bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-period Ap stars discovered with TESS data: The northern ecliptic hemisphere
Authors: Mathys G. , Kurtz D. W. , Holdsworth D. L.
Published: January 2022

The rotation periods of the magnetic Ap stars span five to six orders of magnitude. While it is well established that period differentiation must have taken place at the pre-main sequence stage, the physical processes that lead to it remain elusive. The existence of Ap stars that have rotation periods of tens to hundreds of years is particularly intriguing, and their study represents a promising avenue to gain additional insight into the origin and evolution of rotation in Ap stars. Historically, almost all the longest period Ap stars known have been found to be strongly magnetic; very few weakly magnetic Ap stars with very long periods have been identified and studied. To remedy that, we showed how a systematic search based on the analysis of TESS photometric data could be performed to identify super-slowly rotating Ap (ssrAp) stars independently of the strengths of their magnetic fields, with the intention to characterise the distribution of the longest Ap star rotation periods in an unbiased manner. We successfully applied this method to the analysis of the TESS 2-min cadence observations of Ap stars of the southern ecliptic hemisphere. For our present study, we applied the same approach to the analysis of the TESS 2-min cadence observations of Ap stars of the northern ecliptic hemisphere. We confirm that the technique leads to the reliable identification of ssrAp star candidates in an unbiased manner. We find 67 Ap stars with no rotational variability in the northern ecliptic hemisphere TESS data. Among them, 46 are newly identified ssrAp star candidates, which is double the number found in the southern ecliptic hemisphere. We confirm that super-slow rotation tends to occur less frequently in weakly magnetic Ap stars than in strongly magnetic stars. We present new evidence of the existence of a gap between ∼2 kG and ∼3 kG in the distribution of the magnetic field strengths of long period Ap stars. We also confirm that the incidence of roAp stars is higher than average in slowly rotating Ap stars. We report the unexpected discovery of nine definite and five candidate δ Sct stars, and of two eclipsing binaries. This work paves the way for a systematic, unbiased study of the longest period Ap stars, with a view to characterise the correlations between their rotational, magnetic, and pulsational properties.
The variability and soft X-ray excess properties of narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies: TheSwiftview
Authors: Ding Nan , Gu Qiusheng , Tang Yunyong , Xiong Dingrong , Guo Xiaotong , Xu Xinpeng , Geng Xiongfei , Ge Xue , Chen Yongyun
Published: January 2022

We present here a systematic study on the mechanism of the long/short timescale variability and the origin of soft X-ray excess for narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLSy1s) based on the multi-epoch multi-band observations of theSwifttelescope. The main results are as follows: (1) The ensemble structure functions of radio-quiet NLSy1s in the optical, ultraviolet, and X-ray bands all show a unique double ‘S’ structure. The structural feature reveals that the long and short timescale variability of radio-quiet NLSy1s could be generated by the accretion fluctuation propagation mechanism and the X-ray reprocessing mechanism, respectively, which together cause the complex random light variability. (2) Radio-quiet NLSy1s exhibit significant soft X-ray excess features in their X-ray spectra, but the relative strength of the soft X-ray excess (R) and the power-law spectral index (Γ) do not show a significant positive correlation, unlike what is seen in broad-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (BLSy1s), suggesting that NLSy1s and BLSy1 have different soft X-ray excess mechanisms. After combining the correlation analysis results of model parameters for individual sources at different flux states with the findings in previous work based onXMM-Newtonand Suzaku data, we propose that the origin of the soft X-ray excess of NLSy1s prefers the relativistically smeared reflection scenario.
Upgrade of an integrated Langmuir probe system on the closed divertor target plates in the HL-2A tokamak
Authors: HUANG Zhihui , CHENG Jun , WU Na , YAN Longwen , XU Hongbing , WANG Weice , MIAO Xianggan , YI Kaiyang , XU Jianqiang , CAI Laizhong , SHI Zhongbing , DONG Jiaqi , LIU Yi , ZHONG Wulyu , YANG Qingwei , XU Min , DUAN Xuru
Published: January 2022

A newly designed divertor Langmuir probe diagnostic system has been installed in a rare closed divertor of the HL-2A tokamak and steadily operated for the study of divertor physics involved edge-localized mode mitigation, detachment and redistribution of heat flux, etc. Two sets of probe arrays including 274 probe tips were placed at two ports (approximately 180° separated toroidally), and the spatial and temporal resolutions of this measurement system could reach 6 mm and 1 μs, respectively. A novel design of the ceramic isolation ring can ensure reliable electrical insulation property between the graphite tip and the copper substrate plate where plasma impurities and the dust are deposited into the gaps for a long experimental time. Meanwhile, the condition monitoring and mode conversion between single and triple probe of the probe system could be conveniently implemented via a remote-control station. The preliminary experimental result shows that the divertor Langmuir probe system is capable of measuring the high spatiotemporal parameters involved the plasma density, electron temperature, particle flux as well as heat flux during the ELMy H-mode discharges.
Formation and destruction of striation plasmas in helium glow discharge at medium pressures
Authors: ZHU Hailong , HUANG Qixiang , WU Yifan , LI Yurui , REN Kechang
Published: January 2022

The striation plasmas are usually generated within a positive column of glow discharge, where rich and complex physical interactions are involved, especially, in the medium or high pressures. Along these lines, our work aims to thoroughly investigate the formation and destruction of helium striation plasmas at kPa level pressures. The characteristics of the helium striation plasmas, and especially the optical emission properties are explored. The emission lines of 706.52 nm and 391.44 nm related to the energetic electrons and the high-energy metastable helium atoms respectively, were focused on in this work. The formation of striation plasmas in a helium glow discharge, is mainly associated with the instability originating from the stepwise ionization of high-energy metastable state atoms, Maxwellization of the electron distribution functions and gas heating. Additionally, the destruction effect of helium striation plasmas is of great significance when a small amount of nitrogen or oxygen is mixed into the discharge plasmas. The reduction of the mean electron energy and the consumption of the high-energy metastable helium atoms are considered as the underlying reasons for the destruction of striation plasmas.
Diversity and Climatic Distribution of Moths in the Tribe Arctiini (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) in Mexico
Authors: Montañez-Reyna M , León-Cortés J L , Infante F , Naranjo E J , Gómez-Velasco A
Published: January 2022

The Mexican lepidopteran fauna is particularly diverse, but many moth groups remain poorly documented. The tribe Arctiini is a species-rich group that has been used as a reliable indicator of environmental change. However, little is known about the fauna of the tribe Arctiini in Mexico, and there is no exhaustive review of its diversity and distribution patterns. Our aims were: 1) to account for the species diversity and distribution patterns of the tribe Arctiini; 2) to build spatial distributions and discuss possible changes in the distribution areas of the tribe Arctiini using conservative (RCP 2.6) and liberal (RCP 8.5) future climate scenarios; and 3) to discuss the conservation implications for key taxa that due to their life history characteristics and restricted distribution, might require particular conservation actions. We compiled a total of 16,385 records and 548 species in seven subtribes. Diversity profiles revealed higher cumulative species richness and diversity for the subtribes Phaegopterina, Ctenuchina, and Euchromiina, and we identified a pattern of decreasing species diversity with elevation. In addition, we estimated that 35% and 84% of modeled species in future conservative and liberal climatic scenarios, respectively, would result in significant losses of climatic suitability and shifts in spatial distribution. The endemic species, Virbia semirosea, Poliopastea jalapensis, and Pygoctenucha azteca would likely reduce their distribution by approximately 50% in both climatic scenarios. Maintaining a network of highly threatened habitats (e.g., cloud forests, tropical rain forests) will be essential to preserve persisting species populations and to increase likely (re)colonization events.
Thermometer: a webserver to predict protein thermal stability
Authors: Miotto Mattia , Armaos Alexandros , Di Rienzo Lorenzo , Ruocco Giancarlo , Milanetti Edoardo , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano
Published: January 2022

Motivation

Thermal properties of proteins are of great importance for a number of theoretical and practical implications. Predicting the thermal stability of a protein is a difficult and still scarcely addressed task.

Results

Here, we introduce Thermometer, a webserver to assess the thermal stability of a protein using structural information. Thermometer is implemented as a publicly available, user-friendly interface.

Availability and implementation

Our server can be found at the following link (all major browser supported): http://service.tartaglialab.com/new_submission/thermometer_file.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
BioThings SDK: a toolkit for building high-performance data APIs in biomedical research
Authors: Lelong Sebastien , Zhou Xinghua , Afrasiabi Cyrus , Qian Zhongchao , Cano Marco Alvarado , Tsueng Ginger , Xin Jiwen , Mullen Julia , Yao Yao , Avila Ricardo , Taylor Greg , Su Andrew I , Wu Chunlei
Published: January 2022

To meet the increased need of making biomedical resources more accessible and reusable, Web Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) or web services have become a common way to disseminate knowledge sources. The BioThings APIs are a collection of high-performance, scalable, annotation as a service APIs that automate the integration of biological annotations from disparate data sources. This collection of APIs currently includes MyGene.info, MyVariant.info and MyChem.info for integrating annotations on genes, variants and chemical compounds, respectively. These APIs are used by both individual researchers and application developers to simplify the process of annotation retrieval and identifier mapping. Here, we describe the BioThings Software Development Kit (SDK), a generalizable and reusable toolkit for integrating data from multiple disparate data sources and creating high-performance APIs. This toolkit allows users to easily create their own BioThings APIs for any data type of interest to them, as well as keep APIs up-to-date with their underlying data sources.

Availability and implementation

The BioThings SDK is built in Python and released via PyPI (https://pypi.org/project/biothings/). Its source code is hosted at its github repository (https://github.com/biothings/biothings.api).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Human Visual System Guided Reversible Data Hiding Based On Multiple Histograms Modification
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Ou Bo , Li Xiaolong , Xiong Jianqin
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we propose a human visual system (HVS) guided reversible data hiding method based on multiple histograms modification. The proposed method utilizes the texture features of an image to adaptively modify the pixels, for a lower HVS quality distortion. The HVS quality is taken as the optimization objective and a new expansion-bin-selection strategy is given to solve the optimization. For the same HVS quality distortion, the proposed method can embed more secret bits and give higher priority for the modifications in texture regions. Besides, a better optimization rule is proposed to accelerate the speed and then consider more available solutions. In this way, a trade-off between the embedding performance and time complexity can be achieved. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve a better HVS quality than the conventional methods.
Integrative analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome reveals the mechanism of saline–alkali stress tolerance in Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Xiongjie , Sheng Jinhua
Published: January 2022

Saline–alkali stress is a major abiotic stress affecting the quality and yield of crops. Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao (Astragalus mongholicus (A. mongholicus)) is a well-known medicine food homology species with various pharmacological effects and health benefits that can grow well in saline–alkali soil. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptation of A. mongholicus plants to saline–alkali stress have not yet been clarified. Here, A. mongholicus plants were exposed to long-term saline–alkali stress (200 mmol·L–1 mixed saline–alkali solution), which limited the growth of A. mongholicus. The roots of A. mongholicus could resist long-term saline–alkali stress by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of osmolytes. Transcriptome analysis (via the Illumina platform) and metabolome analysis (via the Nexera UPLC Series QE Liquid Mass Coupling System) revealed that saline–alkali stress altered the activity of various metabolic pathways (e.g. amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites). A total of 3690 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 997 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified in A. mongholicus roots under saline–alkali stress, and flavonoid-related DEGs and DAMs were significantly upregulated. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between DEGs and DAMs related to flavonoid metabolism. MYB transcription factors might also contribute to the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. Overall, the results indicate that A. mongholicus plants adapt to saline–alkali stress by upregulating the biosynthesis of flavonoids, which enhances the medicinal value of A. mongholicus.
Peddling Atrocity
Authors: Pizzi Jeremy
Published: January 2022

The contribution of corporations to the commission of international crimes has been profound in effect, but largely understated in actual criminal prosecutions. While the ability of the International Criminal Court to hold corporations accountable remains the subject of debate, national jurisdictions can play an important role. Canada could be a notable player in this regard, with many registered businesses operating abroad and sometimes in circumstances potentially linked to human rights violations or international crimes. This article addresses Canada’s ability to hold such corporations accountable. It first establishes the applicability of corporate criminal responsibility for international crimes in Canada. As an illustrative case study, it then applies this framework to a major arms deal between a Canadian corporation and Saudi Arabia and considers the potential link to war crimes allegedly committed by Saudi forces in Yemen. The article confirms that corporations may in principle be held criminally responsible in Canada for international crimes committed by third parties abroad, and urges close scrutiny of such matters, including in Yemen.
Study protocol for JCOG1807C (DEEP OCEAN): a interventional prospective trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of durvalumab before and after operation or durvalumab as maintenance therapy after chemoradiotherapy against superior sulcus non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Aokage Keiju , Tsuboi Masahiro , Zenke Yoshitaka , Horinouchi Hidehito , Nakamura Naoki , Ishikura Satoshi , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Kumagai Shogo , Koyama Shohei , Kanato Keisuke , Kataoka Tomoko , Wakabayashi Masashi , Fukutani Miki , Fukuda Haruhiko , Ohe Yuichiro , Watanabe Shun-ichi ,   the Lung Cancer Surgical Study Group of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group
Published: January 2022

Background

Superior sulcus tumours (SSTs) are relatively uncommon and one of the most intractable lung cancers among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We planned a multicenter, single-arm confirmatory trial of new multidisciplinary treatment using immune-checkpoint inhibitor. The aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new multidisciplinary treatment with perioperative durvalumab after chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Methods

The primary endpoint is 3-year overall survival. Patients receive induction CRT with sequential two courses of durvalumab, followed by surgical resection for resectable SST. The regimen for CRT is two courses of cisplatin and S-1, and concurrent radiotherapy (66 Gy/33 Fr). After surgery, 22 courses of post-operative durvalumab therapy are administered. For unresectable SST, an additional 22 courses of durvalumab are administered after induction durvalumab.

Results

In two cases as a safety cohort, the safety of intervention treatment up to 30 days after surgery was examined, and there were no special safety signals. Patient enrollment has now resumed in the main cohort.

Conclusions

The results of this study may contribute to the establishment of a new standard of care for SST, which is an intractable NSCLC.
Forensically Relevant Flesh Flies (Diptera, Sarcophagidae, Sarcophaginae) of Southern Brazil
Authors: Madeira-Ott Tais , Souza Carina M , Bunde Paulo R S , Ries Ana C R , Blochtein Betina , Thyssen Patricia J
Published: January 2022

Flesh flies comprise a large fly family distributed worldwide that has great importance for forensic entomology. A robust and updated checklist of Sarcophaginae flies recorded in Southern Brazil is presented, based on material collected in the Rio Grande do Sul state and on a literature review. The forensic importance (high, moderate, or none) of the recorded flesh flies for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) or inferring cases of neglect was determined based on their ecological habits. A total of 2,831 specimens representing 38 taxa were collected from three studies. Oxysarcodexia was the most abundant and species-rich genus in all three studies. Dexosarcophaga carvalhoi (Lopes) was registered for the first time in Southern Brazil. The checklist for Southern Brazil comprises 91 species distributed in 19 genera, with Oxysarcodexia, Peckia, and Lepidodexia representing the richest genera. Considering the importance of species for PMI estimation, 10, 42, and 39 species were classified as having high, moderate, or no forensic relevance, respectively. Moreover, five myiasis-causing sarcophagine flies recorded in Southern Brazil were considered to have the potential to reveal cases of neglect or mistreatment. This study revealed that Microcerella halli (Engel) and Peckia (Euboettcheria) australis (Townsend) are the most important species for PMI estimation in Southern Brazil, as they are often found breeding in corpses in this region.
Study of high–low KPFM on a pn-patterned Si surface
Authors: Izumi Ryo , Li Yan Jun , Naitoh Yoshitaka , Sugawara Yasuhiro
Published: January 2022

Comparative measurements between frequency modulation Kelvin probe force microscopy (FM-KPFM) using low frequency bias voltage and heterodyne FM-KPFM using high frequency bias voltage were performed on the surface potential measurement. A silicon substrate patterned with p- and n-type impurities was used as a quantitative sample. The multi-pass scanning method in the measurements of FM-KPFM and heterodyne FM-KPFM was used to eliminate the effect of the tip–sample distance dependence. The measured surface potentials become lower in the order of the p-type region, n-type region and n+-type region by both FM-KPFM and heterodyne FM-KPFM, which are in good agreement with the order of the work functions of the pn-patterned Si sample. We observed the difference in the surface potentials due to the surface band bending measured by FM-KPFM and heterodyne FM-KPFM. The difference is due to the fact that the charge transfer between the surface and bulk levels may or may not respond to AC bias voltage.
Refugee protection: ‘Here’ or ‘there’?
Authors: Aleinikoff T Alexander , Owen David
Published: January 2022

Policymakers in states of the Global North are in the privileged position of having a genuine ethical choice concerning whether to devote their resources to providing refugee protection in their territory (e.g. by enabling safe passage of refugees to their borders and offering generous resettlement opportunities) or to prioritise resourcing refugee protection in the Global South. For these policymakers the question ‘Should we protect refugees here or there?’ posed in this global context represents a real, and not merely a notional, ethical challenge. The primary focus on this article is the ethical dilemma confronted by the conscientious policymaker in the Global North concerning where (and how) to support refugee protection. A secondary focus is the ethical dilemma faced by conscientious policymakers in the Global South in relation to the global context and the issues confronted both Northern and Southern policymakers in their distinct regional contexts.
Evolution of Brain-Expressed Biogenic Amine Receptors into Olfactory Trace Amine-Associated Receptors
Authors: Guo Lingna , Dai Wenxuan , Xu Zhengrong , Liang Qiaoyi , Miller Eliot T , Li Shengju , Gao Xia , Baldwin Maude W , Chai Renjie , Li Qian
Published: January 2022

The family of trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs) is distantly related to G protein-coupled biogenic aminergic receptors. TAARs are found in the brain as well as in the olfactory epithelium where they detect biogenic amines. However, the functional relationship of receptors from distinct TAAR subfamilies and in different species is still uncertain. Here, we perform a thorough phylogenetic analysis of 702 TAAR-like (TARL) and TAAR sequences from 48 species. We show that a clade of Tarl genes has greatly expanded in lampreys, whereas the other Tarl clade consists of only one or two orthologs in jawed vertebrates and is lost in amniotes. We also identify two small clades of Taar genes in sharks related to the remaining Taar genes in bony vertebrates, which are divided into four major clades. We further identify ligands for 61 orphan TARLs and TAARs from sea lamprey, shark, ray-finned fishes, and mammals, as well as novel ligands for two 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4 orthologs, a serotonin receptor subtype closely related to TAARs. Our results reveal a pattern of functional convergence and segregation: TARLs from sea lamprey and bony vertebrate olfactory TAARs underwent independent expansions to function as chemosensory receptors, whereas TARLs from jawed vertebrates retain ancestral response profiles and may have similar functions to TAAR1 in the brain. Overall, our data provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolution and ligand recognition profiles of TAARs and TARLs.
Six Moments of Infection Prevention in Injection Drug Use: An Educational Toolkit for Clinicians
Authors: Harvey Leah , Boudreau Jacqueline , Sliwinski Samantha K , Strymish Judith , Gifford Allen L , Hyde Justeen , Linsenmeyer Katherine , Branch-Elliman Westyn
Published: January 2022

Background

Injection drug use–associated bacterial and viral infections are increasing. Expanding access to harm reduction services, such as safe injection education, are effective prevention strategies. However, these strategies have had limited uptake. New tools are needed to improve provider capacity to facilitate dissemination of these evidence-based interventions.

Methods

The “Six Moments of Infection Prevention in Injection Drug Use” provider educational tool was developed using a global, rather than pathogen-specific, infection prevention framework, highlighting the prevention of invasive bacterial and fungal infections in additional to viral pathogens. The tool’s effectiveness was tested using a short, paired pre/post survey that assessed provider knowledge and attitudes about harm reduction.

Results

Seventy-five respondents completed the paired surveys. At baseline, 17 respondents (22.6%) indicated that they had received no prior training in harm reduction and 28 (37.3%) reported discomfort counseling people who inject drugs (PWID). Sixty respondents (80.0%) reported they had never referred a patient to a syringe service program (SSP); of those, 73.3% cited lack of knowledge regarding locations of SSPs and 40.0% reported not knowing where to access information regarding SSPs. After the training, 66 (88.0%) reported that they felt more comfortable educating PWID (P < .0001), 65 respondents (86.6%) reported they planned to use the Six Moments model in their own practice, and 100% said they would consider referring patients to an SSP in the future.

Conclusions

The Six Moments model emphasizes the importance of a global approach to infection prevention and harm reduction. This educational intervention can be used as part of a bundle of implementation strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality in PWID.
Patients With Serious Injection Drug Use–Related Infections who Experience Patient-Directed Discharges on Oral Antibiotics Have High Rates of Antibiotic Adherence but Require Multidisciplinary Outpatient Support for Retention in Care
Authors: Lewis Sophia , Liang Stephen Y , Schwarz Evan S , Liss David B , Winograd Rachel P , Nolan Nathanial S , Durkin Michael J , Marks Laura R
Published: January 2022

Background

Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are frequently admitted for serious injection-related infections (SIRIs). Outcomes and adherence to oral antibiotics for PWID with patient-directed discharge (PDD) remain understudied.

Methods

We conducted a prospective multicenter bundled quality improvement project of PWID with SIRI at 3 hospitals in Missouri. All PWID with SIRI were offered multidisciplinary care while inpatient, including the option of addiction medicine consultation and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). All patients were offered oral antibiotics in the event of a PDD either at discharge or immediately after discharge through an infectious diseases telemedicine clinic. Additional support services included health coaches, a therapist, a case manager, free clinic follow-up, and medications in an outpatient bridge program. Patient demographics, comorbidities, 90-day readmissions, and substance use disorder clinic follow-up were compared between PWID with PDD on oral antibiotics and those who completed intravenous (IV) antibiotics using an as-treated approach.

Results

Of 166 PWID with SIRI, 61 completed IV antibiotics inpatient (37%), while 105 had a PDD on oral antibiotics (63%). There was no significant difference in 90-day readmission rates between groups (P = .819). For PWID with a PDD on oral antibiotics, 7.6% had documented nonadherence to antibiotics, 67% had documented adherence, and 23% were lost to follow-up. Factors protective against readmission included antibiotic and MOUD adherence, engagement with support team, and clinic follow-up.

Conclusions

PWID with SIRI who experience a PDD should be provided with oral antibiotics. Multidisciplinary outpatient support services are needed for PWID with PDD on oral antibiotics.
Phase I Study of Lenvatinib and Capecitabine with External Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mehta Rutika , Frakes Jessica , Kim Jongphil , Nixon Andrew , Liu Yingmiao , Howard Lauren , Martinez Jimenez Maria E , Carballido Estrella , Imanirad Iman , Sanchez Julian , Dessureault Sophie , Xie Hao , Felder Seth , Sahin Ibrahim , Hoffe Sarah , Malafa Mokenge , Kim Richard
Published: January 2022

Background

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation with fluoropyrimidine followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy has been the standard treatment of locally advanced stages II and III rectal cancer for many years. There is a high risk for disease recurrence; therefore, optimizing chemoradiation strategies remains an unmet need. Based on a few studies, there is evidence of the synergistic effect of VEGF/PDGFR blockade with radiation.

Methods

In this phase I, dose-escalation and dose-expansion study, we studied 3 different dose levels of lenvatinib in combination with capecitabine-based chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Results

A total of 20 patients were enrolled, and 19 were eligible for assessment of efficacy. The combination was well tolerated, with an MTD of 24 mg lenvatinib. The downstaging rate for the cohort and the pCR was 84.2% and 37.8%, respectively. Blood-based protein biomarkers TSP-2, VEGF-R3, and VEGF correlated with NAR score and were also differentially expressed between response categories. The NAR, or neoadjuvant rectal score, encompasses cT clinical tumor stage, pT pathological tumor stage, and pN pathological nodal stage and provides a continuous variable for evaluating clinical trial outcomes.

Conclusion

The combination of lenvatinib with capecitabine and radiation in locally advanced rectal cancer was found to be safe and tolerable, and potential blood-based biomarkers were identified.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT02935309
Orchestration of ethylene and gibberellin signals determines primary root elongation in rice
Authors: Qin Hua , Pandey Bipin K , Li Yuxiang , Huang Guoqiang , Wang Juan , Quan Ruidang , Zhou Jiahao , Zhou Yun , Miao Yuchen , Zhang Dabing , Bennett Malcolm J , Huang Rongfeng
Published: January 2022

Primary root growth in cereal crops is fundamental for early establishment of the seedling and grain yield. In young rice (Oryza sativa) seedlings, the primary root grows rapidly for 7–10 days after germination and then stops; however, the underlying mechanism determining primary root growth is unclear. Here, we report that the interplay of ethylene and gibberellin (GA) controls the orchestrated development of the primary root in young rice seedlings. Our analyses advance the knowledge that primary root growth is maintained by higher ethylene production, which lowers bioactive GA contents. Further investigations unraveled that ethylene signaling transcription factor ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3-LIKE 1 (OsEIL1) activates the expression of the GA metabolism genes GIBBERELLIN 2-OXIDASE 1 (OsGA2ox1), OsGA2ox2, OsGA2ox3, and OsGA2ox5, thereby deactivating GA activity, inhibiting cell proliferation in the root meristem, and ultimately gradually inhibiting primary root growth. Mutation in OsGA2ox3 weakened ethylene-induced GA inactivation and reduced the ethylene sensitivity of the root. Genetic analysis revealed that OsGA2ox3 functions downstream of OsEIL1. Taken together, we identify a molecular pathway impacted by ethylene during primary root elongation in rice and provide insight into the coordination of ethylene and GA signals during root development and seedling establishment.
Functional Outcomes Associated With Independence in Walking Among People With Hereditary Ataxias: An Exploratory Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Giangiardi Vivian Farahte , Perracini Monica Rodrigues , da Silva Maria Liliane , Setti Giullia Bianca Rodrigues , Curzio Leticia Estrella , Vegas Milena , Alouche Sandra Regina
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study aimed to identify functional outcomes related to independence in walking among people affected by hereditary ataxias.

Methods

Sixty participants were selected by convenience in a list provided by an organization of people with ataxia. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. The Assessment and Rating of Ataxia was used to assess and rate cerebellar ataxia. Changes in body structure and function, limitation in activities, and restriction in participation were evaluated with specific outcome measures. Participants were classified as independent in walking if they were able to walk without walking aids or human assistance and as dependent in walking if they have been using walking aids (sticks, crutches, or walkers) for more than 6 months, using a wheelchair for locomotion most of the day, or both. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted hierarchically and in blocks considering upper limbs function, balance systems, sensory functions, postural control, walking, independence, cognition, and perception as independent variables. The prevalence ratio for walking independence was determined.

Results

The final regression model pointed out that gait capacity assessed by the 6-Minute Walk Test and dexterity assessed by the Box and Blocks test were the main markers related to walking independence in individuals with hereditary ataxias.

Conclusion

The distance covered in 6 minutes of walking (walking endurance) and upper extremity dexterity can be used to better assess the progression of cerebellar disease related to walking independence in individuals with hereditary ataxias.

Impact

This study supports early detection of individuals who are at risk of loss of walking independence and an optimized rehabilitation plan.
Epidemiological and clinical characterization of dengue virus serotypes during 2017–2019 in southern Kerala, India
Authors: Rahul Arya , Saini Prasanta , Valamparampil Mathew J , Singh Gurpreet , Suresh Meenu Maheswari , Prajitha Kannankottapilly Chandrasekharan , Jose Merin Sara , Nair Anjana Nalina Kumari Kesavan , Ananth Mohan , Sreekanth Karthikeyan Balakrishnan , Sujatha Chintha , Kumar N Pradeep , Indu Pillaveettil Sathyadas , Anish Thekumkara Surendrannair
Published: January 2022

Background

In the context of the largest dengue outbreak in the state of Kerala, India in 2017, along with global evidence of changing epidemiology of dengue virus and its distribution, this study was planned to understand the epidemiological pattern of dengue infection and contemplate the clinical presentations of different serotypes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts of Kerala, India, spanning 3 y from 2017 to 2019. We recruited adult patients based on the World Health Organization case definition of probable dengue fever to study their virological, spatial and clinical characteristics.

Results

Dengue infection was identified in 113 (33.9%) of the 333 probable dengue patients recruited. Dengue virus 1 (DENV1), along with its combinations (59.09%), was the predominant serotype during 2017, followed by DENV2. There was a marked increase in the proportion of DENV4 cases (34.56%) and concurrent infections (26%) in 2019. DENV3 infections were more likely to present with warning signs (adjusted relative risk 6.14 [95% confidence interval 1.3 to 29.4]) and a significantly lower platelet count (p=0.02).

Conclusions

The results highlight the hyperendemicity of dengue infection in the state and the changing pattern of dengue virus predominance along with redominance. The rise in DENV4 and concurrent infections put forth the possibility of a more severe future outbreak.
Age and Hearing Ability Influence Selective Attention During Childhood
Authors: Ward Kristina M. , Grieco-Calub Tina M.
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether age and hearing ability influence selective attention during childhood. Specifically, we hypothesized that immaturity and disrupted auditory experience impede selective attention during childhood.

Design:

Seventy-seven school-age children (5 to 12 years of age) participated in this study: 61 children with normal hearing and 16 children with bilateral hearing loss who use hearing aids and/or cochlear implants. Children performed selective attention-based behavioral change detection tasks comprised of target and distractor streams in the auditory and visual modalities. In the auditory modality, children were presented with two streams of single-syllable words spoken by a male and female talker. In the visual modality, children were presented with two streams of grayscale images. In each task, children were instructed to selectively attend to the target stream, inhibit attention to the distractor stream, and press a key as quickly as possible when they detected a frequency (auditory modality) or color (visual modality) deviant stimulus in the target, but not distractor, stream. Performance on the auditory and visual change detection tasks was quantified by response sensitivity, which reflects children’s ability to selectively attend to deviants in the target stream and inhibit attention to those in the distractor stream. Children also completed a standardized measure of attention and inhibitory control.

Results:

Younger children and children with hearing loss demonstrated lower response sensitivity, and therefore poorer selective attention, than older children and children with normal hearing, respectively. The effect of hearing ability on selective attention was observed across the auditory and visual modalities, although the extent of this group difference was greater in the auditory modality than the visual modality due to differences in children’s response patterns. Additionally, children’s performance on a standardized measure of attention and inhibitory control related to their performance during the auditory and visual change detection tasks.

Conclusions:

Overall, the findings from the present study suggest that age and hearing ability influence children’s ability to selectively attend to a target stream in both the auditory and visual modalities. The observed differences in response patterns across modalities, however, reveal a complex interplay between hearing ability, task modality, and selective attention during childhood. While the effect of age on selective attention is expected to reflect the immaturity of cognitive and linguistic processes, the effect of hearing ability may reflect altered development of selective attention due to disrupted auditory experience early in life and/or a differential allocation of attentional resources to meet task demands.
Intranodal Neurofibroma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Adams Steven H. , Huston Tara L. , Lozeau Daniel
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

To report a case of neurofibroma involving the lymph nodes and to perform a literature review on this topic.

Observations:

A 72-year-old woman with a history of neurofibromatosis and biopsy-proven malignant melanoma of the left forearm underwent wide local excision of the malignant lesion along with sentinel axillary lymph node biopsy. Histological examination of axillary nodes revealed diffuse neurofibromatosis within 2 lymph node capsules. A thorough review of the English literature pertaining to intranodal neurofibroma was performed by querying Google Scholar and PubMed. Only 5 cases of intranodal neurofibroma have been described until now.

Conclusions and Importance:

Neurofibroma involving the lymph nodes is rare and this is the first reported case that is shown to diffusely involve the intracapsular space. Furthermore, intranodal neurofibroma can represent a diagnostic pitfall in the evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes for metastatic melanoma.
Current Therapies in Patients With Posterior Semicircular Canal BPPV, a Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Li Daibo , Cheng Danni , Yang Wenjie , Chen Ting , Zhang Di , Ren Jianjun , Zhao Yu
Published: January 2022

Objective:

To compare the efficacy of different treatments for posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV) by using direct and indirect evidence from existing randomized data.

Methods:

Randomized case-control studies that compared the efficacy of various nonsurgical treatments in PC-BPPV patients at 1 week and 1 month of follow-up were comprehensively screened. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate direct and indirect treatment comparisons. We further conducted subgroup pairwise meta-analysis to explore the inconsistency between comparisons of the Epley versus a sham maneuver and the Epley versus the Semont maneuver.

Results:

A total of 41 parallel, randomized controlled studies were included. The Epley with vestibular rehabilitation (EVR), Epley, Semont and Hybrid maneuvers were effective in eliminating nystagmus during a Dix–Hallpike test at 1 week of follow-up (odds ratios [ORs]: 11.41–23.8, 95% credible interval [CrI]: excluding null), among which EVR showed the best efficacy (the surface area under the cumulative ranking curves [SUCRA] = 77.5%). However, at 1 month of follow-up, only the Semont (rank first, SUCRA = 76.1%) and Epley maneuvers (rank second, SUCRA = 65.3%) were effective in eliminating nystagmus during a Dix–Hallpike test. In the pairwise subgroup meta-analysis, for patients younger than 55 years of age, the efficacy of the Epley maneuver was comparable to that of the Semont maneuver [rate ratio (RR): 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93–1.05]; for patients with a longer duration before treatment, the effect of the Epley maneuver was equivalent to that of a sham maneuver (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.90–1.29).

Conclusion:

Among the 12 types of PC-BPPV treatments, the Epley, Semont, EVR, and Hybrid maneuvers were effective in eliminating nystagmus during a Dix–Hallpike test for PC-BPPV at 1 week of follow-up, whereas only the Epley and Semont maneuvers were effective at 1 month of follow-up. The duration before treatments and the age of patients might contribute to the efficacy of treatments.
Reduced Cognitive Burden and Increased Focus
Authors: Pfoh Elizabeth R. , Hong Sandra , Baranek Laura , Rothberg Michael B. , Beinkampen Sarah , Misra-Hebert Anita D. , Rehm Susan J. , Sikon Andrea L.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Understanding how medical scribes impact care delivery can inform decision-makers who must balance the cost of hiring scribes with their contribution to alleviating clinician burden.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to understand how scribes impacted provider efficiency and satisfaction.

Design:

This was mixed-methods study.

Participants:

Internal and family medicine clinicians were included.

Measures:

We administered structured surveys and conducted unstructured interviews with clinicians who adopted scribes. We collected average days to close charts and quantity of after-hours clinical work in the 6 months before and after implementation using electronic health record data. We conducted a difference in difference (DID) analysis using a multilevel Poisson regression.

Results:

Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) charting time is less after training; (2) clinicians wanted to continue working with scribes; and (3) scribes did not reduce the overall inbox burden. In the 6-month survey, 76% of clinicians endorsed that working with a scribe improved work satisfaction versus 50% at 1 month. After implementation, days to chart closure decreased [DID=0.38 fewer days; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.61, −0.15] the average minutes worked after hours on clinic days decreased (DID=−11.5 min/d; 95% CI: −13.1, −9.9) as did minutes worked on nonclinical days (DID=−24.9 min/d; 95% CI: −28.1, −21.7).

Conclusions:

Working with scribes was associated with reduced time to close charts and reduced time using the electronic health record, markers of efficiency. Increased satisfaction accrued once scribes had experience.
Pepsinogen I- and H+/K+-ATPase-immunohistochemical Positivity in Endoscopically Resected Early Gastric Neoplasia
Authors: Hayasaka Junnosuke , Inoshita Naoko , Suzuki Yugo , Nomura Kosuke , Odagiri Hiroyuki , Ochiai Yorinari , Tanaka Masami , Yamashita Satoshi , Matsui Akira , Kikuchi Daisuke , Kitagawa Masanobu , Hoteya Shu
Published: January 2022

Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type (GAFG) has been recently classified by the World Health Organization (WHO), however, clinicopathologic features of pepsinogen I- or H+/K+-ATPase-positive gastric tumors remain unclear. Therefore, this study evaluates the frequency and clinicopathologic features of those tumors, using a tissue microarray block to identify pepsinogen I- or H+/K+-ATPase-positive tumors from 810 endoscopically resected, early gastric epithelial tumors. The frequency of pepsinogen I-positive lesions was 2.1%, and that of H+/K+-ATPase-positive lesions was 2.0%. Pepsinogen I- or H+/K+-ATPase positivity was not observed in undifferentiated-type tumors, while gastric tumors with morphologic similarity to fundic glands were positive for pepsinogen I- or H+/K+-ATPase. We divided pepsinogen I- or H+/K+-ATPase-positive gastric tumors into group A, with fundic gland–like structure, or group B, without fundic gland–like structure. The frequency of group A was 1.6%: 46.2% were positive only for pepsinogen I and 53.8% for H+/K+-ATPase and pepsinogen I. The frequency of group B was 1.5%: 25% were positive only for pepsinogen I, 8.3% for H+/K+-ATPase and pepsinogen I, and 66.7% only for H+/K+-ATPase. The 2 tumor groups differed in location and endoscopic features. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that group B had more exposed tumors to the surface, larger nuclei, and more background atrophy than group A. Immunostaining showed significantly higher positivity rates for MUC5AC, CD10, CDX2, and p53 expression, and a higher Ki-67 labeling score. Our results provide novel insights into the pathology of early gastric tumors with histologic or immunohistochemical evidence of fundic gland differentiation.
Physical Versus Digital Orthognathic Surgical Planning
Authors: Ghanem Amr A. , Hamad Omar A. , Almukhtar Anas M. , Sleem Heba A.
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Orthognathic occlusal repositioning wafers could be constructed virtually and 3D printed. This paper assessed the accuracy of a suggested virtual model to the conventionally established Glasgow model surgery.

Design:

Prospective study of the orthognathic surgery models digitally.

Participants:

Seven patients who received bi-maxillary orthognathic surgeries for correction of dentofacial deformities.

Methods:

The patients were clinically assessed and their cone beam cmputerized tomography (CBCT) studied. Model surgery of each patient was performed conventionally using face-bow and semi-adjustable articulator. Same plan was executed virtually using Mimics (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium) and 3Matic (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Conventionally fabricated acrylic wafers as well as 3D printed wafers were CBCT scanned with the casts reflecting the archived repositioning dictated by the wafers. Paired sample t test was performed to compare accuracy between intermediate and final occlusal repositioning wafers within conventional and virtual technique groups.

Results:

The mean deviation in intermediate wafer group was 0.64 ± 0.33 mm; whereas the mean deviation in final wafer group was 0.53 ± 0.10 mm. Paired sample t test showed that there was no statistically significant difference in mean deviation between both groups (P = 0.403).

Conclusions:

This virtual surgical wafer achieves a similar level of accuracy to the conventional Glasgow model surgery.