bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Location of Small Intracanalicular Vestibular Schwannomas Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Koen Nicholas , Shapiro Chandler , Kozin Elliott D. , Cunnane Mary E. , Remenschneider Aaron K. , McKenna Michael J. , Jung David H. 
Published: December 2019

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) were proposed to arise from the glial–Schwann cell junction within the internal auditory canal (IAC). However, otopathology studies indicate that VS may arise anywhere along the course of the vestibular nerve. Recent studies suggested that the majority of tumors are located centrally within the IAC with an equal distribution near the porus acusticus and the fundus. However, these studies analyzed tumors of all sizes, obscuring their precise origin. Herein, we aim to quantify the position of small intracanalicular tumors (<5 mm), assessing hearing outcomes and growth patterns in relation to tumor position. Of the 38 small intracanalicular tumors analyzed, 61% originated closest to the fundus, 34% at the midpoint, and only 5% closest to the porus acusticus. Tumors were observed with serial magnetic resonance imaging for 3.37 ± 2.65 years (mean ± SD) without intervention. Our findings indicate a lateral predominance of small VS within the IAC, an independence between tumor location and hearing outcomes, and further support the slow natural progression of VS.
Synthesis and characterization of dextran ester derivatives and their adhesive properties
Authors: Togo Azusa , Enomoto Yukiko , Takemura Akio , Iwata Tadahisa 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPolysaccharides are promising renewable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, and are high-value-added materials in various industries. In this work, we synthesized dextran (α-1,6-glucan) ester derivatives substituting acyl groups with different carbon numbers from acetate to laurate. We found that the thermal stability of dextran was improved by esterification. Moreover, using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction, we revealed that dextran ester derivatives were amorphous. Self-standing, transparent, solvent-cast films of dextran ester derivatives were prepared. Dextran ester derivatives adhered to various materials, including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films, wood, glass, and aluminum. In addition, the adhesive interfaces were transparent, which is important for practical applications. The adhesive strength for PVA films increased with concentration, exceeding the breaking strength of the PVA film at 0.3 g/mL. Moreover, dextran valerate and dextran hexanoate behaved as hot-melt-type adhesives. These results demonstrate the potential of dextran ester derivatives as biomass-based adhesives.
Facile fabrication of mesostructured natural rubber/silica nanocomposites with enhanced thermal stability and hydrophobicity
Authors: Chaowamalee Supphathee , Ngamcharussrivichai Chawalit 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNatural rubber (NR)/hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) nanocomposites (NRHMS) with enhanced thermal and hydrophobic properties were facilely prepared via in situ sol–gel formation with pH adjustment using a low sulphuric acid (H2SO4) acid concentration. The effect of the amount of 0.5 M H2SO4 (2.5–10 g) added into the pre-synthesis mixture on the physicochemical properties of the obtained NRHMS nanocomposites was investigated. With a small addition of H2SO4 solution, the fabricated NRHMS nanocomposite possessed an improved wormhole-like mesostructure arrangement with a thicker silica wall, which retarded the thermal decomposition of the NR phase, as deduced from the auto-oxidation of NR by thermogravimetric analysis. The H2O adsorption–desorption measurement revealed an increased hydrophobicity of the NRHMS composites, explained by the acid-catalyzed bridging of free silanol groups to siloxane bonds, which was supported by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental mapping revealed a good dispersion of the NR phase within the mesostructured silica. However, a high amount of added H2SO4 solution led to silica–NR phase separation due to the decreased hydrophobic interaction between the silica precursor and rubber chain, as well as an agglomeration of the NR phase itself. The mechanism of NRHMS nanocomposite formation under pH-controlled conditions was proposed to proceed via a cooperative self-assembly route.
Clinical method evaluation of hemoglobin S and C identification by top-down selected reaction monitoring and electron transfer dissociation
Authors: Lassout Olivier , Hartmer Ralf , Jabs Wolfgang , Clerici Lorella , Tsybin Yury O. , Samii Kaveh , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Hochstrasser Denis , Scherl Alexander , Lescuyer Pierre , Coelho Graça Didia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Biological diagnosis of hemoglobin disorders is a complex process relying on the combination of several analytical techniques to identify Hb variants in a particular sample. Currently, hematology laboratories usually use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), capillary electrophoresis and gel-based methods to characterize Hb variants. Co-elution and co-migration may represent major issues for precise identification of Hb variants, even for the most common ones such as Hb S and C.

Methods
We adapted a top-down selected reaction monitoring (SRM) electron transfer dissociation (ETD) mass spectrometry (MS) method to fit with a clinical laboratory environment. An automated analytical process with semi-automated data analysis compatible with a clinical practice was developed. A comparative study between a reference HPLC method and the MS assay was performed on 152 patient samples.

Results
The developed workflow allowed to identify with high specificity and selectivity the most common Hb variants (Hb S and Hb C). Concordance of the MS-based approach with HPLC was 71/71 (100%) for Hb S and 11/11 (100%) for Hb C.

Conclusions
This top-down SRM ETD method can be used in a clinical environment to detect Hb S and Hb C.
Domestic work stress and self-rated psychological health among women: a cross-sectional study in Japan
Authors: Maeda Eri , Nomura Kyoko , Hiraike Osamu , Sugimori Hiroki , Kinoshita Asako , Osuga Yutaka 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Despite the huge burden of domestic work on women in Japan, its effects on their health have been poorly investigated. We aimed to assess the association between domestic work stress and self-rated psychological health among women.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey using an online social research panel in February 2018. Participants were 2,000 women with paid work (the “workers” group) and 1,000 women without paid work (the “homemakers” group), aged between 25 and 59 years old and living with a partner. Self-rated psychological health (Mental Health and Vitality scales of the Japanese SF-36), occupational and domestic work stress (the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire), the 10-item Work–Family Conflict Scale, and sociodemographic factors were assessed.

Results
The workers had lower domestic job control and higher support from a partner and their parents than the homemakers (p < 0.001), whereas domestic job demand and psychological health were similar between the groups. After adjustment for the covariates using multiple linear regression models, better psychological health was significantly associated with lower domestic job demand, higher domestic job control, and having a young child in both groups. In addition, work–family conflicts and occupational job stress among the workers and caregiving among the homemakers showed negative associations with psychological health.

Conclusion
Self-rated psychological health in women was associated with domestic work stress regardless of employment status. To promote women’s health, we need to take into account the effects of domestic work, work–family conflicts, and social support from families, as well as occupational factors.
Characterization of residential household dust from Shanghai by particle size and analysis of organophosphorus flame retardants and metals
Authors: Li Li , Qiu Yanling , Gustafsson Åsa , Krais Annette M. , Weiss Jana M. , Lundh Thomas , Bergman Åke 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Physical and biological properties of dust particles might affect the availability and distribution of chemicals associated to indoor dust; however it has not been adequately examined. In this study, household dust from Shanghai was fractionated into five particle sizes and size distribution, morphology, surface area, organic matter, microorganisms, elemental composition, metals and organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) compositions were characterized. Also, household dust samples from Stockholm that has previously been characterized were included in the analysis of OPFRs for comparison.

Results
The respirable fraction had a yield of 3.3% in mass percentage, with a particle size of 2.22 ± 2.04 µm. As expected, both metals and OPFRs concentrations increased with decreased particle size. Al and Fe dominated (66–87%) followed by the concentrations of Zn (5–14%) and Ga (1.8–5%) of the sum of 16 metals in the dust. The concentrations of OPFRs in Shanghai dust ranged from 5.34 to 13.7 µg/g (median: 7.21 µg/g), compared to household dust from Stockholm that ranged from 16.0 to 28.3 µg/g (median: 26.6 µg/g). Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) dominated in Shanghai dust samples while tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) dominated in dust from Stockholm homes.

Conclusion
The results showed that mass percentage for each particle size fraction was not evenly distributed. Furthermore, the particle-bound microorganisms and OPFRs increased with decreased particle size, whereas metals had the highest concentrations at specific dust sizes. Therefore, it is essential to select the proper particle size in order to assess any specific human exposure study to indoor pollutants.
Inferring Pareto-optimal reconciliations across multiple event costs under the duplication-loss-coalescence model
Authors: Mawhorter Ross , Liu Nuo , Libeskind-Hadas Ran , Wu Yi-Chieh 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Reconciliation methods are widely used to explain incongruence between a gene tree and species tree. However, the common approach of inferring maximum parsimony reconciliations (MPRs) relies on user-defined costs for each type of event, which can be difficult to estimate. Prior work has explored the relationship between event costs and maximum parsimony reconciliations in the duplication-loss and duplication-transfer-loss models, but no studies have addressed this relationship in the more complicated duplication-loss-coalescence model.

Results
We provide a fixed-parameter tractable algorithm for computing Pareto-optimal reconciliations and recording all events that arise in those reconciliations, along with their frequencies. We apply this method to a case study of 16 fungi to systematically characterize the complexity of MPR space across event costs and identify events supported across this space.

Conclusion
This work provides a new framework for studying the relationship between event costs and reconciliations that incorporates both macro-evolutionary events and population effects and is thus broadly applicable across eukaryotic species.
NaCl-responsive ROS scavenging and energy supply in alkaligrass callus revealed from proteomic analysis
Authors: Zhang Yongxue , Zhang Yue , Yu Juanjuan , Zhang Heng , Wang Liyue , Wang Sining , Guo Siyi , Miao Yuchen , Chen Sixue , Li Ying , Dai Shaojun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Salinity has obvious effects on plant growth and crop productivity. The salinity-responsive mechanisms have been well-studied in differentiated organs (e.g., leaves, roots and stems), but not in unorganized cells such as callus. High-throughput quantitative proteomics approaches have been used to investigate callus development, somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis, and stress response in numbers of plant species. However, they have not been applied to callus from monocotyledonous halophyte alkaligrass (Puccinellia tenuifora).

Results
The alkaligrass callus growth, viability and membrane integrity were perturbed by 50 mM and 150 mM NaCl treatments. Callus cells accumulated the proline, soluble sugar and glycine betaine for the maintenance of osmotic homeostasis. Importantly, the activities of ROS scavenging enzymes (e.g., SOD, APX, POD, GPX, MDHAR and GR) and antioxidants (e.g., ASA, DHA and GSH) were induced by salinity. The abundance patterns of 55 salt-responsive proteins indicate that salt signal transduction, cytoskeleton, ROS scavenging, energy supply, gene expression, protein synthesis and processing, as well as other basic metabolic processes were altered in callus to cope with the stress.

Conclusions
The undifferentiated callus exhibited unique salinity-responsive mechanisms for ROS scavenging and energy supply. Activation of the POD pathway and AsA-GSH cycle was universal in callus and differentiated organs, but salinity-induced SOD pathway and salinity-reduced CAT pathway in callus were different from those in leaves and roots. To cope with salinity, callus mainly relied on glycolysis, but not the TCA cycle, for energy supply.
Molecular evolution and expression of opsin genes in Hydra vulgaris
Authors: Macias-Muñoz Aide , Murad Rabi , Mortazavi Ali 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe evolution of opsin genes is of great interest because it can provide insight into the evolution of light detection and vision. An interesting group in which to study opsins is Cnidaria because it is a basal phylum sister to Bilateria with much visual diversity within the phylum.Hydra vulgaris(H. vulgaris) is a cnidarian with a plethora of genomic resources to characterize the opsin gene family. This eyeless cnidarian has a behavioral reaction to light, but it remains unknown which of its many opsins functions in light detection. Here, we used phylogenetics and RNA-seq to investigate the molecular evolution of opsin genes and their expression inH. vulgaris. We explored where opsin genes are located relative to each other in an improved genome assembly and where they belong in a cnidarian opsin phylogenetic tree. In addition, we used RNA-seq data from different tissues of theH. vulgarisadult body and different time points during regeneration and budding stages to gain insight into their potential functions.ResultsWe identified 45 opsin genes inH. vulgaris, many of which were located near each other suggesting evolution by tandem duplications. Our phylogenetic tree of cnidarian opsin genes supported previous claims that they are evolving by lineage-specific duplications. We identified twoH. vulgarisgenes (HvOpA1andHvOpB1) that fall outside of the two commonly determinedHydragroups; these genes possibly have a function in nematocytes and mucous gland cells respectively. We also found opsin genes that have similar expression patterns to phototransduction genes inH. vulgaris. We propose aH. vulgarisphototransduction cascade that has components of both ciliary and rhabdomeric cascades.ConclusionsThis extensive study provides an in-depth look at the molecular evolution and expression ofH. vulgarisopsin genes. The expression data that we have quantified can be used as a springboard for additional studies looking into the specific function of opsin genes in this species. Our phylogeny and expression data are valuable to investigations of opsin gene evolution and cnidarian biology.
Case reports of a c.475G>T, p.E159* lamin A/C mutation with a family history of conduction disorder, dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death
Authors: Yokokawa Tetsuro , Ichimura Shohei , Hijioka Naoko , Kaneshiro Takashi , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Kunii Hiroyuki , Nakazato Kazuhiko , Ishida Takafumi , Suzuki Osamu , Ohno Seiko , Aiba Takeshi , Ohtani Hiroshi , Takeishi Yasuchika 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Patients with some mutations in the lamin A/C (LMNA) gene are characterized by the presence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), conduction abnormalities, ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT), and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Various clinical features have been observed among patients who have the same LMNA mutation. Here, we show a family with cardiac laminopathy with a c.475G > T, p.E159* LMNA mutation, and a family history of conduction disorder, DCM, VT, and SCD.

Case presentation
A proband (female) with atrial fibrillation and bradycardia was implanted with a pacemaker in her fifties. Twenty years later, she experienced a loss of consciousness due to polymorphic VT. She had a serious family history; her mother and elder sister died suddenly in their fifties and sixties, respectively, and her nephew and son were diagnosed as having DCM. Genetic screening of the proband, her son, and nephew identified a nonsense mutation (c.475G > T, p.E159*) in the LMNA gene. Although the proband’s left ventricular ejection fraction remained relatively preserved, her son and nephew’s left ventricular ejection fraction were reduced, resulting in cardiac resynchronization therapy by implantation of a defibrillator.

Conclusions
In this family with cardiac laminopathy with a c.475G > T, p.E159* LMNA mutation, DCM, SCD, and malignant VT occurred. Clinical manifestation of various atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction occurred in an age-dependent manner in all family members who had the nonsense mutation. It appears highly likely that the E159* LMNA mutation is related to various cardiac problems in the family of the current report.
Intravascular ultrasound findings and stent implantation for a patient with coronary spastic angina at site of progressive atherosclerotic plaque and responded poorly to medical treatment: a case report
Authors: Wang Haoran , Peng Geng , Dong Yancai , Liu Dongliang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Most coronary spastic angina patients are responsive to coronary vasodilators therapy, and stent implantation is not recommended for regular use. We reported the angiographic and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images of a rare case who responded poorly to medical treatment due to progressive atherosclerotic plaque at the spastic site.

Case presentation
A 60-year-old man complaining of 1-month history of episodic chest pain at rest was admitted to our hospital. The diagnosis of coronary spastic angina was made based on the angiographic evidence of vasospasm at the right coronary artery (RCA). The patient responded poorly to conventional medical treatment during the 1-year follow-up. The repeated angiography revealed totally occlusion of the proximal segment of the RCA at the same location as 1 year before, and IVUS demonstrated there was vulnerable plaque and thrombus at the site of spasm. Episodic chest pain ceased completely in the follow up period after stenting.

Conclusion
Coronary spasm might present at the vessel site with advanced atherosclerotic plaque. For patients with refractory vasospastic angina and significant occlusion, stenting might be a viable and valuable treatment strategy under the guidance of intracoronary imaging.
TIA and minor stroke: a qualitative study of long-term impact and experiences of follow-up care
Authors: Turner Grace M. , McMullan Christel , Atkins Lou , Foy Robbie , Mant Jonathan , Calvert Melanie 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke are often considered transient events; however, many patients experience residual problems and reduced quality of life. Current follow-up healthcare focuses on stroke prevention and care for other long-term problems is not routinely provided.
We aimed to explore patient and healthcare provider (HCP) experiences of residual problems post-TIA/minor stroke, the impact of TIA/minor stroke on patients’ lives, and current follow-up care and sources of support.

Methods
This qualitative study recruited participants from three TIA clinics, seven general practices and one community care trust in the West Midlands, England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 TIA/minor stroke patients and 24 HCPs from primary, secondary and community care. Data was analysed using framework analysis.

Results
A diverse range of residual problems were reported post-TIA/minor stroke, including psychological, cognitive and physical impairments. Consultants and general practitioners generally lacked awareness of these long-term problems; however, there was better recognition among nurses and allied HCPs. Residual problems significantly affected patients’ lives, including return to work, social activities, and relationships with family and friends. Follow-up care was variable and medically focused. While HCPs prioritised medical investigations and stroke prevention medication, patients emphasised the importance of understanding their diagnosis, individualised support regarding stroke risk, and addressing residual problems.

Conclusion
HCPs could better communicate information about TIA/minor stroke diagnosis and secondary stroke prevention using lay language, and improve their identification of and response to important residual impairments affecting patients.
Physicians’ experiences with euthanasia: a cross-sectional survey amongst a random sample of Dutch physicians to explore their concerns, feelings and pressure
Authors: Evenblij Kirsten , Pasman H. Roeline W. , van Delden Johannes J. M. , van der Heide Agnes , van de Vathorst Suzanne , Willems Dick L. , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje D. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Physicians who receive a request for euthanasia or assisted suicide may experience a conflict of duties: the duty to preserve life on the one hand and the duty to relieve suffering on the other hand. Little is known about experiences of physicians with receiving and granting a request for euthanasia or assisted suicide. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the concerns, feelings and pressure experienced by physicians who receive requests for euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Methods
In 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 3000 Dutch physicians. Physicians who had been working in adult patient care in the Netherlands for the last year were included in the sample (n = 2657). Half of the physicians were asked about the most recent case in which they refused a request for euthanasia or assisted suicide, and half about the most recent case in which they granted a request for euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Results
Of the 2657 eligible physicians, 1374 (52%) responded. The most reported reason not to participate was lack of time. Of the respondents, 248 answered questions about a refused euthanasia or assisted suicide request and 245 about a granted EAS request. Concerns about specific aspects of the euthanasia and assisted suicide process, such as the emotional burden of preparing and performing euthanasia or assisted suicide were commonly reported by physicians who refused and who granted a request. Pressure to grant a request was mostly experienced by physicians who refused a request, especially if the patient was ≥80 years, had a life-expectancy of ≥6 months and did not have cancer. The large majority of physicians reported contradictory emotions after having performed euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Conclusions
Society should be aware of the impact of euthanasia and assisted suicide requests on physicians. The tension physicians experience may decrease their willingness to perform euthanasia and assisted suicide. On the other hand, physicians should not be forced to cross their own moral boundaries or be tempted to perform euthanasia and assisted suicide in cases that may not meet the due care criteria.