bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal role of crop residue burning (CRB) in Delhi’s air pollution
Authors: Agarwala Meghna , Chandel Abhinav 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The National Capital Region of Delhi in India is one of the most polluted urban areas in the world, and its intense pollution episodes are attributed to crop residue burning (CRB). However, existing studies are limited in time and pollutant type, and do not often control for non-biophysical factors. We used ground-measured pollutant levels and aerosol optical depth (AOD) data to understand the role of CRB in Delhi’s air pollution from 2015 to 2018. While the CRB peak in October–November is associated with pollution episodes, biophysical conditions in the April–May CRB period allow the pollutants to disperse. Elevation in SO2 and ozone is associated with CRB from more distant source areas than elevations in PM2.5 and PM10: gaseous molecules such as SO2 may travel further than particulate matter; and NO2 may convert to ozone during long-range transport. Pollution levels are very high in December–January despite low CRB in this period. Given the high contribution of biomass burning in this period in source apportionment studies, it is unclear whether the sharp elevation in pollutant levels with temperature drop in this period can be explained only with meteorological conditions, or whether there are unquantified sources contributing to pollutant load in December–January, such as small-scale CRB that is undetected by the MODIS active fire product or local burning for heat. There are limitations to the substitution of ground-measured pollutants with AOD in analyzing drivers of pollution since AOD, unlike ground-measured pollutants, is unable to identify fine-scale drivers such as construction. Further studies that use seasonal emissions inventories, particularly for waste and household burning for heat, are required to understand their contribution to pollution in December–January as they may have a disproportionate impact on pollution and human health.
Effect of Behavior Change Techniques Targeting Clinicians to Improve Advance Care Planning in Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Schichtel Markus , Wee Bee , Perera Rafael , Onakpoya Igho , Albury Charlotte 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
National and international guidelines recommend advance care planning (ACP) for patients with heart failure. But clinicians seem hesitant to engage with ACP.

Purpose
Our aim was to identify behavioral interventions with the greatest potential to engage clinicians with ACP in heart failure.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, ERIC, Ovid MEDLINE, Science Citation Index, and PsycINFO for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to August 2018. Three reviewers independently extracted data, assessed risk of bias (Cochrane risk of bias tool), the quality of evidence (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation), and intervention synergy according to the behavior change wheel and behavior change techniques (BCTs). Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for pooled effects.

Results
Of 14,483 articles screened, we assessed the full text of 131 studies. Thirteen RCTs including 3,709 participants met all of the inclusion criteria. The BCTs of prompts/cues (OR: 4.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.03–8.59), credible source (OR: 3.24; 95% CI: 1.44–7.28), goal setting (outcome; OR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.56–4.57), behavioral practice/rehearsal (OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.50–4.67), instruction on behavior performance (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.63–3.79), goal setting (behavior; OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.57–2.87), and information about consequences (OR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.40–3.05) showed statistically significant effects to engage clinicians with ACP.

Conclusion
Certain BCTs seem to improve clinicians’ practice with ACP in heart failure and merit consideration for implementation into routine clinical practice.
Breaking Intangible Barriers in English-as-an-Additional-Language Job Interviews: Evidence from Interview Training and Ratings
Authors: Travers Nick , Huang Li-Shih 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article reports a study that involved simulated job interviews with 27 high-proficiency English-as-an-additional-language (EAL) candidates and nine professional interviewers and that evaluated three conditions: a control group and two experimental groups (one receiving only personalized, training-focused feedback on interview skills immediately after the first interview, the other receiving both the same personalized feedback and a pragmatics-focused training session, also immediately after the first interview). As derived from the 2,106 scores generated, the quantitative results showed that both experimental groups significantly outperformed the control group. The qualitative results from content analysis of the interviewers’ 341 comments captured in video-stimulated recalls showed that various themes related to language ability featured most prominently in interviewer evaluations; the themes also differentiated above-average and below-average-rated candidates. The study underscores the extent to which communicative performance swayed interviewers’ judgements above other variables; these judgements in turn may prove a disadvantage for EAL candidates in their job interviews and thus merit the critical awareness and reflection of EAL candidates, interviewers, and trainers alike.
Web tools to fight pandemics: the COVID-19 experience
Authors: Mercatelli Daniele , Holding Andrew N , Giorgi Federico M 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe current outbreak of COVID-19 has generated an unprecedented scientific response worldwide, with the generation of vast amounts of publicly available epidemiological, biological and clinical data. Bioinformatics scientists have quickly produced online methods to provide non-computational users with the opportunity of analyzing such data. In this review, we report the results of this effort, by cataloguing the currently most popular web tools for COVID-19 research and analysis. Our focus was driven on tools drawing data from the fields of epidemiology, genomics, interactomics and pharmacology, in order to provide a meaningful depiction of the current state of the art of COVID-19 online resources.
Revisiting genome-wide association studies from statistical modelling to machine learning
Authors: Sun Shanwen , Dong Benzhi , Zou Quan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Over the last decade, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have discovered thousands of genetic variants underlying complex human diseases and agriculturally important traits. These findings have been utilized to dissect the biological basis of diseases, to develop new drugs, to advance precision medicine and to boost breeding. However, the potential of GWAS is still underexploited due to methodological limitations. Many challenges have emerged, including detecting epistasis and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with small effects and distinguishing causal variants from other SNPs associated through linkage disequilibrium. These issues have motivated advancements in GWAS analyses in two contrasting cultures—statistical modelling and machine learning. In this review, we systematically present the basic concepts and the benefits and limitations in both methods. We further discuss recent efforts to mitigate their weaknesses. Additionally, we summarize the state-of-the-art tools for detecting the missed signals, ultrarare mutations and gene–gene interactions and for prioritizing SNPs. Our work can offer both theoretical and practical guidelines for performing GWAS analyses and for developing further new robust methods to fully exploit the potential of GWAS.
Trigeminal neurovascular contact in SUNCT and SUNA: a cross-sectional magnetic resonance study
Authors: Lambru Giorgio , Rantell Khadija , O’Connor Emer , Levy Andrew , Davagnanam Indran , Zrinzo Ludvic , Matharu Manjit 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Emerging data-points towards a possible aetiological and therapeutic relevance of trigeminal neurovascular contact in short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and perhaps in short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA). We aimed to assess the prevalence and significance of trigeminal neurovascular contact in a large cohort of consecutive SUNCT and SUNA patients and evaluate the radiological differences between them. The standard imaging protocol included high spatial and nerve-cistern contrast resolution imaging acquisitions of the cisternal segments of the trigeminal nerves and vessels. MRI studies were evaluated blindly by two expert evaluators and graded according to the presence, location and degree of neurovascular contact. The degree of contact was graded as with or without morphological changes. Neurovascular contact with morphological changes was defined as contact with distortion and/or atrophy. A total of 159 patients (SUNCT = 80; SUNA = 79) were included. A total of 165 symptomatic and 153 asymptomatic trigeminal nerves were analysed. The proportion of neurovascular contact on the symptomatic trigeminal nerves was higher (80.0%) compared to the asymptomatic trigeminal nerves (56.9%). The odds on having neurovascular contact over the symptomatic nerves was significantly higher than on the asymptomatic nerves [odds ratio (OR): 3.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84–4.99; P &lt; 0.0001]. Neurovascular contact with morphological changes were considerably more prevalent on the symptomatic side (61.4%), compared to the asymptomatic side (31.0%) (OR 4.16, 95% CI 2.46–7.05; P &lt; 0.0001). On symptomatic nerves, neurovascular contact with morphological changes was caused by an artery in 95.0% (n = 77/81). Moreover, the site of contact and the point of contact around the trigeminal root were respectively proximal in 82.7% (67/81) and superior in 59.3% (48/81). No significant radiological differences emerged between SUNCT and SUNA. The multivariate analysis of radiological predictors associated with the symptomatic side, indicated that the presence of neurovascular contact with morphological changes was strongly associated with the side of the pain (OR: 2.80, 95% CI 1.44–5.44; P = 0.002) even when adjusted for diagnoses. Our findings suggest that neurovascular contact with morphological changes is involved in the aetiology of SUNCT and SUNA. Along with a similar clinical phenotype, SUNCT and SUNA also display a similar structural neuroimaging profile, providing further support for the concept that the separation between them should be abandoned. Furthermore, these findings suggest that vascular compression of the trigeminal sensory root, may be a common aetiological factor between SUNCT, SUNA and trigeminal neuralgia thereby further expanding the overlap between these disorders.
Determination of Cr (VI) Content in Water-Soluble Dyes
Authors: Sathianarayanan M P , Nayak Rina , Hande Yogesh 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Hexavalent chromium detection in the presence of high load of colorants is a challenge, and it is an important area of study. Colorants are a class of interfering substance in many spectroscopic analysis and chromatographic separation and detection. In this study, a method has been developed to separate out Cr (VI) and water-soluble dyes by using activated charcoal as an absorption medium. The extraction procedure was optimized with Cr (VI) standard solution for quantification. The efficacy of the extraction procedure for the removal of water-soluble dyes and detection of Cr (VI) was checked with a spike recovery study. Based on the spike recovery study, the method has been validated as per the international validation protocol. The method is simple, cost effective and has a detection limit down up to 3.0 mg/kg. The recovery rate of Cr (VI) in water-soluble dyes like reactive yellow HE 6G, reactive red 218, turquoise blue HGN, reactive navy blue RX and reactive black 5A was found to be more than 90% with a good repeatability and reproducibility.
Subclinical Tuberculosis Disease—A Review and Analysis of Prevalence Surveys to Inform Definitions, Burden, Associations, and Screening Methodology
Authors: Frascella Beatrice , Richards Alexandra S , Sossen Bianca , Emery Jon C , Odone Anna , Law Irwin , Onozaki Ikushi , Esmail Hanif , Houben Rein M G J 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
While it is known that a substantial proportion of individuals with tuberculosis disease (TB) present subclinically, usually defined as bacteriologically-confirmed but negative on symptom screening, considerable knowledge gaps remain. Our aim was to review data from TB prevalence population surveys and generate a consistent definition and framework for subclinical TB, enabling us to estimate the proportion of TB that is subclinical, explore associations with overall burden and program indicators, and evaluate the performance of screening strategies. We extracted data from all publicly available prevalence surveys conducted since 1990. Between 36.1% and 79.7% (median, 50.4%) of prevalent bacteriologically confirmed TB was subclinical. No association was found between prevalence of subclinical and all bacteriologically confirmed TB, patient diagnostic rate, or country-level HIV prevalence (P values, .32, .4, and .34, respectively). Chest Xray detected 89% (range, 73%–98%) of bacteriologically confirmed TB, highlighting the potential of optimizing current TB case-finding policies.
47 APPLICATION OF MACHINE LEARNING TO PREDICT NEOADJUVANT CHEMORADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT RESPONSE IN ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Hu Y , Xie C , Vardhanabhuti V , Fu J 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Predicting the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) treatment response in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients remains challenging. This study aims to evaluate the value of CT imaging-based machine learning models for predicting pathologic complete response (pCR) in ESCC patients receiving NCRT and to establish correlations with their underlying biology via radiogenomics analysis.

Methods
We identified 231 eligible patients from two centers. Handcrafted radiomics features (analyzed by PyRadiomics) and deep learning features (analyzed by transfer learning using the convolutional neural network, Xception) were extracted from pretreatment CT images. A handcrafted radiomics model and deep learning model were built with support vector machine. The models were trained in the training cohort (n = 161) and validated in an external testing cohort (n = 70). The radiological model with better performance was incorporated into a nomogram. Pathway enrichment analysis in a subset of the cohort (n = 28) with gene expression profiles revealed the potential biological processes correlated with the radiological prediction.

Results
We constructed a seven-feature handcrafted radiomics model and an eight-feature deep learning model to predict NCRT response. The deep learning model outperformed its counterpart (AUC: 0.76 vs. 0.73; accuracy: 71.4% vs. 65.7%) and was used to establish a nomogram model incorporating cN staging, which showed good discrimination in the testing cohort (C-index = 0.76, accuracy = 72.9%). Radiogenomics analysis illustrated a potential association between the radiological prediction and underlying molecular processes involving multiple factors, including WNT and TGF- signaling pathways, the microenvironment, radiation response and mitotic nuclear division.

Conclusion
We developed a CT imaging-based machine learning model that showed satisfactory performance in NCRT response prediction for ESCC patients. Further radiogenomics analysis provided useful insights into the biological mechanisms of therapy resistance in ESCC. These findings could enhance the applications of radiological characteristics in precision oncology and clinical practice.
61 THE 5-YEAR RESULTS FOR ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF SUPERFICIAL ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AT A NORWEGIAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Authors: Hauge T , Hauge T , Franco-Lie I , Johnson E 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Superficial esophageal cancer (HGD = high grade dysplasia, T1a and T1b with no evidence of spread) accounts for about 20 % of all esophageal cancers. Traditionally, radical esophagectomy, with a significant degree of comorbidity has been the mainstay of treatment. Now most international guidelines, including the ESGE (European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) recommends endoscopic treatment as the first choice of treatment. The aim of this abstract was to present our data from 2014-2018.

Methods
From 2014 to 2018 (and ongoing) we have registered all patients endoscopically treated for LGD (low grade dysplasia) and superficial esophageal cancer, including some cases with T1b. The patient material, including treatment modality, histology, time of follow-up, the need for surgery and its outcome were registered. The majority of follow-ups took place at our hospital. Data was also retrieved from cases of late follow-up at other hospitals.

Results
86 patients were endoscopically treated. The histology revealed LGD (24%), HGD (50%) and adenocarcinoma (21%). 15% were treated for a T1a tumor, 7% for T1b. 29% underwent endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), 29% radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and 40% had both. The endoscopic treatment resulted in complete resolution of dysplasia in 64%, downstaging in 11%, whilst progression occurred in 11%. Five patients were operated for initial T1b or progression into T1b. The operation specimen showed no residual tumor in 3/5 patients. There were no serious complications. 90-days mortality was 1%.

Conclusion
Endoscopic treatment is a safe and efficient treatment option for superficial esophageal cancer. Few patients needed surgery and there was few and exclusively mild complications. This treatment modality will spare many patients for esophageal surgery with its associated high level of comorbidity.
481 EXPRESSION OF ANDROGEN RECEPTOR AND HER 2/NEU IN ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA AND ITS MICOENVIRONMENT
Authors: Surana R , Rajendran R , D D , Rajendran S , Chandramohan S 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) have a higher incidence and worse prognosis in males, which may be dependent on the difference of environment of sex steroids. The influence of androgen receptor (AR) and HER 2/neu expression on hormone-related cancers are well known but their role in EC shows conflicting data. This warrants further investigation on their influence on tumor microenvironment of EC.

Methods
All the cases of biopsy proven primary ESCC which presented to the institute in the years 2016–2020 were included. Patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy were excluded.
Epidemiological and pathological data were noted from the patient records. Paraffin embedded tissue samples of the patient were collected and immunohistochemical staining (IHC) for AR and HER 2/Neu was performed. The stained slides were then scored independently by three pathologists.
Scoring criteria:
AR nuclear staining of ≥5% of the lesional cells were considered positive. Cells showing weak to strong complete/basolateral/lateral membrane staining in ≥5 cell groups were scored positive for HER 2/neu.

Results
The study included 24 individuals, 16 males and 8 females with esophageal SCC. The tumor cells showed AR positivity in 12.5% and HER 2/neu positivity in 16.67% of the tissue samples by IHC. There was no significant gender difference in the expression of AR and HER 2/neu in this study. In addition AR expression was seen in 41.67% (N = 10) of adjacent stromal cells (in 66.67% (2 of 3) of the AR positive and 38.09% (8 of 21) of the AR negative specimens) with a p value of 0.028 (p &lt; 0.05). There was no significant variation by gender.

Conclusion
There was a statistically significant expression of AR in the stromal cells of both AR positive and negative tumors. AR expression has been reported in the stroma of esophageal adenocarcinoma which was attributed to paracrine effects following androgen stimulation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of AR expression in the tumor microenvironment of esophageal SCCs. This study is limited by the small sample size and warrants further research.
503 QUALITY OF LIFE AS A PREDICTOR OF POST-ESOPHAGECTOMY SHORT TERM OUTCOMES AND SURVIVAL
Authors: Katz A , Ramirez-GraciaLuna J , Kammili A , Abureida F , Cools-Lartigue J , Spicer J , Mueller C , Ferri L 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Most esophageal cancer patients present with symptoms that impact quality of life (QOL). In this study, we sought to determine the influence of QOL at diagnosis on postoperative outcomes and survival (OS).

Methods
A prospectively-collected esophagectomy database (2006–17) was queried to identify patients who completed Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Esophageal module (FACT-E). Demographics/tumor/treatment details, operative variables, complications and OS were collected. Statistical analysis was done using Cox regression, logistic regression, ANOVA or Chi-square tests.

Results
Of 647 patients underwent esophagectomy in the study period, 359 how completed FACT-E at diagnosis were included in the study (age 64 ± 11, male 82%, stage I:9%, II:15%, III:69%, IV:7%, adenocarcinoma: 78%, neoadjuvant therapy: 70%). Clinical stage I was associated with better QOL at diagnosis (131 ± 2 vs 118 ± 28, p &lt; 0.02). FACT-E &gt; 125 was associated with lower peri-operative mortality (9% vs 1%, 0R = 6.1, P = 0.01), and when divided into quintiles, correlated directly with OS (Figure 1a), more over it was able to prognostically differentiate patients with locally-advanced disease (stage II + III) (Figure 1b) better than the clinical staging (Figure 1c).

Conclusion
QOL at diagnosis predicts peri-operative mortality and long-term survival. It can help to prognostically differentiate between patients with locally advanced disease. Attempts to improve QOL prior to surgery, such as with pre-habilitation, remain an attractive area of investigation.