bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PFAS Exposure Pathways for Humans and Wildlife: A Synthesis of Current Knowledge and Key Gaps in Understanding
Authors: De Silva Amila O. , Armitage James M. , Bruton Thomas A. , Dassuncao Clifton , Heiger-Bernays Wendy , Hu Xindi C. , Kärrman Anna , Kelly Barry , Ng Carla , Robuck Anna , Sun Mei , Webster Thomas F. , Sunderland Elsie M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We synthesize current understanding of the magnitudes and methods for assessing human and wildlife exposures to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Most human exposure assessments have focused on 2 to 5 legacy PFAS, and wildlife assessments are typically limited to targeted PFAS (up to ~30 substances). However, shifts in chemical production are occurring rapidly, and targeted methods for detecting PFAS have not kept pace with these changes. Total fluorine measurements complemented by suspect screening using high-resolution mass spectrometry are thus emerging as essential tools for PFAS exposure assessment. Such methods enable researchers to better understand contributions from precursor compounds that degrade into terminal perfluoroalkyl acids. Available data suggest that diet is the major human exposure pathway for some PFAS, but there is large variability across populations and PFAS compounds. Additional data on total fluorine in exposure media and the fraction of unidentified organofluorine are needed. Drinking water has been established as the major exposure source in contaminated communities. As water supplies are remediated, for the general population, exposures from dust, personal care products, indoor environments, and other sources may be more important. A major challenge for exposure assessments is the lack of statistically representative population surveys. For wildlife, bioaccumulation processes differ substantially between PFAS and neutral lipophilic organic compounds, prompting a reevaluation of traditional bioaccumulation metrics. There is evidence that both phospholipids and proteins are important for the tissue partitioning and accumulation of PFAS. New mechanistic models for PFAS bioaccumulation are being developed that will assist in wildlife risk evaluations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:631–657. © 2020 SETAC
Abstract
Methods for assessing human and wildlife exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are reviewed along with current understanding of exposure sources and pathways.
Modulation of neural oscillations during working memory update, maintenance, and readout: An hdEEG study
Authors: Semprini Marianna , Bonassi Gaia , Barban Federico , Pelosin Elisa , Iandolo Riccardo , Chiappalone Michela , Mantini Dante , Avanzino Laura 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWorking memory (WM) performance is very often measured using the n‐back task, in which the participant is presented with a sequence of stimuli, and required to indicate whether the current stimulus matches the one presented n steps earlier. In this study, we used high‐density electroencephalography (hdEEG) coupled to source localization to obtain information on spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of neural oscillations associated with WM update, maintenance and readout. Specifically, we a priori selected regions from a large fronto‐parietal network, including also the insula and the cerebellum, and we analyzed modulation of neural oscillations by event‐related desynchronization and synchronization (ERD/ERS). During update and readout, we found larger θ ERS and smaller β ERS respect to maintenance in all the selected areas. γLOW and γHIGH bands oscillations decreased in the frontal and insular cortices of the left hemisphere. In the maintenance phase we observed decreased θ oscillations and increased β oscillations (ERS) in most of the selected posterior areas and focally increased oscillations in γLOW and γHIGH bands in the frontal and insular cortices of the left hemisphere. Finally, during WM readout, we also found a focal modulation of the γLOW band in the left fusiform cortex and cerebellum, depending on the response trial type (true positive vs. true negative). Overall, our study demonstrated specific spectral signatures associated with updating of memory information, WM maintenance, and readout, with relatively high spatial resolution.
A combined multicomponent‐acid catalyzed cyclization reaction as an efficient route to novel tricyclic pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline derivatives
Authors: Ghandi Mehdi , Khodadadi Meysam , Abbasi Alireza 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA simple, new two‐step procedure for the synthesis of novel tricyclic pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline derivatives is described. The initially prepared polysubstituted pyrroles obtained via the four‐component condensation of arylglyoxals, cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyls, aminoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, and β‐keto esters subsequently underwent intramolecular acid‐catalyzed cyclization to the desired products in moderate to good yields.
Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy due to α‐aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Coughlin Curtis R. , Tseng Laura A. , Abdenur Jose E. , Ashmore Catherine , Boemer François , Bok Levinus A. , Boyer Monica , Buhas Daniela , Clayton Peter T. , Das Anibh , Dekker Hanka , Evangeliou Athanasios , Feillet François , Footitt Emma J. , Gospe Sidney M. , Hartmann Hans , Kara Majdi , Kristensen Erle , Lee Joy , Lilje Rina , Longo Nicola , Lunsing Roelineke J. , Mills Philippa , Papadopoulou Maria T. , Pearl Phillip L. , Piazzon Flavia , Plecko Barbara , Saini Arushi G. , Santra Saikat , Sjarif Damayanti R. , Stockler‐Ipsiroglu Sylvia , Striano Pasquale , Van Hove Johan L.K. , Verhoeven‐Duif Nanda M. , Wijburg Frits A. , Zuberi Sameer M. , van Karnebeek Clara D.M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy (PDE‐ALDH7A1) is an autosomal recessive condition due to a deficiency of α‐aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, which is a key enzyme in lysine oxidation. PDE‐ALDH7A1 is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy that was historically and empirically treated with pharmacologic doses of pyridoxine. Despite adequate seizure control, most patients with PDE‐ALDH7A1 were reported to have developmental delay and intellectual disability. To improve outcome, a lysine‐restricted diet and competitive inhibition of lysine transport through the use of pharmacologic doses of arginine have been recommended as an adjunct therapy. These lysine‐reduction therapies have resulted in improved biochemical parameters and cognitive development in many but not all patients. The goal of these consensus guidelines is to re‐evaluate and update the two previously published recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up of patients with PDE‐ALDH7A1. Members of the International PDE Consortium initiated evidence and consensus‐based process to review previous recommendations, new research findings, and relevant clinical aspects of PDE‐ALDH7A1. The guideline development group included pediatric neurologists, biochemical geneticists, clinical geneticists, laboratory scientists, and metabolic dieticians representing 29 institutions from 16 countries. Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with PDE‐ALDH7A1 are provided.
Whole‐Volume Tumor MRI Radiomics for Prognostic Modeling in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Fasmer Kristine E. , Hodneland Erlend , Dybvik Julie A. , Wagner‐Larsen Kari , Trovik Jone , Salvesen Øyvind , Krakstad Camilla , Haldorsen Ingfrid H.S. 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundIn endometrial cancer (EC), preoperative pelvic MRI is recommended for local staging, while final tumor stage and grade are established by surgery and pathology. MRI‐based radiomic tumor profiling may aid in preoperative risk‐stratification and support clinical treatment decisions in EC.PurposeTo develop MRI‐based whole‐volume tumor radiomic signatures for prediction of aggressive EC disease.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationA total of 138 women with histologically confirmed EC, divided into training (nT = 108) and validation cohorts (nV = 30).Field Strength/SequenceAxial oblique T1‐weighted gradient echo volumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination (VIBE) at 1.5T (71/138 patients) and DIXON VIBE at 3T (67/138 patients) at 2 minutes postcontrast injection.AssessmentPrimary tumors were manually segmented by two radiologists with 4 and 8 years' of experience. Radiomic tumor features were computed and used for prediction of surgicopathologically‐verified deep (≥50%) myometrial invasion (DMI), lymph node metastases (LNM), advanced stage (FIGO III + IV), nonendometrioid (NE) histology, and high‐grade endometrioid tumors (E3). Corresponding analyses were also conducted using radiomics extracted from the axial oblique image slice depicting the largest tumor area.Statistical TestsLogistic least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was applied for radiomic modeling in the training cohort. The diagnostic performances of the radiomic signatures were evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the training (AUCT) and validation (AUCV) cohorts. Progression‐free survival was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsThe whole‐tumor radiomic signatures yielded AUCT/AUCV of 0.84/0.76 for predicting DMI, 0.73/0.72 for LNM, 0.71/0.68 for FIGO III + IV, 0.68/0.74 for NE histology, and 0.79/0.63 for high‐grade (E3) tumor. Single‐slice radiomics yielded comparable AUCT but significantly lower AUCV for LNM and FIGO III + IV (both P < 0.05). Tumor volume yielded comparable AUCT to the whole‐tumor radiomic signatures for prediction of DMI, LNM, FIGO III + IV, and NE, but significantly lower AUCT for E3 tumors (P < 0.05). All of the whole‐tumor radiomic signatures significantly predicted poor progression‐free survival with hazard ratios of 4.6–9.8 (P < 0.05 for all).Data ConclusionMRI‐based whole‐tumor radiomic signatures yield medium‐to‐high diagnostic performance for predicting aggressive EC disease. The signatures may aid in preoperative risk assessment and hence guide personalized treatment strategies in EC.Level of Evidence4Technical Efficacy Stage2
Clinical performance of three fully automated anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoassays targeting the nucleocapsid or spike proteins
Authors: Favresse Julien , Cadrobbi Julie , Eucher Christine , Elsen Marc , Laffineur Kim , Dogné Jean‐Michel , Douxfils Jonathan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study assesses the clinical performance of three anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 assays, namely EUROIMMUN anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid (IgG) ELISA, Elecsys anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid (total antibodies) assay, and LIAISON anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike proteins S1 and S2 (IgG) assay. One hundred and thirty‐seven coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) samples from 96 reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed patients were chosen to perform the sensitivity analysis. Non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 sera (n = 141) with a potential cross‐reaction to SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoassays were included in the specificity analysis. None of these tests demonstrated a sufficiently high clinical sensitivity to diagnose acute infection. Fourteen days since symptom onset, we did not find any significant difference between the three techniques in terms of sensitivities. However, Elecsys performed better in terms of specificity. All three anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 assays had equivalent sensitivities 14 days from symptom onset to diagnose past‐COVID‐19 infection. We also confirmed that anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 determination before Day 14 is of less clinical interest.
Corneal nonmyelinating Schwann cells illuminated by single‐cell transcriptomics and visualized by protein biomarkers
Authors: Bargagna‐Mohan Paola , Schultz Gwendolyn , Rheaume Bruce , Trakhtenberg Ephraim F. , Robson Paul , Pal‐Ghosh Sonali , Stepp Mary Ann , Given Katherine S. , Macklin Wendy B. , Mohan Royce 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe cornea is the most innervated tissue in the human body. Myelinated axons upon inserting into the peripheral corneal stroma lose their myelin sheaths and continue into the central cornea wrapped by only nonmyelinating corneal Schwann cells (nm‐cSCs). This anatomical organization is believed to be important for central vision. Here we employed single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq), microscopy, and transgenics to characterize these nm‐cSCs of the central cornea. Using principal component analysis, uniform manifold approximation and projection, and unsupervised hierarchal cell clustering of scRNA‐seq data derived from central corneal cells of male rabbits, we successfully identified several clusters representing different corneal cell types, including a unique cell cluster representing nm‐cSCs. To confirm protein expression of cSC genes, we performed cross‐species validation, employing corneal whole‐mount immunostaining with confocal microscopy in mouse corneas. The expression of several representative proteins of nm‐cSCs were validated. As the proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1) gene was also expressed in nm‐cSCs, we explored the Plp1‐eGFP transgenic reporter mouse line to visualize cSCs. Specific and efficient eGFP expression was observed in cSCs in adult mice of different ages. Of several putative cornea‐specific SC genes identified, Dickkopf‐related protein 1 was shown to be present in nm‐cSCs. Taken together, our findings, for the first time, identify important insights and tools toward the study nm‐cSCs in isolated tissue and adult animals. We expect that our results will advance the future study of nm‐cSCs in applications of nerve repair, and provide a resource for the study of corneal sensory function.
A Novel Assessment Method With Ultrasound for Obstructive Tonsillar Hypertrophy in Children
Authors: Sağtaş Ergin , Mengi Erdem , Kara Cüneyt Orhan , Şenol Hande 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesTo develop a new method for the objective evaluation of airway obstruction due to tonsillar hypertrophy using ultrasound (US) in children.MethodsThe oropharynx was examined in patients, and tonsil grades were evaluated according to the staging system of Brodsky et al (Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 1987; 13:149–156). The narrowest intertonsillar distance (ITD) and widest transverse length of the tongue base (TLTB) were then measured by US, and their ratio was calculated. The clinical value of US was investigated for the classification of tonsillar hypertrophies as nonobstructive or obstructive by matching the patients’ clinical grades with the US data.ResultsA total of 102 patients (age range, 2–12 years) were included in the study. According to the Brodsky staging system, 44.1% and 55.9% of the patients were in nonobstructive (stages I and II) and obstructive (stages III and IV) tonsillar hypertrophy groups, respectively. The area under the curve was 0.991 (95% confidence interval, 0.977–0.999) according to a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis between the Brodsky staging and the ITD/TLTB ratio. The optimal cutoff value for the ITD/TLTB ratio for the diagnosis of obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy was found to be 0.3 or less, which had 96.5% sensitivity and 95.6% specificity.ConclusionsThe degree of airway obstruction due to tonsillar hypertrophy can be objectively determined by US in children. An ITD/TLTB ratio of 0.3 or less was found to be compatible with obstructive tonsillar hypertrophy. This new and easily applicable evaluation method may provide considerable value and guidance for tonsillectomy decisions.
Sialographic Analysis of Radioiodine‐Associated Chronic Sialadenitis
Authors: Thorpe Ryan K. , Foggia Megan J. , Marcus Kathryn S. , Policeni Bruno , Maley Joan E. , Hoffman Henry T. 
Published: November 2020

Objectives/HypothesisTo apply a novel sialography classification system to identify parotid and submandibular ductal findings following I‐131 therapy and to assess correlates to dose and duration of symptoms.Study DesignRetrospective single‐center case series.MethodsPatients who underwent sialography between February 2008 and February 2019 after previously receiving I‐131 treatment were identified via a retrospective chart review. Their sialograms were systematically evaluated and scored by applying the Iowa parotid sialogram scale to also include submandibular gland analysis.ResultsFrom 337 sialograms, 30 (five submandibular, 25 parotid) underwent analysis. Ductal stenosis was identified in all sialograms and was graded as moderate (>50%–75%) in 7/30 cases and severe (>75%) in 15/30 cases. The distal (main) duct was narrowed in 23/30 cases. No association was identified between degree of ductal stenosis and I‐131 dose (P = .39), age (P = .81), or time from I‐131 therapy to sialogram (P = .97).ConclusionsThe Iowa parotid sialogram scale was successfully applied to report abnormalities of the parotid and submandibular ductal system. The most common manifestation of I‐131‐associated sialadenitis was a severe stenosis within the distal salivary duct. No statistically significant association was found between degree of ductal stenosis and dose of I‐131, age, or duration of symptoms.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1450–E1456, 2021
Otitis media with effusion in Africa‐prevalence and associated factors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Choffor‐Nchinda Emmanuel , Bola Siafa Antoine , Nansseu Jobert Richie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate the overall and subgroup prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) in Africa, and identify setting‐specific predictors in children and adults.MethodsPubMed, African Journals Online, African Index Medicus, Afrolib, SciELO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, GreyLit and OpenGray were searched to identify relevant articles on OME in Africa, from inception to December 31st 2019. A random‐effects model was used to pool outcome estimates.ResultsOverall, 38 studies were included, with 27 in meta‐analysis (40 331 participants). The overall prevalence of OME in Africa was 6% (95% CI: 5%‐7%; I2 = 97.5%, P < .001). The prevalence was 8% (95% CI: 7%‐9%) in children and 2% (95% CI: 0.1%‐3%) in adolescents/adults. North Africa had the highest prevalence (10%; 95% CI: 9%‐13%), followed by West and Southern Africa (9%; 95% CI: 7%‐10% and 9%; 95% CI: 6%‐12% respectively), Central Africa (7%; 95% CI: 5%‐10%) and East Africa (2%; 95% CI: 1%‐3%). There was no major variability in prevalence over the last four decades. Cleft palate was the strongest predictor (OR: 5.2; 95% CI: 1.4‐18.6, P = .02). Other significant associated factors were age, adenoid hypertrophy, allergic rhinitis in children, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, low CD4 count in adults.ConclusionOME prevalence was similar to that reported in other settings, notably high‐income temperate countries. Health care providers should consider age, presence of cleft palate, adenoid hypertrophy and allergic rhinitis when assessing OME in children and deciding on a management plan. More research is required to confirm risk factors and evaluate treatment options.Level of Evidence3a
Viability of Low Molecular Weight Lignin in Developing Thiol‐Ene Polymer Electrolytes with Balanced Thermomechanical and Conductive Properties
Authors: Baroncini Elyse A. , Rousseau Dominique M. , Strekis Christopher A. , Stanzione Joseph F. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPolymer electrolytes with high aromatic content are prepared through thiol‐ene polymerization with functionalized, low molecular weight fractions of softwood pine Kraft lignin, and wheat straw/Sarkanda grass soda lignin. Differing solubility, functionality, and aromatic content of the lignin fractions vary the glass transition temperatures of the resulting polymers and the suitability for electrolyte applications. The softwood pine Kraft lignin is used as a precursor for a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) with room temperature conductivity of 72 × 10–7 S cm–1, while the wheat straw/Sarkanda grass soda lignin is utilized in solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) with room temperature conductivity values in the range of 5 × 10–5– 7 × 10–5 S cm–1. The lignin‐based GPE displays similar conductivity but improved thermal stability to a comparable, recently reported GPE containing an allylated, monophenolic, lignin‐derived, vanillin‐derived monomer. The lignin‐based SPEs exhibit excellent cationic transport with ion transference values up to 0.90. The promising conductivity and ion transference results reveal the potential for use of functionalized, low molecular weight wheat straw/Sarkanda grass soda lignin in SPE applications as a way to improve thermal stability, electrochemical performance, and incorporate an abundant, sustainable resource in a high performance application.
Mechanisms of melanocyte death in vitiligo
Authors: Chen Jianru , Li Shuli , Li Chunying 
Published: November 2020

AbstractVitiligo is an autoimmune depigment disease results from extensive melanocytes destruction. The destruction of melanocyte is thought to be of multifactorial causation. Genome‐wide associated studies have identified single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in a panel of susceptible loci as risk factors in melanocyte death. But vitiligo onset can't be solely attributed to a susceptive genetic background. Oxidative stress triggered by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species accounts for melanocytic molecular and organelle dysfunction, a minority of melanocyte demise, and melanocyte‐specific antigens exposure. Of note, the self‐responsive immune function directly contributes to the bulk of melanocyte deaths in vitiligo. The aberrantly heightened innate immunity, type‐1‐skewed T helper, and incompetent regulatory T cells tip the balance toward autoreaction and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes finally execute the killing of melanocytes, possibly alarmed by resident memory T cells. In addition to the well‐established apoptosis and necrosis, we discuss several death modalities like oxeiptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis that are probably employed in melanocyte destruction. This review focuses on the various mechanisms of melanocytic death in vitiligo pathogenesis to demonstrate a panorama of that. We hope to provide new insights into vitiligo pathogenesis and treatment strategies by the review.
All fiber temperature sensor based on light polarization measurement utilizing graphene coated tapered fiber
Authors: Tiu Zian Cheak , Haris Hazlihan , Ahmad Harith , Tan Sin Jin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this work, all fiber temperature measurement based on change of light polarization is demonstrated using tapered fiber coated with graphene. The large evanescent field of tapered fiber allows graphene to absorb the surrounding heat and subsequently this changes the refractive index of graphene coated tapered fiber. The change of refractive index is due to thermo‐optic effect. When there is a change in surrounding temperature, refractive index of the coated tapered fiber changes and this subsequently modifies the injected light polarization. The proposed temperature sensor can measure temperature up to 250°C and its sensitivity is ascertained at 0.48°/°C. The proposed temperature sensor is beneficial for future Internet of Things (IoT) applications.