bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy increases antitumor responses to tumor-associated antigens and potentiates DNA vaccination
Authors: Mandili Giorgia , Curcio Claudia , Bulfamante Sara , Follia Laura , Ferrero Giulio , Mazza Emanuela , Principe Moitza , Cordero Francesca , Satolli Maria Antonietta , Spadi Rosella , Evangelista Andrea , Giordano Daniele , Viet Duy , Cappello Paola , Novelli Francesco 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is an almost incurable tumor that is mostly resistant to chemotherapy (CT). Adaptive immune responses to tumor-associated antigens (TAA) have been reported, but immunotherapy (IT) clinical trials have not yet achieved any significant increase in survival, confirming the suppressive environment of PDA. As CT has immune-modulating properties, we investigated the effect of gemcitabine (GEM) in antitumor effector responses to TAA in patients with PDA.MethodsThe IgG antibody repertoire in patients with PDA before and after CT was profiled by serological proteome analysis and ELISA and their ability to activate complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) was measured. Peripheral T cells were stimulated in vitro with recombinant TAA, and specific proliferation, IFN-γ/IL-10 and CD8+/Treg ratios were measured. Mice that spontaneously developed PDA were treated with GEM and inoculated with an ENO1 (α−Enolase) DNA vaccine. In some experimental groups, the effect of depleting CD4, CD8 and B cells by specific antibodies was also evaluated.ResultsCT increased the number of TAA recognized by IgG and their ability to activate CDC. Evaluation of the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio and CD8+/Treg ratios revealed that CT treatment shifted T cell responses to ENO1, G3P (glyceraldheyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase), K2C8 (keratin, type II cytoskeletal 8) and FUBP1 (far upstream binding protein 1), four of the most recognized TAA, from regulatory to effector. In PDA mice models, treatment with GEM prior to ENO1 DNA vaccination unleashed CD4 antitumor activity and strongly impaired tumor progression compared with mice that were vaccinated or GEM-treated alone.ConclusionsOverall, these data indicate that, in PDA, CT enhances immune responses to TAA and renders them suitable targets for IT.
Genetic characterisation of sarcomatoid carcinomas reveals multiple novel actionable mutations and identifies KRAS mutation as a biomarker of poor prognosis
Authors: Ding Ying , Shao Yang , Na Chenglong , Yin Jiani C , Hua Hongjin , Tao Ran , Jiang Yue , Hu Ran , He Xiao , Miao Chen , Zhu Dongqin , Zhang Zhihong 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundSarcomatoid component occurs in various epithelial malignancies and is associated with an aggressive disease course and poor clinical outcome. As it is largely rare, the molecular events underlying sarcomatoid carcinomas (SCs) remain poorly characterised. Here, we performed targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) on patients with surgically resected SCs comprising distinct tissues of origin.MethodsA total of 71 patients with pathological diagnosis of sarcomatoid carcinomas and underwent surgery were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from surgery to death from any cause. Patients alive or lost to follow-up were censored. Genomic DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples was extracted for NGS and tumour mutation burden (TMB) analysis.ResultsIn general, SCs occurred more commonly in males, except those of the gallbladder. SCs of the lung and the larynx were associated with a higher proportion of smokers (p=0.0015). Alterations in TP53, RB1, TERT and KRAS were highly frequent, with KRAS mutations being a biomarker of poor prognosis (median OS=8 vs 16 months, p=0.03). Multiple alterations in potentially actionable genes, including ROS1 and NTRK1 fusions and ERBB2 amplification, were detected in the extra-pulmonary cohort. A relatively high proportion (30%) of patients with extra-pulmonary SC had high TMB, with a median of 5.39 mutations per Mb. Lastly, copy number variations were common in SCs, and were non-overlapping between the primary and metastatic tumours.ConclusionTaken together, our results suggest that comprehensive genetic testing may be necessary to inform treatment options and identify prognostic biomarkers.
Exposure to occupational hazards and risk of sinonasal epithelial cancer: results from an extended Italian case–control study
Authors: d’Errico Angelo , Zajacova Jana , Cacciatore Anna , Alfonzo Santo , Beatrice Fabio , Ricceri Fulvio , Valente Guido 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesThere is sufficient evidence for a causal association of sinonasal epithelial cancers (SNEC) only for exposure to wood and leather dusts, nickel compounds and employment in isopropyl alcohol production. The aim of this study was to assess whether other occupational hazards are associated with the risk of SNEC for the main histologic types, namely adenocarcinoma (AD) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).MethodsThe study population included 375 incident SNEC cases collected from 1996 to 2014 (79% of all diagnosed SNEC) throughout the Piedmont region by the regional Sinonasal Cancer Registry, and 408 hospital controls. Exposure to 17 occupational agents was assigned through expert assessment based on interviews to the subjects on jobs held throughout their working life. The relationship of SNEC with ever and cumulative exposure to the hazards was assessed through unconditional logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, area of residence, smoking habit, year of enrolment and coexposures.ResultsAD was associated with both ever and cumulative exposure to wood dust, leather dust and organic solvents, and with cumulative exposure to textiles dusts. SCC risk was significantly increased by ever exposure to nickel, chromium and welding fumes, as well as by cumulative exposure to welding fumes, arsenic and organic solvents. A mixed group of other histological types was associated with both ever and cumulative exposure to wood dust and textile dusts.ConclusionsThe associations of SNEC with wood dust, leather dust and nickel were confirmed, while some new associations were observed for other hazards, which merit further investigation.
Lung cancer risk in painters: results from the SYNERGY pooled case–control study consortium
Authors: Guha Neela , Bouaoun Liacine , Kromhout Hans , Vermeulen Roel , Brüning Thomas , Behrens Thomas , Peters Susan , Luzon Véronique , Siemiatycki Jack , Xu Mengting , Kendzia Benjamin , Guenel Pascal , Luce Danièle , Karrasch Stefan , Wichmann Heinz-Erich , Consonni Dario , Landi Maria Teresa , Caporaso Neil E , Gustavsson Per , Plato Nils , Merletti Franco , Mirabelli Dario , Richiardi Lorenzo , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Ahrens Wolfgang , Pohlabeln Hermann , TSE Lap Ah , Yu Ignatius Tak-Sun , Tardón Adonina , Boffetta Paolo , Zaridze David , 't Mannetje Andrea , Pearce Neil , Davies Michael P A , Lissowska Jolanta , Świątkowska Beata , McLaughlin John , Demers Paul A , Bencko Vladimir , Foretova Lenka , Janout Vladimir , Pándics Tamás , Fabianova Eleonora , Mates Dana , Forastiere Francesco , Bueno-de-Mesquita Bas , Schüz Joachim , Straif Kurt , Olsson Ann 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesWe evaluated the risk of lung cancer associated with ever working as a painter, duration of employment and type of painter by histological subtype as well as joint effects with smoking, within the SYNERGY project.MethodsData were pooled from 16 participating case–control studies conducted internationally. Detailed individual occupational and smoking histories were available for 19 369 lung cancer cases (684 ever employed as painters) and 23 674 age-matched and sex-matched controls (532 painters). Multivariable unconditional logistic regression models were adjusted for age, sex, centre, cigarette pack-years, time-since-smoking cessation and lifetime work in other jobs that entailed exposure to lung carcinogens.ResultsEver having worked as a painter was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in men (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.50). The association was strongest for construction and repair painters and the risk was elevated for all histological subtypes, although more evident for small cell and squamous cell lung cancer than for adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma. There was evidence of interaction on the additive scale between smoking and employment as a painter (relative excess risk due to interaction >0).ConclusionsOur results by type/industry of painter may aid future identification of causative agents or exposure scenarios to develop evidence-based practices for reducing harmful exposures in painters.
The challenge of environmental sustainability in radiology training and potential solutions
Authors: Peters Seren , Burrows Susan , Jenkins Paul 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT
The environmental impact of training has been poorly recognised for many years. With the emergence of high-profile climate activists and a wider appreciation of the need for sustainable healthcare, training within radiology can no longer be excused from its responsibility to consider the environment in its actions. In this paper, we aim to evaluate the environmental impact of the travel undertaken by trainees within the Peninsula training programme, with the aim of developing practices and providing suggestions (evidence-based where possible) on how to improve the impact on the environment of trainee travel. We envisage that many of the lessons and suggestions may be transferrable to other training schemes in the UK and further afield. During the early months of 2020, in addition to the environmental crisis, COVID-19 escalated to a pandemic resulting in the alteration of working practices across the UK (and the rest of the world). This led to many environmentally beneficial working practices being adopted in Radiology in the South West Peninsula Deanery, and throughout this paper we have evaluated these changes and used our collective experience of these to inform our suggestions on how to improve the environmental sustainability of Medical and Radiological training.
Changes in responses to nicotine vaping product warnings and leaflets in England compared with Canada, the US and Australia: findings from the 2016–2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys
Authors: Taylor Eve Violet , East Katherine A , McNeill Ann , Cummings Michael , Thrasher James , Fong Geoffrey T , Quah Anne C K , McDermot Máirtín , Li Grace , Borland Ron , Hammond David , Aleyan Sarah , Hitchman Sara C 
Published: October 2020

Background and aimsIn May 2017, black-and-white text nicotine addiction warning labels (‘warnings’) and health and safety leaflets (‘leaflets’) became mandatory for nicotine vaping products (NVPs) in England, in accordance with the European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive. We compared changes over time in noticing warnings and leaflets, recall of warnings about nicotine and concerns about using NVP due to noticing warnings in England, compared with Canada, the US and Australia, where no warnings and leaflets were mandated.Design19 005 adult (aged 18+) NVP users, smokers and quitters of cigarettes and NVP from the 2016 and 2018 International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys in England, Canada, the US and Australia, recruited via probability and non-probability sampling.FindingsNoticing warnings increased in England from 4.9% (2016) to 9.4% (2018) (adjusted OR/AOR=1.64, 95% CI=1.15–2.36); this change was larger than changes in Canada (AOR=2.51, 95% CI=1.71–3.69) and the US (AOR=2.22, 95% CI=1.45–3.39). Recall of a nicotine warning increased in England from 86% (2016) to 94.9% (2018) (AOR=5.50, 95% CI=1.57–19.27) but not significantly elsewhere. Noticing leaflets increased in England from 14.6% (2016) to 19.1% (2018) (AOR=1.42, 95% CI=1.15–1.74); this change was larger than in Canada (AOR=1.42, 95% CI=1.12–1.79), the US (AOR=1.55, 95% CI=1.17–2.06) and Australia (AOR=1.51, 95% CI=1.02–2.22). Among those noticing warnings, concern about NVP use did not change significantly between 2016 and 2018 (all countries p>0.081).ConclusionsIntroduction of mandatory NVP warnings and leaflets in England was associated with small increases in noticing them but not with changes in concerns about NVP use.
On a new species of Spirobranchus Blainville, 1818 (Annelida: Serpulidae) and considerations on the genus along the Brazilian coast
Authors: Brandão Ivison Cordeiro , Brasil Ana Claudia dos Santos 
Published: October 2020

Spirobranchus are abundant and diverse serpulids in tropical regions, with three species reported in Brazil, which occurrence is questionable, due to their distant type localities. In the present work, we describe a new species of Spirobranchus from the Brazilian coast and report the other species of the genus occurring off Brazilian shoreline, based on specimens from different locations. Specimens were collected in the states of Alagoas, Rio de Janeiro, and Santa Catarina, sorted and analyzed under a stereoscopic microscope. Then, the animals were anesthetized and subsequently fixed and prepared for the scanning electron microscopy. Specimens from the Caribbean and other Brazilian states were loaned from Museu Nacional of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro and Universidade Federal de Alagoas. Morphological analyzes differentiated the three species and provided details of the morphology that can be used in the future taxonomy of the family. The species S. giganteus and S. tetraceros are more similar to each other, but can be readily separated based on the spiral radiolar crown in the former; S. minutus differs from the other species for the tube, operculum, and type of uncini. Spirobranchus lirianeae sp. nov. nests within S. kraussii-complex, with a concave operculum, absence of collar chaetae and paired compound eyes on the radioles, differing by being a solitary rather than a gregarious species, by the funnel-shaped operculum, fringed tonguelets and tube with single keel, distally pointed.
The Secrets of the Best Rainbows on Earth
Authors: Businger Steven 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper makes a case for why Hawaii is the rainbow capital of the world. It begins by briefly touching on the cultural and historical significance of rainbows in Hawaii. Next it provides an overview of the science behind the rainbow phenomenon, which provides context for exploring the meteorology that helps explain the prevalence of Hawaiian rainbows. Last, the paper discusses the art and science of chasing rainbows.
Wind Spatial Structure Triggers ENSO’s Oceanic Warm Water Volume Changes
Authors: Neske S. , McGregor S. , Zeller M. , Dommenget D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study demonstrates that the generalization that strong anomalous equatorial Pacific westerly (easterly) winds during El Niño (La Niña) events display strong adjusted warm water volume (WWV) discharges (recharges) is often incorrect. Using ocean model simulations, we categorize the oceanic adjusted responses to strong anomalous equatorial winds into two categories: (i) transitioning (consistent with the above generalization) and (ii) neutral adjusted responses (with negligible WWV recharge and discharge). During the 1980–2016 period only 47% of strong anomalous equatorial winds are followed by transitioning adjusted responses, while the remaining are followed by neutral adjusted responses. Moreover, 55% (only 30%) of the strongest winds lead to transitioning adjusted responses during the pre-2000 (post-2000) period in agreement with the previously reported post-2000 decline of WWV lead time to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. The prominent neutral adjusted WWV response is shown to be largely excited by anomalous wind stress forcing with a weaker curl (on average consistent with a higher ratio of off-equatorial to equatorial wind events) and weaker Rossby wave projection than the transitioning adjusted response. We also identify a prominent ENSO phase asymmetry where strong anomalous equatorial westerly winds (i.e., El Niño events) are roughly 1.6 times more likely to strongly discharge WWV than strong anomalous equatorial easterly winds (i.e., La Niña events) are to strongly recharge WWV. This ENSO phase asymmetry may be added to the list of mechanisms proposed to explain why El Niño events have a stronger tendency to be followed by La Niña events than vice versa.
Assessing Goodness of Fit to a Gamma Distribution and Estimating Future Projection on Daily Precipitation Frequency Using Regional Climate Model Simulations over Japan with and without the Influence of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Murata Akihiko , Watanabe Shun-ichi I. , Sasaki Hidetaka , Kawase Hiroaki , Nosaka Masaya 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGoodness of fit in daily precipitation frequency to a gamma distribution was examined, focusing on adverse effects originating from the shortage of sampled tropical cyclones, using precipitation data with and without the influence of tropical cyclones. The data used in this study were obtained through rain gauge observations and regional climate model simulations under the RCP8.5 scenario and the present climate. An empirical cumulative distribution function (CDF), calculated from a sample of precipitation data for each location, was compared with a theoretical CDF derived from two parameters of a gamma distribution. Using these two CDFs, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) was calculated as an indicator of the goodness of fit. The RMSE exhibited a decreasing tendency when the influence of tropical cyclones was removed. This means that the empirical CDF derived from sampled precipitation more closely resembled the theoretical CDF when compared with the relationship between empirical and theoretical CDFs, including precipitation data associated with tropical cyclones. Future changes in the two parameters of the gamma distribution, without the influence of tropical cyclones, depend on regions in Japan, indicating a regional dependence on changes in the shape and scale of the CDF. The magnitude of increases in no-rain days was also dependent on regions of Japan, although the number of no-rain days increased overall. This simplified approach is useful for analyzing climate change from a broad perspective.
Error Analysis and Improved Design of Target Board Reflection for Visibility Measurement by the Image Method
Authors: Wang Min , Zhou Shudao , Liu Zhanhua , Zhang Yangchun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe reflection of colors and surfaces of common targets lead to errors in the measurement of visibility by the image method. This study aims to investigate the problem of inaccurate visibility detection. Through analysis of the error of visibility measurement caused by the reflection of the blackboard surface of an artificial target, the design method of improving the structure of the target board is proposed, so as to improve the accuracy of atmospheric visibility measurement by the image method. The experimental results show that the new target board designed by this method can greatly improve the measurement accuracy of the intrinsic apparent brightness ratio, which can increase 18.4% in the fairing environment and closer to −1 in the side light environment. Therefore, when the side light is selected for the image method visibility measurement, more accurate visibility results can be obtained.
An Examination of the Impact of Grid Spacing on WRF Simulations of Wintertime Precipitation in the Mid-Atlantic United States
Authors: Lynn Barry H. , Cohen Seth , Druyan Leonard , Phillips Adam S. , Shea Dennis , Krugliak Haim-Zvi , Khain Alexander P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA large set of deterministic and ensemble forecasts was produced to identify the optimal spacing for forecasting U.S. East Coast snowstorms. WRF forecasts were produced on cloud-allowing (~1-km grid spacing) and convection-allowing (3–4 km) grids, and compared against forecasts with parameterized convection (>~10 km). Performance diagrams were used to evaluate 19 deterministic forecasts from the winter of 2013–14. Ensemble forecasts of five disruptive snowstorms spanning the years 2015–18 were evaluated using various methods to evaluate probabilistic forecasts. While deterministic forecasts using cloud-allowing grids were not better than convection-allowing forecasts, both had lower bias and higher success ratios than forecasts with parameterized convection. All forecasts were underdispersive. Nevertheless, forecasts on the higher-resolution grids were more reliable than those with parameterized convection. Forecasts on the cloud-allowing grid were best able to discriminate areas that received heavy snow and those that did not, while the forecasts with parameterized convection were least able to do so. It is recommended to use convection-resolving and (if computationally possible) to use cloud-allowing forecast grids when predicting East Coast winter storms.
Pregnancy, Estrogen Exposure, and the Development of Otosclerosis: A Case‐Control Study of 1196 Women
Authors: Macielak Robert J. , Marinelli John P. , Totten Douglas J. , Lohse Christine M. , Grossardt Brandon R. , Carlson Matthew L. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThis study sought to determine whether a history of pregnancy or bilateral oophorectomy is associated with subsequent otosclerosis development or disease severity.Study DesignPopulation‐based case‐control study.SettingOlmsted County, Minnesota.MethodsWomen diagnosed with otosclerosis were matched to 3 women without otosclerosis based on age and historical depth of medical records. Associations of prior delivery and bilateral oophorectomy with subsequent development of otosclerosis and with pure‐tone average (PTA) at the time of otosclerosis diagnosis were evaluated.ResultsWe studied 1196 women: 299 cases of otosclerosis and 897 matched controls. The odds ratio for the association of ≥1 delivery with otosclerosis was 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85‐1.60; P =. 35). Odds ratios for the associations of 1, 2, 3, or ≥4 deliveries with otosclerosis were 1.22 (0.83‐1.80), 1.09 (0.71‐1.68), 1.28 (0.77‐2.12), and 1.00 (0.54‐1.84), respectively. The odds ratio for the association of prior bilateral oophorectomy with otosclerosis was 1.12 (0.58‐2.18; P =. 73). In cases with otosclerosis, PTA at diagnosis was not significantly higher for women with ≥1 delivery as compared with those without (median 45 dB hearing loss [HL] [interquartile range {IQR} 36‐55] vs 43 [IQR 34‐53]; P = 0.18) but was significantly higher for women with bilateral oophorectomy compared with those without (median 54 dB HL [IQR 44‐61] vs 44 [IQR 34‐53]; P =. 03).ConclusionThese data do not support a relationship between endogenous estrogen exposure and development of otosclerosis. Women with otosclerosis who had a history of pregnancy did not have significantly worse hearing at the time of diagnosis, suggesting that pregnancy is not associated with disease severity.