bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Biliary Tract Cancer Predicts Chemotherapy and Programmed Death 1/Programmed Death‐Ligand 1 Blockade Responses
Authors: Yoon Jihoon G. , Kim Min Hwan , Jang Mi , Kim Hoguen , Hwang Ho Kyoung , Kang Chang Moo , Lee Woo Jung , Kang Beodeul , Lee Choong‐kun , Lee Min Goo , Chung Hyun Cheol , Choi Hye Jin , Park Young Nyun
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) exhibits diverse molecular characteristics. However, reliable biomarkers that predict therapeutic responses are yet to be discovered. We aimed to identify the molecular features of treatment responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in BTCs.

Approach and Results

We enrolled 121 advanced BTC patients (68 cholangiocarcinomas [33 intrahepatic, 35 extrahepatic], 41 gallbladder cancers, and 12 Ampulla of Vater cancers) whose specimens were analyzed by clinical sequencing platforms. All patients received first‐line palliative chemotherapy; 48 patients underwent programmed death 1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) blockade therapy after failed chemotherapy. Molecular and histopathological characterization was performed using targeted sequencing and immunohistochemical staining to investigate treatment response‐associated biomarkers. Genomic analysis revealed a broad spectrum of mutational profiles according to anatomical location. Favorable responses to chemotherapy were observed in the small‐duct type compared with the large‐duct type intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, with frequent mutations in BRCA1‐associated protein‐1/isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 and KRAS proto‐oncogene, GTPase/SMAD family member 4 genes, respectively. The molecular features were further analyzed in BTCs, and transforming growth factor beta and DNA damage response pathway‐altered tumors exhibited poor and favorable chemotherapy responses, respectively. In PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade‐treated patients, KRAS alteration and chromosomal instability tumors were associated with resistance to immunotherapy. The majority of patients (95.0%) with these resistance factors show no clinical benefit to PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade and low tumor mutational burdens. Low tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density in tumors with these resistance factors indicated immune‐suppressive tumor microenvironments, whereas high intratumoral TIL density was associated with a favorable immunotherapy response.

Conclusions

This study proposes predictive molecular features of chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses in advanced BTCs using clinical sequencing platforms. Our result provides an intuitive framework to guide the treatment of advanced BTCs benefiting from therapeutic agents based on the tumors’ molecular features.
Antioxidant‐modulated cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Barbasz Anna , Oćwieja Magdalena , Piergies Natalia , Duraczyńska Dorota , Nowak Anna
Published: April 2021

The properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using compounds exhibiting biological activity seem to constitute an interesting issue worthy of examination. In these studies, two types of AgNPs were synthesized by a chemical reduction method using well‐known antioxidants: gallic acid (GA) and ascorbic acid (AA). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the AgNPs were spherical. The average size was equal to 26 ± 6 nm and 20 ± 7 nm in the case of ascorbic acid‐silver nanoparticles (AAgNPs) and gallic acid‐silver nanoparticles (GAAgNPs), respectively. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) confirmed that the AgNPs were not stabilized by pure forms of applied antioxidants. Changes in mitochondrial activity and secretion of inflammatory and apoptosis mediators after the exposure of human promyelocytic (HL‐60) and histiocytic lymphoma (U‐937) cells to the AgNPs were studied to determine the impact of stabilizing layers on nanoparticle toxicity. The GAAgNPs were found to be more toxic for the cells than the AAgNPs. Their toxicity was manifested by a strong reduction in mitochondrial activity and induction of the secretion of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and caspase‐9. The addition of pure antioxidants to the AgNP suspensions was found to influence their toxicity. There was a significant positive effect in the case of the mixture of AA with AAgNPs and GA with GAAgNPs. The results obtained suggest that the presence of stabilizing agents adsorbed on the surface of AgNPs is the main factor in shaping their toxicity. Nevertheless, the toxic effect can be also tuned by the introduction of free antioxidant molecules to the AgNP suspensions.
Working around the border: Shared experiences of art therapists working with families impacted by immigration and political realities in Mexico and the United States
Authors: Metzl Einat S. , Treviño Ana Laura
Published: April 2021

This art‐based, participatory action research sought to foster dialog between art therapists working on both sides of the US (Southern California)–Mexico (Tijuana) border in 2019. The paper summarizes the narratives from three initial focus groups, highlighting main findings arising from systematic analyses of verbal, creative and reflective writing input of participants. Identified themes include therapists' need to respond to immigration crisis; the realities of being a part of a border town; observing differences between communities; learning from the art of art therapists working with immigrants and refugees; and identifying challenges as a therapist. These themes inspired the creation of preliminary guidelines and are discussed within the context of mental health services around the border at this time.
Long non‐coding DANCR targets miR‐185‐5p to upregulate LIM and SH3 protein 1 promoting prostate cancer via the FAK/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/snail pathway
Authors: Sun Wendong , Zu Shulu , Shao Guangfeng , Wang Wenzhen , Gong Fangxin
Published: April 2021

Background

Long non‐coding RNA differentiation antagonizing non‐protein coding RNA (DANCR) acts as an oncogene in different cancers, although its roles in prostate cancer are not fully reported. We aimed to explore its mechanism in facilitating the malignancy of prostate cancer.

Methods

The expression of DANCR, microRNA (miR)‐185‐5p and LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) in 40 pairs of prostate cancer tissues and normal tissues, five prostate cancer cell lines and one epithelial cell line was assessed by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. In transfected PC3 and C4‐2 cells, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle distribution and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein expression were tested via cell counting kit‐8, wound healing, transwell, flow cytometry and western blot assays, respectively. The interactions between DANCR, miR‐185‐5p and LASP1 were verified by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Rescue experiments were conducted to determine the roles of DANCR on the malignant properties of PC3 and C4‐2 cells. The involvement of the signaling pathway was examined using a p‐FAK inhibitor.

Results

DANCR and LASP1 expression was enhanced, whereas miR‐185‐5p expression was diminished in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of DANCR suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, G1‐S transition and expression of EMT proteins of the transfected PC3 and C4‐2 cells. DANCR sponged miR‐185‐5p to upregulate LASP1 expression. DANCR‐miR‐185‐5p‐LASP1 axis activates the FAK/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/Snail pathway to promote the malignant properties of PC3 and C4‐2 cells.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that DANCR exerts oncogenic roles in prostate cancer via the miR‐185‐5p/LASP1 axis activating the FAK/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/Snail pathway. It can be a potential biomarker in the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer.
Safety analysis ofex vivo-expanded canine natural killer cells in a xenogeneic mouse model of graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Kim Cheol-Jung , Park Se-Cheol , Lee Soo-Hyeon , Lim Yu-Jin , Yoon Meesun , Park Jun-Gyu , Baek Yeong-Bin , Cho Kyoung-Oh , Hong Jeong Won , Shin Dong-Jun , Kim Sang-Ki
Published: April 2021

Canine natural killer (NK) cells are large, granular lymphocytes that are neither B lymphocytes nor T lymphocytes. However, it has been reported that canine NK cells share some of the phenotypic characteristics of T lymphocytes, such as CD3 and CD5. Studies are needed to assess the safety of canine NK cells for immunotherapy, especially because the safety of using allogeneic NK cells as an immunotherapy for dogs has yet to be shown. In this study, the safety of cultured canine NK cells was assessed using a xenogeneic mouse model of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Mice were injected with either canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or cultured NK cells for 2 or 3 weeks. Data were then collected on changes in mice body weights, disease severity scores, and survival rates. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations were also performed. All mice injected with canine PBMCs died within 45 days after injection. Severe clinical signs were caused by GVHD. The histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations showed that mice injected with canine PBMCs had multiple lesions, including necrosis in their lungs, livers, kidneys, and stomachs, and the injected cells were present around the lesions. By contrast, no mice injected with cultured NK cells without removing the CD3+TCR– cells exhibited any clinical abnormalities. Moreover, they all survived the 90-day experimental period without exhibiting any histopathological changes. Accordingly, the results of this study suggest that canine NK cells do not cause significant side effects such as GVHD and allogeneic NK cells can safely be used for cancer immunotherapy in dogs.
Revisiting cell and gene therapies in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Beatriz Margarida , Lopes Carla , Ribeiro Ana Cláudia S. , Rego Ana Cristina Carvalho
Published: April 2021

Neurodegenerative movement disorders, such as Huntington's disease (HD), share a progressive and relentless course with increasing motor disability, linked with neuropsychiatric impairment. These diseases exhibit diverse pathophysiological processes and are a topic of intense experimental and clinical research due to the lack of therapeutic options. Restorative therapies are promising approaches with the potential to restore brain circuits. However, there were less compelling results in the few clinical trials. In this review, we discuss cell replacement therapies applied to animal models and HD patients. We thoroughly describe the initial trials using fetal neural tissue transplantation and recent approaches based on alternative cell sources tested in several animal models. Stem cells were shown to generate the desired neuron phenotype and/or provide growth factors to the degenerating host cells. Besides, genetic approaches such as RNA interference and the CRISPR/Cas9 system have been studied in animal models and human‐derived cells. New genetic manipulations have revealed the capability to control or counteract the effect of human gene mutations as described by the use of antisense oligonucleotides in a clinical trial. In HD, innovative strategies are at forefront of human testing and thus other brain genetic diseases may follow similar therapeutic strategies.
Changes in March to May rainfall over Tanzania during 1978–2017
Authors: Makula Exavery Kisesa , Zhou Botao
Published: April 2021

This study assessed the change in March to May (MAM) rainfall over Tanzania during 1978–2017. It is revealed that the MAM rainfall experienced more years of negative (positive) anomalies after (before) the late 1990s. The atmospheric and oceanic background underlying such a change in MAM rainfall was addressed. The results show that the recent decrease in MAM rainfall is associated with the reduction of water vapour transport from the Indian Ocean to Tanzania, the enhancement of tropospheric moisture divergence, and the decrease of convective activities over Tanzania. Changes of sea surface temperature (SST) in the 1990s from a cold phase to a warm phase over the southwestern Indian Ocean and western tropical Pacific Ocean and that from a warm phase to a cold phase over the southern Atlantic Ocean also have a significant contribution. Associated with the SST warming over the southwestern Indian Ocean, an anomalous cyclonic circulation prevails over the tropical Indian Ocean in the upper level, favourable for the increase of subsidence in Tanzania. Concurrently, the Mascarene High shifts eastward, which may weaken the water vapour transport from the southern Indian Ocean toward Tanzania. The warming of SST over the western tropical Pacific Ocean is linked to a Walker‐like circulation with the descending limb over the western Indian Ocean and Tanzania, conducive to the subsidence over Tanzania. Related to the SST cooling over the southern Atlantic Ocean, anomalous atmospheric convergence in the upper level is dominant over Tanzania, concurrent with the easterly outflow toward the Congo basin and the westerly and northerly outflow toward the western Indian Ocean from Tanzania in the low level, favouring the decrease of MAM rainfall.
Early enteral feeding is beneficial for patients after pelvic exenteration surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hogan Sophie , Reece Lauren , Solomon Michael , Rangan Anna , Carey Sharon
Published: April 2021

Background

Postoperative feeding practices vary after pelvic exenteration surgery because of the lack of nutrition research in this specific surgical area. Postoperative ileus (POI) is common after pelvic exenteration surgery, and early enteral feeding is often avoided because of the lack of evidence and the belief that this may induce POI in this patient cohort. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of early enteral feeding after pelvic exenteration surgery on return of bowel movement and POI.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with patients undergoing pelvic exenteration surgery from November 2018 to June 2020. Forty participants received standard nutrition care (parenteral nutrition) and 47 participants received trophic enteral feeding (20 ml/h) via a nasogastric tube, in addition to standard care, until participants were upgraded to free fluids. Time to first bowel movement and rates of POI were the main outcome measures.

Results

There was no significant difference between arms for time to first bowel movement; however, POI rates were significantly less in participants who were enterally fed (P = .036) in the per‐protocol analysis. Regressions showed that the longer patients were restricted from an oral diet after surgery, the greater the time was to first bowel movement and the greater the postoperative complication rates (P < .0005).

Conclusions

Early enteral feeding can be commenced safely to improve gastrointestinal function after pelvic exenteration surgery.
Do Not Get It Twisted
Authors: Gupta Akshya , Croake Alexander , Rubens Deborah , Dogra Vikram
Published: April 2021

Color flow and spectral Doppler ultrasound are the backbone of scrotal imaging when evaluating acute scrotal pain. Testicular Torsion is one of the most common causes of acute scrotal pain but can be a challenging diagnosis both clinically and sonographically. This article will review the pertinent Doppler ultrasound findings that can help make the diagnosis of both complete and partial torsion. A review of other causes of testicular ischemia will also be included as these pathologies can mimic Testicular Torsion.
Effect paths of environmental factors and community attributes on aboveground net primary productivity of a temperate grassland
Authors: Peng Zhaoyu , Liu Hongyan , Jiang Lubing , Liu Xu , Dai Jingyu , Xu Chongyang , Chen Zhiting , Wu Lu , Liu Feng , Liang Boyi
Published: April 2021

Aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) of grassland influenced by both environmental factors and structural plant community attributes indicates its growth situation and ability to provide ecosystem services. However, previous works have focused on the effects of either environmental factors or plant community attributes on ANPP, which makes it difficult to quantify the effect pathways of environmental factors and plant community attributes on ANPP. In our study, we took a temperate grassland in the agropastoral ecotone of northern China as the research area and quantified the effects of environmental factors and plant community attributes on grassland ANPP with a structural equation model, together with correlation and partial correlation analyses. We found that growing season precipitation is the most critical factor for grassland ANPP, and its direct effect (standardized direct positive effect, SDE = 0.401, p < 0.05) on ANPP was the main path. Temperature affected ANPP directly (SDE = 0.230, p < 0.05) and indirectly (standardized indirect positive effect SIE = 0.110, p < 0.05) mainly through community attributes in the area, such as tiller number and cover. The increase in soil sand content reduced tiller number and further affected ANPP (SIE = 0.011, p < 0.05). Human population influenced ANPP through species diversity (SIE = −0.059, p < 0.05), and the increase in livestock number worked on ANPP by degrading the soil. Our results imply that improving grassland community attributes, such as maintaining species diversity and increasing vegetation coverage, will effectively mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
The profunda artery perforator free flap for lower extremity reconstruction
Authors: Ciudad Pedro , Kaciulyte Juste , Torto Federico Lo , Vargas Maria Ines , Bustamante Atenas , Chen Hung‐Chi , Maruccia Michele , Zulueta Jaroslav , Trignano Emilio , Bolletta Alberto
Published: April 2021

Background

The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has been reported in several types of reconstructions. This report aims to evaluate the usefulness and the clinical outcome of patients who underwent the PAP free flap for lower limb reconstruction.

Methods

Between February 2018 and February 2020, nine patients with injury at lower third of the leg, foot dorsum or foot plant (eight acute injuries and one chronic ulcer) were selected. Mean wound size was 12.5 × 6.3 cm (9 × 5–14.5 × 6.5). Inclusion criteria consisted in patient's request to hide the donor site scar and the absence of previous traumas or surgery in the donor site. Patients considered unable to bear prolonged surgery were excluded. Patients underwent preoperative CT angiography and peri‐operative Doopler, for perforator selection. All flaps were designed with pinch test, in elliptical shape. Microvascular anastomosis was performed to the tibialis anterior/posterior or medial plantar vessels. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of wound coverage success and patient's quality of life through Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) questionnaire.

Results

The mean size of the harvested skin paddle was 13.5 × 7.4 cm (9 × 6–15 × 8) and mean pedicle length was 8.5 cm. Mean flap harvest time was 43.5 min (35–55). Flap survival rate was 100%, with one re‐exploration with minimal partial flap loss. Mean follow‐up was 13.5 months . Reconstructive results were successful in wound coverage and function. All patients reported satisfaction with their result by LEFS questionnaire (score:64.7).

Conclusion

With proper patient selection, there was 100% flap survival rate with no major complication. According to our data, the PAP free flap could be a valuable option for lower extremity reconstruction.
Tunable multiwavelength optical comb enabledRoF‐OFDM‐PONwith wavelength multiplex
Authors: Ding Qingan , Zhang Lijun , Wang Xiaojuan , Liang Anhui , Zheng Li , Liu Changqing , Nie Bowen , Liu Huixin
Published: April 2021

We propose a hybrid full duplex passive optical network with fusion of wavelength‐division‐multiplexing and orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (WDM‐OFDM) for a radio‐over‐fiber (RoF) system application. The key of the system is a tunable optical frequency comb (OFC) embedded cascading modulators and a parameter mixer. Moreover, 23 frequency components with 0.6 dB flatness generated by the OFC are used as light sources for each WDM channel. We utilize a 7.5 GHz OFDM wired signal and a 12.5 GHz OFDM wireless signal for downstream transmission and 10 Gb/s OOK (on–off keyed) signals for upstream traffic. Using polarization multiplexing technique, we extract a central optical carrier to bear the upstream signal so that no excess optical source is introduced into the ONU. Thus, the intricacy and costs of system are diminished. Moreover, successful transmission has been demonstrated since the bit error rates of the downstream and upstream signals are always under the adopted forward error correction limit. Furthermore, the proposed system can enhance power budget and reduce cost, which has a promising prospect for future wireless communication.
Bismuth‐doped fiber Q‐switcher in erbium‐doped fiber laser cavity
Authors: Zhang Pei , Dimyati Kaharuddin , Najm Mustafa Mohammed , Nizamani Bilal , Paul Mukul Chandran , Das Shyamal , Dhar Anirban , Pal Mrinmay , Yasin Moh , Harun Sulaiman Wadi
Published: April 2021

We propose a simple design of all‐fiber Q‐switched erbium‐doped fiber laser (EDFL). The laser is passively Q‐switched by splicing bismuth‐doped fiber into a ring cavity. The design has been experimentally demonstrated at the emission wavelength of 1560.48 nm. A single‐mode Q‐switched pulse with pulse duration of 1.18 μs and pulse energy of 15.6 nJ was obtained with 980 nm pump power of 178 mW. Stable and typical Q‐switched pulses were achieved at the repetition rate changing from 63.3 to 94.6 kHz. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time to demonstrate bismuth‐doped fiber as an effective saturable absorber for erbium‐doped fiber laser.
Domain adaptive and fully automated carotid artery atherosclerotic lesion detection using an artificial intelligence approach (LATTE) on 3D MRI
Authors: Chen Li , Zhao Huilin , Jiang Hongjian , Balu Niranjan , Geleri Duygu Baylam , Chu Baocheng , Watase Hiroko , Zhao Xihai , Li Rui , Xu Jianrong , Hatsukami Thomas S. , Xu Dongxiang , Hwang Jenq‐Neng , Yuan Chun
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a domain adaptive and fully automated review workflow (lesion assessment through tracklet evaluation, LATTE) for assessment of atherosclerotic disease in 3D carotid MR vessel wall imaging (MR VWI).

Methods

VWI of 279 subjects with carotid atherosclerosis were used to develop LATTE, mainly convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based domain adaptive lesion classification after image quality assessment and artery of interest localization. Heterogeneity in test sets from various sites usually causes inferior CNN performance. With our novel unsupervised domain adaptation (DA), LATTE was designed to accurately classify arteries into normal arteries and early and advanced lesions without additional annotations on new datasets. VWI of 271 subjects from four datasets (eight sites) with slightly different imaging parameters/signal patterns were collected to assess the effectiveness of DA of LATTE using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) on all lesions and advanced lesions before and after DA.

Results

LATTE had good performance with advanced/all lesion classification, with the AUC of >0.88/0.83, significant improvements from >0.82/0.80 if without DA.

Conclusions

LATTE can locate target arteries and distinguish carotid atherosclerotic lesions with consistently improved performance with DA on new datasets. It may be useful for carotid atherosclerosis detection and assessment on various clinical sites.
Nonintrusive reduced order model for parametric solutions of inertia relief problems
Authors: Cavaliere Fabiola , Zlotnik Sergio , Sevilla Ruben , Larráyoz Xabier , Díez Pedro
Published: April 2021

The Inertia Relief (IR) technique is widely used by industry and produces equilibrated loads allowing to analyze unconstrained systems without resorting to the more expensive full dynamic analysis. The main goal of this work is to develop a computational framework for the solution of unconstrained parametric structural problems with IR and the Proper Generalized Decomposition (PGD) method. First, the IR method is formulated in a parametric setting for both material and geometric parameters. A reduced order model using the encapsulated PGD suite is then developed to solve the parametric IR problem, circumventing the so‐called curse of dimensionality. With just one offline computation, the proposed PGD‐IR scheme provides a computational vademecum that contains all the possible solutions for a predefined range of the parameters. The proposed approach is nonintrusive and it is therefore possible to be integrated with commercial finite element (FE) packages. The applicability and potential of the developed technique is shown using a three‐dimensional test case and a more complex industrial test case. The first example is used to highlight the numerical properties of the scheme, whereas the second example demonstrates the potential in a more complex setting and it shows the possibility to integrate the proposed framework within a commercial FE package. In addition, the last example shows the possibility to use the generalized solution in a multi‐objective optimization setting.
Pancreas Cancer-Associated Pain Management
Authors: Coveler Andrew L. , Mizrahi Jonathan , Eastman Bory , Apisarnthanarax Smith “Jim” , Dalal Shalini , McNearney Terry , Pant Shubham
Published: April 2021

Pain is highly prevalent in patients with pancreas cancer and contributes to the morbidity of the disease. Pain may be due to pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, obstruction, and/or a direct mass effect on nerves in the celiac plexus. Proper supportive care to decrease pain is an important aspect of the overall management of these patients. There are limited data specific to the management of pain caused by pancreatic cancer. Here we review the literature and offer recommendations regarding multiple modalities available to treat pain in these patients. The dissemination and adoption of these best supportive care practices can improve quantity and quality of life for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Implications for Practice

Pain management is important to improve the quality of life and survival of a patient with cancer. The pathophysiology of pain in pancreas cancer is complex and multifactorial. Despite tumor response to chemotherapy, a sizeable percentage of patients are at risk for ongoing cancer-related pain and its comorbid consequences. Accordingly, the management of pain in patients with pancreas cancer can be challenging and often requires a multifaceted approach.
Thymoma and thymic carcinoma in children and adolescents: The EXPeRT/PARTNER diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations
Authors: Stachowicz‐Stencel Teresa , Synakiewicz Anna , Cornet Marianna , Ferrari Andrea , Garassino Marina , Masip Jordi Remon , Rod Julien , Virgone Calogero , Schneider Dominik T. , Brecht Ines B. , Ben‐Ami Tal , Bien Ewa , Reguerre Yves , Godzinski Jan , Bisogno Gianni , Orbach Daniel , Sarnacki Sabine
Published: April 2021

Thymic tumors are epithelial tumors arising from the anterior mediastinum and constitute 0.2–1.5% of all adult malignancies but are exceptional in pediatric population. Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) encompass a variety of histologic subtypes associated with different clinical outcomes. Due to its rarity in children, TETs’ management requires a multidisciplinary approach. However, prognosis remains still poor, especially among patients with thymic carcinoma. This study presents the internationally recognized recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of thymic tumors in children and adolescents, established by the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT) group within the EU‐funded project Paediatric Rare Tumours Network ‐ European Registry (PARTNER).
Thermodynamic analysis as a useful tool to study the physical properties of sweet‐potato starch films reinforced with alginate microparticles
Authors: Acosta‐Domínguez Laura , Salazar Ricardo , Jiménez Maribel , Azuara Ebner
Published: April 2021

Thermodynamic analysis is a useful instrument for understanding the state of adsorbed water molecules and their influence on the physical and chemical stability of packaging materials during their functioning. This study assesses the effect of alginate microparticles as reinforcement on the water‐adsorption characteristics and physical properties of sweet‐potato starch biopolymer films. Glycerol was utilized as plasticizer. Then, physical stability was evaluated through minimum integral entropy criteria. The incorporation of alginate microparticles significantly decreased (p < 0.05) spin–lattice relaxation times, water‐vapor permeability, and the films' water solubility. Additionally, the adsorption capacity, as well as the physical stability of the films, were increased from 0.38 to 0.63 water activity at 25°C. An antiplasticization effect of water was noted in the water‐activity range, where the adsorption process was entropy‐controlled. Maximal resistance to breakage was enhanced in the minimum integral‐entropy zone. SEM micrographs revealed a rougher surface of reinforced films. Therefore, it is feasible to anticipate the most appropriate water activity where best film performance is achieved, employing minimum integral‐entropy criteria.
The identification and validity of congenital malformation diagnoses in UK electronic health records: A systematic review
Authors: Peppa Maria , Minassian Caroline , Mangtani Punam , Thomas Sara L.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To describe the methods used to identify and validate congenital malformation diagnoses recorded in UK electronic health records, and the results of validation studies.

Methods

Medline and Embase were searched for publications between 1987 and 2019 that involved identifying congenital malformations from UK electronic health records using diagnostic codes. The methods and code‐lists used to identify congenital malformations, and the methods and results of validations, were examined.

Results

We retrieved 54 eligible studies; 36 identified congenital malformations from primary care data and 18 from secondary care data alone or in combination with birth and/or death records. Identification in secondary care data relied on codes from the ‘Q’ chapter for congenital malformations in ICD‐10. In contrast, studies using primary care data frequently used additional codes outside of the ‘P’ chapter for congenital malformation diagnoses in Read, although the exact codes used were not always clear. Eight studies validated diagnoses identified in primary care data. The positive predictive value was highest (80%–100%) for congenital malformations overall, major malformations, and heart defects although the validity of the reference standard used was often uncertain. It was lowest for neural tube defects (71%) and developmental hip dysplasia (56%).

Conclusions

Studies identifying congenital malformations from primary care data provided limited details about the methods used. The few validation studies were limited to diagnoses recorded in primary care. Further assessments of all measures of validity in both data sources and of other malformation subgroups are needed, using robust reference standards and adhering to reporting guidelines.
RNA interference of Argonaute‐1 delays ovarian development in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)
Authors: Yang Rui‐Lin , Zhang Qiang , Fan Jia‐Yao , Yue Yong , Chen Er‐Hu , Yuan Guo‐Rui , Dou Wei , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

With the development of rapid resistance, new modes of action for pesticides are needed for insect control, such as RNAi‐based biopesticides targeting essential genes. To explore the function of Argonaute‐1 (Ago‐1) and potential miRNAs in ovarian development of Bactrocera dorsalis, an important agricultural pest, and to develop a novel control strategy for the pest, BdAgo‐1 was first identified in B. dorsalis.

RESULTS

Spatiotemporal expression analysis indicated that BdAgo‐1 had a relatively high transcriptional level in the ovarian tissues of adult female B. dorsalis during the sexual maturation period. RNA interference (RNAi) experiment showed that BdAgo‐1 knockdown significantly decreased the expression levels of ovarian development‐related genes and delayed ovarian development. Although RNAi‐mediated silencing of Ago‐1 led to a reduced ovary surface area, a subsequent oviposition assay revealed that the influence was minimal over a longer time period. Small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced from different ovarian developmental stages of B. dorsalis adults. Among 161 identified miRNAs, 84 miRNAs were differentially expressed during the three developmental stages of the B. dorsalis ovary. BdAgo‐1 silencing caused significant down‐regulation of seven differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) showing relatively high expression levels (>1000 TPM (Transcripts per kilobase of exon model per million mapped reads)). The expression patterns of these seven core DEMs and their putative target genes were analyzed in the ovaries of B. dorsalis.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that Ago‐1 and Ago‐1‐dependent miRNAs are indispensable for normal ovarian development in B. dorsalis and help identify miRNA targets useful for control of this pest.
Two adjacent mutations in the conserved domain of SdhB confer various resistance phenotypes to fluopyram in Corynespora cassiicola
Authors: Shi Yanxia , Zhu Fadi , Sun Bingxue , Xie Xuewen , Chai Ali , Li Baoju
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

For Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) C.T. Wei, a necrotrophic pathogen with a broad host range and a worldwide distribution, resistance to fluopyram has been attributed to mutations in SdhB/C/D subunit of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex. In our previous study, two point mutations in SdhB from isoleucine to valine at position 280 (I280V) and histidine to tyrosine at position 278 (H278Y) showed different resistance phenotypes to fluopyram and boscalid. This research was conducted to explore the correlation between the mutation of SdhB‐I280V or SdhB‐H278Y and resistance to fluopyram or boscalid and its effect on the fitness characteristics of C. cassiicola.

RESULTS

The sdhB gene in a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI)‐sensitive C. cassiicola strain (wild type) was successfully replaced with the mutant sdhB gene (GTT at position 280, SdhB‐I280V) or with the mutant sdhB gene (TAC at position 278, SdhB‐H278Y,). Compared with the wild‐type strain, the replacement mutants exhibited significantly different resistance phenotypes, with SdhB‐V280 demonstrating moderate resistance to fluopyram and low resistance to boscalid, while SdhB‐Y278 was supersensitive to fluopyram and very highly resistant to boscalid. Both of the mutants exhibited decreased sensitivity to salt stress and increased SDH activity. These two mutations had no effect on the mycelial growth rate, sporulation ability, pathogenicity in vivo, sensitivity to osmotic stress and oxidative stress, cell wall damaging agents, or SHAM.

CONCLUSION

Two adjacent mutations in the SdhB gene conferred different resistance phenotypes to SDHIs in C. cassiicola, which is important for the development of alternative antifungal fungicides and fluopyram resistance management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Learning Letters: Evidence and Questions From a Science‐of‐Reading Perspective
Authors: Roberts Theresa A.
Published: April 2021

In this article, I illustrate how research from cognitive science and the science of reading can inform research on the science of reading instruction. This purpose is accomplished by focusing on four recently published randomized control trials of instruction designed to teach alphabet letters to 3‐ and 4‐year‐old children (N= 342) attending preschool in the United States. Approximately 35% of the children were dual‐language learners. Instruction ranged from 10 to 12 weeks’ duration and was implemented in small groups taught by research assistants. Evidence for the value of explicit instruction in which paired‐associate learning connecting visual letter forms with their verbal letter labels (names and sounds) for learning letters is reviewed. The effectiveness of explicit instruction for promoting children’s motivation and engagement is identified. The relation of these studies to important features of a science of reading is discussed. Collective and individual instructionally related implications from the studies are elaborated, including replicated evidence of the benefit of visual–verbal paired‐associate learning of printed letters and their spoken names or sounds; the positive effects on motivation and engagement of such instruction; and the benefit of decontextualized letter instruction over letter instruction contextualized within storybook reading, real words, and personal names.
Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Sutures for Enhanced Wound Sealing and Repair
Authors: Zhu Jiafei , Jin Qiutong , Zhao He , Zhu Wenjun , Liu Zhuang , Chen Qian
Published: April 2021

Wound healing is a complex biological process including hemostasis, cell proliferation, and tissue remodeling, which is closely associated with the level of oxidative stress within the impaired skin. The excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the injured site is detrimental to the wound‐healing process via a series of elicited effects such as cellular senescence, fibrotic scarring, and inflammation. Herein, a novel ROS‐scavenging suture is developed by coating the surgical sutures with gallic acid (GA)‐based nanoparticles (GANPs) for wound treatment. The obtained sutures coated with GANPs can effectively promote wound closure by maintaining the tension and decreasing the ROS level around the wound. Specifically, GANPs coating on the suture can effectively scavenge ROS, upregulate anti‐inflammatory molecules, and polarize macrophages to M2 phenotype around the wound area, due to the efficient antioxidant activities of GA, a type of low‐molecular‐weight tea polyphenol. Thus, the ROS scavenging sutures developed in this work significantly improve wound healing with enhanced wound closure, less inflammation reaction, and reduced formation of scars, which may serve as the promising suture for wound healing in various conditions.
Brückenensemble bei Friedrichshafen
Authors: Hofstetter Christian , Graichen Andreas
Published: April 2021

Im Zuge des Neubaus der Bundesstraße 31 am nördlichen Bodenseeufer waren eine Eisenbahnbrücke und eine benachbarte Geh‐ und Radwegbrücke neu zu errichten. Der Beitrag verbindet die Sicht des Baudurchführenden mit der Sicht des entwerfenden Ingenieurs auf das Projekt. Im Mittelpunkt der technischen Darstellung steht der Entwurfsprozess mit Variantenuntersuchung, statisch‐konstruktiver Durchbildung der Tragwerke und gestalterischen Entscheidungen. Darüber hinaus werden die organisatorischen Abläufe sowie das Zusammenwirken der Beteiligten während der Planungs‐ und Ausführungsphase beleuchtet.
Hosting the Dead: Forensics, Ritual and the Memorialization of Migrant Human Remains in Italy
Authors: Grotti Vanessa , Brightman Marc
Published: April 2021

In this chapter we consider the afterlife of the remains of unidentified migrants who have died while attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Albania and North Africa to Italy. Drawing on insights from long-term, multi-sited field research, we outline paths taken by human remains and consider their multiple agencies and distributed personhood through the relational modalities with which they are symbolically and materially engaged at different scales of significance. The rising number of migrant deaths related to international crossings worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean, has stimulated a large body of scholarship, which generally relies upon a hermeneutics of secular transitional justice and fraternal transnationalism. We explore an alternative approach by focusing on the material and ritual afterlife of unidentified human remains at sea, examining the effects they have on their hosting environment. The treatment of dead strangers (across the double threshold constituted by the passage from life to death on the one hand and the rupture of exile on the other) raises new questions for the anthropology of death. We offer an interpretation of both ad hoc and organized recovery operations and mortuary practices, including forensic identification procedures, and collective and single burials of dead migrants, as acts of hospitality. Hosting the dead operates at different scales: it takes the politically charged form of memorialization at the levels of the state and the local community; however, while remembrance practices for dead strangers emphasize the latter’s status as a collective category, forensic technologies of remembrance are directed toward the reconstruction of (in)dividual personhood. These ritual and technological processes of memorialization and re-attachment together awaken ghosts of Italian fascism and colonialism.
Reconciling Community Livelihood Needs and Biodiversity Conservation in Taita Hills Forests for Improved Livelihoods and Transformational Management of the Landscape
Authors: Wekesa Chemuku , Ndalilo Leila , Manya Carolyne
Published: April 2021

The fragmented forests of Taita Hills form an exceptional multi-functional socio-ecological production landscape with outstanding diversity of flora and fauna that provide ecosystem goods and services supporting human wellbeing and livelihood systems. However, these forests are threatened by illegal logging for wood products and encroachment for crop farming. A study was conducted in villages surrounding five forest fragments to establish the conservation programmes responsible for keeping these forests intact for provision of goods and services to the local communities. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 250 respondents in 25 villages surrounding the five forest fragments. Twenty-five focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with key informants actively involved in conservation activities. Results showed that the Taita community conserves the forest fragments through management practices that integrate livelihood needs in conservation, such as butterfly farming, bee-keeping and ecotourism. Additionally, community tree nurseries have been established to produce seedlings for restoring degraded areas, and agroforestry belts have been established on the forests’ edges to provide wood products and protect the forests from encroachment. Likewise, village committees have been established to oversee conservation activities inside the village jurisdictional area. The integrated conservation and livelihood approach has reduced forest destruction, enhanced landscape connectivity for biodiversity conservation, increased incomes, enhanced capacity of the community to adapt to climate change, improved food security, enhanced carbon storage, strengthened traditional knowledge and practices, and ensured availability of clean water for the local population.
New modular invariants in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 Super-Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Chester Shai M. , Green Michael B. , Pufu Silviu S. , Wang Yifan , Wen Congkao
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We study modular invariants arising in the four-point functions of the stress tensor multiplet operators of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SU(N) super-Yang-Mills theory, in the limit where N is taken to be large while the complexified Yang-Mills coupling τ is held fixed. The specific four-point functions we consider are integrated correlators obtained by taking various combinations of four derivatives of the squashed sphere partition function of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2∗ theory with respect to the squashing parameter b and mass parameter m, evaluated at the values b = 1 and m = 0 that correspond to the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 theory on a round sphere. At each order in the 1/N expansion, these fourth derivatives are modular invariant functions of (τ,$$ \overline{\tau} $$

τ
¯

). We present evidence that at half-integer orders in 1/N , these modular invariants are linear combinations of non-holomorphic Eisenstein series, while at integer orders in 1/N, they are certain “generalized Eisenstein series” which satisfy inhomogeneous Laplace eigenvalue equations on the hyperbolic plane. These results reproduce known features of the low-energy expansion of the four-graviton amplitude in type IIB superstring theory in ten-dimensional flat space and have interesting implications for the structure of the analogous expansion in AdS5× S5.
Large-charge limit of AdS boson stars with mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Guo Shi-Fa , Liu Hai-Shan , Lü H. , Pang Yi
Published: April 2021

Abstract

It was recently shown that charged AdS boson stars can reproduce the universal structure of the lowest scaling dimension in the subsector of a CFT with fixed large global U(1) charge Q. Using the model consisting of Einstein-Maxwell gravity with a negative cosmological constant, coupled to a U(1)-charged conformally massless scalar with the fourth-order self interaction, we construct a class of charged AdS boson star solutions in the large Q limit, where the scalar field obeys a mixed boundary condition, parameterized by k that interpolates between the Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions corresponding to k = 0 and ∞ respectively. By varying k, we numerically read off the k dependence of the leading coefficient c3/2(k) ≡ limQ→∞M/Q3/2. We find that c3/2(k) is a monotonously increasing function which grows linearly when k is sufficiently small. When k → ∞, c3/2(k) approaches the maximal value at a decreasing rate given by k−3/2. We also obtain a close form expression that fits the numerical data for the entire range of k within 10−4 accuracy.
Validity and reliability of a wearable-controlled serious game and goniometer for telemonitoring of wrist fracture rehabilitation
Authors: Meijer Henriëtte A. W. , Graafland Maurits , Obdeijn Miryam C. , Schijven Marlies P. , Goslings J. Carel
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To determine the validity of wrist range of motion (ROM) measurements by the wearable-controlled ReValidate! wrist-rehabilitation game, which simultaneously acts as a digital goniometer. Furthermore, to establish the reliability of the game by contrasting ROM measurements to those found by medical experts using a universal goniometer.

Methods

As the universal goniometer is considered the reference standard, inter-rater reliability between surgeons was first determined. Internal validity of the game ROM measurements was determined in a test–retest setting with healthy volunteers. The reliability of the game was tested in 34 patients with a restricted range of motion, in whom the ROM was measured by experts as well as digitally. Intraclass-correlation coefficients (ICCs) were determined and outcomes were analyzed using Bland–Altman plots.

Results

Inter-rater reliability between experts using a universal goniometer was poor, with ICCs of 0.002, 0.160 and 0.520. Internal validity testing of the game found ICCs of − 0.693, 0.376 and 0.863, thus ranging from poor to good. Reliability testing of the game compared to medical expert measurements, found that mean differences were small for the flexion–extension arc and the radial deviation-ulnar deviation arc.

Conclusion

The ReValidate! game is a reliable home-monitoring device digitally measuring ROM in the wrist. Interestingly, the test–retest reliability of the serious game was found to be considerably higher than the inter-rater reliability of the reference standard, being healthcare professionals using a universal goniometer.

Trial registration number

(internal hospital registration only) MEC-AMC W17_003 #17.015.