bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementary Medicine Use Amongst Patients with Metastatic Cancer Enrolled in Phase III Clinical Trials
Authors: Wells J Connor , Sidhu Aven , Ding Keyue , Smoragiewicz Martin , Heng Daniel Y C , Shepherd Frances A , Ellis Peter M , Bradbury Penelope A , Jonker Derek J , Siu Lillian L , Gelmon Karen A , Karapetis Christos , Shapiro Jeremy , Nott Louise , O’Callaghan Christopher J , Parulekar Wendy R , Seymour Lesley , Monzon Jose G
Published: January 2022

Background

Complementary medicines (CM) are frequently used by patients with cancer. Controversy exists over the effectiveness and risk that CM may add to conventional cancer therapy. The incidence of CM use among patients enrolled in phase III clinical trials is unknown.

Methods

Medication lists from 6 international phase III clinical trials were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients using CM. Patients had metastatic breast, colorectal, or lung cancers. Quality of life, adverse events, overall survival, and progression-free survival were compared between CM users and non-users. Baseline differences between groups were adjusted with propensity score matching groups.

Results

Seven hundred and six of 3446 patients (20.5%) used at least one CM. CM use was highest among patients with breast cancer (35.6%). CM users had more favorable baseline prognostic factors (ECOG 0-1, non-smoking status, younger age, and fewer metastases). CM use was associated with lower rates of adverse events (50% vs. 62%, P = .002) and quality of life was similar between both groups. After adjustment with propensity score matching, CM use was also associated with longer overall survival in patients with lung cancer (adjusted hazard ratio 0.80, 95%CI, 0.68-0.94, P =.0054). However, several key control variables like EGFR status were not available.

Conclusion

One in 5 patients in phase III clinical trials report using CM. CM was not associated with worse cancer-specific outcomes. However, CM users had more favorable baseline prognostic factors, and likely other confounders that may have contributed to improved outcomes observed in the lung cohort. Physicians should monitor for CM use and potential interactions with clinical trial drugs.
Health-Related Quality of Life Among United States Service Members with Low Back Pain Receiving Usual Care Plus Chiropractic Care vs Usual Care Alone: Secondary Outcomes of a Pragmatic Clinical Trial
Authors: Hays Ron D , Shannon Zacariah K , Long Cynthia R , Spritzer Karen L , Vining Robert D , Coulter Ian D , Pohlman Katherine A , Walter Joan A , Goertz Christine M
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study examines Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®)-29 v1.0 outcomes of chiropractic care in a multi-site, pragmatic clinical trial and compares the PROMIS measures to: 1) worst pain intensity from a numerical pain rating 0–10 scale, 2) 24-item Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ); and 3) global improvement (modified visual analog scale).

Design

A pragmatic, prospective, multisite, parallel-group comparative effectiveness clinical trial comparing usual medical care (UMC) with UMC plus chiropractic care (UMC+CC).

Setting

Three military treatment facilities

Subjects

750 active-duty military personnel with low back pain

Methods

Linear mixed effects regression models estimated the treatment group differences. Coefficient of repeatability to estimate significant individual change.

Results

We found statistically significant mean group differences favoring UMC+CC for all PROMIS®-29 scales and the RMDQ score. Area under the curve estimates for global improvement for the PROMIS®-29 scales and the RMDQ, ranged from 0.79 to 0.83.

Conclusions

Findings from this pre-planned secondary analysis demonstrate that chiropractic care impacts health-related quality of life beyond pain and pain-related disability. Further, comparable findings were found between the 24-item RMDQ and the PROMIS®-29 v1.0 briefer scales.
Search for sterile neutrinos by shower events at a future neutrino telescope
Authors: Wang Yabin , Yasuda Osamu
Published: January 2022

It is pointed out that searching for sterile neutrinos in high energy regions at a future IceCube-like facility has advantages compared with reactor or short baseline accelerator neutrino experiments, in which the size of the detector and energy resolution make it difficult to gain good sensitivity for a large mass-squared difference. In this study we show that it is possible to improve constraints on sterile neutrino mixing θ14 for 1 eV$^2 \lesssim \Delta m_{41}^2\lesssim$ 100 eV2 by looking for a dip in the shower events at an IceCube-like neutrino telescope whose volume is at least 10 times as large as that of IceCube and whose duration is 10 years. We also give an analytic expression for the oscillation probabilities in two cases where the condition of one mass scale dominance is satisfied.
Including Arts in Rehabilitation Enhances Outcomes in the Psychomotor, Cognitive, and Affective Domains: A Scoping Review
Authors: Brown Emma L , Gannotti Mary E , Veneri Diana A
Published: January 2022

Objective

The purpose of this scoping review was to analyze the published literature regarding the use of art in the context of rehabilitation for consideration in physical therapy.

Methods

The CINAHL, PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, Art Index, Music Index, Cochrane Reviews, and PubMed electronic databases were accessed. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established and utilized to determine study eligibility. Study details were extracted from each article by researchers using a systematic format. Summation of journal type, participants, dosing and type of intervention, setting and interventionist, outcome domains, and study results were included.

Results

Out of 1452 studies, 76 were included for extraction. Of these studies, most had outcome measures aligned with the psychomotor and affective domains of learning (n = 66). Very few studies had outcome measures with psychomotor and cognitive domains (n = 2) or psychomotor, affective, and cognitive outcome measures (n = 8). Regarding the arts used, music, dance, or both were used in 77 instances. Fewer studies reported using creative arts therapy, singing, theater, writing, and rhythm (n = 17). Of the 76 studies analyzed, 74 reported a within-group treatment effect.

Conclusion

The arts effectively enhance physical therapist practice; therefore, it is recommended that physical therapists continue to seek collaboration with art professionals and explore the use of arts in practice.

Impact

Findings demonstrate that combining the arts with physical therapist practice amplifies not only psychomotor but affective and cognitive outcomes as well. The arts have applicability across broad populations (eg, chronic pain, neurologic dysfunction, respiratory conditions). This study supports that physical therapist education and practice should embrace the arts as a collaborative modality to promote enhanced psychomotor, affective, and cognitive outcomes.
Evolution of the emergency drug innovation network and policy implications: Evidence from COVID-19 drug patents
Authors: Xia Qing , Liu Lanjian , Li Xiaoping
Published: January 2022

Developing emergency drugs in time is key to responding to public health emergencies such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This research constructs patent assignee citation networks based on COVID-19 drug patents and applies technology life cycle analysis and social network analysis to examine these networks. The results reveal the evolution and structure of the emergency drug innovation network and identify innovation entities with different research and development (R&D) capabilities or a foundation for cooperation. This study attempts to provide the basis for theories and policies to accelerate R&D of emergency drugs. The key results are as follows: (1) Technologies of the emergency drug innovation network show fluctuating growth aligned closely with public health emergencies. (2) The network presents a sparse structure with many active factions, whose members have the advantage of cooperating. (3) Three types of innovation entities are identified: the main technology suppliers, potential suppliers of other supporting technologies, and peripheral suppliers of other supporting technologies.
Fermentation of liquid feed with lactic acid bacteria reduces dry matter losses, lysine breakdown, formation of biogenic amines, and phytate-phosphorus
Authors: Lau Nicole , Hummel Jürgen , Kramer Ewald , Hünerberg Martin
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the fermentation of liquid feed for pigs and the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) supplementation on fermentation rate, dry matter losses (DML), formation of biogenic amines, and degradation of phytate-P. The basal substrate in all three in vitro batch experiments consisted of 50% canola meal, 25% wheat, and 25% barley. The mixed substrates were adjusted to a dry matter (DM) content of 28.4% and fermented in 1-liter vessels at 37 °C for 24 h. Experiment 1 focused on changes in pH profiles over time. Treatments were as follows: 1) liquid feed without additive (control) and 2) liquid feed supplemented with a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Lactobacillus lactis (adLAB) at 2.0 × 105 CFU/g liquid feed (wet wt.; n = 8). Substrate pH was measured every 2 h. Experiment 2 focused on DML and the impact of fermentation on phytate-P. Treatments were identical to experiment 1 (control and adLAB; n = 8). Measured parameters included concentration of lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, and phytate-P, and DML after 24 h of fermentation. Counts of molds, Enterobobacteriaceae, yeasts, and LAB were determined in one combined sample of all replicates. Dry matter losses were lower in LAB-supplemented fermentations (5.89%) compared to the control (11.8%; P < 0.001). Supplementation with LAB reduced the phytate-P content (2.66 g/kg DM) compared to the control (3.07 g/kg DM; P = 0.002). Experiment 3 evaluated DML and the impact of fermentation on formation of biogenic amines. Treatments were as follows: 1) control, 2) adLAB (2.0 × 105 CFU LAB/g liquid feed), 3) adLys (0.60% DM supplemented lysine), and 4) adLAB+Lys (combination of adLAB and adLys; n = 8). The fermentation of adLys resulted in a nearly complete breakdown of supplemented lysine, whereas only 10% of supplemented lysine was lost in adLAB+Lys. Furthermore, all adLys samples tested positive for cadaverine (mean concentration 0.89% DM), whereas no adLAB samples contained cadaverine above the detection limit (P < 0.001). Results indicate that DML is reduced in fermentations supplemented with homofermentative LAB. Fermentation of liquid feed with homofermentative LAB can effectively reduce the degradation of supplemental lysine and has the potential to further improve P availability.
Lack of phenotypic plasticity in leaf hydraulics for 10 woody species common to urban forests of North China
Authors: Han Hang , Xi Benye , Wang Ye , Feng Jinchao , Li Ximeng , Tissue David T
Published: January 2022

The survival and performance of urban forests are increasingly challenged by urban drought, consequently compromising the sustainability and functionality of urban vegetation. Plant–water relations largely determine species drought tolerance, yet little is known about the hydraulics of urban forest species. Here, we report the leaf hydraulic and carbon traits that govern plant growth and drought resistance, including vulnerability to embolism, hydraulic conductivity and leaf gas exchange characteristics, as well as morphological traits that are potentially linked with these physiological attributes, with the aim of guiding species selection and management in urban forests. Plant materials were collected from mature shrubs and trees on our university campus in Beijing, representing 10 woody species common to urban forests in north China. We found that the leaf embolism resistance, represented by the water potential inducing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity (P50), as well as the hydraulic safety margin (HSM) defined by P50 and the water potential threshold at the inception of embolism (P12), varied remarkably across species, but was unrelated to growth form. Likewise, stem and leaf-specific hydraulic conductivity (Kstem and kl) was also highly species-specific. Leaf P50 was positively correlated with hydraulic conductivity. However, neither P50 nor hydraulic conductivity was correlated with leaf gas exchange traits, including maximum photosynthetic rate (Amax) and stomatal conductance (gs). Plant morphological and physiological traits were not related, except for specific leaf area, which showed a negative relationship with HSM. Traits influencing plant–water transport were primarily correlated with the mean annual precipitation of species climatic niche. Overall, current common woody species in urban forest environments differed widely in their drought resistance and did not have the capacity to modify these characteristics in response to a changing climate. Species morphology provides limited information regarding physiological drought resistance. Thus, screening urban forest species based on plant physiology is essential to sustain the ecological services of urban forests.
Root age-related response of fine root respiration of Chinese fir seedlings to soil warming
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Xu Chensen , Xiong Decheng , Yao Xiaodong , Chen Tingting , Jiang Qi , Jia Linqiao , Fan Ailian , Chen Guangshui
Published: January 2022

The variation in fine root respiration with root age provides insight into root adaptation to climate warming, but the mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the respiratory response of fine roots (<1 mm and 1–2 mm) of different ages (2-, 4- and 6-month old) of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.)) seedlings to soil warming (4 °C above the control using cable heating). Fine roots were excised to measure the specific respiration rate at a reference temperature of 20 °C (SRR20), and root morphological and chemical traits were measured. Soil warming significantly increased SRR20 by 40% compared with the control, potentially indicating limited acclimation on a short time scale (6 months). However, soil warming increased SRR20 significantly in 2-month-old roots (by 72%) compared with 4- and 6-month-old roots, leading to a steeper decline in SRR20 with root age. This result suggests possible increased nutrient uptake efficiency in young fine roots under warmer temperatures. Soil warming significantly increased specific root length (SRL) but not root tissue nitrogen concentration (RTN). The variation in SRR20 between warming treatments, but not across root ages, was predicted by SRL and RTN individually or together. Our findings conclusively indicate that soil warming increased the respiration cost of young fine roots, which was predicted by adjusting for SRL and RTN, indicating that Chinese fir may adopt a faster fine root turnover strategy to enhance nutrient uptake and soil exploitation under warmer temperatures. Future studies should simultaneously investigate age-related root respiration and nutrient uptake in warming experiments to better understand the effects of warming on root metabolic activity.
Online Readability Analysis: Mohs Micrographic Surgery Postsurgical Wound Care
Authors: Dowdle Travis S. , Nguyen Jeannie M. , Steadman Jesse N. , Layher Heather , Sturgeon Ashley L. E. , Akin Russell
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVE

Although various treatment modalities exist for skin cancer care, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is one of the most effective and cosmetically sensitive surgical techniques. The readability of online informational materials specifically related to MMS postsurgical wound care is extremely relevant for patients given the high rates of skin cancer in the US and the number of patients utilizing the internet for information.

METHODS

Investigators conducted Google searches to evaluate the current state of readability on MMS postsurgical wound care using the specific keywords “healing after Mohs surgery” and “wound care Mohs surgery.” The readabilities of individual websites were analyzed using the WebFX online software. Health-specific click-through rate was used to select the number of samples assessed.

RESULTS

Based on the 33 unique websites evaluated, the aggregate readability of online MMS postsurgical wound care materials was 11.3, corresponding to an 11th-grade reading level by US standards.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this level of readability is an improvement in online MMS postsurgical wound care information relative to prior literature, there is still considerable work to be done by the dermatologic community in improving the readability of online patient materials regarding MMS.
Mortality in Early-Onset Scoliosis During the Growth-friendly Surgery Era
Authors: Guzek Ryan H. , Murphy Robert , Hardesty Christina K. , Emans John B. , Garg Sumeet , Smith John T. , Roye Benjamin D. , Glotzbecker Michael P. , Sturm Peter F. , Snyder Brian D. , Poon Selina C. , Poe-Kochert Connie ,   Pediatric Spine Study Group (PSSG), Anari Jason B.
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) is a spinal deformity that occurs in patients 9 years of age or younger. Severe deformity may result in thoracic insufficiency, respiratory failure, and premature death. The purpose of this study is to describe the modern-day natural history of mortality in patients with EOS.

Methods:

The multicenter Pediatric Spine Study Group database was queried for all patients with EOS who are deceased, without exclusion. Demographics, underlying diagnoses, EOS etiology, operative and nonoperative treatments or observation, complications, and date of death were retrieved. Descriptive statistics and survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier curves were performed.

Results:

There were 130/8009 patients identified as deceased for a registry mortality rate of 16 per 1000 patients. The mean age at death was 10.6 years (range: 1.0 to 30.2 y) and the most common EOS etiology was neuromuscular (73/130, 56.2%; P<0.001). Deceased patients were more likely be treated operatively than nonoperatively or observed (P<0.001). The mean age of death for patients treated operatively (12.3 y) was older than those treated nonoperatively (7.0 y) or observed (6.3 y) (P<0.001) despite a larger deformity and similar index visit body mass index and ventilation requirements. Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed an increased survival time in patients with a history of any spine operation compared with patients without a history of spine operation (P<0.0001). Operatively treated patients experienced a median of 3.0 complications from diagnosis to death. Overall, cardiopulmonary related complications were the most common (129/271, 47.6%; P<0.001), followed by implant-related (57/271, 21.0%) and wound-related (26/271, 9.6%). The primary cause of death was identified for 78/130 (60.0%) patients, of which 57/78 (73.1%) were cardiopulmonary related.

Conclusions:

This study represents the largest collection of EOS mortality to date, providing surgeons with a modern-day examination of the effects of surgical intervention to better council patients and families. Both fatal and nonfatal complications in children with EOS are most likely to involve the cardiopulmonary system.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—therapeutic.
How should we measure intraocular pressure in the era of coronavirus disease 2019? Balancing infectious risk, cleaning requirements, and accuracy
Authors: Petersen Christine A. , Chen Andrew , Chen Philip P.
Published: January 2022

Purpose of review

Accurate and precise measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) is a vitally important component of the ophthalmic examination. There are multiple methods of tonometry, each of which has considerations in light of the ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. This review discusses these considerations and compares various tonometer methods with the gold standard of Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT).

Recent findings

The SARS-CoV-2 virus may spread via droplets, microaerosols, or direct contact in the ophthalmology clinic. Tonometry poses a high risk of contamination. The accuracy and reliability of various methods of tonometry with single-use disposable equipment has been compared with Goldmann applanation tonometry.

Goldmann applanation tonometry with disposable applanation tips, Tono-pen, and iCare employ single use tips to decrease the risk of cross-contamination of infectious agents. Review of the literature demonstrates good correlation between these devices and GAT, although the published level of agreement between devices varies.
Extracorporeal Life Support for Status Asthmaticus: Early Outcomes in Teens and Young Adults
Authors: Grennan Krista N. , Maul Timothy M. , Nelson Jennifer S.
Published: January 2022

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) may be life saving for patients with status asthmaticus (SA), a difficult-to-treat, severe subset of asthma. Contemporary ECLS outcomes for SA in teens and young adults are not well described. The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry was reviewed (2009–2019) for patients (15–35 years) with a primary diagnosis of SA. In-hospital mortality and complications were described. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for hospital mortality. Overall, 137 patients, (26 teens and 111 young adults; median age 25 years) were included. Extracorporeal life support utilization for SA sharply increased in 2010, coinciding with increased ECLS utilization overall. Median ECLS duration and length of stay were 97 hours and 11 days, respectively. In-hospital mortality and major complication rates were 10% and 11%, respectively. Nonsurvivors were more likely to have experienced ECLS complications, compared to survivors (86% vs. 42%, p = 0.003). Independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality included pre-ECLS arrest and any renal and/or neurologic complication. Prospective studies designed to evaluate complications and subsequent failure to rescue may help optimize quality improvement efforts.
Nutrition, defecation, and the lower gastrointestinal tract during critical illness
Authors: McClave Stephen A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose of review

The goal of this report is to delineate the correlation between constipation as a manifestation of impaired gastrointestinal transit with adverse clinical outcomes, to identify risk factors, which predispose to this condition, and outline a management scheme for prophylactic treatment.

Recent findings

Constipation is common in the ICU, affecting upwards of 60–85% of critically ill patients. As suggested by case series and observational studies, constipation may be an independent prognostic factor identifying patients with greater disease severity, higher likelihood of organ dysfunction, longer duration of mechanical ventilation, prolonged hospital length of stay, and possibly reduced survival. Treating constipation is a low priority for intensivists often relegated to the nursing service, and few ICUs have well designed protocols in place for a bowel regimen. Small randomized controlled trials show improvement in certain outcome parameters in response to a daily lactulose therapy; hospital length of stay, sequential organ failure assessment scores, and duration of mechanical ventilation. However, aggregating the data from these studies in two separate meta-analyses showed that the effect of a bowel regimen on these three endpoints were not statistically different.

No causal relationship can be determined between constipation and adverse outcomes. Nonetheless, a clinical correlation seems to exist. Whether constipation is an epiphenomenon or simply a reflection of greater severity of critical illness, at some point it may contribute to worsening morbidity in the ICU. A graded prophylactic bowel regimen should help reverse impairment of the gastrointestinal transit and aid in reducing its deleterious impact on the hospital course of the critically ill patient.
Variation in Initiation, Engagement, and Retention on Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Based on Health Insurance Plan Design
Authors: Morgan Jake R. , Quinn Emily K. , Chaisson Christine E. , Ciemins Elizabeth , Stempniewicz Nikita , White Laura F. , Linas Benjamin P. , Walley Alexander Y. , LaRochelle Marc R.
Published: January 2022

Background:

The association between cost-sharing and receipt of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is unknown.

Methods:

We constructed a cohort of 10,513 commercially insured individuals with a new diagnosis of opioid use disorder and information on insurance cost-sharing in a large national deidentified claims database. We examined 4 cost-sharing measures: (1) pharmacy deductible; (2) medical service deductible; (3) pharmacy medication copay; and (4) medical office copay. We measured MOUD (naltrexone, buprenorphine, or methadone) initiation (within 14 d of diagnosis), engagement (second receipt within 34 d of first), and 6-month retention (continuous receipt without 14-d gap). We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between cost-sharing and MOUD initiation, engagement, and retention. We calculated total out-of-pocket costs in the 30 days following MOUD initiation for each type of MOUD.

Results:

Of 10,513 individuals with incident opioid use disorder, 1202 (11%) initiated MOUD, 742 (7%) engaged, and 253 (2%) were retained in MOUD at 6 months. A high ($1000+) medical deductible was associated with a lower odds of initiation compared with no deductible (odds ratio: 0.85, 95% confidence interval: 0.74–0.98). We found no significant associations between other cost-sharing measures for initiation, engagement, or retention. Median initial 30-day out-of-pocket costs ranged from $100 for methadone to $710 for extended-release naltrexone.

Conclusions:

Among insurance plan cost-sharing measures, only medical services deductible showed an association with decreased MOUD initiation. Policy and benefit design should consider ways to reduce cost barriers to initiation and retention in MOUD.
Heterogeneity in the association between weather and pain severity among patients with chronic pain: a Bayesian multilevel regression analysis
Authors: Yimer Belay B. , Schultz David M. , Beukenhorst Anna L. , Lunt Mark , Pisaniello Huai L. , House Thomas , Sergeant Jamie C. , McBeth John , Dixon William G.
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Previous studies on the association between weather and pain severity among patients with chronic pain have produced mixed results. In part, this inconsistency may be due to differences in individual pain responses to the weather.

Methods:

To test the hypothesis that there might be subgroups of participants with different pain responses to different weather conditions, we examined data from a longitudinal smartphone-based study, Cloudy with a Chance of Pain, conducted between January 2016 and April 2017. The study recruited more than 13,000 participants and recorded daily pain severity on a 5-point scale (range: no pain to very severe pain) along with hourly local weather data for up to 15 months. We used a Bayesian multilevel model to examine the weather–pain association.

Results:

We found 1 in 10 patients with chronic pain were sensitive to the temperature, 1 in 25 to relative humidity, 1 in 50 to pressure, and 3 in 100 to wind speed, after adjusting for age, sex, belief in the weather–pain association, mood, and activity level. The direction of the weather–pain association differed between people. Although participants seem to be differentially sensitive to weather conditions, there is no definite indication that participants' underlying pain conditions play a role in weather sensitivity.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that weather sensitivity among patients with chronic pain is more apparent in some subgroups of participants. In addition, among those sensitive to the weather, the direction of the weather–pain association can differ.
Increased Uptake of 18F-PSMA-1007 in Corpus Luteum Demonstrated by PET/CT
Authors: Geysen Astrid , Goffin Karolien , Van Weehaeghe Donatienne , Van Laere Koen , Deroose Christophe M.
Published: January 2022

Two women were referred for an 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in follow-up of an adenoid cystic tumor of the subglottic region and the bronchus, respectively. Only limited tracer uptake was seen in the region of local recurrence and in the region of known metastases. Unexpectedly, an incidental finding consisting of a high tracer uptake at a corpus luteum in the ovary was found in both women.
Renal Extramedullary Hematopoiesis Incidentally Detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Kaya Gursan , Bozkurt Murat Fani
Published: January 2022

18F-FDG PET/CT imaging of a 68-year-old woman with a known clinical diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and recent-onset ataxia revealed FDG-avid soft tissue masses in bilateral renal sinuses and mildly increased bone marrow activity. Consecutive tissue sampling with fine-needle biopsy from renal sinus masses confirmed mass-forming extramedullary hematopoiesis corresponding to FDG-avid soft tissue lesions. Here we present a rare case of bilateral mass-forming extramedullary hematopoiesis at renal sinuses incidentally detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging.
Increased 68Ga-FAPI Activity in Chondrosarcoma of Nasal Cavity
Authors: Yang Xiao , Ou Lei , Xu Duo , Chen Yue , Liu Huipan
Published: January 2022

Chondrosarcoma is a rare entity tumor, which mainly appears in long bones and pelvic bones, but rarely in nasal cavity. Herein, we report the 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT findings in a 54-year-old man with chondrosarcoma of nasal cavity.
Systemic Immune Response Syndrome After COVID-19 Immunization—Initial and Follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging Appearances
Authors: Nawwar Ayah Adel , Searle Julie , Hagan Ian , Lyburn Iain Douglas
Published: January 2022

A 46-year-old woman with previous history of breast cancer had follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT 5 days after COVID-19 vaccination. In addition to avid axillary nodes, a well-documented feature, the scan demonstrated diffuse splenic and marrow uptake. Clinical history, laboratory, and scan findings were in keeping with SIRS (systemic inflammatory response). The patient recovered with supportive management. On follow-up, 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging 3 months later features had resolved. SIRS after vaccination may be observed on 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Machine Learning Based Non-Enhanced CT Radiomics for the Identification of Orbital Cavernous Venous Malformations: An Innovative Tool
Authors: Han Qinghe , Du Lianze , Mo Yan , Huang Chencui , Yuan Qinghai
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate the capability of non-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images for distinguishing between orbital cavernous venous malformations (OCVM) and non-OCVM, and to identify the optimal model from radiomics-based machine learning (ML) algorithms.

Methods:

A total of 215 cases of OCVM and 120 cases of non- OCVM were retrospectively analyzed in this study. A stratified random sample of 268 patients (80%) was used as the training set (172 OCVM and 96 non-OCVM); the remaining data were used as the testing set. Six feature selection techniques and thirteen ML models were evaluated to construct an optimal classification model.

Results:

There were statistically significant differences between the OCVM and non-OCVM groups in the density and tumor location (P 
< 0.05), whereas other indicators were comparable (age, gender, sharp, P > 0.05). Linear regression (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.9351; accuracy = 0.8657) and Stochastic Gradient Descent (AUC = 0.9448; accuracy = 0.8806) classifiers, both of which coupled with the f test and L1-based feature selection method, achieved optimal performance. The support vector machine (AUC = 0.9186; accuracy = 0.8806), Random Forest (AUC = 0.9288; accuracy = 0.8507) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (AUC = 0.9147; accuracy = 0.8507) classifier combined with f test method showed excellent average performance among our study, respectively.

Conclusions:

The effect of non-enhanced CT images in OCVM not only can help ophthalmologist to find and locate lesion, but also bring great help for the qualitative diagnosis value using radiomic- based ML algorithms.
The role of Memory Clinics in the assessment and management of dementia, now and into the future
Authors: Mehrani Inga , Sachdev Perminder S.
Published: January 2022

Purpose of review

The diagnosis of dementia is often delayed and many individuals with the disorder go undiagnosed or receive an inadequate assessment. Specialist Memory Clinics have long been at the centre of such assessments. Recent developments in biomarkers and disease-modifying treatments are likely increase the need for specialist assessments. It is therefore timely to review the role of Memory Clinics internationally.

Recent findings

The timely diagnosis of dementia and cognitive decline is the main responsibility of Memory Clinics. These clinics can diagnose dementia up to 4 years earlier than primary care services, but their low numbers and capacity of leads to long waiting times and a focus on complex cases. Few clinics are resourced to offer specific postdiagnostic support services, and their roles in clinical trials and research have not been realised. They are often well integrated with primary care and aged care services.

Memory Clinics play an important role in bridging the gap between research and clinical practice and providing high-quality assessment and care. Additional Memory Clinic services and greater harmonisation of their responsibilities and procedures are needed to exploit their full potential.
MEK inhibition enhances presentation of targetable MHC-I tumor antigens in mutant melanomas
Authors: Stopfer Lauren E. , Rettko Nicholas J. , Leddy Owen , Mesfin Joshua M. , Brown Eric , Winski Shannon , Bryson Bryan , Wells James A. , White Forest M.
Published: January 2022

Combining multiple therapeutic strategies in NRAS/BRAF mutant melanoma – namely MEK/BRAF kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted immunotherapies – may offer an improved survival benefit by overcoming limitations associated with any individual therapy. Still, optimal combination, order, and timing of administration remains under investigation. Here, we measure how MEK inhibition (MEKi) alters anti-tumor immunity by utilizing quantitative immunopeptidomics to profile changes in the peptide MHC (pMHC) repertoire. These data reveal a collection of tumor antigens whose presentation levels are selectively augmented following therapy, including several epitopes present at over 1000 copies-per-cell. We leveraged the tunable abundance of MEKi-modulated antigens by targeting 4 epitopes with pMHC-specific T cell engagers and antibody drug conjugates, enhancing cell killing in tumor cells following MEK inhibition. These results highlight drug treatment as a means to enhance immunotherapy efficacy by targeting specific upregulated pMHCs and provide a methodological framework for identifying, quantifying, and therapeutically targeting additional epitopes of interest.

SIGNIFICANCE

Kinase inhibitor treatment in NRAS/BRAF mutant melanoma can sensitize tumors to immunotherapy, in part through an increase in average surface presentation of peptide MHC molecules. Here, we demonstrate that MEK inhibition selectively boosts epitope abundance of select tumor-associated antigens in vitro and in vivo, enhancing targeted immunotherapy efficacy against these treatment-modulated epitopes.
Signal denoising through topographic modularity of neural circuits
Authors: Zajzon Barna , Dahmen David , Morrison Abigail , Duarte Renato
Published: January 2022

Information from the sensory periphery is conveyed to the cortex via structured projection pathways that spatially segregate stimulus features, providing a robust and efficient encoding strategy. Beyond sensory encoding, this prominent anatomical feature extends throughout the neocortex. However, the extent to which it influences cortical processing is unclear. In this study, we combine cortical circuit modeling with network theory to demonstrate that the sharpness of topographic projections acts as a bifurcation parameter, controlling the macroscopic dynamics and representational precision across a modular network. By shifting the balance of excitation and inhibition, topographic modularity gradually increases task performance and improves the signal-to-noise ratio across the system. We demonstrate that in biologically constrained networks, such a denoising behavior is contingent on recurrent inhibition. We show that this is a robust and generic structural feature that enables a broad range of behaviorally-relevant operating regimes, and provide an in-depth theoretical analysis unravelling the dynamical principles underlying the mechanism.
Spinal cord homeostatic plasticity gates mechanical allodynia in chronic pain
Authors: Cao Bing , Scherrer Gregory , Chen Lu
Published: January 2022

Central sensitization caused by disinhibition of spinal cord circuits is a key mechanism of mechanical allodynia in neuropathic pain. Despite intense efforts, the molecular mechanisms that drive disinhibition and induce allodynia after peripheral nerve injury remain unclear. Using the spared-nerve injury (SNI) model of allodynia, we here demonstrate that SNI induces disinhibition of spinal nociceptive circuits by triggering homeostatic synaptic plasticity. Specifically, SNI-triggered homeostatic plasticity suppresses the inhibitory outputs of parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons that form synapses on both primary afferent terminals and excitatory interneurons, causing hyperactivation of the nociceptive pathway. Using genetic manipulations, we identified the retinoic acid receptor RARα as the key mediator of the homeostatic synaptic plasticity underlying this synaptic disinhibition. Deletion of RARα in PV+ neurons blocked SNI-induced spinal disinhibition, central sensitization, and allodynia. Moreover, deletion of RARα in spinal PV+ neurons or application of an RARα antagonist in the spinal cord prevented the development of SNI-induced mechanical allodynia. Together, our results reveal a molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain whereby homeostatic plasticity causes the mis-direction of tactile information flow to ascending nociceptive pathways following peripheral nerve injury.
Automation of tree-ring detection and measurements using deep learning
Authors: Poláček Miroslav , Arizpe Alexis , Hüther Patrick , Weidlich Lisa , Steindl Sonja , Swarts Kelly
Published: January 2022

We present an implementable neural network-based automated detection and measurement of tree-ring boundaries from coniferous species. We trained our Mask R-CNN extensively on over 8,000 manually annotated rings. We assessed the performance of the trained model from our core processing pipeline on real world data. The CNN performed well, recognizing over 99% of ring boundaries (precision) and a recall value of 95% when tested on real world data. Additionally, we have implemented automatic measurements based on minimum distance between rings. With minimal editing for missed ring detections, these measurements were a 99% match with human measurements of the same samples. Our CNN is readily deployable through a Docker container and requires only basic command line skills. Application outputs include editable annotations which facilitate the efficient generation of ring-width measurements from tree-ring samples, an important source of environmental data.
Corrective feedback control of competing neural network with entire connections
Authors: Wang Uramogi
Published: January 2022

Continuous persist activity of the competitive network is related to many functions, such as working memory, oculomotor integrator and decision making. Many competition models with mutual inhibition structures achieve activity maintenance via positive feedback, which requires meticulous fine tuning of the network parameters strictly. Negative derivative feedback, according to recent research, might represent a novel mechanism for sustaining neural activity that is more resistant to multiple neural perturbations than positive feedback. Many classic models with only mutual inhibition structure are not capable of providing negative derivative feedback because double-inhibition acts as a positive feedback loop, and lack of negative feedback loop that is indispensable for negative derivative feedback. Here in the proposal, we aim to derive a new competition network with negative derivative feedback. The network is made up of two symmetric pairs of EI populations that the four population are completely connected. We conclude that the negative derivative occurs in two circumstances, in which one the activity of the two sides is synchronous but push-pull-like in the other, as well as the switch of two conditions in mathematical analysis and numerical simulation.
Systemic infection of SARS-CoV-2 in free ranging Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) in India
Authors: Mahajan Sonalika , Karikalan Mathesh , Chander Vishal , Pawde Abhijit M. , Saikumar G , Semmaran M , Lakshmi P Sree , Sharma Megha , Nandi Sukdeb , Singh Karam Pal , Gupta Vivek Kumar , Singh Raj Kumar , Sharma Gaurav Kumar
Published: January 2022

We report patho-morphological and virological characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in naturally infected, free ranging Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca). Whole genome sequence analysis confirmed infection of Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, possibly spill over from humans, but the case was detected when infection level had dropped significantly in human population. This report underlines the need for intensive screening of wild animals for keeping track of the virus evolution and development of carrier status of SARS-CoV-2 among wildlife species.
40 new specimens ofIchthyornisprovide unprecedented insight into the postcranial morphology of crownward stem group birds
Authors: Benito Juan , Chen Albert , Wilson Laura E. , Bhullar Bhart-Anjan S. , Burnham David , Field Daniel J.
Published: January 2022

Ichthyornishas long been recognized as a pivotally important fossil taxon for understanding the latest stages of the dinosaur–bird transition, but little significant new postcranial material has been brought to light since initial descriptions of partial skeletons in the 19thCentury. Here, we present new information on the postcranial morphology ofIchthyornisfrom 40 previously undescribed specimens, providing the most detailed morphological assessment ofIchthyornisto date. The new material includes four partially complete skeletons and numerous well-preserved isolated elements, enabling new anatomical observations such as muscle attachments previously undescribed for Mesozoic euornitheans. Among the elements that were previously unknown or poorly represented forIchthyornis, the new specimens include an almost-complete axial series, a hypocleideum-bearing furcula, radial carpal bones, fibulae, a complete tarsometatarsus bearing a rudimentary hypotarsus, and one of the first-known nearly complete three-dimensional sterna from a Mesozoic avialan. Several pedal phalanges are preserved, revealing a remarkably enlarged pes presumably related to foot-propelled swimming. Although diagnosable asIchthyornis, the new specimens exhibit a substantial degree of morphological variation, some of which may relate to ontogenetic changes. Phylogenetic analyses incorporating our new data and employing alternative morphological datasets recoverIchthyornisstemward of Hesperornithes andIaceornis, in line with some recent hypotheses regarding the topology of the crownward-most portion of the avian stem group, and we establish phylogenetically-defined clade names for relevant avialan subclades to help facilitate consistent discourse in future work. The new information provided by these specimens improves our understanding of morphological evolution among the crownward-most non-neornithine avialans immediately preceding the origin of crown group birds.
Divergence and introgression among the virilis group of Drosophila
Authors: Yusuf Leeban H. , Tyukmaeva Venera , Hoikkala Anneli , Ritchie Michael G.
Published: January 2022

Speciation with gene flow is now widely regarded as common. However, the frequency of introgression between recently diverged species and the evolutionary consequences of gene flow are still poorly understood. The virilis group of Drosophila contains around a dozen species that are geographically widespread and show varying levels of pre-zygotic and post-zygotic isolation. Here, we utilize de novo genome assemblies and whole-genome sequencing data to resolve phylogenetic relationships and describe patterns of introgression and divergence across the group. We suggest that the virilis group consists of three, rather than the traditional two, subgroups. We found evidence of pervasive phylogenetic discordance caused by ancient introgression events between distant lineages within the group, and much more recent gene flow between closely-related species. When assessing patterns of genome-wide divergence in species pairs across the group, we found no consistent genomic evidence of a disproportionate role for the X chromosome. Some genes undergoing rapid sequence divergence across the group were involved in chemical communication and may be related to the evolution of sexual isolation. We suggest that gene flow between closely-related species has potentially had an impact on lineage-specific adaptation and the evolution of reproductive barriers. Our results show how ancient and recent introgression confuse phylogenetic reconstruction, and suggest that shared variation can facilitate adaptation and speciation.
House sparrows do not exhibit a preference for the scent of potential partners with different MHC-I allele numbers and genetic distances
Authors: Amo Luisa , de Paz Guillermo Amo , Kabbert Johanna , Machordom Annie
Published: January 2022

MHC genes play a fundamental role in immune recognition of pathogens and parasites. Therefore, females may increase offspring heterozygosity and genetic diversity by selecting MHC genetically compatible or heterozygous males. In birds, several studies suggest that MHC genes play a role in mate choice, and recent evidence suggest that olfaction may play a role in such discrimination. Previous studies indicated that house sparrow females with low allelic diversity prefer males with higher diversity in MHC-I alleles. Here, we directly explored whether both house sparrow females and males could estimate by scent the number in MHC amino acid and functional variants as well as the level of MHC-I similarity or dissimilarity of potential partners. Our results show that neither females nor males exhibit a preference related to the number of MHC-I amino acid variants or functional variants or in relation to MHC amino acid or functional similarity of potential partners, suggesting that MHC-I is not detected through olfaction. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms responsible for MHC-I based mate discrimination in birds.