bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple approach for ultrasound-guided pararadicular injections in the sacral spine: a pilot computer tomography controlled cadaver study
Authors: Plaikner Michaela , Gruber Hannes , Schwabl Christoph , Brenner Erich , Bale Reto , Skalla Elisabeth , Loizides Alexander 
Published: February 2019

Aims: Injection therapies play an increasingly decisive role in the treatment of lower back pain. Cumulative studies could show the benefits of ultrasound-guided instillation procedures in the cervical and lumbar spine. We conducted this study to provide a new simple sonographic approach for pararadicular injections of the sacral spinal nerves and to prove the feasibility and accuracy by means of CT and anatomic dissection.Material and methods: Eight ultrasound-guided injections at four different levels of the sacral spine on a human ethanol-glycerol–embalmed cadaver (S1-S4) were performed. By means of sonography the sacral foramina were identified and the spinal needles were advanced in “in-plane technique” to the medial margin of the respective sacral foramen. Subsequently a solution of blue dye and contrast agent were injected. Then CT scans and anatomic dissection of the cadaver were performed to verify the correct placement of the needle tips and to visualize the dispersion of the injected solution in the respective compartment.Results: Altogether a 100% success rate for a correct injection could be achieved. CT examination confirmed the correct placement of every needle tip within the intended compartment. Also, the anatomic dissections affirmed the appropriate needle positioning. Moreover, the blue dye dispersion was seen in the correct compartments and around the targeted spinal nerves.Conclusions: Although this study was only performed on cadaveric models, this new sonographic approach for pararadicular injections in the sacral spine allows an easy, precise and unerring needle placement within the dorsal sacral foramen.
Virtual reality videos used in undergraduate palliative and oncology medical teaching: results of a pilot study
Authors: Taubert Mark , Webber Lucie , Hamilton Timothy , Carr Madeleine , Harvey Mark 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundVirtual reality (VR) immersive environments have been shown to be effective in medical teaching. Our university hospital received funding from our deanery, Health Education in Wales, to film teaching videos with a 360-degree camera.AimsTo evaluate whether VR is an effective and acceptable teaching environment. VR headsets were set up for medical students who rotated through Velindre Cancer Hospital’s Palliative Care department.MethodsStudents were asked to put on a VR headset and experience a pre-recorded 27 min presentation on nausea and vomiting in palliative care settings. They subsequently viewed a radiotherapy treatment experience from a patient’s point of view.ResultsOf the 72 medical students who participated, 70 found the experience comfortable, with two students stating they felt the experience uncomfortable (1=headset too tight; 1=blurry visuals). Numerical scoring on ability to concentrate in VR from 0 to 10 (0=worst, 10=best) scored an average of 8.44 (range, 7–10). Asked whether this format suited their learning style, average score was 8.31 (range 6–10). 97.2 % (n=70) students stated that they would recommend this form of learning to a colleague, with one student saying he/she would not recommend and another stating he/she was unsure. Students left anonymous free-text feedback comments which helped frame future needs in this emerging area.DiscussionThis study suggests that there is room for exploring new ways of delivering teaching and expanding it more widely in palliative care and oncology, but also provides feedback on areas that need further careful attention. Comments from students included: “Might have been the novelty factor but I learnt more from this 20 min VR thing than I have from many lectures”.SummaryThe project has proved sufficiently popular in medical student feedback, that the VR experience is now available on YouTube and has been permanently introduced into routine teaching. Further 360-degree teaching environments have been filmed. Of note is that our 360-degree videos have been viewed in Africa, so this format of teaching could prove valuable due to its global reach.
Genome-wide meta-analysis identifies genetic locus on chromosome 9 associated with Modic changes
Authors: Freidin Maxim , Kraatari Minna , Skarp Sini , Määttä Juhani , Kettunen Johannes , Niinimäki Jaakko , Karppinen Jaro , Williams Frances , Männikkö Minna 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is a common disabling condition. Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) may be a contributing factor for LBP. Modic change (MC), a distinct phenotype of LDD, is presented as a pathological bone marrow signal change adjacent to vertebral endplate on MRI. It is strongly associated with LBP and has heritability around 30%. Our objective was to identify genetic loci associated with MC using a genome-wide meta-analysis.MethodsPresence of MC was evaluated in lumbar MRI in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n=1182) and TwinsUK (n=647). Genome-wide association analyses were carried out using linear regression model. Inverse-variance weighting approach was used in the meta-analysis.ResultsA locus associated with MC (p<5e-8) was found on chromosome 9 with the lead SNP rs1934268 in an intron of the PTPRD gene. It is located in the binding region of BCL11A, SPI1 and PBX3 transcription factors. The SNP was nominally associated with LBP in TwinsUK (p=0.001) but not associated in the UK Biobank (p=0.914). Suggestive signals (p<1e-5) were identified near XKR4, SCIN, MGMT, DLG2, ZNF184 and OPRK1.ConclusionPTPRD is a novel candidate gene for MC that may act via the development of cartilage or nervous system; further work is needed to define the mechanisms underlying the pathways leading to development of MC. This is the first genome-wide meta-analysis of MC, and the results pave the way for further studies on the genetic factors underlying the various features of spine degeneration and LBP.
Photoluminescence properties and threshold effect of ZnS:Ag nanoparticles synthesized by a hydrothermal process
Authors: Li Q. H. , Lin S. P. , Ma D. C. , Wang B. 
Published: February 2019

Ag-doped ZnS nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis from the raw powders of thiourea, zinc acetate and silver nitrate. The effects of Ag[Formula: see text] on the structural, morphological, composition, elemental analysis and luminescence properties were investigated. The results showed that the powders were all found in the cubic sphalerite structure with an average particle size of approximately 40 nm. In addition, various Ag[Formula: see text] doping concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 3, 4, 7 and 10 at.%) were selected to study the optical properties of the ZnS nanoparticles. It was found that the photoluminescence (PL) spectra excited by 325 nm and X-ray showed a peak at 490 nm for all samples and exhibited concentration quenching behavior. The PL results also indicate that the most favorable silver doping concentration for emission is 3 at.%. These results suggested that ZnS:Ag (3 at.%) nanoparticles were promising candidate materials for certain areas, such as screen displays, scintillators and lasers.
AKT as a Therapeutic Target for Cancer
Authors: Song Mengqiu , Bode Ann M. , Dong Zigang , Lee Mee-Hyun 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Many cellular processes in cancer are attributed to kinase signaling networks. V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) plays a major role in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. AKT is activated by PI3K or phosphoinositide-dependent kinases (PDK) as well as growth factors, inflammation, and DNA damage. Signal transduction occurs through downstream effectors such as mTOR, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), or forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1). The abnormal overexpression or activation of AKT has been observed in many cancers, including ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancers, and is associated with increased cancer cell proliferation and survival. Therefore, targeting AKT could provide an important approach for cancer prevention and therapy. In this review, we discuss the rationale for targeting AKT and also provide details regarding synthetic and natural AKT-targeting compounds and their associated studies.
Effects of Age and Immune Landscape on Outcome in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer in the NCCTG N9831 (Alliance) and NSABP B-31 (NRG) Trials
Authors: Chumsri Saranya , Serie Daniel J. , Li Zhuo , Pogue-Geile Katherine L. , Soyano-Muller Aixa E. , Mashadi-Hossein Afshin , Warren Sarah , Lou Yanyan , Colon-Otero Gerardo , Knutson Keith L. , Perez Edith A. , Moreno-Aspitia Alvaro , Thompson E. Aubrey 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Purpose:
Young age has been shown to be an independent predictor of poor outcome in breast cancer. In HER2-positive breast cancer, the effects of aging remain largely unknown.

Experimental Design:
A total of 4,547 patients were included [3,132 from North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) N9831 and 1,415 from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) B-31]. Pathologic stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (sTIL) and molecular tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (mTIL) signatures were evaluated.

Results:
In NCCTG N9831, comparable benefit of trastuzumab was observed in all patients [age ≤ 40; HR, 0.43; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.28–0.66; P &lt; 0.001; and age &gt; 40; HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.45–0.69; P &lt; 0.001]. Similar results were observed in NSABP B-31 (age ≤ 40; HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.29–0.68; P &lt; 0.001; and age &gt; 40; HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.33–0.54; P &lt; 0.001). Among patients who received chemotherapy alone, younger age was associated with poor outcome in the hormone receptor–positive subset, but not the hormone receptor–negative subset, in both trials. Although there was no association between sTILs and age, a small, but significant increase in mTIL CD45 and some immune subset signatures were observed. Among patients who received chemotherapy alone, patients over 40 years of age with lymphocyte-predominant breast cancer had excellent outcome, with 95% remaining recurrence free at 15 years.

Conclusions:
Among patients treated with trastuzumab, there was no significant difference in outcome related to age. Our study suggests that trastuzumab can negate the poor prognosis associated with young age.
Plasma HER2 (ERBB2) Copy Number Predicts Response to HER2-targeted Therapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Siravegna Giulia , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Nagy Rebecca J. , Raghav Kanwal , Odegaard Justin I. , Lanman Richard B. , Trusolino Livio , Marsoni Silvia , Siena Salvatore , Bardelli Alberto 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Purpose:
ERBB2 (HER2) amplification is an emerging biomarker in colon cancer, conferring sensitivity to combination anti-HER2 therapy. Measurement of HER2 copy number is typically performed using surgical specimens, but cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis may be a noninvasive alternative. We determined the sensitivity of plasma copy number (pCN) for detecting ERBB2 amplifications and whether pCN correlated with tissue-detected copy number. We also assessed response to HER2-targeted therapy based on pCN and suggest a pCN threshold predictive of response.

Experimental Design:
Forty-eight pretreatment and progression plasma samples from 29 HER2-positive patients in the HERACLES A clinical trial were tested using the Guardant360 cfDNA assay. We correlated ERRB2 pCN with progression-free survival (PFS) and best objective response (BOR) and applied an adjustment method based on tumor DNA shedding using the maximum mutant allele fraction as a surrogate for tumor content to accurately determine the pCN threshold predictive of response.

Results:
Forty-seven of 48 samples had detectable ctDNA, and 46 of 47 samples were ERBB2-amplified on the basis of cfDNA [2.55–122 copies; 97.9% sensitivity (95% confidence interval, 87.2%–99.8%)]. An adjusted ERBB2 pCN of ≥25.82 copies correlated with BOR and PFS (P = 0.0347).

Conclusions:
cfDNA is a viable alternative to tissue-based genotyping in the metastatic setting. The cfDNA platform utilized correctly identified 28 of 29 (96.6%) of pretreatment samples as ERBB2-amplified and predicted benefit from HER2-targeted therapy. In this study, an observed pCN of 2.4 and an adjusted pCN of 25.82 copies of ERBB2 are proposed to select patients who will benefit from HER2-targeted therapy.
Clonotypic Diversity of the T-cell Receptor Corroborates the Immature Precursor Origin of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Hamrouni Abdelbasset , Fogh Hanne , Zak Zoulika , Ødum Niels , Gniadecki Robert 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Purpose:
Mycosis fungoides is one of the most common types of extranodal T-cell lymphomas, considered to be caused by malignant transformation of the mature T cells residing in the skin. However, some clinical observations such as the multifocal distribution of mycosis fungoides lesions or patterns of relapse after radiotherapy are not readily explainable by the mature T-cell origin theory.

Experimental Design:
We have performed a detailed analysis of T-cell receptor (TCR) rearrangements in single malignant cells and in biopsies from mycosis fungoides tumors composed of &gt;80% of malignant cells using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to pinpoint the relationship between neoplastic cells in mycosis fungoides. We have also aimed to detect malignant, circulating T-cell by whole blood TCR sequencing.

Results:
We found a substantial clonal heterogeneity in the mycosis fungoides samples with regards to TCR, and we demonstrated that lymphoma cells harboring identical TCRγ sequences may harbor different TCRα and β sequences. Lack of absolute TCRα, -β, -γ monoclonality was further confirmed by TCR amplification and sequencing from microdissected lymphoma cells. We have also found the TCR rearrangements characteristic for lymphoma cells in patients' peripheral blood despite the lack of leukemic blood involvement; however, the circulating TCRγ clonotype did not always represent the dominant cutaneous clonotype.

Conclusions:
These findings can be explained by a model where malignant transformation takes place during early T-cell development giving rise to circulating premalignant clones, which home to the skin producing clinically apparent lesions of cutaneous lymphoma. Therapeutic strategies in T-cell lymphoma should therefore target those early lymphoma precursor cells.
New Hope in Prostate Cancer Precision Medicine? miRNA Replacement and Epigenetics
Authors: Bjartell Anders 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSPINK1 +/ETS− prostate cancer is an aggressive disease with poor clinical outcome. New data suggest a novel treatment by upregulating the expression of miR-338-5p/-421 through epigenetic modulation or by miRNA replacement. This is a new and interesting concept that warrants further exploration in clinical trials.See related article by Bhatia et al., p. 2755
First record of the callianassid ghost shrimp Neocallichirus jousseaumei (Nobili, 1904) (Decapoda: Axiidea) from India
Authors: Beleem Imtiyaz , Poriya Paresh , Gohil Bharatsinh 
Published: February 2019

From India, two species of the callianassid ghost shrimp genus Neocallichirus Sakai, 1988 are known. In this study, Neocallichirus jousseaumei (Nobili, 1904) is first recorded from India based on a single specimen collected from intertidal zone of Diu coast. A brief description for giving evidence of the identification and notes on habitat is presented.
Pollination ecology of three ecologically valuable carpetweed herbs, Mollugo cerviana, M. nudicaulis and M. pentaphylla (Molluginaceae)
Authors: Sulakshana Maddala , Raju Aluri Jacob Solomon 
Published: February 2019

Mollugo cerviana, M. nudicaulis and M. pentaphylla are annual herbs which usually grow in open dry sandy and sandy/loamy soils, and also occur in moist habitats, especially cultivated lands. The flowers possess five tepals, functional stamens and 3-carpelled ovary with several ovules and three stigmas. M. nudicaulis and M. pentaphylla are pollinated by insects. Haplothrips uses the flowers for breeding and feeding, which affects pollination. These species have specialized floral structural and functional behaviours for self-induced and spontaneous autogamy while keeping the options open for insect pollination after anthesis. They are facultative autogamous, which is reflected in pollen-ovule ratios and natural fruit and seed set rates. Seed dispersal modes include anemochory, ombrohydrochory and hydrochory. The seeds germinate immediately after their dispersal, and soil moisture is important in rupturing the seed coat. These species are best adapted to survive in open dry habitats as they take advantage of any sign of temporary humidity to complete their life cycle quickly.
Media reporting on the protected areas in Maharashtra, India: a thematic analysis
Authors: Narayan Trupthi , Sekhsaria Pankaj 
Published: February 2019

This research paper is an account and analysis of English media reporting on wildlife conservation and protected areas (PAs) in Maharashtra, India, between 1994 and 2015. It is based on 269 articles that first appeared in the media and were then edited for publication in the ‘Protected Area Update’. The analysis attempts to draw out significant themes that the media deems important in matters of wildlife conservation. Themes that emerge prominently are related to issues of land, displacement of people, development projects, and tourism. We also discovered that some PAs like the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve receive disproportionately large media space, while a third of the PAs were not reported on at all. This does not imply that these areas were not reported in the larger media that the newsletter draws upon, but points to the skewed coverage and (limited) importance these PAs get. We argue that media content analysis is a useful tool because the media is the first interface for the general public on issues of wildlife conservation and plays an important role in shaping public opinion. To our knowledge, this is the first such state-wide study of media reporting of wildlife conservation issues; it provides important insights into the wildlife conservation discourse in the country as well as the concerns, priorities, and challenges of the media.
On the rediscovery of Onychomesa susainathani, an emesine bug endemic to India (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae)
Authors: Ghate Hemant Vasant , Sarode Balasaheb 
Published: February 2019

Onychomesa susainathani Wygodzinsky, 1966, an emesine bug known so far only from its type specimen, is illustrated with additional descriptive notes herein from Maharashtra State in India. It is a rediscovery after about 60 years.
Thrombectomy in Childhood Stroke
Authors: Sporns Peter B. , Kemmling André , Hanning Uta , Minnerup Jens , Sträter Ronald , Niederstadt Thomas , Heindel Walter , Wildgruber Moritz 
Published: February 2019

Background
Several randomized trials have shown the efficacy of thrombectomy for large intracranial vessel occlusions in adults. However, the safety and efficacy of thrombectomy in children are unknown. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and outcome of thrombectomy in pediatric patients.

Methods and Results
We performed a retrospective analysis of all children (<18 years of age) who presented with large‐vessel occlusion and were treated with mechanical thrombectomy at 3 German tertiary‐care stroke centers. Interventional results and clinical outcomes were assessed using the Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at 24 hours and on day 7 after thrombectomy as well as after 3 months (modified Rankin Scale). After screening of local registries for all performed thrombectomies, 12 children were included. Median Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 12.5 (interquartile range 8.0‐21.5). Angiographic outcomes for thrombectomy were good in all patients (6×modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction Score 3, 6×modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction Score 2b). Moreover, most patients showed an improvement of neurological outcome after thrombectomy with a median Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of 3.5 (interquartile range 1‐8) at day 7 and a modified Rankin Scale of 1.0 (interquartile range 0‐2.0) at 3 months. No major periprocedural complications were observed.

Conclusions
In our retrospective study thrombectomy was safe in childhood stroke, and treated children had good neurological outcomes.
Expanding the Goddard CSH Algorithm for GPM: New Extratropical Retrievals
Authors: Tao W.-K. , Iguchi T. , Lang S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Goddard convective–stratiform heating (CSH) algorithm has been used to retrieve latent heating (LH) associated with clouds and cloud systems in support of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. The CSH algorithm requires the use of a cloud-resolving model to simulate LH profiles to build lookup tables (LUTs). However, the current LUTs in the CSH algorithm are not suitable for retrieving LH profiles at high latitudes or winter conditions that are needed for GPM. The NASA Unified-Weather Research and Forecasting (NU-WRF) Model is used to simulate three eastern continental U.S. (CONUS) synoptic winter and three western coastal/offshore events. The relationship between LH structures (or profiles) and other precipitation properties (radar reflectivity, freezing-level height, echo-top height, maximum dBZ height, vertical dBZ gradient, and surface precipitation rate) is examined, and a new classification system is adopted with varying ranges for each of these precipitation properties to create LUTs representing high latitude/winter conditions. The performance of the new LUTs is examined using a self-consistency check for one CONUS and one West Coast offshore event by comparing LH profiles retrieved from the LUTs using model-simulated precipitation properties with those originally simulated by the model. The results of the self-consistency check validate the new classification and LUTs. The new LUTs provide the foundation for high-latitude retrievals that can then be merged with those from the tropical CSH algorithm to retrieve LH profiles over the entire GPM domain using precipitation properties retrieved from the GPM combined algorithm.