bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized Phase III BMT CTN Trial of Calcineurin Inhibitor–Free Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Interventions in Myeloablative Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Luznik Leo , Pasquini Marcelo C. , Logan Brent , Soiffer Robert J. , Wu Juan , Devine Steven M. , Geller Nancy , Giralt Sergio , Heslop Helen E. , Horowitz Mary M. , Jones Richard J. , Litzow Mark R. , Mendizabal Adam , Muffly Lori , Nemecek Eneida R. , O'Donnell Lynn , O'Reilly Richard J. , Palencia Raquel , Schetelig Johannes , Shune Leyla , Solomon Scott R. , Vasu Sumithira , Ho Vincent T. , Perales Miguel-Angel 
Published: December 2021

PURPOSE Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are standard components of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Prior data suggested that CNI-free approaches using donor T-cell depletion, either by ex vivo CD34 selection or in vivo post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) as a single agent, are associated with lower rates of chronic GVHD (cGVHD). METHODS This multicenter phase III trial randomly assigned patients with acute leukemia or myelodysplasia and an HLA-matched donor to receive CD34-selected peripheral blood stem cell, PTCy after a bone marrow (BM) graft, or tacrolimus and methotrexate after BM graft (control). The primary end point was cGVHD (moderate or severe) or relapse-free survival (CRFS). RESULTS Among 346 patients enrolled, 327 received HCT, 300 per protocol. Intent-to-treat rates of 2-year CRFS were 50.6% for CD34 selection (hazard ratio [HR] compared with control, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.15; P = .24), 48.1% for PTCy (HR, 0.86; 0.61 to 1.23; P = .41), and 41.0% for control. Corresponding rates of overall survival were 60.1% (HR, 1.74; 1.09 to 2.80; P = .02), 76.2% (HR, 1.02; 0.60 to 1.72; P = .95), and 76.1%. CD34 selection was associated with lower moderate to severe cGVHD (HR, 0.25; 0.12 to 0.52; P = .02) but higher transplant-related mortality (HR, 2.76; 1.26 to 6.06; P = .01). PTCy was associated with comparable cGVHD and survival outcomes to control, and a trend toward lower disease relapse (HR, 0.52; 0.28 to 0.96; P = .037). CONCLUSION CNI-free interventions as performed herein did not result in superior CRFS compared with tacrolimus and methotrexate with BM. Lower rates of moderate and severe cGVHD did not translate into improved survival.
Patient Experiences, Trust, and Preferences for Health Data Sharing
Authors: Jones Rochelle D. , Krenz Chris , Griffith Kent A. , Spence Rebecca , Bradbury Angela R. , De Vries Raymond , Hawley Sarah T. , Zon Robin , Bolte Sage , Sadeghi Navid , Schilsky Richard L. , Jagsi Reshma 
Published: December 2021

PURPOSE: Scholars have examined patients' attitudes toward secondary use of routinely collected clinical data for research and quality improvement. Evidence suggests that trust in health care organizations and physicians is critical. Less is known about experiences that shape trust and how they influence data sharing preferences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To explore learning health care system (LHS) ethics, democratic deliberations were hosted from June 2017 to May 2018. A total of 217 patients with cancer participated in facilitated group discussion. Transcripts were coded independently. Finalized codes were organized into themes using interpretive description and thematic analysis. Two previous analyses reported on patient preferences for consent and data use; this final analysis focuses on the influence of personal lived experiences of the health care system, including interactions with providers and insurers, on trust and preferences for data sharing. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis identified four domains of patients' lived experiences raised in the context of the policy discussions: (1) the quality of care received, (2) the impact of health care costs, (3) the transparency and communication displayed by a provider or an insurer to the patient, and (4) the extent to which care coordination was hindered or facilitated by the interchange between a provider and an insurer. Patients discussed their trust in health care decision makers and their opinions about LHS data sharing. CONCLUSION: Additional resources, infrastructure, regulations, and practice innovations are needed to improve patients' experiences with and trust in the health care system. Those who seek to build LHSs may also need to consider improvement in other aspects of care delivery.
Circulating miRNA Signature Predicts Response to Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Wada Yuma , Shimada Mitsuo , Morine Yuji , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Saito Yu , Zhu Zhongxu , Wang Xin , Etxart Ane , Park Yangsoon , Bujanda Luis , Park In Ja , Goel Ajay 
Published: December 2021

PURPOSEPatients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) are recommended to receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy (PCRT) followed by surgery. Response to PCRT varies widely: 60%-70% of patients with LARC do not derive therapeutic benefit from PCRT, whereas 15%-20% of patients achieve pathologic complete response (pCR). We sought to develop a liquid biopsy assay for identifying response to PCRT in patients with LARC.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe analyzed two genome-wide microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling data sets from tumor tissue samples for in silico discovery (GSE68204) and validation (GSE29298). We prioritized biomarkers in pretreatment plasma specimens from clinical training (n = 41; 15 responders and 26 nonresponders) and validation (n = 65; 29 responders and 36 nonresponders) cohorts of patients with LARC. We developed an integrated miRNA panel and established a risk assessment model, which was combined with the miRNA panel and carcinoembryonic antigen levels.RESULTSOur comprehensive discovery effort identified an 8-miRNA panel that robustly predicted response to PCRT, with an excellent accuracy in the discovery (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.95) and validation (AUC = 0.92) cohorts. We successfully established a circulating miRNA panel with remarkable diagnostic accuracy in the clinical training (AUC = 0.82) and validation (AUC = 0.81) cohorts. Moreover, the predictive accuracy of the panel was significantly superior to conventional clinical factors in both cohorts ( P < .01) and the risk assessment model was superior (AUC = 0.83). Finally, we applied our model to detect patients with pathologic complete response and showed that it was dramatically superior to currently used pathologic features (AUC = 0.92).CONCLUSIONOur novel risk assessment signature for predicting response to PCRT has a potential for clinical translation as a liquid biopsy assay in patients with LARC.
Preoperative Facial Nerve Palsy in Patients With Vestibular Schwannoma: Clinical Features and Postoperative Functional Prognosis in a Case Series of 34 Among 1228 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Matsushima Ken , Kohno Michihiro , Ichimasu Norio , Nakajima Nobuyuki , Yoshino Masanori 
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:
Facial nerve palsy is a rare presenting symptom of vestibular schwannomas and has not been investigated in detail.

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the incidence, clinical features, and postoperative long-term outcomes of facial nerve function in patients with vestibular schwannomas causing preoperative facial nerve palsy.

METHODS:
After excluding patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 and those with prior treatment, 1228 consecutive patients who underwent vestibular schwannoma surgery were retrospectively investigated. Patients with and without preoperative facial nerve palsy were compared statistically to clarify their clinical features.

RESULTS:
Preoperative tumoral facial nerve palsy was seen in 34 patients (2.8%). Their clinical features included older age, having large cystic tumors with significant meatal extension, and showing abnormal electrogustometric responses, compared with patients without preoperative facial nerve palsy. Owing to the frequent insufficient intraoperative responses on facial nerve electromyography, the tumor resection rate was lower in the group with preoperative facial nerve palsy (mean: 95.2%). Among the 33 patients with sufficient follow-up data (mean: 63.9 mo), additional treatment was required only in 1 patient and facial nerve function improved in 25 patients (75.8%) within 2 yr postoperatively.

CONCLUSION:
Facial nerve palsy is a rare preoperative symptom that occurs in less than 3% of patients with vestibular schwannoma. Tumor resection in such patients tends to be challenging owing to their advanced age, having large cystic tumors with significant meatal extension, and difficulties in intraoperative facial nerve monitoring, but surgical decompression of the facial nerve can assist in the improvement of their long-term functions.
Cranial and Cerebral Anatomic Key Points for Neurosurgery: A New Educational Insight
Authors: Simon Emile , Beuriat Pierre-Aurélien , Delabar Violaine , Jouanneau Emmanuel , Fernandez-Miranda Juan , Jacquesson Timothée 
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:
The anatomy of both the skull and the brain offers many landmarks that could lead surgery. Cranial “craniometric” key points were described many years ago, and then, cerebral key points—along sulci and gyri—were detailed more recently for microneurosurgical approaches that can reach deep structures while sparing the brain. Nonetheless, this anatomic knowledge is progressively competed by new digital devices, such as imaging guidance systems, although they can be misleading.

OBJECTIVE:
To summarize cranial and sulcal key points and their related anatomic structures to renew their interest in modern neurosurgery and help surgical anatomy teaching.

METHODS:
After a literature review collecting anatomic key points of skull and brain, specimens were prepared and images were taken to expose skull and brain from lateral, superior, posterior, and oblique views. A high-definition camera was used, and images obtained were modified, superimposing both key points and underlying anatomic structures.

RESULTS:
From 4 views, 16 cranial key points were depicted: anterior and superior squamous point, precoronal and retrocoronal point, superior sagittal point, intraparietal point, temporoparietal point, preauricular point, nasion, bregma, stephanion, euryon, lambda, asterion, opisthocranion, and inion. These corresponded to underlying cerebral key points and relative brain parts: anterior and posterior sylvian point, superior and inferior rolandic point, supramarginal and angular gyri, parieto-occipital sulcus, and various meeting points between identifiable sulci. Stereoscopic views were also provided to help learning these key points.

CONCLUSION:
This comprehensive overview of the cranial and sulcal key points could be a useful tool for any neurosurgeon who wants to check her/his surgical route and make the surgery more “gentle, safe, and accurate.”
Tissue and cell interactions in mammalian PGC development
Authors: Cooke Christopher B. , Moris Naomi 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) form early in embryo development and are crucial precursors to functioning gamete cells. Considerable research has focussed on identifying the transcriptional characteristics and signalling pathway requirements that confer PGC specification and development, enabling the derivation of PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) in vitro using specific signalling cocktails. However, full maturation to germ cells still relies on co-culture with supporting cell types, implicating an additional requirement for cellular- and tissue-level regulation. Here, we discuss the experimental evidence that highlights the nature of intercellular interactions between PGCs and neighbouring cell populations during mouse PGC development. We posit that the role that tissue interactions play on PGCs is not limited solely to signalling-based induction but extends to coordination of development by robust regulation of the proportions and position of the cells and tissues within the embryo, which is crucial for functional germ cell maturation. Such tissue co-development provides a dynamic, contextual niche for PGC development. We argue that there is evidence for a clear role for inter-tissue dependence of mouse PGCs, with potential implications for generating mammalian PGCLCs in vitro.
Downregulation of collagen XI during late postnatal corneal development is followed by upregulation after injury
Authors: Sun Mei , Cogswell Devon , Adams Sheila , Ayoubi Yasmin , Kumar Ambuj , Reljic Tea , Avila Marcel Y. , Margo Curtis E. , Espana Edgar M. 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT
Collagen XI plays a role in nucleating collagen fibrils and in controlling fibril diameter. The aim of this research was to elucidate the role that collagen XI plays in corneal fibrillogenesis during development and following injury. The temporal and spatial expression of collagen XI was evaluated in C57BL/6 wild-type mice. For wound-healing studies in adult mice, stromal injuries were created using techniques that avoid caustic chemicals. The temporal expression and spatial localization of collagen XI was studied following injury in a Col11a1 inducible knockout mouse model. We found that collagen XI expression occurs during early maturation and is upregulated after stromal injury in areas of regeneration and remodeling. Abnormal fibrillogenesis with new fibrils of heterogeneous size and shape occurs after injury in a decreased collagen XI matrix. In conclusion, collagen XI is expressed in the stroma during development and following injury in adults, and is a regulator of collagen fibrillogenesis in regenerating corneal tissue.
Geschichten vom Rande der Stadt
Authors: Allemann Martin , Flatscher Elias , Asal Markus , Erlanger Simon , Schernig Mráz Monika 
Published: December 2021

Bereits im Mittelalter hat der Bau der Inneren Stadtmauer und insbesondere der Aushub des Stadtgrabens eine mächtige Schneise durch die römerzeitlichen Befunde geschlagen. Trotzdem liessen sich beim Bau des Kunstmuseum-Parkings letzte Reste der römischen Siedlung fassen, u. a. zeigen spätrömische Münzen ein der spätrömischen Festung vorgelagertes Suburbium an.
An verschiedenen Stellen wurden Teilstücke der Inneren Stadtmauer und ihrer Kontermauer freigelegt. In einem an die Stadtmauer angebauten spätmittelalterlichen Latrinenturm wurde das fast vollständige Skelett eines Affen entdeckt. Die Untersuchungen des Skeletts zeigen eine wenig artgerechte Haltung des als Haustier dienenden Wildtieres.
Mehrere Fragmente von Grabsteinen aus dem mittelalterlichen jüdischen Friedhof am Petersplatz waren in Drittverwendung in Sickerschächten verbaut. Sie erinnern an die brutale Vernichtung und Vertreibung der jüdischen Gemeinde 1348/49.
Risk factors for premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) in adults: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Khoja Adeel , Andraweera Prabha H. , Lassi Zohra S. , Zheng Mingyue , Pathirana Maleesa M. , Ali Anna , Aldridge Emily , Wittwer Melanie R. , Chaudhuri Debajyoti D. , Tavella Rosanna , Arstall Margaret A. 
Published: December 2021

PCAD possesses a public health challenge resulting in years of productive life lost and an escalating burden on health systems. Objective of this review is to compare modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for PCAD compared to those without PCAD. This review will include all comparative observational studies conducted in adults aged >18 years with confirmed diagnosis of PCAD (on angiography) compared to those without PCAD. Databases to be searched include; PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and grey literature (Google Scholar). All identified studies will be screened for title and abstract and full-text against the inclusion criteria on Covidence software. Data relevant to exposures and outcomes will be extracted from all included studies. All studies selected for data extraction will be critically appraised for methodological quality. Meta-analysis using random-effects model will be performed using Review Manager 5.3. Effect sizes for categorical risk factors will be expressed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. For risk factors measured in continuous form, mean difference (if units are consistent) otherwise standardized mean difference (if units are different across studies) will be reported. Heterogeneity between studies will be assessed using I2 test statistics. GRADE will be used to assess the certainty of the findings. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO Registration # CRD42020173216
Estimation of optimal wavelengths for atmospheric non-line-of-sight optical communication in the UV range of the spectrum in daytime and at night for baseline distances from 50 m to 50 km
Authors: Tarasenkov Mikhail V. , Belov Vladimir V. , Poznakharev Egor S. 
Published: December 2021

For implementation of non-line-of-sight optical communication, the wavelength from the range 200–400 nm at which the signal-to-noise ratio reaches a maximum depending on the baseline distance is estimated. The estimates are performed in the daytime, at moonlit night, and without background radiation. The results obtained allow us to recommend

λ
=
290

n
m

for the implementation of the long-range communication in the daytime and

λ
=
350

n
m

at night. For impulse response that provides the basis for estimating the communication channel quality, four algorithms of the Monte Carlo method are considered. The algorithm with modified double local estimate provides the least error for the same number of photon trajectories. UV radiation is potentially dangerous to humans, and therefore, the illuminance of the Earth’s surface is estimated under the optical axis of the source for baseline distances of 2, 10, and 100 m together with the time period of a continuous communication session safe for operators.
Morbidity associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Nigo Maurice M. , Odermatt Peter , Nigo David Wully , Salieb-Beugelaar Georgette B. , Battegay Manuel , Hunziker Patrick R. 
Published: December 2021

Background
Reducing morbidity is the main target of schistosomiasis control efforts, yet only rarely do control programmes assess morbidity linked to Schistosoma sp. infection. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and particularly in north-eastern Ituri Province, little is known about morbidity associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection. For this reason, we aimed to assess intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection in Ituri Province.

Methods/Principal findings
In 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 13 villages in Ituri Province, DRC. S. mansoni infection was assessed with a Kato-Katz stool test (2 smears) and a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) urine test. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data and information about experienced intestinal morbidity. Each participant underwent an abdominal ultrasonography examination to diagnose hepatosplenic morbidity. Of the 586 study participants, 76.6% tested positive for S. mansoni. Intestinal morbidity reported in the two preceding weeks was very frequent, and included abdominal pain (52.7%), diarrhoea (23.4%) and blood in the stool (21.5%). Hepatosplenic morbidity consisted of abnormal liver parenchyma patterns (42.8%), hepatomegaly (26.5%) and splenomegaly (25.3%). Liver pathology (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.37, p = 0.005) was positively and significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. Hepatomegaly (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 0.99–2.32, p = 0.053) and splenomegaly (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 0.73–1.72, p = 0.619) were positively but not significantly associated with S. mansoni infection at the individual level. At the village level, S. mansoni prevalence was positively associated with the prevalence of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. High-intensity S. mansoni infections were associated with diarrhoea, blood in the stool, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and liver parenchyma (C, D, E and F pathology patterns). Four study participants were diagnosed with ascites and five reported hematemesis.

Conclusions/Significance
Our study documents a high burden of intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection status in Ituri Province. The findings call for targeted interventions to address both S. mansoni infection and related morbidity.
Epidemiology of Schistosoma mansoni infection in Ituri Province, north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Nigo Maurice M. , Odermatt Peter , Salieb–Beugelaar Georgette B. , Morozov Oleksii , Battegay Manuel , Hunziker Patrick R. 
Published: December 2021

Background
Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni, is of great significance to public health in sub–Saharan Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), information on the burden of S. mansoni infection is scarce, which hinders the implementation of adequate control measures. We assessed the geographical distribution of S. mansoni infection across Ituri province in north-eastern DRC and determined the prevailing risk factors.

Methods/Principal findings
Two province–wide, community–based studies were conducted. In 2016, a geographical distribution study was carried out in 46 randomly selected villages across Ituri. In 2017, an in–depth study was conducted in 12 purposively–selected villages, across the province. Households were randomly selected, and members were enrolled. In 2016, one stool sample was collected per participant, while in 2017, several samples were collected per participant. S. mansoni eggs were detected using the Kato–Katz technique. In 2017, a point–of–care circulating cathodic S. mansoni antigen (POC–CCA) urine test was the second used diagnostic approach. Household and individual questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, behavioural and knowledge risk factors.
Of the 2,131 participants in 2016, 40.0% were positive of S. mansoni infection. Infection prevalence in the villages ranged from 0 to 90.2%. Of the 707 participants in 2017, 73.1% were tested positive for S. mansoni. Prevalence ranged from 52.8 to 95.0% across the health districts visited. Infection prevalence increased from north to south and from west to east. Exposure to the waters of Lake Albert and the villages’ altitude above sea level were associated with the distribution.
Infection prevalence and intensity peaked in the age groups between 10 and 29 years. Preschool children were highly infected (62.3%). Key risk factors were poor housing structure (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–4.35), close proximity to water bodies (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.1–2.49), long-term residence in a community (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.11–1.79), lack of latrine in the household (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.11–3.60), and swimming (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.20–5.32) and washing (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.10–2.78) in local water bodies.

Conclusions/Significance
Our results show that S. mansoni is highly endemic and a major health concern in Ituri province, DRC. Infection prevalence and intensity, and the prevailing socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioural risk factors in Ituri reflect intense exposure and alarming transmission rates. A robust plan of action is urgently needed in the province.