bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Singulett‐Kontrast‐Magnetresonanztomographie: Freisetzung der Hyperpolarisation durch den Metabolismus**
Authors: Eills J. , Cavallari E. , Kircher R. , Di Matteo G. , Carrera C. , Dagys L. , Levitt M. H. , Ivanov K. L. , Aime S. , Reineri F. , Münnemann K. , Budker D. , Buntkowsky G. , Knecht S.
Published: December 2020

Hyperpolarisationsverstärkte Magnetresonanztomographie kann zur Untersuchung biomolekularer Prozesse im Körper verwendet werden, erfordert aber die Verwendung von Hetero‐Kernen wie 13C, 15N oder 129Xe. Hier stellen wir eine neue Art der Hyperpolarisierten Protonen Bildgebung vor, bei der die hyperpolarisierte Spinordnung in einem nicht magnetischen und langlebigen korrelierten (Singulett‐) Zustand eingeschlossen ist und nur durch eine spezifische biochemische Reaktion für die Bildgebung freigesetzt wird. In dieser Arbeit erzeugen wir hyperpolarisiertes Fumarat durch chemische Reaktion eines Eduktes mit para‐angereichertem Wasserstoffgas. Der Singulettzustand der Fumarat Protonen wird als Antiphasen‐NMR‐Signale durch enzymatische Umwandlung zu Malat in D2O freigesetzt. Anhand dieses Modellsystems zeigen wir zwei Pulssequenzen, um die NMR‐Signale für die Bildgebung zu rephasieren und die Hintergrundsignale von Wasser zu unterdrücken. Die hier vorgestellte hyperpolarisationsverstärkte Protonen Bildgebungstechnik ermöglicht eine hyperpolarisierte Bildgebung, ohne dass hierfür Hetero‐Kerne mit ihrer niedrigen natürlichen Häufigkeit und geringen Empfindlichkeit benötigt werden.
Nanoscale Amperometry Reveals that Only a Fraction of Vesicular Serotonin Content is Released During Exocytosis from Beta Cells
Authors: Hatamie Amir , Ren Lin , Dou Haiqiang , Gandasi Nikhil R. , Rorsman Patrik , Ewing Andrew
Published: December 2020

Recent work has shown that chemical release during the fundamental cellular process of exocytosis in model cell lines is not all‐or‐none. We tested this theory for vesicular release from single pancreatic beta cells. The vesicles in these cells release insulin, but also serotonin, which is detectible with amperometric methods. Traditionally, it is assumed that exocytosis in beta cells is all‐or‐none. Here, we use a multidisciplinary approach involving nanoscale amperometric chemical methods to explore the chemical nature of insulin exocytosis. We amperometrically quantified the number of serotonin molecules stored inside of individual nanoscale vesicles (39 317±1611) in the cell cytoplasm before exocytosis and the number of serotonin molecules released from single cells (13 310±1127) for each stimulated exocytosis event. Thus, beta cells release only one‐third of their granule content, clearly supporting partial release in this system. We discuss these observations in the context of type‐2 diabetes.
Novel high‐strength montmorillonite/polyvinyl alcohol composite film enhanced by chitin nanowhiskers
Authors: Wu Yule , Guan Ying , Gao Hui , Zhou Liang , Peng Feng
Published: December 2020

Nanomaterials can be used as reinforcement phase to improve the performance of polymers. A simple method to prepare a composite film with super high tensile strength was used in this study. The properties of montmorillonite (MMT)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films reinforced by chitin nanowhisker (CNW) have been evaluated. The structures and properties of films were analyzed by atomic force microscope (AFM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tensile testing. The results of FTIR and XRD showed that no chemical interaction occurred among MMT, PVA, and CNW. The SEM and AFM images suggested that the obtained composite films with the three substances had a relatively uniform layered structure and relatively smooth. The temperature at the onset of decomposition of the composite films was increased from 262.0 to 282.3°C by the addition of CNW. The tensile strength of the MMT/PVA/CNW film was reached 263.5 MPa, which was increased approximately 382% compared with the MMT/PVA film. According to these results, the composite film could be potentially used in packaging materials.
Photoluminescence performance of green light emitting terbium (III) complexes with β‐hydroxy ketone and nitrogen donor ancillary ligands
Authors: Khanagwal Jyoti , Kumar Rajesh , Devi Rekha , Bala Manju , Sehrawat Priyanka , Khatkar S. P. , Taxak V. B.
Published: December 2020

An efficient and cost‐effective technique, solution precipitation approach is adopted to synthesize five bright green luminescent terbium (III) complexes by employing the main β‐hydroxy ketone ligand, 2‐hydroxy‐4‐ethoxyacetophenone, and ancillary ligands like bathophenanthroline, 5,6‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, 1,10‐phenanthroline, and 2,2‐bipyridyl. The elemental compositions and binding mode of ligand to terbium (III) ion can be validated by using energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The complexes are thermally stable up to 158°C and possess the cubic shaped particles as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopic study, respectively. The band‐gap energy (3.02–2.92 eV) of complexes is reckoned through diffuse reflectance spectra, which tailors them as potential candidates in the field of military radars. The photoluminescence studies unveil that the complexes exhibit the bright green luminescence corresponding to 5D4 → 7F5 transition of Tb3+ ion (548 nm) under the excitation wavelength of 395 or 397 nm. The Commission International de I’Eclairage chromaticity coordinates (x, y) and color purity substantiates the green emission of complexes. The energy transfer mechanism elucidates that the main ligand and ancillary ligands sensitize Tb3+ ion, which in turn enhances the luminescence efficiency of the emissive layer of white organic light emitting diodes. The results reveal that the complexes are considered as good contenders in the field of display devices and laser technology. Lastly, in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity proclaim the potent antimicrobial and antioxidant actions of complexes via tube dilution and 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assays, respectively.
Novel spectrofluorimetric technique for determination of amoxicillin and ethopabate in chicken tissues, liver, kidney, eggs, and feed premix
Authors: Barghash Sona , Elmansi Heba , Abd El‐Razeq Sawsan , Belal Fathalla
Published: December 2020

A new smart spectrofluorometric method was developed for the quantitation of amoxicillin and ethopabate simultaneously for the first time. The method is based on measuring their first derivative synchronous amplitudes in water at Δλ = 80 nm. The peak amplitudes were recorded at their crossing points; 240 nm for amoxicillin and 280 nm for ethopabate. The method is linear over the concentration ranges of 100.0–1,000.0 ng/ml for amoxicillin and 2.0–20.0 ng/ml for ethopabate. The limits of detection were 20.0 ng/ml and 0.58 ng/ml and limits of quantitation were 60.0 ng/ml and 1.92 ng/ml for amoxicillin and ethopabate, respectively. The method sensitivity permitted the determination of the two drugs below their maximum residue limit stated by the federal regulations. The developed method was applicable to the analysis of both drugs in the veterinary powders, feed premix, chicken tissues, liver, kidney, and eggs samples with percentage recoveries ranging 93.72–104.71%.
The impact of FLT3 mutation clearance and treatment response after gilteritinib therapy on overall survival in patients with FLT3 mutation–positive relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Altman Jessica K. , Perl Alexander E. , Hill Jason E. , Rosales Matt , Bahceci Erkut , Levis Mark J.
Published: December 2020

The FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib has clinical activity in patients with FLT3‐mutated (FLT3mut+) relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The impact of FLT3 mutation clearance and the achievement of composite complete remission (CRc) and complete remission/complete remission with partial hematologic recovery (CR/CRh) on overall survival (OS) in patients with FLT3mut+ R/R AML treated with single‐agent gilteritinib in a phase 1/2 trial were evaluated. Using next‐generation sequencing, a FLT3‐ITD variant allele frequency of ≤10−4 was used to define FLT3‐ITD clearance in patients with no morphologic leukemia (ie, CRc). A total of 108 patients with FLT3‐ITD‐positive (FLT3‐ITD+) R/R AML were analyzed; 95 of these patients had received ≥80‐mg/day gilteritinib. Ten of the 95 patients had FLT3‐ITD clearance; eight of these 10 patients achieved CRc and were considered negative for measurable residual disease. There was a trend toward longer OS in patients who attained CRc with FLT3‐ITD clearance (131.4 weeks) versus those who achieved CRc and did not have FLT3‐ITD clearance (n = 41; 43.3 weeks; HR = 0.416; p = 0.066). Among patients treated with ≥80‐mg/day gilteritinib who achieved CR/CRh (n = 24), seven had FLT3‐ITD clearance. Among patients who received 120‐mg/day gilteritinib, those who achieved CR/CRh had a longer median OS (70.6 weeks) and higher 52‐week survival probability (66.7%) than patients who did not achieve CR/CRh (n = 71; median OS, 41.7 weeks; 52‐week survival probability, 20.2%). Overall, these data suggest that gilteritinib can induce deep molecular responses in patients with FLT3‐ITD+ R/R AML, and in the setting of CRc or CR/CRh, these responses may be associated with prolonged survival.
Fermented and nonfermented soy foods and the risk of breast cancer in a Japanese population‐based cohort study
Authors: Shirabe Ritsuko , Saito Eiko , Sawada Norie , Ishihara Junko , Takachi Ribeka , Abe Sarah Krull , Shimazu Taichi , Yamaji Taiki , Goto Atsushi , Iwasaki Motoki , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   JPHC Study Group
Published: December 2020

Background

Although preclinical studies suggest that fermented soy foods may have a protective effect against breast cancer, no prospective cohort studies have examined this association.

Objective

Our study examined the association between fermented and nonfermented soy food intake and breast cancer risk using a population‐based prospective cohort study in Japan.

Methods

We included a total of 47,614 women aged 45–74 years in an analysis of the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study (JPHC Study). A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used for the assessment of dietary intake. Breast cancer incidence was analyzed by multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

During an average of 15.5 years of follow‐up, 825 breast cancer cases were newly identified. We found no association of intake of soy foods with breast cancer risk, regardless of fermentation, with multivariate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the highest quartiles of fermented and nonfermented soy food intake of 0.94 (0.67, 1.32) and 1.15 (0.85, 1.57) compared with the lowest quartile (p for trend = 0.305 and 0.393). Unlike nonfermented soy, higher intake of fermented soy foods was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of nonlocalized breast cancer. The HR and 95% CI in the highest compared to lowest intake category of fermented soy foods was 0.53 (0.28, 0.99) versus nonfermented soy foods 0.85 (0.51, 1.42) (p for trend = 0.026 and 0.797).

Conclusions

Our analyses showed that fermented soy foods had no association with overall breast cancer but may be associated with decreased risk of nonlocalized breast cancer.
Addition of levosimendan to overcome acute cardiogenic shock—Paving the way for later heart transplantation—A first case report
Authors: Flottmann Christian , Dumitrescu Daniel , Sohns Christian , Rudolph Volker , Fox Henrik
Published: December 2020

Treatment of refractory cardiogenic shock has poor outcome. Levosimendan addition may help to achieve hemodynamic stabilization and improve conditions to where further treatment options such as listing for heart transplantation may become possible.
Small Molecular Fluorescent Probes for Imaging of Viscosity in Living Biosystems
Authors: Xiao Haibin , Li Ping , Tang Bo
Published: December 2020

Viscosity, as a vital microenvironment parameter, is tightly associated with multitudinous cellular processes and diseases. Recently, precise visualization of viscosity has started to arouse more and more interest. However, owing to the complicated character, it is still a huge challenge to directly observe viscosity in living systems. In this regard, mounting fluorescence probes are being increasingly fabricated to map viscosity inside live cells and small animals. In this minireview, the viscosity‐sensitive small molecular fluorescent probes used in bioimaging are comprehensively summarized, mainly focusing on the last three years. Moreover, the current challenges and opportunities for the development of viscosity‐specific fluorescent probes will be discussed.
Attachment representation to caregivers and mentalizing ability in early adolescents with primary headache
Authors: Bizzi Fabiola , Riva Anna , Charpentier Mora Simone , Cavanna Donatella , Nacinovich Renata
Published: December 2020

Primary headache (PH) is a common somatic disorder in childhood with a strong impact in terms of quality of life. There are several risk factors related to the development of this disorder including environmental factors as attachment bonds. However, studies in this direction are relatively few and have often used self‐report or semi‐projective measures looking at the only maternal attachment. Moreover, several studies have shown a link between somatoform pains and mentalizing abilities, but the relation between mentalizing and PH in childhood is unexplored. Therefore, this study aims at exploring attachment bonds, focusing on both maternal and paternal representations and mentalizing abilities in early adolescents with and without PH within a cross‐sectional case‐controlled design. A sample of 94 early adolescents aged 10–14 years (47 with PH and 47 without PH as a comparison group) completed the Child Attachment Interview to assess attachment representations to caregivers. Mentalizing abilities were assessed applying to the interviews in the Child and Adolescent Reflective Functioning Scale. PH adolescents showed a greater percentage of insecure‐preoccupied attachment to both parents, with higher level of preoccupied anger especially to father than the comparison group (p values from 0.000 to 0.014, effect size values from.31 to.45), while no differences emerged about mentalizing (p values from.264 to 0.312). The over‐representation of insecure–preoccupied attachment to both parents suggests a key role of parent–child interaction in early adolescents with PH, while the role of mentalizing abilities remains controversial and further studies are needed to address this issue. Clinical implications are discussed.
Microbial activity affects sulphur in biogenic aragonite
Authors: Fichtner Vanessa , Lange Skadi M. , Krause Stefan , Huthwelker Thomas , Borca Camelia N. , Schurr Simon L. , Immenhauser Adrian , Pederson Chelsea L. , Treude Tina , Erhardt Andrea M. , Strauss Harald
Published: December 2020

Carbonates that exhibit obvious diagenetic alteration are usually excluded as archives in palaeoenvironmental studies. However, the potential impact of microbial alteration during early diagenesis is still poorly explored. To investigate the sensitivity of sulphur concentration, distribution, oxidation state and isotopic composition in marine aragonite to microbial alteration, Arctica islandica bivalves and Porites sp. corals were experimentally exposed to anaerobic microbial activity. The anoxic incubation media included a benthic bacterial strain Shewanella sediminis and a natural anoxic sediment slurry with a natural microbial community of unknown species. Combined fluorescence microscopy and synchrotron‐based analysis of the sulphur distribution and oxidation state enabled a comparison of organic matter and sulphur content in the two materials. Results revealed a higher proportion of reduced sulphur species and locally stronger fluorescence within the pristine bivalve shell compared to the pristine coral skeleton. Within the pristine bivalve specimen, reduced sulphur was enriched in layers along the inner shell margin. After incubation in the anoxic sediment slurry, this region revealed rust‐brown staining and a patchy S2‐ distribution pattern rather than S2‐‐layers. Another effect on sulphur distribution was rust‐brown coloured fibres along one growth line, revealing a locally higher proportion of sulphur. The δ34S value of carbonate‐associated sulphate remained largely unaffected by both incubation media, but a lower δ34S value of water‐soluble sulphate reflected the degradation of insoluble organic matter by microbes in both experiments. No significant alteration was detected in the coral samples exposed to microbial alteration. The data clearly identified a distinct sensitivity of organically bound sulphur in biogenic aragonite to microbial alteration even when ‘traditional’ geochemical proxies such as δ18OCARB or δ13CCARB in the carbonate did not show any effect. Differences in the intensity of microbial alteration documented are probably due to inherent variations in the concentration and nature of original organic compositions in the samples.
Associations of elevated weight status with symptom severity and treatment outcomes in binge/purge eating disorders
Authors: Chen Joanna Y. , Berner Laura A. , Brown Tiffany A. , Wierenga Christina E. , Kaye Walter H.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Binge‐eating and purging behaviors commonly co‐occur with overweight. However, little is known about the potential associations of elevated weight status with eating disorder severity or treatment outcomes. Thus, the present study compared binge‐eating and purging patients with low, normal, and high weight statuses on eating disorder and mood symptoms at treatment admission, and tested whether weight status was associated with symptom change over treatment.

Method

The sample included 135 adult female patients in an intensive outpatient program, who completed self‐assessments at admission and discharge. MANOVAs compared the groups at treatment admission, and multilevel models examined changes over time.

Results

At admission, the high‐weight group reported greater fasting frequency than the normal‐weight group, and higher shape and weight concerns than the low‐weight group. Over time, the high‐weight group additionally showed higher eating disorder psychological symptom severity than the normal‐weight group. The groups did not differ on mood symptoms at admission. Longitudinal results indicated that the groups showed comparable symptom improvements over treatment.

Discussion

These findings highlight the severity of higher‐weight patients with bulimia nervosa. Additionally, although these patients may present with more severe symptoms, their response to an intensive treatment may be comparable to that of normal‐ or lower‐weight groups.
Thiocarbamate‐directed Cp*Co(III)‐Catalyzed Olefinic C−H Amidation: Facile Access to Enamines with High (Z)‐Selectivity
Authors: Liang Ya‐Ru , Si Xiao‐Ju , Zhang He , Yang Dandan , Niu Jun‐Long , Song Mao‐Ping
Published: December 2020

A thiocarbamate‐directed Cp*Co(III)‐catalyzed C−H oxidative amidation of olefins is achieved to synthesize a series of enamines. The key feature of this protocol is the use of earth‐abundant cobalt as catalyst and thiocarbamate as directing group, which provides an efficient and simple manner to synthesize enamines in good yields with high (Z)‐selectivity. This reaction proceeds smoothly under very mild conditions (rt and air), and a wide range of functionalized alkenes, as well as dioxazolones, were compatible with the standard reaction conditions.
Longitudinal changes in the bioactive proteins in human milk of the Chinese population: A systematic review
Authors: Ren Qiqi , Zhou Yalin , Zhang Wei , Tian Yueyue , Sun Han , Zhao Xuejun , Xu Yajun , Jiang Shilong
Published: December 2020

This systematic review aimed at investigating longitudinal changes in human milk bioactive protein concentrations in Chinese population. Both English and Chinese databases were searched. The data were pooled into six defined lactation stages. Weighted means of protein concentrations in each stage and the statistical significance of means of different lactation stages were calculated. The data of 11 bioactive proteins were retrieved. Concentrations of sIgA, IgM, and IgG decreased sharply during the first 14 days of lactation. The levels of α‐lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and β‐casein also decreased throughout lactation. Conversely, lysozyme levels increased over lactation. The changing patterns of the serum albumin, osteopontin, and bile salt‐stimulated lipase (BSSL) were not conclusive. This study represents the most comprehensive summary of bioactive proteins in Chinese human milk. In the future, mass spectrometry‐based analysis of human milk proteomics may be used to investigate the longitudinal changes of many more bioactive proteins.
Sialylation acts as a checkpoint for innate immune responses in the central nervous system
Authors: Klaus Christine , Liao Huan , Allendorf David H. , Brown Guy C. , Neumann Harald
Published: December 2020

Sialic acids are monosaccharides that normally terminate the glycan chains of cell surface glyco‐proteins and ‐lipids in mammals, and are highly enriched in the central nervous tissue. Sialic acids are conjugated to proteins and lipids (termed “sialylation”) by specific sialyltransferases, and are removed (“desialylation”) by neuraminidases. Cell surface sialic acids are sensed by complement factor H (FH) to inhibit complement activation or by sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin (SIGLEC) receptors to inhibit microglial activation, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst. In contrast, desialylation of cells enables binding of the opsonins C1, calreticulin, galectin‐3, and collectins, stimulating phagocytosis of such cells. Hypersialylation is used by bacteria and cancers as camouflage to escape immune recognition, while polysialylation of neurons protects synapses and neurogenesis. Insufficient lysosomal cleavage of sialylated molecules can lead to lysosomal accumulation of lipids and aggregated proteins, which if excessive may be expelled into the extracellular space. On the other hand, desialylation of immune receptors can activate them or trigger removal of proteins. Loss of inhibitory SIGLECs or FH triggers reduced clearance of aggregates, oxidative brain damage and complement‐mediated retinal damage. Thus, cell surface sialylation recognized by FH, SIGLEC, and other immune‐related receptors acts as a major checkpoint inhibitor of innate immune responses in the central nervous system, while excessive cleavage of sialic acid residues and consequently removing this checkpoint inhibitor may trigger lipid accumulation, protein aggregation, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.
Association between the polymorphism of three genes involved in the methylation and efflux of arsenic (As3MT, MRP1, and P‐gp) with lung cancer in a Mexican cohort
Authors: Recio‐Vega Rogelio , Hernandez‐Gonzalez Sandra , Michel‐Ramirez Gladis , Olivas‐Calderón Edgar , Lantz R. Clark , Gandolfi A. Jay , Amistadi Mary Kay
Published: December 2020

Lung cancer is the most common neoplasm and the primary cause‐related mortality in developed and in most of nondeveloped countries. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that even at low arsenic doses, the lungs are one of the main target organs and that chronic arsenic exposure has been associated with an increase in lung cancer development. Among the risk factors for cancer, arsenic methylation efficiency (As3MT) and the clearance of arsenic from cells by two members of the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter family (multidrug resistance protein 1 [MRP1] and P‐glycoprotein [P‐gp]) play an important role in processing of arsenic and decreasing its intracellular levels. This study aimed to evaluate the association between chronic exposure to arsenic with polymorphism of three proteins involved in arsenic metabolism and efflux of the metalloid in subjects with lung cancer. Polymorphism in As3MT, MRP1, and P‐gp modified the arsenic metabolism increasing significantly the AsV urinary levels. A significant association between MRP1 polymorphisms with an increase in the risk for cancer was found. The high inorganic arsenic urinary levels registered in the studied subjects suggest a reduction in the efficiency of As3MT, MRP1, and P‐gp firstly because of gene polymorphisms and secondarily because of high internal inorganic arsenic levels. MRP1 polymorphism was associated with a twofold increase in the risk of lung cancer.
Examining the relationship between physical and sexual violence and psychosocial health in young people living with HIV in rural South Africa
Authors: Filiatreau Lindsey M , Giovenco Danielle , Twine Rhian , Gómez‐Olivé F Xavier , Kahn Kathleen , Haberland Nicole , Pettifor Audrey
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Experiences of violence during youth contravene young people’s rights and increase the risk of depression and poor human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLWH). Intervention targets for mitigating the negative psychosocial effects of violence are needed, particularly in areas like rural South Africa where violence remains pervasive and mental healthcare is limited. This study aims to quantify the associations between physical and sexual violence and depressive symptoms in YLWH in rural South Africa and explore the modification of these associations by key measures of psychosocial well‐being.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey among 362 YLWH ages 12 to 24 in rural South Africa to ascertain participants’ history of physical and sexual violence, current depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression Scale) and levels of social support (Medical Outcomes Social Support Scale), resilience (Conner‐Davidson Resilience Scale) and self‐esteem (Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale). Log‐binomial regression was used to estimate the association between history of physical or sexual violence and clinically meaningful depressive symptoms (scores 16). Effect measure modification by high versus low resilience, social support and self‐esteem was assessed using likelihood ratio tests (α = 0.20).

Results

A total of 334 individuals with a median age of 21 (interquartile range: 16 to 23) were included in this analysis. Most participants were female (71.3%), single (81.4%) and attending school (53.0%). Ninety‐four participants (28.1%) reported a history of physical or sexual violence and 92 individuals (27.5%) had clinically meaningful depressive symptoms. Meaningful depressive symptoms were significantly higher among participants with a history of physical or sexual violence as compared to those with no history of violence (adjusted prevalence ratio: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.43, 2.83). However, this association was significantly modified by social support (p = 0.04) and self‐esteem (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

In this setting, the prevalence of meaningful depressive symptoms was significantly higher among YLWH with a history of physical or sexual violence as compared to those without a history of violence. However, higher levels of self‐esteem or social support appeared to mitigate this association. Programmes to improve self‐esteem and social support for youth have the potential to minimize depressive symptoms in YLWH who have experienced physical or sexual violence.
Structural and ultrastructural studies on the developing vomeronasal sensory epithelium in the grass snake Natrix natrix (Squamata: Colubroidea)
Authors: Kaczmarek Paweł , Rupik Weronika
Published: December 2020

The sensory olfactory epithelium and the vomeronasal sensory epithelium (VSE) are characterized by continuous turnover of the receptor cells during postnatal life and are capable of regeneration after injury. The VSE, like the entire vomeronasal organ, is generally well developed in squamates and is crucial for detection of pheromones and prey odors. Despite the numerous studies on embryonic development of the VSE in squamates, especially in snakes, an ultrastructural analysis, as far as we know, has never been performed. Therefore, we investigated the embryology of the VSE of the grass snake (Natrix natrix) using electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and light microscopy. As was shown for adult snakes, the hypertrophied ophidian VSE may provide great resolution of changes in neuron morphology located at various epithelial levels. The results of this study suggest that different populations of stem/progenitor cells occur at the base of the ophidian VSE during embryonic development. One of them may be radial glia‐like cells, described previously in mouse. The various structure and ultrastructure of neurons located at different parts of the VSE provide evidence for neuronal maturation and aging. Based on these results, a few nonmutually exclusive hypotheses explaining the formation of the peculiar columnar organization of the VSE in snakes were proposed.
Study on the separation mechanism of solid‐substrate electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Shi Peiyu , Li Min , Fu Xian , Xia Bing , Zhou Yan
Published: December 2020

Solid‐substrate electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is an important ambient ionization technology to simplify mass spectrometry analysis. Nowadays, its separation application has been reported increasingly, however, the detailed separation mechanism is still indistinct although the chromatographic effect was reported as a possible factor. In this study, substrate‐filled capillary electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was developed as an ideal model to investigate the separation mechanism using over thirty small molecules (neutral, basic, and weakly acidic) as model compounds with C18‐bonded silica gel and silica gel as the substrates. The chromatographic effect was validated by the negative t‐value of oil‐water distribution coefficient, and the electric field effect was verified by the paired t‐test (p < 0.01) between the retention times at 5.5 and 4.0 kV. A differential equation was proposed to quantify the compound retention under electric field. The quantitative method was validated to rapidly quantify proline (31.88 μg/mL) and hydroxyproline (20.71 μg/mL) in plasma with acceptable selectivity and accuracy. In conclusion, the separation mechanism of solid‐substrate electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was the combination of the chromatographic and electric field effects, which could provide theoretical guidance for the separation optimization, and also promote its applications in biological, pharmaceutical, forensic, food and environmental analyses, etc.
MiR‐146a functions as a potential tumor suppressor in retinoblastoma by negatively regulate neuro‐oncological ventral antigen‐1
Authors: Liu Xiu‐Ming , Li Xiao‐Feng , Li Jian‐Chang
Published: December 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are dysregulated in many tumors and have been found to play crucial roles in cancer biology. Retinoblastoma is a rare tumor that develops rapidly from a malignant tumor of immature cells in the retina known as photoreceptor progenitors. Our study aimed to explore the role of miR‐146a in the pathology of retinoblastoma. Potential target gene of miR‐146a was predicted by Targetscan. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) showed that miR‐146a was downregulated and ventral nerve tumor antigen 1 (Neuro ‐ oncological ventral antigen 1, NOVA1) was upregulated in retinoblastoma. Luciferase assay confirmed that miR‐146a directly target NOVA1. MiR‐146a knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed and found that miR‐146a could regulate the expression of NOVA1. The miR‐146a knockdown and overexpression experiments were conducted to investigate the biological function of miR‐146a. MiR‐146a was found inhibited the viability, proliferation and invasion of retinoblastoma cell by MTT, EdU, and transwell assays. Flow cytometry was performed for the apoptosis analysis and miR‐146a increased the apoptosis of retinoblastoma cell was found. Above phenomenon can be rescued by overexpression of NOVA1. In conclusion, these results suggest that miR‐146a acts as a tumor suppressor and can act as a potential therapeutic target for retinoblastoma in the future.
RB1CC1 duplication and aberrant overexpression in a patient with schizophrenia: further phenotype delineation and proposal of a pathogenetic mechanism
Authors: Errichiello Edoardo , Giorda Roberto , Gambale Antonella , Iolascon Achille , Zuffardi Orsetta , Giglio Sabrina
Published: December 2020

Background

Copy number variants in coding and noncoding genomic regions have been implicated as risk factor for schizophrenia (SCZ). Rare duplications of the RB1CC1 gene were found enriched in SCZ patients. Considering that the effect of such duplications on RB1CC1 expression has never been evaluated and partial gene duplications of RB1CC1 have also been reported in SCZ patients, it is unclear whether the pathogenesis is mediated by haploinsufficiency rather than genuine overexpression of the gene.

Methods and Results

We studied a patient with schizophrenia, suicidality, and obesity, who carried a de novo RB1CC1 complete duplication, as assessed by high‐resolution array‐CGH. Molecular breakpoint cloning allowed to identify nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) as driving mechanism in this rearrangement. On the contrary, trio‐based whole‐exome sequencing excluded other potential causative variants related to the phenotype. Functional assays showed significant overexpression of RB1CC1 in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the proband compared to control subjects, suggesting overdosage as leading mechanism in SCZ pathophysiology.

Conclusion

We hypothesized a pathogenetic model that might explain the correlation between RB1CC1 overexpression and schizophrenia by altering different cell signaling pathways, including autophagy, a promising therapeutic target for schizophrenic patients.
Technical Note: An embedding‐based medical note de‐identification approach with sparse annotation
Authors: Zhou Hanyue , Ruan Dan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Medical note de‐identification is critical for the protection of private information and the security of data sharing in collaborative research. The task demands the complete removal of all patient names and other sensitive information such as addresses and phone numbers from medical records. Accomplishing this goal is challenging, with many variations in the medical note formats and string representations. Existing de‐identification approaches include pattern matching where extensive dictionary lists are constructed a prior; and entity tagging, which trains on a large word‐wise annotated corpus. This motivates us to study an alternative to the existing approaches with a reduced annotation burden.

Methods

In this work, we propose a novel approach that implicitly accounts for the language territory of sensitive information. Specifically, our approach incorporates a contextualized word embedding module and a multilayer perceptron to simultaneously infer the similarity of sensitive and non‐sensitive vocabularies to a constructed landmark set, providing an overall sparsely supervised classification. To demonstrate the rationale, we present the principle and work pipeline with the task of name removal, but the proposed method applies to other strings as well.

Results

On a large cohort of hybrid clinical reports, including various forms of consulting, on‐treatment‐visit, and follow‐up notes, we achieved >0.99 accuracies in our constructed training, validation, and testing sets. The sensitivity and specificity were 1.0 and 0.9973, respectively, for two randomly selected reports, comparing favorably to the benchmark Stanford NER tagger, which achieved 0.8529 and 0.9969. The F1 score was 0.889 ± 0.046 and 0.822 ± 0.103 across six randomly selected reports for the proposed method and the Stanford NER, respectively, and the result was significant under a one‐sided t‐test with alpha = 0.1.

Conclusion

Our qualitative and quantitative analysis shows that our method achieved better results than the pretrained 3‐class Stanford NER toolbox.
SAP‐cGAN: Adversarial learning for breast mass segmentation in digital mammogram based on superpixel average pooling
Authors: Li Yamei , Zhao Guohua , Zhang Qian , Lin Yusong , Wang Meiyun
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Breast mass segmentation is a prerequisite step in the use of computer‐aided tools designed for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. However, mass segmentation remains challenging due to the low contrast, irregular shapes, and fuzzy boundaries of masses. In this work, we propose a mammography mass segmentation model for improving segmentation performance.

Methods

We propose a mammography mass segmentation model called SAP‐cGAN, which is based on an improved conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN). We introduce a superpixel average pooling layer into the cGAN decoder, which utilizes superpixels as a pooling layout to improve boundary segmentation. In addition, we adopt a multiscale input strategy to enable the network to learn scale‐invariant features with increased robustness. The performance of the model is evaluated with two public datasets: CBIS‐DDSM and INbreast. Moreover, ablation analysis is conducted to evaluate further the individual contribution of each block to the performance of the network.

Results

Dice and Jaccard scores of 93.37% and 87.57%, respectively, are obtained for the CBIS‐DDSM dataset. The Dice and Jaccard scores for the INbreast dataset are 91.54% and 84.40%, respectively. These results indicate that our proposed model outperforms current state‐of‐the‐art breast mass segmentation methods. The superpixel average pooling layer and multiscale input strategy has improved the Dice and Jaccard scores of the original cGAN by 7.8% and 12.79%, respectively.

Conclusions

Adversarial learning with the addition of a superpixel average pooling layer and multiscale input strategy can encourage the Generator network to generate masks with increased realism and improve breast mass segmentation performance through the minimax game between the Generator network and Discriminator network.
An efficient and robust structural reliability analysis method with mixed variables based on hybrid conjugate gradient direction
Authors: Huang Peng , Huang Hong‐Zhong , Li Yan‐Feng , Qian Hua‐Ming
Published: December 2020

Traditional reliability analysis is based on probability theory with precise distributions. However, determining the distribution of all variables precisely is impossible due to insufficient information. Therefore, random and interval variables may be encountered, and probabilistic reliability methods are hard to use. The existing interval variables make reliability analysis more difficult. In this article, an efficient and robust hybrid reliability analysis method is proposed for structures with both random and interval variables. Firstly, a single‐loop procedure is proposed by performing probabilistic analysis and interval analysis simultaneously in each most probable point search process. Then an improved conjugate sensitivity factor method based on hybrid conjugate gradient direction and adaptive finite step length is developed for probabilistic analysis. Meanwhile, the hybrid conjugate gradient direction together with active set is introduced into the projected gradient method for interval analysis. Finally, a comparison analysis with six numerical examples is provided to validate the performance of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is better than the existing methods in terms of efficiency and robustness for hybrid reliability analysis with random and interval variables.
Development and psychometric testing of the Spanish version of the Caregiver Preparedness Scale
Authors: Gutierrez‐Baena Belen , Romero‐Grimaldi Carmen
Published: December 2020

Aim

To psychometrically test the Spanish version of the Caregiver Preparedness Scale (CPS) and document the preparedness level of caregivers.

Design

A descriptive and validation study.

Method

Purposive sampling method was used to select 171 family caregivers Spain. The scale was cross‐culturally adapted through a process that included translation, comparison with versions in other languages and back‐translation, review, pre‐testing and validity, and reliability tests.

Results

The Spanish family caregivers are mainly female (79%) and married (75%). The Spanish version of the CPS presents changes with respect to the original. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the single‐factor model. Analysis of internal consistency yielded a Cronbach's α of 0.89. Significant correlations (p < .01) with other scales supported convergent validity. A descriptive analysis of the validated scale showed average levels of preparation (2.16 out of 4). Caregivers felt better prepared to attend to the patient's physical needs than emotional or spiritual needs.
Psycho‐educational interventions focused on maternal or infant sleep for pregnant women to prevent the onset of antenatal and postnatal depression: A systematic review
Authors: Sasaki Natsu , Yasuma Naonori , Obikane Erika , Narita Zui , Sekiya Junpei , Inagawa Takuma , Nakajima Aiichiro , Yamada Yuji , Yamazaki Ryuichi , Matsunaga Asami , Saito Tomomi , Imamura Kotaro , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Kawakami Norito , Nishi Daisuke
Published: December 2020

Aims

This systematic review aimed to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the effect of maternal and infant sleep intervention during women's pregnancy for the purpose of preventing perinatal depression.

Method

A systematic search (from inception to January 28, 2019) for RCTs using five electronic databases—the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Ichushi Web (Japan Medical Abstracts Society)—was conducted. Twelve investigators independently conducted initial screenings based on title and abstract, and then, two researchers performed full‐text reviews one by one. A meta‐analysis would be conducted if at least three studies were found. However, only two articles that met inclusion criteria, and narrative data synthesis was conducted for these two articles. The study protocol has been registered at PROSPERO (CRD42019119999).

Result

A total of 13 654 studies were initially searched. After removing duplicates, 10 547 studies were screened, and finally, two studies met the inclusion criteria. In both studies, the intervention was a one‐time face‐to‐face session during pregnancy to deliver the behavioral knowledge and skills for optimizing sleep hygiene for both infant and mother. Effectiveness of the intervention in improving maternal mood was not significant in one study. In the other, there was a significant difference in maternal mood between the intervention and control group. No mood comparison was made between baseline and postintervention.

Conclusion

This study found limited evidence to support the effectiveness of sleep intervention for all pregnant women, which means “universal intervention,” to protect maternal mental health. Further well‐designed RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.
Prognostic and therapeutic factors influencing the clinical outcome of metastatic Ewing sarcoma family of tumors: A retrospective report from the Japan Ewing Sarcoma Study Group
Authors: Umeda Katsutsugu , Miyamura Takako , Yamada Kenji , Sano Hideki , Hosono Ako , Sumi Minako , Okita Hajime , Kamio Takuya , Maeda Naoko , Fujisaki Hiroyuki , Jyoko Ryoji , Watanabe Atsuko , Hosoya Yosuke , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Takenaka Satoshi , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Chin Motoaki , Ozaki Toshifumi ,   Japan Ewing Sarcoma Study Group
Published: December 2020

Background

The prognosis of patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) remains poor.

Procedure

We retrospectively analyzed 57 patients diagnosed with metastatic ESFT between 2000 and 2018 to identify prognostic and therapeutic factors affecting the clinical outcome.

Results

The 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate of the entire cohort was 46.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33.0‐59.4%). Treatment‐related death was not observed. Multivariate analysis identified stem cell transplantation (SCT), response to first‐line chemotherapy, and bone metastasis as independent risk factors for OS. Objective response rate to first‐line chemotherapy was 65.1% in the 43 evaluable patients. There was no significant difference in the response to different types of first‐line chemotherapy. Among patients with lung metastasis alone, the 3‐year OS rate was higher in 13 patients who received local treatment than in four who did not, although the difference was not significant.

Conclusions

One possible reason for the high OS rates was the absence of treatment‐related mortality even in patients receiving SCT, which could be attributed to advances in the management of post‐SCT complications. Novel first‐line chemotherapy strategies need to be established to improve the disease status prior to SCT in a higher proportion of patients.
Venous thromboembolism in children with central nervous system tumors: Comparison of an institutional cohort to a national administrative database
Authors: Graham Richard T. , Coven Scott L. , Stanek Joseph R. , Folta Ashley , Hollingsworth Ethan W. , Finlay Jonathan L. , Kumar Riten
Published: December 2020

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most common malignancy of childhood, and published data on venous thromboembolism (VTE) rate and risk factors for these patients are outdated or incomplete. Here, we determine the cumulative incidence and risk factors for VTE in this population.

Procedure

VTE diagnosis and associated clinical risk factors were abstracted and analyzed for two cohorts of children (0‐21 years) diagnosed with CNS tumors between January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2018. The first study was a retrospective single institution cohort study. The initial observations were confirmed across multiple pediatric hospitals using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) administrative database.

Results

The single‐institution cohort included 338 patients aged 3 days to 20.9 years (median age, 8.6 years); VTE developed in eight (2.4%) patients. The PHIS cohort included 17 634 patients aged from 0 to 21.9 years (median: 9.5 years); VTE developed in 354 (2.0%) patients. Univariate analysis for the single‐institution cohort identified central venous catheter (CVC) placement as a risk factor for VTE (odds ratio [OR] 8.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43‐49.41, P = .0186). Multivariable analysis of the PHIS dataset identified CVC placement (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.57‐2.46; P < .0001), obesity (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.21‐7.26; P = .0177), and more than one hospital admission (OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.69‐4.64; P < .0001) as significant predictors of VTE. VTE diagnosis was not associated with increased mortality in either cohort.

Conclusions

The VTE rate in children with CNS tumors is low (2%). CVC placement was identified as a modifiable risk factor in both cohorts.