bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Comparison of Progressive Optimization Algorithm Based Automatic Plan and Manually Planned Treatment Technique for Cervical-Thoracic Esophageal Cancers
Authors: Zhou Yongqiang , Xiang Xiaojun , Xiong Jianping , Gong Changfei 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was first to apply the progressive optimization algorithm based automatic volumetric modulated arc therapy (POA-VMAT) technology to accelerate and improve the radiotherapy of cervicothoracic esophageal cancer (CTEC). We comprehensive analyze the feasibility, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) and dosimetric results of POA-VMAT, manual based VMAT and step-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans in the treatment of CTEC. Methods: Sixty patients with CTEC with or without concomitant chemotherapy at our institution between 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively identified. The manual 7field-IMRT (7f-IMRT), Single-arc-VMAT and Double-arc-VMAT (Single-Arc/Double-Arc) plans were generated in all cases. The POA-VMAT was designed using the automatic dual-arc VMAT technology of Pinnacle3 9.10 planning system based on progressive optimization algorithm. Specially, it includes the selection of treatment techniques, the running of automated planning scripts, and the evaluation of the final radiotherapy regimen. Subsequently, quantitative evaluation of plans was performed by means of standard dose–volume histograms, homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI). Results: Target dose conformity of the 7f-IMRT plan was inferior to all plans, whereas the Double-Arc plan was slightly inferior to the POA-VMAT but superior to the Single-Arc and 7f-IMRT plan. The HI for 7f-IMRT, Single-Arc, Double-Arc and POA-VMAT were 0.17 ± 0.08, 0.28 ± 0.06, 0.29 ± 0.06 and 0.28 ± 0.03, respectively. For the NTCP results, there was significant statistical difference among POA-VMAT, IMRT and VMAT plans. The total MU was reduced by 48.3% and 42.1% in Single-Arc and POA-VMAT plans compare to IMRT plans. Conclusions: By comprehensive consideration, POA-VMAT efficiently generate acceptable treatment plans for CTEC without dose escalation to OARs and overall superior to manual planning which is a good option for treating CTEC.
Clinical features of and risk factors for intracranial aneurysms associated with moyamoya disease
Authors: Yang Hecheng , Zhang Limin , Wang Menghan , Wang Jingtao , Chen Lijie , Lu Hong 
Published: November 2020

Background The clinical features of aneurysms associated with moyamoya disease (MMD) and risk factors for the formation and rupture of aneurysms are not well defined. Aims In this study, we retrospectively analyzed clinical data of MMD patients and examined the potential risk factors for the formation and rupture of aneurysms in these patients. Methods The medical records of all MMD patients in our hospital from April 2012 to May 2019 were reviewed. The logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent association between various potential risk factors and the presence or rupture of intracranial aneurysms in MMD patients. Results Of 2230 MMD patients, 182 (8.2%) cases had intracranial aneurysms. The mean age of onset in patients with aneurysms was 47.2 years, which was significantly higher when compared with those without aneurysms ( p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, age of onset remained significantly associated with the presence of intracranial aneurysms, while female gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease were not. Besides, intracranial aneurysms were significantly associated with intracranial hemorrhage in MMD patients (odds ratio [OR] = 5.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.80–7.09). About 60% aneurysms >5 mm in size, and 62.1% aneurysms with irregularly shaped morphology were ruptured. Aneurysms located in basilar tip, collateral or moyamoya vessels were more likely to present with rupture. Conclusions Age was an important risk factor for intracranial aneurysms formation in MMD patients. Aneurysms increased the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage in MMD patients, and their ruptures were correlated with aneurysms size, location, and morphology.
A new reference line for coronal head CT to align with MRI: development of a standardised approach
Authors: Ozturk Kerem , Spano Anthony , Nascene David 
Published: November 2020

Background and purpose There are great variations in how different technologists create the different imaging planes that can make a precise comparison of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging difficult. We aimed to identify a reference line for the coronal images on a computed tomography topography parallel to the posterior borderline of the brainstem (PB), matching standard coronal magnetic resonance imaging planes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed computed tomography topography images of 80 consecutive patients to determine a computed tomography plane to match the PB on magnetic resonance imaging. These included the tuberculum sella (TS)–anterior arch of the C1 vertebra (C1), TS–tip of dens axis (D), dorsum sellae (DS)–C1 and DS–D. We compared these methods of prescribing the coronal computed tomography plane to coronal magnetic resonance imaging planes by measuring the angles between TS–C1 and PB, TS–M and PB, DS–C1 and PB, DS–D and PB on midsagittal brain magnetic resonance images. Bland–Altman plots were created to assess intra-observer reliability. Results The angles between the PB line and each topogram-determined line are as follows: TS–C1, 10.40° ± 4.86°; TS–D, 22.46° ± 5.23°; DS–C1, 3.01° ± 3.16°; and DS–D, 11.53° ± 4.10°. The mean angles between the DS–C1 and the PB lines were significantly smaller than the mean angle between any other line (DS–D, TS–C1, or TS–D, all P < 0.001). Intra-observer agreement regarding the angular position of the reformatted coronal images on the lateral scout image was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.900, P < 0.05). Conclusions The DS–C1 is almost parallel to the PB and easily identifiable on the lateral scout topography of brain computed tomography. Utilising the DS–C1 line as the baseline for brain computed tomography could allow better corroboration with coronal magnetic resonance imaging angulation.
Preoperative Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Prior to Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: A Survey of the North American Skull Base Society
Authors: Rimmer Ryan A. , Chitguppi Chandala , D’Souza Glen , Rosen Marc R. , Nyquist Gurston G. , Toskala Elina , Evans James J. , Farrell Christopher , Boon Maurits , Huntley Colin , Rabinowitz Mindy R. 
Published: November 2020

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a commonly seen comorbidity in patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery and its presence may influence perioperative decision-making. Current practice patterns for preoperative screening of OSA are poorly understood. Objective The objective of this study was to assess how endoscopic skull base surgeons screen for OSA, and how knowledge of OSA affects perioperative decision-making. Methods Seven question survey distributed to members of the North American Skull Base Society. Results Eighty-eight responses (10% response rate) were received. 60% of respondents were from academic centers who personally performed >50 cases per year. Most respondents noted that preoperative knowledge of OSA and its severity affected postoperative care and increased their concern for complications. Half of respondents noted that preoperative knowledge of OSA and its severity affects intraoperative skull base reconstruction decision-making. 70% of respondents did not have a preoperative OSA screening protocol. Body mass index and patient history were most frequently used by those who screened. Validated screening questionnaires were rarely used. 76% of respondents agreed or somewhat agreed that a preoperative polysomnogram should ideally be performed for patients with suspected OSA; however, 50% of respondents reported that <20% of their patients with suspected OSA are advised to obtain a preoperative polysomnogram. Conclusion This study reveals that most endoscopic skull base surgeons agree that OSA affects postoperative patient care, but only a minority have a preoperative screening protocol in place. Additional study is needed to assess the most appropriate screening methods and protocols for OSA patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery.
DWI-FLAIR Mismatch-guided IVT is Safe and Effective in Treatment of AIS Beyond 4.5 Hours
Authors: Ojha Pawan T. , Nagendra Shashank , Pujari Shripad S. , Singh Rakesh K. , Lalla Rakesh Shyam , Pathak Vipin Kumar , Joshi Aniruddha 
Published: November 2020

Background: Perfusion or clinical mismatch imaging is useful in selecting patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) for reperfusion therapies beyond 4.5 hours. These techniques are expensive, technically difficult, and therefore unavailable in most settings. The diffusion weighted imaging-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (DWI-FLAIR) mismatch pattern has been studied only in wake-up stroke/stroke with unclear time of onset but not in AIS patients with clear time of onset of more than 4.5 hours. This study assesses routinely available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) DWI-FLAIR sequences for selecting AIS patients for intravenous thrombolytic therapy (IVT) beyond 4.5 hours of the witnessed onset of symptoms. Aim: To study the clinical spectrum and outcome of patients with AIS who received IVT based on the DWI-FLAIR mismatch seen beyond 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Methods, Observation, and Results: Retrospective analysis was performed on 10 patients who received IVT for AIS beyond 4.5 hours and had an MRI DWI-FLAIR mismatch. In cohort study, 60% patients were males, with the median age of 59 years, the median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 10 (range 7 to 15), and the median time from the onset to imaging of 412.5 minutes. Within 24 hours of thrombolysis, improvement of >4 points in NIHSS was seen in 7 out of 10 (70%) patients, and at the modified Rankin scale, the score of 0 to 1 was noted at 3 months in 8 out of 10 (80%) patients. Neuroimaging at 24 hours showed no intracerebral bleed. Discussion and Conclusion: DWI-FLAIR mismatch-guided IVT is safe and effective in patients with AIS beyond 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. More studies are recommended to confirm these findings.
Programmed Death Ligand 1 Expression in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Prognosis
Authors: Batur Sebnem , Kain Zeynep Ecem , Gozen Emine Deniz , Kepil Nuray , Aydin Ovgu , Comunoglu Nil 
Published: November 2020

Aim: We aimed to show the immunohistochemical expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Materials and methods: The study includes 52 laryngeal SCC cases that underwent surgical resection. Immunohistochemical staining of PD-L1 (Clone 22C3) was applied to the sections obtained from paraffin blocks. Combined Positive Score (CPS) was evaluated as described in manuals. Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) was assessed by the percentage of positive tumor cells which were designated as positive if ⩾1% of the tumor cells showed membranous staining. Results: There were 35 cases (67.3%) having CPS < 1 and 17 cases (32.7%) having CPS ⩾ 1. There was no relationship between CPS, TPS, and the clinicopathological data. Conclusion: Further studies with a large number of advanced-stage cases are needed.
Structure of the platelet glycoprotein Ib receptor in complex with a novel antithrombotic agent
Authors: Wang Jing , Gao Yongxiang , Chen Lan , Guo Yugang , Hu Siyi , Cheng Liansheng , Xiao Weihua , Ke Jiyuan , Zhu Zhongliang , Niu Liwen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Agkisacucetin, a snake C-type lectin-like protein isolated from the venom of Deinagkistrodon acutus (formerly Agkistrodon acutus), is a novel antithrombotic drug candidate in phase 2 clinical trials. Agkisacucetin specifically recognizes the platelet surface receptor glycoprotein Ib α chain (GPIbα) to block GPIb and von Willebrand factor (VWF). In this study, we solved the crystal structure of the GPIbα N-terminal domain (residues 1-305) in complex with agkisacucetin to understand their molecular recognition mechanism. The crystal structure showed that agkisacucetin primarily contacts GPIbα at the C-terminal part of the conserved leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain (LRR-6 to LRR-8) and the previously described “β-switch” region through the β chain. In addition, we found that agkisacucetin α chain contacts part of the GPIbα C-terminal peptide after the LRR domain through complementary charge interactions. This C-terminal peptide plays a key role in GPIbα and thrombin recognition. Therefore, our structure revealed that agkisacucetin can sterically block the interaction between the GPIb receptor and VWF and thrombin proteins to inhibit platelet function. Our structural work provides key molecular insights into how an antithrombotic drug candidate recognizes the GPIb receptor to modulate platelet function to inhibit thrombosis.
Electroacupuncture reduces scopolamine-induced amnesia via mediating the miR-210/SIN3A and miR-183/SIN3A signaling pathway
Authors: Ye Fan , Tian Shiming , Hu Huimin , Yu Zhengwen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The expression of SIN3A is closely correlated with electroacupuncture (EA) treatment efficacy of scopolamine-induced amnesia (SIA), but its underlying mechanisms remain to be further explored.

Methods
Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) and SIN3A mRNA in a rat model of SIA. Western blot was carried out to evaluate the differential expression of SIN3A proteins under different circumstances. Luciferase assay was used to explore the inhibitory role of certain miRNAs in SIN3A expression. A novel object recognition (NOR) test was performed to assess the memory function of SIA rats undergoing EA treatment. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to evaluate the expression of SIN3A in the hippocampus of SIA rats.

Results
Rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-34c-3p and rno-miR-210-3p were significantly up-regulated in SIA rats treated with EA. In addition, rno-miR-183-5p and rno-miR-210-3p exerted an inhibitory effect on SIN3A expression. EA treatment of SIA rats effectively restored the dysregulated expression of rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-210-3p and SIN3A. EA treatment also promoted the inhibited expression of neuronal IEGs including Arc, Egr1, Homer1 and Narp in the hippocampus of SIA rats. Accordingly, the NOR test also confirmed the effect of EA treatment on the improvement of memory in SIA rats.

Conclusion
In summary, the findings of this study demonstrated that scopolamine-induced amnesia was associated with downregulated expression of miR-210/miR-183 and upregulated expression of SIN3A. Furthermore, treatment with EA alleviated scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats and was associated with upregulated expression of miR-210/miR-183 and downregulated expression of SIN3A.
Near-Infrared Light-Triggered Thermo-responsive Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)-Pyrrole Nanocomposites for Chemo-photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Shin Ha Hee , Choi Hyung Woo , Lim Jae Hyun , Kim Ji Woon , Chung Bong Geun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe combination therapy based on multifunctional nanocomposites has been considered as a promising approach to improve cancer therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we report targeted multi-functional poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based nanocomposites for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy toward breast cancer cells. To increase the transition temperature, acrylic acid (AAc) was added in synthetic process of PNIPAM, showing that the intrinsic lower critical solution temperature was changed to 42 °C
. To generate the photothermal effect under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation (808 nm), polypyrrole (ppy) nanoparticles were uniformly decorated in PNIPAM-AAc. Folic acid (FA), as a cancer targeting ligand, was successfully conjugated on the surplus carboxyl groups in PNIPAM network. The drug release of PNIPAM-ppy-FA nanocomposites was efficiently triggered in response to the temperature change by NIR laser irradiation. We also confirmed that PNIPAM-ppy-FA was internalized to MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by folate-receptor-mediated endocytosis and significantly enhanced cancer therapeutic efficacy with combination treatment of chemo-photothermal effects. Therefore, our work encourages further exploration of multi-functional nanocarrier agents for synergistic therapeutic approaches to different types of cancer cells.
Primotrapa gen. nov., an extinct transitional genus bridging the evolutionary gap between Lythraceae and Trapoideae, from the early Miocene of North China
Authors: Li Ya , Cui Yi-Ming , Gee Carole T. , Liang Xiao-Qing , Li Cheng-Sen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Although Trapa is a well-defined genus of distinctive freshwater plants with accumulations of extensive morphological and embryological autapomorphies, its phylogenetic relationships have long been unclear. Formerly placed in the monotypic family Trapaceae, Trapa is now recognized as sister to Sonneratia within Lythraceae s.l., although both genera lack morphological synapomorphies. Thus, a split between the two taxa must have occurred in deep evolutionary time, which raises the possibility of finding transitional forms in the fossil record.

Results
Here we describe a new genus and species, Primotrapa weichangensis Y. Li et C.-S. Li (Lythraceae s.l.: Trapoideae), based on three-dimensionally preserved floral cups, fruits, and seeds from the early Miocene of Weichang County, Hebei Province, China. Primotrapa is characterized by a shallow, saucer-shaped floral cup, four distally barbellate sepals, four intersepal appendages alternating with the sepals at the rim of cup, a superior to basally inferior ovary, a fusiform or ovoid, one-seeded fruit with a ribbed surface, and a long persistent peduncle. Two fossil species of Hemitrapa are proposed as new combinations of Primotrapa, namely P. alpina (T. Su et Z.-K. Zhou) Y. Li et C.-S. Li comb. nov. and P. pomelii (Boulay) Y. Li et C.-S. Li comb. nov. Our phylogenetic analysis based on fifteen flower and fruit characters supports the placement of Primotrapa, Hemitrapa and Trapa in a monophyletic clade, which comprise subfamily Trapoideae. The phylogenetic analysis places Primotrapa at the base of Trapoideae.

Conclusions
In view of its superior ovary, which is a plesiomorphic character of Lythraceae s.l., the newly recognized genus Primotrapa and its three species likely represent transitional forms that bridge the evolutionary gap between the basal taxa of Lythraceae s.l., i.e. Lythrum, and the highly derived taxon Trapa.
Screening of antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activty of Actinomycetes isolates extracts against aquaculture pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Raissa Gloria , Waturangi Diana Elizabeth , Wahjuningrum Dinamella 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundIndonesia is the third largest producer of fish and other aquaculture products in the world, making this industry a major contributor in the economy of Indonesia. However, this industry continually overcome challenges, one of them are bacterial outbreaks. In addition, the emergence of these bacterial outbreaks were worsen due to the biofilm produced by many significant pathogenic bacteria and the impact of increased antibiotic resistance. These issues have become a global concern, because antibiotics are currently one of the main treatments available to overcome this problems. Therefore, studies aimed at finding and characterizing bioactive compounds to combat these issues. In this study actinomycetes isolates were screened and characterized for their bioactive compounds produced which have inhibitory and destructive activity and also QS inhibitors against biofilm structure of aquatic pathogenic bacteria, such asVibrio harveyi,A. hydrophila, andS. agalactiae.ResultExtracts (20 mg/mL) produced by sixteen Actinomycetes isolates showed anti-quorum sensing activity towards reporter stainChromobacterium violaceumwild-type. Most of these extracts showed better inhibitory activity on all of the pathogenic bacteria biofilm structure tested than the destructive activity on the preformed of those biofilm structure. Subsequently, we also performed characterization of bioactive compound and found that in this study, polysaccharide is the most common antibiofilm agents, which were responsible to their antibiofilm activity. Finally, we found that the value of LC50of all extracts tested were more than 1 mg/mL, thereby all of extracts tested did not show cyto-toxic effect againstArtemia salina.ConclusionAll of the extracts of Actinomycetes isolates showed promising inhibitory activity towards biofilm structure of pathogenic bacteria tested. So far, all of the extracts are potential to be QS inhibitors and antibiofilm agents of all pathogenic bacteria tested.
Prevalence of hepatitis B among childbearing women and infant born to HBV-positive mothers in Togo
Authors: Ekouevi Didier K. , Larrouy Lucile , Gbeasor-Komlanvi Fifonsi A. , Mackiewicz Vincent , Tchankoni Martin K. , Bitty-Anderson Alexandra M. , Gnatou Gatibe Yendu-suglpak , Sadio Arnold , Salou Mounerou , Dagnra Claver A. , Descamps Diane , Coffie Patrick A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health problem in Togo and transmission to the child occurs mainly during childbirth. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HBV among childbearing women and infants born to HBV positive mothers in Togo.MethodsA national cross-sectional study was carried out in six cities in Togo in the six health regions in Togo. Mother-child pairs were recruited from immunization centers or pediatric wards in Lomé, Tsévié, Atakpamé, Sokodé, Kara and Dapaong in 2017. Women aged 18 and over with one child of at least 6 months old were included. A standardized questionnaire was used for data collection and HBV screening was performed using Determine® rapid tests. The prevalence of HBV, defined by a positive HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), was estimated in mothers and then in infants of mothers who were positive for HBsAg. Logistic regression model was performed to identify risk factors for HBsAg positivity in mothers.ResultsA total of 2105 mothers-pairs child were recruited. The median age of mothers and infants was 29 years, interquartile range (IQR) [25–33] and 2.1 years, IQR [1–3] respectively. About 35% of women were screened for HBV during antenatal care and 85% of infants received three doses of HBV immunization. Among mothers, the prevalence of HBV was 10.6, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) [9.4–12.0%], and 177 had detectable HBV viral load (> 10 IU/mL). Among mothers with positive HBsAg, three infants also had positive HBsAg, a prevalence of 1.3, 95% CI [0.2–3.8%]. In multivariable analysis, HIV-infection (aOR = 2.19;p = 0.018), having at least three pregnancies (aOR = 1.46;p = 0.025) and living in Tsévié (aOR = 0.31;p < 0.001) compared to those living in Lomé, were associated to HBV infection in mothers.ConclusionIn this study, one out of 10 childbearing women were infected with HBV, but less than 2% of infant born to HBV positive mothers under 5 years’ old who received immunization under the Expanded Program on Immunization were infected. Improving antenatal screening and providing targeted interventions in babies could help eliminate HBV in Togo.