bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specific antibodies reacting to JC polyomavirus capsid protein mimotopes in sera from multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases‐affected patients
Authors: Mazzoni Elisa , Bononi Ilaria , Pietrobon Silvia , Torreggiani Elena , Rossini Marika , Pugliatti Maura , Casetta Ilaria , Castellazzi Massimiliano , Granieri Enrico , Guerra Giovanni , Martini Fernanda , Tognon Mauro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPublished data support the hypothesis that viruses could be trigger agents of multiple sclerosis onset. This link is based on evidence of early exposure to viral agents in patients affected by this neurologic disease. JC (JC polyomavirus [JCPyV]), BK (BKPyV), and simian virus 40 (SV40) neurotropic polyomavirus footprints have been detected in brain tissue specimens and samples from patients affected by different neurological diseases. In this investigation, serum samples from patients affected by multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory and noninflammatory neurologic diseases, as well as healthy subjects representing the control, were investigated for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against JCPyV. To this end, an immunologic approach was employed, which consists of employing indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay testing with synthetic peptides mimicking viral capsid protein 1 antigens. A significantly lower prevalence of IgG antibodies against JCPyV VP1 epitopes, with a low titer, was detected in serum samples from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurologic diseases than in healthy subjects. Our study indicates that the prevalence of JCPyV antibodies from patients with multiple sclerosis is 50% lower than in healthy subjects, suggesting specific immune impairments. These results indicate that patients affected by neurological diseases, including MS, respond poorly to JCPyV VP1 antigens, suggesting specific immunologic dysfunctions.
Comparative morphology of crayfish mandibles, with insight into their evolution
Authors: Vojkovská Renata , Horká Ivona , Ďuriš Zdeněk 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMandibles of representatives of the Holarctic crayfish families Astacidae, Cambaridae, and Cambaroididae were examined using SEM, and the results were analyzed in a phylogenetic framework. The intraspecific variability of the incisor process was found to be higher than its interspecific variability, mainly due to extensive abrasion of its ridge during intermolt periods. The plesiomorphic state of the crayfish mandibles highlights the dentate–crenate type of the incisor process and the extensive ribbed molar field with a multicuspidate caudal part, typical of the two parastacid crayfish examined for comparison. For Holarctic crayfish, the initial evolutionary type of the incisor is also the dentate–crenate one, but the molar field has a bowl‐shaped caudal part and reduced cephalic part, both of which have been shown, for example, for Cambaroides. Similar mandibles are also widely present in American cambarids, which further evolved a blade‐like incisor process (some Faxonius spp.) or a tricuspidate or double‐bladed caudal molar field (some Procambarus spp.). The molar field in Astacidae crayfish is subdivided and rugose. The results of the present study indicate that little phylogenetic information is conveyed by the mandible shape at the species or genus level. Evolutionary changes are indicated mainly on the level of the main crayfish families.Research highlights
Mandible shape can be an additional characteristic to distinguish crayfish families and selected genera.
Obvious differences exist in the molar process rather than in the incisor ridge.
Recent trends in hepatitis A incidence in Brazil
Authors: De Oliveira Talita M. , Vieira Nádia S. G. , Sepp Thaís D. S. , Souto Francisco J. D. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHepatitis A incidence has been decreasing in Brazil since child vaccination was implemented in 2014. This trend was interrupted by an outbreak among adult male in São Paulo in 2017. This study was outlined to estimate whether the increase of hepatitis A cases among adult men in Brazil was restricted to São Paulo. Cases reported to the national surveillance system from 14 large cities of all Brazilian regions were analyzed. Trends in time series from 2012 to 2018 were estimated by Prais‐Winsten regression. The outbreak in São Paulo extended to 2018. In Rio de Janeiro, the number of cases rose again, achieving the same levels reported before the vaccination era. Three of six cities from South and Southeast regions showed an upward trend in the number of cases among adult men (P  <  .005). The large cities in the other three Brazilian macroregions showed a decrease or stabilization of cases without an increase among male adults. The increase of hepatitis A virus (HAV) cases in Brazil has happened not only in São Paulo, but also in other cities of South and Southeast regions. The northernmost cities were not affected. A change in the epidemiological pattern of HAV infection is emerging in Southern Brazil.
Climatology of multiple‐stroke lightning in Japan
Authors: Iwasaki Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this work, the climatology of multiple‐stroke lightning (MSL) in Japan was studied using the World Wide Lightning Location Network's lightning data over a 9‐year period. The MSL ratio defined in this study for all types of lightning was 14.1%, and it was larger over the ocean than that over the continent. The mean multiplicity was 2.58 and was also larger over the ocean than that over the continent. The mean interstroke interval between the first and second strokes was longer for a height at which the temperature was −20°C, corresponding to the upper boundary of the higher negative charge area.
New Predictive Equations for Estimating Resting Energy Expenditure in Adults With Crohn's Disease
Authors: Marra Maurizio , Cioffi Iolanda , Morlino Delia , Vincenzo Olivia Di , Pagano Maria Carmen , Imperatore Nicola , Alfonsi Lucia , Santarpia Lidia , Castiglione Fabiana , Scalfi Luca , Pasanisi Fabrizio 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundIncreased resting energy expenditure (REE) has been hypothesized to be a potential cause of weight loss in individuals with Crohn's disease (CD). This study aimed to develop and validate new predictive equations for estimating REE in adults with CD.MethodsAdults, ages 18–65 years, with CD were recruited. Anthropometry, indirect calorimetry, and bioimpedance analysis were performed in all patients. Disease activity was assessed by Crohn's Disease Activity Index. The new predictive equations were generated using different regression models. Prediction accuracy of the new equations was assessed and compared with the most commonly used equations.ResultsA total of 270 CD patients (159 males, 111 females) were included and randomly assigned to the calibration (n = 180) and validation groups (n = 90). REE was directly correlated with weight and bioimpedance index, whereas the relation with both age and disease activity was inverse. The new equations were suitable for estimating REE at population level (bias: −0.2 and −0.3, respectively). Individual accuracy was good in both models (≥80%, respectively), especially in females; and similar results were shown by some of the selected equations. But, when accuracy was set within ±5%, the new equations gave the highest prediction.ConclusionThe new, disease‐specific, equations for predicting REE in individuals with CD give a good prediction accuracy as far as those proposed in the literature for the general population. However, the new ones performed better at the individual level. Further studies are needed to verify the reliability and usefulness of these new equations.
Evaluating consumption and expenditure patterns of antibiotics in tablet and capsule dosage forms: Pakistan Antibiotic Consumption Surveillance (PACS)
Authors: Saleem Zikria , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Hashmi Furqan Khurshid , Qaisar Shama , Ahmad Mahnoor , Ali Sana Shaukat , Ahmad Faheem 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundAntibiotics are available in the marketplace in the form of tablets and capsules, and are mostly self‐prescribed by patients, with the consequent emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluated the consumption patterns of antimicrobials in these dosage forms during 2017 in Pakistan.MethodsData were acquired retrospectively from the International Medical Statistics (IMS) survey, Pakistan. Only the dosage forms of tablets and capsules constituting four major classes of antibiotics were included in the present study. Antibiotic consumption was measured using the World Health Organization's Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System with Daily Defined Doses (ATC/DDD) methodology. In addition, we calculated the DID as the total DDDs of antibiotic consumed in a defined period in that area per 1000 people. Expenditure was measured in Pakistan rupees (PKR) and converted to US dollars.ResultsTotal consumption of tablet and capsule dosage forms of antibiotics was found to be 10.6 DID, whereas total expenditure was US$221.5 million (26.69 billion PKR). Of all antibiotics, the most widely consumed were co‐amoxiclav (1.89 DID), levofloxacin (DID 1.41), ciprofloxacin (DID 1.38) and amoxicillin (DID 1.32). The top class of antibiotics based on expenditure was fluoroquinolones (ATC code J01MA), followed by combinations of penicillins (J01CR), third‐generation cephalosporins (J01DD) and macrolides (J01FA).ConclusionsExcessive consumption of broad‐spectrum and clinically important classes of antibiotics was observed. The study findings can serve as baseline data for policy makers and authorities to shape and design policies for the rational and cost‐effective use of antibiotics, reducing the burden of AMR and ensuring the economic use of antibiotics.
Optimizing computational methods of modeling vertebroplasty in experimentally augmented human lumbar vertebrae
Authors: Day Gavin A. , Jones Alison C. , Wilcox Ruth K. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractVertebroplasty has been widely used for the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures but the efficacy of the technique has been questioned by the outcomes of randomized clinical trials. Finite‐element (FE) models allow an investigation into the structural and geometric variation that affect the response to augmentation. However, current specimen‐specific FE models are limited due to their poor reproduction of cement augmentation behavior. The aims of this study were to develop new methods of modeling the vertebral body in both a nonaugmented and augmented state. Experimental tests were conducted using human lumbar spine vertebral specimens. These tests included micro‐computed tomography imaging, mechanical testing, augmentation with cement, reimaging, and retesting. Specimen‐specific FE models of the vertebrae were made comparing different approaches to capturing the bone material properties and to modeling the cement augmentation region. These methods significantly improved the modeling accuracy of nonaugmented vertebrae. Methods that used the registration of multiple images (pre‐ and post‐augmentation) of a vertebra achieved good agreement between augmented models and their experimental counterparts in terms of predictions of stiffness. Such models allow for further investigation into how vertebral variation influences the mechanical outcomes of vertebroplasty.
Clinicoradiologic Characteristics of Temporal Bone Meningioma: Multicenter Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Han Jae Joon , Lee Doh Young , Kong Soo‐Keun , Chang Ki‐Hong , Yoon Yong Joo , Kim Hyung‐Jong , Lee Hyo‐Jeong , Park Min‐Hyun , Koo Ja‐Won , Kim Young Ho 
Published: February 2020

Objectives/HypothesisMeningioma is a neoplasm arising from cells related to the arachnoid villi. The aim of the present study was to explore the clinical and radiological characteristics of temporal bone meningioma (TBM) in a multicenter cohort.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsThirteen patients diagnosed with TBM at eight medical institutes between 1998 and 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. The clinical procedures, symptoms, signs, and images that led to the diagnosis of TBM were investigated for all patients.ResultsThe most common symptom at the initial visit was hearing loss (n = 12/13, 92.3%). All patients exhibited unilateral TBMs with varied symptom durations (1–60 months). Four patients presented masses occupying the external auditory canal; the tympanic membrane (TM) could not be evaluated. The other nine patients did not show TM perforation despite the presence of inflammatory signs. The majority of patients exhibited unilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss. A retrospective review of temporal bone computed tomography (TBCT) images revealed findings suggestive of a tumor in all patients. However, three patients had been misdiagnosed with chronic otitis media and were subjected to tympanomastoidectomy (n = 3/7, 42.9%). TBCT findings that suggested TBM included diffuse trabecular hyperostosis in the middle and posterior cranial fossae and widening and destruction of the temporal bone in the jugular bulb area.ConclusionsTBM should be suspected if patients exhibit persistent inflammatory symptoms or signs involving intact TM or unilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss with trabecular hyperostosis or destruction of the temporal bone on computed tomography images.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 131:173–178, 2021
Large‐scale deforestation of mountainous areas during the 21st Century in Zhejiang Province
Authors: Xiong Bo , Chen Ruishan , Xia Zilong , Ye Chao , Anker Yaakov 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDeforestation affects environmental systems worldwide by increasing disaster risk and carbon emissions and also by reducing soil fertility rejuvenation and biodiversity. Here, we inspected the patterns and processes of deforestation in Zhejiang Province of China since 2000 under a background of national forest restoration. By integrating the Hansen high‐resolution forest cover change products and a field study, the relationship between forest loss dynamics and topography and also the proximity to settlement and rivers, were evaluated. The results show that the total forest loss in Zhejiang Province was 266,984 ha in 2001–2018. Forest loss magnitude reached a maximum in 2008 and has maintained a high level of annual loss about 17,000 ha since. While forest loss patches are mainly located on the mountaintops, the slope and altitude of the deforested patches reached maximal values in 2008, and both of them decreased since then even though the amount of forest loss remains high. The most significant forest loss was recorded at the south of Zhejiang Province around Lishui City and the least forest loss was in the area of Jiaxing city near Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province. The area of deforestation decreases while the distance to settlements increases. We analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics and potential factors that affect deforestation in Zhejiang Province and highlight the role of market and policy, which transformed land use. This study further enriches the forest transition theory and provides a basis for the future decision making on clearing forest for compensating farmland loss.
Farmers' willingness to leave land fallow from the perspective of heterogeneity: A case‐study in ecologically vulnerable areas of Guizhou, China
Authors: Xie Hualin , Wu Qing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLand fallow policy is an important measure for improving cultivated land protection. There is a lack of heterogeneous farmers' willingness to fallow, although scholars have done a lot of researches on the fallow farmers. Therefore, this research based on farmer classification and field research, a questionnaire survey, and PROBIT model was adopted to analyze farmers' willingness to fallow and the influence this has in a rocky desertification fallow area of Guizhou Province, China. The results show that the willingness to fallow and its influencing factors differ among heterogeneous farmers. The amount of fallow compensation and project satisfaction are the common influencing factors affecting heterogeneous farmers' willingness to fallow. In addition, farmers' willingness to fallow is influenced by education level and their understanding of the fallow project, among other factors. Part‐time farmers' willingness is affected by age, gender, and compensation satisfaction, among other factors, and off‐farmers' willingness to fallow is mainly influenced by nonagricultural income level. Based on the results, the following policy recommendations are proposed. The Government should adopt different fallow policies for heterogeneous farmers and formulate corresponding subsidy policies according to local conditions. Furthermore, detailed follow‐up policies should be formulated as soon as possible to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of fallow projects.
A Cuboid Spider Silk: Structure–Function Relationship and Polypeptide Signature
Authors: Kong Na , Wan Fengju , Dai Wentao , Wu Ping , Su Chen , Peng Chao , Zheng Ke , Chen Xuexin , Ling Shengjie , Gong Jinkang , Yao Yuan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA unique cuboid spider silk from the outer egg sac of Nephila pilipes, with an unusual square cross‐section, is disclosed. The structure–function relationships within this silk are first studied through structural characterization, mechanical measurement, protein conformation, and polypeptide signature of silk proteins. This silk maintains the higher stiffness property of egg sac silks, and also shows a species difference. Environmental response of the mechanical properties within this silk are observed. Synchrotron FTIR microspectroscopy is used to monitor the silk protein conformation in a single natural silk. The β‐sheet structure aligns parallel to the fiber axis with a content of 22% ± 2.6%. The de novo resulting polypeptide from the solid silk fibers are novel, and an abundant polar amino acid insertion is observed. Short polyalanine (An, n ≤ 3), alternating serine and alanine (S/A)X, and alternating glycine and alanine (G/A)X, GGX, and SSX dominates in the resulting de novo polypeptide. This accords with the composition pattern of other egg sac silk proteins, besides the rarely observed GGX. This study broadens the library of egg sac spider silks and provides a new perspective to uncover structure–function relationships in spider silk.
Identification of genes of prognostic value in the ccRCC microenvironment from TCGA database
Authors: Wan Bangbei , Liu Bo , Huang Yuan , Lv Cai 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundClear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common pathological subtype of renal cell carcinoma. Bioinformatics analyses were used to screen candidate genes associated with the prognosis and microenvironment of ccRCC and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of action.MethodsThe gene expression profiles and clinical data of ccRCC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The ESTIMATE algorithm was used to compute the immune and stromal scores of patients. Based on the median immune/stromal scores, all patients were sorted into low‐ and high‐immune/stromal score groups. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were extracted from high‐ versus low‐immune/stromal score groups and were described using functional annotations and protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network.ResultsPatients in the high‐immune/stromal score group had poorer survival outcome. In total, 95 DEGs (48 upregulated and 47 downregulated genes) were screened from the gene expression profiles of patients with high immune and stromal scores. The genes were primarily involved in six signaling pathways. Among the 95 DEGs, 43 were markedly related to overall survival of patients. The PPI network identified the top 10 hub genes—CD19, CD79A, IL10, IGLL5, POU2AF1, CCL19, AMBP, CCL18, CCL21, and IGJ—and four modules. Enrichment analyses revealed that the genes in the most important module were involved in the B‐cell receptor signaling pathway.ConclusionThis study mainly revealed the relationship between the ccRCC microenvironment and prognosis of patients. These results also increase the understanding of how gene expression patterns can impact the prognosis and development of ccRCC by modulating the tumor microenvironment. The results could contribute to the search for ccRCC biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Whole‐brain chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging with optimized turbo spin echo readout
Authors: Zhang Yi , Yong Xingwang , Liu Ruibin , Tang Jibin , Jiang Hongjie , Fu Caixia , Wei Ruili , Hsu Yi‐Cheng , Sun Yi , Luo Benyan , Wu Dan 
Published: February 2020

PurposeTo achieve fast whole‐brain chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging with negligible susceptibility artifact.MethodsAn optimized turbo spin echo readout module, also known as sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolutions (SPACE), was deployed in the CEST sequence. The SPACE‐CEST sequence was tested in a phantom, 6 healthy volunteers, and 3 brain tumor patients on a 3T human scanner. A dual‐echo gradient echo sequence was used for B0 inhomogeneity mapping. In addition, the proposed SPACE‐CEST sequence was compared with the widely used turbo spin echo‐CEST sequence for amide proton transfer–weighted (APTw) images.ResultsThe SPACE‐CEST sequence generated highly consistent APTw maps to those of the turbo spin echo‐CEST sequence in the phantom. In healthy volunteers, the SPACE‐CEST sequence yielded whole‐brain 2.8‐mm isotropic APTw source images within 5 minutes, with no discernible susceptibility artifact. As for the B0 maps in the whole brain, its mean, median, and standard deviation B0 offset values were 5.0 Hz, 5.6 Hz, and 16 Hz, respectively. Regarding the APTw map throughout the whole brain, its mean, median, and standard deviation values were 0.78%, 0.56%, and 1.74%, respectively. The SPACE‐CEST sequence was also successfully applied to a postsurgery brain tumor patient, suggesting no disease progression. In addition, on the newly diagnosed brain tumor patients, the SPACE‐CEST and turbo spin echo‐CEST sequences yielded essentially identical APTw values.ConclusionThe proposed SPACE‐CEST technique can rapidly generate whole‐brain CEST source images with negligible susceptibility artifact.
Small fiber neuropathy in Sjögren syndrome: Comparison with other small fiber neuropathies
Authors: Descamps Elise , Henry Julien , Labeyrie Céline , Adams David , Ghaidaa Adebs Nasser , Vandendries Christophe , Adam Clovis , Aiello David , Mariette Xavier , Seror Raphaèle 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionWe compared histological and clinical profiles of primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) small fiber neuropathy (SFN; pSS‐SFN) with idiopathic SFN (i‐SFN) and hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis SFN (hATTR‐SFN) and described the evolution of pSS‐SFN.MethodsAll patients with pSS‐SFN, i‐SFN, and hATTR‐SFN confirmed by reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density on skin biopsy were retrospectively included, and their characteristics were compared. To analyze prognosis of pSS‐SFN, patients prospectively underwent a second evaluation.ResultsFifteen pSS‐SFN, 17 hATTR‐SFN, and 11 i‐SFN were included. Time to diagnosis SFN was longer in pSS‐SFN and i‐SFN than in hATTR‐SFN. Painful and non–length‐dependent patterns were more frequent in pSS‐SFN than in hATTR‐SFN. Twelve (80%) patients with pSS‐SFN had a non–length‐dependent pattern. Ten patients with pSS were reassessed after 3.1 years (1.7–4.7); none developed large fiber neuropathy linked to pSS.DiscussionPrimary Sjögren syndrome SFN is characterized by a more frequent non–length‐dependent pattern compared with i‐SFN and hATTR‐SFN. Primary Sjögren syndrome SFN did not evolve through large fiber neuropathy.