bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers at a COVID-19 referral hospital in Milan, Italy
Authors: Milazzo Laura , Lai Alessia , Pezzati Laura , Oreni Letizia , Bergna Annalisa , Conti Federico , Meroni Cristina , Minisci Davide , Galli Massimo , Corbellino Mario , Antinori Spinello , Ridolfo Anna Lisa 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesHealthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this single-centre prospective study was to evaluate the trend of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCWs working at the primary referral centre for infectious diseases and bioemergencies (eg, COVID-19) in Northern Italy and investigate the factors associated with seroconversion.MethodsSix hundred and seventy-nine HCW volunteers were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies three times between 4 March and 27 May 2020 and completed a questionnaire covering COVID-19 exposure, symptoms and personal protective equipment (PPE) training and confidence at each time.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rose from 3/679 to 26/608 (adjusted prevalence: 0.5%, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.7% and 5.4%, 95% CI 3.6 to 7.9, respectively) between the first two time points and then stabilised, in line with the curve of the COVID-19 epidemic in Milan. From the first time point, 61.6% of the HCWs had received training in the use of PPE and 17 (61.5%) of those who proved to be seropositive reported symptoms compatible with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Contacts with ill relatives or friends and self-reported symptoms were independently associated with an increased likelihood of seroconversion (p<0.0001 for both), whereas there was no significant association with professional exposure.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the HCWs at our COVID-19 referral hospital was low at the time of the peak of the epidemic. The seroconversions were mainly attributable to extrahospital contacts, probably because the hospital readily adopted effective infection control measures. The relatively high number of asymptomatic seropositive HCWs highlights the need to promptly identify and isolate potentially infectious HCWs.
Interindividual variation in cardiometabolic health outcomes following 6 months of endurance training in youth at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hrubeniuk Travis J. , Hay Jacqueline L. , MacIntosh Andrea C. , Wicklow Brandy , Wittmeier Kristy , McGavock Jonathan M. , Sénéchal Martin 
Published: February 2021

This study determined the interindividual variation in the cardiometabolic response to 6 months of moderate or vigorous intensity exercise training (ET) among youth at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Youth were randomized to moderate intensity ET (45–55% heart rate reserve; n = 31), vigorous intensity ET (70–85% heart rate reserve; n = 37), or control (n = 36). Only those attending ≥70% of ET sessions were included. Cardiometabolic measures included insulin sensitivity, hepatic triglyceride content, visceral adipose area, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The contribution of ET to interindividual variation was determined using the standard deviation of individual responses (SDIR) and considered meaningful if the SDIR surpassed the smallest worthwhile difference (SWD), calculated as 0.2 × the standard deviation of the control group baseline values. ET meaningfully contributed to the interindividual variation among changes in peak oxygen uptake following moderate (SDIR: 2.04) and vigorous (SDIR: 3.43) ET (SWD: 1.17 mL·kg fat free mass−1·min−1), body fat percentage and hepatic triglyceride content following moderate-intensity ET (SDIR: 1.64, SWD: 1.05%; SDIR: 10.08, SWD: 1.06%, respectively), and visceral fat mass following vigorous ET (SDIR: 11.06, SWD: 7.13 cm2). Variation in the changes in insulin sensitivity were not influenced by ET. The contribution of ET to interindividual variation appears to be influenced by the desired outcome and prescribed intensity. Trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier no.: NCT00755547). Novelty: The contribution of exercise to interindividual variation following training depends on the outcome and exercise intensity. Increasing exercise intensity does not systematically reduce non-response among youth at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Strong decays of the newly $$P_{cs}(4459)$$ as a strange hidden-charm $$\Xi _c{\bar{D}}^*$$ molecule
Authors: Chen Rui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn our former work [arXiv:2011.07214], the $$P_{cs}(4459)$$

P

cs

(
4459
)

observed by the LHCb Collaboration can be explained as a coupled strange hidden-charm $$\Xi _c{\bar{D}}^*/\Xi _c^*{\bar{D}}/\Xi _c'{\bar{D}}^*/\Xi _c^*{\bar{D}}^*$$

Ξ
c

D

¯

∗

/

Ξ
c
∗

D

¯

/

Ξ
c
′

D

¯

∗

/

Ξ
c
∗

D

¯

∗

molecule with $$I(J^P)=0(3/2^-)$$

I

(

J
P

)

=
0

(
3
/

2
-

)

. Here, we further discuss the two-body strong decay behaviors of the $$P_{cs}(4459)$$

P

cs

(
4459
)

in the meson-baryon molecular scenario by input the former obtained bound solutions. Our results support the $$P_{cs}(4459)$$

P

cs

(
4459
)

as the strange hidden-charm $$\Xi _c{\bar{D}}^*$$

Ξ
c

D

¯

∗

molecule with $$I(J^P)=0(3/2^-)$$

I

(

J
P

)

=
0

(
3
/

2
-

)

. The relative decay ratio between $$\Lambda _cD_s^*$$

Λ
c

D
s
∗

and $$J/\psi \Lambda $$

J
/
ψ
Λ

is around 10, where the partial decay width for the $$\Lambda _cD_s^*$$

Λ
c

D
s
∗

channel is around 0.6 to 2.0 MeV.
Low-redshift constraints on covariant canonical Gauge theory of gravity
Authors: Benisty David , Vasak David , Kirsch Johannes , Struckmeier Jürgen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractConstraints on the Covariant Canonical Gauge Gravity (CCGG) theory from low-redshift cosmology are studied. The formulation extends Einstein’s theory of General Relativity (GR) by a quadratic Riemann–Cartan term in the Lagrangian, controlled by a “deformation” parameter. In the Friedman universe this leads to an additional geometrical stress energy and promotes, due to the necessary presence of torsion, the cosmological constant to a time-dependent function. The MCMC analysis of the combined data sets of Type Ia Supernovae, Cosmic Chronometers and Baryon Acoustic Oscillations yields a fit that is well comparable with the $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM results. The modifications implied in the CCGG approach turn out to be subdominant in the low-redshift cosmology. However, a non-zero spatial curvature and deformation parameter are shown to be consistent with observations.
Cerium Oxide/Polypyrrole Nanocomposite as the Matrix for Cholesterol Biosensor
Authors: Anh Ta Thi Nhat , Van Thu Vu , Dang Hai-Son , Pham Vuong-Hung , Tam Phuong Dinh 
Published: February 2021

A nanocomposite comprising cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) and polypyrrole (PPy) was fabricated onto a microelectrode for cholesterol sensing application. The cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) was immobilized on the CeO2 NPs/PPy/electrode by the physical adsorption route. The structure and morphology of the CeO2 NPs/PPy nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results showed that the ChOx/CeO2 NPs/PPy/electrode was linearly related with cholesterol in the range of 50 to 500 mg/dL. The sensitivity of ChOx/CeO2 NPs/PPy/electrode was

5.7
×

10

−
6

mA/mg⋅dL−1. The optimal parameters, including pH value and temperature, and selectivity, storage stability, and reproducibility of ChOx/CeO2 NPs/PPy/electrode were investigated.
Pan-Cancer Analysis of Ligand–Receptor Cross-talk in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Ghoshdastider Umesh , Rohatgi Neha , Mojtabavi Naeini Marjan , Baruah Probhonjon , Revkov Egor , Guo Yu Amanda , Rizzetto Simone , Wong Angeline M.L. , Solai Sundar , Nguyen Tin T. , Yeong Joe Poh Sheng , Iqbal Jabed , Tan Puay Hoon , Chowbay Balram , Dasgupta Ramanuj , Skanderup Anders J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Signaling between cancer and nonmalignant (stromal) cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key to tumor progression. Here, we deconvoluted bulk tumor transcriptomes to infer cross-talk between ligands and receptors on cancer and stromal cells in the TME of 20 solid tumor types. This approach recovered known transcriptional hallmarks of cancer and stromal cells and was concordant with single-cell, in situ hybridization and IHC data. Inferred autocrine cancer cell interactions varied between tissues but often converged on Ephrin, BMP, and FGFR-signaling pathways. Analysis of immune checkpoints nominated interactions with high levels of cancer-to-immune cross-talk across distinct tumor types. Strikingly, PD-L1 was found to be highly expressed in stromal rather than cancer cells. Overall, our study presents a new resource for hypothesis generation and exploration of cross-talk in the TME.

Significance:
This study provides deconvoluted bulk tumor transcriptomes across multiple cancer types to infer cross-talk in the tumor microenvironment.
Will COVID-19 Be the Tipping Point for Primary HPV Self-sampling?
Authors: Lim Anita W.W. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Self-sampling is poised to be a disruptor for cervical screening. So far, cancer screening has been a causality of COVID-19; however, the opposite may transpire for self-sampling. Self-sampling enables socially distanced cervical screening with an outreach that extends to underserved populations. As evidence mounts that self-sampling is noninferior to clinician-taken samples, the focus for self-sampling is now as a primary screening option for all women. Now, we have evidence from a modeling study (using Australia as an exemplar) to suggest that program effectiveness with primary self-sampling would be better than the current program, even if sensitivity is lower. Regulatory issues, suitable triage strategies, and clear communication about self-sampling are hurdles yet to be overcome. Nevertheless, existing evidence coupled with COVID-19 could be the tipping point for wider introduction of self-sampling.
See related article by Smith et al., p. 268
Yap1 Mediates Trametinib Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Mudianto Tenny , Campbell Katie M. , Webb Jason , Zolkind Paul , Skidmore Zachary L. , Riley Rachel , Barnell Erica K. , Ozgenc Ibrahim , Giri Tusar , Dunn Gavin P. , Adkins Douglas R. , Griffith Malachi , Egloff Ann Marie , Griffith Obi L. , Uppaluri Ravindra 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
In a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) “window of opportunity” clinical trial, we reported that trametinib reduced MEK-Erk1/2 activation and resulted in tumor responses in a subset of patients. Here, we investigated resistance to trametinib and molecular correlates in HNSCC cell lines and patient samples.

Experimental Design:
HNSCC cell lines were treated with trametinib to generate resistant lines. Candidate bypass pathways were assessed using immunoblotting, CRISPR knockout, and survival assays. Effectiveness of combined trametinib and verteporfin targeting was evaluated. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) from responder patients were treated with trametinib and resistant tumors were analyzed. Window trial clinical samples were subjected to whole-exome and RNA sequencing.

Results:
HNSCC cell lines developed resistance (CAL27-TR and HSC3-TR) after prolonged trametinib exposure. Downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway were activated in CAL27-TR and HSC3-TR, and combined trametinib and verteporfin treatment resulted in synergistic treatment response. We defined the Hippo pathway effector Yap1 as an induced survival pathway promoting resistance to trametinib in HSC3-TR. Yap1 was necessary for HSC3-TR trametinib resistance, and constitutively active Yap1 was sufficient to confer resistance in parental HSC3. Analysis of trametinib neoadjuvant trial patient tumors indicated canonical MEK-Erk1/2 pathway activating mutations were infrequent, and Yap1 activity increased following trametinib treatment. Trametinib treatment of a PDX from a responder patient resulted in evolution of resistance with increased Yap1 expression and activity.

Conclusions:
These studies identify a Yap1-dependent resistance to trametinib therapy in HNSCCs. Combined Yap1 and MEK targeting may represent a strategy to enhance HNSCC response.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Laser Capture Microdissected Tumors Reveals Cancer- and Stromal-Specific Molecular Subtypes of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Birnbaum David J. , Begg Sebastian K.S. , Finetti Pascal , Vanderburg Charles , Kulkarni Anupriya S. , Neyaz Azfar , Hank Thomas , Tai Eric , Deshpande Vikram , Bertucci François , Birnbaum Daniel , Lillemoe Keith D. , Warshaw Andrew L. , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Fernandez-Del Castillo Carlos , Ting David T. , Liss Andrew S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) lethality is multifactorial; although studies have identified transcriptional and genetic subsets of tumors with different prognostic significance, there is limited understanding of features associated with the minority of patients who have durable remission after surgical resection. In this study, we performed laser capture microdissection (LCM) of PDAC samples to define their cancer- and stroma-specific molecular subtypes and identify a prognostic gene expression signature for short-term and long-term survival.

Experimental Design:
LCM and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of cancer and adjacent stroma of 19 treatment-naïve PDAC tumors was performed. Gene expression signatures were tested for their robustness in a large independent validation set. An RNA-ISH assay with pooled probes for genes associated with disease-free survival (DFS) was developed to probe 111 PDAC tumor samples.

Results:
Gene expression profiling identified four subtypes of cancer cells (C1–C4) and three subtypes of cancer-adjacent stroma (S1–S3). These stroma-specific subtypes were associated with DFS (P = 5.55E-07), with S1 associated with better prognoses when paired with C1 and C2. Thirteen genes were found to be predominantly expressed in cancer cells and corresponded with DFS in a validation using existing RNA-seq datasets. A second validation on an independent cohort of patients using RNA-ISH probes to six of these prognostic genes demonstrated significant association with overall survival (median 17 vs. 25 months; P &lt; 0.02).

Conclusions:
Our results identified specific signatures from the epithelial and the stroma components of PDAC, which add clarity to the nature of PDAC molecular subtypes and may help predict survival.
The Added Value of Baseline Circulating Tumor DNA Profiling in Patients with Molecularly Hyperselected, Left-sided Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Manca Paolo , Corallo Salvatore , Busico Adele , Lonardi Sara , Corti Francesca , Antoniotti Carlotta , Procaccio Letizia , Clavarezza Matteo , Smiroldo Valeria , Tomasello Gianluca , Murialdo Roberto , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Racca Patrizia , Pagani Filippo , Randon Giovanni , Martinetti Antonia , Sottotetti Elisa , Palermo Federica , Perrone Federica , Tamborini Elena , Prisciandaro Michele , Raimondi Alessandra , Di Bartolomeo Maria , Morano Federica , Pietrantonio Filippo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurpose:The routine use of liquid biopsy is not recommended for the choice of initial treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).Experimental Design:We included patients with left-sided, RAS/BRAF wild-type, HER2-negative, and microsatellite stable mCRC, treated with upfront panitumumab/FOLFOX-4 in the Valentino study. We performed amplicon-based genomic profiling of 14 genes in baseline plasma samples and compared these data with tumor tissue ultra-deep sequencing results. Specific gene mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and their clonality were associated with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and radiological dynamics.Results:Ten and 15 of 120 patients had a mutation of RAS and PIK3CA in ctDNA, with a positive concordance with tissue deep sequencing of only 31.3% and 47.1%, respectively. Presence of RAS or PIK3CA mutations in baseline ctDNA was associated with worse median PFS [8 vs. 12.8 months; HR, 2.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.28–4.81; P = 0.007 and 8.5 vs. 12.9 months; HR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.63–5.04; P &lt; 0.001] and median OS (17.1 vs. 36.5 months; HR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.03–4.96; P = 0.042 and 21.1 vs. 38.9 months; HR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.16–4.07; P = 0.015). RAS mutations in ctDNA were associated with worse RECIST response, early tumor shrinkage, and depth of response, while PIK3CA mutations were not. Patients with higher levels of RAS/PIK3CA variant allele fraction (VAF) in ctDNA had the worst outcomes (VAF ≥ 5% vs. all wild-type: median PFS, 7.7 vs. 13.1 months; HR, 4.02; 95% CI, 2.03–7.95; P &lt; 0.001 and median OS, 18.8 vs. 38.9 months; HR, 4.07; 95% CI, 2.04–8.12; P &lt; 0.001).Conclusions:Baseline ctDNA profiling may add value to tumor tissue testing to refine the molecular hyperselection of patients with mCRC for upfront anti-EGFR–based strategies.
Accuracy of Intravascular Ultrasound-Based Fractional Flow Reserve in Identifying Hemodynamic Significance of Coronary Stenosis
Authors: Yu Wei , Tanigaki Toru , Ding Daixin , Wu Peng , Du Haiyan , Ling Li , Huang Biao , Li Guanyu , Yang Wei , Zhang Su , Yan Fuhua , Okubo Munenori , Xu Bo , Matsuo Hitoshi , Wijns William , Tu Shengxian 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Ultrasonic flow ratio (UFR) is a novel method for fast computation of fractional flow reserve (FFR) from intravascular ultrasound images. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of UFR using wire-based FFR as the reference.

Methods:
Post hoc computation of UFR was performed in consecutive patients with both intravascular ultrasound and FFR measurement in a core lab while the analysts were blinded to FFR.

Results:

A total of 167 paired comparisons between UFR and FFR from 94 patients were obtained. Median FFR was 0.80 (interquartile range, 0.68–0.89) and 50.3% had a FFR≤0.80. Median UFR was 0.81 (interquartile range, 0.69–0.91), and UFR showed strong correlation with FFR (
r
=0.87;
P
<0.001). The area under the curve was higher for UFR than intravascular ultrasound-derived minimal lumen area (0.97 versus 0.89,
P
<0.001). The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio for UFR to identify FFR≤0.80 was 92% (95% CI, 87–96), 91% (95% CI, 82–96), 96% (95% CI, 90–99), 96% (95% CI, 89–99), 91% (95% CI, 93–96), 25.0 (95% CI, 8.2–76.2), and 0.10 (95% CI, 0.05–0.20), respectively. The agreement between UFR and FFR was independent of lesion locations (
P
=0.48), prior myocardial infarction (
P
=0.29), and imaging catheters (
P
=0.22). Intraobserver and interobserver variability of UFR analysis was 0.00±0.03 and 0.01±0.03, respectively. Median UFR analysis time was 102 (interquartile range, 87–122) seconds.

Conclusions:
UFR had a strong correlation and good agreement with FFR. The fast computational time and excellent analysis reproducibility of UFR bears the potential of a wider adoption of integration of coronary imaging and physiology in the catheterization laboratory.
Main Trends of Global Development: Its Reality and Prospects
Authors: Chumakov Alexander N. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The article analyzes the main parameters of the modern world development, its architectonics and the most important development trends. Modern communications and principles of interaction of various social systems are also considered. As a result, the most significant cultural-cum-civilizational systems are distinguished – the West, China, the Islamic world and Russia, which represent four global trends or four vectors of power that fundamentally affect the current state and prospects of world development. It is emphasized that the West and China have a global strategy, provided by objective circumstances. The Islamic world and Russia occupy an important geopolitical position and also have a special status in the global world.
<strong><em>Pinnularia qinghainensis</em>: a new diatom species (Bacillariophyta) found in the brackish Lake Qinghai, China</strong>
Authors: DENG LI-YING , BLANCO SAÚL , LIU BING , QUAN SI-JIN , LONG JI-YAN 
Published: February 2021

During the investigations of the diatom flora of Lake Qinghai, China (see Liu et al. 2020 for details), specimens of an undescribed species of Pinnularia Ehrenberg (1843: 45) were encountered, which are hereby illustrated and described.
What Modulates the Intensity of Synoptic-Scale Variability over the Western North Pacific during Boreal Summer and Fall?
Authors: Wu Renguang , Wang Yuqi , Cao Xi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe present study investigates the factors that affect the year-to-year change in the intensity of synoptic-scale variability (SSV) over the tropical western North Pacific (TWNP) during boreal summer and fall. It is found that the intensity of the TWNP SSV in summer is associated with the equatorial central-eastern Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies that modulate the background fields through a Rossby wave response both in the source region and along the propagation path of the synoptic-scale disturbances. In fall, the intensity of the TWNP SSV is related to an SST anomaly pattern with opposite anomalies in the equatorial central Pacific and TWNP that modulates the background fields from the equatorial central Pacific to TWNP. However, the equatorial central Pacific SST anomalies alone fail to change the intensity of the TWNP SSV as the induced background field changes are limited to the equatorial central Pacific. It is shown that tropical western Pacific SST anomalies may induce notable changes in the intensity of the TWNP SSV. The relation of the TWNP SSV to the equatorial eastern Pacific SST is weak due to opposite SST anomalies in different types of years. Both seasonal mean and intraseasonal flows provide sources of barotropic energy for the change in the intensity of the TWNP synoptic-scale disturbances in summer. Seasonal mean flow has a main contribution to the barotropic energy conversion for the change in the intensity of the TWNP synoptic-scale disturbances in fall.
Re-envisioning Academic Publication: From “Publish or Perish” to “Publish and Flourish”
Authors: Yeo Marie Alina , Renandya Willy Ardian , Tangkiengsirisin Supong 
Published: February 2021

Employing a conversational form, this article presents the views of three editors from established mainstream journals. They first discuss the rise of predatory publishing, then highlight the dangers of publishing in predatory journals, identifying some “red flags” that authors can look out for to avoid such journals. They then offer hints on how prospective authors can increase their chances of acceptance in mainstream journals and how they can get started in research and publishing. The purpose of this dialogue is to invite a re-envisioning of the current “publish or perish” perspective, which appears to be prevalent in most academic circles. Such negative framing is unhelpful and discouraging, especially to early-career academics who may be unfamiliar with the practices and processes involved. What is needed is a re-envisioning of academic publication from “publish or perish” to “publish and flourish”.
Design of comprehensive income products for retirement using utility functions
Authors: Warren Geoffrey J 
Published: February 2021

An approach for designing a menu of comprehensive income products for retirement (CIPRs) is proposed and demonstrated. The approach entails four steps: defining and characterising member types based on selected attributes; specifying a utility function to capture the objectives and preferences for each member type; conducting analysis of candidate investment and drawdown strategies, and hence select a product design; and communication to members. The last step uses attributes to describe the type of investor for which a product is designed, as well as setting out the key product features and the outcomes it may deliver. JEL Classification: D14, D15, E21, G11, G23