bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DTI Tract‐Based Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping: An Initial Feasibility Study to Investigate the Potential Role of Myelination in Brain Connectivity Change in Cerebral Palsy Patients During Autologous Cord Blood Cell Therapy Using a Rotationally‐Invariant Quantitative Measure
Authors: Zhang Lijia , Ellor Susan , Sun Jessica M. , Liu Chunlei , Kurtzburg Joanne , Song Allen W. 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundPrevious studies using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐based connectome analysis revealed improved connectivity in cerebral palsy (CP) patients who underwent autologous umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem‐cell therapy. However, the potential mechanism for the connectivity increase remains unclear and needs to be further elucidated.PurposeTo develop a technique with improved accuracy for quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) with unique sensitivity to myelin, and demonstrate its use in elucidating the underlying mechanism of the observed motor function improvement and brain connectivity increase in CP patients who received autologous UCB stem‐cell therapy.Study TypeProspective.PopulationA cohort of eight pediatric CP patients (2.6 ± 0.6 years of age) with intact corticospinal tracts (CST) from a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of autologous UCB stem‐cell therapy in CP children was included in this study.Field Strength/SequenceDTI and 3D spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR) QSM at 3.0T.AssessmentPre‐ and posttreatment magnetic susceptibility (χ) and the rotationally‐invariant magnetic susceptibility anisotropy (MSA) along the CST were derived. Behavioral changes were assessed using the 66‐item Gross Motor Function Measurement. Changes in χ and MSA were compared between patients with and without substantial behavioral improvements.Statistical TestsTwo‐sample t‐tests were performed to assess the differences in the changes of measurements of interest (Δχ, ΔMSA, and ΔFA) between patients who significantly improved and those who did not.ResultsPatients who demonstrated posttreatment motor improvements exceeding expectations showed significantly more diamagnetic Δχ in the periventricular region along the CST (P = 0.003). Further analysis on the ΔMSA of this region was significantly increased (P = 0.006) for high responders, along with concurrent FA increase.Data ConclusionThese initial findings suggest that the DTI tract‐based QSM method has the potential to characterize white matter changes associated with behavioral improvements in CP children who underwent cord blood stem‐cell therapy.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 2
Optimal local impedance drops for an effective radiofrequency ablation during cavo‐tricuspid isthmus ablation
Authors: Sasaki Takehito , Nakamura Kohki , Inoue Mitsuho , Minami Kentaro , Miki Yuko , Goto Koji , Take Yutaka , Kaseno Kenichi , Yamashita Eiji , Koyama Keiko , Naito Shigeto 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeA novel ablation catheter capable of local impedance (LI) monitoring (IntellaNav MiFi OI, Boston Scientific) has been recently introduced to clinical practice. We aimed to determine the optimal LI drops for an effective radiofrequency ablation during cavo‐tricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation.MethodsThis retrospective observational study enrolled 50 consecutive patients (68 ± 9 years; 34 males) who underwent a CTI ablation using the IntellaNav MiFi OI catheter, guided by Rhythmia. The LI at the start of radiofrequency applications (initial LI) and minimum LI during radiofrequency applications were evaluated. The absolute and percentage LI drops were defined as the difference between the initial and minimum LIs and 100× absolute LI drop/initial LI, respectively.ResultsA total of 518 radiofrequency applications were analyzed. The absolute and percentage LI drops were significantly greater at effective ablation sites than ineffective sites (median, 15 ohms vs 8 ohms, P < .0001; median, 14.7% vs 8.3%, P < .0001). A receiver‐operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that at optimal cutoffs of 12 ohms and 11.6% for the absolute and percentage LI drops, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting the effectiveness of the ablation were 66.5% and 88.2%, and 65.1% and 88.2%, respectively. Finally, bidirectional conduction block along the CTI was achieved in all patients.ConclusionsDuring the LI‐guided CTI ablation, the effective RF ablation sites exhibited significantly greater absolute and percentage LI drops than the ineffective RF ablation sites. Absolute and percentage LI drops of 12 ohms and 11.6% may be suitable targets for effective ablation.
Impact of Patient Factors and Management Strategies on Outcomes After Transverse Posterior Cordotomy
Authors: Qazi Shafeen , Mau Ted , Tibbetts Kathleen M. 
Published: July 2020

Objectives/HypothesisCarbon dioxide laser transverse posterior cordotomy (TPC) aims to improve airway aperture in patients with glottic obstruction. Postoperative complications may worsen airway compromise and necessitate additional interventions. We sought to identify factors impacting outcomes after TPC.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsMedical records of patients who underwent TPC for glottic airway obstruction at a tertiary‐care medical center between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed. Demographics, comorbidities, and intra‐ and postoperative management strategies were analyzed.ResultsTwenty patients who underwent TPC for glottic airway obstruction met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 57 years, and 13 patients were female. Mean follow‐up time was 442 days. Seven patients had posterior glottic stenosis, and 13 had bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Twelve patients developed postoperative complications including granuloma formation (four patients), hospital readmission for dyspnea due to glottic edema (five patients), need for revision surgery (nine patients), or failure to decannulate tracheotomy (five patients). Eight patients had an uncomplicated recovery with improved dyspnea, with two patients with tracheotomies decannulated. Patients with a history of smoking tobacco were more likely to experience complications (P = .035). There were no significant differences in outcomes with respect to history of head and neck radiation or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Steroid injection at the surgical site and postoperative medications did not significantly impact outcomes. With respect to granuloma formation, none of the variables analyzed reached significance.ConclusionsHistory of tobacco use increases complication rates after TPC. Other patient comorbidities and intra‐ and postoperative management strategies do not impact outcomes.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:1066–1070, 2021
Effect of Hindered Phenol AO‐80 on the Damping Properties for Nitrile‐Butadiene Rubber/Phenolic Resin: Molecular Simulation and Experimental Study
Authors: Song Meng , Yue Xiu‐Lin , Wang Xiu‐Juan , Cao Feng‐Yi , Li Yu‐Nan , Su Chao‐Hua , Qin Qi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA combined study of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, experimental, and linear regression analysis method is presented for hindered phenol of 3,9‐bis[1,1‐dimethyl‐2‐{b‐(3‐tertbutyl‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐methylphenyl)propionyloxy}ethyl]‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxaspiro‐[5,5]‐undecane (AO‐80)/nitrile‐butadiene rubber/linear phenolic resin (AO‐80/NBR/PR) composites with different AO‐80 contents to quantitatively establish the relations between microstructure and damping performance. The number of hydrogen bonds (NHBs), the fractional free volume (FFV), and the binding energy (Ebinding) of AO‐80/NBR/PR composites with different AO‐80 content are calculated by MD simulation from the microscopic scale. Damping parameters, including the loss factor peak (tan δmax) and the loss peak area (TA) (tan δ > 0.3), are obtained by dynamic mechanical analysis from macroscopic scale. The quantitative relationships between microstructure parameters (NHBs,Ebinding, and FFV) and macroscopic damping properties (tan δmaxand TA) are obtained by linear regression analysis. This research is expected to provide a theoretical guidance for improving the damping performance of rubber‐based organic hybrid composites.
Physical Activity Changes and Correlate Effects in Patients with Parkinson's Disease during COVID‐19 Lockdown
Authors: Schirinzi Tommaso , Di Lazzaro Giulia , Salimei Chiara , Cerroni Rocco , Liguori Claudio , Scalise Simona , Alwardat Mohammad , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Pierantozzi Mariangela , Stefani Alessandro , Pisani Antonio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundCOVID‐19 outbreak profoundly affected health systems and people's daily life worldwide. Parkinson's disease (PD) patients lost their normal routine and interrupted regular physical activity, either as physiotherapy or sport, with inevitable consequence on their daily‐life and well‐being.ObjectivesTo evaluate the changes in physical activity due to COVID‐19 emergency, including self‐management strategies or technology‐assisted activities, and the subsequent clinical implications in PD patients.MethodsSeventy‐four patients from an Italian center have been remotely examined during the lockdown (April–May 2020) by an e‐mail structured survey, including self‐administered scales. We collected and analyzed data on changes, modalities and amount of physical active practice, on the use of technology‐based tools, and on self‐perceived clinical condition.ResultsSixty percent of patients reported a significant worsening of their general conditions during the lockdown, the reduction of physical activity being the main risk factor for such change. However, patients found ways to practice physical activity, using satisfactorily technology assistance in 50% of cases (mostly women).ConclusionsThe COVID‐19 emergency has been an ordeal for PD patients. Nevertheless, patients adapted their habits to continue practicing physical activity that resulted a main determinant of their well‐being; as well, they successfully approached technology‐based assistance. Education, communication, and networking emerge as critical for a constructive reaction to the emergency's challenges.
Evaluating the Role of SNCA, LRRK2, and GBA in Chinese Patients With Early‐Onset Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Chen Yongping , Gu Xiaojing , Ou Ruwei , Zhang Lingyu , Hou Yanbing , Liu Kuncheng , Cao Bei , Wei Qianqian , Li Chunyu , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Wu Ying , Cheng Jingqiu , Shang Huifang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundDefects in the α‐synuclein, leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2, or glucocerebrosidase genes have been regarded as essential contributors to PD. However, genetic variability of these genes with respect to early‐onset PD remains poorly defined for the Chinese demographic.ObjectivesWe aim to systematically characterize the clinical and genetic architecture of α‐synuclein, leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2, and glucocerebrosidase in Chinese early‐onset PD patients.MethodsWhole‐exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to identify variants of α‐synuclein, leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2, and glucocerebrosidase in 662 Chinese early‐onset PD patients. Haplotype and burden analyses were conducted to investigate the role of rare variants of these three genes in early‐onset PD.ResultsSixty rare variants, including 23 novel variants, were identified in 73 patients (11.0%). Frequencies of patients with rare pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants of α‐synuclein, leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2, and glucocerebrosidase were 0.6%, 3.0%, and 5.4%, respectively. Evidences of two founder events exclusive to Asians were identified in 2 patients with leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 p.R1441C and 3 patients with α‐synuclein p.A53V. Gene‐based burden analysis supported glucocerebrosidase as a strong risk factor for early‐onset PD, but argued against over‐representation of rare variants in α‐synuclein or leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 in early‐onset PD. Clinically, no differences in motor or nonmotor symptoms were found between glucocerebrosidase variants carriers, and noncarriers or between leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 carriers and noncarriers. Patients with α‐synuclein variants showed both rapid progression and worse cognitive impairment.ConclusionOur study provides a better understanding of the clinical and genetic correlations of α‐synuclein, leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2, and glucocerebrosidase in early‐onset PD, which may be beneficial for drafting genetic scanning strategies and evaluating disease progression. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Development of anti‐influenza agents from natural products
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Morris‐Natschke Susan L. , Cheng Yung‐Yi , Lee Kuo‐Hsiung , Li Rong‐Tao 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe influenza pandemic continues to threaten public health due to its high morbidity and mortality rates, despite some successes in antiviral research. Natural drugs are important alternative therapies in the treatment of and recovery from influenza and have been the subjects of intense investigation during the last few decades. Many reports have shown that the development of novel bioactive chemicals extracted from natural drugs has significant advantages. Oseltamivir is a successful case of an anti‐influenza drug synthesized using two natural products, quinic acid, and shikimic acid, as starting materials. In China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an important role in the treatment of influenza. TCM herbal extracts and prescriptions or their isolated bioactive constituents have shown significant therapeutic and preventive effects against influenza. For example, the roots of Isatis indigotica (Banlangen) fight viral infection by targeting both the virus and the host and have significantly different effects than those of synthetic chemicals. Lianhuaqingwen capsule exerts its anti‐influenza activity by regulating the immune response to interfere with both viral and host reactions and might well be an alternative therapeutic option to treat influenza virus infection. This paper reviews the chemical ingredients, crude extracts, and TCM prescriptions with anti‐influenza activity reported during the period of 2010–September 2019. We hope that this comprehensive review will not only fuel research on anti‐influenza active natural products and TCM research but also provide a promising alternative candidate for further anti‐influenza drug development.
Adult‐onset Krabbe disease due to a homozygous GALC mutation without abnormal signals on an MRI in a consanguineous family: A case report
Authors: Xia Zhou , Wenwen Yin , Xianfeng Yu , Panpan Hu , Xiaoqun Zhu , Zhongwu Sun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe most frequent and common form of Krabbe disease (KD) is early‐onset KD in infants, and late‐onset KD has been reported to be a rare disease. In the present study, we reported an adult‐onset KD patient in a consanguineous Chinese family.MethodsClinical and radiological data were collected for a family pedigree. The patient was diagnosed with late‐onset KD through next‐generation sequencing. The result was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. GALC enzyme activity was also examined by the colorimetry method. Both the grey matter volume (GMV) and white matter volume values were examined and compared with the average values from ten age‐matched normal controls. Moreover, we reviewed all the available KD studies on PubMed to understand the correlation between the phenotype and genotype of the identified mutation.ResultsThe main manifestations of the proband were sudden onset seizures and cognitive decline. Mutation analysis of the GALC revealed a homozygous c.1901T>C mutation in exon 16, which resulted in an amino acid change in p.L634S. Sanger sequencing results showed that the homozygous mutation was inherited from the patient's parents, both of whom were revealed to be heterozygous carriers. Moreover, a decrease in GALC enzyme activity was also detected. However, no abnormal signals were found in the brain MRI. Further structural MRI analysis revealed a significantly decreased GMV in the proband compared to the normal controls. Moreover, it is of interest that all patients with the c.1901T>C mutation had late‐onset KD and were selected from Asian countries, especially Japan and China.ConclusionsThis patient with a homozygous GALC mutation expands the clinical presentation and characteristics of adult‐onset KD, as indicated by grey matter atrophy without abnormal white matter signals.
A deep learning model to predict dose–volume histograms of organs at risk in radiotherapy treatment plans
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Chen Xinyuan , Men Kuo , Yi Junlin , Dai Jianrong 
Published: July 2020

PurposeTo develop a deep learning‐based model to predict achievable dose–volume histograms (DVHs) of organs at risk (OARs) for automation of inverse planning.MethodsThe model was based on a connected residual deconvolution network (CResDevNet) and compared with UNet as a baseline. The DVHs of OARs are dependent on patient anatomical features of the planning target volumes and OARs, and these spatial relationships can be learned automatically from prior high‐quality plans. The contours of planning target volumes and OARs were parsed from the plan database and used as the input to the model, and the dose–area histograms (DAHs) of the OARs were output from the model. The model was trained from scratch by correlating anatomical features with DAHs of OARs, then accumulating these histograms to obtain the final predicted DVH for each OAR. Helical tomotherapy plans for 170 nasopharyngeal cancer patients were used to train and validate the model. An additional 60 patient treatment plans were used to test the predictive accuracy of the model. The DVHs and dose–volume indices (DVIs) of clinical interest for each OAR in the testing dataset were predicted to evaluate the accuracy of the models. The mean absolute errors in the DVIs for each OAR were calculated using each model and statistically compared using a paired‐samples t‐test. Dice similarity coefficients for areas of the DVHs were also evaluated.ResultsDose–volume histograms of 21 OARs in nasopharyngeal cancer were predicted using the models. For each patient, 63 DVIs for all OARs were calculated. Using the 60 patient treatment plans in the testing dataset, 79% and 73% of the DVIs predicted using the CResDevNet and UNet models, respectively, were within 5% of the clinical values. The median value of the DVIs’ mean absolute errors was 3.2 ± 2.5% and 3.7 ± 2.9% for the CResDevNet and UNet models, respectively. The average dice similarity coefficient for all OARs was 0.965 using the CResDevNet model and 0.958 using the UNet model.ConclusionsA deep learning model was developed for predicting achievable DVHs of OARs. The prediction accuracy of the CResDevNet model was evaluated using a planning database of nasopharyngeal cancer cases and shown to be more accurate than the UNet model. Prediction accuracy was also higher for larger‐volume OARs. The model can be used for automation of inverse planning and quality assessment of individual treatment plans.
Detailed 1H and 13C NMR structural assignments of four sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Eremanthus elaeagnus (Asteraceae)
Authors: Ferreira Alexsandro E. , Soares Ana Carolina F. , Pavan Julian C. S. , Kovatch Pedro Y. , Sakamoto Humberto T. , Lopes João L. Callegari , Palaretti Vinícius , Heleno Vladimir C. G. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA complete 1H and 13C NMR analysis for a group of four sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Eremanthus elaeagnus (Asteraceae) is described in this work. 1H NMR, 13C {1H} NMR, gCOSY, gHMQC, and gHMBC experiments were performed to provide sufficient structural information to allow an unequivocal assignment. All hydrogen coupling constants were measured, clarifying all hydrogen signal multiplicities.
Physiotherapists' lived experiences of decision making in therapeutic encounters with persons suffering from whiplash‐associated disorder: A hermeneutic phenomenological study
Authors: Hartholt Elles , Vuoskoski Pirjo , Hebron Clair 
Published: July 2020

AbstractConceptual discussions related to clinical reasoning and decision making have evolved over the years from biomedical to incorporating more holistic approach to reasoning. Empirical studies exploring clinical reasoning and decision making in physiotherapy practice have mostly focused on aspects of managing persons with low back pain, such as exercise prescription, education and communicating diagnosis. There is a paucity of studies exploring decision making in whiplash‐associated disorder (WAD); thus, the aim of this study was to explore the physiotherapists' lived experiences of decision making related to treating persons with WAD.A qualitative research design based on hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was used in this study. Five participants (physiotherapists) were purposefully recruited, and data are collected via semistructured interviews, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used as a method for analysing the data. Emergent, superordinate and master themes emerged from the data to illuminate the lived experiences under exploration.Three master themes were identified: (1) sense of collaboration; (2) sense of being out of control; and (3) sense of emotional engagement (subthemes: feeling of satisfaction and feelings of distress and uncertainty).A sense of collaboration revealed varied meaning related to the role of persons receiving care, suggesting a lack of conceptual clarity related to shared‐decision making. A perceived loss of a sense of being in control was related to experienced emotions, such as feelings of distress and uncertainty. The findings of this study highlight the importance of providing space for reflection and mentoring in the workplace.
Dental caries and isotope studies in the population of Radom (Poland) between the 11th and 19th centuries
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek , Szostek Krzysztof , Lisowska‐Gaczorek Aleksandra , Mnich Barbara , Zalewska Marta , Trzeciecki Maciej , Olczak‐Kowalczyk Dorota 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study aims to assess changes in the diet of individuals from Radom (Poland) by applying odontological and physicochemical methods. We evaluated the intensity of dental caries and quality of diet through isotope analyses (δ13C and δ15N). Three consecutive time periods were selected: the early Medieval (EMP, 11th to 12th c.), late Medieval/early Modern (LMP, 14th to 17th c.) and Modern (MP, 18th to19th c.) periods. The dental remains of 247 adult individuals comprising a total of 3,850 permanent teeth were analysed. The intensity of dental caries increased in subsequent historical periods (EMP 38%, LMP 47% and MP 47%). The lowest proportion of terrestrial C3 diet was noted in the oldest EMP population. The LMP and MP were similar in terms of the type of diet. The proportion of the terrestrial C3 component of the diet was 82% and 79% for LMP and MP, respectively. It can be supposed that the EMP population had such a varied diet that cariogenic products (e.g., cereals) were not the basic source of food, thus slowing down the development of dental caries. Later, there was a clear increase in the cariogenic factor(s) between the EMP and LMP, and this may have been related to the intensification of agricultural production.