions aimed to improve communication, behaviour change and setting short‐term goals. Duration of interventions varied from 4–17 weeks. Highest benefit was gained from telephone interventions. Interventions based on interpersonal counselling appeared more effective than other approaches. Studies predominantly focused on psychological, physical and social domains of quality of life. Spiritual well‐being received relatively little attention. A paradigm shift is needed to develop psychosocial interventions that incorporate spiritual well‐being. More research is needed in developing countries.
Space‐time a posteriori error analysis of finite element approximation for parabolic optimal control problems: A reconstruction approach
Authors: Manohar Ram , Kumar Sinha Rajen
Published: June 2020

We derive space‐time a posteriori error estimates of finite element method for linear parabolic optimal control problems in a bounded convex polygonal domain. To discretize the control problem, we use piecewise linear and continuous finite elements for the approximations of the state and costate variables, whereas piecewise constant functions are employed for the control variable. The temporal discretization is based on the backward Euler implicit scheme. An elliptic reconstruction technique in conjunction with energy argument is used to derive a posteriori error estimates for the state, costate, and control variables in the L∞(0,T;L2(Ω))‐norm. Moreover, numerical experiments are performed to illustrate the performance of the derived estimators.
What are the psychological effects of mesothelioma on patients and their carers? A scoping review
Authors: Sherborne Virginia , Seymour Jane , Taylor Bethany , Tod Angela
Published: June 2020

Objective

Despite recent advances in research, malignant mesothelioma remains an incurable and devastating disease, typically bringing shock and emotional distress to patients and carers. Little research has addressed the psychological impact on either group. This scoping review examines the current state of evidence on the psychological effects of mesothelioma on patients and carers, and identifies areas for further research.

Methods

We searched PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science for English‐language peer‐reviewed research articles published 1981 to 2019 reporting studies focussing on the psychological effects of mesothelioma on patients and carers. Following data extraction and quality appraisal, reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes.

Results

Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. Carers' experiences were generally amalgamated with patients'. Three themes were developed. The Passing of Time included the importance of timing of interventions; delays in the medical journey; awareness of different time‐phases in mesothelioma; and uncertainty/certainty. Dealing with Difficult Feelings reflected ubiquitous negative emotions, feelings about identity and states of being and associated coping strategies. Craving Good Communication covered issues related to sharing of information and to positive/negative aspects of communication.

Conclusions

Though limited, the evidence indicates that mesothelioma, with its high symptom‐burden, incurability, rarity and asbestos‐related causation, leads to complex and inter‐relating psychological effects on patients and carers. These effects are both negative and positive. The sparse literature gives a partial picture and demonstrates an urgent need for more nuanced research. Studies exploring the experiences of specific groups are recommended, with particular attention required to carers.
Self‐reported cognitive outcomes among adolescent and young adult patients with noncentral nervous system cancers
Authors: Tan Chia Jie , Mah Jaclyn Jia Jun , Goh Wei Lin , Poon Eileen , Harunal Rashid Mohamad Farid , Chan Alexandre
Published: June 2020

Objective

Cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI) among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients with noncentral nervous system (CNS) cancers has not been well studied. In this study, we aimed to describe CRCI‐associated trends and characteristics among AYA cancer patients.

Methods

In a longitudinal cohort of AYA cancer patients without CNS disease, CRCI was evaluated over 1 year using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Cognitive Function Instrument, a self‐reported cognitive outcome measure. CRCI prevalence was quantified using the previously established minimal clinically important difference. CRCI‐associated longitudinal trends and factors were evaluated with mixed‐effects model analysis.

Results

Ninety‐one patients (mean age = 28.4 ± 6.7 years) were included. Approximately one‐third (34.1%) experienced CRCI at least once during the study follow‐up. Female gender (P = .02), Indian ethnicity (P < .01), current smokers (P < .01), anxiety/depressive symptoms (P < .01) and fatigue (P < .01) were found to be associated with poorer cognitive function among AYAs.

Conclusions

Although AYA cancer patients were relatively young and without CNS disease involvement, a significant proportion of them experienced clinically important decline in cognitive function. With improved understanding of this subject, effective strategies can be formulated to promote awareness of CRCI and mitigate its negative effects among AYA cancer patients.
Effect of information and exercise programmes after lumbar disc surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jentoft Eva Saltskår , Kvåle Alice , Assmus Jörg , Moen Vegard Pihl
Published: June 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare two physiotherapy interventions following lumber disc surgery regarding effect on pain, functioning and fear of movement.

Methods

This study is a prospective randomized controlled study. When admitted to hospital for first time lumbar disc surgery, the participants were randomized to one of two post‐operative intervention groups: one group received information only and the other exercise in combination with information. Outcomes were collected at baseline, 6–8 weeks and 12‐months post‐surgery. The primary outcome was to record changes in back/hip pain and leg pain. Secondary outcomes were evaluation of changes in function, fear‐avoidance beliefs and kinesiophobia.

Results

Seventy patients completed the study and were included in the analysis, of which 37 were randomized to the group receiving information only and the remaining 33 receiving both exercise and information. For primary outcomes, at 12 months postoperatively, the group receiving both exercise and information had significantly lower leg pain compared with those receiving only information (p < .033). For secondary outcomes, at 12 months postoperatively, a significant difference (p < .027) was detected for function, which favoured those that received both exercise and information. There was no significant difference in the results for the other secondary outcomes. Both groups showed clinically important changes in relation to pain and function from baseline to 12 months. The effect of treatment showed a statistically significant difference in favour of exercise and information, but the difference was not clinically relevant.

Conclusion

Exercise in combination with information reduced leg pain and improved function, which was statistically more evident over a period of time. Postoperative physiotherapy after lumbar disc surgery could include exercises in addition to information, but perhaps not for all patients, as both groups improved, and the difference between the two groups was not clinically relevant.