bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Putting morphology to the test: An established classification scheme reliably stratifies salivary gland cytology by risk of malignancy with substantial interobserver agreement
Authors: Lubin Daniel J. , Griffith Christopher C. , Buonocore Darren J. , Wei Xiao‐Jun , Lin Oscar
Published: November 2020

Background

The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology describes several salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration cytology (SGFNAC) morphologies developed by Griffith et al. Basaloid neoplasms are pleomorphic (PB) or monomorphic with fibrillary (MBFib), hyaline (MBHy), or other (MBOther) matrix. Oncocytoid neoplasms can be pleomorphic (PO), demonstrate granular and/or vacuolated cytoplasm (OGV), or be monomorphic with mucinous (MOMuc), cystic (MOCyst), or other (MOOther) background. In the current study, the authors explore interobserver agreement (IOA) and risk of malignancy (ROM) for these subcategories.

Methods

The study included 169 SGFNAC cases with surgical follow‐up. Four reviewers categorized these cases using the criteria of Griffith et al. with consensus determined by majority. For all morphologic categories, IOA (using the Fleiss kappa) and ROM were calculated.

Results

ROMs for basaloid categories were: PB: 100% (1 of 1 case); MBHy: 71.4% (5 of 7 cases); MBFib: 50.0% (3 of 6 cases); and MBOther: 47.4% (9 of 19 cases). ROMs for oncocytoid neoplasms were: OGV: 100% (10 of 10 cases); MOMuc: 92.3% (12 of 13 cases); PO: 88.9% (8 of 9 cases); MOOther: 33.3% (5 of 15 cases); and MOCyst: 0 (0 of 1 case). The system demonstrated substantial agreement overall (κ = 0.69). For basaloid neoplasms, the IOA results were: MBHy: κ = 0.59; MBFib: κ = 0.41; MBOther: κ = 0.41; and PB: κ = 0.11. For oncocytoid neoplasms, the IOA results were: MOMuc: κ = 0.88; OGV: κ = 0.67; PO: κ = 0.63; MOOther: κ = 0.57; and MOCyst: κ = 0.18.

Conclusions

The SGFNAC scheme proposed by Griffith et al. and incorporated into the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology demonstrated substantial agreement overall, with particularly high agreement for the MOMuc, OGV, PO, and MBHy categories. The PB and MOCyst categories demonstrated slight agreement and may be improved by revised criteria. The PB, PO, MOMuc, and OGV categories demonstrated high ROM, and the latter 2 categories might best be classified as suspicious for malignancy.
OFF bipolar cell density varies by subtype, eccentricity, and along the dorsal ventral axis in the mouse retina
Authors: Camerino Michael J. , Engerbretson Ian J. , Fife Parker A. , Reynolds Nathan B. , Berria Mikel H. , Doyle Jamie R. , Clemons Mellisa R. , Gencarella Michael D. , Borghuis Bart G. , Fuerst Peter G.
Published: November 2020

The neural retina is organized along central‐peripheral, dorsal‐ventral, and laminar planes. Cellular density and distributions vary along the central‐peripheral and dorsal‐ventral axis in species including primates, mice, fish, and birds. Differential distribution of cell types within the retina is associated with sensitivity to different types of damage that underpin major retinal diseases, including macular degeneration and glaucoma. Normal variation in retinal distribution remains unreported for multiple cell types in widely used research models, including mouse. Here we map the distribution of all known OFF bipolar cell (BC) populations and horizontal cells. We report significant variation in the distribution of OFF BC populations and horizontal cells along the dorsal‐ventral and central‐peripheral axes of the retina. Distribution patterns are much more pronounced for some populations of OFF BC cells than others and may correspond to the cell type's specialized functions.
Growing degree‐days optimize trinexapac‐ethyl reapplications on ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens: II. Testing a reapplication schedule
Authors: Brown Austin M. , Harris James R. , Gonçalves Clebson G. , Peppers John M. , Magni Simone , Volterrani Marco , McElroy J. Scott
Published: November 2020

Trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) is commonly applied to ultradwarf bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] putting greens for growth suppression and secondary benefits. Improperly timed reapplications will reduce the benefits of TE, but knowing when to reapply is difficult because suppression duration is affected by environmental conditions, especially temperature. In another experiment we determined that GDD with a base temperature of 0 °C (GDD0) was the most precise unit for predicting the maximum suppression point (MSP) after a TE application on a ‘MiniVerde’ ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green. The model suggested that the MSP occurred at 262 GDD0 after the TE application. The objective of this second experiment was to test GDD0 reapplication intervals for an extended period of time. We included four GDD0 intervals (100, 200, 400, and 600) and two TE rates (0.022 and 0.044 kg a.i. ha−1). We hypothesized that reapplying TE before the MSP would result in a consistent suppression magnitude from day to day (i.e., consistent daily growth), which should be an ideal growth pattern for turfgrass managers. The 100‐ and 200‐GDD0 intervals yielded consistent suppression magnitude throughout the experiment, and suppression magnitude increased with the higher TE rate. In contrast, the 400‐ and 600‐GDD0 intervals allowed fluctuation in suppression magnitude from day to day. Discoloration occurred after initial applications and was more severe for the higher TE rate.
QTL for pitted scab, hollow heart, and tuber calcium identified in a tetraploid population of potato derived from an Atlantic × Superior cross
Authors: Zorrilla Cinthya , Navarro Felix , Vega‐Semorile Sandra , Palta Jiwan
Published: November 2020

Common scab, calcium deficiency, and internal tuber defects, such as hollow heart, have severe negative impact on the marketable yield and profitability of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) farmers. The present study was conducted to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling these traits. A tetraploid linkage map was constructed using 808 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the SolCAP 8300 Infinium Potato Array using 151 genotypes of an F1 population generated from a cross between cultivars with divergent traits, Atlantic and Superior. Atlantic is susceptible to scab and has high incidence of hollow heart and low tuber calcium. Conversely, Superior has resistance to scab, low incidence of hollow heart, and high tuber calcium. This population was phenotypically evaluated between 2009 and 2012. Seven QTL regions explained pitted scab incidence and severity; two on chromosomes 3 and 11 of Atlantic, and five on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 6, and 10 of Superior were identified. Also, six QTL regions that explained tuber calcium variation were detected; four QTL were located on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 of Atlantic; and one QTL on chromosome 3 of Superior. In addition, five QTL were identified for the incidence of hollow heart; two QTL were located on chromosomes 3 and 5 of Atlantic, and three QTL were located on chromosomes 3, 6, and 12 of Superior. These QTL regions can be further studied to develop markers for marker‐assisted selection.
Growing degree‐days optimize trinexapac‐ethyl reapplications on ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens: I. Predicting the maximum suppression point
Authors: Brown Austin M. , Harris James R. , Gonçalves Clebson G. , Peppers John M. , Magni Simone , Volterrani Marco , McElroy J. Scott
Published: November 2020

Applying trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) is a common practice for growth suppression and quality improvement of ultradwarf bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] putting greens. Previous research suggested that growing degree‐days (GDD) effectively predict the suppression of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) putting greens following a TE application, and additional research showed similar results on ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens. Whereas temperature may be the main factor influencing turfgrass suppression following a TE application, it is likely that other environmental factors affect suppression as well. The objective of this research was to identify the optimal variable unit for predicting suppression, particularly the maximum suppression point (MSP), after a TE application on a ‘MiniVerde’ ultradwarf bermudagrass putting green. Tested variable units included calendar days (DAT), GDD (base temperatures of 0–12 °C), soil temperature (2.5 cm), global horizontal irradiance (GHI), and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The GDD with a base temperature of 0 °C (GDD0) model predicted suppression better than the GDD with a base temperature of 10 °C (GDD10) model, GHI model, and PAR model. According to the GDD0 model (pseudo‐R2, .564; SE: 0.195), the MSP occurred at 262 GDD0 with a suppression magnitude of 61%. The models did not indicate a rebound period following the single TE application.
Optimal design of lattice wave digital fractional‐order Butterworth filter
Authors: Mahata Shibendu , Kar Rajib , Mandal Durbadal
Published: November 2020

This letter presents the design of digital fractional‐order Butterworth filter (DFOBF) of order (n+α), where n is an integer, and α ∈ (0,1), from the perspective of optimal realization. The magnitude–frequency characteristic of the DFOBF is optimally modeled using the computationally efficient lattice wave digital filters (LWDFs). Design examples for the third‐ and fifth‐order LWDF‐DFOBFs with various values of n, α, and cut‐off frequencies are presented.
“Azole” as privileged heterocycle for targeting the inducible cyclooxygenase enzyme
Authors: Prasher Parteek , Sharma Mousmee
Published: November 2020

An over‐expression of COX‐2 isoenzyme belonging to the Cyclooxygenase Enzyme Family triggers the overproduction of pro‐inflammatory prostaglandins that instigate the development of chronic inflammation and related disorders. Hence, the rationally designed drugs for mitigating over‐activity of COX‐2 isoenzyme play a regulatory role toward the alleviation of the progression of these disorders. However, a selective COX‐2 inhibition chemotherapy prompts several side effects that necessitate the identification of novel molecular scaffolds for deliberating state‐of‐the‐art drug designing strategies. The heterocyclic “azole” scaffold, being polar and hydrophilic, possesses remarkable physicochemical advantages for designing physiologically active molecules capable of interacting with a wide range of biological components, including enzymes, peptides, and metabolites. The substituted derivatives of azole nuclei enable a comprehensive SAR analysis for the appraisal of bioactive profile of the deliberated molecules for obtaining the rationally designed compounds with prominent activities. The comprehensive SAR analysis readily prompted the identification of Y‐shaped molecules and the eminence of bulkier group for COX‐2 selective inhibition. This review presents an epigrammatic collation of the pharmacophore‐profile of the chemotherapeutics based on azole motif for a selective targeting of the COX‐2 isoenzyme.
The relationship between inpatient hyperglycaemia and mortality is modified by baseline glycaemic status
Authors: Rayyan‐Assi Hana'a , Feldman Becca , Leventer‐Roberts Maya , Akriv Amichay , Raz Itamar
Published: November 2020

Aims

There is a well‐established association between inpatient hyperglycaemia and mortality. However, evidence is inconsistent regarding whether this association is differential among those with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Most studies are based on convenience samples or are unable to adjust for comorbidities. We examined whether the association between hyperglycaemia and 30‐day mortality was modified by baseline glycaemic status.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 174,671 eligible hospitalized individuals between 2012 and 2015. Thirty‐day mortality was assessed during the first inpatient stay up to 30 days post discharge. The adjusted association between hyperglycaemia and mortality was assessed with logistic regression models. Then, four interaction terms were entered into the model to assess if the association between hyperglycaemia and mortality differed by baseline glycaemic status.

Results

The multivariate model demonstrated a 2.18‐fold risk of mortality associated with hyperglycaemia (odds ratio [OR] [95%CI]: 2.19 [2.08–2.31]). Adding the interaction terms between hyperglycaemia and baseline glycaemic status the ORs of 30‐day mortality were 1.41 (1.25–1.60) in non‐T2DM status, 1.32 (1.16–1.51) in pre‐diabetes status and 1.30 (1.04–1.62) in unscreened status, as compared to T2DM status with hyperglycaemia.

Conclusions

Hyperglycaemia is positively associated with mortality and both those without and with controlled T2DM are at highest risk. These findings may help medical staff identify potential increased risk of mortality upon hospital entry and discharge, and direct further research to assess how hyperglycaemia control and proactive deterioration prevention throughout the entire inpatient stay may prevent adverse outcomes.
Tissue disaggregation and isolation of specific cell types from transgenic Xenopus appendages for transcriptional analysis by FACS
Authors: Kakebeen Anneke Dixie , Chitsazan Alexander Daniel , Wills Andrea Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

Background

Xenopus embryos and tadpoles are versatile models for embryological, cell biological, and regenerative studies. Genomic and transcriptomic approaches have been increasingly employed in these frogs. Most of these genome‐wide analyses have profiled tissues in bulk, but there are many scenarios where isolation of single cells may be advantageous, including isolation of a preferred cell type, or generation of a single‐cell suspension for applications such as scRNA‐Seq.

Results

Here we present a protocol for the disaggregation of complex tail and limb bud tissue, and use cell type‐specific fluorescence in transgenic X. tropicalis appendages to isolate specific cell populations using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Our protocol addresses a specific challenge in Xenopus embryos and tadpoles: the storage of maternal yolk platelets in each cell, which can introduce light scatter and thereby false positives into FACS analysis.

Conclusions

Here we gate against both nontransgenic and ubiquitously transgenic animals to reduce both false positives and false negatives. We use the Xtr.Tg(pax6:GFP;cryga:RFP;actc1:RFP)Papal transgenic line as a test case to demonstrate that nucleic acid preparations made from sorted cells are high quality and specific. We anticipate this method will be adaptable to study various cell types that have transgenic reporter lines to better profile cell types of interest.
Thought Leader Comparisons of Risks in Precision Medicine Research
Authors: Beskow Laura M. , Hammack‐Aviran Catherine M. , Brelsford Kathleen M.
Published: November 2020

Biomedical research is increasingly capitalizing on an array of data to illuminate the interplay between “omics,” lifestyle, and health. Leveraging this information presents opportunities to advance knowledge but also poses risks to research participants. In interviews with thought leaders, we asked which data type associated with a hypothetical precision medicine research endeavor was riskiest: 42% chose ongoing access to electronic health records, 17% chose genomic analyses of biospecimens, and 15% chose streaming data from mobile devices. Other responses included “It depends” (15%), the three types are equally risky (8%), and the combination of data types together is riskiest (3%). When asked to consider the hypothetical study overall, 60% rated the likelihood of the risks materializing as low, but 20% rated the potential consequences as severe. These results have implications for study design and informed consent, including placing appropriate emphasis on the risks and protections for the full range of data.
Ethical Considerations When Using a Mobile Eye Tracker in a Patient‐Facing Area: Lessons from an Intensive Care Unit Observational Protocol
Authors: Larsen Ethan P. , Kolman Jacob M. , Masud Faisal N. , Sasangohar Farzan
Published: November 2020

This article describes the process of designing, approving, and conducting an investigator‐initiated protocol to use an eye‐tracking device in a health care setting. Participants wore the device, which resembles eyeglasses, in a front‐facing manner in an intensive care unit for the study of personnel gaze patterns, producing a visual record of workflow. While the data of interest for our study was not specifically the health information protected by the privacy rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), a wide variety of such data was captured by the eye‐tracking device, and the prospective consent of all people who might have been incidentally videotaped was not feasible. The protocol therefore required attention to unique ethical considerations—including consent, privacy and confidentiality, HIPAA compliance, institutional liability, and the use of secondary data. The richness of eye‐tracker data suggests various beneficial applications in health care occupational research and quality improvement. Therefore, sharing our study's successful design and execution, including proactive researcher‐institutional review board communication, can inform and encourage similarly valuable, ethical, and innovative audiovisual research techniques.
Spawning salmon density influences fruit production of salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)
Authors: Siemens Lisa D. , Dennert Allison M. , Obrist Debora S. , Reynolds John D.
Published: November 2020

Annual spawning migrations by Pacific salmon can provide substantial subsidies to nutrient‐limited freshwater and riparian ecosystems, which can affect the abundance, diversity, and physical characteristics of plant and animal species in these habitats. Here, we provide the first investigation of how salmon subsidies affect reproductive output in plants, focusing on a common riparian shrub, salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis). We studied 14 streams with a range of spawning salmon densities on the central coast of British Columbia, Canada. We determined the effects of chum (Oncorhynchus keta), pink (O. gorbuscha), and total salmon spawning density on the number of fruits per shrub, number of seeds per fruit, fruit weight, and estimated sugar content (° Brix) of salmonberry fruits. We found that the number of fruits per salmonberry shrub increased with increasing salmon density. However, we found no effect of salmon density on the number of seeds per fruit, fruit weight, or sugar content. The effect of salmon density was species‐dependent; the number of fruits per shrub increased with chum salmon density but was not affected by pink salmon density. This could be because chum salmon occur at higher densities and are transferred from water to land at higher rates than pink salmon in our study area. Higher salmonberry fruit production could lead to a larger input of salmonberry fruits to coastal food webs. These results demonstrate how salmon can cross ecological boundaries and influence reproductive output of terrestrial species.
In‐hospital care in acute heart failure during the COVID‐19 pandemic: insights from the German‐wide Helios hospital network
Authors: König Sebastian , Hohenstein Sven , Meier‐Hellmann Andreas , Kuhlen Ralf , Hindricks Gerhard , Bollmann Andreas ,   Helios Hospitals, Germany
Published: November 2020

Aims

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has led to changes in health care utilization for different acute cardiovascular diseases. Whether hospitalization rates and in‐hospital mortality were affected by the pandemic in patients with acute symptomatic heart failure (HF) was investigated in this study.

Methods and results

Administrative data provided by 67 German Helios hospitals were examined for patients with a main discharge diagnosis of HF using ICD codes. Urgent hospital admissions per day were compared for a study period (13 March–21 May 2020) with control intervals in 2020 (1 January–12 March) and 2019 (13 March–21 May), resulting in a total of 13 484 patients excluding all patients with laboratory‐proven COVID‐19 infection. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated using Poisson regression. Generalized linear mixed models were used for univariable and multivariable analysis to identify predictors of in‐hospital mortality. The number of admissions per day was lower in the study period compared to the same year [IRR 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67–0.73, P < 0.01] and the previous year control group (IRR 0.73, 95% CI 0.70–0.76, P < 0.01). Age was similar throughout the intervals, but case severity increased in terms of distribution within New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes and comorbidities. Within the study period, 30‐day rates for urgent hospital readmissions were higher compared to the same year but not the previous year control group. In‐hospital mortality was 7.3% in the study period, 6.1% in the same year (P = 0.03) and 6.0% in the previous year control group (P = 0.02). In multivariable analysis, age, NYHA class and other predictors of fatal outcome were identified but hospitalization during the study period was not independently associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Our data showed a significant reduction of urgent hospital admissions for HF with increased case severity and concomitant in‐hospital mortality during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany. Identifying causes of reduced inpatient treatment rates is essential for the understanding and valuation with regard to future optimal management of patients with HF.
Optimized implementation of cardiac resynchronization therapy: a call for action for referral and optimization of care
Authors: Mullens Wilfried , Auricchio Angelo , Martens Pieter , Witte Klaus , Cowie Martin R. , Delgado Victoria , Dickstein Kenneth , Linde Cecilia , Vernooy Kevin , Leyva Francisco , Bauersachs Johann , Israel Carsten W. , Lund Lars H. , Donal Erwan , Boriani Giuseppe , Jaarsma Tiny , Berruezo Antonio , Traykov Vassil , Yousef Zaheer , Kalarus Zbigniew , Cosedis Nielsen Jens , Steffel Jan , Vardas Panos , Coats Andrew , Seferovic Petar , Edvardsen Thor , Heidbuchel Hein , Ruschitzka Frank , Leclercq Christophe
Published: November 2020

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is one of the most effective therapies for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and leads to improved quality of life, reductions in heart failure hospitalization rates and all‐cause mortality. Nevertheless, up to two‐thirds of eligible patients are not referred for CRT. Furthermore, post‐implantation follow‐up is often fragmented and suboptimal, hampering the potential maximal treatment effect. This joint position statement from three European Society of Cardiology Associations, Heart Failure Association (HFA), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), focuses on optimized implementation of CRT. We offer theoretical and practical strategies to achieve more comprehensive CRT referral and post‐procedural care by focusing on four actionable domains: (i) overcoming CRT under‐utilization, (ii) better understanding of pre‐implant characteristics, (iii) abandoning the term ‘non‐response’ and replacing this by the concept of disease modification, and (iv) implementing a dedicated post‐implant CRT care pathway.
Effects of the variation of diffusion coefficients in the potentiometric stripping analysis
Authors: Lovrić Milivoj
Published: November 2020

A simple steady state model of potentiometric stripping analysis and its derivative mode that are influenced by the film of adsorbed substance that hinders the diffusion of oxidant and metal ions is developed. The dependence of stripping time and the maximum in the derivative mode on the degree of inhibition is calculated. The responses are enhanced if the flux of oxidant is diminished.
Characterization of major odor‐active compounds responsible for nutty flavor in Cheddar cheese according to Chinese taste
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhou Wenya , Yu Haiyan , Yuan Jiajie , Tian Huaixiang
Published: November 2020

A nutty flavor is desirable in Cheddar cheese and is easily accepted by most Chinese consumers. Although compounds responsible for nutty flavor in cheeses have been documented, no final conclusions have been reached. In this study, nine samples of top‐selling Cheddar cheeses in the Chinese market were selected, and the odor‐active compounds responsible for the nutty flavor in these samples were studied by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O), sensory evaluation, and aroma addition experiment. Forty‐nine volatile flavor compounds were identified by GC‐MS via headspace‐solid‐phase microextraction, and 14 odor‐active compounds were identified by GC‐O. It was determined that 2‐methylbutanal, 3‐methylbutanal, and benzaldehyde contributed to the nutty flavor of Cheddar cheese, according to Chinese tastes. The addition of suitable concentrations of these compounds to a model of Cheddar cheese without nutty flavor resulted in the perception of nutty aroma by sensory analysis. These results indicate that 2‐methylbutanal, 3‐methylbutanal, and benzaldehyde are the key aroma‐active compounds, which could make positive contributions to the nutty flavor of Cheddar cheese and favored by Chinese consumers within a certain concentration range.
Characterization of aroma‐active compounds in Jasminum sambac concrete by aroma extract dilution analysis and odour activity value
Authors: Zhang Jinglin , Li Juan , Wang Juan , Sun Baoguo , Liu Yuping , Huang Mingquan
Published: November 2020

Jasminum sambac is a flower and usually used in food, cosmetics or other chemical industries for its unique flavour characteristics in China. However, molecular sensory technologies have not applied to identify aroma‐active compounds in J sambac concrete. In this study, gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O), gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation were applied to isolate the odorants in three Chinese J sambac concrete (E1, E2 and E3) obtained from different companies. A total of forty‐nine, forty‐eight, thirty‐nine odorants were screened by GC‐O with aroma extract dilution analysis in E1, E2 and E3, respectively. The higher flavour dilution (FD) factors were linalool (19 683‐59 049, floral), methyl anthranilate (6561‐19 683, grape‐like) and benzyl acetate (2187‐19 683, floral). Twenty‐two aroma compounds were quantitated by gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection with internal standard, and then their odour activity values were obtained. Linalool, cis‐3‐hexenyl acetate, linalyl acetate, eugenol and methyl salicylate contributed greatly to the aroma of J sambac concretes. The aroma recombination model was established by mixing twenty‐two key odorants based on their measured concentrations, and the result revealed that the overall aroma profile was similar to that of the original sample. These results proved basic data for improvement of the national standard of jasmine concrete.
DICER1‐associated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and adenosarcoma of the gynecologic tract: Pathology, molecular genetics, and indications for molecular testing
Authors: Apellaniz‐Ruiz Maria , McCluggage W. Glenn , Foulkes William D.
Published: November 2020

Gynecologic sarcomas are uncommon neoplasms, the majority occurring in the uterus. Due to the diverse nature of these, the description of “new” morphological types and the rarity of some of them, pathological diagnosis and treatment is often challenging. Finding genetic alterations specific to, and frequently occurring, in a certain type can aid in the diagnosis. DICER1 is a highly conserved ribonuclease crucial in the biogenesis of microRNAs and mutations in DICER1 (either somatic or germline) have been detected in a wide range of sarcomas including genitourinary embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas (ERMS) and adenosarcomas. Importantly, DICER1‐associated sarcomas share morphological features irrespective of the site of origin such that the pathologist can strongly suspect a DICER1 association. A review of the literature shows that almost all gynecologic ERMS reported (outside of the vagina) harbor DICER1 alterations, while approximately 20% of adenosarcomas also do so. These two tumor types exhibit significant morphological overlap and DICER1 tumor testing may be helpful in distinguishing between them, because a negative result makes ERMS unlikely. Given that germline pathogenic DICER1 variants are frequent in uterine (corpus and cervix) ERMS and pathogenic germline variants in this gene cause a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome (DICER1 syndrome), patients diagnosed with these neoplasms should be referred to medical genetic services. Cooperation between pathologists and geneticists is crucial and will help in improving the diagnosis and management of these uncommon sarcomas.
Quantification of NG2‐positivity for the precise prediction of KMT2A gene rearrangements in childhood acute leukemia
Authors: Zerkalenkova Elena , Mikhaylova Ekaterina , Lebedeva Svetlana , Illarionova Olga , Baidun Liudmila , Kashpor Svetlana , Osipova Elena , Maschan Michael , Maschan Alexey , Novichkova Galina , Olshanskaya Yulia , Popov Alexander
Published: November 2020

It has long been known that there is a link between neuron glial antigen 2 (NG2) surface expression and KMT2A gene rearrangements in acute leukemia (AL). However, the exact levels of NG2 positivity that predict the presence of KMT2A rearrangement are not known. The current study focuses on a cohort of 505 pediatric AL patients who showed any level of positive NG2 expression (greater than 1% of cells) for whom comprehensive genetic data were available. NG2 expression was measured as either the percentage of positive cells or the number of molecules on the cell surface. KMT2A gene rearrangements were identified by FISH. The fusion partner was detected with RT‐PCR, LDI‐PCR or anchored multiplex PCR followed by high‐throughput sequencing. KMT2A‐positive samples comprised a substantial proportion of the NG2‐positive cohort (180 of 505, 36%), with a total of 19 different types of translocation. Despite its occurrence in other AL genetic subgroups, NG2 expression was significantly increased in AL patients with KMT2A rearrangements in terms of both the cell percentage and number of molecules per cell. The threshold levels (TL) for NG2‐positivity were established by ROC analysis of the whole cohort and separately for children less than 1 years old and older with lymphoblastic (ALL) and myeloid (AML) leukemia. The lowest TL was defined in infants with ALL (7%), while in older children, the threshold was higher (12%). In AML patients, the situation was reversed, with 28% NG2‐positivity in infants and 14% in patients >1 year old. The defined TLs resulted in improved diagnostic performance compared to the conventional thresholds of 10% and 20% for all patient groups.
Pulmonary lesion classification from endobronchial ultrasonography images using adaptive weighted‐sum of the upper and lower triangular gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix
Authors: Khomkham Banphatree , Lipikorn Rajalida
Published: November 2020

Visual classification of pulmonary lesions from endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) images is performed by radiologists; therefore, results can be subjective. Here, two robust features, called the adaptive weighted‐sum of the upper triangular gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) and the adaptive weighted‐sum of the lower triangular GLCM (AWSL), were combined with 22 other standard features and used as initial input data to assist radiologists. The proposed method integrated the kth percentile of the sum of intensities, a genetic algorithm (GA), and support vector machine (SVM) to classify a lesion, and then applied the kth percentile of the sum of intensities to select the optimal window of interest (WOI) where all the features are extracted. After feature extraction, a GA was used to select only relevant features that were then forwarded to SVM to classify the lesion. Efficiency of the proposed features and the proposed method was evaluated using a dataset of 89 EBUS images with 10‐fold cross‐validation. Optimal classification results were obtained using 16 selected features from the WOI at the fifth percentile with accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision at 86.52%, 87.27%, 85.29%, and 90.57%, respectively. Among the 16 selected features, six were from the proposed features. The proposed method was compared with other existing methods. Results revealed that the proposed features together with the proposed method significantly improved the classification performance of pulmonary lessons, especially for small datasets.
A long‐acting isomer of Ac‐SDKP attenuates pulmonary fibrosis through SRPK1‐mediated PI3K/AKT and Smad2 pathway inhibition
Authors: Qiu Yueyuan , Wang Zhaowei , Zhang Xutao , Huang Ping , Zhang Wangqian , Zhang Kuo , Wang Shuning , He Lei , Guo Yanhai , Xiang An , Zhang Cun , Hao Qiang , Li Meng , Li Weina , Zhang Yingqi
Published: November 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, life‐threatening lung disease with a poor prognosis. N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline (Ac‐SDKP) is a critical negative regulator of fibrosis development. However, it's extremely short half‐life greatly limits its applications. Previously, we reported an Ac‐SDKP analog peptide in which Asp and Lys residues were replaced with D‐amino acids (Ac‐SDDKDP). Ac‐SDDKDP exhibits better resistance to angiotensin‐1‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐mediated degradation and a longer half‐life than Ac‐SDKP in rat and human sera. The objective of this study was to explore the potential application of Ac‐SDDKDP for the treatment of IPF and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. We found that Ac‐SDDKDP exerted similar antifibrotic effects as Ac‐SDKP on human fetal lung fibroblast‐1 (HFL‐1) proliferation, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen I and collagen III expression, and Smad‐2 phosphorylation in vitro. In vivo, Ac‐SDDKDP exhibited significantly greater protective effects against bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis than Ac‐SDKP in mice. α‐SMA, CD45, collagen I and collagen III expression, and Smad‐2 phosphorylation were significantly decreased in the lungs of Ac‐SDDKDP‐treated but not Ac‐SDKP‐treated mice. Furthermore, a pull‐down experiment was used to screen for molecules that interact with Ac‐SDKP. Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) and computer‐based molecular docking experiments demonstrated an interaction between Ac‐SDKP or Ac‐SDDKDP (Ac‐SDKP/Ac‐SDDKDP) and serine/arginine‐rich protein‐specific kinase 1 (SRPK1) that caused inhibition SRPK1‐mediated phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase/ serine/threonine kinase (PIK3/AKT) signaling pathway activation and Smad2 phosphorylation and thereby attenuated lung fibrosis. Our data suggest that long‐acting Ac‐SDDKDP may potentially be an effective drug for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The interacting molecule and antifibrotic mechanism of Ac‐SDKP/Ac‐SDDKDP were also identified, providing an experimental and theoretical foundation for the clinical application of the drug.
Does work–family balance mediate the relationship between work–family conflicts and job satisfaction of academicians?
Authors: Rahman Md. M. , Ali Noor A.
Published: November 2020

Extreme workloads and strict work schedules make an individual cut their time and energy from their family domain, which may create a conflict, and this situation is called Work–Family Conflict (W‐FC). Besides this, Work Family Balance (WFB) and Job Satisfaction (JS) issues are significant for academics because they have to play two roles (Job and Family) at the same time. This paper's fundamental objective was to investigate the indirect effect (mediation) of WFB through both forms of W‐FC and JS. Following the convenience sampling technique, 250 married academicians from different private universities were considered for the sample size. Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to complete the data analyses. The outcomes of this study showed that out of the two forms, only W to F has significant adverse effects on JS. Also, it was found that to some extent, WFB showed a partial mediating effect only between W to FC and JS, whereas there was no mediating effect through F to WC and JS. These findings will help both academicians and higher authorities of private universities in Bangladesh. The higher authorities and decision‐makers of the private universities in Bangladesh can identify the sources of W‐FCs and take the necessary steps to mitigate the level of W‐FCs.
Acrobatic exercise recovers object recognition memory impairment in hypoxic‐ischemic rats
Authors: de Almeida Wellington , Confortim Heloísa Deola , Deniz Bruna Ferrary , Miguel Patrícia Maidana , Vieira Milene Cardoso , Bronauth Loise , dos Santos Adriana Souza , Bertoldi Karine , Siqueira Ionara Rodrigues , Pereira Lenir Orlandi
Published: November 2020

Neonatal hypoxia‐ischemia (HI) can lead to cognitive impairments and motor dysfunction. Acrobatic exercises (AE) were proposing as therapeutic option to manage HI motor deficits, however, the cognitive effects after this treatment are still poorly understood. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of AE protocol on memory impairments and brain plasticity markers after Rice–Vannucci HI rodent model. Wistar rats on the 7th postnatal day (PND) were submitted to HI model and after weaning (PND22) were trained for 5 weeks with AE protocol, then subsequently submitted to cognitive tests. Our results showed recovery in novel object recognition (NOR) memory, but not, spatial Morris Water Maze (WM) memory after AE treatment in HI rats. BDNF and synaptophysin neuroplasticity markers indicate plastic alterations in the hippocampus and striatum, with maintenance of synaptophysin despite the reduction of total volume tissue, besides, hippocampal HI‐induced ipsilateral BDNF increased, and striatum contralateral BDNF decreased were noted. Nevertheless, the exercise promoted functional recovery and seems to be a promising strategy for HI treatment, however, future studies identifying neuroplastic pathway for this improvement are needed.
Ameliorative effects of jamun seed and orange peel extracts on microcystin LR induced alterations in calcitonin cells and parathyroid gland of rats
Authors: Srivastava Babita Deep , Srivastava Manish , Srivastav Sunil Kumar , Urata Makoto , Suzuki Nobuo , Srivastav Ajai Kumar
Published: November 2020

This study investigated changes in calcitonin cells (C‐cells) and parathyroid glands (PTG) induced by microcystin LR (MCLR) exposure to rats and evaluated ameliorative effects of jamun (Syzygium cumini) seed (JSE) and orange (Citrus sinensis) peel (OPE) extracts. Wistar rats were treated as—Group A (control), Group B (MCLR), Group C (MCLR + JSE), Group D (MCLT + OPE), Group E (OPE) and Group F (JSE). Microcystin dose was (10 μg/kg body wt/day whereas OPE and JSE dose was 200 mg/kg body wt/day. Thyroid and PTG were fixed on 15 and 30 days following the treatment. C‐cells of treated rats for 15 days with MCLR; MCLR + JSE and MCLR + OPE exhibit degranulation, mitochondrial swelling and prominent RER. In MCLR treated rats few cells completely lack secretory granules. After 30 days MCLR treatment accumulation of secretory granules and degeneration were noticed in C‐cells. C‐cell nuclear volume (NV) of MCLR, MCLR + JSE and MCLT + OPE treated rats show an increase. In MCLR, MCLR + JSE and MCLR + OPE treated rats PTG exhibit hyperchromatic nuclei, nuclear elongation and increased NV after 15 days. After 30 days MCLR treatment nuclei of PTG become more hyperchromatic, more elongated, show degeneration of nuclei and increase in NV. NV is increased in Group C and Group D. PTG remain unaltered 30 days following treatment with OPE and JSE. Microcystin LR provoke physiological effects on the blood calcium and alterations in C cells and PTG, which cause serious threat to organism. These changes can be protected by JSE and OPE.
Quantifying neurovascular canal branching patterns reveals a shared crocodylian arrangement
Authors: Lessner Emily J.
Published: November 2020

Highly branched dendritic structures are common in nature and often difficult to quantify and therefore compare. Cranial neurovascular canals, examples of such structures, are osteological correlates for somatosensory systems and have been explored only qualitatively. Adaptations of traditional stream‐ordering methods are applied to representative structures derived from computed tomography‐scan data. Applying these methods to crocodylian taxa, this clade demonstrates a shared branching pattern and exemplifies the comparative utility of these methods. Additionally, this pattern corresponds with current understanding of crocodylian sensory abilities and behaviors. The method is applicable to many taxa and anatomical structures and provides evidence for morphology‐based hypotheses of sensory and physiological evolution.
Understanding Early Hemophilic Arthropathy in Children and Adolescents Through MRI T2 Mapping
Authors: Majeed Haris , Ahmed Humayun , Sussman Marshall S. , Macgowan Christopher , Rayner Tammy , Weiss Ruth , Feldman Brian M. , Doria Andrea S.
Published: November 2020

Background

Persons with hemophilia experience hemarthrosis, which can lead to cartilage degeneration, causing physical impairment. MRI T2 mapping has the potential to be used as a tool to evaluate early arthropathic changes and cartilage degeneration in patients with hemophilia.

Purpose

To assess the value of MRI‐T2 mapping as a tool for investigating the cartilage status of children and adolescents with hemophilic arthropathy.

Study Type

Prospective, cross‐sectional.

Subjects

Twenty‐eight boys with hemophilia (aged 5–17 years) and 23 healthy boys (aged 7–17 years).

Field Strength/Sequences

A multiecho spin‐echo T2‐weighted gradient echo sequence was used on a 3.0T magnet.

Assessment

MRI‐T2 maps of ankle (tibia‐talus) (n = 19) or knee (femur‐tibia) (n = 9) cartilage were assessed in hemophilia and healthy groups. An anatomically‐based MRI score was also assigned to each ankle/knee.

Statistical Tests

Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), linear regression, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

Results

Negative associations between age and ankle/knee cartilage T2 relaxation times were found in hemophilia (r = –0.72 [P = 0.03] to –0.55 [P = 0.01]) and healthy (r = –0.84 [P < 0.001] to –0.55 [P = 0.20]) groups. There were nonsignificant associations between ankle cartilage T2 relaxation times and MRI scores (r = –0.15 [P = 0.54] to 0.31 [P = 0.19]).

Data Conclusion

Results of this clinical investigation emphasize the potential importance of MRI‐T2 maps as a tool to understand the functional status of cartilage in children and adolescents with hemophilic arthropathy, while holding promise for the detection of early cartilage degeneration prior to macroscopic characterization by conventional MRI. MRI‐T2 mapping may provide novel information that is not reflected in the anatomically‐based MRI scoring system.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Correlation between water stress and phenolic compounds of hydroSOStainable almonds
Authors: Lipan Leontina , Cano‐Lamadrid Marina , Collado‐González Jacinta , Wojdyło Aneta , López‐Lluch David , Moriana Alfonso , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Water scarcity is currently affecting many areas of the world, reaching worrying levels in drought areas such as southern Spain. To cope with this issue, researchers in the agricultural sector have implemented deficit irrigation strategies intended to reduce water consumption by increasing fruit quality. Almond is among the most popular tree nuts worldwide and also the most nut cultivated in Spain. Almond consumption, together with other nuts, has been widely associated with improvements in cardiovascular health, metabolic syndrome and diabetes owing to their bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. Water deficit strategies generate hydroSOStainable almonds, raised under water stress conditions, with high content of bioactive compounds. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between water stress, color and polyphenols in hydroSOStainable almonds. For this, instrumental color, total phenolic content and phenolic compounds were measured and correlated using Pearson's correlation.

RESULTS

The results showed a strong relationship between water stress, color and polyphenols of almonds, showing that increasing water stress in plants up to ~100 MPa × day values of stress integral increase the polyphenols in almonds, leading to a reddish color.

CONCLUSION

Finally, this research demonstrated that implementing water‐saving strategies help to improve the phenolic content and color of hydroSOStainable almonds and also that isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐glucoside and kaempferol‐3‐O‐glucoside could be important markers of hydroSOStainable almonds (cv. Vairo). Besides, hydroSOStainable almonds could be an important source of phenols, providing 25% of the estimated total polyphenolic daily intake. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Formal robotic training diminishes the learning curve for robotic pancreatoduodenectomy: Implications for new programs in complex robotic surgery
Authors: Schmidt Carl R. , Harris Britney R. , Musgrove Kelsey A. , Rao Pavan , Marsh J. Wallis , Thomay Alan A. , Hogg Melissa E. , Zeh Herbert J. , Zureikat Amer H. , Boone Brian A.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The learning curve associated with robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) is a hurdle for new programs to achieve optimal results. Since early analysis, robotic training has recently expanded, and the RPD approach has been refined. The purpose of this study is to examine RPD outcomes for surgeons who implemented a new program after receiving formal RPD training to determine if such training reduces the learning curve.

Methods

Outcomes for consecutive patients undergoing RPD at a single tertiary institution were compared to optimal RPD benchmarks from a previously reported learning curve analysis. Two surgical oncologists with formal RPD training performed all operations with one surgeon as bedside assistant and the other at the console.

Results

Forty consecutive RPD operations were evaluated. Mean operative time was 354 ± 54 min, and blood loss was 300 ml. Length of stay was 7 days. Three patients (7.5%) underwent conversion to open. Pancreatic fistula affected five patients (12.5%). Operative time was stable over the study and lower than the reported benchmark. These RPD operative outcomes were similar to reported surgeon outcomes after the learning curve.

Conclusion

This study suggests formal robotic training facilitates safe and efficient adoption of RPD for new programs, reducing or eliminating the learning curve.
Sample preparation and fractionation techniques for intact proteins for mass spectrometric analysis
Authors: Thomas Shannon L. , Thacker Jonathan B. , Schug Kevin A. , Maráková Katarína
Published: November 2020

The analysis of proteins in biological samples is highly desirable, given their connection to myriad biological functions and disease states, as well as the growing interest in the development of protein‐based pharmaceuticals. The introduction and maturation of “soft” ionization methods, such as electrospray ionization and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization, have made mass spectrometry an indispensable tool for the analysis of proteins. Despite the availability of powerful instrumentation, sample preparation and fractionation remain among the most challenging aspects of protein analysis. This review summarizes these challenges and provides an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art in sample preparation and fractionation of proteins for mass spectrometric analysis, with an emphasis on those used for top‐down proteomic approaches. Biological fluids, particularly important for clinical and pharmaceutical applications and their characteristics are also discussed. While immunoaffinity‐based methods are addressed, more attention is given to non‐immunoaffinity‐based methods, such as precipitation, coacervation, size exclusion, dialysis, solid‐phase extraction, and electrophoresis. These techniques are presented in the context of a significant number of studies where they have been developed and utilized.