bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteogenesis imperfecta: Novel genetic variants and clinical observations from a clinical exome study of 54 Indian patients
Authors: Madhuri Vrisha , Selina Agnes , Loganathan Lakshmi , Kumar Ashis , Kumar Vignesh , Raymond Renita , Ramesh Sowmya , Vincy Nimmy , Joel Giftson , James Deeptiman , Kandagaddala Madhavi , B Antonisamy
Published: August 2020

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of inherited disorders with increased bone fragility and wide genetic heterogeneity. We report the outcome of clinical exome sequencing validated by Sanger sequencing in clinically diagnosed 54 OI patients in Indian population. In 52 patients, we report 20 new variants involving both dominant and recessive OI‐specific genes and correlate these with phenotypes. COL1A1 and COL1A2 gene variants were identified in 44.23%, of which 28.84% were glycine substitution abnormalities. Two novel compound heterozygous variants in the FKBP10 gene were seen in two unrelated probands. A novel heterogeneous duplication of chromosomal region chr17: 48268168–48278884 from exons 1–33 of the COL1A1 gene was found in one proband. In five probands, there were additional variants in association with OI. These were ANO5 in association with CRTAP in two probands of the same family causing gnathodiaphyseal dysplasia, COL5A2 with LEPRE1 causing Ehlers Danlos syndrome, COL11A1 in addition to COL1A1 causing Stickler syndrome, and a previously unreported combination of SLC34A1 gene variant with FKBP10 leading to Fanconi renal tubular syndrome type II. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of clinical exome sequencing in screening OI patients, classifying its subtypes, and identifying associated disorders in consanguineous populations.
Risk factors for non‐response and discontinuation of Dienogest in endometriosis patients: A cohort study
Authors: Nirgianakis Konstantinos , Vaineau Cloé , Agliati Lia , McKinnon Brett , Gasparri Maria L. , Mueller Michael D.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Progestins are commonly prescribed first‐line drugs for endometriosis. High rates of non‐response and intolerance to these drugs have been previously reported. However, no study to date has investigated the characteristics and comorbidities of patients taking progestins in relation to treatment outcomes, so identifying which patients will respond to or tolerate the treatment is currently impossible. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to identify risk factors for non‐response and discontinuation of Dienogest (DNG) in women with endometriosis.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective cohort study including women currently taking, or newly prescribed, DNG for endometriosis‐associated pain presenting in the Endometriosis Clinic of the University Hospital of Bern between January 2017 and May 2018. Women with initiation of treatment directly after surgery for endometriosis were excluded. For all participants the symptoms and comorbidities were documented. Effectiveness, tolerability and discontinuation of DNG were the primary end points. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were carried out to identify risk factors for non‐response, intolerance and discontinuation of DNG.

Results

A sufficient or excellent treatment response was reported by 85/125 (68%) participants. Genital bleeding during the DNG treatment was negatively (OR 0.185, 95% CI 0.056–0.610, P = .006) and rASRM endometriosis stages III and IV were positively (OR 3.876, 95% CI 1.202–12.498, P = .023) correlated with the DNG response. When accounting for exclusively pretreatment factors, primary dysmenorrhea (OR 0.236, 95% CI 0.090–0.615, P = .003) and suspicion of adenomyosis (OR 0.347, 95% CI 0.135–0.894, P = .028) were inversely correlated with DNG response, and the latter was also correlated with treatment discontinuation (OR 3.189, 95% CI 1.247–8.153, P = .015).

Conclusions

Genital bleeding during the DNG treatment and low rASRM stages are independent risk factors for DNG non‐response. Before treatment initiation, primary dysmenorrhea and suspicion of adenomyosis correlate with DNG non‐response. The results could assist the clinician first to provide detailed information to women before treatment initiation, second to identify and possibly modify in‐therapy factors correlated to treatment effectiveness and lastly to switch treatment on time if needed.
Indocyanine green in the surgical management of endometriosis: A systematic review
Authors: Ianieri Manuel M. , Della Corte Luigi , Campolo Federica , Cosentino Francesco , Catena Ursula , Bifulco Giuseppe , Scambia Giovanni
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Endometriosis is a very common disease that affects up to 10% of the female population. The use of indocyanine green (ICG) dye has been proposed to allow the proper localization of endometriotic lesions during surgery. Our purpose is to offer an overview of near‐infrared (NIR)‐ICG in the surgical treatment of superficial peritoneal endometriosis and deep infiltrating endometriosis.

Material and methods

Electronic databases were searched, including MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalTrial.gov, OVID and Cochrane Library. The studies were identified with the use of a mesh combination of the following keywords: “indocyanine green”, “endometriosis”, “deep endometriosis”, “robotic surgery”, “laparoscopy”, “ureter”, “rectosigmoid” from 2000 to May 2020. All articles describing the use of ICG applied to endometriosis surgery were considered for review. Only original papers that reported specific experience data on the topic were included. Moreover, video‐articles were included in the analysis. Quality and risk of bias were evaluated by two authors, respectively.

Results

Fifty‐three studies were reviewed and reviews or comment articles not reporting original data and original articles lacking specific data on the application of ICG in patients affected by endometriosis were excluded. The quality of the 17 studies included was assessed. Eight studies suggested the usefulness of NIR‐ICG as a tool in the detection of endometriosis during surgery, and one randomized controlled trial and one prospective study did not confirm the advantage of its use. Eight studies found that NIR‐ICG was useful for the evaluation of vascularization in intestinal anastomoses and ureterolysis after surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis.

Conclusions

NIR‐ICG appears useful in the evaluation of vascularization in intestinal anastomoses after segmental resection, confirming its role even after ureterolysis for parametrial deep infiltrating endometriosis. However, its usefulness as a tool in the detection of endometriosis during surgery is inconsistent.
Disruption of transverse‐tubular network reduces energy efficiency in cardiac muscle contraction
Authors: Mellor Nicholas G. , Pham Toan , Tran Kenneth , Loiselle Denis S. , Ward Marie‐Louise , Taberner Andrew J. , Crossman David J. , Han June‐Chiew
Published: August 2020

Aim

Altered organization of the transverse‐tubular network is an early pathological event occurring even prior to the onset of heart failure. Such t‐tubular remodelling disturbs the synchrony and signalling between membranous and intracellular ion channels, exchangers, receptors and ATPases essential in the dynamics of excitation‐contraction coupling, leading to ionic abnormality and mechanical dysfunction in heart disease progression. In this study, we investigated whether a disrupted t‐tubular network has a direct effect on cardiac mechano‐energetics. Our aim was to understand the fundamental link between t‐tubular remodelling and impaired energy metabolism, both of which are characteristics of heart failure. We thus studied healthy tissue preparations in which cellular processes are not altered by any disease event.

Methods

We exploited the “formamide‐detubulation” technique to acutely disrupt the t‐tubular network in rat left‐ventricular trabeculae. We assessed the energy utilization by cellular Ca2+ cycling and by crossbridge cycling, and quantified the change of energy efficiency following detubulation. For these measurements, trabeculae were mounted in a microcalorimeter where force and heat output were simultaneously measured.

Results

Following structural disorganization from detubulation, muscle heat output associated with Ca2+ cycling was reduced, indicating impaired intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. This led to reduced force production and heat output by crossbridge cycling. The reduction in force‐length work was not paralleled by proportionate reduction in the heat output and, as such, energy efficiency was reduced.

Conclusions

These results reveal the direct energetic consequences of disrupted t‐tubular network, linking the energy disturbance and the t‐tubular remodelling typically observed in heart failure.
Friends disconnected: How mobile work transforms friendships through absence and presence
Authors: Straughan Elizabeth R. , Bissell David , Gorman‐Murray Andrew
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we focus on friendship as a significant interpersonal relationship that has not prominently figured in geographic discussions of mobile work. Taking friendship as our object of analysis, we explore how wellbeing becomes compromised for mobile workers and their friends. Responding to concerns outlined by our research participants during semi‐structured Skype interviews, we acknowledge mobile working practices transform friendships that exist outside sites of paid labour. To consider the complexity of these transformations, we address how spatial relations of proximity and distance demarcate physical and metaphorical issues of absence and presence. These issues can lead mobile workers to become reclusive and focused on self‐directed activities. This oscillating absence and presence transforms friendships and highlights the relational interplay of mobility and immobility in mobile work.
Robot‐assisted kidney transplantation: update from the European Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) series
Authors: Musquera Mireia , Peri Lluis , Ajami Tarek , Campi Riccardo , Tugcu Volkan , Decaestecker Karel , Stockle Michael , Fornara Paolo , Doumerc Nicolas , Vigues Frances , Barod Ravi , Desender Liesbeth , Territo Angelo , Serni Sergio , Vignolini Graziano , Sahin Selçuk , Zeuschner Philipe , Banga Neal , Breda Alberto , Alcaraz Antonio
Published: August 2020

Objective

To report the results of the robot‐assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) experience performed in 10 European centres by members of the European Robotic Urology Section (ERUS)‐RAKT group.

Patients and Methods

This is a multicentre prospective observational study of RAKT. Descriptive analysis of recipients and donor characteristics, surgical data, intraoperative outcomes, complications rate and functional results were collected and analysed.

Results

Between July 2015 and September 2019, 291 living‐donor RAKTs were performed. Recipients were mostly male (189 [65%]), the mean Standard deviation (sd) age was 45.2 (13.35) years, the mean (sd) body mass index was 27.13 (19.28) kg/m2, and RAKT was pre‐emptive in 155 (53.8%) cases. Right and multiple arteries kidneys were used in 15.4%. The mean (sd) total surgical and re‐warming time was 244 (70.5) min and 53.16 (15.27) min, respectively. In all, 17 patients presented with postoperative bleeding (5.7%). Five kidneys had delayed graft function; five (2%) were lost due to thrombosis and one due to acute rejection. Two patients had arterial stenosis, three had incisional hernias, six had ureteric stenosis, and nine had lymphoceles. Neither surgical nor re‐warming times were correlated with postoperative serum creatinine levels (P > 0.05). Comparison of surgical data between the first 120 cases and the following 171 cases showed a significantly shorter total surgical time in the second group (265 vs 230 min, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

This is the largest European multicentre study of RAKT with good surgical and functional results competitive with open kidney transplant series, with a relatively short learning curve when performed in centres with a wide experience in open kidney transplantation and robotic surgery.
A time to make laws and a time to fundraise? On the relation between salaries and time use for state politicians
Authors: Hoffman Mitchell , Lyons Elizabeth
Published: August 2020

Abstract.

   We study the relationship between the level of compensation and time use for US state legislators. Using survey data on time use, we show that higher salary is robustly associated with legislators spending more time on fundraising. In contrast, higher salary is also robustly associated with less time spent on legislative activities and has no clear relation to time spent on constituent services. The fundraising results are particularly strong for legislators who do not intend to run for higher office. Our results are consistent with an interpretation that higher salary raises the value of office, and politicians respond with more fundraising because increased fundraising raises the chance of getting re‐elected more than does increased legislative activity. Back‐of‐the‐envelope calculations suggest that a $30,000 increase in salary is associated with politicians annually devoting 13 more hours to fundraising and 18 fewer hours to legislative activity.

Résumé.

Un temps pour faire les lois et un autre pour lever des fonds? Étude du rapport entre le salaire et l’emploi du temps des législateurs d’état. Dans cet article, nous examinons le lien entre le niveau de rémunération et l’emploi du temps des législateurs d’état aux États‐Unis. En nous appuyant sur plusieurs données d’enquêtes relatives à la gestion du temps, nous montrons que plus leur salaire est élevé, plus les législateurs ont tendance à consacrer du temps à lever des fonds, le temps dévolu aux activités législatives ayant, quant à lui, tendance à diminuer sans lien évident avec le temps passé en circonscription au service des citoyens. Les résultats relatifs aux levées de fonds sont particulièrement forts dès lors que les législateurs ne briguent pas de plus hautes fonctions, et sont conformes à l’interprétation selon laquelle un salaire élevé accroît l’intérêt pour une fonction. Et puisque l’augmentation des activités de financement ne se traduit pas par davantage d’activités législatives, mais par des chances de réélection accrues, les politiciens multiplient les levées de fonds. Des calculs rapides et approximatifs suggèrent qu’une hausse du salaire des politiciens de 30 000 $ par an représenterait 13 heures de collecte de fonds en plus, mais 18 heures d’activités législatives en moins annuellement.
Development of a T‐cell receptor mimic antibody targeting a novel Wilms tumor 1‐derived peptide and analysis of its specificity
Authors: Kurosawa Nobuyuki , Midorikawa Aki , Ida Kenta , Fudaba Yuka Wakata , Isobe Masaharu
Published: August 2020

Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) is an intracellular tumor‐associated antigen that remains inaccessible to antibodies. Recently, T‐cell receptor (TCR) mimic antibodies (TCRm‐Abs), which recognize peptides loaded on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) with higher specificity and affinity than TCR, have been developed as a new antibody class that can target intracellular antigens. To expand the therapeutic targets in tumors with WT1, we developed TCRm‐Abs targeting a novel HLA‐A*02:01‐restricted peptide, WT1C (ALLPAVPSL), and validated their specificity using multiple techniques. Screening of these antibodies by ELISA with a panel of peptide/HLA complexes and by glycine scanning of peptide‐pulsed T2 cells identified one specific clone, #25‐8. Despite the low risk for eliciting broad cross–reactivity of this TCRm‐Ab, analysis of a panel of cell lines, in conjunction with exogenous expression of either or both the HLA‐A*02:01 and WT1 genes in HeLa cells, revealed that #25‐8 reacts with WT1C but also with unknown peptides in the context of HLA‐A*02:01. This potentially dangerous cross–reactivity was confirmed through analysis using chimeric antigen receptor T‐cells carrying the single‐chain variable fragment of #25‐8, which targets WT1‐negative HeLa/A02 cells. To determine the cross–reactive profiles of #25‐8, we applied the PresentER antigen presentation platform with the #25‐8‐recognition motif, which enables the identification of potential off–target peptides expressed in the human proteome. Our results demonstrate the potential of TCRm‐Abs to target a variety of peptides in the context of HLA but also depict the need for systematic validation to identify the cross–reactive peptides for the prediction of off–target toxicity in future clinical translation.
DRP1 promotes lactate utilization in KRAS‐mutant non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Hu Mangze , Zhao Yu , Cao Yuejiao , Tang Qianru , Feng Ziqin , Ni Jun , Zhou Xiaorong
Published: August 2020

Metabolic alterations are well documented in various cancers. Non‐small‐cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) preferentially use lactate as the primary carbon source, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We developed a lactate‐dependent cell proliferation assay and found that dynamin‐related protein (DRP1), which is highly expressed in KRAS‐mutant NSCLC, is required for tumor cells to proliferate and uses lactate as fuel, demonstrating the critical role of DRP1 in the metabolic reprogramming of NSCLC. Metabolic and transcriptional profiling suggests that DRP1 orchestrates a supportive metabolic network to promote lactate utilization and redox homeostasis in lung cancer cells. DRP1 suppresses the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protects cells against oxidative damage by enhancing lactate utilization. Moreover, targeting DRP1 not only reduces HSP90 expression but also enhances ROS‐induced HSP90 cleavage, thus inhibiting activation of mitogen activated protein kinase and PI3K pathways and leading to suppressed lactate utilization and increased ROS‐induced cell death. Taken together, these results suggest that DRP1 is a crucial regulator of lactate metabolism and redox homeostasis in KRAS‐mutant lung cancer, and that targeting lactate utilization by modulating DRP1 activity might be an effective treatment for lung cancer.
Efficacy of local therapy for oligoprogressive disease after programmed cell death 1 blockade in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kagawa Yusuke , Furuta Hiromi , Uemura Takehiro , Watanabe Naohiro , Shimizu Junichi , Horio Yoshitsugu , Kuroda Hiroaki , Inaba Yoshitaka , Kodaira Takeshi , Masago Katsuhiro , Fujita Shiro , Niimi Akio , Hida Toyoaki
Published: August 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically changed the strategy used to treat patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the vast majority of patients eventually develop progressive disease (PD) and acquire resistance to ICIs. Some patients experience oligoprogressive disease. Few retrospective studies have evaluated clinical efficacy in patients with oligometastatic progression who received local therapy after ICI treatment. We conducted a retrospective analysis of advanced NSCLC patients who received PD‐1 inhibitor monotherapy with nivolumab or pembrolizumab to evaluate the effects of ICIs on the patterns of progression and the efficacy of local therapy for oligoprogressive disease. Of the 307 patients treated with ICIs, 148 were evaluated in our study; 42 were treated with pembrolizumab, and 106 were treated with nivolumab. Thirty‐eight patients showed oligoprogression. Male sex, a lack of driver mutations, and smoking history were significantly correlated with the risk of oligoprogression. Primary lesions were most frequently detected at oligoprogression sites (15 patients), and 6 patients experienced abdominal lymph node (LN) oligoprogression. Four patients showed evidence of new abdominal LN oligometastases. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between the local therapy group and the switch therapy group (reached vs. not reached, P = .456). We summarized clinical data on the response of oligoprogressive NSCLC to ICI therapy. The results may help to elucidate the causes of ICI resistance and indicate that the use of local therapy as the initial treatment in this setting is feasible treatment option.
Health promotion interventions to improve oral health of adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tsai Carrie , Raphael Sarah , Agnew Caitlin , McDonald Gordon , Irving Michelle
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion interventions on oral health knowledge, behaviour and status of healthy adolescents.

Methods

This review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of oral health promotion interventions targeting adolescents. Primary clinical outcomes (gingival health, plaque scores, caries) and secondary proxy outcomes were evaluated. Meta‐analysis of primary outcomes was conducted where possible, with subgroup analysis based on intervention (comprehensive health promotion and education‐only).

Results

Thirty‐seven eligible publications reporting on 28 unique RCTs of oral health promotion interventions were included. Quality appraisal of studies ranged from 48% to 96%. Interventions reported ranged from single‐session interventions to community‐wide programmes, including clinical preventive procedures and take‐home products. Half used a health behaviour change theory to inform their intervention. The meta‐analysis pooling of results favoured the intervention over control for all clinical outcomes, except DMFS in the education‐only subgroup. Stronger intervention effects were seen in the comprehensive intervention subgroup than the education‐only subgroup for DMFS (P = .02). This effect was slight, but not as clear in all other clinical categories. The majority of studies reported improvements in oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. More positive outcomes were found with longer programmes, especially for dental caries outcomes.

Conclusions

Oral health promotion programmes targeting adolescents have the ability to improve clinical oral health outcomes in the short and long term. Programmes should use more behavioural theory‐based interactive and strategic methods, including self‐awareness and the use of the wider community and peers for oral health promotion activities over a longer intervention duration.
Food allergy promotes a Th2/Th17 response that drives house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation in humanized mice
Authors: Wang B , Hu J , Liu Y , Liu Q , Li D
Published: August 2020

Food allergy is related to increasing risk of the development of allergic asthma, but the precise interplay between sensitization to different allergens in different compartments of the body is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to develop a novel humanized murine model of mixed food and respiratory allergy that recapitulates the human anaphylactic response and to more clearly understand the impact of food allergies on asthma. Immunodeficient mice transferred with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from donors with peanut and house dust mite (HDM) allergy were exposed and challenged to peanut. Between peanut exposure and challenge, mice were intranasally treated to HDM. Allergic parameters were analyzed. Allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E in sera could only be measured in mice treated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) plus allergen. A preceding peanut exposure increased IgE levels, histamine release, bronchial hyper-responsiveness and lung inflammation. Recruitment of inflammatory cells to the airways was aggravated associated with an enhanced T helper type 2 (Th2)/Th17 cytokine secretion when the two allergies were present. A preceding peanut exposure amplifies allergic asthma in this humanized model, which may contribute to the understanding of underlying immunological mechanism of polysensitization occurring in allergic individuals and evaluation of therapeutic interventions.
Mutation spectrum and polygenic score in German patients with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Rieck Lorenz , Bardey Frieda , Grenkowitz Thomas , Bertram Lars , Helmuth Johannes , Mischung Claudia , Spranger Joachim , Steinhagen‐Thiessen Elisabeth , Bobbert Thomas , Kassner Ursula , Demuth Ilja
Published: August 2020

Autosomal‐dominant familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by increased plasma concentrations of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and a substantial risk to develop cardiovascular disease. Causative mutations in three major genes are known: the LDL receptor gene (LDLR), the apolipoprotein B gene (APOB) and the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 gene (PCSK9). We clinically characterized 336 patients suspected to have FH and screened them for disease causing mutations in LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9. We genotyped six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to calculate a polygenic risk score for the patients and 1985 controls. The 117 patients had a causative variant in one of the analyzed genes. Most variants were found in the LDLR gene (84.9%) with 11 novel mutations. The mean polygenic risk score was significantly higher in FH mutation negative subjects than in FH mutation positive patients (P < .05) and healthy controls (P < .001), whereas the score of the two latter groups did not differ significantly. However, the score explained only about 3% of the baseline LDL‐C variance. We verified the previously described clinical and genetic variability of FH for German hypercholesterolemic patients. Evaluation of a six‐SNP polygenic score recently proposed for clinical use suggests that it is not a reliable tool to classify hypercholesterolemic patients.
Data‐Driven Facial Simulation
Authors: Romeo M. , Schvartzman S. C.
Published: August 2020

In Visual Effects, the creation of realistic facial performances is still a challenge that the industry is trying to overcome. Blendshape deformation is used to reproduce the action of different groups of muscles, which produces realistic static results. However, this is not sufficient to generate believable and detailed facial performances of animated digital characters.

To increase the realism of facial performances, it is possible to enhance standard facial rigs using physical simulation approaches. However, setting up a simulation rig and controlling material properties according to the performance is not an easy task and could take a lot of time and iterations to get it right.

We present a workflow that allows us to generate an activation map for the fibres of a set of superficial patches we callpseudo‐muscles. The pseudo‐muscles are automatically identified using k‐means to cluster the data from the blendshape targets in the animation rig and compute the direction of their contraction (direction of the pseudo‐muscle fibres). We use an Extended Position–Based Dynamics solver to add physical simulation to the facial animation, controlling the behaviour of simulation through the activation map. We show the results achieved using the proposed solution on two digital humans and one fantastic cartoon character, demonstrating that the identified pseudo‐muscles approximate facial anatomy and the simulation properties are properly controlled, increasing the realism while preserving the work of animators.
Clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Chen Minjiang , Liu Xiaoyan , Xu Yan , Zhou Qing , Shi Yuequan , Zhang Dongming , Liang Hongge , Zhao Jing , Zhong Wei , Wang Mengzhao
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder (CTD) associated with an increased risk of malignancy including lung cancer (LC). Our objective was to provide a description of demographics and clinicopathological characteristics of LC patients with SSc.

Methods

Lung cancer patients with SSc admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2000 to August 2017 were reviewed. Demographic and clinicopathologic data were collected.

Results

Of the 12 cases included in our study, all were female. No patients had a history of smoking. The most common histological type was adenocarcinoma, followed by squamous cell carcinoma and small‐cell carcinoma. No driver mutation was identified in the five patients undergoing genetic testing. Eight patients had interstitial lung disease (ILD). Six were manifested as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and two as usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Four (33.3%) patients underwent surgical resection. Among them, two had ILD with a normal preoperative pulmonary function tests (PFT). Eight (66.7%) patients received chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was administered in only one (8.3%) patient. No grade 3/4 adverse events were documented.

Conclusion

The predominance of female patients in our study is different from that reported in general lung cancer patients. A high proportion of patients has SSc‐ILD, including NSIP and UIP. Surgery or radiotherapy could still be considered in carefully selected patients with ILD.
Fundamentals of Cancer Immunology and Their Application to Cancer Vaccines
Authors: Bullock Timothy N. J.
Published: August 2020

The capacity of the immune system to influence tumor progression has been a long‐standing notion that first generated clinical traction over a 100 years ago when Dr. William Coley injected disaggregated bacterial components into sarcomas and noted that the ensuing inflammation commonly associated with tumor regression.1 Since then, our understanding of the individual components and the overall interaction of the immune system has expanded exponentially. This has led to the development of a robust understanding of how components of innate and adaptive immunity recognize and respond to tumors and leveraging this information for the development of tumor immunotherapies. However, clinical failures have also deepened our knowledge of how tumors might adapt/be selected to avoid or inhibit immune responses, which, in turn, has led to the further iteration of immunotherapies. In this tutorial, the established elements of tumor immunity are explained, and areas where our knowledge base is too thin is highlighted. The principles of tumor immunity that guide the development of cancer vaccines are further illustrated, and potential considerations of how to integrate cancer vaccines with conventional therapies and other immunotherapies are proposed.
Below the Belt? Territory and Development in China's International Rise
Authors: Mohan Giles
Published: August 2020

China's internationalization has been heralded by some as a new era of South–South cooperation. Yet such framings of development are pitched at an abstract space of the ‘global South’ which conceals more than it reveals. With some theory moving towards ontologies of ‘global development’, we need to capture both the connectedness and the local specificity of increasingly diffuse processes. This article sets out a more fine‐grained understanding of how political territories and processes are imagined and produced by and through China's internationalization, focusing on infrastructure as a ‘technology’ of territorialization. Much of the focus on China's internationalization has been on state‐to‐state relations, but this obscures the ‘omni‐channel politics’ that China practises. Using a critical literature review and illustrative case study, this article develops the idea of omni‐channel politics to posit a view of ‘twisted’ territories in which political processes and development outcomes are more complex and contingent.
Predicting Daily Surgical Volumes Using Probabilistic Estimates of Providers’ Future Availability
Authors: Eun Joonyup , Tiwari Vikram , Sandberg Warren S.
Published: August 2020

Probability‐based models are developed using information from a variety of datasets to predict daily surgical volumes weeks in advance. The quest was motivated by the need to make real‐time adjustments to staff capacity and reallocation of the operating room block time based on predicted future demand. We test the notion that more data always leads to better predictions. Four probabilistic prediction models are presented, each parameterized based on real data and information from different sources. We hypothesize that the accuracy of the prediction improves by incorporating additional information. Models are tested for a surgical service at a large hospital using data of 20 months (January 19, 2015–August 31, 2016). We find that incorporating additional information may not improve prediction accuracy if that information is prone to data errors. However, deploying analytical data treatment to ameliorate these errors leads to better predictions. We also compare the predictive ability of the probability‐based models to neural network–based models and find that the neural network models do not outperform simpler models. Managers should critically review the accuracy of the data used in decision‐making. While a greater amount of inherently error‐free information is the best, analytics can enhance the utility of error‐prone data.
The benefits of strength training in cerebral palsy
Authors: Lorentzen Jakob , Nielsen Jens Bo
Published: August 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Ryan et al. on pages 1282–1292 of this issue.
Cardiac involvement in a pediatric patient with COVID‐19: Looking beyond the nonspecific global cardiac injury
Authors: Bhansali Suneet , Minocha Prashant , Phoon Colin , Henry Gillian , Chakravarti Sujata , Ramirez Michelle , Bhatla Puneet
Published: August 2020

We report a case of a 17‐year‐old healthy male presenting with multisystem hyperinflammatory shock temporally associated with COVID‐19. Cardiac involvement was suspected based on evidence of significant cardiac injury (elevated cardiac biomarkers, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed demonstrating global biventricular systolic dysfunction, as well as a small area of T2 hyperintensity and mid‐wall late gadolinium enhancement. This case discusses the varied cardiac involvement in pediatric patients with COVID‐19 infection and highlights that cardiac injury is not just limited to hyperinflammatory syndrome related global dysfunction but a more focal myocarditis can also be seen.
Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging with independent component analysis for presurgical seizure onset zone localization: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chakraborty Arpan R. , Almeida Nyle C. , Prather Kiana Y. , O’Neal Christen M. , Wells Allison A. , Chen Sixia , Conner Andrew K.
Published: August 2020

Objective

One of the greatest challenges of achieving successful surgical outcomes in patients with epilepsy is the ability to properly localize the seizure onset zone (SOZ). Many techniques exist for localizing the SOZ, including intracranial electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography, and stereoelectroencephalography. Recently, resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) in conjunction with independent component analysis (ICA) has been utilized for presurgical planning of SOZ resection, with varying results. In this meta‐analysis, we analyze the current role of rs‐fMRI in identifying the SOZ for presurgical planning for patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. Specifically, we seek to demonstrate its current effectiveness compared to other methods of SOZ localization.

Methods

A literature review was conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases up to May of 2020. A total of 253 articles were screened, and seven studies were chosen for analysis. Each study was analyzed for SOZ localization by ground truth, SOZ localization by rs‐fMRI with ICA, principal component analysis, or intrinsic connectivity contrast, and outcomes of surgery. A meta‐analysis was performed to analyze how ground truth compares to rs‐fMRI in SOZ localization.

Results

The odds ratio comparing ground truth to rs‐fMRI was 2.63 (95% confidence interval = 0.66‐10.56). Average concordance of rs‐fMRI SOZ localization compared with ground truth localization across studies was 71.3%.

Significance

In the hunt for less invasive presurgical planning for epilepsy surgery, rs‐fMRI with ICA provides a promising avenue for future standard practice. Our preliminary results show no significant difference in surgical outcomes between traditional standards of SOZ localization and rs‐fMRI with ICA. We believe that rs‐fMRI could be a step forward in this search. Further investigation comparing rs‐fMRI to traditional methods of SOZ localization should be conducted, with the hope of moving toward relying solely on noninvasive screening methods.
Protective effect of fenofibrate against high‐fat–high‐fructose diet induced non‐obese NAFLD in rats
Authors: Abdelmoneim Doaa , El‐Adl Mohamed , El‐Sayed Gehad , El‐Sherbini El Said
Published: August 2020

The present study evaluated the protective effects of fenofibrate on liver function, oxidant–antioxidant balance, and insulin resistance (IR) in rats fed high‐fat–high‐fructose diet (HFFD). Twenty‐four male Sprague‐Dawley rats (110–130 gm) were allocated into four equal groups (n = 6). Rats in group I were fed a normal diet for 4 weeks. Rats in group II were fed a normal diet with fenofibrate at 50 mg/kg/day orally for four weeks. Rats in group III were fed a normal diet mixed with 25% palm oil and given 60% fructose solution orally for 4 weeks. Rats in group IV were fed a normal diet mixed with 25% palm oil, 60% oral fructose solution, and fenofibrate at 50 mg/kg/day orally for four weeks. After experimental induction, serum and liver tissue samples were collected to determine lipid profiles, glycemic status, antioxidant status, oxidative and stress markers, and histopathology of liver tissues. The results of the present study revealed that fenofibrate prevents the occurrence of fatty liver, enhancing glycemic status, decreasing oxidative stress, and improving antioxidant status. It can be concluded that fenofibrate has a lipotropic and antidiabetic role.
An alternative pentose phosphate pathway in human gut bacteria for the degradation of C5 sugars in dietary fibers
Authors: Garschagen Laura S. , Franke Thomas , Deppenmeier Uwe
Published: August 2020

The microbial degradation of pentoses in the human gut is a crucial factor for the utilization of plant‐based dietary fibers. A vast majority of gut microbes are able to use these C5‐sugars as a carbon and energy source. However, the underlying metabolic pathways are not fully understood. Bioinformatic analysis showed that a large number of abundant gut bacteria lack genes encoding a transaldolase as a key enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway. Among them was the important human gut microbe Prevotella copri, which was able to grow in minimal media containing xylose or hemicelluloses as the sole carbon source. Therefore, we looked for an alternative pathway for pentose conversion in P. copri using bioinformatics, enzyme activity assays, and the detection of intermediates of pentose metabolism. It became evident that the organism converted C5‐sugars via the sedoheptulose‐1,7‐bisphosphate pathway (SBPP) to connect pentose metabolism with glycolysis. To circumvent the transaldolase reaction, P. copri uses the combined catalysis of a pyrophosphate‐dependent phosphofructokinase and a fructose‐bisphosphate aldolase. Furthermore, we present strong evidence that the SBPP is widely distributed in important gut bacteria, including members of the phyla Bacteroides, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Lentisphaerae.
Evidence of phenotypic plasticity in the response of unionid mussels to turbidity
Authors: Tuttle‐Raycraft Shaylah , Ackerman Josef Daniel
Published: August 2020

Increases in total suspended solids (TSS) reduce feeding and reproductive success of unionid mussels, but mussels in turbid rivers are less affected than those in clear rivers, probably due to differences in gill and palp morphology. This study was designed to determine whether the differences observed between adult mussels in populations from turbid versus clear rivers are due to phenotypic plasticity.

Parasitic larvae (glochidia) of Lampsilis siliquoidea (Fatmucket) obtained from a low turbidity river (TSS < 5 mg/L) were transformed on Ambloplites rupestris (Rock Bass) in the laboratory to obtain juvenile mussels for rearing under clear and turbid conditions in the laboratory (i.e. nominally 0 versus 50 mg/L suspended river sediment). Juveniles obtained were reared under these contrasting conditions until age 3–4 weeks, when they were examined in a feeding experiment under a range of TSS concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 mg/L).

The clearance rate (volume cleared of particles per unit time) of algae by juveniles from both rearing conditions was similar for the no‐TSS control and declined with increased TSS. The rate of decline was, however, lower in the group reared under turbid conditions, which is consistent with reports for adult mussels.

Our results indicate that differences in the clearance rate response to high TSS observed in mussels in clear and turbid rivers are probably driven in part by phenotypic plasticity. This finding provides a mechanism to explain how freshwater mussels thrive under turbid conditions as well as informs conservation efforts involving reintroduction of mussels in this highly imperilled taxon.
Design features of constructed floodplain ponds influence waterbird and fish communities in northern New Zealand
Authors: Garrett‐Walker Jeremy , Collier Kevin J. , Daniel Adam , Hicks Brendan J. , Klee David
Published: August 2020

Ponds can provide important refuges for aquatic biota on developed floodplains and are increasingly being constructed in an effort to enhance native biodiversity and ecosystem services in degraded landscapes. This study examined 34 constructed ponds to investigate the influence of design features on community composition, native biodiversity, and the biomass or abundance of common fish and waterbirds on the lower Waikato River floodplain, northern New Zealand.

Inundation frequency appeared to be a key factor affecting biomass of the native shortfin eel Anguilla australis and three invasive fish species (common carp [Cyprinus carpio], brown bullhead [Ameiurus nebulosus], and goldfish [Carassius auratus]), suggesting that colonisation occurred during flooding by adjacent waterbodies. Linear models indicated that shortfin eel abundance and total eel biomass were positively associated with the biomass of potential fish prey, the area occupied by islands and cover by trees in the riparian zone.

Native waterbird species richness was strongly related to water area, edge length (including islands) and area:perimeter ratio, with little increase in richness for ponds >1 ha in area, perimeters longer than 800 m, and ratios over 20. The protected grey teal (Anas gracilis), and the recreationally hunted species phenotypically assigned as mallard (Anas platyrhynchos + hybrids) and grey duck (Anas superciliosa + hybrids) appeared most strongly influenced, respectively, by perimeter length, water depth, and biomass of potential macroinvertebrate food supplies, suggesting variable effects of pond design attributes among waterfowl species.

Overall, these results indicate that constructed ponds can be designed to promote native waterbird diversity, enhance eel fishery and waterfowl gamebird services, and also limit the proliferation of some non‐native invasive fish species in degraded floodplain landscapes. A hierarchy of constructed pond design attributes was identified, involving landscape position and connectivity, pond morphology and complexity, and riparian maturity and buffering, which were associated with direct (habitat) and indirect (food supply, physicochemistry) effects on biodiversity and provisioning services.
A global assessment of human influence on niche shifts and risk predictions of bird invasions
Authors: Cardador Laura , Blackburn Tim M.
Published: August 2020

Aim

Estimating the strength of niche conservatism is key for predictions of invasion risk. Most studies consider only the climatic niche, but other factors, such as human disturbance, also shape niches. Whether occupation of human habitats in the alien range depends on the native tolerances of species remains unexplored. We assessed niche conservatism in climatic and human spaces for bird species showing different responses to humans in native ranges and evaluated whether considering anthropogenic niche variables affects invasion predictions.

Location

Global.

Time period

From 500 CE to the present day.

Major taxon studied

Birds.

Methods

We assessed niche conservatism by comparing the native and alien distributions of 150 bird species. We differentiated “niche expansions” into environments new to the species and “niche unfilling”, whereby a species fills its native niche only in part. Global predictions of alien bird distribution were generated using species distribution models (SDMs).

Results

Climatic niche similarity was higher than random expectation in 56% of species, and human disturbance niche similarity in 43%. Only 34 and 15% of species had >10% of their alien distribution in climates or human conditions, respectively, different from those of native ranges. Climatic niche expansions mostly involved colonization of colder and less seasonal climates. Human niche expansions involved colonization of more disturbed environments by species not responding positively to human influence in native ranges. Climatic and human niche unfilling was more common than expansions and was lower for species introduced earlier and those responding positively to human influence. Models including human variables do equally well for all species.

Main conclusions

Alien birds tend to invade areas with similar climatic and human conditions to their native range, but niche unfilling and expansions occur and relate to species native tolerances to human‐modified habitats and first introduction year. Incorporation of human‐related variables in SDM results in more accurate predictions for all species.
Excuse me, sir?: A critical race theory (hair) chronicle
Authors: Lewellen Chelesea , Bohonos Jeremy W.
Published: August 2020

While engaged in research and teaching regarding racism in US organizations, members of the writing team have frequently found that conscientious humour and the meaningful lessons it can encode provide needed releases from the stress associated with social justice work as well as serve as an effective pedagogical tool. Taking inspiration from contemporary satirical humourists, including Robin Thede, Issa Rae, Dave Chappelle and Jordan Peele, who have used comedy to expose serious aspects of racism, as well as leading critical race theorists’ use of fictional chronicles about race we present a comedic chronicle centred around an African American protagonist who demonstrates a variety of coping and resistance strategies in conversations with a well‐intentioned yet culturally insensitive white male co‐worker who regularly engages her about her hair.