bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts are a useful cytological finding for diagnosing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Saika Tsubasa , Hirabayashi Kenichi , Itoh Hitoshi , Miyajima Yoko , Serizawa Akihiko , Kato Nobuaki , Oyamada Hiroyuki , Machida Tomohisa , Kawanishi Aya , Nakamura Naoya
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated fibroblasts or myofibroblasts that play a crucial role in the invasiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this study, the cytological features and diagnostic significance of CAFs based on pancreatic duct brushing cytology (PDBC) were evaluated.

Methods

The prevalence of fibrous stroma (FS) including CAFs on PDBC in 42 PDAC cases and 33 benign cases was retrospectively investigated. The average nuclear size of fibroblasts was compared between PDAC and benign cases to distinguish CAFs from normal FS.

Results

Overall, FS was observed in 25 PDAC cases (60%) and eight benign cases (24%). The average nuclear size of FS in PDAC cases was significantly larger than that in benign cases. From the receiver operating characteristics analysis, the cut‐off value of the nuclear size of FS for the diagnosis of PDAC was defined as 10.22 µm. FS with nuclei over 10.22 µm in size in PDAC cases had clear prominent nucleoli. In contrast, FS in benign cases had no clear nucleoli. Thus, CAFs on PDBC were considered to be FS with nuclei over 10.22 µm in size and prominent nucleoli. The presence of CAFs on PDBC had 100% positive predictive value and specificity for the diagnosis of PDAC.

Conclusions

This study suggested that CAFs on PDBC could be distinguished from normal FS by large nuclear size (over 10.22 µm) and prominent nucleoli and that CAFs on PDBC may be used for the diagnosis of PDAC.
Control measures to prevent Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in endoscopy centers: Multi‐center study
Authors: Huang Qing , Liu Guanyi , Wang Jiewei , Duan Tianjiao , Feng Yun , Lin Xiaoqing , Zhu Yuanmin , Wang Huihui , Cui Yi , He Shuixiang , Zhu Yunqing , Li Peng , Rong Long , Liu Yulan
Published: May 2020

Aims

To investigate control measures for COVID‐19 pandemic in GIE centers in China.

Methods

This is a retrospective multi‐center research, including seven centers. Data collection was from 1 February to 31 March 2020 and the same period in 2019.

Results

There were a total of 28 COVID‐19 definite cases in these hospitals. Six out of seven GIE centers were arranged to shut down on 1 February, with a mean number of shutdown days of 23.6 ± 5.3. The actual workloads were only 10.3%–62.9% compared to those last year. All centers had a preoperative COVID‐19 screening process. Epidemiological questionnaire, temperature taking and QR‐code of journey were conducted. Chest CT scan was conducted during the shutdown period and continued in five centers after return to work. Antibody and nucleic acid test were applied in one to three centers. All endoscopists had advanced PPE. Five centers used surgical mask and the rest used N95 mask. Six centers used goggles or face shield. Five centers selected isolation gowns and the rest selected protective suits. The change frequency of these PPE was 4 h. Sterilizing measures were improved in six centers. Five centers utilized ultraviolet and six centers strengthened natural ventilation. Four and six centers used peracetic acid during the period of shutdown and return to work, alone or matched with OPA or acidified water.

Conclusions

Many effective control measures were conducted in GIE centers during the outbreak, including patients’ volume limitation, preoperative COVID‐19 screening, advanced PPE and disinfection methods.
PhotoKwento: co‐constructing women's narratives of disaster recovery
Authors: Alburo‐Cañete Kaira Zoe
Published: May 2020

A recent appraisal of disaster studies undertaken over the past 40 years draws attention to the urgency of advancing different epistemologies that reflect local realities of disaster experiences and of developing appropriate instruments with which to do so. This paper argues that feminist methods and perspectives can contribute greatly to this important endeavour of promoting epistemic diversity in research on disasters, advancing approaches that engender the co‐construction of knowledge, and consequently challenging the ‘hegemonic’ (and often gender‐blind) narratives that dominate disaster studies today. Specifically, the paper makes a case for a feminist photo‐based approach that I designed (PhotoKwento) to examine women's experiences of disaster recovery in Tacloban City, Philippines. It demonstrates how the technique fosters engaged research relationships and participatory knowledge construction practices pertaining to disaster experiences. In addition, it highlights the potential of PhotoKwento to embody the qualities of research that are necessary for the progress of disaster studies ‘from below’.
Rehabilitation interventions in Rett syndrome: a scoping review
Authors: Lim Jan , Greenspoon Dayna , Hunt Anne , McAdam Laura
Published: May 2020

Aim

To summarize existing interventions and their outcomes in Rett syndrome (RTT) rehabilitation and identify gaps in the literature.

Method

Five databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase Classic, Ovid PsycINFO, EBSCO CINAHL Plus, and ProQuest ERIC) were systematically searched up to 23rd July 2018 for studies describing rehabilitation interventions. Data on study participants, design, and outcomes were extracted.

Results

Sixty‐two articles were included in the final review. Evidence consistently demonstrated that females with RTT can improve their gross motor, fine motor, and communicative skills with rehabilitation. All 11 interventions targeting gross motor function, namely ambulation, achieved functional improvements. Twenty of 24 articles describing fine motor rehabilitation studies succeeded in decreasing stereotypies, improving functional hand use, and/or reducing self‐injurious behaviors. Twenty‐one of 22 studies describing communication interventions succeeded in training choice‐making, communicative language, or socialization behavior. Other key findings include the positive interplay between physical and communicative rehabilitation outcomes, and the ability of females with RTT to improve their cognitive abilities during intervention.

Interpretation

Rehabilitation can impact the daily lives of females with RTT and their caregivers in clinically meaningful ways.

What this paper adds

Females with Rett syndrome (RTT) can make developmental gains across their life span.

Long‐term intervention can improve the physical abilities of individuals with RTT.

Low‐, medium‐, and high‐technology interventions can improve the communicative abilities of individuals with RTT.
Multimodality imaging to guide transcatheter treatment of severe degenerative tricuspid regurgitation with tricuspid valve‐in‐ring implantation and paravalvular leak closure
Authors: Peters Andrew C. , Unger Erin , Gong Fei Fei , El Hangouche Nadia , Puthumana Jyothy J. , Thomas James D. , Fusari Melissa , Davidson Charles J. , Ricciardi Mark J. , Pham Duc , Flaherty James D. , Narang Akhil
Published: May 2020

Tricuspid valve (TV) degeneration after surgical repair with an annuloplasty ring is problematic as redo operation carries high mortality. This can be addressed with transcatheter therapies to implant a valve within in prior ring (tricuspid valve‐in‐ring). When an incomplete ring is present, paravalvular leak is commonly encountered after tricuspid valve‐in‐ring (TViR) implant; however, this can be addressed with paravalvular leak closure devices. Multimodality imaging including cardiac computed tomography and three‐dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are important for successful TViR implant. We report a case of tricuspid regurgitation after tricuspid repair with an incomplete annuloplasty ring and subsequent paravalvular leak closure.
Multimodality imaging of IgG4 related coronary artery aneurysm
Authors: Ansari‐Gilani Kianoush , Gilkeson Robert C.
Published: May 2020

Involvement of the coronary arteries by immunoglobulin G4‐related disease is rare. It can cause coronary artery aneurysm and arterial wall thickening. Imaging plays a key role in the assessment of the coronary arteries and multimodality approach imaging is helpful to make the diagnosis and provide functional and prognostic information.
Application of comprehensive geriatric assessment in predicting early mortality among elder patients with B‐cell lymphoma receiving immunochemotherapy
Authors: Chou Wen‐Chi , Chang Hung , Wang Po‐Nan , Kuo Ming‐Chung , Wu Jin‐Hou , Lin Tung‐Liang , Su Yi‐Jiun , Kao Hsiao‐Wen , Ou Che‐Wei , Hung Chia‐Yen , Hsueh Shun‐Wen , Hung Yu‐Shin
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Early mortality, defined as death within 120 days after initiated antitumor therapy, is an important issue especially for elder patients with B‐cell lymphoma. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in early mortality prediction in elderly patients with B‐cell lymphoma receiving immunochemotherapy.

Methods

Seventy‐six consecutive patients with newly diagnosed B‐cell lymphoma receiving immunochemotherapy from a medical center in Taiwan were prospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into fit (n = 49) and frail (n = 27) groups per pretreatment CGA for early mortality comparison.

Results

The early mortality rate in our patient cohort was 16% (n = 12): from 6% in patients with no CGA domain impairment to 43% in patients with ≥4 CGA domain impairment. The early mortality rate was 6% and 33% in fit and frail patients (odds ratio, 7.67; 95% CI, 1.86‐31.6; P = .005), respectively. Frailty was the significant predictor for early mortality in univariate and multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

In this study, the number of geriatric domain impairment is positively associated with the early mortality risk in elderly patients with B‐cell lymphoma. Therefore, CGA can help clinicians to identify the risk of early mortality in elderly patients and provide alternative treatment.
A continuously changing selective context on microbial communities associated with fish, from egg to fork
Authors: Derome Nicolas , Filteau Marie
Published: May 2020

Fast increase of fish aquaculture production to meet consumer demands is accompanied by important ecological concerns such as disease outbreaks. Meanwhile, food waste is an important concern with fish products since they are highly perishable. Recent aquaculture and fish product microbiology, and more recently, microbiota research, paved the way to a highly integrated approach to understand complex relationships between host fish, product and their associated microbial communities at health/disease and preservation/spoilage frontiers. Microbial manipulation strategies are increasingly validated as promising tools either to replace or to complement traditional veterinary and preservation methods. In this review, we consider evolutionary forces driving fish microbiota assembly, in particular the changes in the selective context along the production chain. We summarize the current knowledge concerning factors governing assembly and dynamics of fish hosts and food microbial communities. Then, we discuss the current microbial community manipulation strategies from an evolutionary standpoint to provide a perspective on the potential for risks, conflict and opportunities. Finally, we conclude that to harness evolutionary forces in the development of sustainable microbiota manipulation applications in the fish industry, an integrated knowledge of the controlling abiotic and especially biotic factors is required.
Retroperitoneoscopy in the horse: Anatomical study of the retroperitoneal perirenal space and description of a surgical approach
Authors: Pujol Raymond , De Fourmestraux Claire , Symoens Antoine , Branchereau Julien , Tessier Caroline
Published: May 2020

Background

Surgical approaches to the kidneys and perirenal structures are uncommonly performed in horses and several complications have been described with the current procedures.

Objective

To describe the anatomy of the retroperitoneal perirenal space and investigate a retroperitoneal minimally invasive approach to access the kidney and perirenal structures in horses.

Study design

Descriptive, cadaveric study.

Methods

Anatomical description of the retroperitoneal space was performed on three equine cadavers and the surgical approach was developed based on these dissections. Ten cadaveric horses underwent a retroperitoneoscopy. Five horses were placed in a right lateral recumbency position to explore the left retroperitoneal space and five horses were placed in a standing position to explore both left and right sides. Anatomical landmarks, working space and access to the renal hilus and perirenal structures were evaluated.

Results

Dissections revealed that kidneys are surrounded by a renal fascia which delimits two spaces: a perirenal space between the kidney and the renal fascia, and a pararenal space between the renal fascia and psoas muscles or peritoneum. The retroperitoneoscopic portal was placed at the level of the dorsal aspect of the tuber coxae, 3 cm caudal to the last rib for the left side and 2 cm caudal to the last rib for the right side. Retroperitoneal access and working space were successfully established in all horses. The standing position allowed an easier dissection than lateral recumbency. Division of the perirenal fat allowed access to the kidney and adrenal glands as well as individualisation of renal vessels and ureter in the renal hilus.

Main limitations

Study of cadavers precluded appreciation of haemorrhage or use the pulsating vessels as landmarks.

Conclusions

This study provides a description of the retroperitoneal perirenal space and describes a new surgical approach to access kidneys and perirenal structures in horses.
Decision support system on credit operation using linear and logistic regression
Authors: Teles Germanno , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , Kozlov Sergei A. , Rabêlo Ricardo A. L. , Albuquerque Victor Hugo C.
Published: May 2020

The act of lending is based on trust in the borrower to honour the obligation of paying back the lender. Greater spreads on credit operations may help predict the expected recovery of the credit, based on the sufficiency and liquidity of the guarantee. This study aims to understand how predictive models can provide different estimations of expected recovery based on the same data sets. It classifies credit by the formulation of a rule that describes the values of a categorical variable according to some specified definition. It finds that a simple logistic regression model can easily be extended to a multiple logistic regression model by integrating more than one prediction variable, which indicates increasing difficulty in obtaining multiple observations with an increasing number of independent variables. It compares the efficiency of the logistic regression with that of a linear regression in predicting whether recovery is due in a credit operation, and, thus, identifies the best model for this purpose.
Pseudophosphatase MK‐STYX: the atypical member of the MAP kinase phosphatases
Authors: Hinton Shantá D.
Published: May 2020

The regulation of the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) is essential for cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and death. Mutations within the MAPK signaling cascades are implicated in diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, arthritis, obesity, and diabetes. MAPK phosphorylation is controlled by an intricate balance between MAPK kinases (enzymes that add phosphate groups) and MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) (enzymes that remove phosphate groups). MKPs are complex negative regulators of the MAPK pathway that control the amplitude and spatiotemporal regulation of MAPKs. MK‐STYX (MAPK phosphoserine/threonine/tyrosine‐binding protein) is a member of the MKP subfamily, which lacks the critical histidine and nucleophilic cysteine residues in the active site required for catalysis. MK‐STYX does not influence the phosphorylation status of MAPK, but even so it adds to the complexity of signal transduction cascades as a signaling regulator. This review highlights the function of MK‐STYX, providing insight into MK‐STYX as a signal regulating molecule in the stress response, HDAC 6 dynamics, apoptosis, and neurite differentiation.
Comparative environmental and economic life cycle assessment of biogas production from perennial wild plant mixtures and maize (Zea mays L.) in southwest Germany
Authors: Lask Jan , Martínez Guajardo Alejandra , Weik Jan , von Cossel Moritz , Lewandowski Iris , Wagner Moritz
Published: May 2020

Maize silage is the main biogas co‐substrate in Germany, but its use is often questioned due to negative environmental impacts. Perennial wild plant mixtures (WPM) are increasingly considered alternatives, as these extensive systems improve soil quality and enhance agrobiodiversity. Methane yields per hectare however do not match those of maize. This study examined whether the potential advantages of replacing maize with WPM for biogas production are counteracted by lower yields and associated effects. Life cycle assessment and life cycle cost assessment were used to compare the environmental and economic performance of electricity generation from WPM in two establishment procedures, ‘standard’ (WPM E1) and ‘under maize’ (WPM E2). These metrics were benchmarked against those of maize. The production of 1 kWh electricity was chosen as functional unit. The life cycle inventory of the agricultural phase was based on multi‐annual field trials in southwest Germany. Both WPM E1 and E2 had lower marine eutrophication and global warming potentials than maize. The GWP favourability was however sensitive to the assumptions made with regard to the amount and fate of carbon sequestered in the soil. WPM E1 performed less favourable than WPM E2. This was mainly due to lower yields, which could, in turn, result in potential indirect land use impacts. These impacts may outweigh the carbon sequestration benefits of WPM cultivation. Maize performed best in terms of economic costs, freshwater eutrophication, terrestrial acidification, fine particulate matter and ozone formation. We conclude that the widespread deployment of WPM systems on productive agricultural land should only take place if permanent soil carbon sequestration can be ensured. In either case, WPM cultivation could be a valid alternative for bioenergy buffers and marginal land where competitive yields of common crops cannot be guaranteed, but which could accommodate low‐input cultivation systems.
Concurrent Determination of U‐Pb Age and REE Mass Fractions of Zircon by High Mass Resolution SIMS
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Qiu‐Li , Tang Guo‐Qiang , Li Xian‐Hua
Published: May 2020

A combined geochronological and geochemical investigation for the same domain of zircon provides valuable information on timing and genesis, particularly in the case of multi‐growth metamorphic zircon. A high spatial resolution concurrent analytical method for zircon U‐Pb age and rare earth element content was successfully achieved in this study, using a multi‐collector secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) at a ~ 8 μm diameter scale. Special instrument parameters were employed, including a high mass resolution of approximately 15000 applied to replace the previous energy filter method, and a dynamic multi‐collector mode used to reduce the measurement time to 18 min per analysis. Six zircon reference materials yielded precise and accurate 206Pb/238U ages, which are comparable to those obtained by the ordinary mono‐collector method, but with 2–3 times higher spatial resolution. All zircon grains measured in this study showed enriched heavy‐REE (HREE) contents consistent with previously reported values determined by LA and solution ICP‐MS methods. The light‐REE (LREE) mass fractions measured using both SIMS and LA‐ICP‐MS methods in this study, although with quite different volume, show consistent results within uncertainties.
Forage yield and quality of buffel ‘H‐17’ and Urochloa hybrids at different regrowth ages under semi‐arid conditions
Authors: Garay Martínez Jonathan Raúl , Estrada Drouaillet Benigno , Bautista Martínez Yuridia , Bernal-Flores Álvaro , Mendoza Pedroza Sergio Iban , Martínez González Juan Carlos , Sosa Montes Eliseo , Joaquín Cancino Santiago
Published: May 2020

Urochloa hybrids produce large amounts of biomass and have drought tolerance; however, there are few reports on the forage yield and quality of these forage grasses in semi‐arid environments. We evaluated the forage yield and nutritional value of Urochloa hybrids (‘Mulato II’, ‘Cayman’ and ‘Cobra’) and Pennisetum ciliare ‘H‐17’ (control) at three regrowth ages (RA: 4, 6 and 8 weeks), at maximum (MAR) and minimum (MIR) rainfall periods in semi‐arid climate. The variables evaluated were as follows: dry matter of leaves (DMl), stems (DMs), and total (DMT), crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and detergent fibers (neutral: NDF, and acid: ADF). The hybrids showed higher DMl, CP and IVDMD with values of 423 g/m2, 11% and 70%, respectively. ‘H‐17’ presented higher DMs, NDF and ADF, with values of 110 g/m2, 69% and 35%, respectively. Urochloa hybrids showed higher forage yield and nutritional value compared to Pennisetum ciliare ‘H‐17’ and could be an alternative for semi‐arid zones.
Water Defluoridation Using Sequentially CoupledMoringa oleiferaSeed Extract and Electrocoagulation
Authors: Laney Brent , Rodriguez‐Narvaez Oscar M. , Apambire Braimah , Bandala Erick R.
Published: May 2020

Moringa oleifera(MO) seed extract coupled with electrocoagulation (EC) was used to remove fluoride from water. Different MO extract volumes (5.0, 12.5, and 25.0 mL of MO extract per water liter) were coupled with EC, using aluminum electrodes at different current density values (J = 0.7, 2.0, and 3.3 mA/cm2) and different electrode separations (1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 cm), tested in batch and recirculation experiments. Control experiments using MO extract and EC alone achieved 5% and 54% water defluoridation, respectively. Best experimental batch conditions were achieved using 12.5 mL of MO extract followed by EC (3.3 mA/cm2) with a 1.0 cm electrode separation, producing >90% fluoride removal. Recirculation experiments with the EC reactor were performed with DI water and tap water using 1.0 cm electrode separation, 12.5 mL of MO extract and different current densities. More than 90% fluoride removal was achieved with the EC/MO process, using 3.3 mA/cm2, in both DI and tap water after 30 and 60 min, respectively. An energy consumption index (ECI) was developed, which showed that 1.51 and 0.67 W/h/mg were achieved for batch experiments of EC alone and EC/MO extract, respectively. For EC/MO extract, recirculation experiments with tap and DI water resulted in 0.35 and 0.22 W/h/mg, respectively. A cost analysis showed that $0.18 will be needed to treat one cubic meter of water.
Illuminating Subsurface Microbial Water Quality Patterns Using Adenosine Triphosphate and Dynamic Time Warping Approaches
Authors: Chik Alex H. S. , Emelko Monica B. , Blaschke Alfred P. , Schijven Jack F.
Published: May 2020

Aquifer microbial water quality evaluations are often performed by collecting groundwater samples from monitoring wells. While samples collected from continuously pumped sources are seldom disputed as representative of the aquifer, natural biofilm present in the vicinity of well screens may introduce unwanted microbial artefacts in monitoring wells that are only periodically sampled. The need for well water purging to obtain samples void of these artefacts has been widely recognized. However, purging methods are not standardized; many approaches presume that physico‐chemical water quality stability achieved through the removal of 3 to 5 well volumes is indicative of the stability of target analytes. Using a data set collected from a shallow unconfined aquifer in Southern Ontario, Canada, the need for using dedicated approaches that account for the time‐dependent nature of microbial water quality changes was demonstrated. Specifically, the utility of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a rapid, field‐ready biochemical indicator of microbial water quality stability was investigated. This work shows that ATP concentrations reflect time‐limited (bio)colloid transport processes that are consistent with other microbial water quality parameters monitored, but different from commonly measured physical and chemical water quality indicators of well purging adequacy. ATP concentrations occasionally fluctuated even after 3 or 4 h of purging, indicating that microbial artefacts attributable to biofilms in the vicinity of the well screen can still persist. The recurrence of characteristic ATP patterns in each well was systematically examined through the novel application of dynamic time warping (DTW), a nonparametric time series analysis approach. These patterns are believed to be linked with seasonal hydrogeological conditions, which warrant consideration in the design and interpretation of subsurface microbial water quality investigations.
Effects of branched‐chain amino acids and Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC18217 on volatiles formation and textural properties of dry‐cured fermented sausage
Authors: Wang Yanqing , Liu Rui , Ge Qingfeng , Wu Mangang , Xu Baocai , Xi Jun , Yu Hai
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs, leucine, isoleucine and valine) combined with Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC18217 (L. plantarum) on the flavours and quality of fermented sausages. The parameters included pH, water activity, colour, texture, BCAAs metabolites and flavour compounds of fermented sausages in eight different groups (sausages with L. plantarum and individual BCAAs, that is L + Leu, L + Ile and L + Val groups; sausages with individual BCAAs, that is the Leu, Ile and Val groups; sausages only with L. plantarum assigned as the L group; and sausages with no L. plantarum and BCAAs assigned as the CK group). The results showed that the addition of BCAAs and L. plantarum significantly increased the hardness, cohesiveness and springiness of sausages. A total of sixty‐nine flavour compounds were identified in fermented sausages. The content of methyl‐branched alcohols, aldehydes, acids in the L. plantarum and BCAAs group significantly increased compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Therefore, our data suggest the addition of L. plantarum and BCAAs potentially improved the texture of fermented sausages and formation of volatile flavours.
Association of pulse pressure, pulse pressure index, and ambulatory arterial stiffness index with kidney function in a cross‐sectional pediatric chronic kidney disease cohort from the CKiD study
Authors: Raina Rupesh , Polaconda Shyam , Nair Nikhil , Chakraborty Ronith , Sethi Sidharth , Krishnappa Vinod , Kapur Gaurav , Mhanna Maroun , Kusumi Kirsten
Published: May 2020

The morbidity and mortality of adult and pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) populations are mainly driven by cardiovascular disease (CVD). Improving CVD outcomes focuses on risk assessment of factors including diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), pulse pressure (PP), and pulse pressure index (PPi), which is calculated as PP/SBP. These markers are also proven predictors of CKD progression; however, their role in children has not been established. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between PP, PPi, ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI), and proteinuria with kidney function in pediatric CKD patients; it is a retrospective analysis of 620 patients (1‐16 years) from the NIDDK Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) registry. The authors analyzed data for three separate cohorts: an overall CKD as well as immunological versus non‐immunological cause for CKD groups. An inverse relationship was found between SBP, DBP, and PP with iGFR and LVMI in the overall CKD group. Our immunological CKD subgroup showed significantly higher serum creatinine, SBP, DBP, and PP values with significantly lower serum albumin levels compared to the non‐immunological group. There were no significant differences with iohexol‐based glomerular filtration rate (iGFR), LVMI, PPi, or high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) between the two groups. A subgroup analysis demonstrated that SBP, DBP, and PP all correlated significantly with LVMI in the immunological CKD patients but not the non‐immunological subgroup. Additionally, AASI data in the overall CKD population were significantly correlated with PP, PPi, and DBP. This study is one of the first to correlate noninvasive measurements of vascular compliance including PP, PPi, and AASI with iGFR and LVMI in a pediatric CKD cohort. Improving our understanding of surrogate markers for early CVD is integral to improving the care of pediatric CKD population as these patients have yet to develop the hard end points of ESRD, heart failure, myocardial infarction, or stroke.
COVID‐19 and diabetes: Is there enough evidence?
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Cuspidi Cesare , Sala Carla
Published: May 2020

The pandemic of COVID‐19, a disease caused by a novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent data showed that hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were the most prevalent comorbidities in COVID‐19 patients. Additionally, data indicate that hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are important risk factors for progression and unfavorable outcome in COVID‐19 patients. There is only limited amount of data regarding follow‐up of these patients, and they provided conflicting results. The main limitation is a small number of participants and particularly those who experienced primary composite outcome (admission in intensive care unit, use of mechanical ventilation, or death). Additionally, the limited number of patients was essential obstacle for performing analysis that would include many confounding factors such as advanced age, smoking status, and obesity and potentially change conclusion. So far, there is no study that demonstrated independent predictive value of diabetes on mortality in COVID‐19 patients, but there are many speculations about the association between diabetes and susceptibility to novel coronavirus, as well as its impact on progression and prognosis of COVID‐19. The aim of this review article was to summarize the current knowledge about the relationship between diabetes and COVID‐19 and its role in outcome in these patients.
TLR3 ligation affects differentiation and stemness properties of gingival mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Mekhemar Mohamed , Tölle Johannes , Dörfer Christof , Fawzy El‐Sayed Karim
Published: May 2020

Aim

Toll‐like receptors are key players in mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells’ micro‐environmental crosstalk, endorsing various biological reactions. For the first time, this study investigates the effects of TLR3‐ligation on gingival mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (G‐MSCs) stemness and differentiation properties.

Material and Methods

G‐MSCs (n = 5) were isolated, sorted using anti‐STRO‐1 antibodies,and sowed on culture dishes to generate colony‐forming units (CFUs), and their stem/progenitor cells’ features and TLR3 expression were characterized. Subsequently, TLR3 activation of G‐MSCs via Poly (I:C) was done, followed by an analysis of the expression of pluripotency‐related factors, mesenchymal stemness‐associated surface markers, and the ability to form CFUs and multilineage differentiation, using qualitative and quantitative histochemistry and RT‐PCR.

Results

G‐MSCs demonstrated all predefined stem/progenitor cells’ characteristics and TLR3 expression. TLR3‐activated G‐MSCs showed a significantly reduced ability to form CFUs and pluripotency transcriptional factors expression. Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell‐associated surface markers and multilinear differentiation potential were significantly higher following TLR3 ligation (p < .05, Wilcoxon signed rank test).

Conclusions

TLR3‐mediated activation maintains the mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells phenotype and drives G‐MSCs’ differentiation and commitment, with a shift away from an undifferentiated pluripotent cellular phenotype. This distinctive modulation could influence potential therapeutic applications of G‐MSCs.
Commentary: Embracing innovation is necessary to improve assessment and care for individuals with ASD: a reflection on Kanne and Bishop (2020)
Authors: Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Warren Zachary
Published: May 2020

This commentary is offered in response to Kanne and Bishop (2020) who urge caution in adopting new devices and processes for ASD assessment and advocate that that comprehensive, expert‐driven, diagnostic models for ASD remain essential to maintain quality standards. While we agree that there is a critical shortage in current care, we propose that developing suites of tools and innovative approaches for screening, risk‐classification, formal diagnosis, and rich assessment of abilities and challenges may be of great value to families and necessary to improve current systems of care. As well, the evaluation of ‘assessment quality’ should take into consideration both content and process, with a focus on achieving meaningful outcomes and optimizing family experience.
Dunnock social status correlates with sperm speed, but fast sperm does not always equal high fitness
Authors: Lara Carlos E. , Taylor Helen R. , Holtmann Benedikt , Johnson Sheri L. , Santos Eduardo S. A. , Gemmell Neil J. , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: May 2020

Sperm competition theory predicts that males should modulate sperm investment according to their social status. Sperm speed, one proxy of sperm quality, also influences the outcome of sperm competition because fast sperm cells may fertilize eggs before slow sperm cells. We evaluated whether the social status of males predicted their sperm speed in a wild population of dunnocks (Prunella modularis). In addition to the traditional analysis of the average speed of sperm cells per sample, we also analysed subsamples of the fastest sperm cells per sample. In other words, we systematically evaluated the effects of including different numbers of the fastest sperm in our analyses, ranging from the 5‐fastest sperm cells to the 100‐fastest sperm cells in a sample. We further evaluated whether fitness, defined here as the number of chicks sired per male per breeding season, relates to the sperm speed in the same population. We found that males in monogamous pairings (i.e. low levels of sperm competition), produced the slowest sperm cells, whereas subordinate males in polyandrous male–male coalitions (i.e. high levels of sperm competition) produced the fastest sperm cells. This result was consistent regardless of the number of fastest sperm included in our analyses, but statistical support was conditional on the number of sperm cells included in the analysis. Interestingly, we found no significant relationship between fitness and sperm speed, which suggests that it is possible that the differential mating opportunities across social status levelled out any possible difference. Our study also suggests that it is important to identify biologically meaningful subsets of fastest sperm and cut‐offs for inclusions for assessing sperm competition via sperm speed.
Learning curve of double‐guidewire technique by trainees during hands‐on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography training
Authors: Wang Xiangping , Ren Gui , Xi Yibin , Luo Hui , Liang Shuhui , Wang Biaoluo , Tao Qin , Luo Bing , Qin Qian , Farrell James J , Guo Xuegang , Wu Kaichun , Pan Yanglin
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

Double‐guidewire technique (DWT) has been successfully performed by experts in difficult biliary cannulation as an advanced technique. This study aimed to define the learning curve and safety of DWT by trainees during hands‐on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) training.

Methods

Patients were eligible for inclusion in the study if the biliary cannulation was difficult and the pancreatic duct was inadvertently cannulated. DWT was performed by two trainees randomly under trainers' guidance. The primary outcome was the success rate of DWT biliary cannulation of trainees. Cumulative sum analysis was used to generate visual learning curves.

Results

A total of 60 patients with difficult cannulation were enrolled. The main indications for ERCP were common bile duct stones (65%) and biliary stricture (31.7%). The learning curve analysis showed that to achieve a 70% rate of successful DWT, 12 procedures were needed for trainee A and 15 for trainee B. Higher targeted success rate of DWT could be achieved if the number of DWT procedures increased. Compared with the early stage of learning DWT (case 1 to 15 for each trainee), trainees had significantly higher DWT success rate in the late stage (36.7% [11/30] vs 80% [24/30], P = 0.001). The final success rate of cannulation was 98.3% (59/60). The overall rate of post‐ERCP pancreatitis and adverse events was 6.7% (4/60) and 8.3% (5/60), respectively.

Conclusions

Double‐guidewire technique was safely performed by two novel trainees during hands‐on ERCP training. Fifteen procedures may be enough for trainees to achieve the competency of performing DWT. (Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT03707613).
Comparison of percutaneous vs endoscopic drainage in the management of pancreatic fluid collections: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wan Jianhua , Wu Dangyan , He Wenhua , Zhu Yin , Zhu Yong , Zeng Hao , Liu Pi , Xia Liang , Lu Nonghua
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim

Currently, endoscopic drainage (ED) and percutaneous drainage (PD) are both widely used effective interventions in the management of patients with symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness and safety of ED to those of PD in the treatment of PFCs.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of PFC patients who underwent ED or PD was conducted between January 2009 and December 2017. In this study, the initial success rate, adverse events, intervention, requirement of surgical treatment, hospital mortality within 30 days, length of hospital stay, and expenses during hospitalization were monitored, and a follow‐up investigation of treatment outcome was conducted. Long‐term recovery, recurrence, and mortality were determined according to telephone follow up.

Results

In total, 129 patients were included in the study; 62 patients underwent ED, and 67 patients underwent PD during the 8‐year study period. Initial treatment success was considerably higher in patients whose PFCs were managed by ED than in patients whose PFCs were managed by PD (94.9% vs 65.0%, P = 0.003). The rate of procedural adverse events, reintervention, length of hospitalization, and expense were all higher in the PD group than in the ED group, but the long‐term recovery rate and requirement of surgical intervention were not clearly different between patients who underwent the two treatment measures.

Conclusion

ED of symptomatic PFCs was associated with higher rates of initial treatment success, lower rates of reintervention and adverse events, and a shorter hospital stay than PD of symptomatic PFCs.
Imaging of Paranasal Sinus Infections in Children: A Review
Authors: Orman Gunes , Kralik Stephen F. , Desai Nilesh , Meoded Avner , Vallejo Jesus G. , Huisman Thierry A. G. M. , Tran Brandon H.
Published: May 2020

Paranasal sinuses (PNS) infections are common in children. They may cause common and well‐known complications, but also, unusual and potentially devastating complications. Diagnosing PNS infections and complications in children requires knowledge of the unique anatomy of the nasal cavity and the PNS. In fetal life, nasal mucosa evaginations into the lateral nasal walls initiate the development of the PNS. The PNS continue to develop after birth and complete their maturation and pneumatization at different ages during childhood which makes the pattern of PNS infections determined by patient age. Complications are caused by direct spread of the infection to the orbit, face, intracranial or osseous structures or hematogenous spread of the infection to the intracranial structures. Emergent imaging studies are often necessary in the evaluation of the complications in pediatric patients when the symptoms persist for 10 days and/or if there is evidence of intracranial or orbital complications. In addition, immunocompromised children are especially vulnerable to developing unusual complications. Computed tomography (CT) is excellent for determining whether there is intraorbital extension of PNS disease. However, when the infection approaches the orbital apex, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study with contrast is necessary to assess spread into the cavernous sinus and the intracranial compartment. The goal of this manuscript is to review and characterize imaging findings of PNS infections using CT and MRI allowing determination of the extent of PNS infections and their common and unusual complications in children. In addition, a summary of the development of the normal PNS is provided.
Reproductive Justice Special Issue Introduction “Reproductive Justice: Moving the Margins to the Center in Social Issues Research”
Authors: Eaton Asia A. , Stephens Dionne P.
Published: May 2020

Reproductive justice recognizes that women and girls’ reproductive health is shaped by intersecting systemic oppressions (e.g., racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism) which affect their ability to make meaningful choices about their reproductive lives. The articles in this issue represent a coordinated effort to apply the reproductive justice framework to the scientific study of social issues. Consistent with reproductive justice principles, all articles acknowledge the foundation of reproductive justice in the experiences and knowledge of women of color, consider the roles of power, privilege, and oppression throughout the inquiry process, and address the utility of findings for improving the lives of marginalized groups through structural and social change. With this special issue, we hope to reframe the relationship between research and practice on marginalized populations’ reproductive health, and contribute to efforts to apply reproductive justice across domains of social science, including psychological science.
Quality of Life and Impact of Cancer: Differences in Rural and Nonrural Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivors
Authors: Noonan Devon , LeBlanc Matthew , Conley Cherie , Benecha Habtamu , Leak‐Bryant Ashley , Peter Kellen , Zimmerman Sheryl , Mayer Deborah , Smith Sophia
Published: May 2020

Purpose

People living in rural areas experience greater health disparities than their nonrural counterparts, but little is known about the association between rural status and quality of life (QOL) in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) survivors. We compared self‐reported quality of life and impact of cancer in rural and nonrural NHL survivors.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of 566 NHL cancer survivors recruited from cancer registries at 2 large academic medical centers in 1 state. Standardized measures collected information on demographics and clinical characteristics, quality of life (QOL; SF‐36), and the Impact of Cancer (IOCv2). Rural residence was determined by Rural‐Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes designated as nonmetropolitan. Multiple linear regression analysis, adjusted for demographic and clinical covariates, was used to evaluate the relationship between rural residence and QOL and impact of cancer.

Findings

Among the 566 participants (83% response rate), rural residence was independently associated with lower SF‐36 physical component summary scores and the physical function subscale (all P < .05). Rural residence was also associated with higher IOCv2 positive impact scores and the subscales of altruism/empathy and meaning of cancer scores in the adjusted models (all P < .05).

Conclusions

Given documented rural cancer disparities and the lack of resources in rural communities, study findings support the continued need to provide supportive care to rural cancer survivors to improve their QOL. Consistent with previous research, rural residence status is associated with increased positive impact following cancer diagnosis.
Diversity of simultaneous sleep in the motor cortex and hippocampus in rats
Authors: Petrovic Jelena , Radovanovic Ljiljana , Saponjic Jasna
Published: May 2020

We investigated the homogeneity/heterogeneity of spontaneous sleep, simultaneously recorded in the motor cortex and the hippocampus of control rats, and particularly analysed simultaneous and non‐simultaneous motor cortical and hippocampal non‐rapid eye movement (NREM)/rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. We demonstrate that the sleep architectures of the motor cortex and hippocampus are different in control rats. There was an increase of NREM duration and a decrease of REM duration in the hippocampus versus the motor cortex. In terms of duration, NREM state is the most heterogeneous in the hippocampus, whereas the REM state is the most heterogeneous in the motor cortex. Whereas the hippocampal NREM duration was increased due to the prolongation of NREM episodes, the hippocampal REM duration decreased due to the decreased number of REM episodes. The heterogeneity of sleep in the motor cortex and hippocampus in control rats was particularly expressed through the inverse alteration of sigma amplitude during NREM sleep and beta/gamma amplitudes during REM sleep in the hippocampus, along with the delta, sigma, beta and gamma amplitudes only during non‐simultaneous NREM/REM sleep in the hippocampus. We demonstrated the brain structure‐related and NREM/REM state‐related heterogeneity of the motor cortical and hippocampal local sleep in control rats. The distinctly altered local NREM/REM states, alongside their episode dynamics and electroencephalographic (EEG) microstructures, suggest the importance of both the local neuronal network substrate and the NREM/REM neurochemical substrate in the control mechanisms of sleep.
Evaluation of the processing quality of noodle dough containing a high Tartary buckwheat flour content through texture analysis
Authors: Chen Yu , Obadi Mohammed , Liu Shuyi , Qi Yajing , Chen Zhongwei , Jiang Song , Xu Bin
Published: May 2020

A texture analysis method for evaluating the processing quality of noodle dough with a high Tartary buckwheat flour (BF) content was established. And then the improvement of wheat flour (WF), wheat gluten (WG), and pre‐gelatinized Tartary buckwheat flour (PBF) for the processing quality of buckwheat noodle dough was compared quantitatively, and the mechanism was explored through the observation of gluten network in dough sheets. Texture results showed that the coefficients of variation of tensile strength and adhesiveness of dough sheets among 16 groups were 17.76% and 40.72%, respectively, and the intragroup variation coefficients were only 4.17% and 7.07%, respectively. The tensile strength of dough sheets was significantly positively correlated with gluten index of WF and WG. In addition, with the increase of WG and PBF addition, the tensile strength and adhesiveness of dough sheets showed a linearly increase trend. Furthermore, the gluten network in the dough sheets containing WF or WG with high gluten index distributed more evenly and compactly than that with low gluten index. The dough sheet with 9% PBF showed more uniform gluten network, compared with that without added PBF. Overall, texture analysis of dough sheet can be used to evaluate the processing quality of noodle dough containing 70% BF, and the WF and WG with high gluten index had better improvement than PBF.