bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time to positive culture can differentiate post‐neurosurgical coagulase‐negativeStaphylococciother thanS epidermidismeningitis from contamination: A case‐control observational study
Authors: Zheng Guanghui , Li Siwen , Zhao Minghui , Yang Xinrui , Zhang Yumeng , Deng Jia , Luo Yu , Lv Hong , Zhang Guojun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of coagulase‐negativeStaphylococciother thanStaphylococci epidermidis(Nse‐CoNS) meningitis and to apply cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) times to positivity culture (TTPC) for the precise differentiation of meningitis from contamination.MethodsWe conducted a case‐control study to accomplish the following: First, we retrospectively reviewed records of post‐neurosurgical patients’ CSF that yielded Nse‐CoNS from January to October 2019 at the Beijing Tiantan Hospital; 17 clinical and 12 laboratory characteristics were reviewed. Second, we investigated the TTPC of the Nse‐CoNS, the cutoffs, and corresponding parameters to differentiate Nse‐CoNS meningitis from contamination.ResultsIn this study, a total of 146 patients with Nse‐CoNS CSF culture positive were enrolled. The average TTPC in the Nse‐CoNS meningitis group was significantly shorter than in the contamination group (20.2 ± 5.0 hours and 30.2 ± 12.6 hours, respectively,P < .05). The area under curve (AUC) of the model was 0.802. A TTPC of 20.0 hours had 94.3% sensitivity and a negative value of 90.2% for predicting Nse‐CoNS meningitis.ConclusionsNse‐CoNS meningitis often causes confusion in clinical diagnosis. In this study, we evaluated the clinical predictive factors of Nse‐CoNS meningitis and confirmed that the median TTPC in the Nse‐CoNS meningitis group was significantly shorter than in the contamination group. A TTPC shorter than 20.0 hours was associated with Nse‐CoNS meningitis, while a TTPC longer than 20.0 hours was associated with Nse‐CoNS contamination. This information will be helpful for the rapid diagnosis of Nse‐CoNS meningitis.
Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis can sort cancer‐associated fibroblast‐specific markers promoting bladder cancer progression
Authors: Liu Bitian , Zhan Yunhong , Chen Xiaonan , Hu Xiaoru , Wu Bin , Pan Shen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe role of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) has been thoroughly investigated in tumour microenvironments but not in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA). The cell fraction of CAFs gradually increased with BLCA progression. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed a specific gene expression module of CAFs that are relevant to cancer progression and survival status. Fifteen key genes of the module were consistent with a fibroblast signature in single‐cell RNA sequencing, functionally related to the extracellular matrix, and significant in survival analysis and tumour staging. A comparison of the luminal‐infiltrated versus luminal‐papillary subtypes and fibroblast versus urothelial carcinoma cell lines and immunohistochemical data analysis demonstrated that the key genes were specifically expressed in CAFs. Moreover, these genes are highly correlated with previously reported CAF markers. In summary, CAFs play a major role in the progression of BLCA, and the 15 key genes act as BLCA‐specific CAF markers and can predict CAF changes. WGCNA can, therefore, be used to sort CAF‐specific gene set in cancer tissues.
New and old adjuvants in allergen‐specific immunotherapy: With a focus on nanoparticles
Authors: Feng Zhongtao , Yi Xin , Hajavi Jafar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAllergic diseases have remarkably increased in recent years. Nowadays, efforts for curing and management of these disorders are an important concern worldwide. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) has recently gained more attention as a means for the management of allergic diseases. Adjuvants or helper agents are materials applied for better stimulating and shifting of protective responses, and these belong to an extremely diverse collection of complexes. The main function of adjuvants includes acting as depot foundations, transferring vehicles, and immunostimulators. Immunostimulatory adjuvants have gained increasing attention for ASIT. In this regard, the present study provides a review of old and new adjuvants used in allergen immunotherapy.
Genetic counseling student demographics: an empirical comparison of two cohorts
Authors: Stoddard Andrea , McCarthy Veach Pat , MacFarlane Ian M. , LeRoy Bonnie , Tryon Rebecca 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGenetic counseling student characteristics may be evolving with the expansion and diversification of the genetic counseling field. We compared characteristics and previously accrued experiences of genetic counseling students enrolled in the 2018–2019 academic year with genetic counseling students surveyed by Lega et al. (Journal of Genetic Counseling, 14, 395; 2005). Four‐hundred thirty students completed a survey (60% response rate) assessing demographics, select application experiences, encouragement and discouragement to apply to genetic counseling programs, and career certainty and motivations. Data analyses comprised descriptive statistics, content analysis of open‐ended responses, and t tests and chi‐square tests to compare responses to variables also assessed by Lega et al. Similarities between the two cohorts included most students being female, White/Caucasian, and biology majors; they reported a similar amount and type of support and discouragement; and they had strong career certainty. Salient group differences included the current cohort having a larger proportion of males (8% versus 3%; p=.007), greater percentage of parent(s) with a high socioeconomic status (SES; 31% versus 17%; p=.005), a lower first application cycle acceptance rate (71% versus 80%; p<.001), and they were more strongly influenced to pursue genetic counseling by future income (p<.001), desire to help others (p=.002), the profession's prestige (p<.001), and programs’ 2‐year duration (p<.001). Students applied to an average of six programs during their first application cycle and paid, on average, $1,648 for all application and interview expenses in their acceptance year. A vast majority (99%) had advocacy experiences (most commonly crisis intervention) and shadowing opportunities (94%), and 26% worked as genetic counseling assistants prior to their acceptance. Most students were interested primarily in cancer genetics at the time of survey completion. The genetic counseling field should continue efforts to improve racial and gender diversity and identify ways to increase program accessibility/affordability for individuals at all SES levels.
RAB40C gene polymorphisms rs62030917 and rs2269556 are associated with an increased risk of lumbar disc herniation development in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Liu Kexun , Huo Hongjun , Jia Wenchao , Li Manglai , Xiong Zichao , Sun Yao , Wu Jiamin , Li Haiyue , Liu Jianfeng , Liu Yuanwei , Jin Tianbo , Li Bin , Zuo Yuan , Zhao Yan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundLumbar disc herniation (LDH) places a serious burden on the daily lives and socioeconomics of people. Although the pathogenesis of LDH is complex, genetic factors such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may affect the risk of developing LDH. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of RAB40C SNPs on the risk of LDH in the Chinese Han population.MethodsWe investigated 508 LDH cases and 508 healthy controls for this case–control study. Three tag SNPs in RAB40C were selected and genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY platform (Agena Bioscience, San Diego, CA, USA). After adjusting for age and gender, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression.ResultsIn the allele model, we found rs62030917 and rs2269556 in RAB40C with a minor G allele significantly increased the risk of LDH (rs62030917: OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.00–1.50, p = 0.046; rs2269556: OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.02–1.45, p = 0.033). In genetic model analysis, rs2269556 was associated with an increased risk of LDH under both codominant (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.03–2.15, p = 0.035) and log‐additive models (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01–1.45, p = 0.035). rs62030917 of RAB40C was associated with an increased risk of LDH under codominant, recessive and log‐additive models (p < 0.05) only among individuals younger than 49 years after stratification by age.ConclusionsFor the first time, our results suggest that rs62030917 and rs2269556 in the RAB40C gene influence genetic susceptibility to LDH.
Guns, germs, and public history: A conversation with Jennifer Tucker
Authors: Serlin David 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this wide‐ranging conversation, historians David Serlin (UC San Diego) and Jennifer Tucker (Wesleyan University) discuss the role of material culture and visual media in shaping how museums communicate histories of science and technology. Tucker describes a recent public history project focused on 19th‐century histories of firearms and gun regulation in light of contemporary debates about the Second Amendment “right to bear arms.” Serlin and Tucker conclude by speculating about possible curatorial directions for a future public history exhibit focused on the social and cultural impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic during 2020.
An innovative sampling approach combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of emerging pollutants in drinking water
Authors: Di Carro Marina , Lluveras‐Tenorio Anna , Benedetti Barbara , Magi Emanuele 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this work, an innovative sampling and preconcentration method followed by analysis with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS) was developed for the determination of different emerging pollutants (five anti‐inflammatory drugs and one antibacterial agent) in water matrices.Thin‐film microextraction blades, consisting of stainless steel blades with a coating made of divinylbenzene, have been employed. The blades, fixed onto a stainless steel support, were mounted on a laboratory stirrer with adjustable speed, immersed in water samples and eluted with methanol. The analytical procedure was developed, carefully optimizing stirring speed and extraction time. A good reproducibility among the blades was observed; quantitation limits at the ng L−1 level were achieved. Calibration curves were constructed by applying the whole procedure to tap water samples, free from analytes, spiked with standards in the concentration range 0.01–2 μg L−1; good linearity was obtained, with R2 between 0.9984 and 0.9991. The optimized method was applied to tap and surface waters; two anti‐inflammatory drugs were detected at the ng L−1 level in surface water. In one sample, diclofenac and naproxen were measured at 26 ± 5 and 15 ± 1 ng L−1, respectively; only diclofenac was quantified in the other sample at 14 ± 3 ng L−1.
Viral metagenomics analysis of kidney donors and recipients: Torque teno virus genotyping and prevalence
Authors: Kulifaj Dorian , Tilloy Valentin , Scaon Erwan , Guerin Emilie , Essig Marie , Pichon Nicolas , Hantz Sébastien , De Bernardi Alexandra , Joannes Martine , Barranger Côme , Alain Sophie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe viral load of the ubiquitous and nonpathogenic torque teno virus (TTV) is associated with the grade of immunosuppression of its host. The development of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) allowed to describe the human virome of the blood compartment in transplanted patients, and showed that TTV is the most important part of the virome. This study is a descriptive retrospective pilot study of sequencing plasma samples from 15 matched donors and recipients. After sample processing, nucleic acids were amplified by rolling circle amplification and submitted to NGS by ion proton sequencing technology. Results were analyzed after mapping of reads on the 29 TTV reference genomes and de novo assembling of the reads with MIRA software. The number of TTV species present in donors and recipients was, on average, 12 in donors and 33 in recipients. TTV species predominantly present in donors were TTV‐13 and TTV‐18; and in recipients were TTV‐P15‐2, TTV‐27, TTV‐HD14a, and TTV‐22. We highlighted a significant variability in abundance and composition in sequential samples from recipients. Temporal evolution of TTV populations was clearly observed in recipients, but no preferential transmission of a species from donor to recipient was evidenced. Diversity and population expansion were observed in kidney recipients. Further study of TTV species could help assess the potential impact of each species of this virus.
Palaeogeographical changes in response to glacial–interglacial cycles, as recorded in Middle and Late Pleistocene seismic stratigraphy, southern North Sea
Authors: Eaton Stephen J. , Hodgson David M. , Barlow Natasha L. M. , Mortimer Estelle E. J. , Mellett Claire L. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTOffshore stratigraphic records from the North Sea contain information to reconstruct palaeo‐ice‐sheet extent and understand sedimentary processes and landscape response to Pleistocene glacial–interglacial cycles. We document three major Middle to Late Pleistocene stratigraphic packages over a 401‐km2 area (Norfolk Vanguard/Boreas Offshore Wind Farm), offshore East Anglia, UK, through the integration of 2D seismic, borehole and cone penetration test data. The lowermost unit is predominantly fluviatile [Yarmouth Roads Formation, Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 19–13], including three northward‐draining valleys. The middle unit (Swarte Bank Formation) records the southernmost extent of tunnel valley‐fills in this area of the North Sea, providing evidence for subglacial conditions most likely during the Anglian stage (MIS 12) glaciation. The Yarmouth Roads and Swarte Bank deposits are truncated and overlain by low‐energy estuarine silts and clays (Brown Bank Formation; MIS 5d–4). Smaller scale features, including dune‐scale bedforms, and abrupt changes in cone penetration test parameters, provide evidence for episodic changes in relative sea level within MIS 5. The landscape evolution recorded in deposits of ~MIS 19–5 are strongly related to glacial–interglacial cycles, although a distinctive aspect of this low‐relief ice‐marginal setting are opposing sediment transport directions under contrasting sedimentary process regimes.
Impact of Implementing Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound for Antegrade Nephrostogram After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Fetzer David T. , Flanagan Jennifer , Nabhan Ali , Pongsatianwong Kim , Antonelli Jodi , Pearle Margaret , Vijay Kanupriya , Watumull Lori 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesTo report results from a quality improvement (QI) project evaluating diagnostic performance, hospital resource use, and patient response data for postoperative contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) antegrade nephrostogram after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.MethodsFor this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant, Institutional Review Board–approved study, QI data were deidentified and analyzed. On the first postoperative day after percutaneous nephrolithotomy, patients underwent both CEUS and fluoroscopic antegrade nephrostogram. For CEUS, 1.0 mL of Lumason (sulfur hexafluoride lipid type A microspheres; Bracco Diagnostics, Inc, Monroe Township, NJ) was injected via an indwelling nephrostomy tube, with ureteral patency confirmed by identifying intravesical ultrasound (US) contrast. Diagnostic performance for ureteral patency and contrast extravasation was calculated (with fluoroscopy as the reference standard). The examination time, room time, physician time, hospital costs, and patient response data were compared. The mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval, differences in mean, and 95% confidence interval of differences were calculated.ResultsEighty‐one examinations were performed in 73 patients during the QI period. The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for ureteral patency were 96% and 57%, respectively. There was no significant difference in time metrics between modalities, and the cost analysis showed lower direct and indirect costs for CEUS. Patient responses revealed lower levels of comfort for CEUS relative to fluoroscopy, without significant differences in reported pain or effort levels.ConclusionsContrast‐enhanced US showed very high sensitivity for ureteral patency; the relatively low specificity may have resulted from false‐negative results in fluoroscopy. The hospital costs and resource use of CEUS compared favorably to fluoroscopy. Contrast‐enhanced US also offers inherent advantages, including portability and lack of ionizing radiation.
Technical Note: Dosimetric feasibility of lattice radiotherapy for breast cancer using GammaPod
Authors: Kopchick Benjamin , Xu Huijun , Niu Ying , Becker Stewart , Qiu Xiangyun , Yu Cedric 
Published: July 2020

PurposeStudies on Lattice radiotherapy (LRT) for breast cancer have been largely lacking. This study investigates the dosimetric feasibility of using Gamma Pod, a stereotactic radiotherapy apparatus originally designed for breast SBRT, to deliver LRT to large, bulky breast tumor as a noninvasive treatment option.MethodsThe GammaPod‐based LRT was simulated using Geant4 Gate Monte Carlo software. The simulated GammaPod was equipped with 5 mm diameter non‐coplanar circular beams that span 28° latitudinally from 18° to 43° off the horizontal plane. Two degrees longitudinal intervals were used to simulate rotating sources. To simulate the treatments to different breast sizes, three water‐equivalent hemisphere volumes with diameters of 10, 15, and 20 cm were analyzed. The lattice was planned by spacing focal points 2 cm apart in the transverse and sagittal planes and 2.5 cm in the coronal plane. This resulted in 22‐172 shots for full breast treatment. The maximum dose for each individual shot was 20 Gy. The peak‐to‐valley dose differences and skin dose were analyzed. To verify the feasibility of delivering LRT, a test plan was created and delivered to a commercial diode array dose verification device using a clinical GammaPod system with 15 mm collimators.ResultsThe dose profiles showed the average peak‐to‐valley dose percent differences of 94.10% in the 10 cm hemispherical volume, 88.95% in the 15 cm hemispherical volume, and 83.60% in the 20 cm hemispherical volume. Average skin dose was 1.27, 1.72, and 2.13 Gy for the 10, 15, and 20 cm irradiation volumes, respectively. The LRT plan delivered using a clinical GammaPod system with larger collimators verified the feasibility of LRT plan delivery.ConclusionGammaPod‐based lattice radiotherapy is a viable treatment option and its application can be extended to treating large bulky breast tumors.
A multi‐objective radiomics model for the prediction of locoregional recurrence in head and neck squamous cell cancer
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhou Zhiguo , Wang Rongfang , Chen Liyuan , Zhang Qiongwen , Sher David , Wang Jing 
Published: July 2020

PurposeLocoregional recurrence (LRR) is the predominant pattern of relapse after nonsurgical treatment of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Therefore, accurately identifying patients with HNSCC who are at high risk for LRR is important for optimizing personalized treatment plans. In this work, we developed a multi‐classifier, multi‐objective, and multi‐modality (mCOM) radiomics‐based outcome prediction model for HNSCC LRR.MethodsIn mCOM, we considered sensitivity and specificity simultaneously as the objectives to guide the model optimization. We used multiple classifiers, comprising support vector machine (SVM), discriminant analysis (DA), and logistic regression (LR), to build the model. We used features from multiple modalities as model inputs, comprising clinical parameters and radiomics feature extracted from X‐ray computed tomography (CT) images and positron emission tomography (PET) images. We proposed a multi‐task multi‐objective immune algorithm (mTO) to train the mCOM model and used an evidential reasoning (ER)‐based method to fuse the output probabilities from different classifiers and modalities in mCOM. We evaluated the effectiveness of the developed method using a retrospective public pretreatment HNSCC dataset downloaded from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). The input for our model included radiomics features extracted from pretreatment PET and CT using an open source radiomics software and clinical characteristics such as sex, age, stage, primary disease site, human papillomavirus (HPV) status, and treatment paradigm. In our experiment, 190 patients from two institutions were used for model training while the remaining 87 patients from the other two institutions were used for testing.ResultsWhen we built the predictive model using features from single modality, the multi‐classifier (MC) models achieved better performance over the models built with the three base‐classifiers individually. When we built the model using features from multiple modalities, the proposed method achieved area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.76 for the radiomics‐only model, and 0.77 for the model built with radiomics and clinical features, which is significantly higher than the AUCs of models built with single‐modality features. The statistical analysis was performed using MATLAB software.ConclusionsComparisons with other methods demonstrated the efficiency of the mTO algorithm and the superior performance of the proposed mCOM model for predicting HNSCC LRR.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy for the treatment of pancreatic neoplasms in children: A Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative study
Authors: Vasudevan Sanjeev A. , Ha Tu‐Anh N. , Zhu Huirong , Heaton Todd E. , LaQuaglia Michael P. , Murphy Joseph T. , Barry Wesley E. , Goodhue Catherine , Kim Eugene S. , Aldrink Jennifer H. , Polites Stephanie F. , Leraas Harold J. , Rice Henry E. , Tracy Elisabeth T. , Lautz Timothy B. , Superina Riccardo A. , Davidoff Andrew M. , Langham Max R. , Murphy Andrew J. , Bütter Andreana , Davidson Jacob , Glick Richard D. , Grijalva James , Gow Kenneth W. , Ehrlich Peter F. , Newman Erika A. , Lal Dave R. , Malek Marcus M. , Le‐Nguyen Annie , Piché Nelson , Rothstein David H. , Short Scott S. , Meyers Rebecka , Dasgupta Roshni 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo better characterize short‐term and long‐term outcomes in children with pancreatic tumors treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).MethodsPatients 21 years of age or younger who underwent PD at Pediatric Surgical Oncology Collaborative (PSORC) hospitals between 1990 and 2017 were identified. Demographic, clinical information, and outcomes (operative complications, long‐term pancreatic function, recurrence, and survival) were collected.ResultsSixty‐five patients from 18 institutions with a median age of 13 years (4 months‐22 years) and a median (IQR) follow‐up of 2.8 (4.3) years were analyzed. Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPN) was the most common histology. Postoperative complications included pancreatic leak in 14% (n = 9), delayed gastric emptying in 9% (n = 6), marginal ulcer in one patient, and perioperative (30‐day) death due to hepatic failure in one patient. Pancreatic insufficiency was observed in 32% (n = 21) of patients, with 23%, 3%, and 6% with exocrine, or endocrine insufficiencies, or both, respectively. Children with SPN and benign neoplasms all survived. Overall, there were 14 (22%) recurrences and 11 deaths (17%). Univariate analysis revealed non‐SPN malignant tumor diagnosis, preoperative vascular involvement, intraoperative transfusion requirement, pathologic vascular invasion, positive margins, and need for neoadjuvant chemotherapy as risk factors for recurrence and poor survival. Multivariate analysis only revealed pathologic vascular invasion as a risk factor for recurrence and poor survival.ConclusionThis is the largest series of pediatric PD patients. PD is curative for SPN and benign neoplasms. Pancreatic insufficiency is the most common postoperative complication. Outcome is primarily associated with histology.