bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between supratentorial pediatric high-grade gliomas involved with the subventricular zone and decreased survival: a multi-institutional retrospective study
Authors: Mistry Akshitkumar M. , Mummareddy Nishit , CreveCoeur Travis S. , Lillard Jock C. , Vaughn Brandy N. , Gallant Jean-Nicolas , Hale Andrew T. , Griffin Natalie , Wellons John C. , Limbrick David D. , Klimo Paul , Naftel Robert P. 
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVEThe subventricular zone (SVZ), housed in the lateral walls of the lateral ventricles, is the largest neurogenic niche in the brain. In adults, high-grade gliomas in contact or involved with the SVZ are associated with decreased survival. Whether this association holds true in the pediatric population remains unexplored. To address this gap in knowledge, the authors conducted this retrospective study in a pediatric population with high-grade gliomas treated at three comprehensive centers in the United States.METHODSThe authors retrospectively identified 63 patients, age ≤ 21 years, with supratentorial WHO grade III–IV gliomas treated at three academic centers. Basic demographic and clinical data regarding presenting signs and symptoms and common treatment variables were obtained. Preoperative MRI studies were evaluated to assess SVZ contact by tumor and to quantify tumor volume.RESULTSSixty-three patients, including 34 males (54%), had a median age of 12.3 years (IQR 6.50–16.2) and a median tumor volume of 39.4 ml (IQR 19.4–65.8). Tumors contacting the SVZ (SVZ+) were noted in 34 patients (54%) and overall were larger than those not in contact with the SVZ (SVZ−; 51.1 vs 27.3, p = 0.002). The SVZ+ tumors were also associated with decreased survival. However, age, tumor volume, tumor grade, and treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation were not associated with survival in the 63 patients. In the univariable analysis, near-total resection, gross-total resection, and seizure presentation were associated with increased survival (HR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.06–0.88, p = 0.03; HR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.09–0.74, p = 0.01; and HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.22–0.97, p = 0.04, respectively). In a multivariable stepwise Cox regression analysis, only SVZ+ tumors remained significantly associated with decreased survival (HR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.03–3.64, p = 0.04).CONCLUSIONSHigh-grade glioma contact with the SVZ neural stem cell niche was associated with a significant decrease in survival in the pediatric population, as it is in the adult population. This result suggests that tumor contact with the SVZ is a general negative prognosticator in high-grade glioma independent of age group and invites biological investigations to understand the SVZ’s role in glioma pathobiology.
Hydrocephalus in children with ruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Stricker Sarah , Boulouis Grégoire , Benichi Sandro , Gariel Florent , Garzelli Lorenzo , Beccaria Kevin , Chivet Anais , de Saint Denis Timothee , James Syril , Paternoster Giovanna , Zerah Michel , Bourgeois Marie , Boddaert Nathalie , Brunelle Francis , Meyer Philippe , Puget Stephanie , Naggara Olivier , Blauwblomme Thomas 
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVEHydrocephalus is a strong determinant of poor neurological outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In children, ruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are the dominant cause of ICH. In a large prospective cohort of pediatric patients with ruptured bAVMs, the authors analyzed the rates and predictive factors of hydrocephalus requiring acute external ventricular drainage (EVD) or ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS).METHODSThe authors performed a single-center retrospective analysis of the data from a prospectively maintained database of children admitted for a ruptured bAVM since 2002. Admission clinical and imaging predictors of EVD and VPS placement were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical models.RESULTSAmong 114 patients (mean age 9.8 years) with 125 distinct ICHs due to ruptured bAVM, EVD and VPS were placed for 55/125 (44%) hemorrhagic events and 5/114 patients (4.4%), respectively. A multivariate nominal logistic regression model identified low initial Glasgow Coma Scale (iGCS) score, hydrocephalus on initial CT scan, the presence of intraventicular hemorrhage (IVH), and higher modified Graeb Scale (mGS) score as strongly associated with subsequent need for EVD (all p < 0.001). All children who needed a VPS had initial hydrocephalus requiring EVD and tended to have higher mGS scores.CONCLUSIONSIn a large cohort of pediatric patients with ruptured bAVM, almost half of the patients required EVD and 4.4% required permanent VPS. Use of a low iGCS score and a semiquantitative mGS score as indicators of the IVH burden may be helpful for decision making in the emergency setting and thus improve treatment.
The impact of platelet-rich plasma on postoperative outcomes after spinal fusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yolcu Yagiz Ugur , Wahood Waseem , Eissa Abdullah T. , Alvi Mohammed Ali , Freedman Brett A. , Elder Benjamin D. , Bydon Mohamad 
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVEPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biological agent obtained by centrifuging a sample of blood and retrieving a high concentration of platelets and plasma components. The concentrate is then stimulated for platelet secretion of various growth factors and cytokines. Although it is not widely used in clinical practice, its role in augmenting bony union among patients undergoing spinal fusion has been assessed in several clinical studies. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature to determine the efficacy of PRP use in spinal fusion procedures.METHODSA comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE for studies from all available dates. From eligible studies, data regarding the fusion rate and method of assessing fusion, estimated blood loss (EBL), and baseline and final visual analog scale (VAS) scores were collected as the primary outcomes of interest. Patients were grouped by those undergoing spinal fusion with PRP and bone graft (PRP group) and those only with bone graft (graft-only group).RESULTSThe literature search resulted in 207 articles. Forty-five full-text articles were screened, of which 11 studies were included, resulting in a meta-analysis including 741 patients. Patients without PRP were more likely to have a successful fusion at the last follow-up compared with those with PRP in their bone grafts (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.34–0.84; p = 0.006). There was no statistically significant difference with regard to change in VAS scores (OR 0.00, 95% CI −2.84 to 2.84; p > 0.99) or change in EBL (OR 3.67, 95% CI −67.13–74.48; p = 0.92) between the groups.CONCLUSIONSThis study found that the additional use of PRP was not associated with any significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes and was actually found to be associated with lower fusion rates compared with standard grafting techniques. Thus, PRP may have a limited role in augmenting spinal fusion.
Improvement in cervical lordosis and sagittal alignment after vertebral body sliding osteotomy in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and kyphosis
Authors: Lee Dong-Ho , Lee Choon Sung , Hwang Chang Ju , Cho Jae Hwan , Park Jae-Woo , Park Kun-Bo 
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVEVertebral body sliding osteotomy (VBSO) is a safe, novel technique for anterior decompression in patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Another advantage of VBSO may be the restoration of cervical lordosis through multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) above and below the osteotomy level. This study aimed to evaluate the improvement and maintenance of cervical lordosis and sagittal alignment after VBSO.METHODSA total of 65 patients were included; 34 patients had undergone VBSO, and 31 had undergone anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). Preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiographs were used to evaluate the improvements in cervical lordosis and sagittal alignment after VBSO. C0–2 lordosis, C2–7 lordosis, segmental lordosis, C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were measured. Subgroup analysis was performed between 15 patients with 1-level VBSO and 19 patients with 2-level VBSO. Patients with 1-level VBSO were compared to patients who had undergone 1-level ACCF.RESULTSC0–2 lordosis (41.3° ± 7.1°), C2–7 lordosis (7.1° ± 12.8°), segmental lordosis (3.1° ± 9.2°), and C2–7 SVA (21.5 ± 11.7 mm) showed significant improvements at the final follow-up (39.3° ± 7.2°, 13° ± 9.9°, 15.2° ± 8.5°, and 18.4 ± 7.9 mm, respectively) after VBSO (p = 0.049, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.038, respectively). The postoperative segmental lordosis was significantly larger in 2-level VBSO (18.8° ± 11.6°) than 1-level VBSO (10.3° ± 5.5°, p = 0.014). The final segmental lordosis was larger in the 1-level VBSO (12.5° ± 6.2°) than the 1-level ACCF (7.2° ± 7.6°, p = 0.023). Segmental lordosis increased postoperatively (p < 0.001) and was maintained until the final follow-up (p = 0.062) after VBSO. However, the postoperatively improved segmental lordosis (p < 0.001) decreased at the final follow-up (p = 0.045) after ACCF.CONCLUSIONSNot only C2–7 lordosis and segmental lordosis, but also C0–2 lordosis and C2–7 SVA improved at the final follow-up after VBSO. VBSO improves segmental cervical lordosis markedly through multiple ACDFs above and below the VBSO level, and a preserved vertebral body may provide more structural support.
Usefulness of whole blood viscosity estimated by de Simeone’s formula to predict left ventricular thrombus formation within one year following acute anterior myocardial infarction
Authors: Çırakoğlu Ömer Faruk , Aslan Ahmet Oguz , Yilmaz Ahmet Seyda , Kul Selim , Dursun İhsan 
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in treatment of ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI), thrombus formation in the left ventricle is still a concerning complication that may lead to systemic thromboembolism and stroke. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the predictive value of estimated whole blood viscosity (WBV) for left ventricular thrombus development in patients surviving an acute anterior myocardial infarction (AAMI). MATERIALS \& METHODS: Seven hundred eighty AAMI patients who were treated percutaneously were enrolled consecutively. Serial echocardiographic examinations were performed within 24h of admission, before hospital discharge, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following hospital discharge. WBV was calculated according to de Simones formula. RESULTS: One hundred patients (12.8%) developed thrombus formation within one year following AAMI. Patients with left ventricular thrombus (LVT) had significantly higher WBV values. Supramedian values of WBV at both low (0.5 sec−1) and high (208 sec−1) shear rates were found to be an independent predictor of LVT development. CONCLUSION: As an easily accessible parameter, WBV might be a useful predictor of LVT formation within one year following acute anterior myocardial infarction.
Validation of the Correlation Between Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs307826 in VEGFR3 and Outcome in Metastatic Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Sunitinib
Authors: Beuselinck Benoit , Van Brussel Thomas , Verbiest Annelies , Vanmechelen Maxime , Couchy Gabrielle , Oudard Stéphane , Elaïdi Reza , Roussel Eduard , Albersen Maarten , Debruyne Philip , Baldewijns Marcella , Machiels Jean-Pascal , Richard Vincent , Verschaeve Vincent , Wolter Pascal , Rioux-Leclercq Nathalie , Laguerre Brigitte , Zucman-Rossi Jessica , Lambrechts Diether 
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND: Previously, we have shown a correlation between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs307826 in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR3) and outcome in metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (m-ccRCC) patients treated with sunitinib. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to validate this finding in an independent patient series. METHODS: m-ccRCC patients receiving sunitinib as first-line targeted therapy were included in a validation cohort. Endpoints were response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We also updated survival data of our discovery cohort as described previously. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients were included in the validation cohort. rs307826 AG/GG-carriers had a shorter PFS (8 versus 12 months, p = 0.04) and a trend towards a shorter OS (18 versus 27 months, p = 0.22) compared to AA-carriers. In the total series of 168 patients (from the discovery cohort, as described previously, and the validation cohort), rs307826 AG/GG-carriers had a poorer RR (29% versus 53%, p = 0.008), PFS (8 versus 15 months, p = 0.0002) and OS (22 versus 31 months, p = 0.004) compared to AA-carriers. rs307826 was independently associated with PFS and OS on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: VEGFR3 rs307826 seems to be associated with outcome on sunitinib in m-ccRCC. Its impact highlights the role of VEGFR3 in ccRCC pathogenesis and as a target of sunitinib.
Association between dietary intake and nutritional status in Eastern Mediterranean patients receiving hemodialysis
Authors: Markaki Anastasia , Psylinakis Emmanuel , Theodoridis Xenophon , Dimitropoulakis Petros , Charonitaki Aikaterini , Spyridaki Aspasia 
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND: Studies on hemodialysis (HD) patients reveal suboptimal dietary intakes, which have been linked to protein-energy wasting and its detrimental consequences. OBJECTIVE: Given the paucity of data regarding nutrient intakes of Eastern Mediterranean HD patients, we conducted a pilot study on HD patients at Heraklion, Crete, Greece to assess adequacy of dietary intakes and to determine their relationship with nutritional status. METHODS: Nutritional status of 36 patients aged 61.8±15.0 years was evaluated by three 24-hour dietary recalls, anthropometry and blood biochemical markers. RESULTS: The mean dietary energy and protein intakes were 34.4±2.1 kcal/kg and 1.25±0.067 g/kg, respectively. The anthropometric results were indicative of a well-maintained somatic status. 30.6% of the patients had adequate weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and 69.4% were overweight or obese (BMI≥25 kg/m2). Patients had arm anthropometrics higher than the 25th percentile. Mean predialysis serum levels of urea and creatinine, were within the expected range, phosphorus was borderline high, while albumin and cholesterol were at the optimum level for HD patients. In univariate linear regression, a positive relation was observed between ideal weight-adjusted energy (wEI) and protein (wPI) intakes with anthropometric and biochemical indices. However, in the multivariate model, only the associations between dietary intakes of energy and protein with anthropometric indices remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: 24-hour derived-dietary intakes reached recommended targets and adequately reflected the nutritional status of the patients, according to anthropometric and biochemical indices. Additionally, the 24-hour recall method should be part of the routine care for HD patients, in order to identify patients at nutritional risk before objective parameters of wasting are documented.
Accuracies of Soil Moisture Estimations Using a Semi-Empirical Model over Bare Soil Agricultural Croplands from Sentinel-1 SAR Data
Authors: Hoskera Anil Kumar , Nico Giovanni , Irshad Ahmed Mohammed , Whitbread Anthony 
Published: May 2020

This study describes a semi-empirical model developed to estimate volumetric soil moisture ( ϑ v ) in bare soils during the dry season (March–May) using C-band (5.42 GHz) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery acquired from the Sentinel-1 European satellite platform at a 20 m spatial resolution. The semi-empirical model was developed using backscatter coefficient ( σ ° dB ) and in situ soil moisture collected from Siruguppa taluk (sub-district) in the Karnataka state of India. The backscatter coefficients σ V V 0 and σ V H 0 were extracted from SAR images at 62 geo-referenced locations where ground sampling and volumetric soil moisture were measured at a 10 cm (0–10 cm) depth using a soil core sampler and a standard gravimetric method during the dry months (March–May) of 2017 and 2018. A linear equation was proposed by combining σ V V 0 and σ V H 0 to estimate soil moisture. Both localized and generalized linear models were derived. Thirty-nine localized linear models were obtained using the 13 Sentinel-1 images used in this study, considering each polarimetric channel Co-Polarization (VV) and Cross-Polarization (VH) separately, and also their linear combination of VV + VH. Furthermore, nine generalized linear models were derived using all the Sentinel-1 images acquired in 2017 and 2018; three generalized models were derived by combining the two years (2017 and 2018) for each polarimetric channel; and three more models were derived for the linear combination of σ V V 0 and σ V H 0 . The above set of equations were validated and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was 0.030 and 0.030 for 2017 and 2018, respectively, and 0.02 for the combined years of 2017 and 2018. Both localized and generalized models were compared with in situ data. Both kind of models revealed that the linear combination of σ V V 0 + σ V H 0 showed a significantly higher R2 than the individual polarimetric channels.
The recent state of cryopreservation techniques for ex-situ gene conservation and breeding purposes in small ruminants: A review
Authors: Mujitaba Malam Abulbashar , Vass Nóra , Bodó Szilárd 
Published: May 2020

The viewpoint of the recent cryopreservation techniques (CT) suggests the use of a reduced volume of cryopreservation solution, high concentration of cryoprotectants and ultra-rapid cooling and warming rates help to reduce cryo-injury and maximize the viability of the preserved animal genetic resources (AnGR). The CT had now become widely accepted as one of the best methods of choice for the ex-situ conservation of AnGR due to its high success rate recorded and no-invasive nature as compared to the conventional slow rate freezing (CSRF). Rapid advances and wide acceptability of the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART’s) particularly artificial insemination (AI) in animal breeding had resulted in a greater loss of a large number of good quality genes in virtually almost all the native breeds of animals across the globe. Small ruminant (SR) animals are not an exception in such present predicaments situation of erosion and dilution of the valuable AnGR among the native breeds. As a result of this, 148 and 16 breeds of sheep and goats respectively have already become extinct in Europe and the Caucasus. In view of the aforementioned situation, the present review aimed at exploring some of the current states of development, roles played and potentials of CT in the conservation of SR genes and genome for the immediate and future breeding purposes for sustainable development. It basically covers; animal genetic resource, the need to conserve AnGR, tools for ex situ in vitro conservation of AnGR and recent developments in breeding and cryopreservation of SR AnGR.
Cryopreservation is playing a pivotal role in ex-situ gene conservation of AnGR. Decline in genetic diversity among SR breed population was high in Europe and the Caucasus. There is therefore, need for improvent on current stringent measures on conservation of AnGR in this region of the world.
The impact of applying foliar fertilizers on the health condition of maize
Authors: Rácz Dalma Emese , Radócz László 
Published: May 2020

The nutrient supply of plants is becoming more important in plant protection since the appropriate condition of plants can be ensured by optimal and satisfactory nutrient supply to avoid nutritional deficiency diseases. Due to the extreme weather conditions, plants are forced to face several stress factors, which leads to deterioration of the plant health. The increasing occurrence of droughts poses threat to nutrient uptake through the roots since all the nutrients can be accessible to the plants only if they are in dissolved form in the soil – which is not possible in the absence of water. Therefore, the importance of foliar fertilizer is becoming a more and more significant part of the nutrient supply, because with the help of this technology the development of any nutrient deficiency can be prevented.
In this experiment, we focused on the efficiency of two different foliar fertilizers on maize. Foliar fertilizers were applied two times, once in the stage with 8 leaves and tasseling phenophase of the maize. To verify the efficiency of the foliar fertilizers, the chlorophyll content of untreated and treated plant’s leaves was measured after each application. Moreover, the length and diameter of maize cobs, thousand kernel weight, protein, oil and starch content were also measured, and the results were compared to the untreated (control) ones. According to the results, in all aspects significant differences were observed and due to the laboratory analysis of leaves, in the case of magnesium and zinc supply the foliar fertilizers were able to prevent the development of nutrient deficiency.
The effect of season on the microbiological status of raw milk
Authors: Szabóné Petróczki Flóra Mária , Béri Béla , Peles Ferenc 
Published: May 2020

Many factors can influence the microbiological quality of raw cow’s milk. In this study, our aim was to determine whether there was any difference between the microbiological statuses of milk produced in different seasons. Samples were collected and analysed from five dairy farms in Hajdú-Bihar County, from February to November in 2019. During our studies, total plate count (TPC), coliform count and Staphylococcus aureus count of raw cow’s milk samples were determined.
There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the mean TPC values detected in the milk collected in winter and autumn, but that values were significantly (P<0.05) lower than in the milk samples collected in spring and summer. Similarly to the TPC, in the case of coliform bacteria the lowest mean colony count was detected in the samples collected in winter. The difference was significant (P<0.05), compared to the values observed in the samples collected in summer. S. aureus was detected in bulk milk of only two farms in excess of 1.0 log10 cfu/ml. Also in case of S. aureus, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the values observed in the samples collected in winter and in summer. Samples from spring and summer contained the highest amount of S. aureus.
Based on the results of our studies, in the case of almost all farms the mean TPC, coliform and S. aureus counts were lower in the samples collected in winter, than in the samples collected in summer. The fact that the samples collected in winter contained the lowest amount of colonies could be attributed to the inhibition of growth of mesophilic microorganisms below 8 °C. Furthermore, the fact that we observed the highest colony counts in samples collected in summer, can be related to the heat stress of cows during the summer due to unfavorable weather conditions (high temperature and humidity).