bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy versus conventionally fractionated long-course chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Chakrabarti D , Rajan S , Akhtar N , Qayoom S , Gupta S , Verma M , Srivastava K , Kumar V , Bhatt M L B , Gupta R 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
The trial hypothesis was that, in a resource-constrained situation, short-course radiotherapy would improve treatment compliance compared with conventional chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer, without compromising oncological outcomes.

Methods
In this open-label RCT, patients with cT3, cT4 or node-positive non-metastatic rectal cancer were allocated randomly to 5 × 5 Gy radiotherapy and two cycles of XELOX (arm A) or chemoradiotherapy with concurrent capecitabine (arm B), followed by total mesorectal excision in both arms. All patients received a further six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with the XELOX regimen. The primary endpoint was treatment compliance, defined as the ability to complete planned treatment, including neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy to a dose of six cycles.

Results
Of 162 allocated patients, 140 were eligible for analysis: 69 in arm A and 71 in arm B. Compliance with planned treatment (primary endpoint) was greater in arm A (63 versus 41 per cent; P = 0.005). The incidence of acute toxicities of neoadjuvant therapy was similar (haematological: 28 versus 32 per cent, P = 0.533; gastrointestinal: 14 versus 21 per cent, P = 0.305; grade III–IV: 2 versus 4 per cent, P = 1.000). Delays in radiotherapy were less common in arm A (9 versus 45 per cent; P &lt; 0.001), and overall times for completion of neoadjuvant treatment were shorter (P &lt; 0.001). The rates of R0 resection (87 versus 90 per cent; P = 0.554), sphincter preservation (32 versus 35 per cent; P = 0.708), pathological complete response (12 versus 10 per cent; P = 0.740), and overall tumour downstaging (75 versus 75 per cent; P = 0.920) were similar. Downstaging of the primary tumour (ypT) was more common in arm A (P = 0.044). There was no difference in postoperative complications between trial arms (P = 0.838).

Conclusion
Reduced treatment delays and a higher rate of compliance were observed with treatment for short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy, with no difference in early oncological surgical outcomes. In time- and resource-constrained rectal cancer units in developing countries, short-course radiotherapy should be the standard of care.
Complex evolutionary history of two ecologically significant grass genera,ThemedaandHeteropogon(Poaceae: Panicoideae: Andropogoneae)
Authors: Arthan Watchara , Dunning Luke T , Besnard Guillaume , Manzi Sophie , Kellogg Elizabeth A , Hackel Jan , Lehmann Caroline E R , Mitchley Jonathan , Vorontsova Maria S 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThemeda and Heteropogon are closely related grass genera frequently dominant in tropical C4 grasslands. Relationships between them are poorly resolved, impeding ecological study, especially of T. triandra with a broad distribution from Africa to East Asia, and H. contortus with a pantropical distribution. Our analyses of plastome and nuclear genomes with comprehensive sampling of Themeda and Heteropogon demonstrate that neither genus is monophyletic as currently circumscribed. Plastome and nuclear data place H. melanocarpus and H. ritchiei in Themeda. Nested in T. triandra are T. quadrivalvis and T. unica, demonstrating that this widespread species is more morphologically diverse than previously recognized. Heteropogon fischerianus is nested in H. contortus. The picture is more complex for H. triticeus that is sister to H. contortus in the nuclear analysis and to Cymbopogon in the plastome analysis. This incongruence between nuclear and plastid phylogenetic trees suggests hybridization between Cymbopogon-related genome donors and H. contortus. Plastome dating estimates the Themeda–Heteropogon crown age at c. 7.6 Myr, consistent with the Miocene C4 grassland expansion. Themeda triandra and H. contortus diversified 1–2 Mya in the Pleistocene. These results establish a foundation for studying the history of these ecologically significant widespread grasses and the ecosystems they form.
Creative Destruction: A Basic Computational Model of Cortical Layer Formation
Authors: Bauer Roman , Clowry Gavin J , Kaiser Marcus 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
One of the most characteristic properties of many vertebrate neural systems is the layered organization of different cell types. This cytoarchitecture exists in the cortex, the retina, the hippocampus, and many other parts of the central nervous system. The developmental mechanisms of neural layer formation have been subject to substantial experimental efforts. Here, we provide a general computational model for cortical layer formation in 3D physical space. We show that this multiscale, agent-based model, comprising two distinct stages of apoptosis, can account for the wide range of neuronal numbers encountered in different cortical areas and species. Our results demonstrate the phenotypic richness of a basic state diagram structure. Importantly, apoptosis allows for changing the thickness of one layer without automatically affecting other layers. Therefore, apoptosis increases the flexibility for evolutionary change in layer architecture. Notably, slightly changed gene regulatory dynamics recapitulate the characteristic properties observed in neurodevelopmental diseases. Overall, we propose a novel computational model using gene-type rules, exhibiting many characteristics of normal and pathological cortical development.
Neural Basis of Biased Competition in Development: Sensory Competition in Visual Cortex of School-Aged Children
Authors: Kim Na Yeon , Pinsk Mark A , Kastner Sabine 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe fundamental receptive field (RF) architecture in human visual cortex becomes adult-like by age 5. However, visuo-spatial functions continue to develop until teenage years. This suggests that, despite the early maturation of the RF structure, functional interactions within and across RFs may mature slowly. Here, we used fMRI to investigate functional interactions among multiple stimuli in the visual cortex of school children (ages 8 to 12) in the context of biased competition theory. In the adult visual system, multiple objects presented in the same visual field compete for neural representation. These competitive interactions occur at the level of the RF and are therefore closely linked to the RF architecture. Like in adults, we found suppression of evoked responses in children’s visual cortex when multiple stimuli were presented simultaneously. Such suppression effects were modulated by the spatial distance between the stimuli as a function of RF size across the visual system. Our findings suggest that basic competitive interactions in the visual cortex of children above age 8 operate in an adult-like manner, with subtle differences in early visual areas and area MT. Our study establishes a paradigm and provides baseline data to investigate the neural basis of visuo-spatial processing in typical and atypical development.
Data Science-Based Analysis of Patient Subgroup Structures Suggest Effects of Rhinitis on All Chemosensory Perceptions in the Upper Airways
Authors: Lötsch Jörn , Hummel Thomas 
Published: January 2021

AbstractViral rhinitis contributes significantly to olfactory dysfunction, but it is unclear how many patients have other chemosensory symptoms in addition to olfactory loss. This was addressed in the present reanalysis of data previously published in Pellegrino R, Walliczek-Dworschak U, Winter G, Hull D, Hummel T. 2017. Investigation of chemosensitivity during and after an acute cold. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 7(2):185–191, using unsupervised and supervised machine-learning methods. Fifty-eight patients with acute rhinitis and 59 healthy controls were assessed for orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function, taste, and intranasal trigeminal sensitivity. Unsupervised analysis showed that during rhinitis, clinical scores of olfactory function, expressed as threshold, discrimination, identification (TDI) values, were trimodally distributed. Two minor modes were separated from the main mode at TDI = 30.5, which corresponds to the established limit of hyposmia. This trimodal distribution was not observed after the rhinitis subsided. Olfactory function was not significantly impaired in 40% of all rhinitis patients, whereas it was transiently impaired in 59%. For this group, supervised machine-learning algorithms could be trained with information on retronasal olfactory function, gustatory function, and trigeminal sensitivity to assign patients to subgroups based on orthonasal olfactory function with a balanced classification accuracy of 64–65%. The ability to recognize patients with olfactory loss based on retronasal olfactory function as well as gustatory function and trigeminal sensitivity suggests in turn that these modalities are affected by rhinitis. However, the only modest accuracy at which this information allowed to reproduce the olfactory diagnosis indicated they are involved in the symptomatology of rhinitis to a lesser extent compared with the orthonasal olfactory function.
Antigen-Based Testing but Not Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Correlates With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Viral Culture
Authors: Pekosz Andrew , Parvu Valentin , Li Maggie , Andrews Jeffrey C , Manabe Yukari C , Kodsi Salma , Gary Devin S , Roger-Dalbert Celine , Leitch Jeffry , Cooper Charles K 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Individuals can test positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by molecular assays following the resolution of their clinical disease. Recent studies indicate that SARS-CoV-2 antigen–based tests are likely to be positive early in the disease course, when there is an increased likelihood of high levels of infectious virus.

Methods
Upper respiratory specimens from 251 participants with coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms (≤7 days from symptom onset) were prospectively collected and tested with a lateral flow antigen test and a real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2. Specimens from a subset of the study specimens were utilized to determine the presence of infectious virus in the VeroE6TMPRSS2 cell culture model.

Results
The antigen test demonstrated a higher positive predictive value (90%) than rt-PCR (70%) when compared to culture-positive results. The positive percentage agreement for detection of infectious virus for the antigen test was similar to rt-PCR when compared to culture results.

Conclusions
The correlation between SARS-CoV-2 antigen and SARS-CoV-2 culture positivity represents a significant advancement in determining the risk for potential transmissibility beyond that which can be achieved by detection of SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA. SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing can facilitate low-cost, scalable, and rapid time-to-result, while providing good risk determination of those who are likely harboring infectious virus, compared to rt-PCR.
Pathology of COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Sharma Purva , Ng Jia H , Bijol Vanesa , Jhaveri Kenar D , Wanchoo Rimda 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with the occurrence of AKI ranging from 0.5% to 80%. An improved knowledge of the pathology of AKI in COVID-19 is crucial to mitigate and manage AKI and to improve the survival of patients who develop AKI during COVID-19. In this review, we summarize the published cases and case series of various kidney pathologies seen with COVID-19. Both live kidney biopsies and autopsy series suggest acute tubular injury as the most commonly encountered pathology. Collapsing glomerulopathy and thrombotic microangiopathy are other encountered pathologies noted in both live and autopsy tissues. Other rare findings such as anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody vasculitis, anti-glomerular basement membrane disease and podocytopathies have been reported. Although direct viral infection of the kidney is possible, it is certainly not a common or even widespread finding reported at the time of this writing (November 2020).
Animal social networks: an introduction for complex systems scientists
Authors: Brask Josefine Bohr , Ellis Samuel , Croft Darren P 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMany animals live in societies where individuals frequently interact socially with each other. The social structures of these systems can be studied in depth by means of network analysis. A large number of studies on animal social networks in many species have in recent years been carried out in the biological research field of animal behaviour and have provided new insights into behaviour, ecology and social evolution. This line of research is currently not so well connected to the field of complex systems as could be expected. The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to animal social networks for complex systems scientists and highlight areas of synergy. We believe that an increased integration of animal social networks with the interdisciplinary field of complex systems, and networks would be beneficial for various reasons. Increased collaboration between researchers in this field and biologists studying animal social systems could be valuable in solving challenges that are of importance to animal social network research. Furthermore, animal social networks provide the opportunity to investigate hypotheses about complex systems across a range of natural real-world social systems. In this article, we describe what animal social networks are and main research themes where they are studied; we give an overview of the methods commonly used to study animal social networks; we highlight challenges in the study of animal social networks where complex systems expertise may be particularly valuable; and we consider aspects of animal social networks that may be of particular interest to complex systems researchers. We hope that this will help to facilitate further interdisciplinary collaborations involving animal social networks and further integration of these networks into the field of complex systems.
TNFα induces endothelial dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis via LOX-1 and arginase 2: reversal by monoclonal TNFα antibodies
Authors: Akhmedov Alexander , Crucet Margot , Simic Branko , Kraler Simon , Bonetti Nicole R , Ospelt Caroline , Distler Oliver , Ciurea Adrian , Liberale Luca , Jauhiainen Matti , Metso Jari , Miranda Melroy , Cydecian Rose , Schwarz Lena , Fehr Vera , Zilinyi Rita , Amrollahi-Sharifabadi Mohammad , Ntari Lydia , Karagianni Niki , Ruschitzka Frank , Laaksonen Reijo , Vanhoutte Paul M , Kollias George , Camici Giovanni G , Lüscher Thomas F 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Aims
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting joints and blood vessels. Despite low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), RA patients exhibit endothelial dysfunction and are at increased risk of death from cardiovascular complications, but the molecular mechanism of action is unknown. We aimed in the present study to identify the molecular mechanism of endothelial dysfunction in a mouse model of RA and in patients with RA.

Methods and results
Endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine were reduced in aortae of two tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) transgenic mouse lines with either mild (Tg3647) or severe (Tg197) forms of RA in a time- and severity-dependent fashion as assessed by organ chamber myograph. In Tg197, TNFα plasma levels were associated with severe endothelial dysfunction. LOX-1 receptor was markedly up-regulated leading to increased vascular oxLDL uptake and NFκB-mediated enhanced Arg2 expression via direct binding to its promoter resulting in reduced NO bioavailability and vascular cGMP levels as shown by ELISA and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Anti-TNFα treatment with infliximab normalized endothelial function together with LOX-1 and Arg2 serum levels in mice. In RA patients, soluble LOX-1 serum levels were also markedly increased and closely related to serum levels of C-reactive protein. Similarly, ARG2 serum levels were increased. Similarly, anti-TNFα treatment restored LOX-1 and ARG2 serum levels in RA patients.

Conclusions
Increased TNFα levels not only contribute to RA, but also to endothelial dysfunction by increasing vascular oxLDL content and activation of the LOX-1/NFκB/Arg2 pathway leading to reduced NO bioavailability and decreased cGMP levels. Anti-TNFα treatment improved both articular symptoms and endothelial function by reducing LOX-1, vascular oxLDL, and Arg2 levels.
ECCO Topical Review Optimising Reporting in Surgery, Endoscopy, and Histopathology
Authors: Adamina Michel , Feakins Roger , Iacucci Marietta , Spinelli Antonino , Cannatelli Rosanna , D’Hoore André , Driessen Ann , Katsanos Konstantinos , Mookhoek Aart , Myrelid Pär , Pellino Gianluca , Peros Georgios , Tontini Gian Eugenio , Tripathi Monika , Yanai Henit , Svrcek Magali 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims
Diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] requires a lifelong multidisciplinary approach. The quality of medical reporting is crucial in this context. The present topical review addresses the need for optimised reporting in endoscopy, surgery, and histopathology.

Methods
A consensus expert panel consisting of gastroenterologists, surgeons, and pathologists, convened by the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation, performed a systematic literature review. The following topics were covered: in endoscopy: [i] general IBD endoscopy; [ii] disease activity and surveillance; [iii] endoscopy treatment in IBD; in surgery: [iv] medical history with surgical relevance, surgical indication, and strategy; [v] operative approach; [vi] intraoperative disease description; [vii] operative steps; in pathology: [viii] macroscopic assessment and interpretation of resection specimens; [ix] IBD histology, including biopsies, surgical resections, and neoplasia; [x] IBD histology conclusion and report. Statements were developed using a Delphi methodology incorporating two consecutive rounds. Current practice positions were set when ≥ 80% of participants agreed on a recommendation.

Results
Thirty practice positions established a standard terminology for optimal reporting in endoscopy, surgery, and histopathology. Assessment of disease activity, surveillance recommendations, advice to surgeons for operative indication and strategies, including margins and extent of resection, and diagnostic criteria of IBD, as well as guidance for the interpretation of dysplasia and cancer, were handled. A standardised report including a core set of items to include in each specialty report, was defined.

Conclusions
Interdisciplinary high-quality care requires thorough and standardised reporting across specialties. This topical review offers an actionable framework and practice recommendations to optimise reporting in endoscopy, surgery, and histopathology.
Results of two different echocardiography-guided approaches to closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects
Authors: Bu Haisong , Yang Yifeng , Wu Qin , Hu Shijun , Jin Wancun , Gong Xueyang , Zhao Tianli 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The feasibility of mini-invasive closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects has been proven, but can cause surgical incision or sternum injury. A relevant but, to date, unanswered question is whether there exists a treatment without surgical trauma, radiation exposure and arterial complications.

METHODS
From May 2017 to January 2020, a total of 449 patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defect [mean age 5.0 ± 6.1 years (range 0.8–52.0 years)] were involved in this study and underwent 2 different echocardiography-guided operative procedures [percutaneous device closure (group A) or percardiac device closure (group B)] based on the patients’ or their parents’ choice. The clinical data were collected and a retrospective analysis was performed.

RESULTS
Fifty-five (96.5%) cases were successfully occluded in group A, and 2 (3.5%) patients were converted to percardiac device closure; 379 (96.7%) patients in group B underwent percardiac device closure, and 13 patients (3.3%) were turned to open-heart surgery after occlusion procedure failure. There were statistically significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) between the 2 groups in operation time, postoperative hospitalization time and blood transfusion requirement. No acute complications or severe adverse events (death, valve injury, complete atrioventricular block and embolism) occurred either in the early period or during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
Percutaneous device closure can achieve the same validity and safety as percardiac device closure for treating perimembranous ventricular septal defects with a more rapid recovery and less trauma.
Are 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography results reliable in patients with ascending aortic grafts? A prospective study in non-infected patients
Authors: Martínez-López Daniel , Rodríguez Alfonso Begoña , Ramos Martínez Antonio , Martín López Carlos Esteban , de Villarreal Soto Juan Esteban , Ríos Rosado Elsa Carolina , Villar García Susana , Ospina Mosquera Víctor Manuel , Serrano Fiz Santiago , Burgos Lázaro Raúl , García-Pavía Pablo , Mitjavila Casanovas Mercedes , Forteza Gil Alberto 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOBJECTIVESOur goal was to define characteristic patterns of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose in non-infected patients with ascending aortic prosthetic grafts during the first year after surgery.METHODS18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) was performed at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively in 26 uninfected patients. Clinical, analytical and microbiological (blood culture) assessments were performed to confirm the absence of infection. FDG uptake intensity [measured through maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and the target-to-background ratio] and distribution patterns were obtained. Models of generalized estimating equations were used to assess the evolution of the SUVmax over time. The results were compared to those in our endocarditis-over-ascending-aortic-graft series database. The receiver operating characteristic curves of the control group and the 12-month group were assessed.RESULTSAll patients showed increased uptake in all areas. The uptake pattern was heterogeneous in 47.4%, 43.5% and 42.3% at 3, 6 and 12 months. The means and standard deviations of the SUVmax in the graft were 4.80 (±0.99), 4.28 (±0.88) and 4.14 (±0.87) at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. A comparison of all values obtained in the 6th and 12th months compared to those from the 3rd month revealed a slow decrease that may persist after the first year. The cut-off value of SUVmax of 4.24 had an overall sensitivity of 84.6% and specificity of 57.7% for patients seen at 12 months.CONCLUSIONSNon-infected ascending aortic grafts showed no predominant uptake pattern; they also showed increased 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose activity that could persist beyond the first year. Caution is therefore recommended when interpreting PET/CT images obtained during the first year after surgery.