Role of consolidative thoracic and prophylactic cranial radiation in extensive stage small cell lung cancer in chemo-immunotherapy era.

Introduction: The role of consolidative thoracic and prophylactic brain radiation for extensive stage small cell lung cancer patients is controversial. We investigated the factors associated with the use of any radiation therapy (RT) and whether RT has a benefit to overall survival (OS) in patients receiving any systemic therapy and whether this benefit is the same if Chemotherapy (CT) or chemo-immunotherapy (CT-IO) is used.

Material/methods: The NCDB database was queried from years 2017-2019.

Lymphatic vascular invasion: Diagnostic variability and overall survival impact on patients undergoing surgical resection.

Objective: The diagnostic criteria of lymphatic vascular invasion have not been standardized. Our investigation assesses the factors associated with lymphatic vascular invasion positive tumors and the impact of lymphatic vascular invasion on overall survival for patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing (bi)lobectomy with an adequate node dissection.

Methods: The National Cancer Database was queried from the years 2010 to 2015 to find surgical patients who underwent lobectomy with at least 10 lymph nodes examined (adequate node dissection) and with known lymphatic vascular invasion status.

The structure of Mn(II)-bound Rubisco from Spinacia oleracea.

The rate of photosynthesis and, thus, CO fixation, is limited by the rate of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). Not only does Rubisco have a relatively low catalytic rate, but it also is promiscuous regarding the metal identity in the active site of the large subunit. In Nature, Rubisco binds either Mg(II) or Mn(II), depending on the chloroplastic ratio of these metal ions; most studies performed with Rubisco have focused on Mg-bound Rubisco.

Quantifying Geographic Atrophy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Comparative Analysis Across 12 Deep Learning Models.

Purpose: AI algorithms have shown impressive performance in segmenting geographic atrophy (GA) from fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images. However, selection of artificial intelligence (AI) architecture is an important variable in model development. Here, we explore 12 distinct AI architecture combinations to determine the most effective approach for GA segmentation.

Strong versus Weak Data Labeling for Artificial Intelligence Algorithms in the Measurement of Geographic Atrophy.

Purpose: To gain an understanding of data labeling requirements to train deep learning models for measurement of geographic atrophy (GA) with fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images.

Design: Evaluation of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.

Subjects: The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) images were used for training and cross-validation, and GA clinical trial images were used for testing.

Implementation of a Large-Scale Image Curation Workflow Using Deep Learning Framework.

Purpose: The curation of images using human resources is time intensive but an essential step for developing artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. Our goal was to develop and implement an AI algorithm for image curation in a high-volume setting. We also explored AI tools that will assist in deploying a tiered approach, in which the AI model labels images and flags potential mislabels for human review.

Impact of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) publication and Medicare Lung cancer screening payment on lung cancer incidence rates: An interrupted time series analysis.

Introduction: Explore the impact of the Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST-September-2011) and the Medicare approval for CT-screening (CT-LCS-AP-February-2015) on lung cancer incidence rates, mortality, and the percentage of early-stage lung cancer diagnosis (ESLCD-T1-T2N0M0).

Methods: Retrospective interrupted time series analysis using SEER-18 database. All individuals with lung cancer (LC) diagnosis from 2006 to 2016 were included.

Redefining the Spectrum of Pentosan Polysulfate Retinopathy: Multimodal Imaging Findings from a Cross-Sectional Screening Study.

Purpose: There is growing evidence of a direct association between pentosan polysulfate (PPS) therapy and the development of macular changes. Using standardized visual acuity (VA) testing and multimodal imaging, we investigated the impact of PPS therapy on vision and described an expanded spectrum of imaging findings among PPS users.

Design: Cross-sectional screening study.

The rates of second lung cancers and the survival of surgically-resected second primary lung cancers in patients undergoing resection of an initial primary lung cancer.

Background: The Lung Cancer Screening Trial demonstrated improved overall survival (OS) and lung cancer specific survival (LCSS), likely due to finding early-stage NSCLC. The purpose of our investigation is to evaluate whether long-term surveillance strategies (4+ years after surgical resection of the initial lung cancer(1LC)) would be beneficial in NSCLC patients by assessing the rates of second lung cancers(2LC) and the OS/LCSS in patients undergoing definitive surgery in 1LC as compared to 2LC (>48 months after 1LC) populations.

Methods: SEER13/18 database was reviewed for patients during 1998-2013.

The Incidence of Node-Positive Non-small-Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Sublobar Resection and the Role of Radiation in Its Management.

To identify the incidence, preoperative risk factors, and prognosis associated with pathologically positive lymph node (pN+) in patients undergoing a sub-lobar resection (SLR). This is a retrospective study using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2004 to 2014 analyzing SLR excluding those with any preoperative chemotherapy and/or radiation, follow-up <3 months, stage IV disease, or >1 tumor nodule. Multivariable modeling (MVA) was used to determine factors associated with overall survival (OS).

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is associated with increased tumor expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer-A matched case-control study.

Objectives: Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is a biomarker for cancer immunotherapy. Diabetes mellitus type-2 is a comorbid disease associated with adverse outcomes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to investigate the differences in PD-L1 expression in diabetics.

The Role of Race and Economic Characteristics in the Presentation and Survival of Patients With Surgically Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background: Little is understood regarding the inter-relation between economic, marital, and racial/ethnic differences in presentation and survival of surgically resected lung cancer patients. Our investigation will assess these differences in addition to known therapeutic, patient, and histopathologic factors.

Methods: A retrospective review of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Reporting database was conducted through the years 2007-2012.

Population-based differences in the outcome and presentation of lung cancer patients based upon racial, histologic, and economic factors in all lung patients and those with metastatic disease.

To investigate the interrelation between economic, marital, and known histopathologic/therapeutic prognostic factors in presentation and survival of patients with lung cancer in nine different ethnic groups. A retrospective review of the SEER database was conducted through the years 2007-2012. Population differences were assessed via chi-square testing.

The Relationship Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Nuclear Cataract in the Carotenoid Age-Related Eye Study (CAREDS), an Ancillary Study of the Women's Health Initiative.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and nuclear cataract among participants of the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS), an ancillary study of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Observational Study (OS).

Methods: Nuclear cataract was assessed from slit lamp photographs (2001-2004) taken 6 years after collecting serum analyzed for 25(OH)D levels at WHI baseline (1994-1998) in 1278 CAREDS participants age 50 to 79 years. Multivariate (age, iris color, smoking, pulse pressure) odds ratios (ORs) for nuclear cataract (nuclear opacities > level 4 or cataract extraction) by quintiles of serum 25(OH)D were estimated using logistic regression.

Vitamin D status and early age-related macular degeneration in postmenopausal women.

Objective: The relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations (nmol/L) and the prevalence of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was investigated in participants of the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study.

Methods: Stereoscopic fundus photographs, taken from 2001 to 2004, assessed AMD status. Baseline (1994-1998) serum samples were available for 25(OH)D assays in 1313 women with complete ocular and risk factor data.

Healthy lifestyles related to subsequent prevalence of age-related macular degeneration.

Objective: To investigate the relationships between lifestyle behaviors of diet, smoking, and physical activity and the subsequent prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: The population included 1313 participants (aged 55-74 years) in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study, an ancillary study of the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Scores on a modified 2005 Healthy Eating Index were assigned using responses to a food frequency questionnaire administered at baseline of the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (1994-1998).

Healthy diets and the subsequent prevalence of nuclear cataract in women.

Objective: To assess the association between healthy diet scores and prevalence of nuclear cataract in women.

Methods: The association between healthy diet scores, which reflect adherence to the US dietary guidelines, and prevalence of nuclear cataract determined 4 to 7 years later was assessed in a sample of Women's Health Initiative Observational Study participants (aged 50-79 years) residing in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Oregon. Scores on the 1995 Healthy Eating Index, which reflect adherence to 1990 guidelines, were assigned from responses to food frequency questionnaires at the Women's Health Initiative baseline (1994-1998).

Association between dietary fat intake and age-related macular degeneration in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS): an ancillary study of the Women's Health Initiative.

Objective: To evaluate the relationships between the amount and type of dietary fat and intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Design: Women aged 50 to 79 years with high and low lutein intake from 3 sites of the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study were recruited into the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Fat intake from 1994 through 1998 was estimated using food frequency questionnaires, and AMD was assessed photographically from 2001 through 2004.

Women's Health Initiative diet intervention did not increase macular pigment optical density in an ancillary study of a subsample of the Women's Health Initiative.

In this study, we examined the impact of long-term (>8 y), low-fat, high-fruit and -vegetable diets on levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula of the retina, as indicated by the OD of macular pigment. Macular pigment OD, measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry, was compared in women aged 60-87 y, who, 7-18 mo earlier (median 12 mo), had been in the dietary modification intervention (n = 158) or comparison (n = 236) groups of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) at the Madison, WI site for a mean of 8.5 y.

Infection of Cranberry Flowers by Monilinia oxycocci and Evaluation of Cultivars for Resistance to Cottonball.

ABSTRACT Infection of cranberry flowers by conidia of Monilinia oxycocci, the cottonball pathogen, was investigated using a squash-mount histological method. Conidia germinated on anthers, nectaries, petals, and stigmata, but not styles. The stigma was the only flower part penetrated by the fungus, but no specialized infection structures were noted.

Associations between age-related nuclear cataract and lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet and serum in the Carotenoids in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, an Ancillary Study of the Women's Health Initiative.

Objective: To evaluate associations between nuclear cataract (determined from slitlamp photographs between May 2001 and January 2004) and lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet and serum in patients between 1994 and 1998 and macula between 2001 and 2004.

Design: A total of 1802 women aged 50 to 79 years in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Oregon with intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin above the 78th (high) and below the 28th (low) percentiles in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (1994-1998) were recruited 4 to 7 years later (2001-2004) into the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study.

Results: Women in the group with high dietary levels of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 23% lower prevalence of nuclear cataract (age-adjusted odds ratio, 0.

Relations among questionnaire and laboratory measures of rhinovirus infection.

Due to high incidence and quality-of-life impact, upper respiratory infection substantially impacts on population health. To test or compare treatment effectiveness, a well-designed and validated illness-specific quality-of-life instrument is needed. Data reported in the current study were obtained from a trial testing echinacea for induced rhinovirus infection.

Evaluation of Sampling Strategies for Determining Incidence of Cranberry Fruit Rot and Fruit Rot Fungi.

Two sampling strategies were compared and sources of variability in the sampling protocols analyzed to optimize sampling methods for studies of cranberry fruit rot that occurs in the field (i.e., field rot).

Sensitivity of Monilinia oxycocci to Fenbuconazole and Propiconazole in vitro and Control of Cranberry Cottonball in the Field.

The efficacy of fungicides in controlling cottonball disease of cranberry was tested during 1996 to 1998 at three locations in Wisconsin. For some fungicides, the efficacy of four applications, two each during shoot elongation and bloom, was compared with two applications during bloom only. Spraying twice during bloom was as effective in controlling secondary infection as spraying twice during shoot elongation plus twice during bloom.