bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor: A rare entity and challenging diagnosis
Authors: Sami F I , Lack M , Hamza A 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction/Objective
Thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor is a high-grade malignant neoplasm that frequently shows undifferentiated morphology and deficiency of SMARCA4. There is limited data in literature for this entity. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of this entity and to emphasize the importance of keep this entity in mind when dealing with poorly differentiated thoracic / lung tumors.

Methods/Case Report
A 49-year-old female with 7.5 pack years smoking history presented with a right shoulder pain. A chest x-ray showed rounded density in the right lung apex. This was followed by a CT chest which revealed a 5.6 cm mass with local destruction of the adjacent right third rib suggestive of a chest wall invasion. Also, hilar and paratracheal lymphadenopathy were noted. Subsequently the patient underwent a right upper lobe biopsy which showed diffuse discohesive sheets of moderately pleomorphic large epithelioid cells with vesicular chromatin, focal rhabdoid morphology, frequent mitoses, and extensive necrosis. Immunochemical staining showed the tumor cells to be positive for Cam 5.2, pancytokeratin (focal, weak), synaptophysin, p53 and TTF-1 (focal, weak) and negative for Napsin, SOX-10, CD45, chromogranin, INSM1, p40, CK7, and CK20. Ki-67 proliferation index was 40-50%. Tumor cells had intact expression of RB and were negative BRG1 (SMARCA4). Therefore, diagnosis of thoracic SMARCA4- deficient undifferentiated tumor was rendered. Next generation sequencing showed pathogenic variants in TP53, CDKN2A, and APC genes and likely pathogenic variants in ATR, SMARCA4, and BCOR genes. The patient received carbotaxol and radiation therapy and is alive with metastatic disease 4 months after initial diagnosis.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)
NA

Conclusion
SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor is an aggressive malignancy that shows undifferentiated histology with frequent synaptophysin positivity and negativity for other neuroendocrine markers. Pathologists need to keep this entity in their differential when dealing with poorly to undifferentiated thoracic / lung tumors and appropriate immunohistochemical staining can clinch the diagnosis.
Evaluation of the LifeScale system for rapid phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing from positive blood cultures
Authors: Montelongo-Jauregui Daniel , Slechta E Susan , Fisher Mark 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
The spread of antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to public health, thus there is a critical need for prompt and reliable antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Rapid AST may improve patient outcomes by allowing for quicker start of optimal therapy and reducing hospital length of stay, therefore decreasing overall healthcare costs. However, rapid results may not improve patient care if they are not considered equivalent to standard AST. Several platforms are under development that can provide rapid AST results; the objective of this work is to assess the performance of the new LifeScale rapid AST platform (Affinity Biosensors) that uses resonant mass measurements for calculation of antimicrobial susceptibility results.

Methods
Positive BACTEC blood-cultures collected from patients were included if the gram stain revealed only Gram-negative rods. Standard of care (SOC) AST results, as determined by a combination of BD Phoenix automated, Sensititre broth microdilution, and/or standard disk diffusion methods, were compared to results from direct positive blood culture testing on the LifeScale system. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and categorical interpretations based on CLSI and/or FDA AST breakpoints were compared by microorganism and drug to calculate essential and categorical agreement for five species with pending claims on the LifeScale system: Escherichia coli (N=33), Klebsiella pneumoniae (N=10), K. oxytoca (N=5), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (N=11) and Acinetobacter sp. (N=1); tested against 13 relevant antibiotics: Amikacin, ampicillin, aztreonam, cefazolin, cefepime, ceftazidime, ceftazidime/avibactam ertapenem, gentamicin, levofloxacin, meropenem, piperacillin/tazobactam, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

Results
LifeScale had 95.3% essential agreement with the SOC results, and a 93.1% categorical agreement based on CLSI M52 criteria. Of the 665 organism-drug combinations evaluated, agreement was high, with only 1 very major discrepancy, 8 major discrepancies and 37 minor discrepancies, of which 22 (47.8%) were within ±1 doubling dilution. Among these discrepancies, LifeScale MICs averaged 1 dilution higher than SOC MICs, which may reduce the risk of false-susceptible interpretations.

Conclusion
s: The accuracy and reliability of results from rapid AST is of utmost importance. The LifeScale technology is unique among AST platforms as it measures bacterial cell mass and counts to determine MICs for up to 14 antibiotics in ~4 h. These results suggest this platform is able to deliver rapid, actionable results to guide antimicrobial therapy for patients with bacteremia.
Wax on the surface of Phragmites australis leaves provides enemy-free space for the aphid Hyalopterus pruni
Authors: Yamawo Akira , Mukai Hiromi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The waxy layer on leaf surfaces may restrict the range of arthropod species that can grip the leaf, thus affecting biological interactions. Here, we report that the wax on the leaf surface of Phragmites australis leaves provides enemy-free space for the aphid Hyalopterus pruni. In our experiment, aphids had higher survival rates on Ph. australis leaves than on Prunus mume leaves in the presence of ladybirds. In addition, removal of wax from the surface of Ph. australis leaves enabled ladybugs to grip the surface of Ph. australis leaves and decreased the survival rate of aphids. These results indicate that the leaf wax of Ph. australis provides enemy-free space for H. pruni by inhibiting ladybird adhesion.
Itaconate as a key regulator of respiratory disease
Authors: Michalaki Christina , Albers Gesa J , Byrne Adam J 
Published: November 2023

Summary
Macrophage activation results in the accumulation of endogenous metabolites capable of adopting immunomodulatory roles; one such bioactive metabolite is itaconate. After macrophage stimulation, the TCA-cycle intermediate cis-aconitate is converted to itaconate (by aconitate decarboxylase-1, ACOD1) in the mitochondrial matrix. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of targeting itaconate as a therapeutic strategy for lung diseases such as asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and respiratory infections. This review aims to bring together evidence which highlights a role for itaconate in chronic lung diseases (such as asthma and pulmonary fibrosis) and respiratory infections (such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection). A better understanding of the role of itaconate in lung disease could pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions and improve patient outcomes in respiratory disorders.
Emergent percutaneous closure of sub-annular aortic root pseudoaneurysm in the setting of composite graft dehiscence: a case report
Authors: Stephenson Samuel , Gambill Michael , Summers Matthew 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Aortic conduit pseudoaneurysms are rare complications of surgical aortic root replacements. These complications are typically treated with a redo-sternotomy, but these surgeries carry high mortality rates, and patients may not always be good surgical candidates. There have been a few reported cases where aortic pseudoaneurysms have been successfully treated percutaneously with both short- and long-term success. We describe a case were a sub-annular aortic root pseudoaneurysm was closed using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug 2 device.

Case summary
A 68-year-old man was admitted to the hospital 6 weeks after surgical aortic valve and aortic root replacement undergone for prosthetic valve endocarditis. On computed tomography, he was found to have a large fluid collection with extravasation into a false lumen located on the right side of the ascending aorta. Diagnostic catheterization confirmed flow into the pseudoaneurysm cavity from a sub-annular location. This defect was then closed using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug 2 device, with no residual flow or concern for re-opening at 8 months follow-up.

Discussion
This case presents the first documented use of an Amplatzer Vascular Plug 2 to close an aortic root pseudoaneurysm in the sub-annular location. Heart team discussion is crucial in determining whether surgical or percutaneous treatment management should be performed. This case highlights a novel treatment method for sub-annular aortic root pseudoaneurysms which can be considered an alternative to surgery and potentially life-saving for high-risk patients.
Age-related variation in malignant cytology rates of thyroid nodules: insights from a retrospective observational study assessing the ACR TI-RADS
Authors: Walter Leonardo Barbi , Fernandes Paula Martins , Strieder Débora Lunkes , Scheinpflug Anita Lavarda , Zanella André Borsatto , Faccin Carlo Sasso , Farenzena Mauricio , Xavier Laura Fernandes , Zorzi Bianca Dalla Costa , Graudenz Marcia Silveira , Scheffel Rafael Selbach , Dora José Miguel , Goemann Iuri Martin , Maia Ana Luiza 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
The influence of age on the malignant cytology rate of thyroid nodules remains uncertain. The American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) is currently used to guide subsequent investigations of thyroid nodules, regardless of clinical variables. This study aimed to investigate the impact of age on the malignant cytology rates of thyroid nodules and the diagnostic performance of ACR TI-RADS across different age groups.

Design
A retrospective, single-center, observational study.

Methods
Patients aged ≥ 20 years with thyroid nodules, who underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy between 2012 and 2019 were evaluated. Ultrasound images were used to obtain the TI-RADS data. Malignancy was determined based on suspicious for malignancy (Bethesda V) and malignant (Bethesda VI) cytology results or malignancy in cell block analysis.

Results
A total of 1023 nodules from 921 patients (88.2% female) were analyzed. The median age was 58.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 41.1-66.6) years, and the median nodule size was 2.4 (IQR, 1.7-3.6) cm. Stratification by age revealed a decreasing prevalence of malignant cytology across subgroups of 20-39, 40-59, and ≥60 years (10.7%, 8.5%, and 3.7%, respectively; P = .002). After adjusting for sex, multinodularity, nodule size, and ACR TI-RADS category, we observed that each year of age reduced the OR for malignant cytology by 3.0% (95% CI: 0.7%-5.3%; P = .011). When comparing the subgroups of 20-39 and ≥60 years, the malignant cytology rate decreased by half in TI-RADS 4 (from 21.4% to 10.4%) and two-thirds in TI-RADS 5 (from 64.7% to 22.6%).

Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that as patient age increased, the rate of malignant cytology in thyroid nodules decreased. Moreover, age significantly influences the malignancy rates of thyroid nodules classified according to the ACR TI-RADS.
A study on the measurement of GSR with bloodstains by ICP-MS
Authors: Li Xiang , Yü Aoyang , Xia Xinxin , Zhu Yü , Song Hui 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In forensic laboratories, analytical investigations of gunshot residues (GSRs) are usually conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in combination with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. If GSRs are covered with bloodstains, SEM cannot detect them. In this study, an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method is proposed to solve this problem. Results show that bloodstains did not interfere with GSRs and low-level elements are detected. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of Sn, Sb, Ba, and Pb elements in GSRs are also carried out. Different pretreatment methods are adopted according to the characteristics of different samples. Our investigations suggest that the proposed method has the advantages of low detection limit and high sensitivity and it can be very important in expert testimony.

Key points
Finite source properties of large strike-slip earthquakes
Authors: Atterholt James , Ross Zachary E 
Published: November 2023

SUMMARY
Earthquake ruptures are complex physical processes that may vary with the structure and tectonics of the region in which they occur. Characterizing the factors controlling this variability would provide fundamental constraints on the physics of earthquakes and faults. We investigate this by determining finite source properties from second moments of the stress glut for a global data set of large strike-slip earthquakes. Our approach uses a Bayesian inverse formulation with teleseismic body and surface waves, which yields a low-dimensional probabilistic description of rupture properties including the spatial deviation, directivity and temporal deviation of the source. This technique is useful for comparing events because it makes only minor geometric constraints, avoids bias due to rupture velocity parametrization and yields a full ensemble of possible solutions given the uncertainties of the data. We apply this framework to all great strike-slip earthquakes of the past three decades, and we use the resultant second moments to compare source quantities like directivity ratio, rectilinearity, average moment density and vertical deviation. We find that most strike-slip earthquakes have a large component of unilateral directivity, and many of these earthquakes show a mixture of unilateral and bilateral behaviour. We notice that oceanic intraplate earthquakes usually rupture a much larger width of the seismogenic zone than other strike-slip earthquakes, suggesting these earthquakes may often breach the expected thermal boundary for oceanic ruptures. We also use these second moments to resolve nodal plane ambiguity for the large oceanic intraplate earthquakes and find that the rupture orientation is usually unaligned with encompassing fossil fracture zones.
Signalling mechanisms and agricultural applications of (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate-mediated stomatal closure
Authors: Payá Celia , Belda-Palazón Borja , Vera-Sirera Francisco , Pérez-Pérez Julia , Jordá Lucía , Rodrigo Ismael , Bellés José María , López-Gresa María Pilar , Lisón Purificación 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Biotic and abiotic stresses can severely limit crop productivity. In response to drought, plants close stomata to prevent water loss. Furthermore, stomata are the main entry point for several pathogens. Therefore, the development of natural products to control stomata closure can be considered a sustainable strategy to cope with stresses in agriculture. Plants respond to different stresses by releasing volatile organic compounds. Green leaf volatiles, which are commonly produced across different plant species after tissue damage, comprise an important group within volatile organic compounds. Among them, (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate (HB) was described as a natural inducer of stomatal closure, playing an important role in stomatal immunity, although its mechanism of action is still unknown. Through different genetic, pharmacological, and biochemical approaches, we here uncover that HB perception initiates various defence signalling events, such as activation of Ca2+ permeable channels, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and production of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-mediated reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, HB-mediated stomata closure was found to be independent of abscisic acid biosynthesis and signalling. Additionally, exogenous treatments with HB alleviate water stress and improve fruit productivity in tomato plants. The efficacy of HB was also tested under open field conditions, leading to enhanced resistance against Phytophthora spp. and Pseudomonas syringae infection in potato and tomato plants, respectively. Taken together, our results provide insights into the HB signalling transduction pathway, confirming its role in stomatal closure and plant immune system activation, and propose HB as a new phytoprotectant for the sustainable control of biotic and abiotic stresses in agriculture.
Clinical Impact of Serious Respiratory Disease in Children Under the Age of 2 Years During the 2021–2022 Bronchiolitis Season in England, Scotland, and Ireland
Authors: Williams Thomas C , Marlow Robin , Hardelid Pia , Lyttle Mark D , Lewis Kate M , Mpamhanga Chengetai D , Cunningham Steve , Roland Damian ,   PERUKI, Fraser Karena , Baker James , Bailie Helen , Tolhurst-Cleaver Meriel , Stellman Rob , Hartshorn Stuart , Watson Jessica , Begley Roisin , Hingley Sakura , Dutta Manali , Ramsden Gemma , Ryan Eleanor , Durnin Sheena , Koe Stanley , Halasz Gergely , Brearey Steve , Ranasinghe Darren , Gopi Mudiyur , Spalding Claudia , Gomes Sylvester , Woods Gracita , Aldridge Patrick , Owens Vicky , Balehithlu Hemantha , Richardson Simon , Hartin David , Mitchell Rachael , Downes Alice , Roland Damian , Sequeira Sabrina , Tillett Jo , Dowson Simon , Tomlinson Jo , Da Costa Adebayo , Sime Alfred , Kirby Claire , Lawton Adam , Wear Ruth , Gough Christopher , Gardner Sharryn , Haslam Zena , Rimmer Craig , Steensma Jiske , Rao Sahana , Deall Heather , Hall Sharon , Middleton Catriona , Walton Emily , Mackenzie Friyana Dastur , Thakker Manish , Robinson Gisela , Johnson Graham , Wong Shye , Diaba Cynthia , Foster Steve , Browning Jen , Rooney Lynsey , Challen Kirsty , Rosser Michael , Patel Pratiksha , Spicer Amy , Bagshaw Lorna , Gray Seb , Gibbs Sally , Mullen Niall , Fairley Louise , Bayreuther Jane , James David , Jarman Heather , O'Leary Clare , Clerihew Linda , Astin-Chamberlain Raine , Trippick Sarah , Armstrong Lawrence , Mulligan Joanne , Keers Sophie , Cahill Benjamin , Mohammad Misbah , Burridge Richard , Wilson Sarah , Anpananthar Amutha , Jamall Erum , Lacy David 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Interventions introduced to reduce the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to a widespread reduction in childhood infections. However, from spring 2021 onwards the United Kingdom and Ireland experienced an unusual out-of-season epidemic of respiratory disease.

Methods
We conducted a prospective observational study (BronchStart), enrolling children 0–23 months of age presenting with bronchiolitis, lower respiratory tract infection, or first episode of wheeze to 59 emergency departments across England, Scotland, and Ireland from May 2021 to April 2022. We combined testing data with national admissions datasets to infer the impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease.

Results
The BronchStart study collected data on 17 899 presentations for 17 164 children. Risk factors for admission and escalation of care included prematurity and congenital heart disease, but most admissions were for previously healthy term-born children. Of those aged 0–11 months who were admitted and tested for RSV, 1907 of 3912 (48.7%) tested positive. We estimate that every year in England and Scotland 28 561 (95% confidence interval, 27 637–29 486) infants are admitted with RSV infection.

Conclusions
RSV infection was the main cause of hospitalizations in this cohort, but 51.3% of admissions in infants were not associated with the virus. The majority of admissions were in previously healthy term-born infants.
Theorizing Infrastructures in Global Politics
Authors: Bueger Christian , Liebetrau Tobias , Stockbruegger Jan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA growing wave of studies in international relations is interested in “infrastructure.” Pipelines, ports, financial transaction arrangements, and other large technical systems increasingly occupy the minds of international theorists. This theory note provides direction to the debate by offering an important clarification of the concept of infrastructure and how it is theorized. Scholars have very different understandings of what infrastructures are, why they matter, and how to theorize and study them empirically. By outlining three distinct “styles of theorizing infrastructure,” we provide new directions for future research and how it can contribute to broader debates in international theory. The three styles allow to capture the disagreement over whether infrastructure is a theoretical concept at all, or if it solely refers to empirical phenomena. For some scholars, infrastructures are an object of politics, while others see them as developing political force or even agency on their own. Others see broader potential and note that “infrastructuralism” could provide a major new theoretical vocabulary. Each style provides major new avenues for international theory.
Performance of Anti-Carbamylated Protein Antibody Testing in the Routine Evaluation of Rheumatoid Arthritis from a Single Center
Authors: Nelson Heather A , Novis Camille L , Lebiedz-Odrobina Dorota , Nandakumar Vijayalakshmi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Detection of anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) and rheumatoid factors (RF) in sera support the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, these markers are not detected in about 20% of RA patients. More recently, antibodies against carbamylated proteins (anti-CarP) have emerged with implications for preclinical RA diagnosis. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical performance of anti-CarP and correlate with disease severity in routine clinical practice.

Methods
Retrospective chart review of 331 subjects submitted for RA panel serology: 136 clinically defined RA-positive and 195 RA-negative patients. Fifty additional individuals were recruited for healthy controls. Patients’ sera were tested for anti-CCP, anti-CarP, and RF antibodies. Clinical performance characteristics were evaluated for anti-CarP individually and in combination with anti-CCP and RF. Documented erosions and synovitis were correlated with anti-CarP positivity.

Results
Anti-CarP had a clinical sensitivity and specificity of 27% and 94%, respectively, for established RA. This sensitivity was lower than anti-CCP (79%) and RF (85%). The specificity of anti-CarP was similar to anti-CCP (93%) and higher than RF (69%). Anti-CarP in combination with anti-CCP and RF increased specificity (100%) but decreased sensitivity (21%). There was no correlation of anti-CarP positivity with presence of bone erosions; however, there was an increase in anti-CarP positivity among patients with synovitis.

Conclusions
Anti-CarP demonstrates high specificity in diagnosis of established RA but lacks clinical sensitivity. In combination, anti-CarP does not improve clinical performance of anti-CCP and RF but may be useful in anti-CCP negative patients and in identifying patients with more active disease.
The capsid revolution
Authors: Taylor Ian A , Fassati Ariberto 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Lenacapavir, targeting the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) capsid, is the first-in-class antiretroviral drug recently approved for clinical use. The development of Lenacapavir is attributed to the remarkable progress in our understanding of the capsid protein made during the last few years. Considered little more than a component of the virus shell to be shed early during infection, the capsid has been found to be a key player in the HIV-1 life cycle by interacting with multiple host factors, entering the nucleus, and directing integration. Here, we describe the key advances that led to this ‘capsid revolution’.