bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality in hospitalized patients with cancer and coronavirus disease 2019: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Desai Aakash , Gupta Rohit , Advani Shailesh , Ouellette Lara , Kuderer Nicole M. , Lyman Gary H. , Li Ang
Published: December 2020

Background

Heterogeneous evidence exists on the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on the clinical outcomes of patients with cancer.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using the Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL databases and the World Health Organization Novel Coronavirus website to identify studies that reported mortality and characteristics of patients with cancer who were diagnosed with COVID‐19. The primary study outcome was mortality, defined as all‐cause mortality or in‐hospital mortality within 30 days of initial COVID‐19 diagnosis. The pooled proportion of mortality was estimated using a random‐effects model, and study‐level moderators of heterogeneity were assessed through subgroup analysis and metaregression.

Results

Among 2922 patients from 13 primarily inpatient studies of individuals with COVID‐19 and cancer, the pooled 30‐day mortality rate was 30% (95% CI, 25%‐35%). The overall pooled 30‐day mortality rate among 624 patients from 5 studies that included a mixture of inpatient and outpatient populations was 15% (95% CI, 9%‐22%). Among the hospitalized studies, the heterogeneity (I2 statistic) of the meta‐analysis remained high (I2, 82%). Cancer subtype (hematologic vs solid), older age, male sex, and recent active cancer therapy each partially explained the heterogeneity of mortality reporting. In multivariable metaregression, male sex, along with an interaction between the median patient age and recent active cancer therapy, explained most of the between‐study heterogeneity (R2, 96%).

Conclusions

Pooled mortality estimates for hospitalized patients with cancer and COVID‐19 remain high at 30%, with significant heterogeneity across studies. Dedicated community‐based studies are needed in the future to help assess overall COVID‐19 mortality among the broader population of patients with cancer.
Linear time algorithm for computing min‐max movement of sink‐based mobile sensors for line barrier coverage
Authors: Zou Wenjie , Guo Longkun , Huang Peihuang , Lin Geng , Mei Hengquan
Published: December 2020

Witnessing broad energy‐critical applications of barrier coverage in mobile and wireless sensor networks, emerging practical applications have recently brought a new barrier coverage model which uses sink‐based mobile sensors for covering a given barrier with the aim of prolonging the lifespan of the coverage. In the model, a set of sink stations were distributed on the plane in which each sink can emit mobile sensors with an identical radius. The task is to cover a given line barrier with the emitted mobile sensors, aiming to minimize the maximum movement of the sensors so as to prolong the shortest lifespan among the sensors in coverage. In this paper, we first devise an algorithm for optimally solving the problem based on the properties of the structures called movement parity and tangent equilibrium points between the sinks. Then based on a more sophisticated geometric property of optimum solutions, we improve the runtime to a linear runtime O(k) which attains the possibly optimum runtime of the problem for k being the number of sinks. At last, numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the practical performance gain of our algorithms against baselines in literature.
On the Effect of the Various Assumptions and Approximations used in Molecular Simulations on the Properties of Bio‐Molecular Systems: Overview and Perspective on Issues
Authors: van Gunsteren Wilfred F. , Daura Xavier , Fuchs Patrick F. J. , Hansen Niels , Horta Bruno A. C. , Hünenberger Philippe H. , Mark Alan E. , Pechlaner Maria , Riniker Sereina , Oostenbrink Chris
Published: December 2020

Computer simulations of molecular systems enable structure‐energy‐function relationships of molecular processes to be described at the sub‐atomic, atomic, supra‐atomic or supra‐molecular level and plays an increasingly important role in chemistry, biology and physics. To interpret the results of such simulations appropriately, the degree of uncertainty and potential errors affecting the calculated properties must be considered. Uncertainty and errors arise from (1) assumptions underlying the molecular model, force field and simulation algorithms, (2) approximations implicit in the interatomic interaction function (force field), or when integrating the equations of motion, (3) the chosen values of the parameters that determine the accuracy of the approximations used, and (4) the nature of the system and the property of interest. In this overview, advantages and shortcomings of assumptions and approximations commonly used when simulating bio‐molecular systems are considered. What the developers of bio‐molecular force fields and simulation software can do to facilitate and broaden research involving bio‐molecular simulations is also discussed.
Immunological response of human leucocytes after exposure to lipopolysaccharides from Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Alizadehgharib Sara , Östberg Anna‐Karin , Dahlstrand Rudin Agnes , Dahlgren Ulf , Christenson Karin
Published: December 2020

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a gram‐negative bacterium and an important etiologic agent of periodontitis. P. gingivalis releases outer membrane vesicles containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which can penetrate periodontal tissues. Once in the periodontal tissues and in contact with immune cells, it may participate in the destructive innate host response associated with the disease. The exact mechanism of P. gingivalis LPS in the disease process is not clear, but it is known to affect a variety of immune responses.

Objectives

To investigate how LPS from P. gingivalis affect neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, cell death and production of cytokines from human neutrophils and peripheral mononuclear blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Materials and methods

Isolated neutrophils and PBMCs were cultured with LPS from P. gingivalis or Escherichia coli (E. coli) (control). The NET formation was measured using Sytox green stain. Cell death of neutrophils and PBMCs was analyzed using flow cytometry or Sytox green stain. Cytokine production was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit or Bio‐Plex assay.

Results

Exposure to LPS from P. gingivalis and E. coli caused significantly lower cell death in neutrophils. NETs were formed after exposure to the two different LPS. In PBMCs, exposure to P. gingivalis and E. coli LPS caused increased levels of IL‐1β and IL‐6 compared to unstimulated controls. Increased cell death in PBMCs after exposure to LPS from E. coli in comparison to LPS from P. gingivalis and unstimulated controls was also observed.

Conclusions

LPS from P. gingivalis has the ability to affect both human neutrophils and PBMCs with regard to cytokine production, cell death and production of NETs. LPS from P. gingivalis could be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, and our results may contribute information regarding possible markers for diagnosis and targets for treatment of periodontal disease.
Being sustainable: The three‐way interactive effects of CSR, green human resource management, and responsible leadership on employee green behavior and task performance
Authors: He Jie , Morrison Alastair M. , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2020

The main goal of this research was to analyze the three‐way interactive effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR), green human resource management (GHRM), and responsible leadership on employee green behavior and task performance. Social cognition theory was adopted to explore the context‐behavior‐performance framework. The research hypotheses were tested using data from a survey of 261 Millennial employees in five‐star hotels in China. The results indicated that the three‐way interactive effect of CSR, GHRM, and responsible leadership on employee green behavior and performance was significant and positive. In addition, green behavior played a mediation role in this relationship after controlling the effect of organizational identity. This suggests that behavioral improvements are a better predictor of performance than perceptions of organizational identity. The analysis enriches the context‐behavior‐performance framework literature and highlights that organizations can enhance sustainability by implementing CSR, GHRM, and responsible leadership.
Electrifying Sustainability on Transition Metal‐Free Modes: An Eco‐Friendly Approach for the Formation of C−N Bonds
Authors: Dagar Neha , Sen Partha Pratim , Roy Sudipta Raha
Published: December 2020

Embracing sustainable green methodologies and techniques in chemical transformations has always been in the limelight to the synthetic community. Electrosynthesis has emerged as a powerful, sustainable synthetic tool for molecular synthesis exploiting inexpensive electricity in place of sacrificial chemical oxidizing/reducing reagents. Herein, recent advances in the incorporation of transition metal‐free redox mediators in electrosynthesis for the construction of C−N bonds are outlined. Furthermore, conjugation of this strategy with flow catalysis allows easy scale up of the synthesis of molecular assembly. This comprehensive Review provides an overview of metal‐free mediated electro‐construction of C−N bonds, focusing on the reaction mechanisms involved and its synthetic applications.
OMIP 072: A 15‐color panel for immunophenotypic identification, quantification, and characterization of leukemic stem cells in children with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Petersen Marianne A. , Bill Marie , Rosenberg Carina A.
Published: December 2020

This panel was designed to identify, quantify and phenotypically characterize putative leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in bone marrow (BM) samples from individual pediatric patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Based on an aberrant expression on immunophenotypically defined hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), several antigens have been proposed as LSC markers in AML research, using healthy adult BM samples as reference material. Generally, these antigens have been evaluated individually in smaller panels (e.g. 8‐color panels). This necessitates several tubes to characterize the LSC phenotype and compromises the ability to evaluate LSC heterogeneity. The present 15‐color OMIP incorporates nine suggested LSC markers to comprehensively capture LSC immunophenotypes and to explore heterogenic marker‐patterns within LSC populations in a single tube. Importantly, this single tube approach requires less input material, which is essential when sampling BM aspirates from pediatric patients where sample volumes often are sparse. As knowledge on normal expression levels of the included LSC markers in HSCs from hematologically healthy children are a prerequisite for labelling a phenotype as abnormal, we have evaluated the applicability of the panel on cryopreserved mononuclear cells (MNCs) isolated from BM samples from pediatric patients without hematological disorders as well as pediatric AML patients. The panel is optimized for cryopreserved BM MNCs, but could in principle, be utilized for LSC detection in any biological material containing human hematopoietic cells.
Sensory processing and cortisol at age 4 years: Procedural pain‐related stress in children born very preterm
Authors: McLean Mia A. , Niknafs Nikoo , Scoten Olivia C. , Chau Cecil M. Y. , MacKay Margot , Weinberg Joanne , Synnes Anne , Miller Steven P. , Grunau Ruth E.
Published: December 2020

Children born preterm display altered sensory processing, which may manifest as hyper‐ and/or hypo‐sensitivity to sensory information. In this vulnerable population, exposure to neonatal pain‐related stress is associated with altered stress regulation, as indexed by alterations in cortisol levels. It is unknown whether sensory processing behaviors are also affected by early life adversity, and whether dysregulated cortisol is related to sensory processing problems in preterm children. We examined relationships between neonatal pain‐related stress, sensory processing profiles and cortisol levels at age 4 years, and whether pathways were sex‐specific. In a longitudinal prospective cohort study, N = 146 infants born 24–32 weeks gestational age were recruited from BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; neonatal factors were collected from daily chart review. At age 4 years, saliva to assay cortisol was collected three times across cognitive assessment (pre‐test, during, end) and parents completed the Short Sensory Profile questionnaire. Using generalized linear modeling, independent of other neonatal factors, higher number of invasive procedures (pain/stress) was associated with more sensory processing problems (total, hypo‐ and hyper‐sensitivity) for girls only. After accounting for neonatal factors, greater cortisol output across the assessment was associated with more total sensory processing problems in girls only, and hypersensitivity to sensory input in both boys and girls. Findings suggest that in children born very preterm, how a child responds to sensory input and cortisol reactivity to stress are related but may have different precursors. Girls may be somewhat more susceptible to neonatal pain‐related stress exposure in relation to sensory processing at preschool age.
Kinetic and structural changes during gasification of cashew nut shell char particles
Authors: Nguyen Hong Nam , Khuong Duy Anh , Vu Thi Thu Ha , Mai Thi Nga , Tsubota Toshiki , Tran Van Bay , Blin Joel , Van De Steene Laurent
Published: December 2020

Cashew Nut Shell (CNS), an abundant waste from the cashew nut production, could become a promising material for gasification. Nevertheless, engineering data regarding this technology is still small and fragmented. In this study, the evolution of the char textural properties during gasification, as well as the effect of operating conditions on char gasification kinetics were extensively investigated and quantified. The textural properties of cashew nut shell char changed significantly following different pathways between CO2 and H2O gasification. Micropores and mesopores were well developed along with the conversion in the case of H2O gasification instead of only micropores in the case of CO2 gasification. Regarding char gasification kinetics, an increase of the temperature from 800 to 1000°C enhanced five times the conversion rate under an H2O atmosphere and 15 times under a CO2 atmosphere. The conversion rate increased two times when the concentration of reacting gases changed from 20 to 60 vol % for both atmospheres. Similarities in terms of gasification kinetics between CNS chars and wood chip chars were found in this range of operating conditions.
Phosphate bed as energy storage materials for augmentation of conventional solar still productivity
Authors: Attia Mohammed El Hadi , Driss Zied , Kabeel Abd Elnaby , Afzal Asif , Manokar A. Muthu , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar
Published: December 2020

In this experimental work, the phosphate bed was used to augment a Conventional Solar Still (CSS) yield. The CSS was manufactured and operated under the climatic condition of El Oued, Algeria. To evaluate the phosphate as energy storage materials in the CSS, a 10 mm thick phosphate bed was made at the distiller's bottom. The phosphate bed is considered energy storage materials with good thermal conductivity. This material acts as an energy source in the basin after sunset and at times when the intensity of solar radiation decreases. The investigational outcome confirmed that the CSS's daily output contains a phosphate bed is higher than CSS production. Daily production with phosphate bed is equal to 3.55 kg/m2, while its value is recorded at 3.04 kg/m2 for the CSS. The use of phosphate bed increases daily production by 16.8% compared to the CSS. Besides, the daily energy efficiency is 31% for the CSS with phosphate bed as storage materials and 24.6% for the CSS.
Acrylamide alters the miRNA profiles and miR‐27a‐5p plays the key role in multiple tissues of rats
Authors: Li Dong , Lujia Zhang , Liuqing Yang , Yinghua Luo , Xiaosong Hu , Fang Chen
Published: December 2020

Acrylamide (AA) is the potential carcinogen, which can induce multiple toxic effects in laboratory animals and humans. So far, increasing attention have been paid to toxical mechanism and intervention measures of AA, however, these details and methods are still obscure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in toxical functional mechanisms induced by chemicals in vivo or vitro. To explore novel target and mechanism of AA toxicity, a more detailed miRNA expression profiling study is needed. In this study, we established the short‐term high‐dose model of rats with the treatment of 35 mg/kg·b.w./day AA for 17 days, analyzed the miRNAs expression profiling in AA and control groups, and discovered the altered miRNA profiles in 11 tissues with AA treatment. Interestingly enough, the expression of miR‐27a‐5p were significantly up‐regulated in AA group, especially in bladder and hepar. Furthermore, we found miR‐27a‐5p increased in 11 tissues of long‐term low‐dose AA‐treated rats (3.5 mg/kg·b.w./day for 68 days). Therefore, these results revealed that AA changed miRNAs profiles in multiple tissues of SD rats for the first time and suggested that miR‐27a‐5p could be used as the target biomarker for the detection and interference of AA toxicity.
Fish sauce fermentation using Marinococcus halotolerans SPQ isolate as a starter culture
Authors: Do Quynh Nguyen Anh , Sekar Ashokkumar , Kim Myoungjin , Phat Nguyen Loc , Thi Le Nga , Uh Sangjun , Hong Sukil , Kim Keun
Published: December 2020

A total of 344 halophilic bacteria were isolated from fish fermentation broths, solar salt crystals, seawater, and muds from ponds of salt pans in Vietnam and subjected to aroma evaluation using fish broth containing 29 ~ 30% (w/v) NaCl. One isolate from a salt crystal with the highest aroma score was selected, identified by using 16S rDNA sequence, and named Marinococcus halotolerans SPQ. The GC‐MS results of the fish broth fermented by M. halotolerans SPQ revealed elevated concentrations of several aroma compounds such as ethyl alcohol, 1‐propanol, 1‐butyl alcohol, 1‐amyl alcohol, and methionol. During the validation tests for M. halotolerans SPQ, using 2 kg of anchovy fish in 30% (w/v) NaCl at pH 5.78, the total and amino nitrogen values in the broth increased over time from 15.2 g/L at the beginning to 26.3 g/L at 6th month, with these values being comparable to those of the control. The ammoniacal nitrogen value (2.52 g/L) in the inoculated broth at 6th month was slightly higher than that (2.21 g/L) of control. The histamine content of the fish broth inoculated with M. halotolerans SPQ after 6 months was 110.12 mg/L, less than the maximum permitted safety limit of 200 mg/L, indicating it to be safe. Physical parameters, such as the total, amino, ammoniacal nitrogens, and histamine content of fish broth fermented by M. halotolerans MPQ met the standards for Vietnamese fish sauces. Two important umami amino acids, aspartic and glutamic acid, were seen to significantly increase, by 23.5% and 35.1%, respectively, even in the extremely harsh fermentation conditions posed by 30% (w/v) NaCl. The color, odor, and taste of the fish sauce fermented by M. halotolerans SPQ elicited the highest preference score accorded by the panelists. Taken together, M. halotolerans SPQ is a promising starter culture strain for fish sauce fermentation.
Alternative antibiotic feed additives alleviate pneumonia with inhibiting ACE‐2 expression in the respiratory system of piglets
Authors: Lu Chen‐Wen , Wang Sheue‐Er , Wu Wan‐Jhen , Su Li‐Yu , Wang Che‐Hsuan , Wang Pei‐Hwa , Wu Chung‐Hsin
Published: December 2020

Weaning piglets often suffer from pneumonia during growth, so in general, antibiotics are used by owners to make piglets grow smoothly. However, antibiotics may be accompanied by many side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and allergies. The aim of this study was to develop an alternative antibiotic herbal veterinary medicine for alleviating pneumonia in weanling piglets. As observed in the pig ranches, many weanling piglets suffer from the pneumonia and also show high expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE‐2) in their respiratory and intestinal tracts. ACE inhibitors have been reported that can decrease pneumonia risk through their main mechanism of action. Thus, we also try to find alternative antibiotic feed additives that can reduce expression of ACE‐2 in piglets. We selected the Guizhi Li‐Zhong Tang Extract Granules (GLZ) as a natural product for piglets. Then, we compared the serum immunoglobulin levels of piglets with sham, tilmicosin antibiotic (TAB), and GLZ treatments. Our results showed that piglets with GLZ treatment had significantly a higher expression of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G but a lower expression of immunoglobulin E than those with sham and TAB treatments. In addition, piglets with GLZ treatment showed obviously low pneumonia incidence than those with sham and TAB treatments. Similarly, piglets with GLZ treatment showed significantly lower expressions of ACE‐2 in their tracheal, bronchial, and lung tissues than those with sham and TAB treatments. GLZ seems to be an alternative ACE inhibitor that can decrease pneumonia risk through inhibiting ACE‐2 expression and alleviating allergies in their respiratory systems. Thus, we suggest that GLZ can be an alternative antibiotic feed additive for weaning piglets.
Implications of limited exolaryngeal disease and cricoarytenoid joint involvement in organ conservation protocols for laryngopharyngeal cancers: Results from a prospective study
Authors: Sinha Shwetabh , Agarwal Jai Prakash , Mahajan Abhishek , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Balaji Arun , Juvekar Shashikant , Gupta Tejpal , Budrukkar Ashwini , Murthy Vedang , Mummudi Naveen , Swain Monali , Jadhav Rakesh , Laskar Sarbani Ghosh
Published: December 2020

Background

To identify clinicoradiological factors that determine functional outcomes in laryngopharyngeal cancers treated with chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

One hundred patients of locally advanced laryngopharyngeal cancers who were treated with chemoradiotherapy were accrued in this prospective study. The coprimary endpoint of the study was local control (LC) and functional larynx preservation survival (FLPS).

Results

The median follow‐up was 39 months. Thirty‐nine patients had a local failure of which 17 underwent a salvage laryngectomy. A dysfunctional larynx with clinic‐radiologically disease was seen in only 1 patient. Factors significant for LC were thyroid cartilage erosion/lysis and cricoarytenoid joint involvement. Within the T4a subset, patients with exolaryngeal disease through the soft tissue framework had significantly better LC and FLPS than those with cartilage erosion/lysis.

Conclusions

Patients with limited exolaryngeal disease through the soft‐tissue framework can be considered for functional organ preservation, while those with thyroid cartilage involvement and cricoarytenoid joint involvement are not suitable.
Comment on “Exploring nature and predicting strength of hydrogen bonds: A correlation analysis between atoms‐in‐molecules descriptors, binding energies, and energy components of symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory”
Authors: Nanayakkara Sadisha , Tao Yunwen , Kraka Elfi
Published: December 2020

We evaluate the correlation between binding energy (BE) and electron density ρ(r) at the bond critical point for 28 neutral hydrogen bonds, recently reported by Emamian and co‐workers (J. Comput. Chem., 2019, 40, 2868). As an efficient tool, we use local stretching force constant derived from the local vibrational mode theory of Konkoli and Cremer. We compare the physical nature of BE versus , and provide an important explanation for cases with significant deviation in the BE– relation as well as in the BE–ρ(r) correlation. We also show that care has to be taken when different hydrogen bond strength measures are compared. The BE is a cumulative hydrogen bond strength measure while is a local measure of hydrogen bond strength covering different aspects of bonding. A simplified and unified description of hydrogen bonding is not always possible and needs an in‐depth understanding of the systems involved.
Novel phenolic compounds by DFT: Electronic effects on antioxidant activity of 4‐vinylphenol derivatives
Authors: Mohebi Nazanin , Kassaee Mohamad Z.
Published: December 2020

Considering the biological importance of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activities, we have reached for 10 novel 2,6‐diX‐4‐vinylphenol derivatives (X = NMe2, NH2, OMe, Me, H, Br, Cl, F, CN, and CF3, 1NMe2‐10CF3), at the B3LYP/6‐311++G** level of theory. To evaluate their antioxidant efficiency, the OH bond dissociation energy (BDE) and vertical ionization potential (IPV) are investigated for all structures in gas, water, and benzene phases, using conductor‐like polarized continuum model (CPCM) via B3LYP, LC‐ωPBE, M05‐2X, and M06‐2X functionals. The results indicate that in going from electron‐withdrawing groups (EWGs) to electron‐donating groups (EDGs), the BDE and IPV values decrease which may suggest the increasing efficiency of antioxidants via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and single electron transfer (SET) mechanisms, respectively. The calculated rate constants (krxn) for reactions between 1NMe2‐10CF3 with ·OOH and·OH radicals indicate that 1NMe2 shows the highest one. The nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) index, energies of highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (EHOMO and ELUMO, respectively), and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis provide relevant results to understand the nature of antioxidant activity and stability of their corresponding radicals. The lowest BDE and IPV values are observed in gas and water phases, respectively. Structure 1NMe2 turns out as the most efficient antioxidant for showing the lowest values of BDE and IPV and highest values of NICS, EHOMO, second‐order perturbation energy (E2) and natural charge. Spin densities and electrostatic potential (ESP) maps appear consistent with the obtained results. The overall order of antioxidant efficiency in gas, water, and benzene phases is 1NMe2 > 2NH2 >3OMe > 4Me > 5H > 6Br > 7Cl > 8F > 9CN > 10CF3.
Dynamic Contrast‐EnhancedMRICan Quantitatively Discriminate the Original Site From Peripheral Portion of Sinonasal Inverted Papillomas
Authors: Li Zheng , Xian Mu , Guo Jian , Qu Xiaoxia , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo , Xian Junfang
Published: December 2020

Background

Identification of the original site of sinonasal inverted papillomas (SIPs) is difficult but essential for reducing the recurrence rate. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) may provide information about tissue perfusion and permeability to solve this problem.

Purpose

To investigate the accuracy of DCE‐MRI parameters in discriminating between regions of interest (ROIs) in the original site and peripheral portion.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Ninety consecutive patients with pathologically proven SIP.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T/DCE‐MRIusing fast‐spoiled gradient recalled (FSPGR)T1‐weighted images with fat saturation.

Assessment

ROIs were placed in the original site and the peripheral portion of SIP by two radiologists according to surgical records. Maximum slope of increase (MaxSlope), contrast‐enhancement ratio (CER), bolus arrival time (BAT), initial area under the signal intensity–time curve (IAUGC), volume transfer constant (Ktrans), volume of the extravascular extracellular space (ve), and rate constant (Kep) were calculated and repeated again with a month interval by a radiologist.

Statistical Tests

Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to determine the best diagnostic parameters, and their performances in discrimination were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Reproducibility was estimated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

MaxSlope, CER, IAUGC, Ktrans, and vewere significantly lower (P <0.05) in the original site than the peripheral portion of SIPs. CER (odds ratio [OR] = 0.227, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.073–0.704) and ve(OR = 0.048, 95% CI = 0.004–0.527) were the best indicators for identifying the original ROIs. The combination of CER and vehad the best diagnostic performance in the discrimination between the ROIs (the area under the curve [AUC]: 0.937; 95% CI: 0.896–0.974).

Data Conclusion

DCE‐MRI derived parameter values differed between the original site and the peripheral portion of SIPs. The model combining CER and veappears to be able to accurately distinguish the original from peripheral ROIs.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Comparison of MR Ultrashort Echo Time and Optimized 3D‐Multiecho In‐Phase Sequence to Computed Tomography for Assessment of the Osseous Craniocervical Junction
Authors: Deininger‐Czermak Eva , Villefort Christina , von Knebel Doeberitz Nikolaus , Franckenberg Sabine , Kälin Pascal , Kenkel David , Gascho Dominic , Piccirelli Marco , Finkenstaedt Tim , Thali Michael J. , Guggenberger Roman
Published: December 2020

Background

To assess changes of the craniocervical junction (CCJ), computed tomography (CT) is considered the reference standard. Recent advances in bone depiction on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enable high‐quality visualization of osseous structures. Consequently, MRI may serve as an alternative to CT, without the use of ionizing radiation.

Purpose

To compare two MRI sequences optimized for bone visualization to the CT reference standard in the assessment of the osseous CCJ.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population/Subjects

Twenty‐seven decedents and five healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/ultrashort‐echo time gradient echo (UTE) and optimized 3D‐multiecho in‐phase gradient echo sequences (FRACTURE).

Assessment

All decedents were scanned with both MRI sequences and CT. Three observers rated degeneration to obtain a score for the upper (atlanto‐dental and left/right atlanto‐occipital joint) and for the lower part of the CCJ (left and right atlanto‐axial joint). Two reader rated the following quantitative parameters: basion‐axial‐interval, atlanto‐dental‐interval, atlanto‐occipital‐interval, Powers‐ratio, and signal/contrast‐to‐noise‐ratio. As a proof of concept, five healthy volunteers were scanned with both MRI sequences.

Statistical Tests

Degeneration was assessed on a Likert scale by three independent observers. Interrater and intermodality reliability were calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient. To compare distance measurements between examination methods, a Friedman test, between‐degenerative ratings, and a Kruskal–Wallis test were performed.

Results

Degenerative ratings of the CCJ between MRI sequences and CT showed a good interrater and intermodality agreement. MRI sequences tended to underestimate the degree of degeneration compared to CT, and this became more marked with increasing degeneration severity. There were no significant relationships between distance measurements and the degree of degeneration (PCT = 0.62, PUTE = 0.64, PFRACTURE = 0.67). The in vivo examination proved the feasibility of both MRI methods in a clinical setting.

Data Conclusion

Quantitative and qualitative ratings on MR images were comparable to CT images; thus, MRI may be a valid alternative to CT assessing the CCJ.

Level of Evidence

1.

Technical Efficacy Stage

3.
Diffusivity in breast malignancies analyzed for b > 1000 s/mm2 at 1 mm in‐plane resolutions: Insight from Gaussian and non‐Gaussian behaviors
Authors: Otikovs Martins , Nissan Noam , Furman‐Haran Edna , Anaby Debbie , Allweis Tanir M. , Agassi Ravit , Sklair‐Levy Miri , Frydman Lucio
Published: December 2020

Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) can improve breast cancer characterizations, but often suffers from low image quality –particularly at informative b > 1000 s/mm2 values. The aim of this study was to evaluate multishot approaches characterizing Gaussian and non‐Gaussian diffusivities in breast cancer. This was a prospective study, in which 15 subjects, including 13 patients with biopsy‐confirmed breast cancers, were enrolled. DWI was acquired at 3 T using echo planar imaging (EPI) with and without zoomed excitations, readout‐segmented EPI (RESOLVE), and spatiotemporal encoding (SPEN); dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) data were collected using three‐dimensional gradient‐echo T1 weighting; anatomies were evaluated with T2‐weighted two‐dimensional turbo spin‐echo. Congruence between malignancies delineated by DCE was assessed against high‐resolution DWI scans with b‐values in the 0–1800 s/mm2 range, as well as against apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and kurtosis maps. Data were evaluated by independent magnetic resonance scientists with 3–20 years of experience, and radiologists with 6 and 20 years of experience in breast MRI. Malignancies were assessed from ADC and kurtosis maps, using paired t tests after confirming that these values had a Gaussian distribution. Agreements between DWI and DCE datasets were also evaluated using Sorensen–Dice similarity coefficients. Cancerous and normal tissues were clearly separable by ADCs: by SPEN their average values were (1.03 ± 0.17) × 10−3 and (1.69 ± 0.19) × 10−3 mm2/s (p < 0.0001); by RESOLVE these values were (1.16 ± 0.16) × 10−3 and (1.52 ± 0.14) × 10−3 (p = 0.00026). Kurtosis also distinguished lesions (K = 0.64 ± 0.15) from normal tissues (K = 0.45 ± 0.05), but only when measured by SPEN (p = 0.0008). The best statistical agreement with DCE‐highlighted regions arose for SPEN‐based DWIs recorded with b = 1800 s/mm2 (Sorensen–Dice coefficient = 0.67); DWI data recorded with b = 850 and 1200 s/mm2, led to lower coefficients. Both ADC and kurtosis maps highlighted the breast malignancies, with ADCs providing a more significant separation. The most promising alternative for contrast‐free delineations of the cancerous lesions arose from b = 1800 s/mm2 DWI.

Level of Evidence

2.

Technical Efficacy Stage

3.
Ancillary imaging and clinical features for the characterization of prostate lesions: A proposed approach to reduce false positives
Authors: Lee Chul‐Min , Park Kye Jin , Kim Mi‐Hyun , Kim Jeong Kon
Published: December 2020

The relatively low specificity and positive predictive value of the Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) can lead to considerable false‐positive results and unnecessary biopsies. The aim of this study was to propose ancillary features (AFs) indicating clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) or benign tissues in PI‐RADS category ≥3 lesions and determine the usefulness of these AFs in reducing false‐positive assessments of suspicious lesions in men at csPCa risk. This was a retrospective study, which included 199 men. A 3T, including turbo spin echo T2‐weighted, echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted, and spoiled gradient echo dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) images, was used. Five AFs (prostate‐specific antigen density ≥0.15 ng/mL2; size ≥10 mm; heterogeneous T2 signal intensity; circumscribed nodule in the junction of peripheral and transition zone; and DCE time curves) indicating csPCa or non‐csPCa were evaluated by three independent readers. The sensitivity and specificity of each AF were calculated. Inter‐reader agreement was evaluated using κ statistics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine significant AFs. The reduction in positive call rates and csPCa detection rates with combined AF use were calculated and compared with the findings obtained with PI‐RADS use alone. The sensitivities and specificities of the AFs indicating csPCa were 72.1%–96.5% and 27.4%–75.2% for reader 1, 66.3%–96.5% and 23.9%–62.0% for reader 2, and 67.4%–96.5% and 34.5%–78.8% for reader 3, with moderate to substantial inter‐reader agreement (Fleiss κ, 0.551–0.643). The combined use of two or more AFs for assessing PI‐RADS ≥3 lesions resulted in a 19.6%–30.7% reduction in positive calls (p < .05) compared to PI‐RADS use alone while preserving the csPCa detection rates (p ≥ .06) for three readers. The use of AFs in combination with PI‐RADS can reduce positive calls and false positives without csPCa under‐detection.
Older adults with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: Utility of the clinical frailty scale to predict mortality
Authors: Gilis Marine , Chagrot Ninon , Koeberle Severine , Tannou Thomas , Brunel Anne‐Sophie , Chirouze Catherine , Bouiller Kevin
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to identify predictive factors of mortality in older adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), including the level of clinical frailty by using the clinical frailty scale (CFS). We analyzed medical records of all patients aged of 75 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID‐19 hospitalized in our Hospital between March 3 and April 25, 2020. Standardized variables were prospectively collected, and standardized care were provided to all patients. One hundred and eighty‐six patients were included (mean 85.3 ± 5.78 year). The all cause 30‐day mortality was 30% (56/186). At admission, dead patients were more dyspneic (57% vs. 38%, p = .014), had more often an oxygen saturation less than 94% (70% vs. 47%, p < .01) and had more often a heart rate faster than 90/min (70% vs. 42%, p < .001). Mortality increased in parallel with CFS score (p = .051) (20 deaths (36%) in 7–9 category). In multivariate analysis, CFS score (odds ratio [OR] = 1.49; confidence interval [CI] 95%, 1.01–2.19; p = .046), age (OR = 1.15; CI 95%, 1.01–1.31; p = .034), and dyspnea (OR = 5.37; CI 95%, 1.33–21.68; p = .018) were associated with all‐cause 30‐day mortality. It is necessary to integrate the assessment of frailty to determine care management plan of older patients with COVID‐19, rather than the only restrictive criterion of age.
Projected drought risk assessment from water balance perspectives in a changing climate
Authors: Park Seo‐Yeon , Sur Chanyang , Kim Jong‐Suk , Choi Si‐Jung , Lee Joo‐Heon , Kim Tae‐Woong
Published: December 2020

In the face of changing water environment due to climate change, the assessment of water demand and water supply capacity by region is needed to prevent and mitigate droughts. Herein, we propose a quantitative approach to identify high drought risk areas in South Korea by applying future climate and socio‐economic change scenarios to calculate the demand and supply of municipal, agricultural, and industrial water. Three Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 Global Climate Models were selected to assess future drought risk under different climate change scenarios by combining meteorological and socio‐economic factors. The drought hazard was assessed by calculating the severity and frequency of drought based on a rating method. Drought vulnerability was assessed by calculating water shortages in domestic, industrial, and agricultural waters based on water demand and supply capacity and applying entropy weightings. According to future climate change scenarios, the Youngsan River Basin was more vulnerable to drought than other basins. The results of the IPSL‐CM5‐LR model also suggest that the drought risk in the Youngsan River Basin will increase during the period 2071–2099. By demonstrating the relative sensitivity of drought risk on the Korean Peninsula to various future emission scenarios, our work provides valuable information to update mid‐ to long‐term drought mitigation strategies.
Land surface signal of the Indochina Peninsular precipitation variability during the early rainy season
Authors: Wang Zhibiao , Wu Renguang
Published: December 2020

The precipitation variability is subject to impacts of both ocean and land surface condition changes. The present study investigates the role of land surface condition in the interannual variation of the early rainy season (May–June) precipitation over the Indochina Peninsula. A precursory signal is identified in surface air temperature (SAT) during March–April over central Asia after the late 1970s. The air temperature anomalies extend to middle troposphere and persist to early summer (May–June) and modulate the land‐sea thermal contrast and lower‐level and upper‐level winds over the North Indian Ocean and thus affect the early rainy season precipitation over the Indochina Peninsula. The maintenance of SAT anomalies over central Asia is related to that of surface heat flux anomalies that in turn is attributed to the persisting atmospheric wind anomalies. The precursory signal is weak before the late 1970s due to the lack of persisting atmospheric wind anomalies. The interdecadal change in the persistence of central Asian SAT anomalies is associated with a difference in the distribution of the North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. After the late 1970s, the North Atlantic SST anomalies with a southwest‐northeast distribution excite a wave train that extends from the North Atlantic to central Asia during May–June. Before the late 1970s, the wave train associated the North Atlantic SST anomalies with a south–north distribution is confined to the North Atlantic region.
Co‐occurrence of organic and inorganic N influences asparagine uptake and amino acid profiles in white clover
Authors: Czaban Weronika , Rasmussen Jim
Published: December 2020

Background: Direct plant uptake of organic nitrogen (N) may be important for plant N nutrition, but we lack knowledge of how the concentration and form of external N influence organic N uptake and plant N status.

Aims: We investigated the uptake of the amino acid asparagine (Asn) in white clover in the presence of different inorganic, organic and total N concentrations.

Methods: Actively N2‐fixing white clover seedlings were for one week exposed to combinations of (3–30 µmol N kg−1sand DW) and Asn (3–30 µmol N kg−1sand DW), whereafter the Asn uptake rate was determined by addition of13C4‐Asn. Shoot and root amino acid profiles were also analyzed.

Results: Increasing and total N concentrations decreased13C4‐Asn uptake rates and internal clover Asn content. In addition, total N and also affected amino acid profiles, with Asn, Asp, Glu, Gln, Cys, Gly, Pro, Ser, and Ala being more related to the low N doses, and Thr, Val, Ile, Leu, Phe, Tyr, Trp, and Met being more abundant at increasing N doses.

Conclusions: Asn uptake rate in white clover is reduced by increasing inorganic N. Plant amino acid profiles are likely to be a more sensitive indicator of N supply.
Residue behavior and safety evaluation of pymetrozine in tea
Authors: Yu Huan , Sun Hezhi , Wang Xinru , Liang Yabo , Guo Mingming , Yu Jiawei , Yang Mei , Zhang Xinzhong , Luo Fengjian , Zhou Li
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Pymetrozine is a widely used pesticide. It is challenging to analyze and difficult to manage due to the large gap in its global maximum residue limits (MRLs) in tea. The development of a high‐efficiency detection method for the evaluation of the transfer of residual pymetrozine from tea plantations to tea cups is therefore of prime significance.

RESULTS

An analytical method for the determination of pymetrozine residues in tea was established based on Cleanert PCX solid‐phase extraction. The average recoveries were 72.2–93.7%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 12%. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.005 mg·kg−1 in fresh tea leaves and dry tea, and 0.00025 mg·L−1 in tea brew. Pymetrozine degraded rapidly in tea plants with a half‐life (t1/2) of 1.9 days in open tea plantations, and decreased by 9.4–23.7% in the green tea‐processing procedure, which was concentration dependent. The residual pymetrozine levels in green tea collected at 6 and 21 days were below the MRLs in China and EU at a dosage of 30 g a.i. ha−1, respectively. The leaching rates of pymetrozine from dry tea to tea brew were 58.7–96.3%. Hazard quotient (HQ) values of pymetrozine were significantly <100% when tea shoots were plucked in 6 days, which indicated a negligible risk to humans.

CONCLUSION

This work allows the determination of residual pymetrozine in tea and illustrates a low intake risk with the use of pymetrozine in tea plantations. It could serve as reference for further regulation consideration for maximum residue limits (MRLs). © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Applicability of high‐resolution NMR in combination with chemometrics for the compositional analysis and quality control of spices and plant‐derived condiments
Authors: Belmonte‐Sánchez Eva , Romero‐González Roberto , Garrido Frenich Antonia
Published: December 2020

Over the last years, the consumption of spices and plant‐derived condiments has increased considerably, owing to new culinary trends. Unfortunately, the current marketing channels make them highly vulnerable to adulteration and food fraud. High‐resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful tool for the compositional study of spices and plant‐derived condiments. It allows the chemical characterization of a wide range of polar and non‐polar metabolites, and provides unique structural information not available by other techniques. The chemometric‐based analysis of NMR ‘fingerprints’ has been used to discriminate samples according to species and geographical origin and to detect adulterations, among other applications. The comprehensive identification and quantification of marker compounds can be achieved even in complex mixtures, demonstrating a great potential for high‐throughtput quality control applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
How to Approach a Hip PARTI With Confidence
Authors: Roberts David , Murray Timothy É. , Rattan Bishum , Murphy Darra T. , Cresswell Mark
Published: December 2020

The “parallel transverse in‐plane” technique for ultrasound‐guided intra‐articular hip interventions ensures needle visualization for the entire procedure, with the needle clearly shown entering the joint. With the widely described longitudinal in‐plane approach, needle visualization can be poor, necessitating reliance on tissue distortion, which can reduce user confidence and safety. The parallel transverse in‐plane approach is invaluable in those with anterior thigh skin breakdown and where anterior access is contraindicated. The approach also allows a broad width of the synovium to be traversed and is therefore well suited to synovial biopsy. This short Technical Innovation highlights this alternative approach to hip joint intervention.
Self‐Assembled Star‐Shaped sPCL–PEG Copolymer Nanomicelles with pH‐Sensitivity for Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Li Hanhong , Cheng Zhenqi , Wang Yang , Zhou Dong , Su Mingji , Wang Xianxun , He Peixin , Zhang Yuhong
Published: December 2020

As matters stand, chemotherapy is faced with high toxic and side effects, high risks, and long treatment cycles. Thus, stability, high encapsulation efficiency, intelligent controllability, and good biocompatibility are of great importance for drug delivery vehicles. Herein, a novel doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX)‐loaded micelle‐like nanoparticle with pH responsive star‐shaped polycaprolactone–polyethyleneglycol copolymer (sPCL–PEG–CT, sPP) is developed through esterification with inositol–polycaprolactone (sPCL) and carboxylated polyethylene glycol (TC–PEG–CT). sPP nanomicelles (sPP NMs) have a high encapsulation efficiency of greater than 85%, an average size of 95 nm, and a zeta potential of −18 mV. In addition, in vitro release tests show that ≈70% of the drug is released from sPP/DOX NMs into phosphate buffer saline solution (PBS) (pH 5.0) at 37 °C for 12 h. More importantly, the cumulative release is ≈90% for 170 h, displaying a more sustainable drug release behavior. The work explores a new synthesis route of star‐shaped polycaprolactone–polyethyleneglycol copolymer NMs. The sPP NMs have a promising future in drug carrier, especially for hydrophobic drugs.