bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant selpercatinib for advanced medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Jozaghi Yelda , Zafereo Mark , Williams Michelle D. , Gule‐Monroe Maria K. , Wang Jennifer , Grubbs Elizabeth G. , Vaporciyan Ara , Hu Mimi I. , Busaidy Naifa , Dadu Ramona , Waguespack Steven G. , Subbiah Vivek , Cabanillas Maria 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundTargeted kinase inhibitors have been increasingly utilized in the treatment of advanced medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) over the last decade. Recently, highly potent next generation selective RET inhibitors have been clinically validated, and selpercatinib was recently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved for advanced MTC. The advent of highly selective, potent RET inhibitors is broadening the treatment options for patients with RET‐mutated cancers.MethodsWe report the first published case of neoadjuvant selpercatinib followed by surgery for a patient with initially unresectable, widely metastatic, RET‐mutated MTC who was treated on a single patient protocol.ResultsAfter greater than 50% RECIST response, the patient underwent complete surgical resection followed by selpercatinib resumption. He remains locoregionally disease‐free 21 months after starting therapy with stable metastatic disease (after initial partial response); and calcitonin/CEA continue to decline.ConclusionThis novel treatment strategy for locoregionally advanced RET‐mutated MTC warrants further study in clinical trials.
The resilience of logjams to floods
Authors: Wohl Ellen , Scamardo Julianne E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLogjams that span the bankfull channel strongly influence hydraulics and downstream fluxes of diverse materials. Several studies quantify the longitudinal distribution of channel‐spanning logjams, but fewer studies examine changes in longitudinal distribution in response to disturbances such as floods. We use 10 years of annual surveys of a population of channel‐spanning logjams along mountain streams in the Southern Rocky Mountains. Surveys from 2010 to 2019 bracket substantial interannual variability in the snowmelt peak flow as well as a rainfall flood in 2013. We characterised the number of logjams per unit length of valley (logjam distribution density) within and between reaches designated based on longitudinally consistent channel and valley geometry. Our primary objectives are to evaluate the influences on logjam distribution density of (i) spatial variations in valley and channel geometry and (ii) temporal variations in peak annual flow. We hypothesized that logjam distribution densities are resilient to disturbance at both spatial scales. At the creek scale, logjam distribution density correlates significantly with increasing ratio of floodplain width to channel width and wood piece length to channel width. Wide, low gradient reaches with greater distribution density exhibit greater interannual variation in distribution density. These reaches lost jams during the 2013 flood but returned to pre‐flood distribution density values by the end of the study. The pattern of greater logjam distribution density in unconfined reaches relative to confined and partially confined reaches is also consistent over the period of the study. We interpret these results as indicating the resilience of logjam distributions to disturbance. The persistence of greater numbers of logjams in wide, low gradient reaches suggests that river restoration employing engineered logjams and wood reintroduction can focus most effectively on these reaches.
Development of concurrent magnetic resonance imaging and volumetric optoacoustic tomography: A phantom feasibility study
Authors: Ren Wuwei , Deán‐Ben Xosé Luís , Augath Mark‐Aurel , Razansky Daniel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOptoacoustic tomography (OAT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide highly complementary capabilities for anatomical and functional imaging of living organisms. Herein, we investigate on the feasibility of combining both modalities to render concurrent images. This was achieved by introducing a specifically‐designed copper‐shielded spherical ultrasound array into a preclinical MRI scanner. Phantom experiments revealed that the OAT probe caused minimal distortion in the MRI images, while synchronization of the laser and the MRI pulse sequence enabled defining artifact‐free acquisition windows for OAT. Good dynamic OAT contrast from superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, a commonly used agent for MRI contrast enhancement, was also observed. The hybrid OAT‐MRI system thus provides an excellent platform for cross‐validating functional readings of both modalities. Overall, this initial study serves to establish the technical feasibility of developing a hybrid OAT‐MRI system for biomedical research.
Dual synaptic inhibitions of brainstem neurons by GABA and glycine with impact on Rett syndrome
Authors: Xing Hao , Cui Ningren , Johnson Christopher M. , Faisthalab Zaakir , Jiang Chun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disease caused mostly by mutations in the MECP2 gene. People with RTT show breathing dysfunction attributable to the high rate of sudden death. Previous studies have shown that insufficient GABA synaptic inhibition contributes to the breathing abnormalities in mouse models of RTT, while it remains elusive how the glycine system is affected. We found that optogenetic stimulation of GAD‐expressing neurons in mice produced GABAergic and glycinergic postsynaptic inhibitions of neurons in the hypoglossal nucleus (XII) and the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus (DMNV). By sequential applications of bicuculline and strychnine, such inhibition appeared approximately 44% GABAAergic and 52% glycinergic in XII neurons, and approximately 49% GABAAergic and 46% glycinergic in DMNV neurons. Miniature inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (mIPSCs) in these neurons were approximately 47% GABAAergic and 49% glycinergic in XII neurons, and approximately 48% versus 50% in DMNV neurons, respectively. Consistent with the data, our single‐cell polymerase chain reaction studies indicated that transcripts of GABAA receptor γ2 subunit (GABAARγ2) and glycine receptor β subunit (GlyRβ) were simultaneously expressed in these cells. In MeCP2R168X mice, proportions of GABAAergic and glycinergic mIPSCs became approximately 28% versus 69% in XII neurons, and approximately 31% versus 66% in DMNV cells. In comparison with control mice, the GABAAergic and glycinergic mIPSCs decreased significantly in the XII and DMNV neurons from the MeCP2R168X mice, so did the transcripts of GABAARγ2 and GlyRβ. These results suggest that XII and DMNV neurons adopt dual GABAAergic and glycinergic synaptic inhibitions, and with Mecp2 disruption these neurons rely more on glycinergic synaptic inhibition.
Hsp70 in cancer: A double agent in the battle between survival and death
Authors: Vostakolaei Mehdi A. , Hatami‐Baroogh Leila , Babaei Ghader , Molavi Ommoleila , Kordi Shirafkan , Abdolalizadeh Jalal 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe heat shock protein (Hsps) superfamily, also known as molecular chaperones, are highly conserved and present in all living organisms and play vital roles in protein fate. The HspA1A (Hsp70‐1), called Hsp70 in this review, is expressed at low or undetectable levels in most unstressed normal cells, but numerous studies have shown that diverse types of tumor cells express Hsp70 at the plasma membrane that leads to resistance to programmed cell death and tumor progression. Hsp70 is released into the extracellular milieu in three forms including free soluble, complexed with cancer antigenic peptides, and exosome forms. Therefore, it seems to be a promising therapeutic target in human malignancies. However, a great number of studies have indicated that both intracellular and extracellular Hsp70 have a dual function. A line of evidence presented that intracellular Hsp70 has a cytoprotective function via suppression of apoptosis and lysosomal cell death (LCD) as well as that extracellular Hsp70 can promote tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. Other evidence showed intracellular Hsp70 can promote apoptosis and membrane‐associated/extracellular Hsp70 can elicit antitumor innate and adaptive immune responses. Given the contradictory functions, as a "double agent," could Hsp70 be a promising tool in the future of targeted cancer therapies? To answer this question, in this review, we will discuss the functions of Hsp70 in cancers besides inhibition and stimulation strategies for targeting Hsp70 along with their challenges.
Lipopolysaccharide reduces USP13 stability through c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase activation in Kupffer cells
Authors: Yu Fan , Li Yanhui , Ye Qinmao , Miao Jiaxing , Taleb Sarah J. , Zhao Yutong , Zhao Jing 
Published: November 2020

AbstractProtein ubiquitination regulates protein stability, cellular localization, and enzyme activity. Deubiquitinases catalyze the removal of ubiquitin from target proteins and reverse ubiquitination. USP13, a deubiquitinase, has been shown to regulate a variety of cellular responses including inflammation; however, the molecular regulation of USP13 has not been demonstrated. In this study, we revealed that USP13 is degraded in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Kupffer cells. USP13 levels are significantly decreased in inflamed organs, including liver tissues from septic mice. LPS reduces USP13 protein stability, not transcription, in Kupffer cells. Furthermore, LPS increases USP13 polyubiquitination. Inhibition of proteasome, but not lysosome or immunoproteasome, attenuates LPS‐induced USP13 degradation, suggesting USP13 degradation is mediated by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system. A catalytically inactive form of USP13 exhibits similar degree of degradation compared with USP13 wild‐type, suggesting that USP13 degradation is not dependent on its activity. Furthermore, USP13 degradation is dependent on new protein synthesis. Inhibition of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) attenuates USP13 degradation, indicating that JNK‐dependent new protein synthesis is necessary for USP13 degradation. This study reveals a molecular mechanism of regulation of USP13 degradation in Kupffer cells in response to bacterial endotoxin.
Nutrient removal in sludge extracts and protein production by cultivation of Candida utilis
Authors: Zhou Xinyu , Hu Wanrong , Ran Chaogang , Chen Jing , Xie Tonghui , Zhang Yongkui 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDIt is of great benefit to recycle excess sludge, which is rich in inorganic and organic nutrients, as the substrate material for yeast growth. This study focused on the disposal of residual liquid of sludge after pretreatment. Candida utilis was firstly chosen to be cultivated in the sludge hydrolyzate for simultaneous efficient nutrients removal and yeast utilization through aerobic process.RESULTSC. utilis cultivated in excess sludge hydrolyzate with 20 g L−1 glucose gained the highest dry weight (6.10 ± 0.15 g L−1) and crude protein yield (1807.68 ± 9.12 mg L−1). Meanwhile, the highest nutrient removal efficiency (TN: 88.5%; TP: 97.1%) was obtained in such conditions. The protein content in the yeast reached 366.7 mg g−1, with all essential amino acids accounting for about 30%, which basically met the nutritional requirements of protein. According to the Excitation‐emission matrix spectra (EEMs) analysis, the yeast can consume most of the organic matter by the end of fermentation.CONCLUSIONThe alternative approach by applying Candida utilis for converting excess sludge into microbial biomass is very efficient when it comes to nutrients removal in excess sludge and producing proteins with a high content of essential amino acids. This study indicated that C. utilis could be an alternative strain to treat excess sludge hydrolyzate with addition of glucose at appropriate concentration. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
An investigation of corrosive effects on zirconia with different crystal structures
Authors: Soygun Koray , Ozer Ali , Ulucan Mehmet Cagatay , Bolayir Giray 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the time‐related corrosive resistance in different corrosive solution environments after sintering of zirconia with different crystal structures. The zirconia samples were produced in pellet form as 12.7 × 3 mm. To determine the time‐related corrosion resistance of the sintered samples in sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), sodium chloride (NaCl), and citric acid (C6H8O7) solutions, the weights were measured at baseline then on the first and fifth days and the microhardness values were calculated. For the evaluation of surface appearance, images were obtained with a scanning electron microscope. The baseline microhardness values of the groups with 3 and 10 mol% yttria‐stabilized zirconia samples were found to be 1,064 VHN and 1,079 VHN, respectively. The microhardness values of the groups with 3 mol% yttria‐stabilized zirconia samples immersed in Na2CO3 1d (1,010 VHN) and 5d (1,060 VHN), and NaCl (1d (1,010 VHN) and 5d (1,055 VHN) were found to be affected more. The microhardness values of the sample group (1,064 VHN) with 10 mol% yttria doped zirconia which was left for 5 days in citric acid were found to be lower than the sample group (1,120 VHN) with 3 mol% yttria added. C6H8O7 was seen to have a greater corrosive effect with increased yttria content and the microhardness value decreased. With longer duration of the samples of all the groups in C6H8O7, NaCl, and Na2CO3 solutions, the surface characteristics of the samples were affected negatively. With prolonged immersion in the corrosive solutions, the resistance to the corrosion causing the changes in the surface topography of the samples was seen to decrease.
Clothianidin decomposition in Missouri wetland soils
Authors: Beringer Chelsey J. , Goyne Keith W. , Lerch Robert N. , Webb Elisabeth B. , Mengel Doreen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNeonicotinoid pesticides can persist in soils for extended time periods; however, they also have a high potential to contaminate ground and surface waters. Studies have reported negative effects associated with neonicotinoids and nontarget taxa, including aquatic invertebrates, pollinating insect species, and insectivorous birds. This study evaluated factors associated with clothianidin (CTN) degradation and sorption in Missouri wetland soils to assess the potential for wetland soils to mitigate potential environmental risks associated with neonicotinoids. Solid‐to‐solution partition coefficients (Kd) for CTN sorption to eight wetland soils were determined via single‐point sorption experiments, and sorption isotherm experiments were conducted using the two most contrasting soils. Clothianidin degradation was determined under oxic and anoxic conditions over 60 d. Degradation data were fit to zero‐ and first‐order kinetic decay models to determine CTN half‐life (t0.5). Sorption results indicated CTN sorption to wetland soil was relatively weak (average Kd, 3.58 L kg–1); thus, CTN has the potential to be mobile and bioavailable within wetland soils. However, incubation results showed anoxic conditions significantly increased CTN degradation rates in wetland soils (anoxic average t0.5, 27.2 d; oxic average t0.5, 149.1 d). A significant negative correlation was observed between anoxic half‐life values and soil organic C content (r2 = .782; p = .046). Greater CTN degradation rates in wetland soils under anoxic conditions suggest that managing wetlands to facilitate anoxic conditions could mitigate CTN presence in the environment and reduce exposure to nontarget organisms.
Preparing the genetic counseling workforce for the future in Australasia
Authors: McEwen Alison , Jacobs Chris 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCurrent genetic counseling students will graduate into a workforce involving more opportunities, diversity, and uncertainty than any previous generation. Preparing the future genetic counseling workforce is a dynamic challenge, both for the profession and for educators. The dominance of the medical model in the state funded Australian healthcare system creates a power imbalance between doctors and other health professionals. As a result, professional regulation to protect the public from harm in line with the United States, the UK, and Canada only became mandatory in 2019. Professional regulation has the additional benefit of enhancing professional standing and autonomy, enabling genetic counselors to help shape the future of genetic health care in Australia and New Zealand. Within this rapidly evolving environment, we are establishing a new Masters’ program and building a discipline of genetic counseling, working alongside other allied health professionals. Our program involves synchronous and asynchronous learning, greater accessibility, flexibility and, as we have learned in 2020, reduction in disruption during a global pandemic. In this program, we foreground the inherent knowledge, skills, and values of genetic counseling, shifting the focus from provision of genetic and genomic tests, to educating competent, person‐centered, research enabled and culturally safe genetic counselors. As educators, we have a responsibility to prepare students to embrace the uncertainties, challenges, and potential of the genomic era, to seize the many possibilities that lie ahead, and to expand their thinking and vision. We ask our students to be courageous, to step into a deep exploration of their own identity, beliefs, understanding, and experiences of oppression, power, and privilege. We are pushing boundaries, and challenging ourselves and our students to remain always open to possibilities. Equipping students with open eyes and listening ears may be the single most important thing we can do to prepare the genetic counseling workforce of the future to provide the best possible care.
A prospective study monitoring carer distress during (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck cancer via an electronic platform
Authors: Wishart Laurelie R. , Brown Bena , Nund Rebecca L. , Fotinos Elena , Hutchison Alana R. , Ward Elizabeth C. , Porceddu Sandro V. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionResearch has shown that electronic platforms can assist data capture of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) to guide clinical care. In comparison, routine collection of carer‐reported outcome measures (CROMs) to support the patient–carer dyad during cancer treatment has had limited attention. The current study utilised a novel electronic CROM (eCROM) system, ScreenIT Carer, to monitor the prevalence and nature of distress in carers of patients undergoing (chemo)radiotherapy ((C)RT) for head/neck cancer (HNC), and explore factors associated with carer distress.MethodsCarers completed ScreenIT Carer weekly when attending patients’ (C)RT treatment sessions from planning to 2 weeks post‐treatment. ScreenIT Carer included the Distress Thermometer (DT) and Problem List, and a purpose‐built Mealtime‐Specific DT and Problem list. Data were first examined descriptively, then associations between demographic/treatment‐related factors and distress severity were analysed using mixed‐effects general linear modelling.Results135 carers provided 434 ScreenIT Carer entries during the study period (mean entries = three/carer; yielding average adherence rate of 41% (range 11–100%)). A high prevalence of general (59%) and mealtime‐specific distress (46%) was reported by carers. Nature of distress was multifactorial, with emotional problems and the patients’ physical condition/symptoms common contributing factors. Based on multivariate analysis, tumour site, geographical location of residence and time during (C)RT when ScreenIT Carer was completed were significant predictors of carer distress severity.ConclusionsCarer distress is prevalent and multifactorial during (C)RT. This study highlights the feasibility of utilising eCROM platforms such as ScreenIT Carer, to monitor carer wellbeing and guide supportive care services as part of a holistic care pathway.
Are the socioeconomic impacts associated with tropical cyclones in Mexico exacerbated by local vulnerability and ENSO conditions?
Authors: Dominguez Christian , Jaramillo Alejandro , Cuéllar Palmira 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTropical Cyclones (TCs) are among the most dangerous natural hazards because they can cause severe economic losses and high mortality. Climate risk is defined as a metric that depends on social vulnerability and the occurrence of natural hazards. A social vulnerability index was constructed for this study using two metrics: the degree of local marginalization and the local social gap. The accumulated rainfall and duration of extreme precipitation associated with TC passages are examined as a natural hazard during the period 1981–2017. TC days are depicted as days when TC‐related rainfall exceeded the 95th percentile of daily precipitation from May to November, defined as summer precipitation. In this way, changes in climate risk under El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are explored to determine regions where both social vulnerability and TC days are high. These changes are useful to find out when disasters have more chances to occur. In the present study, climate risk was found to increase more than 80% from average in southwestern Mexico during strong El Niño years. Under neutral conditions, climate risk values rise to more than 40% than average over northwestern Mexico. Under strong La Niña conditions, climate risk increases by more than 80% from average over the eastern coast of Mexico. Our approach is validated through a comparison between anomalies in climate risk and disaster costs (socioeconomic impacts). Both local vulnerability and ENSO conditions exacerbate socioeconomic impacts associated with TCs, and an analysis of linear trends in TC rainfall and TC days reveals that most of the coastal regions in Mexico have a significant rising trend in both variables. Thus, Mexico should be prepared to face more TC extreme rainfall events. Suggestions for how Mexico can meet the objectives of international risk agendas are discussed.