bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Telework in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned for Work-Life Balance?
Authors: Atkinson Christopher L.
Published: October 2022

The rationale for this review paper is to take stock of the current knowledge in the literature on the intersection of telework and work–life balance—an area that has grown in importance due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The review also considers the context of the government’s role in pursuing policies to reduce the impacts of the pandemic in order to improve societal if not personal resilience, as these policies sometimes had unintended adverse impacts. After a section on the literature search method, sections follow on the literature considering telework/working from home, stress, and gender; work–life balance figures prominently in the papers reviewed. An additional category for the government and its role in concerns related to this topic follows. For future research, the differences between groups in responding to the demands of telework and work–life balance, particularly in regard to gender, are worth further investigation, as the COVID-19 pandemic has offered great challenges but also immense opportunities to learn and prepare organizations for future crises.
Mechanical and Physical Characterizations of a Three-Phase TiAl Alloy during Near Isothermal Forging
Authors: Zhao Xuexia , Wei Junxin , Niu Hui , Cao Shouzhen , Du Zhihao , Jia Yi , Yao Haoming , Zhang Zhixiong , Han Jianchao
Published: October 2022

TiAl alloy is a high temperature structural material with excellent comprehensive properties in the range of 750–900 °C. However, its engineering application is limited by its poor plasticity and hot working properties at room temperature. Based on the above background, a novel three-phase Ti-40Al-6V-1Cr-0.3Ni (at.%) alloy was designed and fabricated in the present study. The as-cast ingot was subjected to near-isothermal forging, and the thermoplastic deformation behavior, microstructure evolution and mechanical properties were systematically studied. Near-isothermal forging shows excellent forming capability, and the forging disk is flawless without cracking. The core of the forging disk shows the greatest degree of deformation, and the microstructure is composed of fine equiaxed grains and residual (α2/γ) lamellae. The hardness of the B2 phase and the hardness difference between the B2 phase and γ phase are reduced by the Cr and V elements added in the alloy. The wrought alloy exhibits excellent mechanical properties at room temperature and elevated temperature, respectively. The uniform fine microstructure, low nanohardness of the B2 and γ phase and the property matching of each phase can be accounted for the excellent mechanical properties.
Spin-Polarized Study of the Structural, Optoelectronic, and Thermoelectric Properties of the Melilite-Type Gd2Be2GeO7 Compound
Authors: Chiker Fafa , Baki Najet , Khachai Yasser , Khachai Houari , Miloua Redouane , Khenata Rabah , Bin-Omran Saad , Bouhemadou Abdelmadjid , Kanoun Mohammed , Goumri-Said Souraya
Published: October 2022

The present work is a theoretical study of the structural and spin-polarized dependent optoelectronic thermoelectric properties of the melilite-typeGd2Be2GeO7 compound, using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave approach in the framework of density functional theory. The predicted structural parameters are in good accordance with the measured counterparts. It is found that the title compound is more stable in the ferromagnetic order than in the non-magnetic order. The calculated band structure using the modified Becke–Johnson potential reveals that the studied compound has a wide bandgap of 3.78 eV. The frequency-dependent linear optical spectra are studied in an energy range expanding from 0 to 30 eV. Finally, the semi classical Boltzmann theory as incorporated in the Boltztrap code is used to study the spin-polarized dependent transport properties. The obtained results show that Gd2Be2GeO7 is a potential candidate for conversion energy device applications.
Effect of Alkyl Chain Length on the Phase Situation of Glass-Forming Liquid Crystals
Authors: Drzewicz Anna , Juszyńska-Gałązka Ewa , Deptuch Aleksandra , Kula Przemysław
Published: October 2022

The phase behaviour of the latest synthesised compound belonging to a family of (S)-4′-(1-methyloctyloxycarbonyl) biphenyl-4-yl 4-[‘m’-(2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutoxy) ‘m’alkoxy]-benzoates (where ‘m’ means 3, 5 or 7 methylene groups) is described by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. It has been shown that as the length of the alkyl chain increases, a given liquid crystal possesses a greater number of mesophases and at a higher temperature it goes into the isotropic liquid phase. All examined compounds form a chiral smectic phase with antiferroelectric properties (SmCA* phase), in which the temperature range of occurrence increases with the length of the molecule. The number of methylene groups also affects the glass transition. The compound with the shortest alkyl chain (‘m’ = 3) is vitrified from the conformationally disordered crystal phase. For the compound with five -CH2- groups (‘m’ = 5), a glass transition from the monotropic high-order hexatic smectic SmXA* phase is observed. In the case of the liquid crystal with the longest carbon chain (‘m’ = 7), the vitrification from the less ordered SmCA* phase is visible. Differences in the crystallization kinetics, e.g., the nucleation-controlled mechanism for the compound with the shortest carbon chain vs. the complex phenomenon for its longer homologs, are discussed.
Multispectral Anti-Reflection Coatings Based on YbF3/ZnS Materials on ZnGeP2 Substrate by the IBS Method for Mid-IR Laser Applications
Authors: Zinovev Mikhail , Yudin Nikolay N. , Kinyaevskiy Igor , Podzyvalov Sergey , Kuznetsov Vladimir , Slyunko Elena , Baalbaki Houssain , Vlasov Denis
Published: October 2022

A multispectral anti-reflective coating of high radiation strength for laser applications in the IR spectrum for nonlinear ZnGeP2 crystals has been developed for the first time. The coating was constructed using YbF3/ZnS. The developed coating was obtained by a novel approach using ion-beam deposition of these materials on a ZnGeP2 substrate. It has a high LIDT of more than 2 J/cm2. Optimal layer deposition regimes were found for high film density and low absorption, and good adhesion of the coating to the substrate was achieved. At the same time, there was no dissociation of the double compound under high-energy ions.
Prevalence, Treatment Patterns, and Outcomes of Individuals with EGFR Positive Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in a Canadian Real-World Setting: A Comparison of Exon 19 Deletion, L858R, and Exon 20 Insertion EGFR Mutation Carriers
Authors: O’Sullivan Dylan E. , Jarada Tamer N. , Yusuf Amman , Hu Leo (Xun Yang) , Gogna Priyanka , Brenner Darren R. , Abbie Erica , Rose Jennifer B. , Eaton Kiefer , Elia-Pacitti Julia , Ewara Emmanuel M. , Pabani Aliyah , Cheung Winson Y. , Boyne Devon J.
Published: October 2022

Real-world evidence surrounding EGFR positive NSCLC patients in Canada is limited. Administrative databases in Alberta, Canada were used to evaluate EGFR testing and mutation prevalence in de novo metastatic NSCLC, as well as the characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of individuals with Exon 19, L858R and Exon20ins mutations. Between 2013–2019, 2974 individuals underwent EGFR testing, of which 451 (15.2%) were EGFR positive. Among EGFR positive individuals, 221 (49.0%) had an Exon 19 mutation, 159 (35.3%) had an L858R mutation, and 18 (4%) had an Exon20ins mutation. The proportion of individuals who initiated 1L systemic therapy was 89.1% for Exon19, 85.5% for L858R, and 72.2% for Exon20ins carriers. The primary front-line systemic therapy was gefitinib or afatinib monotherapy for individuals with Exon 19 (93.4%) and L858R (94.1%) mutations versus platinum combination therapy for individuals with Exon20ins mutations (61.5%). The Exon20ins cohort had worse median overall survival from initiation of 1L systemic therapy (10.5 months [95% CI: 8.0-not estimable]) than the Exon19 (20.6 months [95% CI: 18.4–24.9]), and L858R cohorts (19.1 months [95% CI: 14.5–23.1]). These findings highlight that Exon20ins mutations represent a rare subset of NSCLC in which treatment options are limited and survival outcomes are worse relative to individuals with more common types of EGFR mutations.
Mutational Landscape of Patients Referred for Elevated Hemoglobin Level
Authors: Bhai Pratibha , Chin-Yee Benjamin , Pope Victor , Cheong Ian , Matyashin Maxim , Levy Michael A. , Foroutan Aidin , Stuart Alan , Hsia Cyrus C. , Lin Hanxin , Sadikovic Bekim , Chin-Yee Ian
Published: October 2022

Background: Since the identification of JAK2 V617F and exon 12 mutations as driver mutations in polycythemia vera (PV) in 2005, molecular testing of these mutations for patients with erythrocytosis has become a routine clinical practice. However, the incidence of myeloid mutations other than the common JAK2 V617F mutation in unselected patients referred for elevated hemoglobin is not well studied. This study aimed to characterize the mutational landscape in a real-world population of patients referred for erythrocytosis using a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assay. Method: A total of 529 patients (hemoglobin levels >160 g/L in females or >165 g/L in males) were assessed between January 2018 and May 2021 for genetic variants using the Oncomine Myeloid Research Assay (ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) targeting 40 key genes with diagnostic and prognostic implications in hematological conditions (17 full genes and 23 genes with clinically relevant “hotspot” regions) and a panel of 29 fusion driver genes (>600 fusion partners). Results: JAK2 mutations were detected in 10.9% (58/529) of patients, with 57 patients positive for JAK2 V617F, while one patient had a JAK2 exon 12 mutation. Additional mutations were detected in 34.5% (20/58) of JAK2-positive patients: TET2 (11; 19%), DNMT3A (2;3.4%), ASXL1 (2; 3.4%), SRSF2 (2; 3.4%), BCOR (1; 1.7%), TP53 (1; 1.7%), and ZRSR2 (1; 1.7%). Diagnosis of PV was suspected in 2 JAK2-negative patients based on the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria. Notably, one patient carried mutations in the SRSF2 and TET2 genes, and the other patient carried mutations in the SRSF2, IDH2, and ASXL1 genes. Three JAK2-negative patients with elevated hemoglobin who tested positive for BCR/ABL1 fusion were diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and excluded from further analysis. The remaining 466 JAK2-negative patients were diagnosed with secondary erythrocytosis and mutations were found in 6% (28/466) of these cases. Conclusion: Mutations other than JAK2 mutations were frequently identified in patients referred for erythrocytosis, with mutations in the TET2, DNMT3A, and ASXL1 genes being detected in 34.5% of JAK2-positive PV patients. The presence of additional mutations, such as ASXL1 mutations, in this population has implications for prognosis. Both the incidence and mutation type identified in patients with secondary erythrocytosis likely reflects incidental, age-associated clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP).
A Regional Survey on Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Plea for Uniform Patient Journey Modeling and Diagnostic–Therapeutic Pathway
Authors: Roberto Michela , Botticelli Andrea , Caggiati Alessio , Chiriatti Alberto , Della Rocca Carlo , Ferraresi Virginia , Musicco Felice , Pellacani Giovanni , Marchetti Paolo
Published: October 2022

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine cancer that usually affects the elderly and immunosuppressed in sun-exposed areas. Due to its rarity, it is frequently unrecognized, and its management is not standardized across medical centers, despite the more recent availability of immunotherapy, with avelumab as first-line treatment improving the prognosis even in advanced stages of disease. We conducted a purpose-designed survey of a selected sample of physicians working in the Lazio region, in Italy, to assess their awareness and knowledge of MCC as well as their perspective on assisted diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. The Lazio region, and in particular Rome, is one of the most important academic and non- academic center in Italy dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. A total of 368 doctors (including 100 general practitioners, 72 oncologists, 87 dermatologists, 59 surgeons, and 50 anatomopathologists) agreed to be part of this survey. Surgeons, oncologists, and dermatologists thought themselves significantly more updated on MCC than primary care physicians, but more than half of the interviewees are interested in CCM training courses and training with clearer and more standardized care pathways. Significant differences have been reported from survey participants in terms of multidisciplinary team set up for MCC management. The identification of specialized centers and the improvement of communication pathways among different specialties, as well as between patients and physicians, could be very beneficial in improving patients’ journey modeling and starting a uniform diagnostic and therapeutic pathway for MCC patients in the new era of immunotherapies.
Current Clinical Practice of Precision Medicine Using Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Tests in Biliary Tract Cancer in Japan
Authors: Kanai Masashi
Published: October 2022

With the recent advances of next generation sequencing technologies, comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) tests, which are designed to measure more than hundreds of cancer-related genes at a time, have now been widely introduced into daily clinical practice. For the patients whose tumor samples are not fit for tissue-based CGP tests, a blood-based CGP test (liquid biopsy) is available as an alternative option. Three CGP tests, “OncoGuide NCC™Oncopanel System (124 genes)”, “FoundationOne®CDx (324 genes)”, and “Founda-tionOne®CDx Liquid (324 genes)”, are now reimbursed by public insurance in 233 hospitals designated for cancer genomic medicine in Japan. In biliary tract cancer, the prevalence of druggable variants is relatively higher compared to other cancer types and the European Society for Medical Oncology recommends routine use of CGP tests for advanced biliary tract cancer to guide treatment options. The latest National Cancer Center Network guideline lists eight druggable markers (NTRK fusion, MSI-H, TMB-H, BRAF V600E, FGFR2 fusions/rearrangement, IDH1 mutations, RET fusion, and HER2 overexpression) and matched therapies. In Japan, matched therapies for four markers (NTRK, MSI-H, TMB-H, and FGFR2) are reimbursed by public insurance (as of September 2022). The progress of genomic profiling technology will contribute to the improvement of the dismal clinical outcomes of this disease in the future.
Rapid Review of Real-World Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Cancer Interventions in Canada
Authors: Guggenbickler Andrea M. , Barr Heather K. , Hoch Jeffrey S. , Dewa Carolyn S.
Published: October 2022

Cost-effectiveness analysis (CE Analysis) provides evidence about the incremental gains in patient outcomes costs from new treatments and interventions in cancer care. The utilization of “real-world” data allows these analyses to better reflect differences in costs and effects for actual patient populations with comorbidities and a range of ages as opposed to randomized controlled trials, which use a restricted population. This rapid review was done through PubMed and Google Scholar in July 2022. Relevant articles were summarized and data extracted to summarize changes in costs (in 2022 CAD) and effectiveness in cancer care once funded by the Canadian government payer system. We conducted statistical analyses to examine the differences between means and medians of costs, effects, and incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Twenty-two studies were selected for review. Of those, the majority performed a CE Analysis on cancer drugs. Real-world cancer drug studies had significantly higher costs and effects than non-drug therapies. Studies that utilized a model to project longer time-horizons saw significantly smaller ICER values for the treatments they examined. Further, differences in drug costs increased over time. This review highlights the importance of performing real-world CE Analysis on cancer treatments to better understand their costs and impacts on a general patient population.
TP53 Mutation Mapping in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Real-World Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hao Fang , Gu Liyan , Zhong Diansheng
Published: October 2022

Background: TP53 is frequently mutated in solid tumors, but its basic mutation mapping is mixed, particularly in aggressive-stage lung cancer. Experimental Design: We curated a total of 139 advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who harbored wild-type TP53 (TP53wt) or mutated TP53 (TP53mut) based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze multiple-dimensional data types, including tumor mutation burden (TMB), programmed death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, co-mutant alterations, hotspot mutations distribution, and therapy response. Results: TP53 was evident in 125 mutations and significantly associated with male sex, adenocarcinoma differentiation, smoking history, PD-L1 tumor proportion score, and TMB level. The most frequent mutations were distributed on exon 8, but there were no distinct hotspot mutations. After outlining the co-mutation genes, it is interesting to note that DNA damage repair (DDR) genes were frequent alterations in the mutated TP53 cohort. Even though there was no significant difference between the TP53wt and TP53mut cohorts on therapy response, patients with nucleotide variation in G>T achieved a relatively higher durable clinical benefit (DCB) rate. Conclusions: This real-world retrospective study suggests that molecular stratification on the basis of TP53 mutations should be deeply explored for NSCLC to optimize and modify clinical therapy choices.
Acute Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression: Urgent Surgery versus Radiotherapy and Treatment Result Prediction versus Actual Results
Authors: Hershkovich Oded , Sakhnini Mojahed , Gara Sharif , Caspi Israel , Lotan Raphael
Published: October 2022

Background Context: The role of radiotherapy versus surgery in treating acute metastatic spinal cord compression (AMSCC) has changed over the years. Purpose: Our study evaluates neurological and functional outcomes following urgent surgery and radiotherapy (USFR) versus urgent radiotherapy alone in treating AMSCC. Study Design/Setting: A retrospective cohort of 54 patients with AMSCC with variable neurological deficits. Overall, 32 patients were treated with USFR, and 22 received urgent radiotherapy alone. Outcome Measures: Neurological status regarding the Asia and Frankel scores, continence and ambulation, and Kranofsky’s functional score and patient life span comprised the outcome measures. Methods: This was a retrospective EMR study. Results: USFR and radiotherapy cohorts were similar in age, gender, tumor origin, and the number of spinal metastases. The most common cause of AMSCC was carcinoma of the breast (24.1%), followed by carcinoma of the lung (16.7%) and multiple myeloma (13%). Neurological status at AMSCC presentation was similar between cohorts regarding Asia and Frankel scores, continence and ambulation, and Kranofsky’s functional score. Following USFR, 59.3% of the patients had a motor strength improvement, 31.3% regained sphincter function, and 34.4% regained ambulation, while 90% of the patients treated by radiotherapy did not show any improvement. One patient under radiotherapy lost sphincter function. The treatment received did not affect the patient’s survival. A subanalysis of patients with a short life expectancy, by Tomita and Tokuhashi scores, showed missed prediction in 29.4% of cases. Conclusion: The study supports the beneficial effect of UFSR compared to urgent radiotherapy alone in treating AMSCC in all subgroups. Early surgery improved function, motor strength, sphincter control, and ambulation without affecting life span. Prognostic scores failed to predict life span in almost one-third of the patients, requiring further investigation.
Disparities in All-Cause Mortality in Older Patients with Colorectal Cancer According to Disability Status: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Lee Woo-Ri , Han Kyu-Tae , Choi Mingee , Kim Woorim
Published: October 2022

Background: Although investigating patterns of cancer mortality is important in understanding the effect of cancer on population health, knowledge regarding mortality in cancer patients with disability is scarce. This study examined the association between disability status and all-cause mortality in older patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2008–2019 National Health Insurance Service claims data. The study population included patients with colorectal cancer aged 60 years or above. The outcome measure was all-cause 5-year and overall mortality. A survival analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model to analyze the association between all-cause mortality and disability status. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on disability severity. Results: The study population consisted of 6340 patients, and disability was reported in 15.8% of the included individuals. Participants with disability had a higher risk of both all-cause 5-year (hazard ratio (HR) 1.21, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.07–1.37) and overall mortality (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03–1.28). These findings were particularly significant in individuals with severe rather than mild disability. Conclusion: Older colorectal cancer patients with disabilities showed a higher risk of overall and 5-year all-cause mortality, which was evident in individuals with severe disabilities. The findings indicated disparities in mortality according to disability status. Further, we suggest that policies that can mediate such disparities must be strengthened.
Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma: 10-Year Experience in a Cancer Center—The Ottawa Hospital (TOH)
Authors: Alfagih Abdulhameed , Alrehaili Mohammad , Asmis Timothy
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is one of the predominant primary small bowel cancers that has a dismal outcome. We aim to report 10 years of experience in SBA management at a regional cancer centre in Canada.; (2) Methods: We retrospectively analysed clinical and pathological data of patients diagnosed with an SBA between 2011 and 2021 at the Ottawa Hospital (TOH), Ottawa, Canada. We describe the clinicopathological features and outcomes, including survival. Potential prognostic factors were analysed using the Cox proportional hazard model for multivariate analysis.; (3) Results: We identified 115 patients with SBA. The duodenum was the most common SBA location representing 61% (70) of the total patients, followed by the jejunum (17%) and ileum (10%). Around 24% (27) of cases presented with bowel obstructions. The majority of patients (56%, 64) had stage IV disease on presentation. Seven patients had MSI-high tumours, while 24% (27) were MS-stable. In terms of management, 48 patients underwent curative surgical resection, 17 of whom received adjuvant chemotherapy. On the other hand, 57 patients (49.5%) with the advanced disease received palliative systemic therapy, and 18 patients (16%) had supportive care only. Over a median follow-up of 21.5 months (range 0–122), the median overall survival was 94, 61, and 34 months for stages II, III, and IV, respectively (p < 0.05). The median recurrence-free survival was 93 and 23 months for stages II and III, respectively. However, there was no statistically significant difference between TNM stages in RFS, p = 0.069. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed only poor performance status at diagnosis as a predictor for shorter overall survival (p < 0.05). The univariate analysis didn’t show any significant correlation between RFS and covariants.; (4) Conclusions: SBA remains one of the most aggressive tumours with a dismal prognosis even after surgical resection. The optimal chemotherapy regimen has not been established. Further studies are needed to explore the role of adjuvant chemotherapy for stages I-III SBA.
Time Trend of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Incidence in China from 1990 to 2019 and Analysis Using an Age–Period–Cohort Model
Authors: Lin Yongtian , Guo Zengqing , Huang Shuna , Ma Jingyu , Xiang Zhisheng , Huang Yongying , Zhou Yan , Chen Wanqing
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the upper gastrointestinal cancer incidence trend in China from 1990 to 2019 with Joinpoint software and to evaluate the age effect, cohort effect, and period effect using the age–period–cohort model, with the data obtained from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study. The crude incidence rate (CR) of upper gastrointestinal cancer in China increased from 41.48/100,000 in 1990 to 62.64/100,000 in 2019, and the average annual percent change (AAPC) was 1.42 (p < 0.05). The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) decreased from 50.77/100,000 to 37.42/100,000, and the AAPC was −1.12 (p < 0.05). The net drift was −0.83 (p < 0.05), and the local drifts in the 35–79 age groups of males and all age groups of females were less than 0 (p < 0.05). The age effect showed that the upper gastrointestinal cancer onset risk gradually increased with age, the period effect was fundamentally manifested as a downward trend in onset risk after 2000, and the cohort effect indicated the decreased onset risk of the overall birth cohort after 1926. The ASIR of upper gastrointestinal cancer in China from 1990 to 2019 showed a downward trend, and the onset risk indicated the age, period, and cohort effects.
Global Biodiversity of the Family Lecithoceridae (Gelechioidea) with a Brief Historical Review
Authors: Park Kyu-Tek
Published: October 2022

The family Lecithoceridae (Lepidoptera, Gelechioidea) is one of the more poorly known groups of microlepidoptera, even though it is a highly diverse group containing more than 1430 known species so far. During the last two decades since the end of the 20th century, the author has intensively studied the family Lecithoceridae, especially for the less explored areas including southern Asia and the Oceanian and Afrotropical regions. Throughout these studies, the author (often with his co-authors) described the new subfamily Crocanthinae Park, 2015, 32 new genera, and over 540 new species of the family. In this article, a historical review for the taxonomic works of the family since the comprehensive study by Gozmány is briefly summarized, with a comparison of the number of genera/species of each subfamily, and the number of the species by the subfamily in each region of the world. All available information on the phylogeny, biology, morphological characters of subfamilies, and zoogeographical remarks for the distribution of family are listed and discussed.
Where Land and Water Meet: Making Amphibian Breeding Sites Attractive for Amphibians
Authors: Siffert Océane , Pellet Jérôme , Ramseier Petra , Tobler Ursina , Bergamini Ariel , Schmidt Benedikt R.
Published: October 2022

The protection of wetlands is a cornerstone in the conservation of pond-breeding amphibians. Because protected wetlands are rarely natural areas, but are often man-made, at least in Europe, it is important that they are well managed to fulfill their intended function. Appropriate management requires knowledge of the ecology of the species, particularly habitat requirements. Here, we combine species monitoring data and habitat mapping data in an analysis where our goal was to describe the factors that determine the occupancy of amphibian species in federally protected amphibian breeding sites. As expected, every species had its own habitat requirements, often a combination of both a terrestrial and aquatic habitat (i.e., landscape complementation). In most species, occupancy was strongly positively affected with the amount of aquatic habitat, but predicted occupancy probabilities were low because the amount of aquatic habitat was low in most sites. The area or proportion of ruderal vegetation also had positive effects on multiple species, while other types of terrestrial habitat (e.g., meadows) led to low occupancy probabilities. The total area of the protected breeding sites was never included in a final model and connectivity was important only for one species (Triturus cristatus). The latter finding implies that the quality of the landscape between breeding sizes is more important than distance per se, while the former implies that the area of some specific habitats within breeding sites is crucial for high occupancies. Thus, increasing the amount of aquatic habitats and likewise terrestrial habitats within protected areas would make them more likely to achieve their conservation objectives. Our study is an example of how the joint analysis of monitoring data and habitat data (based on mapping in the field) can lead to evidence-based suggestions on how to improve conservation practice.
Real-Time PCR-Based Method for Sex Determination in Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)
Authors: Kanefsky Jeannette , Smith Seth , Scribner Kim T.
Published: October 2022

The characterization of demographic features in natural populations is important to understand recruitment dynamics, mating systems, and propensities for loss of genetic diversity. The accurate identification of sex can be difficult in sexually monomorphic species. We present a melt curve analysis based on qPCR assays for lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) sex identification and validation using the AllWSex2 marker and adult males and females (total N = 143) with an assigned field sex from two populations (Black Lake, MI, and Menominee River, MI–WI border, USA). The assay is highly accurate (~98% concordance between putative or confirmed field and molecular sex classification), fast, and easy to use. The detected inconsistencies between field and molecular sexing were partially attributed to field-sexing uncertainty. This method will allow researchers to rapidly determine the sex of individuals of this regionally threatened species to use in conservation efforts and research.
Bloom of Prorocentrum cordatum in Paracas Bay, Peru
Authors: Tenorio Cecil , Álvarez Gonzalo , Perez-Alania Melissa , Blanco Jose Luis , Paulino Carlos , Blanco Juan , Uribe Eduardo
Published: October 2022

During the austral winter of 2017, a bloom of Prorocentrum spp. occurred, reaching a cell density of 2.73 × 106 cells L−1, in Paracas Bay, Peru. In order to identify which, type of species generated this event and determine its toxicity, the values of the environmental parameters (temperature, winds and salinity) that induced the rapid growth of the dinoflagellate in this bloom were identified. A clonal culture was established for taxonomic (SEM), phylogenetic (ITS) and toxicological analysis via LC-MS/MS to determine the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and whether the species represents a food safety hazard. This event coincided with the coastal upwelling process, which generated high concentrations of phytoplankton biomass (>10 mg m−3 chlorophyll-a) and allowed the rapid growth of P. cordatum (IMP-BG 450) in Paracas Bay. However, toxicological analyses of the IMP-BG 450 strain culture did not show the presence of TTX quantifiable through the technique used. Due to the antecedents of the presence of TTX in mollusks from other latitudes during blooms of this species, it is recommended that analyses of this toxin be carried out both in filter-feeding mollusks and in this species during a new bloom.
Specific and Intraspecific Diversity of Symphypleona and Neelipleona (Hexapoda: Collembola) in Southern High Appalachia (USA)
Authors: Dukes Caroline D. , Janssens Frans , Recuero Ernesto , Caterino Michael S.
Published: October 2022

Collembola, commonly known as springtails, are important detritivores, abundant in leaf litter and soil globally. Springtails are wingless hexapods with many North American species having wide distributions ranging from as far as Alaska to Mexico. Here, we analyze the occurrence and intraspecific diversity of springtails with a globular body shape (Symphypleona and Neelipleona), in southern high Appalachia, a significant biodiversity hotspot. The peaks of high Appalachia represent ‘sky islands’ due to their physical isolation, and they host numerous endemic species in other taxa. We surveyed globular Collembola through COI metabarcoding, assessing geographic and genetic diversity across localities and species. Intraspecific diversity in globular Collembola was extremely high, suggesting that considerable cryptic speciation has occurred. While we were able to associate morphospecies with described species in most of the major families in the region (Dicyrtomidae, Katiannidae, Sminthuridae, and Sminthurididae), other families (Neelidae, and Arrhopalitidae) are in more pressing need of taxonomic revision before species identities can be confirmed. Due to poor representation in databases, and high intraspecific variability, no identifications were accomplished through comparison with available DNA barcodes.
A Rare Case of Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm in a Child Mimicking Lymphoma/Leukemia Cutis
Authors: Phusuphitchayanan Phanitchanat , Vejjabhinanta Voraphol , Takpradit Chayamon , Sudtikoonaseth Poonnawis , Chairatchaneeboon Manasmon , Kiatvichukul Thamonpan , Sukpanichnant Sanya
Published: October 2022

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare tumor that affects elderly individuals and presents a poor prognosis. Skin is the most common site of involvement, accounting for 89% of the cases. Extracutaneous organs, especially bone marrow, lymph nodes, and peripheral blood, can be involved at the time of diagnosis. We report a case of BPDCN in a child, presenting with a cutaneous lesion mimicking lymphoma or leukemia cutis. The histologic findings revealed a dense diffuse infiltration by monomorphic agranular medium-sized blast cells with sparing of the grenz zone, whose first immunophenotypic profile raised the possibility of diagnosing B lymphoblastic lymphoma or leukemia. However, the absence of CD10 expression and strongly positive expression for CD4, CD56, CD45RA, and the plasmacytoid dendritic cell-associated antigens, including CD123, supported the definite diagnosis of BPDCN. The patient responded well to a systemic combination chemotherapy regimen, modified from the Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP) protocol for anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), that differed from the established recommendation using ALL protocol. Owing to the patient’s excellent treatment outcome, this regimen could represent an effective alternative regimen for BPDCN in children.
Prostate Cancer after Percutaneous Arterial Embolization of the Prostate: A Case Report
Authors: Chang Ying-Chieh , Chen Szu-Ju , Huang Wei-Hsuan , Huang Chi-Ping , Chen Yung-Hsiang , Chen Wen-Chi
Published: October 2022

We report a patient with prostate cancer found 2 years after percutaneous arterial embolization (PAE) of the prostate with a rapid increase in prostate specific antigen (PSA) 3 months later, even though the initial result was low. He did not consult a urologist during or after PAE until acute urinary retention developed. The clinical stage was cT2cN1M1b with Gleason grade 5 + 5 = 10. An increase in PSA a short interval after PAE may suggest the presence of prostate cancer. We suggest that patients undergoing PAE should consult a urologist, and that PSA levels should be checked every 3 months in the first year after PSA.
Frequency of Missed Findings on Chest Radiographs (CXRs) in an International, Multicenter Study: Application of AI to Reduce Missed Findings
Authors: Kaviani Parisa , Kalra Mannudeep K. , Digumarthy Subba R. , Gupta Reya V. , Dasegowda Giridhar , Jagirdar Ammar , Gupta Salil , Putha Preetham , Mahajan Vidur , Reddy Bhargava , Venugopal Vasanth K. , Tadepalli Manoj , Bizzo Bernardo C. , Dreyer Keith J.
Published: October 2022

Background: Missed findings in chest X-ray interpretation are common and can have serious consequences. Methods: Our study included 2407 chest radiographs (CXRs) acquired at three Indian and five US sites. To identify CXRs reported as normal, we used a proprietary radiology report search engine based on natural language processing (mPower, Nuance). Two thoracic radiologists reviewed all CXRs and recorded the presence and clinical significance of abnormal findings on a 5-point scale (1—not important; 5—critical importance). All CXRs were processed with the AI model (Qure.ai) and outputs were recorded for the presence of findings. Data were analyzed to obtain area under the ROC curve (AUC). Results: Of 410 CXRs (410/2407, 18.9%) with unreported/missed findings, 312 (312/410, 76.1%) findings were clinically important: pulmonary nodules (n = 157), consolidation (60), linear opacities (37), mediastinal widening (21), hilar enlargement (17), pleural effusions (11), rib fractures (6) and pneumothoraces (3). AI detected 69 missed findings (69/131, 53%) with an AUC of up to 0.935. The AI model was generalizable across different sites, geographic locations, patient genders and age groups. Conclusion: A substantial number of important CXR findings are missed; the AI model can help to identify and reduce the frequency of important missed findings in a generalizable manner.
Adenosquamous Carcinoma with the Acantholytic Feature in the Oral Cavity: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Abé Tatsuya , Yamazaki Manabu , Maruyama Satoshi , Ikeda Nobuyuki , Sumita Yoshimasa , Tomihara Kei , Tanuma Jun-ichi
Published: October 2022

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) is an aggressive subtype of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Due to its poor prognosis, a precise pathological diagnosis of ASC is essential but challenging because its pathological criteria are still unclear. Here, we present a rare case of oral ASC accompanied by acantholytic features. The tumor was raised in the mandibular gingiva and recurred locally approximately 13 months after the initial surgery with cervical lymph node metastasis. Pathological specimens of the primary lesion showed acantholysis in a large area of the SCC. Mucous cells, the characteristic finding indicating glandular differentiation, were imperceptible in the initial surgical specimen but increased in the locally recurrent and metastatic lymph node specimens. In a comprehensive literature review of oral ASC cases, the present case was the only case of ASC with acantholytic features. We reconfirmed that ASC has poor prognoses, such as low 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival, high locoregional recurrence, and high distant metastasis rates. A precise diagnosis of ASC is required for estimating prognosis and undergoing close follow-up, even if the adenocarcinomatous component is limited to a small area in the lesion.
Performance Score (T2D)—A New Perspective in the Assessment of Six-Minute Walking Tests in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Authors: Wagner Barbara , Zdravkovic Andrej , Pirchl Michael , Puhan Milo A. , Zwick Ralf Harun , Grote Vincent , Crevenna Richard , Fischer Michael J.
Published: October 2022

Because absolute changes in outcomes are difficult to interpret and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is not suitable to address this challenge, a novel method of classifying outcomes by relating changes to baseline values is warranted. We used the “performance score” (T2D), which reflects individual performance, enabling us to consider the functional status at the beginning of rehabilitation without dealing with the problems of mathematical coupling or regression effects, as encountered in ANCOVA. To illustrate the T2D, we retrospectively analyzed changes in the six-minute walking test (6MWT) in COPD patients undergoing outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation and compared the results with absolute differences related to a predetermined MCID. We evaluated a total of 575 COPD patients with a mean age of 61.4 ± 9.2 years. 6MWT improved significantly, with a mean change of 32.3 ± 71.2. A total of 105/311 participants who had reached the MCID were still classified as “below average” by the T2D. Conversely, 76/264 patients who had not reached the MCID were classified as “above average”. This new performance measure accounts for the patient’s current status and for changes over time, potentially representing a simple and user-friendly tool that can be used to quantify a patient’s performance and response to rehabilitation.
Clinical Value of Neutrophil CD64 Index, PCT, and CRP in Acute Pancreatitis Complicated with Abdominal Infection
Authors: Wang Biao , Tang Rongzhu , Wu Shaohong , Liu Ming , Kanwal Fariha , Rehman Muhammad Fayyaz ur , Wu Fang , Zhu Jianping
Published: October 2022

Objective: To study the clinical diagnostic value of neutrophil CD64 index, PCT, and CRP in patients with acute pancreatitis with abdominal infection. Methods: A number of patients with acute pancreatitis (n = 234) participated in the study. According to the infection and health conditions, they were further divided into the non-infection group (n = 122), infection group (n = 78), and sepsis group (n = 34), and 40 healthy subjects were selected in the control group (n = 40). Expression levels of infection indexes, such as CD64 index, PCT, and CRP, were detected and compared. ROC curves were drawn to compare the efficacy of each index in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis with abdominal infection and sepsis. The study was retrospectively registered under the China Clinical Trial Registry as a trial number ChiCTR2100054308. Results: All indexes were significantly higher in three clinical groups than the healthy control group (p < 0.05). The CD64 index, CD64 positive rate, and PCT in the infected group were significantly higher than those in the uninfected group (ALL p < 0.05). The PCT of patients infected with Gram-negative bacteria was significantly higher than that of Gram-positive bacteria-infected patients (p < 0.05). CD64 index had the best diagnostic efficiency for acute pancreatitis infection, with 82.14% sensitivity, 88.51% specificity, and 0.707 Youden indexes. The CD64 Youden index (0.780) for sepsis diagnosis was the highest, while the AUC of PCT was the highest (0.897). Conclusion: CD64 index combined with PCT has good sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing acute pancreatitis infection and sepsis.
Serum Lactate as Serum Biomarker for Cardiopulmonary Parameters within the First 24 Hours after a Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Bender Michael , Haferkorn Kristin , Nagl Jasmin , Uhl Eberhard , Stein Marco
Published: October 2022

Objective: Cardiopulmonary (CP) complications are well known in patients with an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and could be associated with a higher serum lactate level. The present study aimed to assess the associations between the initial serum lactate level and the CP parameters within the first 24 h of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment in neurosurgical ICH patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 354 patients admitted to the ICU between 01/2009 and 12/2017 with a diagnosis of an ICH were retrospectively analyzed. Blood samples were taken upon admission, and each patient’s demographic, medical, and radiological data upon admission, as well as several CP parameters, were recorded within the first 24 h of ICU treatment. Results: A higher serum lactate level was associated with a lower GCS score (p < 0.0001), as well as a higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (p = 0.002) upon admission. Additionally, patients with initially higher serum lactate levels had a significantly higher need for a norepinephrine application (p = 0.004) and inspiratory oxygen fraction (p = 0.03) within the first 24 h. Conclusion: Neurosurgical ICH patients with higher serum lactate levels upon admission require more CP support within the first 24 h of ICU treatment.
Routing in Solar-Powered UAV Delivery System
Authors: Tian Zijing , Haas Zygmunt J. , Shinde Shatavari
Published: October 2022

As interest grows in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, UAVs have been proposed to take on increasingly more tasks that were previously assigned to humans. One such task is the delivery of goods within urban cities using UAVs, which would otherwise be delivered by terrestrial means. However, the limited endurance of UAVs due to limited onboard energy storage makes it challenging to practically employ UAV technology for deliveries across long routes. Furthermore, the relatively high cost of building UAV charging stations prevents the dense deployment of charging facilities. Solar-powered UAVs can ease this problem, as they do not require charging stations and can harvest solar power in the daytime. This paper introduces a solar-powered UAV goods delivery system to plan delivery missions with solar-powered UAVs (SPUs). In this study, when the SPUs run out of power, they charge themselves on landing places provided by customers instead of charging stations. Some advanced path planning algorithms are proposed to minimize the overall mission time in the statically charging efficiency environment. We further consider routing in the dynamically charging efficiency environment and propose some mission arrangement protocols to manage different missions in the system. The simulation results demonstrate that the algorithms proposed in our work perform significantly better than existing UAV path planning algorithms in solar-powered UAV systems.
A Human-Detection Method Based on YOLOv5 and Transfer Learning Using Thermal Image Data from UAV Perspective for Surveillance System
Authors: Mantau Aprinaldi Jasa , Widayat Irawan Widi , Leu Jenq-Shiou , Köppen Mario
Published: October 2022

At this time, many illegal activities are being been carried out, such as illegal mining, hunting, logging, and forest burning. These things can have a substantial negative impact on the environment. These illegal activities are increasingly rampant because of the limited number of officers and the high cost required to monitor them. One possible solution is to create a surveillance system that utilizes artificial intelligence to monitor the area. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and NVIDIA Jetson modules (general-purpose GPUs) can be inexpensive and efficient because they use few resources. The problem from the object-detection field utilizing the drone’s perspective is that the objects are relatively small compared to the observation space, and there are also illumination and environmental challenges. In this study, we will demonstrate the use of the state-of-the-art object-detection method you only look once (YOLO) v5 using a dataset of visual images taken from a UAV (RGB-image), along with thermal infrared information (TIR), to find poachers. There are seven scenario training methods that we have employed in this research with RGB and thermal infrared data to find the best model that we will deploy on the Jetson Nano module later. The experimental result shows that a new model with pre-trained model transfer learning from the MS COCO dataset can improve YOLOv5 to detect the human–object in the RGBT image dataset.