bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dielectric and Magnetic Studies La+3 doped Cobalt Nano Ferrite
Authors: Ragini N. , Ayesha Syeda , P Komal K. , Fatima Tanveer , Harsha G. A , Shilpa S , Abdul Khader S.
Published: July 2021

La3+ substituted cobalt ferrite nano-particles with the chemical composition LaxCoFe2-xO4 (here,x=0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2) were synthesized using auto-combustion method. Structural and morphological studies were probed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Formation of rare-earth doped cobalt ferrite was confirmed using the X-ray diffraction studies. Average crystallite size (D) was found to be varying from 43.71nm to 55.37nm with the increase in La3+ concentration. Frequency dependent dielectric properties of synthesized samples were measured from 100 Hz to 1 MHz at room temperature using a precision HIOKI make LCR HI-TESTER. Dielectric dispersion was observed at lower frequencies for the synthesized samples. Magnetic properties were studies using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), all the synthesized samples exhibited well defined magnetic hysteresis curves, there by confirming the magnetic behaviour of the sintered samples.
Optimal CRONE controller using meta-heuristic optimization algorithm for shell and tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Girirajan B. , Rathikarani D.
Published: July 2021

A meta-heuristic optimization algorithm based third generation CRONE controller is proposed for controlling the thermal interfaces in heat exchanger device. The primary aim of this work is to identify suitable optimization technique among the whale optimization Algorithm (WOA) and grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithms that would improve the robustness of third order crone controller against the parameter variations. A mathematical model of HE is developed to compute non-integer parameters so as to realize the optimal performance of the controller. The objective function is to minimize cost of fluid flow rate and to maximize the heat transfer rate. The optimization of heat exchanger is complicated by number of process plants, area, and method of connection, pressure drop of fluid, and transfer rate. A competitive result is obtained with multi-objective non-linear WOA for wide range of the process variable variations. The simulation is performed in MATLAB software to verify proposed WOA optimized third order CRONE controller and the performance is compared with the GWO optimized CRONE controller.
Churn Prediction in Telecom sector using Deep Neural Network with Flask Application
Authors: Kiruthika J.K. , Neshamoney B.S. , Madhan Kumar L. , Mugunthan V.
Published: July 2021

Agitate Analysis is one of the overall utilized examination on Subscription Oriented Industries to break down client practices to anticipate the clients which are going to leave the help understanding from an organization. It depends on Deep Learning techniques and calculations and become so significant for organizations in the present business conditions as acquiring another client’s expense is more than holding the current ones. The paper audits the significant examinations on Customer Churn Analysis on Telecommunication Industry in writing to introduce general data to perusers about the regularly utilized information mining techniques utilized, results and execution of the strategies and revealing an insight to additional studies. To stay up with the latest, contemplates distributed in most recent five years and basically most recent two years have been incorporated.
Extended micromagnetic model for the detection of superparamagnetic labels using a GMR vortex sensor
Authors: Wetterau Lukas , Abert Claas , Suess Dieter , Albrecht Manfred , Witzigmann Bernd
Published: July 2021

A self-consistent micromagnetic model is proposed for simulating interactions between a superparamagnetic label particle and a low-noise GMR vortex sensor, focusing on most common operations such as label detection and saturation. For this purpose, we evaluate the combined action of vortex stray field and the applied external field.

By solving the Landau–Lifshitz-Gilbert equation we find that a superparamagnetic label with a diameter of 60 nm can be successfully detected by a magnetic vortex structure assisted with an external magnetic field of 100 mT. Subsequently, the self-consistent spin diffusion model is applied to calculate electric response of a standard low-noise GMR vortex sensor to the presence of magnetically-saturated label. It is shown that the stray field of the activated label produces a detectable potential difference in the GMR sensor of 27.1 to 27.8 mV, the magnitude of which depends on location of the label with respect to the sensor surface.
The Impact of Communicating Uncertainty on Public Responses to Precision Medicine Research
Authors: Ratcliff Chelsea L , Wong Bob , Jensen Jakob D , Kaphingst Kimberly A
Published: July 2021

Background

Precision medicine research depends upon recruiting large and diverse participant cohorts to provide genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data. How prospective participants react to information about this research, including depictions of uncertainty, is not well understood.

Purpose

The current study examined public responses to precision medicine research, focusing on reactions toward (a) uncertainty about the scientific impact of sharing data for research, and (b) uncertainty about the privacy, security, or intended uses of participant data.

Methods

U.S. adults (N = 674; 51.9% male; 50% non-Hispanic white; Mage = 42.23) participated in an online experimental survey. Participants read a manipulated news article about precision medicine research that conveyed either certainty or uncertainty of each type (scientific, data). Participants then rated their attitudes toward the research, trust in the researchers, and willingness to join a cohort. We tested direct and mediated paths between message condition and outcomes and examined individual characteristics as moderators.

Results

Overall attitudes were positive and a majority of participants (65%) reported being somewhat or very likely to participate in precision medicine research if invited. Conveying uncertainty of either type had no overall main effect on outcomes. Instead, those who reported perceiving greater uncertainty had lower attitudes, trust, and willingness to join, while those with more tolerance for uncertainty, support for science, and scientific understanding responded favorably to the scientific uncertainty disclosure.

Conclusions

Findings suggest responses to precision medicine research uncertainty are nuanced and that successful cohort enrollment may be well-supported by a transparent approach to communicating with prospective participants.
Effect of rapid methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal polymerase chain reaction screening on vancomycin use in the intensive care unit
Authors: Diep Calvin , Meng Lina , Pourali Samaneh , Hitchcock Matthew M , Alegria William , Swayngim Rebecca , Ran Ran , Banaei Niaz , Deresinski Stan , Holubar Marisa
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To determine the impact of a pharmacist-driven methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screen on vancomycin duration in critically ill patients with suspected pneumonia.

Methods

This was a retrospective, quasi-experimental study at a 613-bed academic medical center with 67 intensive care beds. Adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between 2017 and 2019 for 24 hours or longer and empirically started on intravenous vancomycin for pneumonia were included. The primary intervention was the implementation of a MRSA nasal PCR screen protocol. The primary outcome was duration of empiric vancomycin therapy. Secondary outcomes included the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI), the number of vancomycin levels obtained, the rate of resumption of vancomycin for treatment of pneumonia, ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, the rate of ICU readmission, and the rate of in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 418 patients were included in the final analysis. The median vancomycin duration was 2.59 days in the preprotocol group and 1.44 days in the postprotocol group, a reduction of approximately 1.00 day (P < 0.01). There were significantly fewer vancomycin levels measured in the postprotocol group than in the preprotocol group. Secondary outcomes were similar between the 2 groups, except that there was a lower rate of AKI and fewer vancomycin levels obtained in the postprotocol group (despite implementation of area under the curve–based vancomycin dosing) as compared to the preprotocol group.

Conclusion

The implementation of a pharmacist-driven MRSA nasal PCR screen was associated with a decrease in vancomycin duration and the number of vancomycin levels obtained in critically ill patients with suspected pneumonia.
Differential responses of thesunn4andrdn1-1super-nodulation mutants ofMedicago truncatulato elevated atmospheric CO2
Authors: Qiao Yunfa , Miao Shujie , Jin Jian , Mathesius Ulrike , Tang Caixian
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

Nitrogen fixation in legumes requires tight control of carbon and nitrogen balance. Thus, legumes control nodule numbers via an autoregulation mechanism. ‘Autoregulation of nodulation’ mutants super-nodulate are thought to be carbon-limited due to the high carbon-sink strength of excessive nodules. This study aimed to examine the effect of increasing carbon supply on the performance of super-nodulation mutants.

Methods

We compared the responses of Medicago truncatula super-nodulation mutants (sunn-4 and rdn1-1) and wild type to five CO2 levels (300–850 μmol mol−1). Nodule formation and nitrogen fixation were assessed in soil-grown plants at 18 and 42 d after sowing.

Key Results

Shoot and root biomass, nodule number and biomass, nitrogenase activity and fixed nitrogen per plant of all genotypes increased with increasing CO2 concentration and reached a maximum at 700 μmol mol−1. While the sunn-4 mutant showed strong growth retardation compared with wild-type plants, elevated CO2 increased shoot biomass and total nitrogen content of the rdn1-1 mutant up to 2-fold. This was accompanied by a 4-fold increase in nitrogen fixation capacity in the rdn1-1 mutant.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the super-nodulation phenotype per se did not limit growth. The additional nitrogen fixation capacity of the rdn1-1 mutant may enhance the benefit of elevated CO2 for plant growth and N2 fixation.
Drug repositioning based on the heterogeneous information fusion graph convolutional network
Authors: Cai Lijun , Lu Changcheng , Xu Junlin , Meng Yajie , Wang Peng , Fu Xiangzheng , Zeng Xiangxiang , Su Yansen
Published: July 2021

In silico reuse of old drugs (also known as drug repositioning) to treat common and rare diseases is increasingly becoming an attractive proposition because it involves the use of de-risked drugs, with potentially lower overall development costs and shorter development timelines. Therefore, there is a pressing need for computational drug repurposing methodologies to facilitate drug discovery. In this study, we propose a new method, called DRHGCN (Drug Repositioning based on the Heterogeneous information fusion Graph Convolutional Network), to discover potential drugs for a certain disease. To make full use of different topology information in different domains (i.e. drug–drug similarity, disease–disease similarity and drug–disease association networks), we first design inter- and intra-domain feature extraction modules by applying graph convolution operations to the networks to learn the embedding of drugs and diseases, instead of simply integrating the three networks into a heterogeneous network. Afterwards, we parallelly fuse the inter- and intra-domain embeddings to obtain the more representative embeddings of drug and disease. Lastly, we introduce a layer attention mechanism to combine embeddings from multiple graph convolution layers for further improving the prediction performance. We find that DRHGCN achieves high performance (the average AUROC is 0.934 and the average AUPR is 0.539) in four benchmark datasets, outperforming the current approaches. Importantly, we conducted molecular docking experiments on DRHGCN-predicted candidate drugs, providing several novel approved drugs for Alzheimer’s disease (e.g. benzatropine) and Parkinson’s disease (e.g. trihexyphenidyl and haloperidol).
Acute kidney injury following hepatectomy and its impact on long-term survival for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee K F , Lo E Y J , Wong K K C , Fung A K Y , Chong C C N , Wong J , Ng K K C , Lai P B S
Published: July 2021

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasingly being recognized after hepatectomy. This study aimed to identify factors predicting its occurrence and its impact on long-term outcome among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of the incidence of AKI, factors predicting its occurrence, and its impact on patients undergoing hepatectomy between September 2007 and December 2018. A subgroup analysis included patients with histologically proven HCC.

Results

The incidence of AKI was 9.2 per cent in 930 patients. AKI was associated with increased mortality, morbidity, posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), and a longer hospital stay. On multivariable analysis, study period December 2013 to December 2018, diabetes mellitus, mean intraoperative BP below 72.1 mmHg, operative blood loss exceeding 377ml, high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and PHLF were predictive factors for AKI. Among 560 patients with HCC, hypertension, BP below 76.9 mmHg, blood loss greater than 378ml, MELD score, and PHLF were predictive factors. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 74.1, 59.2, and 51.6 per cent respectively for patients with AKI, and 91.8, 77.9, and 67.3 per cent for those without AKI. Corresponding 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 56.9, 42.3, and 35.4 per cent respectively in the AKI group, and 71.7, 54.5, and 46.2 per cent in the no-AKI group. AKI was an independent predictor of survival in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

AKI is associated with longer hospital stay, and higher morbidity and mortality rates. It is also associated with shorter long-term survival among patients with HCC. To avoid AKI, control of blood loss and maintaining a reasonable BP (72–77 mmHg) during hepatectomy is important.
Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Variant-Associated Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) Mutations on the Susceptibility to Serum Antibodies Elicited by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection or Vaccination
Authors: Chen Lin-Lei , Lu Lu , Choi Charlotte Yee-Ki , Cai Jian-Piao , Tsoi Hoi-Wah , Chu Allen Wing-Ho , Ip Jonathan Daniel , Chan Wan-Mui , Zhang Ricky Ruiqi , Zhang Xiaojuan , Tam Anthony Raymond , Lau Daphne Pui-Ling , To Wing-Kin , Que Tak-Lun , Yip Cyril Chik-Yan , Chan Kwok-Hung , Cheng Vincent Chi-Chung , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Hung Ivan Fan-Ngai , To Kelvin Kai-Wang
Published: July 2021

Background

Several severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineages with mutations at the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) have reduced susceptibility to antibody neutralization, and have been classified as variants of concern (VOCs) or variants of interest (VOIs). Here we systematically compared the neutralization susceptibility and RBD binding of different VOCs/VOIs, including B.1.617.1 (kappa variant) and P.3 (theta variant), which were first detected in India and the Philippines, respectively.

Methods

The neutralization susceptibility of the VOCs/VOIs (B.1.351, B.1.617.1, and P.3) and a non-VOC/VOI without RBD mutations (B.1.36.27) to convalescent sera from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients or BNT162b2 vaccinees was determined using a live virus microneutralization (MN) assay. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding to wild-type and mutant RBDs were determined using an enzyme immunoassay.

Results

The geometric mean neutralization titers (GMT) of B.1.351, P.3, and B.1.617.1 were significantly lower than that of B.1.36.27 for COVID-19 patients infected with non-VOCs/VOIs (3.4- to 5.7-fold lower) or individuals who have received 2 doses of BNT162b2 vaccine (4.4- to 7.3-fold lower). The GMT of B.1.351 or P.3 were lower than that of B.1.617.1. For the 4 patients infected with B.1.351 or B.1.617.1, the MN titer was highest for their respective lineage. RBD with E484K or E484Q mutation, either alone or in combination with other mutations, showed greatest reduction in serum IgG binding.

Conclusions

P.3 and B.1.617.1 escape serum neutralization induced by natural infection or vaccine. Infection with 1 variant does not confer cross-protection for heterologous lineages. Immunogenicity testing for second generation COVID-19 vaccines should include multiple variant and “nonvariant” strains.
Conservative, surgical, and percutaneous treatment for mitral regurgitation shortly after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Haberman Dan , Estévez-Loureiro Rodrigo , Benito-Gonzalez Tomas , Denti Paolo , Arzamendi Dabit , Adamo Marianna , Freixa Xavier , Nombela-Franco Luis , Villablanca Pedro , Krivoshei Lian , Fam Neil , Spargias Konstantinos , Czarnecki Andrew , Pascual Isaac , Praz Fabien , Sudarsky Doron , Kerner Arthur , Ninios Vlasis , Gennari Marco , Beeri Ronen , Perl Leor , Wasserstrum Yishay , Danenberg Haim , Poles Lion , George Jacob , Caneiro-Queija Berenice , Scianna Salvatore , Moaraf Igal , Schiavi Davide , Scardino Claudia , Corpataux Noé , Echarte-Morales Julio , Chrissoheris Michael , Fernández-Peregrina Estefanía , Di Pasquale Mattia , Regueiro Ander , Vergara-Uzcategui Carlos , Iñiguez-Romo Andres , Fernández-Vázquez Felipe , Dvir Danny , Maisano Francesco , Taramasso Maurizio , Shuvy Mony
Published: July 2021

Aims 

Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) following acute myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with high mortality rates and has inconclusive recommendations in clinical guidelines. We aimed to report the international experience of patients with secondary MR following acute MI and compare the outcomes of those treated conservatively, surgically, and percutaneously.

Methods and results 

Retrospective international registry of consecutive patients with at least moderate-to-severe MR following MI treated in 21 centres in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The registry included patients treated conservatively and those having surgical mitral valve repair or replacement (SMVR) or percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) using edge-to-edge repair. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. A total of 471 patients were included (43% female, age 73 ± 11 years): 205 underwent interventions, of whom 106 were SMVR and 99 PMVR. Patients who underwent mitral valve intervention were in a worse clinical state (Killip class ≥3 in 60% vs. 43%, P < 0.01), but yet had lower in-hospital and 1-year mortality compared with those treated conservatively [11% vs. 27%, P < 0.01 and 16% vs. 35%, P < 0.01; adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18–0.46, P < 0.01]. Surgical mitral valve repair or replacement was performed earlier than PMVR [median of 12 days from MI date (interquartile range 5–19) vs. 19 days (10–40), P < 0.01]. The immediate procedural success did not differ between SMVR and PMVR (92% vs. 93%, P = 0.53). However, in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates were significantly higher in SMVR than in PMVR (16% vs. 6%, P = 0.03 and 31% vs. 17%, P = 0.04; adjusted HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.55–9.07, P < 0.01).

Conclusions 

Early intervention may mitigate the poor prognosis associated with conservative therapy in patients with post-MI MR. Percutaneous mitral valve repair can serve as an alternative for surgery in reducing MR for high-risk patients.
Development of a yoghurt alternative, based on plant-adapted lactic acid bacteria, soy drink and the liquid fraction of brewers’ spent grain
Authors: Madsen Sanne Kjærulf , Priess Camilla , Wätjen Anders Peter , Øzmerih Süleyman , Mohammadifar Mohammad Amin , Heiner Bang-Berthelsen Claus
Published: July 2021

With consumers becoming more aware of sustainability, healthier lifestyles and animal welfare, plant-based food products as alternatives to dairy products have become a fast-growing industry in the last decade, and an increasing number of plant-based products are showing up on the markets. With over 88 million tons of food wasted in Europe annually, a sustainable alternative to dairy could be to use side streams for new products. Here, we tried to develop a plant-based yogurt alternative based on three ingredients: commercial soy drink and a liquid fraction of brewers’ spent grain fermented with plant-adapted lactic acid bacteria. Analysis of the content and properties of the fermented product were compared to a commercial plant-based yoghurt-like product and a commercial dairy yoghurt. Results from the project show that fermentation of a commercial soy drink containing 20% of the liquid fraction of brewers’ spent grain results in a product with texture and sensory characteristics that mimics a dairy yogurt.
From effectiveness to sustainability: understanding the impact of CARE’s Community Score Card© social accountability approach in Ntcheu, Malawi
Authors: Mgoli Mwale Patience , Msiska Thumbiko , Chinkhota Kriss , Munthali Tapiwa , Wako Etobssie , Rodriguez Mariela , Laterra Anne , Shato Thembekile , Sebert Kuhlmann Anne
Published: July 2021

We evaluated the sustainability of CARE’s Community Score Card© (CSC) social accountability approach in Ntcheu, Malawi, approximately 2.5 years after the end of formal intervention activities. Using a cross-sectional, exploratory design, we conducted 41 focus groups with members of Community Health Advisory Groups (CHAGs) and youth groups and 19 semi-structured interviews with local and district government officials, project staff, and national stakeholders to understand how and in what form CSC activities are continuing. Focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Thematic coding was done using Dedoose software. Most groups were continuing to meet and implement the CSC, although some made modifications. CHAGs, youth and local government officials all attributed their continued implementation to the value that they saw in the process that allows marginalized groups within the community, including women and youth, a safe space for sharing their ideas and issues and the initial results this generated. However, lack of access to resources for implementation and challenges in convening and facilitating the interface meeting phase created barriers to continued sustainability. The CSC is sustainable by communities 2.5 years after the end of formal intervention activities. For future interventions, health systems and non-governmental organizations should plan for a transition phase with periodic refresher trainings and a small fund to support implementation, such as refreshments and transportation, to increase the likelihood of community-driven sustainability.
CRISPR gene editing in pluripotent stem cells reveals the function of MBNL proteins during humanin vitromyogenesis
Authors: Mérien Antoine , Tahraoui-Bories Julie , Cailleret Michel , Dupont Jean-Baptiste , Leteur Céline , Polentes Jérôme , Carteron Alexandre , Polvèche Hélène , Concordet Jean-Paul , Pinset Christian , Jarrige Margot , Furling Denis , Martinat Cécile
Published: July 2021

Alternative splicing has emerged as a fundamental mechanism for the spatiotemporal control of development. A better understanding of how this mechanism is regulated has the potential not only to elucidate fundamental biological principles, but also to decipher pathological mechanisms implicated in diseases where normal splicing networks are misregulated. Here, we took advantage of human pluripotent stem cells to decipher during human myogenesis the role of muscleblind-like (MBNL) proteins, a family of tissue-specific splicing regulators whose loss of function is associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), an inherited neuromuscular disease. Thanks to the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we generated human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) depleted in MBNL proteins and evaluated the consequences of their losses on the generation of skeletal muscle cells. Our results suggested that MBNL proteins are required for the late myogenic maturation. In addition, loss of MBNL1 and MBNL2 recapitulated the main features of DM1 observed in hiPSC-derived skeletal muscle cells. Comparative transcriptomic analyses also revealed the muscle-related processes regulated by these proteins that are commonly misregulated in DM1. Together, our study reveals the temporal requirement of MBNL proteins in human myogenesis and should facilitate the identification of new therapeutic strategies capable to cope with the loss of function of these MBNL proteins.
North American and Norwegian Chronic Wasting Disease Prions Exhibit Different Potential for Interspecies Transmission and Zoonotic Risk
Authors: Pritzkow Sandra , Gorski Damian , Ramirez Frank , Telling Glenn C , Benestad Sylvie L , Soto Claudio
Published: July 2021

Background

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a rapidly spreading prion disorder affecting various species of wild and captive cervids. The risk that CWD poses to cohabiting animals or more importantly to humans is largely unknown.

Methods

In this study, we investigated differences in the capacity of CWD isolates obtained from 6 different cervid species to induce prion conversion in vitro by protein misfolding cyclic amplification. We define and quantify spillover and zoonotic potential indices as the efficiency by which CWD prions sustain prion generation in vitro at expenses of normal prion proteins from various mammals and human, respectively.

Results

Our data suggest that reindeer and red deer from Norway could be the most transmissible CWD prions to other mammals, whereas North American CWD prions were more prone to generate human prions in vitro.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Norway and North American CWD prions correspond to different strains with distinct spillover and zoonotic potentials.
Gendered Honor: How Mass Common Sense Shaped India's Foreign Policy in Jammu and Kashmir, 1947–1950
Authors: Julka Amit
Published: July 2021

How do the masses shape foreign policy? This question has been examined through various conceptual lenses—national identity, public opinion, and popular culture. At the core of all these approaches is an argument that “taken for granted” ideas matter because they constitute a society's mass common sense, in turn influencing assorted political possibilities. What remains to be theorized is how and why such influence occurs. This paper argues that mass common sense sets the limits of legitimacy within societal discourse, thus shaping all political and policy discourses, including foreign policy. The paper evaluates this argument in the case of India's decision to militarily intervene in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. This is done in two steps. The first is to reconstruct India's common sense circa 1947, and this is done from popular Hindi–Urdu language sources such as children's literature and films. The second is to trace possible ways through which commonsensical notions of gender, beauty, and honor influenced the Nehru government toward intervention. The study's conclusions have relevance for interpretivist theories of foreign policy as well as for Indian foreign policy, specifically the persistence of India's tendency to prioritize certain “regions” over others—and the Kashmir Valley and Jammu above all—over most if not all other foreign policy issue areas.
Simplifying Survivorship Care Planning: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing 3 Care Plan Delivery Approaches
Authors: Snyder Claire , Choi Youngjee , Blackford Amanda L , DeSanto Jennifer , Mayonado Nancy , Rall Susan , White Sharon , Bowie Janice , Cowall David E , Johnston Fabian , Joyner Robert L , Mischtschuk Joan , Peairs Kimberly S , Thorner Elissa , Tran Phuoc T , Wolff Antonio C , Smith Katherine C ,   the SSCP Stakeholder Advisory Board
Published: July 2021

Background

Survivorship care plans seek to improve the transition to survivorship, but the required resources present implementation barriers. This randomized controlled trial aimed to identify the simplest, most effective approach for survivorship care planning.

Methods

Stage 1-3 breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients aged 21 years or older completing treatment were recruited from an urban-academic and rural-community cancer center. Participants were randomly assigned, stratified by recruitment site and cancer type 1:1:1 to a mailed plan, plan delivered during a 1-time transition visit, or plan delivered during a transition visit plus 6-month follow-up visit. Health service use data were collected from participants and medical records for 18 months. The primary outcome, receipt of all plan-recommended care, was compared across intervention arms using logistic regression adjusting for cancer type and recruitment site, with P less than .05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Of 378 participants randomly assigned, 159 (42.1%) were breast, 142 (37.6%) prostate, and 77 (20.4%) colorectal cancer survivors; 207 (54.8%) from the academic site and 171 (45.2%) from the community site; 316 were analyzable for the primary outcome. There was no difference across arms in the proportion of participants receiving all plan-recommended care: 45.2% mail, 50.5% 1-visit, 42.7% 2-visit (2-sided P = .60). Adherence by cancer type for mail, 1-visit, and 2-visit, respectively, was 52.2%, 53.3%, and 40.0% for breast cancer; 48.6%, 64.1%, and 57.1% for prostate cancer; and 23.8%, 19.0%, and 26.1% for colorectal cancer. There were no statistically significant interactions by recruitment site or cancer type.

Conclusions

This study did not find differences in receipt of recommended follow-up care by plan delivery approach. Feasibility and other factors may determine the best approach for survivorship care planning.
Glioblastoma Contains Topologically Distinct Proliferative and Metabolically Defined Subpopulations of Nestin- and Glut1-Expressing Cells
Authors: Prosniak Michael , Kenyon Lawrence C , Hooper D Craig
Published: July 2021

The difficulty in treatment of glioblastoma is a consequence of its natural infiltrative growth and the existence of a population of therapy-resistant glioma cells that contribute to growth and recurrence. To identify cells more likely to have these properties, we examined the expression in tumor specimens of several protein markers important for glioma progression including the intermediate filament protein, Nestin (NES), a glucose transporter (Glut1/SLC2A1), the glial lineage marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and the proliferative indicator, Ki-67. We also examined the expression of von Willebrand factor, a marker for endothelial cells as well as the macrophage/myeloid markers CD163 and CD15. Using a multicolor immunofluorescence and hematoxylin and eosin staining approach with archival formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue from primary, recurrent, and autopsy IDH1 wildtype specimens combined with high-resolution tissue image analysis, we have identified highly proliferative NES(+)/Glut1(–) cells that are preferentially perivascular. In contrast, Glut1(+)/NES(–) cells are distant from blood vessels, show low proliferation, and are preferentially located at the borders of pseudopalisading necrosis. We hypothesize that Glut1(+)/NES(–) cells would be naturally resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiation due to their low proliferative capacity and may act as a reservoir for tumor recurrence.
Strangulation of intraperitoneal kidney transplant by fallopian tube
Authors: Nawabi Atta , Nawabi Perwaiz , Mohammadian Babak , Jones Jill
Published: July 2021

Renal allograft strangulation is a rare complication following simultaneous kidney pancreas transplant, often causing graft loss. This case report represents the first documented case of a 35-year-old female who developed renal graft strangulation around the left fallopian tube. Our case outlines a new complication that contributes to graft loss concerning iliac fossa anatomy and variations in female patients, as well as surgical considerations that need to be made prior to transplantation. We recommend measurement of the grafted renal vessels within the iliac fossa and respective surroundings structures to allow for the ideal positioning of the grafted organ.
Ascending aorta replacement with concomitant coronary and peripheral artery bypass grafting
Authors: Jackson W Landon , Williams Charles D
Published: July 2021

Atherosclerosis of the aorta is a well-known risk factor for peri-operative complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Coronary and peripheral artery bypass procedures can be challenging when the native aorta is not amenable to bypass grafting due to severe calcification. We describe the successful management of a patient who underwent ascending aorta replacement with concomitant three-vessel coronary artery bypass, bilateral aorto-axillary bypass and left axillary-to-carotid bypass.
For profit or strategic purpose? Chinese outbound energy investments and the international economic regime
Authors: Gong Xiaohan , Boute Anatole
Published: July 2021

Chinese foreign energy investments are facing increasing opposition based on concerns that they are made with an ulterior strategic motive. Some states have been seeking to block the access of Chinese companies to their market and, for existing investments, to international arbitration, by portraying them as instruments of the government. It is important for China’s participation in the international economic system that its energy companies are not automatically excluded because of suspicion of China’s motives, but are subject to a nuanced assessment in which national and international economic law has a role to play. To distinguish strategic from commercial projects, this article analyses the Chinese regulation of outbound energy investments based on international principles of economic governance. The objective is to identify channels of political interference with investment decisions, by focusing on regulatory approval, state guidance and corporate governance.
Has yield plasticity already been exploited by soybean breeding programmes in Argentina?
Authors: de Felipe Matías , Alvarez Prado Santiago
Published: July 2021

This study focuses on the impact of genetic improvement of seed yield plasticity in soybean (Glycine max L.) in high-yielding environments (between 4000 kg ha–1 and 7000 kg ha–1) of Central Argentina. The association between seed yield and its plasticity was analysed with (i) a historical collection of 148 genotypes released to the market between 1980 and 2013 and (ii) 165 currently available commercial genotypes. The impact on seed yield of soybean breeding programmes in Argentina reveals higher genetic progress of the lowest (1.7% year–1) rather than the highest yielding genotypes (0.9% year–1). At the same time, seed yield plasticity has been exploited indirectly. Increased seed yield plasticity over time contributed to a reduction in genotypic seed yield variability (P<0.0001). Seed yield plasticity was related to seed yield in high-yielding environments (>5500 kg ha–1). Plastic genotypes showed a positive correlation with the length of the seed-filling period (r=0.5), suggesting that a longer seed-filling period could be required to maximize seed yield plasticity under high-yielding environments. To increase productivity, clarifying the value of plasticity will aid genotype selection for target environments, as well as the development of high-yielding cultivars specifically adapted to high-yielding conditions.
Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Diagnosis of Obesity in the Military Health System Active Duty Population
Authors: Yang Daren , Beauvais Alexis , Forbes Whitney L , Beckman Darrick , Estes Jason , Martinez Craig , Wardian Jana
Published: July 2021

Objective

The overall rate of obesity is rising in the USA; this is also reflected in the military population. It is important that providers appropriately diagnose obesity and discuss treatment options with their patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate diagnosis of obesity compared to documented body mass index (BMI) in the military health system.

Methods

Institutional review board approval was obtained by the 59th Medical Wing (Lackland Air Force Base, Texas) as an exempt study. This study included active duty military service members aged 18-65 years who sought outpatient care at a military treatment facility from September 2013 to August 2018 with a weight within the range of 31.8-226.8 kg and height between 121.9 and 215.9 cm. Data were collected from the Clinical Data Repository vitals and M2 encounter data to determine the percentage of each sub-population with a diagnosis of obesity according to BMI (≥30 kg/m2) and International Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes.

Results

Using BMI, 19.2% of female and 26.8% of male service members can be diagnosed with obesity; however, only 42.2% and 35.1%, respectively, with a BMI ≥30 was diagnosed as such. This discrepancy was consistent among all service branches and BMI ranges.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that obesity is underdiagnosed compared to BMI. This may result in insufficient resources being provided to patients to reduce weight. Further investigation is warranted to identify causes of underdiagnosis and potential barriers to diagnosis.
Invasive aspergillosis is a critical determinant of mortality in cirrhosis: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Verma Nipun , Singh Shreya , Syal Arshi , Pradhan Pranita , Singh Manvi , Singh Meenu
Published: July 2021

Invasive fungal infections pose a severe threat in unconventional immunocompromised hosts such as cirrhosis. Herein we review the impact of invasive aspergillosis (IA) on the prognosis of cirrhosis patients. An electronic search for full-text articles describing IA in cirrhosis was conducted and the disease outcomes and mortality (point-estimate and comparative risk) were pooled on random-effects meta-analysis. Of 4127 articles, 11 studies (9 with good/fair and 2 with poor quality) were included. IA was associated with high disease severity and multi-organ failures in cirrhosis. The pooled-mortality of IA was 81.8% (95% CI: 64.3–91.8, I2 = 59%, P < 0.01). Estimate's-heterogeneity (I2) was explored through sub-groups, meta-regression, and influential diagnostics. Mortality estimates were higher among subgroups of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF, 86.4%) and intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted patients (84.0%). The odds of mortality related to IA were 8.9 times higher than controls and much higher in ACLF (OR: 22.5) and ICU-admitted patients (OR: 36.4). The odds of mortality in IA were 4.1, 12.9, and 48.6 times higher than bacterial, no-fungal infections, and no-infection controls. There was no asymmetry in mortality estimates or odds ratios and mortality in IA was high irrespective of country of origin, site of infection, proven or probable category, and quality of study. Thus, IA is associated with very high mortality in cirrhosis patients, especially in ACLF and ICU-admitted patients. Intensive research is needed for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of IA in cirrhosis.

Lay summary

We report a high mortality rate of 81.8% in patients with liver cirrhosis and invasive aspergillosis. Higher odds (8.9 times) of death, especially in patients with ACLF or ICU admission were seen. Mortality was not affected by the country of study, site of infection, proven or probable nature of infection category, and quality of study.
High tide: a systematic search for ellipsoidal variables in ASAS-SN
Authors: Rowan D M , Stanek K Z , Jayasinghe T , Kochanek C S , Thompson Todd A , Shappee B J , Holoien T W -S , Prieto J L
Published: July 2021

The majority of non-merging stellar mass black holes are discovered by observing high energy emission from accretion processes. Here, we pursue the large, but still mostly unstudied population of non-interacting black holes and neutron stars by searching for the tidally induced ellipsoidal variability of their stellar companions. We start from a sample of about 200 000 rotational variables, semiregular variables, and eclipsing binary stars from the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae. We use a χ2 ratio test followed by visual inspection to identify 369 candidates for ellipsoidal variability. We also discuss how to combine the amplitude of the variability with mass and radius estimates for observed stars to calculate a minimum companion mass, identifying the most promising candidates for high mass companions.
SN2017jgh: a high-cadence complete shock cooling light curve of a SN IIb with the Kepler telescope
Authors: Armstrong P , Tucker B E , Rest A , Ridden-Harper R , Zenati Y , Piro A L , Hinton S , Lidman C , Margheim S , Narayan G , Shaya E , Garnavich P , Kasen D , Villar V , Zenteno A , Arcavi I , Drout M , Foley R J , Wheeler J , Anais J , Campillay A , Coulter D , Dimitriadis G , Jones D , Kilpatrick C D , Muñoz-Elgueta N , Rojas-Bravo C , Vargas-González J , Bulger J , Chambers K , Huber M , Lowe T , Magnier E , Shappee B J , Smartt S , Smith K W , Barclay T , Barentsen G , Dotson J , Gully-Santiago M , Hedges C , Howell S , Cody A , Auchettl K , Bódi A , Bognár Zs , Brimacombe J , Brown P , Cseh B , Galbany L , Hiramatsu D , Holoien T W-S , Howell D A , Jha S W , Könyves-Tóth R , Kriskovics L , McCully C , Milne P , Muñoz J , Pan Y , Pál A , Sai H , Sárneczky K , Smith N , Sódor Á , Szabó R , Szakáts R , Valenti S , Vinkó J , Wang X , Zhang K , Zsidi G
Published: July 2021

SN 2017jgh is a type IIb supernova discovered by Pan-STARRS during the C16/C17 campaigns of the Kepler/K2 mission. Here, we present the Kepler/K2 and ground based observations of SN 2017jgh, which captured the shock cooling of the progenitor shock breakout with an unprecedented cadence. This event presents a unique opportunity to investigate the progenitors of stripped envelope supernovae. By fitting analytical models to the SN 2017jgh light curve, we find that the progenitor of SN 2017jgh was likely a yellow supergiant with an envelope radius of $\sim 50{\!-\!}290\, {\rm R}_{\odot }$, and an envelope mass of $\sim 0{\!-\!}1.7\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$. SN 2017jgh likely had a shock velocity of ∼7500−10 300 km s−1. Additionally, we use the light curve of SN 2017jgh to investigate how early observations of the rise contribute to constraints on progenitor models. Fitting just the ground based observations, we find an envelope radius of $\sim 50{\!-\!}330\, {\rm R}_{\odot }$, an envelope mass of $\sim 0.3{\!-\!}1.7\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$ and a shock velocity of ∼9000−15 000 km s−1. Without the rise, the explosion time cannot be well constrained that leads to a systematic offset in the velocity parameter and larger uncertainties in the mass and radius. Therefore, it is likely that progenitor property estimates through these models may have larger systematic uncertainties than previously calculated.
Rapid expansion of red giant stars during core helium flash by waves propagation to the envelope and implications to exoplanets
Authors: Bear Ealeal , Merlov Ariel , Arad Yarden , Soker Noam
Published: July 2021

We assume that the strong convection during core helium flash of low mass red giant branch (RBG) stars excite waves that propagate to the envelope, and find that the energy that these waves deposit in the envelope causes envelope expansion and brightening. We base our assumption and the estimate of the waves’ energy on studies that explored such a process due to the vigorous core convection of massive stars just before they experience a core collapse supernova explosion. Using the stellar evolutionary code mesa, we find that the waves’ energy causes an expansion within few years by tens to hundreds solar radii. Despite the large brightening, we expect the increase in radius and luminosity to substantially enhance mass-loss rate and dust formation. The dust shifts the star to become much redder (to the infrared), and the star might actually become fainter in the visible. The overall appearance is of a faint red transient event that lasts for months to few years. We suggest that in some cases envelope expansion might lead stars that are about to leave the RGB to engulf exoplanets. The extended envelope has a smaller binding energy to a degree that allows planets of several Jupiter masses or more and brown dwarfs to survive the common envelope evolution. We suggest this scenario to account for the planet orbiting the white dwarf (WD) WD 1856+534 (TIC 267574918) and for the WD–brown dwarf binary system ZTFJ003855.0+203025.5.
Co-transcriptional RNA cleavage by Drosha homolog Pac1 triggers transcription termination in fission yeast
Authors: Yague-Sanz Carlo , Duval Maxime , Larochelle Marc , Bachand François
Published: July 2021

Transcription termination of protein-coding genes in eukaryotic cells usually relies on a tight coordination between the cleavage and polyadenylation of the pre-mRNA, and 5′-3′ degradation of the downstream nascent transcript. Here we investigated the contribution of the essential fission yeast endonuclease Pac1, a homolog of human Drosha that cleaves hairpin RNA structures, in triggering polyadenylation-independent transcription termination. Using ChIP-sequencing in Pac1-deficient cells, we found that Pac1 triggers transcription termination at snRNA and snoRNA genes as well as at specific protein-coding genes. Notably, we found that Pac1-dependent premature termination occurred at two genes encoding conserved transmembrane transporters whose expression were strongly repressed by Pac1. Analysis by genome editing indicated that a stem-loop structure in the nascent transcript directs Pac1-mediated cleavage and that the regions upstream and downstream of the Pac1 cleavage site in the targeted mRNAs were stabilized by mutation of nuclear 3′-5′ and 5′-3′ exonucleases, respectively. Our findings unveil a premature transcription termination pathway that uncouples co-transcriptional RNA cleavage from polyadenylation, triggering rapid nuclear RNA degradation.
Diaphragmatic hernia during treatment of lung cancer harboring an EGFR mutation
Authors: Konno-Yamamoto Aya , Narumoto Osamu , Yamamoto Shota , Yamaguchi Miho , Motoyoshi Makoto , Inoue Yuta , Fukami Takeshi , Tamura Atsuhisa , Matsui Hirotoshi
Published: July 2021

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a first-line treatment for patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer harboring EGFR mutations. We report a 65-year-old Japanese woman with nonsmall-cell lung cancer taking an EGFR-TKI who visited the emergency department with acute nausea and vomiting. Imaging studies demonstrated an incarcerated diaphragmatic hernia. Urgent diagnostic surgery revealed a gap in the diaphragm acting as a hernial orifice, where a metastatic tumor was detected. We consider that regression of the diaphragmatic metastasis by EGFR-TKI therapy resulted in perforation of the diaphragm, causing the diaphragmatic hernia. Gastrointestinal adverse events, e.g. nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, are common during EGFR-TKI treatment. However, this case suggests that in patients with diaphragmatic metastasis, we should consider the rare possibility of diaphragmatic perforation and a subsequent hernia.