bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deriving the intrinsic properties of M51 with radiative transfer models
Authors: Inman Christopher J , Popescu Cristina C , Rushton Mark T , Murphy David 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
A quantitative derivation of the intrinsic properties of galaxies related to their fundamental building blocks, gas, dust, and stars is essential for our understanding of galaxy evolution. A fully self-consistent derivation of these properties can be achieved with radiative transfer (RT) methods that are constrained by panchromatic imaging observations. Here, we present an axi-symmetric RT model of the UV-optical-FIR/submm spectral and spatial energy distribution of the face-on spiral galaxy M51. The model reproduces reasonably well the azimuthally averaged radial profiles derived from the imaging data available for this galaxy, from GALEX, Sloan Digital Sky Survey, 2MASS, Spitzer, and Herschel. We model the galaxy with three distinct morphological components: a bulge, an inner disc, and a main disc. We derive the length parameters of the stellar emissivity and of the dust distribution. We also derive the intrinsic global and spatially resolved parameters of M51. We find a faint ‘outer disc’ bridging M51 with its companion galaxy M51b. Finally, we present and discuss an alternative model, with dust properties that change within the galaxy.
The impact of magnetic fields on cosmological galaxy mergers – II. Modified angular momentum transport and feedback
Authors: Whittingham Joseph , Sparre Martin , Pfrommer Christoph , Pakmor Rüdiger 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
The role of magnetic fields in galaxy evolution is still an unsolved question in astrophysics. We have previously shown that magnetic fields play a crucial role in major mergers between disc galaxies; in hydrodynamic simulations of such mergers, the Auriga model produces compact remnants with a distinctive bar and ring morphology. In contrast, in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations, remnants form radially extended discs with prominent spiral arm structure. In this paper, we analyse a series of cosmological ‘zoom-in’ simulations of major mergers and identify exactly how magnetic fields are able to alter the outcome of the merger. We find that magnetic fields modify the transport of angular momentum, systematically hastening the merger progress. The impact of this altered transport depends on the orientation of the field, with a predominantly non-azimuthal (azimuthal) orientation increasing the central baryonic concentration (providing support against collapse). Both effects act to suppress an otherwise existent bar-instability, which in turn leads to a fundamentally different morphology and manifestation of feedback. We note, in particular, that stellar feedback is substantially less influential in MHD simulations, which allows for the later accretion of higher angular momentum gas and the subsequent rapid radial growth of the remnant disc. A corollary of the increased baryonic concentration in MHD simulations is that black holes are able to grow twice as large, although this turns out to have little impact on the remnant’s development. Our results show that galaxy evolution cannot be modelled correctly without including magnetic fields.
Estimating stellar population and emission-line properties in S-PLUS galaxies
Authors: Thainá-Batista J , Cid Fernandes R , Herpich F R , Mendes de Oliveira C , Werle A , Espinosa L , Lopes A , Smith Castelli A V , Sodré L , Telles E , Kanaan A , Ribeiro T , Schoenell W 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
We present tests of a new method to simultaneously estimate stellar population and emission-line (EL) properties of galaxies out of the Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey (S-PLUS) photometry. The technique uses the AlStar code, updated with an empirical prior that greatly improves its ability to estimate ELs using only the survey’s 12 bands. The tests compare the output of (noise-perturbed) synthetic photometry of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) galaxies to properties derived from previous full spectral fitting and detailed EL analysis. For realistic signal-to-noise ratios, stellar population properties are recovered to better than 0.2 dex in masses, mean ages, metallicities, and ±0.2 mag for the extinction. More importantly, ELs are recovered remarkably well for a photometric survey. We obtain input − output dispersions of 0.05–0.2 dex for the equivalent widths of [O ii], [O iii], Hβ, Hα, [N ii], and [S ii], and even better for lines stronger than ∼5 Å. These excellent results are achieved by combining two empirical facts into a prior that restricts the EL space available for the fits. (1) Because, for the redshifts explored here, Hα and [N ii] fall in a single narrow band (J0660), their combined equivalent width is always well recovered, even when [N ii]/Hα is not. (2) We know from SDSS that $W_{\mathrm{H}\alpha +[\mathrm{N}\,\small {\rm II}] }$ correlates with [N ii]/Hα, which can be used to tell if a galaxy belongs to the left or right wings in the classical Baldwin–Phillips–Telervich (BPT) diagnostic diagram. Example applications to integrated light and spatially resolved data are also presented, including a comparison with independent results obtained with the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE)-based integral field spectroscopy.
JS03.5.A CLINICALLY COLLECTED VARIABLES FAIL TO RELIABLY PREDICT COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN UNTREATED GLIOMA PATIENTS
Authors: Boelders S M , Rutten G J M , Gehring K , Ong L L , Postma E O 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Previous research has identified several clinically collected variables (e.g., age and WHO grade) that are significantly related to impairments in cognitive functions before surgery in patients with a glioma. The degree to which clinically collected variables can collectively explain differences in cognitive functioning between patients, however, remains unclear, as most studies did not evaluate the total amount of variability between patients explained by a set of predictors. Furthermore, only linear or rank-based methods with a small number of variables have been used. In this study, we used various machine learning models to quantify the amount of variability in cognitive functioning we can explain using a comprehensive set of variables as identified from the literature that were collected as part of clinical care. The extent to which cognitive functioning can be reliably predicted reveals the degree to which these variables can explain individual differences between patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
We trained 11 machine learning models to predict pre-surgical cognitive function in patients with a glioma (n=354) across eight cognitive tests. Included variables comprised sociodemographics, tumor characteristics, medication, presenting symptoms, ASA score, comorbidities, and anxiety and depression scores. Model performance was evaluated on four objectives 1) predicting impairment on at least one cognitive test, 2) predicting the number of tests on which a patient is impaired, 3) predicting impairment for each test separately, and 4) predicting cognitive function for each test separately. Model performance, hyperparameter selection, and feature importance were analyzed and clinical implications were discussed.

RESULTS
Best-performing models demonstrated above-random performance for most objectives. Performance, however, was unreliable with poor predictions for a substantial number of patients on most objectives. Best-performing models were relatively simple and used most variables for prediction while not relying strongly on any specific variable.

CONCLUSION
Our results show that the clinically collected variables included in this study fail to reliably predict cognitive functioning. This indicates that these variables are unable to explain a considerable amount of variability between patients, despite many of these variables being significantly related to cognitive function in previous studies. Our results suggest that a multi-parametric (i.e., more holistic) view of an individual patient may be necessary to explain differences in cognitive functioning, ideally considering imaging markers, biological markers, sociodemographics, and clinical characteristics. Finally, our results stress the need to collect larger cross-center and multimodal datasets to better explain and predict individual differences in cognitive function.
JS08.6.A CSF DERIVED LIQUID BIOPSIES FOR GLIOMA DIAGNOSIS
Authors: Iser F , Güngör C , Meyer J , Dörner L , Hofmann L , Graßl N , Patel A , Wildemann B , Platten M , Wick W , Sahm F , Kessler T 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Distinctive genetic changes can identify various types of gliomas. However, acquiring tumor material via surgery in the central nervous system (CNS) can pose the danger of neurological impairments, especially if the tumor is located near critical areas or in the brain stem. Gliomas discharge tumor DNA into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), where it mixes with circulating DNA from normal cells to generate cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Analyzing cfDNA via next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a substitute method for genomic assessments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
We conducted targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell-free DNA (cfDNA) using a panel that encompasses 130 genes from 81 patients with MRI detected suspicion of a primary (n = 69) or recurrent (n = 12) glioma. The library preparation and raw read data preprocessing were tailored specifically for cfDNA samples. To identify single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small insertions and deletions (Indels), a classifier based on machine learning (somaticseq) was trained using cfDNA reference standards. The on- and off-target reads were employed to develop profiles of copy-number variations (CNVs) (cnvkit).

RESULTS
The sensitivity and specificity of short variant (SNV + Indel) calling were determined to range between 36.1% - 93.3% and 66.5% - 87.1%, respectively, depending on the input amounts (2ng to 4ng) of cfDNA reference material and the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) content (1% to 5%). In a group of 20 CSF samples from glioblastoma patients, the detected mutations and CNVs corresponded to those found in solid tissue samples. Furthermore, two additional patients with glial tumors in the brain stem that could not be accessed surgically were found to have an IDH:p.R132C mutation and a histone H3.3:p.K28M mutation, respectively.

CONCLUSION
A clinical workflow was developed with specific sensitivity and specificity values for sequencing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell-free DNA (cfDNA). This workflow was tested on a group of glioblastoma patients with matched solid tumor tissue. In two patients with suspected glial tumors but no accessible tissue, the diagnosis was confirmed by identifying characteristic mutations.
OS05.5.A NOVEL STUDY OF COGNITIVE REHABILITATION IMPROVING WORK PERFORMANCE IN PRIMARY BRAIN TUMOR
Authors: Weyer Jamora C , Brie M , Bracci P , Smith E , Luks T , Phan S , Alomomen R , Braunstein S , Rottering J , Oberheim Bush N , Butowski N , Clarke J , Daras M , de Groot J , Chang S , Hervey-Jumper S , Taylor J W , Taylor J W 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Primary brain cancer survivors are living longer yet have emotional distress and cognitive impairments that negatively impact their quality of life (QOL), including returning to work. We present a novel tele-cognitive rehabilitation study in primary brain cancer survivors to improve work performance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Retrospective review of clinically and radiologically stable adult primary brain cancer patients off treatment and referred for cognitive rehabilitation. Neuropsychological, psychological, vocational, and QOL assessments completed. Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher’s exact or Chi-square tests were used for between and within-group comparisons. Work status improvement defined as returning to employment and/or minimal cognitive symptoms at work.

RESULTS
79 patients with known baseline work status were analyzed. 80% opted in tele-cognitive rehabilitation services. Working (n=38), not working (n=41) had similar age, time since diagnosis, and history of radiotherapy. Not working had higher grade tumors (p=.01), worse cognitive function (executive function, attention, verbal learning all p&lt;0.05) yet more engagement support groups (p&lt;0.04). Subsequently, 38 patients (42% of whom were not working) received vocational tele-cognitive rehabilitation (median 11 sessions). 82% had improved work status compared to 34% non-treatment. Occupational improvements are not correlated to baseline work status and age. Glioblastoma was least improved, while Oligodendroglioma was most likely to improve (p=.05). Higher doses of radiotherapy were inversely related to work improvements (p&lt;0.05). Higher verbal memory (p=0.05), processing speed (p=0.06), and executive functioning (p=0.02), IDH mutant tumors (p=0.06), and motivation for treatment (p=0.04) were associated with improved work status. Those with depressive symptoms who engaged in psychotherapeutic services had significantly improved work status (p=0.01).

CONCLUSION
When offered, patients want cognitive rehabilitation. Further, occupational functioning improves with tele-cognitive rehabilitation. Higher cognitive functioning, IDH mutation, radiotherapy dose, and motivation for treatment are important to consider. Despite not working and having worse cognition, patients improved similarly to their working counterparts. Depression benefitted from psychotherapeutic support. Tele-cognitive rehabilitation embedded within a multidisciplinary care model shows promise to improve work abilities in primary brain tumor patients.
OS09.2.A REGORAFENIB IN COMBINATION WITH TEMOZOLOMIDE WITH OR WITHOUT RADIOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED MGMT-METHYLATED, IDH WILDTYPE GLIOBLASTOMA: A PHASE I DOSE-FINDING STUDY (REGOMA-2, EUDRA CT N° 2021-001604-15)
Authors: Padovan M , De Salvo G , Cerretti G , Krengli M , Caccese M , Maccari M , Farina M , Bergo E , Zabeo C , Grosso D , Caumo F , Coppola M , D'Avolio A , Zagonel V , Lombardi G 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Glioblastoma (GBM) is associated with the activation of multiple signaling pathways, including the receptor tyrosine kinases, VEGFR, FGFR and PDGFR. The potential response to anti-angiogenic agents makes GBM an attractive target for regorafenib (REG). Antitumor activity of REG in recurrent GBM patients was shown in the phase II REGOMA trial. Interestingly, in “in vivo” studies, beneficial effects were observed with the combination of REG and temozolomide (TMZ) in subcutaneous xenografts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
This phase I open-label multicentric study in progress is evaluating the addition of REG to standard of care treatment with TMZ as adjuvant therapy (cohort A), and in combination with TMZ + radiotherapy (RT) as concomitant therapy (cohort B), in newly diagnosed MGMT-methylated, IDH wildtype GBM patients. Primary objectives are: to determine the safety and tolerability of REG and to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of REG in these two cohorts. Secondary objectives are: the assessment of pharmacokinetics of REG, TMZ, and possible pharmacokinetic interactions between TMZ and REG in cohort A; the assessment of preliminary antitumor activity; the evaluation of quality of life during the treatment. The dose escalation is being explored according to a “3 + 3” design, starting from cohort A and following 3 dose levels of REG [80 mg, 120 mg and 160 mg]. After finding the MTD in cohort A, the cohort B dose escalation will start, exploring escalating oral doses of REG in combination with concomitant TMZ + RT (60 Gy/30 fractions). In the adjuvant phase of cohort B, REG will be given with TMZ at MTD shown in the prior adjuvant phase dose escalation.The DLT (dose-limiting toxicity) evaluation period will be two cycles from the start of cycle 1 of adjuvant phase (in cohort A) and from day 1 to the last day of the concomitant phase (in cohort B). Recruitment started in May 2022; Level 1 in cohort A (3 patients) has been completed without DLT. Approximately 36 subjects will be enrolled.
OS09.6.A A MULTICENTER, PHASE I/II, OPEN-LABEL STUDY OF INTRATHECAL PEMETREXED FOR LEPTOMENINGEAL METASTASES FROM SOLID TUMOR (PMLM, NCT 05289908)
Authors: Pan Z , Yang G , Wang Z , Shen L , Pang X , Yuan T , Li S , Dong L 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There has never been a dose-escalation study on intrathecal pemetrexed (IP) with vitamin supplementation. This phase I/II study was to evaluate the maximum-tolerated dosage (MTD) of IP with vitamin supplementation and the antitumor activity for leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from solid tumors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Phase I study followed the classic 3 + 3 design, with the dose of IP escalated from 15 mg. Phase II followed the Simon 2-stage design with the recommended dose determined in phase I. IP was administered twice per week for 2 weeks (induction therapy), followed by once per week for 4 weeks (consolidation therapy). Clinically stable or improved patients continued IP once a month (maintenance therapy). Vitamin B12 (1000 μg) and folic acid (400 μg, q.d.) were given at the beginning of treatment. Primary end points were MTD in phase I and clinical response rate (CRR) in phase I/II. All patients were assessed to investigate safety, CRR and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS
Between Feb 2022 and Jan 2023, 34 patients (male: 16; female: 18; age: 45-68 years; median: 56 years) were enrolled, including non-small lung cancer (20), small-cell lung cancer (3), breast cancer (8), others (3). Thirty-three patients had a confirmed LM diagnosis (positive CSF cytology). Remaining one had probable diagnosis (positive neuroimaging with typical clinical signs). Ten patients were enrolled in phase I. Three of 4 patients receiving IP at 15 mg completed induction and consolidation treatment without dose limiting toxicity (DLT). The dose was escalated to 20 mg. Two DLT (1 grade 4 hematologic toxicity and 1 grade 5 arachnoiditis) occurred in 6 patients at 20 mg. The MTD was determined to be 15 mg. Then 24 patients were enrolled in phase II and given 15 mg of IP. 82.4% (28/34) and 58.8% (20/34) patients completed induction and consolidation therapy, respectively. 41.2% (14/34) patients received maintenance therapy. Adverse events (AEs) rate was 73.5% (25/34). 50% (17/34) patients showed grade ≥ 3 AEs, including myelosuppression (11), elevation of hepatic aminotransferases (EHA) (5), elevation of blood bilirubin (EBB) (1), arachnoiditis (1), radiculitis (1), fatigue (1) and nausea (1). The overall CRR was 41.2% (14/34) by neuro-oncology proposal criteria, including 10 (29.4%) with improved neurological dysfunction, 11 (32.4%) with CSF cytological response and 4 (11.8%) with neuroimaging improvement. In a total of 28 patients receiving IP at 15 mg, 50% (14/28) patients showed grade ≥ 3 AEs, including myelosuppression (9), EHA (10), fatigue (1) and nausea (1). The CRR was 46.4% (13/28) in patients at 15 mg IP. Median survival was 7.6 (range 0.3-13.7) months in phase I, while has not yet been achieved in phase II until March 15, 2023.

CONCLUSION
MTD of IP was 15 mg with folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation. IP is an optimal therapeutic option for LM from solid tumors.
OS12.6.A PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM COPENHAGEN STUDY ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH GLIOMAS
Authors: Arnkjær K , Bruun-Pedersen M , Skjøth-Rasmussen J 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Young patients diagnosed with gliomas face a life-changing disease, with a limited life length. They face challenges participating in daily social life and educational/work life. While the therapy for this patient group has the goal of prolonging life-length, little is known of their quality of life (QoL). A potential lower QoL due to diagnosis and the side effects of the treatment needs to be continuously assessed by health professionals. This study aimed to assess the QoL over time in young patients diagnosed with gliomas and to elucidate if these patients may need additional help and support. A second aim was to test the feasibility of repeated use of two validated online questionnaires to guide the clinicians working with this patient group. A third aim was to calculate a clinical cut-off score for the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Brain (FACT-Br).

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The design was a longitudinal, prospective study with a continuous inclusion during a 3-year period (2020-2023). Patients included were 18-35 years old suspected with a low-grade glioma at their first consultation in the clinic. The QoL was evaluated using FACT-Br and WHO-5 (WHO-5 Well-Being Index). The patients received the online questionnaires at pre-selected time points (pre-operation, 3-month, 6-month, 12-month) followed by a 3-month break and then repeated. The feasibility was evaluated in terms of compliance over time, defined as a completion of the first consecutive four questionnaires. A linear Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis was used to identify changes in FACT-Br total score.

RESULTS
A total of 33 patients were included in the study (Mdn=26y; 60% men; drop-out/exclusion n=3). At 3-month follow-up (n=30) four patients (13,3%) had a WHO-5 score below cut-off value (50/100 points) and five patients (16,7%) had a FACT-Br score below calculated cut-off (144/200 points) (M=160). The cut off-score for FACT-Br was calculated using a ROC-curve based on the WHO-5 cut-off value (n=30). The quality was deemed good (AUC=0,895). The Fact-Br total score showed no significant change over time (n=30). One subscale regarding functional wellbeing did show a significant change (p=0.021) (180 days change = 0,74; 95%-CI: 0,39-1,09). In March 2023 11 of 13 (84,6%) patients had a complete set of the first four consecutive questionnaires.

CONCLUSION
There was no significant change in the overall QoL (FACT-Br), but one subscale improved significantly. Five patients had a FACT-Br score below the calculated cut-off at 3 month-follow-up which might indicate a need for further support. Our study suggests that online QoL questionnaires are feasible in a clinical setup with this patient group. These results may give health professionals better insight in the need of support thus securing the best quality of life possible in young patients waiting for disease progression.