bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Findings in Male Prepubertal Choir Singers
Authors: Lee David R. , Weinrich Barbara , Zacharias Stephanie , LeBorgne Wendy , Beckmeyer Janet , Eanes Christopher , Tabangin Meredith E. , de Alarcon Alessandro 
Published: June 2020

Objectives/HypothesisThe male singing voice through puberty undergoes many changes that present challenges for the singer and choral director. The purpose of this study was to discuss the endoscopic findings seen in prepubescent choir singers.Study DesignSingle‐institution prospective study.MethodsSubjects were recruited from the Cincinnati Boychoir and were described as Cooksey stage unchanged or mid‐voice I, as described by the Boychoir artistic director. Vocal history was obtained via questionnaire at the initial visit. Subjects with known laryngeal pathologies were excluded. Endoscopic laryngeal examinations were performed using videoendoscopy. During examination, each subject sang four discrete frequencies. Findings of the endoscopic exam were judged by a board‐certified pediatric otolaryngologist specializing in pediatric voice.ResultsWe evaluated 28 subjects prior to vocal maturation. Their age range was 8 to 13 years old (mean = 10.2 ± 1.2 years). The singing voice category of all 28 subjects was described as soprano vocal range by the Boychoir artistic director. The subjects had a mean of 1.7 ± 1.1 years in the Boychoir (0–5 years). None reported history of vocal issues or voice problems in the past; seven (25%) subjects had vocal fold lesions seen at one or more frequencies; 24 (85%) subjects had a posterior gap seen at one or more frequencies. Two subjects (7%) had a posterior gap at one frequency, C3 and G3, respectively. Five subjects (18%) had a posterior gap at two frequencies, seven subjects (25%) at three frequencies, and 10 subjects (36%) in all four frequencies.ConclusionsOur study aimed to describe the laryngeal examination of dedicated Boychoir singers prior to undergoing pubertal development and vocal maturation. In elite pediatric singers we found that vocal nodules are common (25%) and are not correlated with vocal symptoms. These findings may suggest that asymptomatic lesions may be more prevalent than previously thought. In these individuals, posterior glottic gap is common and can be considered a normal glottal configuration.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:592–597, 2021
Reforming science publishing
Authors: Moustafa Khaled 
Published: June 2020

Key points
Peer review remains problematic, but only partial resolutions to the problems have been identified.
The article processing charge financial model looks like a farmer who works hard to produce food but then must pay to sell his final products to consumers.
Article categories are largely meaningless – ‘original articles’ are not the only original content, and how rapid are rapid communications?
Word limits belong to the print environment and are overly proscriptive in the digital environment.
Why is only one author identified as the corresponding author when all authors should take responsibility for their articles?
The value of narrowband imaging using the Ni classification in the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer
Authors: Ahmadzada Sejad , Tseros Evan , Sritharan Niranjan , Singh Narinder , Smith Mark , Palme Carsten E. , Riffat Faruque 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionNarrowband imaging (NBI) is a special endoscopic optical enhancement setting allowing better visualization of mucosal microvasculature compared to white light endoscopy. This study evaluates the validity of NBI using the Ni classification in the detection and differentiation of severe dysplasia (SD) and glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).MethodsPatients with suspicious vocal cord lesions underwent conventional white light endoscopy followed by clinically indicated biopsy. At the same time, NBI images were obtained and graded independently. Lesions were graded from I to V according to the Ni classification and compared to histopathological findings.ResultsFifty‐two patients were included in this study (40 SCC and 12 SD). The sensitivity and specificity of NBI in diagnosing laryngeal cancer was 95.0% (CI, 83.9%‐99.4%) and 83.3% (CI, 51.6%‐97.9%), respectively. The negative likelihood ratio was 0.06. Higher Ni grades correlated very strongly with more advanced disease.ConclusionsNBI using the Ni classification is a sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection and differentiation of early neoplastic and preneoplastic glottic lesions. As higher Ni classification correlates strongly with advanced disease, it serves as a useful adjunct to white light endoscopy in the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer.Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Reproducing the virus‐to‐copepod link in Arctic mesocosms using host fitness optimization
Authors: Thingstad T. Frede , Våge Selina , Bratbak Gunnar , Egge Jorun , Larsen Aud , Nejstgaard Jens Christian , Sandaa Ruth‐Anne 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBy shunting material out of the predatory pathway toward detritus and dissolved material, viruses are believed to have an important impact on biogeochemical functions of the pelagic microbial food web. To include viruses as a single plankton functional type (PFT) in dynamic food web models is, however, not trivial since they will then compete with predators for the same host/prey community as a shared limiting resource. As recently shown, one can solve this problem by introducing adaptation in the defensive and competitive traits of the host (prey) community. We here show how this can reproduce central aspects of viral dynamics as observed in a set of Arctic mesocosm experiments. In these experiments, contrasting microbial trophodynamics have previously been linked to the trophic cascades generated by seasonal vertical migration of large Arctic copepods. This approach thus produces a quantitative theory for the mechanisms regulating virus‐to‐prokaryote and lysis‐to‐predation ratios, and integrates this with a central role of predator top‐down control in pelagic microbial food webs.
Electrochemical corrosion behavior of LDX 2101® duplex stainless steel in a fluoride‐containing environment
Authors: Rosalbino Francesco , Scavino Giorgio , Ubertalli Graziano 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe effect of fluoride on the electrochemical corrosion behavior of an LDX 2101® duplex stainless steel (DSS) was studied. Open‐circuit potential (EOC) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were carried out in artificial saliva and with the addition of fluoride (1 wt% NaF). The electrochemical corrosion behavior of the AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel (SS) was also evaluated for comparison. Both open‐circuit potential and EIS results indicate that DSS and austenitic SS undergo spontaneous passivation due to spontaneously formed oxide film passivating the metallic surface, in the simulated aggressive environments. However, LDX 2101® exhibits superior corrosion resistance as compared with AISI 316L, and this improvement is ascribed to the formation of a passive film which shows a higher protective effect than the one formed on AISI 316L.
Development of a standardized Gram stain procedure for bacteria and inflammatory cells using an automated staining instrument
Authors: Li Hui , Li Lele , Chi Yuanyuan , Tian Qingwu , Zhou Tingting , Han Chunhua , Zhu Yuanqi , Zhou Yusun 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGram stain is a subjective and poorly controlled test, and the resultant errors often perplex laboratory scientists. To reduce errors and make Gram stain a precisely controllable and meritorious test, a standardized Gram stain procedure for bacteria and inflammatory cells was developed using an automated staining instrument in this study. Freshly expectorated sputum specimens, used as the optimized targets, were smeared on slides by laboratory technicians, defining each slide loaded with uniform matrix and monolayer cell. And then, the staining and decolorizing time, as well as the stain and decolorant volume, were optimized as 15, 105, 1, and 25 s and 1.1, 1.4, 0.3, and 0.7 ml, respectively. Culture‐positive blood specimens and original purulent fluids were used for confirming the developed standardized Gram stain procedure. Distinct tinctures of bacteria and inflammatory cells adhered to slide uniformly in a monolayer were observed, and the obtained staining results of these samples were highly consistent with their cultured results. Furthermore, according to the staining results under different staining conditions, an updated molecular mechanism of Gram stain for bacteria and the probable staining mechanism for inflammatory cells were also proposed in this study.
Recent updates on the resistance mechanisms to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and resistance reversion strategies in lung cancer
Authors: Tripathi Surya K. , Pandey Kamal , Rengasamy Kannan R. R. , Biswal Bijesh K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEpidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) have led to a substantial improvement in the prognosis of lung cancer patients by explicitly targeting the activating mutations within the EGFR. Initially, patients harboring tumors with EGFR mutations show progression‐free survival and improvement in the response rates toward all‐generation EGFR‐TKIs; however, these agents fail to deliver the intended results in the long‐term due to drug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize specific cardinal mechanisms that regulate the resistance phenomenon. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying EGFR‐TKIs resistance in lung cancer could provide cognizance for more advanced targeted therapeutics. The present review features insights into current updates on the discrete mechanisms, including secondary or tertiary mutations, parallel and downstream signaling pathways, acquiring an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature, microRNAs (miRNAs), and epigenetic alterations, which lead to intrinsic and acquired resistance against EGFR‐TKIs in lung cancer. In addition, this paper also reviews current possible strategies to overcome this issue using combination treatment of recently developed MET inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors or immunotherapies, transformation of EMT, targeting miRNAs, and epigenetic alterations in intrinsic and acquired EGFR‐TKIs resistant lung cancer. In conclusion, multiple factors are responsible for intrinsic and acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs and understanding of the detailed molecular mechanisms, and recent advancements in pharmacological studies are needed to develop new strategies to overcome intrinsic and acquired EGFR‐TKIs resistance in lung cancer.
Diagnostic utility of integrated analysis of exome and transcriptome: Successful diagnosis of Au‐Kline syndrome in a patient with submucous cleft palate, scaphocephaly, and intellectual disabilities
Authors: Yamada Mamiko , Shiraishi Yuichi , Uehara Tomoko , Suzuki Hisato , Takenouchi Toshiki , Abe‐Hatano Chihiro , Kurosawa Kenji , Kosaki Kenjiro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundA weakness of exome analysis lies in inability to characterize aberrant splicing other than those involving consensus donor‐acceptor sequence. To overcome this limitation, we developed a novel analytic method SAVNet that combines transcriptome and exome analysis which enabled the successful detection of carriers of splicing variants in the disease‐causing genes of autosomal recessive disorders within a normal cohort. However, the clinical utility of the SAVNet analysis in delineating splicing defects in patients without a diagnosis has yet to be documented.MethodWe performed SAVNet analysis using the integrated analysis of exome and transcriptome analysis from the peripheral blood of the patient. The patient is an undiagnosed Japanese female patient with submucous cleft palate, scaphocephaly and intellectual disability with no words at 8 years of age. Dysmorphic features included a long face, a short palpebral fissure, thick lips with an open month, premaxillary hypoplasia, a depressed nasal bridge, and satyr ears.ResultA SAVNet analysis showed that a heterozygous intronic variant located at the −10 position of exon 5 of the HNRNPK gene on chromosome 9 created a new splice acceptor sequence “ag” and led to the incorporation of 9 intronic nucleotides into the coding sequence. The mutant protein would have three extra amino acid residues, Leu‐Leu‐Gln, inserted within the critical KH domain. The patient was diagnosed as having recently delineated Au–Kline syndrome, which is characterized by cleft palate, craniosynostosis, and intellectual disability.ConclusionThe successful molecular diagnosis of the presently reported patient illustrates the diagnostic utility of the SAVNet analysis as an innovative way of implementing an integrated exome‐transcriptome analysis in clinical settings.
Systematic summarization of the expression profiles and prognostic roles of the dishevelled gene family in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mei Jie , Yang Xuejing , Xia Dandan , Zhou Weijian , Gu Dingyi , Wang Huiyu , Liu Chaoying 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundDishevelled (DVL) family members are crucial to Wnt‐induced signaling transduction, and their expression is highly correlated with the progression of multiple malignant cancers. However, the expression profiles and exact prognostic values of DVLs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been explored until now.MethodsThe expression of DVL isoforms was assessed using the Oncomine, HCCDB and UALCAN databases. The prognostic roles of DVLs were further evaluated using the GEPIA database. The relationship between the expression of DVLs and immune infiltration of HCC was investigated using the Timer and ImmuCellAI tools. Furthermore, protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were built and enrichment analyses were conducted.ResultsWe found that the expression levels of DVL2 (OMIM accession number: 602151) and DVL3 (OMIM accession number: 601368) were upregulated in HCC tissues as revealed by the Oncomine and HCCDB databases. Additionally, the expression of DVLs tended to be associated with advanced clinical features in the UALCAN database. Prognostic analysis revealed that the expression levels of DVL1 (OMIM accession number: 601365) and DVL3 were remarkably associated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients. The results also revealed that the DVL expression level was correlated with the infiltration levels of multiple immune cells. By constructing the PPI network and enrichment analyses, the DVL1‐3 gene was identified to interact with 20 key genes and participate in several pathways.ConclusionIn summary, DVL2 and DVL3 are highly expressed in HCC, and DVL1 and DVL3 are related to a poor prognosis, which might be used as candidate targets for targeted therapy and reliable prognostic biomarkers in HCC.
Investigation on the role of biallelic variants in VEGF‐C found in a patient affected by Milroy‐like lymphedema
Authors: Mukenge Sylvain , Jha Sawan K. , Catena Marco , Manara Elena , Leppänen Veli‐Matti , Lenti Elisa , Negrini Daniela , Bertelli Matteo , Brendolan Andrea , Jeltsch Michael , Aldrighetti Luca 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundMilroy‐like disease is the diagnostic definition used for patients with phenotypes that resemble classic Milroy disease (MD) but are negative to genetic testing for FLT4. In this study, we aimed at performing a genetic characterization and biochemical analysis of VEGF‐C variations found in a female proband born with congenital edema consistent with Milroy‐like disease.MethodsThe proband underwent next‐generation sequencing‐based genetic testing for a panel of genes associated with known forms of hereditary lymphedema. Segregation analysis was performed on family members by direct sequencing. In vitro studies were performed to evaluate the role of a novel identified variant.ResultsTwo VEGF‐C variations were found in the proband, a novel p.(Ser65Arg) and a pathogenic c.148‐3_148‐2delCA, of paternal and maternal origin, respectively. Functional characterization of the p.(Ser65Arg) variation in vitro showed alterations in VEGF‐C processing.ConclusionsOur findings reveal an interesting case in which biallelic variants in VEGF‐C are found in a patient with Milroy‐like lymphedema. These data expand our understanding of the etiology of congenital Milroy‐like lymphedema.
Preoperative computed tomography‐guided disease‐free survival prediction in gastric cancer: a multicenter radiomics study
Authors: Wang Siwen , Feng Caizhen , Dong Di , Li Hailin , Zhou Jing , Ye Yingjiang , Liu Zaiyi , Tian Jie , Wang Yi 
Published: June 2020

PurposePreoperative and noninvasive prognosis evaluation remains challenging for gastric cancer. Novel preoperative prognostic biomarkers should be investigated. This study aimed to develop multidetector‐row computed tomography (MDCT)‐guided prognostic models to direct follow‐up strategy and improve prognosis.MethodsA retrospective dataset of 353 gastric cancer patients were enrolled from two centers and allocated to three cohorts: training cohort (n = 166), internal validation cohort (n = 83), and external validation cohort (n = 104). Quantitative radiomic features were extracted from MDCT images. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalized Cox regression was adopted to construct a radiomic signature. A radiomic nomogram was established by integrating the radiomic signature and significant clinical risk factors. We also built a preoperative tumor‐node‐metastasis staging model for comparison. All models were evaluated considering the abilities of risk stratification, discrimination, calibration, and clinical use.ResultsIn the two validation cohorts, the established four‐feature radiomic signature showed robust risk stratification power (P = 0.0260 and 0.0003, log‐rank test). The radiomic nomogram incorporated radiomic signature, extramural vessel invasion, clinical T stage, and clinical N stage, outperforming all the other models (concordance index = 0.720 and 0.727) with good calibration and decision benefits. Also, the 2‐yr disease‐free survival (DFS) prediction was most effective (time‐dependent area under curve = 0.771 and 0.765). Moreover, subgroup analysis indicated that the radiomic signature was more sensitive in risk stratifying patients with advanced clinical T/N stage.ConclusionsThe proposed MDCT‐guided radiomic signature was verified as a prognostic factor for gastric cancer. The radiomic nomogram was a noninvasive auxiliary model for preoperative individualized DFS prediction, holding potential in promoting treatment strategy and clinical prognosis.
Classification of digital pathological images of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma subtypes based on the fusion of transfer learning and principal component analysis
Authors: Zhang Jianfei , Cui Wensheng , Guo Xiaoyan , Wang Bo , Wang Zhen 
Published: June 2020

PurposeNon‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a serious malignant disease. Delayed diagnosis will cause anemia, increased intracranial pressure, organ failure, and even lead to death. The current main trend in this area is to use deep learning (DL) for disease diagnosis. Extracting classification information from the digital pathology images by DL may realize the automated qualitative and quantitative analysis of NHL. Previously, DL has been used to classify NHL digital pathology images with some success. However, shortcomings still exist in the data preprocessing methods and feature extraction. Therefore, this paper presents a method for the classification of NHL subtypes based on the fusion of transfer learning (TL) and principal component analysis (PCA).MethodsFirst, the NHL digital pathology images were preprocessed by image division and segmentation and then input into the transfer models for fine‐tuning and feature extraction. Second, PCA was used to map the extracted features. Finally, a neural network was used as a classifier to classify the mapped features. During the fine‐tuning of the transfer models, two methods, freezing all feature extraction layers and fine‐tuning all layers, were employed to select the optimal model with the best classification result among all the preselected transfer models. On this basis, the use of freezing the layers' location was discussed and analyzed.ResultsThe results show that the proposed method achieved average fivefold cross‐validation accuracies of 100%, 99.73%, and 99.20% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) tumor, and each category has standard deviations 0.00, 0.53, and 0.65, respectively, in the NHL reference dataset. The overall classification accuracy for fivefold cross‐validation is 98.93%, which is an increase of 1.26% compared to the latest reported methods, having a lower standard deviation (1.00).ConclusionThe method proposed in this paper achieves a high classification accuracy and strong model generalization for the classification of NHL, which makes it possible to conduct intelligent classification of NHL in clinical practice. Our proposed method has definite clinical value and research significance.
Diabetic neuropathies
Authors: Patel Kamakshi , Horak Holli , Tiryaki Ezgi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDiabetic neuropathies are the most common type of neuropathies seen in clinical practice. These neuropathies can range clinically from asymptomatic to manifesting symptoms caused by motor, sensory, and autonomic nerve dysfunction. These neuropathies can affect the peripheral nervous system, pain receptors, cardiovascular, urogenital, and gastrointestinal systems. This monograph presents an overview of the different types of diabetic neuropathies, their presentations, diagnostic tools, and strategies for management.
Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Unhealthy Eating in Populations with Obesity
Authors: Ashby Nathaniel J. S. 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic on patronage to unhealthy eating establishments in populations with obesity.MethodsAnonymized movement data accounting for roughly 10% of devices in the United States at 138,989 unhealthy eating locations from December 1, 2019, through April 2020 and the percentage of adults with obesity, the poverty rate, and the food environment index in 65% of United States counties were collected and merged. A cluster corrected Poisson spline regression was performed predicting patronage by day, the percentage of adults with obesity in the establishment’s county, the county’s poverty rate, and its food environment index, as well as their interactions.ResultsPatronage to unhealthy eating establishments was higher where there was a higher percentage of the adult population with obesity. A similar pattern was observed for counties with a lower food environment index. These disparities appear to have increased as the COVID‐19 pandemic spread.ConclusionsThese results suggest unhealthy eating patterns during the COVID‐19 pandemic are higher in already at‐risk populations. Policy makers can use these findings to motivate interventions and programs aimed at increasing healthy food intake in at‐risk communities during crises.