bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remission, treatment failure, and relapse in pediatric ALL: an international consensus of the Ponte-di-Legno Consortium
Authors: Buchmann Swantje , Schrappe Martin , Baruchel Andre , Biondi Andrea , Borowitz Michael , Campbell Myriam , Cario Gunnar , Cazzaniga Giovanni , Escherich Gabriele , Harrison Christine J. , Heyman Mats , Hunger Stephen P. , Kiss Csongor , Liu Hsi-Che , Locatelli Franco , Loh Mignon L. , Manabe Atsushi , Mann Georg , Pieters Rob , Pui Ching-Hon , Rives Susana , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Silverman Lewis B. , Stary Jan , Vora Ajay , Brown Patrick
Published: July 2021

Comparison of treatment strategies in de novo pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) requires standardized measures of efficacy. Key parameters that define disease-related events, including complete remission (CR), treatment failure (TF; not achieving CR), and relapse (loss of CR) require an updated consensus incorporating modern diagnostics. We collected the definitions of CR, TF, and relapse from recent and current pediatric clinical trials for the treatment of ALL, including the key components of response evaluation (timing, anatomic sites, detection methods, and thresholds) and found significant heterogeneity, most notably in the definition of TF. Representatives of the major international ALL clinical trial groups convened to establish consensus definitions. CR should be defined at a time point no earlier than at the end of induction and should include the reduction of blasts below a specific threshold in bone marrow and extramedullary sites, incorporating minimal residual disease (MRD) techniques for marrow evaluations. TF should be defined as failure to achieve CR by a prespecified time point in therapy. Relapse can only be defined in patients who have achieved CR and must include a specific threshold of leukemic cells in the bone marrow confirmed by MRD, the detection of central nervous system leukemia, or documentation of extramedullary disease. Definitions of TF and relapse should harmonize with eligibility criteria for clinical trials in relapsed/refractory ALL. These consensus definitions will enhance the ability to compare outcomes across pediatric ALL trials and facilitate development of future international collaborative trials.
Correction to: Eye‑color and Type‑2 diabetes
phenotype prediction from genotype data using deep learning methods
Authors: Muneeb Muhammad , Henschel Andreas
Published: July 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original
article.
Campylobacter insulaenigrae bacteremia with meningitis: a case report
Authors: Kyotani Moe , Kenzaka Tsuneaki , Akita Hozuka , Arakawa Soichi
Published: July 2021

Background

The bacterium Campylobacter insulaenigrae was first isolated from marine mammals of Scotland in 2004. Only one case of C. insulaenigrae infection in humans has been previously reported.

Case presentation

An 89-year-old Japanese man without dementia was admitted to our hospital, because he presented with a fever of 38 °C and weakness in right leg since 5 days. He had organized chronic subdural hematoma (CSH), and no history of pre-infection. At the time of admission, he had paralysis of the extraocular muscle, ataxia, and low manual muscle test score of the right side. He was suspected to have Miller Fisher syndrome; however, these symptoms improved without any treatment. On day 22 in the hospital, the patient presented a fever of 38.8 °C, left cranial nerve disorder, and hemiplegia. On day 25, the patient presented with signs of meningeal irritation; cerebrospinal fluid examination indicated an increase in the number of apocytes and a low glucose level. A contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the patient’s head indicated a contrast enhancement effect in his right meninges. The blood culture showed presence of spirillums; 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that the spirillums in the blood culture were Campylobacter insulaenigrae (C. insulaenigrae). We started treatment with meropenem for bacteremia and meningitis. When the symptoms improved, meropenem was replaced with ampicillin, based on the result of the drug sensitivity test. The treatment continued for 4 weeks.

Conclusions

We report the first case of meningitis caused by C. insulaenigrae bacteremia in humans, and the second clinical report of C. insulaenigrae infection in humans. The bacterial strains isolated from humans and marine mammals had different genotypes. This suggests that different genotypes could be responsible for differences in the hosts. Further case studies are needed to establish the reasons behind the difference in the manifestations of C. insulaenigrae infections reported so far.
Lymphocyte subset alterations with disease severity, imaging manifestation, and delayed hospitalization in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Wu Daxian , Wu Xiaoping , Huang Jiansheng , Rao Qunfang , Zhang Qi , Zhang Wenfeng
Published: July 2021

Background

COVID-19 continuously threated public health heavily. Present study aimed to investigate the lymphocyte subset alterations with disease severity, imaging manifestation, and delayed hospitalization in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Lymphocyte subsets was classified using flow cytometry with peripheral blood collected from 106 patients.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression showed that chest tightness, lymphocyte count, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were the independent predictors for severe COVID-19. The T cell, CD4+ T cell and B cell counts in severe patients were significantly lower than that in mild patients (p = 0.004, 0.003 and 0.046, respectively). Only the T cell count was gradually decreased with the increase of infiltrated quadrants of lesions in computed tomography (CT) (p = 0.043). The T cell, CD4+ T cell, and CD8+ T cell counts were gradually decreased with the increase of infiltrated area of the maximum lesion in CT (p = 0.002, 0.003, 0.028; respectively). For severe patients, the counts of T cell, CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell gradually decreased with the increased delayed hospitalization (p = 0.001, 0.03, and <  0.001, respectively). The proportions of T cell, CD8+ T cell gradually decreased with the increased delayed hospitalization (both p <  0.001), but the proportions of NK cell, B cell gradually increased with the increased delayed hospitalization (p = 0.007, and 0.002, respectively). For mild patients, only the NK cell count was gradually decreased with the increased delayed hospitalization (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

T lymphocyte and its subset negatively correlated with disease severity, CT manifestation and delayed hospitalization. The counts of lymphocyte subset were changed more profound than their proportions.
The DANTE trial protocol: a randomised phase III trial to evaluate the Duration of ANti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody Treatment in patients with metastatic mElanoma
Authors: Coen Oliver , Corrie Pippa , Marshall Helen , Plummer Ruth , Ottensmeier Christian , Hook Jane , Bell Sue , Sagoo Gurdeep S. , Meads David , Bestall Janine , Velikova Galina , Gallagher Ferdia A. , Smith Alexandra , Howard Helen , Mason Ellen , Katona Eszter , Silva Shobha , Collinson Michelle , Rodwell Simon , Danson Sarah
Published: July 2021

Background

Immunotherapy is revolutionising the treatment of patients diagnosed with melanoma and other cancers. The first immune checkpoint inhibitor, ipilimumab (targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4)), showed a survival advantage over standard chemotherapy. Subsequently the anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibodies, nivolumab and pembrolizumab were shown to be more effective than ipilimumab. Ipilimumab combined with nivolumab gives an incremental gain in overall survival compared with nivolumab alone but increases the risk of severe, potentially life-threatening toxicities. In contrast to ipilimumab monotherapy, anti-PD-1 antibodies are licensed to be continued until disease progression. Follow-up of patients recruited to the first trials evaluating 2 years of pembrolizumab showed that three-quarters of responding patients continue responding after stopping treatment. Suggestive of early response, we hypothesised that continuing anti-PD-1 treatment beyond 1 year in progression-free patients may be unnecessary and so designed the DANTE trial.

Methods

DANTE is a multicentre, randomised, phase III, non-inferiority trial to evaluate the duration of anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with metastatic (unresectable stage III and stage IV) melanoma. It uses a two-stage recruitment strategy, registering patients before they complete 1 year of first-line anti-PD-1 +/− CTLA-4 therapy and randomising eligible patients who have received 12 months of treatment and are progression-free at 1 year. At randomisation, 1208 patients are assigned (1:1) to either 1) continue anti-PD-1 treatment until disease progression/ unacceptable toxicity/ for at least 2 years in the absence of disease progression/ unacceptable toxicity or 2) to stop treatment. Randomisation stratifies for baseline prognostic factors. The primary outcome is progression-free survival at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months and then, 6-monthly for up to 4-years. Secondary outcomes collected at all timepoints include overall survival, response-rate and duration and safety, with quality of life and cost-effectiveness outcomes collected 3-monthly for up to 18-months. Sub-studies include a qualitative analysis of patient acceptance of randomisation and sample collection to inform future translational studies into response/ toxicity biomarkers.

Discussion

DANTE is a unique prospective trial investigating the optimal duration of anti-PD-1 therapy in metastatic melanoma patients. Outcomes will inform future use of these high burden drugs.

Trial registration

ISRCTN15837212, 31 July 2018.
Integrating data from multidisciplinary Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: a cohort study
Authors: Saracino Laura , Bortolotto Chandra , Tomaselli Stefano , Fraolini Elia , Bosio Matteo , Accordino Giulia , Agustoni Francesco , Abbott David M. , Pozzi Emma , Eleftheriou Dimitrios , Morbini Patrizia , Rinaldi Pietro , Primiceri Cristiano , Lancia Andrea , Comoli Patrizia , Filippi Andrea R. , Stella Giulia M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive malignancy that most commonly affects the pleural layers. MPM has a strong association with asbestos, mainly caused by exposure to its biopersistent fibers in at least 80% of cases. Individuals with a chronic exposure to asbestos might develop disease with a 20–40-year latency with few or no symptoms. Such has been the case in the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, where industrial production of materials laden with asbestos, mainly cements, has been responsible for the onset of a large epidemic. Since 2018, a multidisciplinary team at San Matteo hospital in Pavia has been collecting data on over 100 patients with MPM. The main goal of this project is to define and describe an integrated profile for each MPM case at diagnosis by using data mining and partition analysis.

Methods

Here we bring together exhaustive epidemiologic, histologic and radiologic data of 88 MPM patients that came to our observation and draw correlations with predictive and prognostic significance.

Results

The median overall survival (OS) was 15.6 months. Most patients presented with pleural effusion, irrespective of disease stage. Quite unexpectedly, no statistically significant association was demonstrated between OS and TNM disease stage at diagnosis. Although average OS is similar in male and female patients, partition analysis of data underlined a significant differential hierarchy of predictor categories based on patient gender. In females with no smoking history, full chemotherapeutic regimens are associated with better outcomes. Moreover, concerning second line treatments, vinorelbine emerged as the most advantageous choice for female patients, whereas in the male subgroup no statistically significant difference resulted between gemcitabine and vinorelbine.

Conclusion

A multidisciplinary approach to MPM is mandatory to define better therapeutic approaches, personalize the management and improve patient outcomes.
Health services use by children identified as heterozygous hemoglobinopathy mutation carriers via newborn screening
Authors: Khangura Sara D. , Potter Beth K. , Davies Christine , Ducharme Robin , Bota A. Brianne , Hawken Steven , Wilson Kumanan , Karaceper Maria D. , Klaassen Robert J. , Little Julian , Simpson Ewurabena , Chakraborty Pranesh
Published: July 2021

Background

Newborn screening (NBS) for sickle cell disease incidentally identifies heterozygous carriers of hemoglobinopathy mutations. In Ontario, Canada, these carrier results are not routinely disclosed, presenting an opportunity to investigate the potential health implications of carrier status. We aimed to compare rates of health services use among children identified as carriers of hemoglobinopathy mutations and those who received negative NBS results.

Methods

Eligible children underwent NBS in Ontario from October 2006 to March 2010 and were identified as carriers or as screen-negative controls, matched to carriers 5:1 based on neighbourhood and timing of birth. We used health care administrative data to determine frequencies of inpatient hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, and physician encounters through March 2012, using multivariable negative binomial regression to compare rates of service use in the two cohorts. We analyzed data from 4987 carriers and 24,935 controls.

Results

Adjusted incidence rate ratios (95% CI) for service use in carriers versus controls among children < 1 year of age were: 1.11 (1.06–1.17) for ED visits; 0.97 (0.89–1.06) for inpatient hospitalization; and 1.02 (1.00–1.04) for physician encounters. Among children ≥1 year of age, adjusted rate ratios were: 1.03 (0.98–1.07) for ED visits; 1.14 (1.03–1.25) for inpatient hospitalization and 0.92 (0.90–0.94) for physician encounters.

Conclusions

While we identified statistically significant differences in health services use among carriers of hemoglobinopathy mutations relative to controls, effect sizes were small and directions of association inconsistent across age groups and health service types. Our findings are consistent with the assumption that carrier status is likely benign in early childhood.
A multi-country analysis of the prevalence and factors associated with bullying victimisation among in-school adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from the global school-based health survey
Authors: Aboagye Richard Gyan , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Hagan John Elvis , Frimpong James Boadu , Budu Eugene , Adu Collins , Ayilu Raymond K. , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: July 2021

Background

Over the past few years, there has been growing public and research interest in adolescents’ experiences with various forms of bullying victimisation because of their psychological, emotional, and/ or physical consequences. The present study examined the prevalence of bullying victimisation and its associated factors among in-school adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Using data from the Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) from 2010 to 2017 of eleven sub-Saharan African countries, a sample of 25,454 in-school adolescents was used for analysis. Statistical analyses included frequencies, percentages, Pearson chi-square and multivariable logistic regression. Results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The overall prevalence of bullying victimisation among the respondents was 38.8%. The prevalence was lowest in Mauritius (22.2%) and highest in Sierra Leone (54.6%). Adolescents who felt lonely [aOR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.53, 1.80], had history of anxiety [aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.41, 1.66], suicidal ideation [aOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.17, 1.39], suicidal attempt [aOR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.72, 2.02], current users of marijuana [aOR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.38, 1.84], and truants at [aOR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.34, 1.52] were more likely to be victims of bullying. Conversely, adolescents who had peer support were less likely to be victims of bullying [aOR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.73, 0.82]. Adolescents aged 15 years or older had lower odds of experiencing bullying victimization compared to their counterparts aged 14 years or younger [aOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.78].

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that age, loneliness, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicidal attempt, and current use of marijuana are associated with increased risk of bullying victimisation. School-wide preventative interventions (e.g., positive behavioural strategies- Rational Emotive Behavioral Education, [REBE], peer educator network systems, face-face counseling sessions, substance use cessation therapy) are essential in promoting a positive school climate and reduce students’ bullying victimisation behaviours.
Facilitators and barriers to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake through a community-based intervention strategy among adolescent girls and young women in Seme Sub-County, Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Jackson-Gibson Maya , Ezema Ashley Uzoamaka , Orero Wicklife , Were Irene , Ohiomoba Ramael Osasogie , Mbullo Patrick Owuor , Hirschhorn Lisa Ruth
Published: July 2021

Background

While the introduction of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as an HIV prevention strategy has allowed women to exercise more control over the reduction of HIV transmission rates, adolescent girls and young women in Sub-Saharan Africa continue to experience higher rates of HIV infections and bear the greatest disease burden. Understanding progress in PrEP uptake among adolescent girls and young women would enhance risk reduction in this vulnerable population. The Determined, Resilient, AIDS-Free, Mentored and Safe women (DREAMS) Initiative plays a key role in this risk reduction strategy.

Methods

We performed a qualitative study to explore facilitators and barriers to PrEP implementation and assess factors effecting initiation and persistence on PrEP among adolescent girls and young women enrolled in the DREAMS Initiative at Pamoja Community Based Organization in Kisumu, Kenya. We conducted key informant interviews (n = 15) with Pamoja Community Based Organization staff, health care providers and community leaders. Additionally, we conducted focus group discussions with young women receiving PrEP and peer mentors (n = 40). We performed a directed content analysis using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to organize the identified facilitators and barriers.

Results

We found that the use of the safe space model, decentralization of PrEP support and delivery, peer mentors, effective linkage to local health care facilities, the sensitization of parents and male sexual partners, disclosure of PrEP use by beneficiaries, active stakeholder involvement and community engagement were among some of the facilitators to PrEP uptake. Barriers to PrEP implementation, initiation and persistence included stigma associated with the use of anti-retroviral drugs, drug side effects, frequent relocation of beneficiaries, limited resources for routine screening and medication monitoring, and a limited number of qualified health care workers for PrEP distribution and administration.

Conclusion

Overall, the community roll-out of PrEP within the DREAMS Initiative was successful due to a number of key facilitating factors, which ultimately led to successful PrEP implementation, increased PrEP initiation and enhanced persistence among adolescent girls and young women. The identified barriers should be addressed so that a larger scale-up of PrEP roll-out is possible in the future.
Insight into the characteristics of research published in traditional, complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine journals: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ng Jeremy Y.
Published: July 2021

Background

Traditional, complementary, alternative and integrative medicine (TCAIM) can be described as diverse medical and healthcare interventions, practices, products, or disciplines that are not considered as part of conventional medicine. Inherent in its definition, TCAIMs are comprised of a wide variety of therapies with highly variable safety and effectiveness evidence profiles. Despite this, the use of many TCAIMs is highly prevalent among patients globally. The present study consists of a bibliometric analysis of TCAIM journals.

Methods

A single search of all International Standard Serial Number (ISSNs) of all journals categorized as “complementary and alternative medicine” (code 2707) based on the All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) was run on Scopus on April 17, 2021. All publication types were included; no further search limits were applied. The following bibliometric data were collected: number of publications (in total and per year), authors and journals; open access status; journals publishing the highest volume of literature and their impact factors; language, countries, institutional affiliations, and funding sponsors of publications; most productive authors; and highest-cited publications. Trends associated with this subset of publications were identified and presented. Bibliometric indicators of production were calculated, and bibliometric networks were constructed and visualized using the software tool VOSviewer.

Results

A total of 172,466 publications (42,331 open access), were published by 219,680 authors in 143 journals from 1938 to 2021. Since the 1940s, an upward trend with respect to the volume of publications can be observed, with a steep increase observed between the mid-2000s and mid-2010s. The journal that published the largest number of publications was the Journal of Natural Products (n = 15,144). The most productive countries included China (n = 45,860), the United States (n = 29,523), and Germany (n = 10,120); a number of the most common institutional affiliations and funding sponsors also originated from these three countries.

Conclusions

The number of publications collectively published in TCAIM journals follows an upward trend. Given a high prevalence of TCAIM use among patients, increased acceptance of TCAIM among conventional healthcare providers, and growing interest in the research of TCAIM, future work should continue to investigate and track changes in the publication characteristics of the emerging research on this topic.
Stakeholder perspectives on the ethico-legal dimensions of biobanking in South Africa
Authors: Singh Shenuka , Moodley Keymanthri
Published: July 2021

Background

Biobanking provides exciting opportunities for research on stored biospecimens. However, these opportunities to advance medical science are fraught with challenges including ethical and legal dilemmas. This study was undertaken to establish perspectives of South African stakeholders on the ethico-legal dimensions of biobanking.

Methods

An in-depth exploratory study was conducted with 25 purposively selected biobankers, clinicians, researchers, postgraduate students in biobanking research, and research ethics committee (REC) members in South Africa. Potential study participants were recruited through known hubs for biobanking in the country, online searches and the snowball sampling technique. A semi-structured face-to-face or Skype interview was arranged. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The emergent themes included: inconsistency in understanding consent models, disconnect between biobank researchers and biosample donors, inadequate processes to support re-consenting minors, inconsistent governance processes for biobanking research; challenges with sample and data sharing, and suboptimal strategies for benefit sharing and return of results. Biobanking practice in general appeared to be inconsistent and fragmented. While the need for consent in research is explicitly outlined in legislative documents, some respondents were unclear on the type of consent model to apply in biosample collection. They also reported inconsistencies in research participants’ understanding of consent. Furthermore, these respondents’ own understanding of consent and consent models were dependent on where they were positioned in biobanking practice (roles occupied). Respondents were unsure about the process to follow to re-consent child participants once the age of majority (≥ 18 years) was reached. It was not surprising that consent was identified as one of the major ethical challenges in biobanking practice. In certain settings, some respondents reported suboptimal governance processes for sample collection. Participants were generally unsure about how to operationalise benefit sharing and how to approach the idea of returning results to research participants and biobank donors.

Conclusion

The study findings indicated inconsistencies in stakeholder understanding of ethico-legal considerations related to biobanking in South Africa. A need for ongoing ethics capacity development among stakeholders was identified. Improving understanding of the ethics of biobanking could be facilitated by acknowledging the disconnect created by biosamples in the relationship between biobank researchers and donors.
“Traditionally you would be passing them from pillar to post”: an evaluation exploring the Life Rooms model of partnership working
Authors: Worsley Joanne , Rotheram Clare , Corcoran Rhiannon
Published: July 2021

Background

NHS systems are under increasing, unsustainable pressure. In the context of rising demand, limited resources and changing population needs, partnership working across sectors is crucial. The Liverpool City Region has a richness of voluntary organisations and community based assets that the Life Rooms innovation draws upon to widen the base of health and wellbeing support. The Life Rooms therefore aims to facilitate the collaboration of NHS systems with arts, voluntary and community organisations in the local health economy. This evaluation explores the Life Rooms model of partnership working spread over in excess of one hundred partnerships with voluntary, community, and corporate sector organisations.

Methods

The evaluation drew on thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with Life Rooms staff members (n = 10), partner organisations (n = 16), and users of the Life Rooms (n = 7).

Results

Five overarching themes were identified: Quality of partnerships; Benefits of partnership working; Facilitators; Challenges within the Life Rooms model; and Making things even better.

Conclusions

One of the significant successes of the Life Rooms partnership working model is the way in which the service collaborates with a wide range of organisations with the aim of providing more effective and holistic support. The success of this approach illustrates how, led by NHS Trust innovation, multiple bodies can play a role in supporting health care by bringing unique skills, expertise and programmes together to ensure multiple options to support the multiple different aspects of people’s health. These insights may be useful to other NHS organisations that may be considering a similar integration agenda.
Delineation of reservoir channels by different seismic attributes and geobody extractions for robust volumetric estimation, Saffron Field, offshore Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Monier Doha , El Rawy Azza , Mahmoud Abdullah
Published: July 2021

The Nile Delta Basin is a major gas province. Commercial gas discoveries there have been proven mainly in Pleistocene to Oligocene sediments, and most discoveries are within sandstone reservoirs. Three-dimensional seismic data acquired over the basin have helped greatly in imaging and visualization of stratigraphy and structure, leading to robust understanding of the subsurface. Channel fairways serve as potential reservoir units; hence, mapping channel surfaces and identifying and defining infill lithology is important. Predicting sand distribution and reservoir presence is one of the key tasks as well as one of the key uncertainties in exploration. Integrating state-of-the-art technologies, such as including 3D seismic reflection surveys, seismic attributes, and geobody extractions, can reduce this uncertainty through recognition and accurate mapping of channel features. In this study, seismic attribute analysis, frequency analysis through spectral decomposition (SD), geobodies, and seismic sections have been used to delineate shallow Plio-Pleistocene El Wastani Formation channel fairways within the Saffron Field, offshore Nile Delta, Egypt. This has led to providing more reliable inputs for calculation of volumetrics. Interpretation of the stacked-channels complex through different seismic attributes helped to discriminate between sand-filled and shale-filled channels and in understanding their geometries. Results include more confident delineation of four distinct low-sinuosity channelized features. Petrophysical evaluation conducted on five wells penetrating Saffron reservoirs included electric logs and modular dynamic test data interpretation. The calculated average reservoir properties were used in different volumetric calculation cases. Different approaches were applied to delineate channel geometries that were later used in performing different volumetric cases. These approaches included defining channels from root-mean-square amplitude extractions, SD color-blended frequencies, and geobodies, all calculated from prestack seismic data. The different volumetric cases performed were compared against the latest field volume estimates proven after several years of production in which an area-versus-depth input showed the closest calculated hydrocarbon volumes to the actual proven field volumes.
Ten years of time-lapse seismic on Atlantis Field
Authors: van Gestel Jean-Paul
Published: July 2021

In 2019, the fourth ocean-bottom-node survey was acquired over Atlantis Field. This survey was quickly processed to provide useful time-lapse (4D) observations two months after the end of the acquisition. The time-lapse observations were immediately valuable in placing wells, refining final drilling target locations, updating well prioritization, and sequencing production and water-injection wells. These data are indispensable pieces of information that bring geophysicists and reservoir engineers together and focus the conversation on key remaining uncertainties such as fault transmissibilities and drainage areas. Time-lapse observations can confirm the key conceptional models already in place but are even more valuable when they highlight alternative models that have not yet been considered. The lessons learned from the acquisition, processing, analysis, interpretation, and integration of the data are shared. Some of these lessons are reiterations of previous work, but several new lessons originated from the latest 2019 acquisition. This was the first survey in which independent simultaneous sources were successfully deployed to collect a time-lapse survey. This resulted in a much faster and less expensive acquisition. In addition, full-waveform inversion was used as the main tool to update the velocity model, enabling a much faster turnaround in processing. The fast turnaround enabled incorporation of the latest acquisition to better constrain the velocity model update. The updated velocity model was used for the final time-lapse migration. In the integration part, the 4D-assisted history-match workflow was engaged to update the reservoir model history match. All of the upgrades led to an overall faster, less expensive, and better way to incorporate the acquired data in the final business decisions.
3D seismic interpretation with deep learning: A brief introduction
Authors: Wrona Thilo , Pan Indranil , Bell Rebecca E. , Gawthorpe Robert L. , Fossen Haakon , Brune Sascha
Published: July 2021

Understanding the internal structure of our planet is a fundamental goal of the earth sciences. As direct observations are restricted to surface outcrops and borehole cores, we rely on geophysical data to study the earth's interior. In particular, seismic reflection data showing acoustic images of the subsurface provide us with critical insights into sedimentary, tectonic, and magmatic systems. However, interpretations of these large 2D grids or 3D seismic volumes are time-consuming, even for a well-trained person or team. Here, we demonstrate how to automate and accelerate the analysis of these increasingly large seismic data sets with machine learning. We are able to perform typical seismic interpretation tasks such as mapping tectonic faults, salt bodies, and sedimentary horizons at high accuracy using deep convolutional neural networks. We share our workflows and scripts, encouraging users to apply our methods to similar problems. Our methodology is generic and flexible, allowing an easy adaptation without major changes. Once trained, these models can analyze large volumes of data within seconds, opening a new pathway to study the processes shaping the internal structure of our planet.
Prospective Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes Using a Multiplex Liquid Biopsy Targeting Diverse Resistance Mechanisms in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sperger Jamie M. , Emamekhoo Hamid , McKay Rana R. , Stahlfeld Charlotte N. , Singh Anupama , Chen Xinyi E. , Kwak Lucia , Gilsdorf Cole S. , Wolfe Serena K. , Wei Xiao X. , Silver Rebecca , Zhang Zhenwei , Morris Michael J. , Bubley Glenn , Feng Felix Y. , Scher Howard I. , Rathkopf Dana , Dehm Scott M. , Choueiri Toni K. , Halabi Susan , Armstrong Andrew J. , Wyatt Alexander W. , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Zhao Shuang G. , Lang Joshua M.
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE

Nearly all men with prostate cancer treated with androgen receptor (AR) signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) develop resistance via diverse mechanisms including constitutive activation of the AR pathway, driven by AR genomic structural alterations, expression of AR splice variants (AR-Vs), or loss of AR dependence and lineage plasticity termed neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Understanding these de novo acquired ARSI resistance mechanisms is critical for optimizing therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A novel liquid biopsy technology was used to collect mRNA from circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to measure expression of AR-Vs, AR targets, and neuroendocrine prostate cancer markers. An institutional review board–approved prospective cohort (N = 99) was used to identify patterns of gene expression. Two prospective multicenter phase II clinical trials of ARSIs for men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01942837 [enzalutamide, N = 21] and NCT02025010 [abiraterone, N = 27]) were used to further validate these findings.

RESULTS

Hierarchical clustering of CTC transcripts identified two distinct clusters. Cluster 2 (C2) exhibited increased expression of AR-regulated genes and was associated with worse overall survival (median 8.6 v 22.4 months; P < .01; hazard ratio [HR] = 3.45 [1.9 to 6.14]). In multivariable analysis, C2 was prognostic independent of other clinicopathologic variables. AR-V status was not significant when accounting for C2. Upon further validation in pooled multicenter phase II trials, C2 was associated with worse overall survival (15.2 months v not reached; P < .01; HR = 8.43 [2.74 to 25.92]), prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival (3.6 v 12 months; P < .01; HR = 4.64 [1.53 to 14.11]), and radiographic progression-free survival (2.7 v 40.6 months; P < .01; HR = 4.64 [1.82 to 17.41]).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that a transcriptional profile detectable in CTCs obtained from liquid biopsies can serve as an independent prognostic marker beyond AR-V7 in patients with metastatic prostate cancer and can be used to identify the emergence of multiple ARSI resistance mechanisms. This is currently being investigated in additional prospective trials.
Pregnancy After Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lambertini Matteo , Blondeaux Eva , Bruzzone Marco , Perachino Marta , Anderson Richard A. , de Azambuja Evandro , Poorvu Philip D. , Kim Hee Jeong , Villarreal-Garza Cynthia , Pistilli Barbara , Vaz-Luis Ines , Saura Cristina , Ruddy Kathryn J. , Franzoi Maria Alice , Sertoli Chiara , Ceppi Marcello , Azim Hatem A. , Amant Frederic , Demeestere Isabelle , Del Mastro Lucia , Partridge Ann H. , Pagani Olivia , Peccatori Fedro A.
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE

Many patients and physicians remain concerned about the potential detrimental effects of pregnancy after breast cancer (BC) in terms of reproductive outcomes and maternal safety. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at providing updated evidence on these topics.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies including patients with a pregnancy after BC (PROSPERO number CRD42020158324). Likelihood of pregnancy after BC, their reproductive outcomes, and maternal safety were assessed. Pooled relative risks, odds ratios (ORs), and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were calculated using random effects models.

RESULTS

Of 6,462 identified records, 39 were included involving 8,093,401 women from the general population and 112,840 patients with BC of whom 7,505 had a pregnancy after diagnosis. BC survivors were significantly less likely to have a subsequent pregnancy compared with the general population (relative risk, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.49). Risks of caesarean section (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.25), low birth weight (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.31 to 1.73), preterm birth (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.88), and small for gestational age (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.33) were significantly higher in BC survivors, particularly in those with previous chemotherapy exposure, compared with the general population. No significantly increased risk of congenital abnormalities or other reproductive complications were observed. Compared to patients with BC without subsequent pregnancy, those with a pregnancy had better disease-free survival (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.89) and overall survival (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.68). Similar results were observed after correcting for potential confounders and irrespective of patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics, pregnancy outcome, and timing of pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

These results provide reassuring evidence on the safety of conceiving in BC survivors. Patients' pregnancy desire should be considered a crucial component of their survivorship care plan.
Underdiagnosis of Hereditary Colorectal Cancers Among Medicare Patients: Genetic Testing Criteria for Lynch Syndrome Miss the Mark
Authors: Muller Charles , Nielsen Sarah M. , Hatchell Kathryn E. , Yang Shan , Michalski Scott T. , Hamlington Barbara , Nussbaum Robert L. , Esplin Edward D. , Kupfer Sonia S.
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE

Strict clinical criteria used by Medicare for germline testing for Lynch syndrome (LS) could lead to missed diagnoses of hereditary cancer syndromes given variable individual and family phenotypes. The aim of this study was to compare rates and spectrum of pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in LS and other hereditary cancer genes on the basis of meeting Medicare LS testing criteria.

METHODS

Retrospective review of Medicare beneficiaries who had multigene panel testing with an indication of personal or family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) was performed. Ordering providers determined if Medicare LS criteria were met. The results of genetic testing were compared on the basis of whether or not Medicare testing criteria were met.

RESULTS

Among 639 Medicare beneficiaries, 495 (77.5%) met testing criteria. Overall rates of P/LP variant identification were similar between those meeting and not meeting testing criteria (18.4% v 11.8%; P = .06). LS was diagnosed more frequently among those meeting testing criteria (10.1% v 4.9%; P = .05). No statistical differences were found in rates of P/LP variant identification for non-LS CRC genes (5.3% v 5.6%; P = .89) or non-CRC genes (4.2% v 2.1%; P = .23). PMS2, MUTYH, and ATM P/LP variants were found at higher rates among those outside of criteria.

CONCLUSION

Among Medicare beneficiaries undergoing genetic testing for suspected LS, rates of P/LP variants in actionable cancer genes were similar regardless of whether testing criteria were met. Current testing criteria fail to identify individuals with P/LP variants in PMS2 and other actionable cancer genes. Relaxing LS testing criteria could improve identification of individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes among Medicare beneficiaries.
Of Music, Morals, and Salads
Authors: Honisch Erika Supria
Published: July 2021

This article uses music and the discourse about music to understand the practice of tolerance in Prague during the period immediately preceding the outbreak of the Thirty Years’ War. Drawing on Las ensaladas (Prague, 1581), a collection of vernacular polyphony compiled by the Spanish composer Mateo Flecha the Younger, and Harmoniae morales (Prague, 1589–90), comprising musical settings of Latin texts by the Slovenian composer Jacobus Handl, the article argues that such music offered Prague's diverse citizens a medium for reflecting on how to live morally and peaceably. Ultimately, this article challenges the commonplace that musical harmony offered an effective model for social harmony, arguing that the practice of singing together exposed the limits of tolerance even as it illuminated how difference might be accommodated.
Kapok Fiber- Structure, Characteristics and Applications: A Review
Authors: Sangalang Reygan H.
Published: July 2021

Kapok fiber is a light, cottony, pale yellow to brown fiber obtained from Kapok fruit. The fiber is characterized by a large, hollow lumen and is generally hydrophobic due to its waxy surface. The fiber is difficult to spun into thread and it is commonly used as filling in mattresses, pillows, stuffed toys and upholstery. Compared to other natural fiber, kapok’s use is limited in application. However, it is now gaining attention in the scientific community as an important material due to its outstanding properties. This review will provide a detailed overview on the structure, composition and morphology of kapok fiber. It will also discuss the recent researches conducted on kapok fiber including its application as adsorbent material, biocomposite, biotemplate, electrode material and others.
Effect of Kevlar Fiber and Nano Sio2 on Mechanical Andthermal Properties of Hybrid Composites
Authors: Yadav P.S. , Purohit Rajesh , Kothari Anil , Rajput R. S.
Published: July 2021

The aim of the current investigation is an analysis of the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy/ nano-silica/ Kevlar fiber hybrid composites. The ultrasonic vibration-assisted hand layup process was used for the preparation of composite with different weight percentages (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) of Nano SiO2 particles and 2 layers of the Kevlar fiber. For the evolution of mechanical properties tensile tests, hardness tests, impact tests, and flexural tests were done. For evaluation of morphological analysis Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-RD, and FT-IR tests were performed. A heat deflection temperature test was performed for the evaluation of the thermal characteristic of the hybrid composite. The results show the improvement of mechanical and thermal properties of the hybrid composite with increasing wt.% of nano SiO2 particles in the hybrid composites. As per the observation of experimental results, the Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy,Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction test also show the enhancement of surface morphology and chemical structure of hybrid composites. The heat diffraction test shows the improvement of thermal resistance and heat absorption capability.As per the observation of experimental results, the tensile strength, hardness, and impact strength increased up to 98%, 16%, and 42% respectively. The flexural test shows the improvement of flexural modulus and stresses 46% and 35% respectively. The heat deflection temperature of hybrid composite improves up to 30%.
Exploration of Methylene Blue Degradation over ZnO Nanorods Mechanism using Scavenging Reagents
Authors: Ghoniem Monira G. , Talab Sarra A. , Modwi Abueliz K. , Taha Kamal K.
Published: July 2021

Hierarchical porous flower-like ZnO structures containing ZnO nanorods were successfully synthesizedby precipitation process. The structure containing high aspect ratio nanorods was revealed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The EDS analysis revealed the ZnO nanostructures formation as confirmed by the Zn and O peaks. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) spectrum indicated the Zn – O bond vibrational frequency. The typical hexagonal wurtzite ZnO nanostructure with 15 nm crystallite size and the characteristic parameters was perceived from the X-ray diffraction(XRD) data. A 10.13 m².g-1 surface area, 10.05 cm3/g pore volume and 18.25 nm pore diameter were estimated using nitrogen adsorption analysis. Bandgap energy of 3.229 eV was calculated from the optical analysis data. Under ultraviolet light irradiation, the prepared nanoparticles has effectively decolorized the methylene blue dye. The reaction obeyed the pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the degradation mechanism was proposed using radicals scavengers to determine the species involved in the photodegradation process such as isopropanol, p-benzoquinone, and dimethyl sulfoxide. The reactive oxygen atom in the mechanism of photodegradation , and the recyclability of ZnO photocatalysts were studied.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of Aliphatic Secondary Alcohols by Benzimidazolium Fluorochromate in Dimethyl Sulphoxide Solvent
Authors: Arora Bhawana , Ojha Jitendra , Mishra Pallavi
Published: July 2021

Oxidation of secondary alcohols is an important part of synthetic organic chemistry. Various studies are carried out at different reaction conditions to determine the best mechanistic pathways. In our study, oxidation of different secondary alcohols was done by using Benzimidazolium Fluorochromate in Dimethyl Sulphoxide, which is a non-aqueous solvent. Oxidation resulted in the formation of ketonic compounds. The reaction showed first order kinetics both in BIFC and in the alcohols. Hydrogen ions were used to catalyze the reaction. We selected four different temperatures to carry out our study. The correlation within the activation parameters like enthalpies and entropies was in accordance with the Exnerʼs criterion. The deuterated benzhydrol (PhCDOHPh) oxidation exhibited an important primary kinetic isotopic effect (kH / kD = 5.76) at 298 K. The solvent effect was studied using the multiparametric equations of Taft and Swain. There was no effect of addition of acrylonitrile on the oxidation rate. The mechanism involved sigmatropic rearrangement with the transfer of hydrogen ion taking place from alcohol to the oxidant via a cyclic chromate ester formation.
Green Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial activity of Silver Nanoparticles from the Extract of Lagerstroemia speciosa
Authors: Prakash Vinit , Kaur Harpreet , Kumari Anjana , Kumar Manoj , Gupta Sumeet , Bala Ritu
Published: July 2021

Lagerstroemia speciosais commonly known as Banaba or Jarul which is used to get rid of various ailments such as fever, urinary infection, decongestion, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, astringent, diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, abdominal pains etc. The present work, describes the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from ethanolic extract of fruits of L.speciosa (Ls-Ag NPs) and their analysis for antimicrobial activities. The characterisation of so obtained nanoparticles have been carried out with help of Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Further, antimicrobial activities of ethanolic extract of fruits of L.speciosa(Ee-Ls), silver oxide (Ag2O), and Ls-Ag NPs have been examined by using well-diffusion method against two bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and one fungal strain: Aspergillus niger.It has been observed that the biosynthesized Ls-Ag NPs possess much effective antimicrobial activity against selected strains as compared to Ee-Ls and Ag2O.