bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stand Structure, Regeneration Status and Distribution Patterns of Six Important Tree Species along Altitudinal Gradients at the Kilum-Ijim Forest Reserve, Cameroon
Authors: Nworo Franklin Bantar , Ndah Njoh Roland , Andrew Egbe Enow 
Published: May 2020

Tropical montane forests are considered to be one of the most species diverse ecosystems. These areas pose specific edaphic and environmental characteristics which enable these areas to harbour wide varieties of organisms. Some of these organisms are threatened and others are endemic to the area. The quest for food and other resources has resulted to indiscriminate exploitation of these montane forest. This study aimed to investigate the stand structure, distribution patterns and regeneration status of six tree species (Nuxia congesta, Pittosporum mannii, Podocarpu slatifolius, Prunus africana, Schefflera abyssinica and Syzygium guineense) along altitudinal gradients in the Kilum-Ijim Forest Reserve, Cameroon. A total of six study plots of one hectare (100 x100 m) each were laid across a 120 m elevation gradient. Two plots were established at each altitudinal gradient with elevations 2377 m, 2437 m and 2497 m. Measurements were taken for tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH 1.3 m) for the tree and poles. The digital Vernier callipers were used to measure collar diameters of seedlings and saplings. The highest tree density of 385 stems/ha was recorded for N. congesta at altitude 2497 m while the least was 20 stems/ha for S. abyssinica at altitude 2377m. The highest seedling density was 1563 stems/ha recorded for P. mannii at altitude 2377m and the least was noted for S. abyssinica at all the three altitudinal gradients. Nuxia congesta had the highest basal area of 8809.23m2/ha at altitude 2437 m and the least of 74.82m2/ha for P. latifolius at altitude 2437 m. The highest IVI occurred in N. congesta (131.91) was recorded at altitude 2377 m and the least (24.91) occurred in P. latifolius at altitude 2437 m. The spatial distributions of studied tree species were generally clumped and irregular. The regenerations of species were generally poor, though fair regenerations were noticed for N. congesta and P. mannii. The results showed that the six tree species were highly disturbed by anthropogenic activities. It is therefore imperative to develop and implement effective conservation measures to sustain the biodiversity of this reserve.
Molecular Detection of Mycological Content in Ready to Eat Garri in Bayelsa State
Authors: Tolulope Alade , Ewaoche Itodo Sunday , Olorode Oluwayemisi Agnes , Deborah Levi 
Published: May 2020

Background and Objective: Garri is a powdery carbohydrate-based food material of cassava root tubers (Manihot esculenta Crantz) consumed predominantly in West African countries. It can be processed with palm oil rich in carotenoid (Light-yellow) or without palm oil (Creamy-white). In Nigeria, garri is widely acceptable and consumed by both the poor, the middle men or average Nigerian, and also the rich because it serves as a major source of carbohydrate.
The study aimed at detecting fungal strains that produce mycotoxins in garri sourced from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Materials and Methods: A total number of fifty freshly prepared and market displayed-garri samples were collected and processed using standard mycological techniques and Polymerase Chain Reaction from the 23 villages that constitute the LGA.
Results: Results showed that the moulds isolated in yellow garri samples in this study were; Aspergillus spp 9(37.50%),Cladosporium spp 5(20.83%), Fusarium spp 4(16.67%), Penicillus spp 3(12.50%), Rhizopus spp 2(8.30%) and Mucor spp 1(4.17%), while those isolated in the white garri samples were; Aspergillus spp 6(25%), Penicillium spp 8(33.3%), Cladosporium spp 4(16.7%), Rhizopus spp 2(8.3%), Mucor spp 1(4.1%), Alternaria spp 2(8.3%) and Fusarium spp 1(4.1%) with predominance of Penicillium and Asperigellus species. Twenty samples subjected to molecular analysis to determine the Internal Transcribed Spacer region (ITS) and characterization of the fungal strains were all positive (100%).
Conclusion: Fungal contamination on garri mostly results from unhealthy post-processing activity basically from poor packaging and storage. Mycotoxins from fungal strains have serious health implications on humans therefore it is paramount that proper packaging and storage of this product is publicized to reduce its mycological contamination.
Autologous apoptotic neutrophils inhibit inflammatory cytokine secretion by human dendritic cells, but enhance Th1 responses
Authors: Majai Gyöngyike Emese , Gogolák Péter , Tóth Márta , Hodrea Judit , Horváth Dorottya , Fésüs László , Rajnavölgyi Éva , Bácsi Attila 
Published: May 2020

Neutrophils represent the most abundant cell type in peripheral blood and exhibit a remarkably brief (6–8 h) half‐life in circulation. The fundamental role of these professional phagocytes has been established in acute inflammation, based on their potential to both initiate and receive inflammatory signals. Furthermore, neutrophils also take part in maintaining chronic inflammatory processes, such as in various autoimmune diseases. Here, we demonstrate that human autologous apoptotic neutrophils are readily engulfed by immature monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (moDCs) with similar efficiency as allogeneic apoptotic neutrophils [Majai G et al. (2010) J Leukoc Biol 88, 981–991]. Interestingly, in contrast to the allogeneic system, exposure of moDCs to autologous apoptotic neutrophils inhibits LPS + IFN‐γ‐induced production of inflammatory cytokines in a phagocytosis‐independent manner. Autologous apoptotic neutrophil‐primed DCs are able to modulate T‐cell responses by inducing the generation of IFN‐γ‐secreting cells while hampering that of IL‐17A‐producing cells. Our observations indicate that capture of autologous apoptotic neutrophils by immature DCs may impede further neutrophil‐mediated phagocytosis and tissue damage, and allow increased clearance of dying cells by macrophages.
Definition of internal target volumes based on planar X‐ray fluoroscopic images for lung and hepatic stereotactic body radiation therapy. Comparison to inhale/exhale CT technique
Authors: Sevillano David , Núñez Luis Miguel , Chevalier Margarita , García‐Vicente Feliciano 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeTo compare tumor motion amplitudes measured with 2D fluoroscopic images (FI) and with an inhale/exhale CT (IECT) techniqueMaterials and methodsTumor motion of 52 patients (39 lung patients and 13 liver patients) was obtained with both FI and IECT. For FI, tumor detection and tracking was performed by means of a software developed by the authors. Motion amplitude and, thus, internal target volume (ITV), were defined to cover the positions where the tumor spends 95% of the time. The algorithm was validated against two different respiratory motion phantoms. Motion amplitude in IECT was defined as the difference in the position of the centroid of the gross tumor volume in the image sets of both treatments.ResultsImportant differences exist when defining ITVs with FI and IECT. Overall, differences larger than 5 mm were obtained for 49%, 31%, and 9.6% of the patients in Superior‐Inferior (SI), Anterior‐Posterior (AP), and Lateral (LAT) directions, respectively. For tumor location, larger differences were found for tumors in the liver (73.6% SI, 27.3% AP, and 6.7% in LAT had differences larger than 5 mm), while tumors in the upper lobe benefitted less using FI (differences larger than 5 mm were only present in 27.6% (SI), 36.7% (AP), and 0% (LAT) of the patients).ConclusionsUse of FI with the linac built‐in CBCT system is feasible for ITV definition. Large differences between motion amplitudes detected with FI and IECT methods were found. The method presented in this work based on FI could represent an improvement in ITV definition compared to the method based on IECT due to FI permits tumor motion acquisition in a more realistic situation than IECT.
Clinical and genetic characteristics of type I sialidosis patients in mainland China
Authors: Lv Rui‐Juan , Li Tao‐Ran , Zhang Yu‐Di , Shao Xiao‐Qiu , Wang Qun , Jin Li‐Ri 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveType I sialidosis (ST‐1) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder. To date, there has been no study on ST‐1 patients in mainland China.MethodsWe reported in detail the cases of five Chinese ST‐1 patients from two centers, and summarized all worldwide cases. Then, we compared the differences between Chinese and foreign patients.ResultsA total of 77 genetically confirmed ST‐1 patients were identified: 12 from mainland China, 23 from Taiwan, 10 from other Asian regions, and 32 from European and American regions. The mean age of onset was 16.0 ± 6.7 years; the most common symptoms were myoclonus seizures (96.0%), followed by ataxia (94.3%), and blurred vision (67.2%). Compared to other groups, the onset age of patients from mainland China was much younger (10.8 ± 2.7 years). The incidence of visual impairment was lower in patients from other Asian regions than in patients from mainland China and Taiwan (28.6% vs. 81.8%–100%). Cherry‐red spots were less frequent in the Taiwanese patients than in patients from other regions (27.3% vs. 55.2%–90.0%). Furthermore, 48 different mutation types were identified. Chinese mainland and Taiwanese patients were more likely to carry the c.544A > G mutation (75% and 100%, respectively) than the patients from other regions (only 0%–10.0%). Approximately 50% of Chinese mainland patients carried the c.239C > T mutation, a much higher proportion than that found in the other populations. In addition, although the brain MRI of most patients was normal, 18F‐FDG‐PET analysis could reveal cerebellar and occipital lobe hypometabolism.InterpretationST‐1 patients in different regions are likely to have different mutation types; environmental factors may influence clinical manifestations. Larger studies enrolling more patients are required.
Reductive Alkylation of Amines with Carboxylic Ortho Esters
Authors: Kadyrov Renat , Moebus Konrad 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe have demonstrated for the first time that carboxylic ortho esters could be used as an alkylating agent in the reductive alkylation of amines. A variety of amines, including amino acid esters, were alkylated affording mono‐alkylated products with high selectivity in practical to high yields using standard heterogeneous catalysts. By applying acyclic ortho esters alkylation was completed at room temperature.magnified image
Survival analysis of the Black Death: Social inequality of women and the perils of life and death in Medieval London
Authors: Godde Kanya , Pasillas Valerie , Sanchez America 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesDescribed as an indiscriminate killer by many chroniclers, the Black Death descended on London during the 14th century. To best understand the pattern of transmission among demographic groups, models should include multiple demographic and health covariates concurrently, something rarely done when examining Black Death, but implemented in this study to identify which demographic groups had a higher susceptibility. Female predisposition to the Black Death was also explored, focusing on whether social inequality added to vulnerability.Materials and methodsThree attritional cemeteries from the Wellcome Osteological Research Database were compared with the Black Death cemetery, East Smithfield. A Cox proportional hazards regression estimated hazards ratios of dying of the Black Death, using transition analysis ages‐at‐death as the time variable, and sex and frailty as covariates. Additionally, a binomial logistic regression generated odds ratios for age‐at‐death, sex, and frailty.ResultsThe Cox model produced a significant hazards ratio for individuals deemed frail. Similarly, the logit model calculated significantly increased odds ratios for frail individuals, and decreased odds for individuals aged 65+.DiscussionThe older individuals were not undergoing growth during times of great stress in London pre‐dating the Black Death epidemic, which may explain the decreased odds of contracting the Black Death. Further, although women dealt with social inequality, which partially led to the demographic puzzle of the Medieval “missing” women, women's susceptibility to infection by the Black Death was not increased. The phenomenon of the missing women may be due to a combination of factors, including infant and child mortality and preservation.
The use of balloon dilation in revision sinus surgery
Authors: Jang David W. , Cyr Derek D. , Schulz Kristine , Scher Richard , Ryan Phil , Abi Hachem Ralph , Witsell David L. 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundRecent studies have demonstrated a dramatic increase in the use of balloon sinus dilation (BSD) in the United States. However, the use of BSD specifically in revision sinus surgery has not been investigated. This study addresses the question of how BSD is utilized as a tool in revision sinus surgery.MethodsData from MarketScan (Truven Health) over a 5‐year period (2012‐2016) were analyzed. Patients who underwent a sinus procedure with a minimum of 2 years of follow‐up were included.ResultsA total of 62,304 patients met inclusion criteria; 6847 (10.99%) underwent revision. Age >55 years, the South geographical region, and medical comorbidities increased the odds of revision on multivariate analysis. For patients undergoing revision, BSD was used 11%, 21%, and 13% of the time for revisions of the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses, respectively. For a sinus that underwent revision after an initial BSD, a repeat BSD was done close to 40% of the time.ConclusionBSD is used frequently in the revision setting, especially for the frontal sinus and for patients who had already undergone an initial BSD. Our findings highlight the prevalent role of BSD in revision surgery and the need to evaluate such practices.
Aktivierung einer Metall‐Halogen‐Bindung durch Halogenbrücken
Authors: Wolf Julian , Huber Florian , Erochok Nikita , Heinen Flemming , Guérin Vincent , Legault Claude Y. , Kirsch Stefan F. , Huber Stefan M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn den letzten Jahren haben Halogenbrücken (XB) als nichtkovalente Wechselwirkung vermehrt Anwendung in der Organokatalyse gefunden. Jedoch beschränkten sich Berichte über die Aktivierung von Metall‐Ligand‐Bindungen durch XB bisher auf Reaktionen mit elementarem Iod oder Brom. Hier präsentieren wir die Aktivierung von Metall‐Halogen‐Bindungen durch zwei Klassen inerter Halogenbrückendonoren und die Anwendung der resultierenden aktivierten Komplexe in der homogenen Goldkatalyse. Iodolium‐Derivate erwiesen sich als effektive Aktivatoren in zwei Testreaktionen und ihre Aktivität konnte über das Blockieren der Lewis‐sauren Positionen moduliert werden. Bis(benzimidazolium)‐basierte Halogenbrückenaktivatoren lieferten noch schnelleren Umsatz, während die nicht‐iodierte Referenzverbindung nur geringe Aktivität zeigte. Die Rolle von Halogenbrücken in der Aktivierung von Metall‐Halogen‐Bindungen wurde darüber hinaus durch NMR‐Experimente und DFT‐Rechnungen untersucht, die Halogenbrücken als Hauptmodus der Aktivierung bestätigten.
Epidermal growth factor‐immobilized surfaces for the selective expansion of neural progenitor cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Yamauchi Yuka , Hirata Isao , Tanimoto Kotaro , Kato Koichi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNeural progenitor cells (NPCs) are considered to be a promising source for stem cell‐based regenerative therapy for central nervous disorders. However, the widespread clinical application of NPCs requires another technology that permits the efficient production of pure NPCs in large quantities. In this study, culture substrates were designed by immobilizing epidermal growth factor (EGF) onto the substrate and evaluated for their feasibility of expanding NPCs obtained through the neurosphere culture of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. After three passages we obtained neurospheres that contained cells abundantly expressing an EGF receptor. The neurospheres were dissociated into single cells and seeded onto the EGF‐immobilized substrates. It was observed that neurosphere‐forming cells seeded and cultured on the EGF‐immobilized surface formed a two‐dimensional cellular network characteristic of NPCs. These cells were found to be capable of being subcultured, while remaining their proliferation potential. Furthermore, a majority of cells (~99% of total cells) on the substrate was shown to express an NPC marker, nestin, whereas a limited number of cells (~1% of total cells) expressed neuronal marker, β‐tubulin III. These results as a whole demonstrate that the EGF‐immobilized substrate allows for iPS cell‐derived NPCs to efficiently proliferate while maintaining the undifferentiated state.
The effect of interbrain synchronization in gesture observation: A fNIRS study
Authors: Fronda Giulia , Balconi Michela 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionGestures characterize individuals' nonverbal communicative exchanges, taking on different functions. Several types of research in the neuroscientific field have been interested in the investigation of the neural correlates underlying the observation and implementation of different gestures categories. In particular, different studies have focused on the neural correlates underlying gestures observation, emphasizing the presence of mirroring mechanisms in specific brain areas, which appear to be involved in gesture observation and planning mechanisms.Materials and methodsSpecifically, the present study aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms, through the use of functional Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), underlying the observation of affective, social, and informative gestures with positive and negative valence in individuals' dyads composed by encoder and decoder. The variations of oxygenated (O2Hb) and deoxygenated (HHb) hemoglobin concentrations of both individuals were collected simultaneously through the use of hyperscanning paradigm, allowing the recording of brain responsiveness and interbrain connectivity.ResultsThe results showed a different brain activation and an increase of interbrain connectivity according to the type of gestures observed, with a significant increase of O2Hb brain responsiveness and interbrain connectivity and a decrease of HHb brain responsiveness for affective gestures in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and for social gestures in the superior frontal gyrus (SFG). Furthermore, concerning the valence of the observed gestures, an increase of O2Hb brain activity and interbrain connectivity was observed in the left DLPFC for positive affective gestures compared to negative ones.ConclusionIn conclusion, the present study showed different brain responses underlying the observation of different types of positive and negative gestures. Moreover, interbrain connectivity calculation allowed us to underline the presence of mirroring mechanisms involved in gesture‐specific frontal regions during gestures observation and action planning.
Adherence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients to tumor board recommendations
Authors: Rangabashyam Mahalakshmi S. , Lee Shi Yan , Tan Sher Yin , Mueller Stefan , Sultana Rehena , Ho Johnatton , Skanthakumar Thakshayeni , Tan Ngian Chye , Tan Hiang Khoon , Soo Khee Chee , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundMultidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings or tumor boards (TBs) are fundamental components of cancer treatment. Although their primary function is improved outcomes, this aspect is often underreported. The main objective of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) discussed at TBs, and to compare the effect of adherence and nonadherence to recommended treatment plans on outcomes.MethodsRetrospective data analysis was conducted of HNSCC patients those who were adherent and nonadherent to TB therapy recommendations during 2008‐2009 at a comprehensive cancer center. Fisher's exact test and t test were used for group‐wise comparison, and Kaplan‐Meier and logistic regression models, for survival analysis and determination of the contributing factors to nonadherence.ResultsComprehensive Treatment plans were recommended by TBs in 293 HNSCC patients with curative intent. Seventy‐two patients were excluded based on the selection criteria. Among the remaining 221 patients, 172 (77.9%) were adherent to TB recommendations, while 49 (22.1%) failed to comply. Patient (n = 36; 73.5%), clinician (n = 2; 4.1%), and disease‐related (n = 11; 22.4%) factors were significant contributors to nonadherence. Mean (±standard deviation (SD)) survival time was 55.6 ± 2.32 and 29.1 ± 4 months in the adherent and nonadherent groups, (P < .0001, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed that gender, ethnicity, higher T‐stage, and multimodal treatment were associated with nonadherence.ConclusionAdherence to TB recommendations improved overall survival, reflecting the importance of interdisciplinary expertise in contemporary cancer treatment. Early identification and intervention is crucial in “at risk” patients to prevent subsequent drop‐out from optimal cancer care.
Efficacy of NEPA, a fixed antiemetic combination of netupitant and palonosetron, vs a 3‐day aprepitant regimen for prevention of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in Chinese patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) in a randomized Phase 3 study
Authors: Chang Jianhua , Chen Gongyan , Wang Dong , Wang Guihua , Lu Shun , Feng Jifeng , Li Wei , Li Ping , Lanzarotti Corinna , Chessari Salvatore , Zhang Li 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNEPA is the only fixed combination antiemetic, comprised of an NK1RA (netupitant) and a 5‐HT3RA (palonosetron). In the first head‐to‐head trial to compare NK1RA‐containing regimens, a single oral dose of NEPA was non‐inferior to a 3‐day aprepitant/granisetron (APR/GRAN) regimen for the primary endpoint of overall (0‐120 hours) complete response (no emesis/no rescue). This pre‐specified analysis evaluates the efficacy of NEPA versus APR/GRAN in the subset of Chinese patients in the study. In addition, efficacy in patients at greatest emetic risk receiving high‐dose cisplatin (≥70 mg/m2) was explored. Chemotherapy‐naïve patients with solid tumors in this randomized, double‐blind study received either a single dose of NEPA prior to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy or a 3‐day regimen of APR/GRAN, both with dexamethasone on Days 1‐4. Efficacy was evaluated through complete response, no emesis, and no significant nausea rates during the acute (0‐24 hours), delayed (25‐120 hours) and overall phases as well as individual days post‐chemotherapy, as the daily course of CINV protection is often unstudied. The Chinese subset included 667 patients; of these, 363 (54%) received high‐dose cisplatin. Baseline characteristics were comparable. While response rates were similar for NEPA and APR/GRAN during the acute, delayed and overall phases, significantly fewer NEPA patients experienced breakthrough CINV on individual Days 3‐5 in both the Chinese patients and also in those receiving high‐dose cisplatin. As a fixed oral NK1RA/5HT3RA combination given once/cycle, NEPA is a convenient highly effective prophylactic antiemetic that may offer better protection from CINV than a 3‐day APR/GRAN regimen on Days 3‐5 following highly emetogenic chemotherapy.
SARS‐COV‐2 infection presenting as ST‐elevationmyocardial infarction
Authors: Castagna Francesco , Cerrud‐Rodriguez Roberto , Villela Miguel Alvarez , Bortnick Anna E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe describe a patient presenting with chest discomfort, anterolateral ST elevation, and developing acute cardiogenic shock secondary to SARS‐COV‐2infection—patient zero presenting to our institution's cardiac catheterization laboratory. The emergent presentation with limited clinical information led to exposure of personnel. The diagnosis was complicated by two negative tests for SARS‐COV‐2, and high‐clinical suspicion from the patient's occupational history led to additional testing in order to confirm the diagnosis.