bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IoT-Based Applications in Healthcare Devices
Authors: Pradhan Bikash , Bhattacharyya Saugat , Pal Kunal
Published: March 2021

The last decade has witnessed extensive research in the field of healthcare services and their technological upgradation. To be more specific, the Internet of Things (IoT) has shown potential application in connecting various medical devices, sensors, and healthcare professionals to provide quality medical services in a remote location. This has improved patient safety, reduced healthcare costs, enhanced the accessibility of healthcare services, and increased operational efficiency in the healthcare industry. The current study gives an up-to-date summary of the potential healthcare applications of IoT- (HIoT-) based technologies. Herein, the advancement of the application of the HIoT has been reported from the perspective of enabling technologies, healthcare services, and applications in solving various healthcare issues. Moreover, potential challenges and issues in the HIoT system are also discussed. In sum, the current study provides a comprehensive source of information regarding the different fields of application of HIoT intending to help future researchers, who have the interest to work and make advancements in the field to gain insight into the topic.
Improvement of CT Target Scanning Quality for Pulmonary Nodules by PDCA Management Method
Authors: Liu Dongquan , Zhu Shaojun , Liu Bangquan , Sun Dechao , Fei Fangqin
Published: March 2021

High CT image quality is an important guarantee for doctors to correctly diagnose pulmonary nodules. The aim of this study was to explore the application value of PDCA management method in improving the quality of CT target scanning for pulmonary nodules. We identified 480 patients’ CT image with at least one pulmonary nodule admitted in Ninghai First hospital from September 1st, 2018, to April 30th, 2019. 240 CT images are carried out by the conventional target scanning method, and we analyzed the reasons for the low quality of some CT target scanning images of pulmonary nodules in the radiology department of our hospital. We established a new process of CT target scanning for pulmonary nodules based on the PDCA method and then tested 240 patients who were checked after January 1st, 2019. The excellent rate of CT target scanning image of pulmonary nodules in our department increased from 60.0% to more than 90.0%. The patients’ satisfaction with the examination was significantly higher than that without the implementation of PDCA management. The research result indicated that the process of CT target scanning image, postprocessing reconstruction, and numerical measurement of pulmonary nodules can be improved by standardized PDCA cycle, which benefits effectively improving the theoretical and operational skills of radiologists and significantly improving the image quality rate of CT target scanning of pulmonary nodules.
Moving Time UCAV Maneuver Decision Based on the Dynamic Relational Weight Algorithm and Trajectory Prediction
Authors: Lei Xie , Dali Ding , Zhenglei Wei , Zhifei Xi , Andi Tang
Published: March 2021

To improve the accuracy and real-time performance of autonomous decision-making by the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), a decision-making method combining the dynamic relational weight algorithm and moving time strategy is proposed, and trajectory prediction is added to maneuver decision-making. Considering the lack of continuity and diversity of air combat situation reflected by the constant weight in situation assessment, a dynamic relational weight algorithm is proposed to establish an air combat situation system and adjust the weight according to the current situation. Based on the dominance function, this method calculates the correlation degree of each subsituation and the total situation. According to the priority principle and information entropy theory, the hierarchical fitting function is proposed, the association expectation is calculated by using if-then rules, and the weight is dynamically adjusted. In trajectory prediction, the online sliding input module is introduced, and the long- and short-term memory (LSTM) network is used for real-time prediction. To further improve the prediction accuracy, the adaptive boosting (Ada) method is used to build the outer frame and compare with three traditional prediction networks. The results show that the prediction accuracy of Ada-LSTM is better. In the decision-making method, the moving time optimization strategy is adopted. To solve the problem of timeliness and optimization, each control variable is divided into 9 gradients, and there are 729 control schemes in the control sequence. Through contrast pursuit simulation experiments, it is verified that the maneuver decision method combining the dynamic relational weight algorithm and moving time strategy has a better accuracy and real-time performance. In the case of using prediction and not using prediction, the adaptive countermeasure simulation is carried out with the current more advanced Bayesian inference maneuvering decision-making scheme. The results show that the UCAV maneuvering decision-making ability combined with accurate prediction is better.
Fixed-Time Synchronization for Dynamical Complex Networks with Nonidentical Discontinuous Nodes
Authors: Qian Xiaoliang , Liu Qian , Li Qingbo , Yang Qi , Wu Yuanyuan , Wang Wei
Published: March 2021

This article investigates the fixed-time synchronization issue for linearly coupled complex networks with discontinuous nonidentical nodes by employing state-feedback discontinuous controllers. Based on the fixed-time stability theorem and linear matrix inequality techniques, novel conditions are proposed for concerned complex networks, under which the fixed-time synchronization can be realized onto any target node by using a set of newly designed state-feedback discontinuous controllers. To some extent, this article extends and improves some existing results on the synchronization of complex networks. In the final numerical example section, the Chua circuit network is introduced to indicate the effectiveness of our method by showing its fixed-timely synchronization results with the proposed control scheme.
FDIA System for Sensors of the Aero-Engine Control System Based on the Immune Fusion Kalman Filter
Authors: Gou Linfeng , Sun Ruiqian , Han Xiaobao
Published: March 2021

The Kalman filter plays an important role in the field of aero-engine control system fault diagnosis. However, the design of the Kalman filter bank is complex, the structure is fixed, and the parameter estimation accuracy in the non-Gaussian environment is low. In this study, a new filtering method, immune fusion Kalman filter, was proposed based on the artificial immune system (AIS) theory and the Kalman filter algorithm. The proposed method was used to establish the fault diagnosis, isolation, and accommodation (FDIA) system for sensors of the aero-engine control system. Through a filtering calculation, the FDIA system reconstructs the measured parameters of the faulty sensor to ensure the reliable operation of the aero engine. The AIS antibody library based on single sensor fault was constructed, and with feature combination and library update, the FDIA system can reconstruct the measured values of multiple sensors. The evaluation of the FDIA system performance is based on the Monte Carlo method. Both steady and transient simulation experiments show that, under the non-Gaussian environment, the diagnosis and isolation accuracy of the immune fusion Kalman filter is above 95%, much higher than that of the Kalman filter bank, and compared with the Kalman particle filter, the reconstruction value is smoother, more accurate, and less affected by noise.
Biaxial Equatorial Solar Tracker with High Precision and Low Consumption: Modelling and Realization
Authors: Bouzakri Hicham , Abbou Ahmed , Tijani Khalil , Abousserhane Zakaria
Published: March 2021

The solar tracker is a mechanism that helps the photovoltaic panel to maximize its performance, while keeping it oriented towards direct solar radiation. In order to specify tracking, most solar trackers use two axes, one horizontal and the other vertical, which implies an increase of the consumed energy and a decrease in precision, since we have to make both motors operate simultaneously. This paper is a modelling of a biaxial solar tracker, with the principle of an equatorial mount, allowing it to precisely follow the sun via a single axis (equatorial axis), while the second axis (tilt axis) makes a small daily correction of few seconds at sunrise. In this way, our model keeps precision to the maximum, with minimum energy consumption. A detailed simulation clearly shows that the proposed model receives the maximum solar irradiation that a normal surface to solar radiation can receive and may in a certain period of the year receive a gain in the amount of solar irradiation; we have up to 63.47% compared to a fixed installation. The study details the different tracking methods, in order to adapt the concept model to the type of solar panel used. We closed finish the study with the realization of the prototype with a detailed explanation of the concept movement. To validate the simulation, we have made an experience that gives us the same results as given by simulation.
Development of a Sandwich Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detection and Quantification of Clam Residues in Food Products
Authors: Koppelman Stef J. , Lardizabal Ashley L. , Niemann Lynn , Baumert Joe L. , Taylor Steve L.
Published: March 2021

Seafood is a frequent cause of allergic reactions to food globally. The presence of undeclared trace amounts of clam can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Limited tools are available to test food products for the presence of traces of clam. We report on the development of a sandwich ELISA that can detect and quantify clam protein in food. Antisera against a mix of two commercially important clam species, Atlantic Surf (Spisula solidissima) and ocean quahog (Arctica islandica), were raised in rabbit and sheep. A sandwich ELISA was constructed with this antisera, and sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. Also, model food products spiked with clam protein were analyzed to assess the performance of the ELISA. Comparison was made with a commercially available ELISA for crustacea. The lower limit of quantification of the sandwich ELISA is 2.5 ppm clam protein in food samples, allowing the detection of low amounts of clam that may trigger a reaction in clam allergic patients. The sandwich ELISA was highly specific with cross‐reactivity only noted for other molluscan shellfish (mussel and scallop). Clam protein in tomato juice and potato cream soup was detected well with recoveries ranging from 65 to 74% and from 74 to 113%, respectively. However when potato cream soup was retorted, the recover fell to 20%, imposing the risk of underestimating the clam content of a food product. A commercially available crustacean ELISA test was not suitable to detect clam protein. The sandwich ELISA described here is suitable for detection and quantification of clam protein in food products. Care should be taken with food products that have been retorted as the results may be underestimated.
Dendrobium officinale Regulates Fatty Acid Metabolism to Ameliorate Liver Lipid Accumulation in NAFLD Mice
Authors: Lei Shan-Shan , Zhang Ning-Yu , Zhou Fu-Chen , He Xinglishang , Wang Hui-Ying , Li Lin-Zi , Zheng Xiang , Dong Ying-Jie , Luo Rong , Li Bo , Jin Hai-Ying , Yu Qiao-Xian , Lv Gui-Yuan , Chen Su-Hong
Published: March 2021

Dendrobium officinale (DOF) is a traditional Chinese edible and officinal plant. Ultrafine DOF powder (DOFP) can regulate lipids and histopathology in the liver, but the underlying mechanisms of hepatic fatty acid (FA) metabolism, which is generally correlated with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether DOFP treatment alters hepatic FA metabolism in NAFLD mice by using multidimensional mass spectrometry-based shotgun lipidomics (MDMS-SL) and analyse the underlying mechanisms. A 3-week DOFP treatment prevented lipid deposition and improved hepatic histopathology in NAFLD mice after withdrawal from the high-sucrose, high-fat (HSHF) diet, and it decreased triglyceride and FA content in the liver. Furthermore, the C16 : 0/C14 : 0 and C18 : 1/18 : 0 ratios in FAs were significantly decreased in the DOFP treatment group, and the C20 : 4/C20 : 3 and C22 : 4/C22 : 3 ratios were increased, and saturated FA was inhibited. Additionally, DOFP treatment significantly increased the content of two FA β-oxidation-related proteins (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1-α and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1). It also decreased the content of a FA synthesis-related protein (fatty acid synthase), a FA desaturation-related protein (stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase-1), and a FA uptake-related protein (fatty acid transport protein 2). Moreover, DOFP treatment improved dysregulated levels of major phospholipids in the livers of model mice. The results of this study confirm that DOFP treatment in NAFLD mice has liver recovery effects by regulating FA metabolism.
Novel Technologies in Studying Brain Immune Response
Authors: Li Li , Lenahan Cameron , Liao Zhihui , Ke Jingdong , Li Xiuliang , Xue Fushan , Zhang John H.
Published: March 2021

Over the past few decades, the immune system, including both the adaptive and innate immune systems, proved to be essential and critical to brain damage and recovery in the pathogenesis of several diseases, opening a new avenue for developing new immunomodulatory therapies and novel treatments for many neurological diseases. However, due to the specificity and structural complexity of the central nervous system (CNS), and the limit of the related technologies, the biology of the immune response in the brain is still poorly understood. Here, we discuss the application of novel technologies in studying the brain immune response, including single‐cell RNA analysis, cytometry by time‐of‐flight, and whole‐genome transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. We believe that advancements in technology related to immune research will provide an optimistic future for brain repair.
Bronchotracheal Stenting Management by Rigid Bronchoscopy under Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Support: 10 Years of Experience in a Tertiary Center
Authors: Meyer Sabrina , Dincq Anne-Sophie , Pirard Lionel , Ocak Sebahat , D’Odémont Jean-Paul , Eucher Philippe , Rondelet Benoît , Gruslin André , Putz Laurie
Published: March 2021

Purpose. Airway stenting offers good palliation and improves the quality of life in patients with inoperable bronchotracheal stenosis. However, in some cases, the management of stenting can be life-threatening. Hence, a strategy for maintaining oxygenation and hemodynamic stability should be anticipated to avoid critical situations. Herein, we report the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in bronchotracheal stenting management to secure oxygenation and facilitate interventions. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent rigid bronchoscopy under ECMO support for the management of bronchotracheal stenting at CHU UCL Namur hospital (Belgium), between January 2009 and December 2019. Results. We included 14 bronchoscopy cases performed on 11 patients (3 patients underwent 2 bronchoscopies) in this study; 12 were performed on males and 2 on females. The median age was 54 years. There were 11 benign and 3 malignant etiologies for the central airway obstruction/stenosis. Eight cases were supported by venovenous ECMO and six by venoarterial ECMO. The median ECMO time was 267 minutes. The weaning of ECMO support was successful in all cases. In most cases, the procedures were performed effectively and safely. Only two local complications caused by the cannulation of ECMO were reported, and anticoagulation was adapted to avoid bleeding at the operating site and clot formation in the system. Conclusion. Elective ECMO support was helpful and safe for the high-risk management of bronchotracheal stenting with rigid bronchoscopy and was not associated with any additional significant complications.
Role of Cone-Beam CT in the Intraprocedural Evaluation of Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Orlacchio Antonio , Roma Silvia , dell’Olio Vito , Crociati Sara , Lenci Ilaria , Francioso Simona
Published: March 2021

Purpose. To assess the ability of Cone-Beam CT (CBCT), performed during the Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE), in predicting the response to treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods. We evaluated fifty patients (M/F = 40/10, mean age: 66.7 years ± 8.22) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), for a total of 82 nodules evaluated (mean diameter: 21.4 ± 11 mm). All patients performed a CT scan one month before and one month after TACE. After TACE is completed, a CBCT was performed to assess the degree of drug retention in the lesions. For each lesion, the major diameter, volume, and density of the vital portion were evaluated. The response to TACE was assessed using the mRECIST criteria on the CT scan carried out one month after the procedure. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to assess the accuracy of the CBCT in predicting the response to treatment and to identify the cut-off points for each parameter under examination. Results. A complete response (CR) was observed in 24/50 patients (48%), a partial response (PR) in 16/50 (32%), stable disease (SD) in 8/50 (16%), and progressive disease (PD) in 2/50 (4%). Evaluation of the area under the ROC curve showed that the diameter, volume, and density of the lesion, measured with CBTC, had an accuracy of 94%, 96%, and 98%, respectively, in discriminating a complete response from a not complete response. Conclusion. CBCT is effective in predicting short-term response at 1-month follow-up of HCC treated by chemoembolization.
Knowledge Graph Reasoning Based on Tensor Decomposition and MHRP-Learning
Authors: Huang Tangsen , Li Xiaowu , Zhai Sheping , Wei Juanli
Published: March 2021

In the process of learning and reasoning knowledge graph, the existing tensor decomposition technology only considers the direct relationship between entities in knowledge graph. However, it ignores the characteristics of the graph structure of knowledge graph. To solve this problem, a knowledge graph reasoning algorithm based on multihop relational paths learning (MHRP-learning) and tensor decomposition is proposed in this paper. Firstly, MHRP-learning is adopted to obtain the relationship path between entity pairs in the knowledge graph. Then, the tensor decomposition is performed to get a novel learning framework. Finally, experiments show that the proposed method achieves advanced results, and it is applicable to knowledge graph reasoning.
Risk Factors Associated with Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms in Patients Attending a Specialized Regional Lipid Clinic
Authors: Saeed M. K. , Shah J. , Damani R. , Rahman F. , Patel P. , Gupta P.
Published: March 2021

Background. Statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are the major side effects reported for statins. Data from previous studies suggest that 7–29% of patients on statin had associated muscle symptoms. In the UK, there is a lack of corresponding data on SAMS and factors associated with the development of SAMS. Objective. This analysis is aimed at establishing the prevalence of SAMS and identifying major contributory risk factors in patients attending a lipid clinic. Methods. Clinical records of 535 consecutive patients, who visited the lipid clinic in the University Hospitals of Leicester, were studied retrospectively between 2009 and 2012. SAMS were defined by the presence of muscle symptoms with two or more different statins. Patients who reported muscle symptoms to statin with one or no rechallenge were excluded. The association of SAMS with clinical characteristics such as age and BMI, sex, smoking, excess alcohol, comorbidities, and medications was tested for statistical significance. A binomial logistic regression model was applied to adjust for risk factors significantly associated with SAMS. Results. The prevalence of SAMS was found to be 11%. On unadjusted analysis, the mean age of patients who had SAMS was significantly higher than those without SAMS (

59.4
±
10.5

years vs.

50.3
±
13.4

years, respectively,

P
<
0.001

). Nonsmokers were more likely to develop SAMS in comparison to active smokers (

P
=
0.037

). Patients taking antihypertensive medications were more likely to develop SAMS (

P
=
0.010

). In binomial logistic regression analysis, only age was positively and significantly associated with SAMS after adjusting for other risk factors (

β
=
0.054

,

P
=
0.001

). Conclusion. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the largest cohort of patients with SAMS in the United Kingdom. Our data suggest that the prevalence of SAMS is 11% and increased age is a risk factor associated with the development of SAMS in our cohort of patients.
Cardiac Injury Biomarkers and the Risk of Death in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alzahrani Sami H. , Al-Rabia Mohammed W.
Published: March 2021

Background. Cardiac complications may develop in a proportion of patients with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which may influence their prognosis. Objectives. To assess the role of cardiac injury biomarkers measured on admission and during hospitalization as risk factors for subsequent death in COVID-19 patients. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out involving cohort studies that compared the levels of cardiac injury biomarkers in surviving and dead COVID-19 patients. Cardiac injury is defined as an elevation of the definitive markers (cardiac troponin (cTnI and cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)) above the 99th percentile upper reference limit. Secondary markers included creatine kinase-myocardial bound (CK-MB), myoglobin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP). The risk of death and the differences in marker concentrations were analyzed using risk ratios (RRs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs), respectively. Results. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria (1799 patients, 53.36% males, 20.62% with cardiac injury). The risk of death was significantly higher in patients with elevated cTn than those with normal biomarker levels (RR = 5.28,

P
<
0.0001

). Compared to survivors, dead patients had higher levels of cTn (SMD = 2.15,

P
=
0.001

), IL-6 (SMD = 3.13,

P
=
0.03

), hs-CRP (SMD = 2.78,

P
<
0.0001

), and CK-MB (SMD = 0.97,

P
<
0.0001

) on admission and a significant rise of plasma cTnT during hospitalization. Conclusion. COVID-19 patients with elevated cTn on admission, possibly due to immune-mediated myocardial injury, are at increased risk for mortality. This requires further radiographic investigations, close monitoring, and aggressive care to reduce the risk of severe complications and death.
Deciphering the Role of Intestinal Crypt Cell Populations in Resistance to Chemotherapy
Authors: Frau Carla , Jamard Catherine , Delpouve Gaspard , Guardia Gabriela D.A. , Machon Christelle , Pilati Camilla , Nevé Clémentine Le , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Guitton Jérôme , Galante Pedro A.F. , Penalva Luiz O. , Freund Jean-Noel , de la Fouchardiere Christelle , Plateroti Michelina
Published: March 2021

Intestinal crypts are composed of heterogeneous and highly plastic cell populations. Lgr5high-stem cells (SC) are responsible for homeostatic renewal, but other cells can revert to an SC-like phenotype to maintain epithelial integrity. Despite their distinct roles in orchestrating homeostasis, both populations have been designated as the putative “cell-of-origin” of colorectal cancer. However, their respective involvement in the emergence of drug-resistant cancer SCs (CSC), responsible for tumor relapse and associated with poor outcome of colorectal cancer, remains elusive. In this context, the intestinal SC/progenitor-marker Musashi1 (MSI1) is interesting as it plays important functions in intestinal homeostasis and is frequently overexpressed in human colorectal cancer. Therefore, our aims were: (i) to study the impact of chemotherapy on Lgr5-expressing and MSI1-expressing cell populations, (ii) to explore the effect of increased MSI1 levels in response to treatment, and (iii) to evaluate the relevance in human colorectal cancer. Engineered mouse models treated with the therapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil showed that upon increased MSI1 levels, Lgr5high SCs remain sensitive while Lgr5low progenitors reprogram to a drug-resistant phenotype. This resulted in the expansion of an MSI1-expressing cell subpopulation with improved resistance to DNA damage and increased detoxification, typical properties of dormant-CSCs that can reactivate after chemotherapy. Analysis in patients with colorectal cancer revealed a correlation between MSI1 levels and tumor grading, CSC phenotype, and chemoresistance. Altogether, these results shed new light on the biology and plasticity of normal crypt and cancer cell populations and also open new perspectives to target MSI1 to improve chemotherapy outcome.

Significance:

This study unveils paradoxical roles for MSI1, underlining its importance in facilitating intestinal regeneration upon injury but also unraveling its new function in drug-resistant colorectal cancer stem cells.
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Profiling of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma from Global High-Incidence Regions Identifies Crucial Genes and Potential Cancer Markers
Authors: Talukdar Fazlur Rahman , Soares Lima Sheila C. , Khoueiry Rita , Laskar Ruhina Shirin , Cuenin Cyrille , Sorroche Bruna Pereira , Boisson Anne-Claire , Abedi-Ardekani Behnoush , Carreira Christine , Menya Diana , Dzamalala Charles P. , Assefa Mathewos , Aseffa Abraham , Miranda-Gonçalves Vera , Jerónimo Carmen , Henrique Rui M. , Shakeri Ramin , Malekzadeh Reza , Gasmelseed Nagla , Ellaithi Mona , Gangane Nitin , Middleton Daniel R.S. , Le Calvez-Kelm Florence , Ghantous Akram , Roux Maria Leon , Schüz Joachim , McCormack Valerie , Parker M. Iqbal , Pinto Luis Felipe Ribeiro , Herceg Zdenko
Published: March 2021

Epigenetic mechanisms such as aberrant DNA methylation (DNAme) are known to drive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), yet they remain poorly understood. Here, we studied tumor-specific DNAme in ESCC cases from nine high-incidence countries of Africa, Asia, and South America. Infinium MethylationEPIC array was performed on 108 tumors and 51 normal tissues adjacent to the tumors (NAT) in the discovery phase, and targeted pyrosequencing was performed on 132 tumors and 36 NAT in the replication phase. Top genes for replication were prioritized by weighting methylation results using RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and GTEx and validated by qPCR. Methylome analysis comparing tumor and NAT identified 6,796 differentially methylated positions (DMP) and 866 differential methylated regions (DMR), with a 30% methylation (Δβ) difference. The majority of identified DMPs and DMRs were hypermethylated in tumors, particularly in promoters and gene-body regions of genes involved in transcription activation. The top three prioritized genes for replication, PAX9, SIM2, and THSD4, had similar methylation differences in the discovery and replication sets. These genes were exclusively expressed in normal esophageal tissues in GTEx and downregulated in tumors. The specificity and sensitivity of these DNAme events in discriminating tumors from NAT were assessed. Our study identified novel, robust, and crucial tumor-specific DNAme events in ESCC tumors across several high-incidence populations of the world. Methylome changes identified in this study may serve as potential targets for biomarker discovery and warrant further functional characterization.

Significance:

This largest genome-wide DNA methylation study on ESCC from high-incidence populations of the world identifies functionally relevant and robust DNAme events that could serve as potential tumor-specific markers.
Structural Variants at theBRCA1/2Loci are a Common Source of Homologous Repair Deficiency in High-grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Ewing Ailith , Meynert Alison , Churchman Michael , Grimes Graeme R. , Hollis Robert L. , Herrington C. Simon , Rye Tzyvia , Bartos Clare , Croy Ian , Ferguson Michelle , Lennie Mairi , McGoldrick Trevor , McPhail Neil , Siddiqui Nadeem , Dowson Suzanne , Glasspool Rosalind , Mackean Melanie , Nussey Fiona , McDade Brian , Ennis Darren , McMahon Lynn , Matakidou Athena , Dougherty Brian , March Ruth , Barrett J. Carl , McNeish Iain A. ,   for the Scottish Genomes Partnership, Biankin Andrew V. , Roxburgh Patricia , Gourley Charlie , Semple Colin A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

The abundance and effects of structural variation at BRCA1/2 in tumors are not well understood. In particular, the impact of these events on homologous recombination repair deficiency (HRD) has yet to be demonstrated.

Experimental Design:

Exploiting a large collection of whole-genome sequencing data from high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (N = 205) together with matched RNA sequencing for the majority of tumors (N = 150), we have comprehensively characterized mutation and expression at BRCA1/2.

Results:

In addition to the known spectrum of short somatic mutations (SSM), we discovered that multi-megabase structural variants (SV) were a frequent, unappreciated source of BRCA1/2 disruption in these tumors, and we found a genome-wide enrichment for large deletions at the BRCA1/2 loci across the cohort. These SVs independently affected a substantial proportion of patients (16%) in addition to those affected by SSMs (24%), conferring HRD and impacting patient survival. We also detail compound deficiencies involving SSMs and SVs at both loci, demonstrating that the strongest risk of HRD emerges from combined SVs at both BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the absence of SSMs. Furthermore, these SVs are abundant and disruptive in other cancer types.

Conclusions:

These results extend our understanding of the mutational landscape underlying HRD, increase the number of patients predicted to benefit from therapies exploiting HRD, and suggest there is currently untapped potential in SV detection for patient stratification.
Natural Course of New‐Onset Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Hyun Junho , Cho Min Soo , Nam Gi‐Byoung , Kim Minsoo , Do Ungjeong , Kim Jun , Choi Kee‐Joon , Kim You‐Ho
Published: March 2021

Background

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common after cardiac surgery, but little is known about its incidence and natural course after noncardiac surgery. We evaluated the natural course and clinical impact of POAF and the long‐term impact of anticoagulation therapy in patients without a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analyzed the database of Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea) to identify patients who developed new‐onset POAF after undergoing noncardiac surgery between January 2006 and January 2016. The main outcomes were AF recurrence, thromboembolic event, and major bleeding during follow‐up. Of 322 688 patients who underwent noncardiac surgery, 315 patients (mean age, 66.4 years; 64.4% male) had new‐onset POAF with regular rhythm monitoring after discharge. AF recurred in 53 (16.8%) during 2 years of follow‐up. Hypertension (hazard ratio, 2.12;
P
=0.02), moderate‐to‐severe left atrial enlargement (hazard ratio, 2.33;
P
=0.007) were independently associated with recurrence. Patients with recurrent AF had higher risks of thromboembolic events (11.2% versus 0.8%;
P
<0.001) and major bleeding (26.9% versus 4.1%;
P
<0.001) than those without recurrence. Patients with recurrent AF and without anticoagulation were especially predisposed to thromboembolic events (
P
<0.001). Overall, anticoagulation therapy was not significantly associated with thromboembolic events (1.4% versus 2.5%,
P
=0.95).

Conclusions

AF recurred in 16.8% of patients with POAF after noncardiac surgery. AF recurrence was associated with higher risks of adverse clinical outcomes. Considering the high risk of anticoagulation‐related bleeding, the benefits of routine anticoagulation should be carefully weighed in this population. Active surveillance for AF recurrence is warranted.
Factors Related to Major Bleeding After Ticagrelor Therapy: Results from the TICO Trial
Authors: Cho Jae Young , Lee Seung‐Yul , Yun Kyeong Ho , Kim Byeong‐Keuk , Hong Sung‐Jin , Ko Jum Suk , Rhee Sang Jae , Oh Seok Kyu , Shin Dong‐Ho , Ahn Chul‐Min , Kim Jung‐Sun , Ko Young‐Guk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong‐Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: March 2021

Background

There is a lack of data on factors that are related to clinically relevant bleeding after ticagrelor treatment. We investigated the clinical and procedural factors related to major bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with ticagrelor after coronary stent implantation.

Methods and Results

From the TICO (Ticagrelor Monotherapy After 3 Months in Patients Treated With New Generation Sirolimus‐Eluting Stent for Acute Coronary Syndrome) randomized trial, a total of 2660 patients were included for the present study. Patients with major bleeding, defined by TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) major or Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 or 5, were compared with those without major bleeding. On the basis of multivariable and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, weight ≤65 kg, hemoglobin ≤12 g/dL, and estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
were associated with an increased risk of major bleeding. In contrast, 3‐month aspirin therapy with continued ticagrelor (versus 12‐month aspirin and ticagrelor) was associated with a decreased risk of major bleeding. The lower risk of a net adverse clinical event (a composite of TIMI major bleeding and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events) in patients treated with 3‐month aspirin therapy reported from the TICO trial remained valid in patients with any of these risk factors (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39–0.90;
P
interaction
=0.74).

Conclusions

Low body weight, anemia, and chronic kidney disease were risk factors for major bleeding after ticagrelor therapy. Early aspirin discontinuation had a net clinical benefit among patients with a bleeding risk.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique Identifier: NCT02494895.
Two new species of Styela (Tunicata: Ascidiacea) from the tropical West Atlantic Ocean
Authors: DE BARROS RODOLFO CORRÊA , DA ROCHA ROSANA MOREIRA
Published: March 2021

Two new species of the genus Styela are described, with very rare characteristics in this genus: both are shallow-water and tropical, with more than two gonads in each side of the body. Styela panamensis sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in Bocas del Toro, Atlantic coast of Panama, and Styela multicarpa sp. nov. from specimens collected in Espírito Santo, Brazil and Margarita Island, Venezuela. They are probably native to the south Caribbean and S. multicarpa sp. nov. is introduced in Brazil.
An interesting new record of the almost unknown brachypterous phaneropterine katydid Xenicola dohrni (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Argentina, and its high-ultrasound male-female communication
Authors: BRAUN HOLGER
Published: March 2021

The southernmost record of the neotropical genus Xenicola is documented. An apparently tiny population of X. dohrni, a species described long ago from southern Brazil without other published records, lives at the shore of the Río de la Plata, 1000 km further south. Perhaps it has been established there by means of floating vegetation. The acoustic communication of this species is also very interesting: The male produces with its minuscule tegmina brief signals with a carrier frequency range between 80 and 100 kHz. The female responds, and the male modifies its song when engaged in a duet. It modifies it further, when the female responds from very close. The paper includes a review of the records of Xenicola species on biodiversity observation platforms.
Early Season Hurricane Risk Assessment: Climate-Conditioned HITS Simulation of North Atlantic Tropical Storm Tracks
Authors: Nakamura Jennifer , Lall Upmanu , Kushnir Yochanan , Harr Patrick A. , McCreery Kyra
Published: March 2021

We present a hurricane risk assessment model that simulates North Atlantic Ocean tropical cyclone (TC) tracks and intensity, conditioned on the early season large-scale climate state. The model, Cluster-Based Climate-Conditioned Hurricane Intensity and Track Simulator (C3-HITS), extends a previous version of HITS. HITS is a nonparametric, spatial semi-Markov, stochastic model that generates TC tracks by conditionally simulating segments of randomly varying lengths from the TC tracks contained in NOAA’s Best Track Data, version 2, dataset. The distance to neighboring tracks, track direction, TC wind speed, and age are used as conditioning variables. C3-HITS adds conditioning on two early season, large-scale climate covariates to condition the track simulation: the Niño-3.4 index, representing the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) departure from climatology, and main development region, representing tropical North Atlantic SST departure from climatology in the North Atlantic TC main development region. A track clustering procedure is used to identify track families, and a Poisson regression model is used to model the probabilistic number of storms formed in each cluster, conditional on the two climate covariates. The HITS algorithm is then applied to evolve these tracks forward in time. The output of this two-step, climate-conditioned simulator is compared with an unconditional HITS application to illustrate its prognostic efficacy in simulating tracks during the subsequent season. As in the HITS model, each track retains information on velocity and other attributes that can be used for predictive coastal risk modeling for the upcoming TC season.
Simulation and Projection of Summer Convective Afternoon Rainfall Activities over Southeast Asia in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Huang Wan-Ru , Chang Ya-Hui , Deng Liping , Liu Pin-Yi
Published: March 2021

Convective afternoon rainfall (CAR) events, which tend to generate a local rainfall typically in the afternoon, are among the most frequently observed local weather patterns over Southeast Asia during summer. Using satellite precipitation estimations as an observational base for model evaluation, this study examines the applicability of ten global climate models provided by the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) in simulating the CAR activities over Southeast Asia. Analyses also focus on exploring the characteristics and maintenance mechanisms of related projections of CAR activities in the future. Our analyses of the historical simulation indicate that EC-Earth3 and EC-Earth3-Veg are the two best models for simulating CAR activities (including amount, frequency, and intensity) over Southeast Asia. Analyses also demonstrate that EC-Earth3 and EC-Earth3-Veg outperform their earlier version (i.e., EC-Earth) in CMIP5 owing to the increase in its spatial resolution in CMIP6. For future projections, our examinations of the differences in CAR activities between the future (2071–2100, under the ssp858 run) and the present (1985–2014, under historical run) indicate that CAR events will become fewer but more intense over most land areas of Southeast Asia. Possible causes of the projected increase (decrease) in CAR intensity (frequency) are attributed to the projected increase (decrease) in the local atmospheric humidity (sea breeze convergence and daytime thermal instability). These findings provide insight into how the local weather/climate over Southeast Asia is likely to change under global warming.
Evaluating the 2019 NARO-APCC Joint Crop Forecasting Service Yield Forecasts for Northern Hemisphere Countries
Authors: Iizumi Toshichika , Shin Yonghee , Choi Jaewon , van der Velde Marijn , Nisini Luigi , Kim Wonsik , Kim Kwang-Hyung
Published: March 2021

Forecasting global food production is of growing importance in the context of globalizing food supply chains and observed increases in the frequency of climate extremes. The National Agriculture and Food Research Organization–Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Climate Center (NARO-APCC) Crop Forecasting Service provides yield forecasts for global cropland on a monthly basis using seasonal temperature and precipitation forecasts as the main inputs, and 1 year of testing the operation of the service was recently completed. Here we evaluate the forecasts for the 2019 yields of major commodity crops by comparing with the reported yields and forecasts from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Forecasts for maize, wheat, soybean, and rice were evaluated for 20 countries located in the Northern Hemisphere, including 39 crop-producing states in the United States, for which 2019 reported yields were already publicly available. The NARO-APCC forecasts are available several months earlier than the JRC and USDA forecasts. The skill of the NARO-APCC forecasts was good in absolute terms, but the forecast errors in the NARO-APCC forecasts were almost always larger than those of the JRC and USDA forecasts. The forecast errors in the JRC and USDA forecasts decreased as the harvest approached, whereas those in the NARO-APCC forecasts were rather stable over the season, with some exceptions. Although this feature seems to be a disadvantage, it may turn into an advantage if skillful forecasts are achievable in the earlier stages of a season. We conclude by discussing relative advantages and disadvantages and potential ways to improve global yield forecasting.
Prognostic Impact of Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease Detected by Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography
Authors: Košuta Daniel , Jug Borut , Fras Zlatko
Published: March 2021

Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is a promising technique for ruling out coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with chest pain. We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of nonobstructive CAD on CCTA. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent CCTA between 2010 and 2016 at our institution. We divided them into 3 groups: (1) patients with no CAD, (2) patients with nonobstructive CAD, and (3) patients with obstructive CAD. We investigated the incidence of the primary outcome (combination of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and late revascularization). A total of 989 patients were included: 540 patients had CAD, which was obstructive (≥50% stenosis) in 256 cases. During the follow-up period, 99 events occurred (32 [7%] in patients without CAD, 26 [9%] in patients with nonobstructive CAD, and 41 [16%] in patients with obstructive CAD; P < .001). The presence of nonobstructive and obstructive CAD was an independent predictor of events (HR: 2.33 [1.15-4.69], P < .001; and 4.02 [1.98-8.13], P = .019, respectively) compared with no CAD. Nonobstructive CAD on CCTA is associated with a 2-fold increase in risk of coronary events compared with patients with no CAD.
A comparison of formal and informal help in the context of mental health recovery
Authors: Lauzier-Jobin François , Houle Janie
Published: March 2021

Background:

People in recovery from anxiety, depressive or bipolar disorders can receive both formal (from practitioners) and informal help (from family and friends). These two types of helping relationships have often been studied separately as either therapeutic relationships or social support. Yet, the mechanisms of these two forms of help have not been empirically compared in the context of mental health recovery.

Aims:

The purpose of this study is to compare the mechanisms of informal help and formal help in recovery by combining the perspectives of individuals in recovery, their informal helper and their practitioner.

Method:

Individual interviews were conducted with 15 triads ( N = 45 participants) comprising a person in recovery, their most significant informal helper and their most significant practitioner to compare the two forms of help through a mixed method approach. Based on the paradigm of critical realism, the research puts the emphasis on the triangulation of data sources and types.

Results:

The informal and formal helping relationships serve multiple functions some can be found in both, often in different ways (communication, presence and availability). Informal helpers tend to serve a broader array of functions than practitioners do. Regarding differences, formal help is characterised by scheduling, time limitations and professional competencies. Informal help is characterised by emotional closeness, companionship and reciprocity. Also, people in recovery are active when it comes to determining the role that their helpers play (agency).

Conclusions:

Social support from family members and friends, as well as help from professionals can contribute to recovery in different ways. Attesting to the agency of people in recovery, the two forms of help are not only perceived as complementary, they are deliberately kept so.
A socially innovative service model in Istanbul
Authors: Uzsayilir Aysu , Baycan Tüzin
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to strengthen the urban rights and quality of life of vulnerable groups by contributing to the development of a new approach and standards in urban social services. Toward this goal, we present the socially innovative service model (SISM) which ensures a framework of daytime care and support centers for disabled individuals established in the Eyüp district, wherein generally the lower and lower-middle classes of Istanbul reside. SISM provides an important perspective on rights-based social policies as well as community and city interaction, thereby enabling interdisciplinary study of social sciences and planning.
Multilayered Consequences in a Turmoil Zone: A Study of Lived Experiences of Women in Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Sarvesh Tarushikha
Published: March 2021

Kashmir in the popular imagination is seen through the lens of excessively securitized and state-centric narratives that cast a shadow over the struggles of everyday life in Kashmir. An overriding climate of conflict, natural disasters, untimely snowfall and loss of tourism (one of the mainstays of Kashmir’s economy) have phenomenally shrunk people’s choices. Weak state institutions have induced a feeling of alienation among the Kashmiri people. This qualitative study attempts to look beyond the meta-narratives of conflict and brings out micro narratives of people’s lived experiences in a turmoil zone, radiating both at the inter-generational and intra-generational level, which is eclipsed in Kashmir.
Diversion Programs for Individuals Who Use Substances: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Lindquist-Grantz Robin , Mallow Peter , Dean Leah , Lydenberg Michelle , Chubinski Jennifer
Published: March 2021

Diversion programs connect individuals to treatment instead of criminal sanctions and are used more frequently to address substance use. This systematic scoping review included 31 published empirical studies to examine evaluations of diversion programs that address substance use and misuse. We assessed the program characteristics and implementation settings, as well as the outcomes measured and study methods used. We identified five prevalent study outcomes categories: (a) Service utilization (program retention and completion), (b) Recidivism/criminality, (c) Substance use, (d) Psychosocial functioning, and (e) Other outcomes (e.g., trauma, quality of life, and housing). Findings demonstrated limited but promising evidence for improvements in recidivism, substance use, and psychosocial outcomes. The limited evidence may be partly due to heterogeneity in diversion program implementation, study designs used, and differences among subpopulations. Most studies examined postbooking diversion programs; therefore, further examination of alternative approaches such as prebooking diversion programs is needed to fully understand diversion program impacts.