bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homogenization of terrestrial mammals in fragmented rainforests: the loss of species turnover and its landscape drivers
Authors: Arce‐Peña Norma P. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Avila‐Cabadilla Luis Daniel , Moreno Claudia E. , Andresen Ellen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the factors and mechanisms shaping differences in species composition across space and time (β‐diversity) in human‐modified landscapes has key ecological and applied implications. This topic is, however, challenging because landscape disturbance can promote either decreases (biotic homogenization) or increases (biotic differentiation) in β‐diversity. We assessed temporal differences in intersite β‐diversity of medium‐bodied and large‐bodied mammals in the fragmented Lacandona rainforest, Mexico. We hypothesized that, given the relatively short history of land‐use changes in the region, and the gain and loss of some species caused by landscape spatial changes, β‐diversity would increase through time, especially its nestedness component. We estimated β‐diversity between 24 forest sites (22 forest patches and two continuous forest sites) in 2011 and 2017 to assess whether β‐diversity is decreasing or increasing in the region, and calculated its turnover and nestedness components to understand the mechanisms responsible for changes in β‐diversity, separately assessing mammal groups with different body mass, feeding guild, and habitat specialization. We then related such temporal changes in β‐diversity to temporal changes in five landscape variables (forest cover, matrix openness, number of patches, edge density and interpatch distance) to identify the landscape drivers of β‐diversity. In contrast with our expectations, β‐diversity decreased over time, suggesting an ongoing biotic homogenization process. This pattern was mostly driven by a decrease in species turnover in all mammal groups, especially in landscapes with decreasing forest cover and increasing forested matrices. Although the nestedness component showed a three‐fold increase through time, species turnover was 22 and six times higher than nestedness in 2011 and 2017, respectively. The decreased turnover appears to be driven by an increase in dispersal (i.e., spillover) of native species among patches. The prevalence of species turnover over nestedness indicates that different forest sites have a fairly distinct subset of species (i.e., high complementarity in species composition). Therefore, conserving all remaining forest patches and increasing forest cover is of utmost importance to effectively maintain β‐diversity and conserve the total diversity (γ) of mammal assemblages in this Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot.
Cu‐Catalyzed Phenol O‐Methylation with Methylboronic Acid
Authors: Bartlett Mairead E. , Zhu Yingchuan , Gaffney Uma Bhagwat , Lee Joyce , Wu Miranda , Sharew Betemariam , Chavez Angela K. , Gorin David J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA Cu‐catalyzed oxidative cross‐coupling of phenols with methylboronic acid to form aryl methyl ethers has been developed, expanding the scope of Chan‐Evans‐Lam alkylation. Electron‐deficient phenol derivatives with a broad array of functional groups are methylated in high yields. Increased reaction temperature and catalyst loading enables the methylation of substrates incorporating pyridine and dihydroquinolone motifs. Electron‐rich phenol derivatives are poor substrates for the methylation; the characterization of C−H homodimerization products formed from these substrates illuminates a competing mechanistic pathway.
Accessibility tools and resources: A reminder to create inclusive content
Authors: Talarico Donna 
Published: October 2021

When you're creating social media graphics, downloadable lead magnets, new academic program pages for your website, and email newsletters, are you keeping accessibility in mind? I certainly hope so. It's not only required by federal law for many colleges and universities, but it's simply the right thing to do — and will most likely lead to a better experience for all, not just for students with disabilities.
Classifying etiology of infantile spasms syndrome in resource‐limited settings: A study from the South Asian region
Authors: Wanigasinghe Jithangi , Sahu Jitendra Kumar , Madaan Priyanka , Fatema Kanij , Linn Kyaw , Chand Prem , Poudel Prakash , Hamed Esmatullah , Mynak Mimi L. , Hassan Samaahath 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveEtiological classification of infantile spasms syndrome (ISS) is important, considering the influence on prognosis based on the presence or absence of a known etiology. This study was performed to describe the limitations and difficulties experienced within the South Asian region when classifying the etiology of ISS according to the current recommendation.MethodData on healthcare indices and facilities related to management of ISS for the nine countries in the South Asian region were gathered by the South Asian West Syndrome Research Group. A Google survey was performed among three hundred and thirty pediatric neurologists in the region. The capacity within each country for investigating etiology of ISS according to current described benchmarks was evaluated. The difficulties experienced in this regard and the potential solutions were investigated.ResultsOne hundred and sixty pediatric neurologists (response rate 48%) from Bangladesh (19/25), India (94/255), Myanmar (11/11), Nepal (6/8), Pakistan (19/25), and from Sri Lanka (7/8) responded. Three countries had no pediatric neurology services. Fifty‐six percent attempted to classify ISS etiology according to classification outlined by International League Against Epilepsy in 2017. The facilities to perform metabolic, genetic, and immunological investigations were very limited. Lack of funding for investigations and poor laboratory support were the two most frequent barriers encountered. Sixty percent indicated that a separate classification is suitable for low‐income setting; 78% suggested inclusion of separate category as “incompletely investigated” as an alternative solution to mitigate the barrier of achieving a better understanding of the etiological subtypes seen more frequently in this region.SignificanceThe resources in South Asian region are limited to meet the recommendations for investigating etiology of ISS. Including the etiological subcategory “incompletely investigated” is proposed as an alternative to understand the true proportions of children in this region, with a definite known etiology and those with an unknown etiology.
Neuroblastoma—Telomere maintenance, deregulated signaling transduction and beyond
Authors: Stainczyk Sabine A. , Westermann Frank 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe childhood malignancy neuroblastoma belongs to the group of embryonal tumors and originates from progenitor cells of the sympathoadrenal lineage. Treatment options for children with high‐risk and relapsed disease are still very limited. In recent years, an ever‐growing molecular diversity was identified using (epi)‐genetic profiling of neuroblastoma tumors, indicating that molecularly targeted therapies could be a promising therapeutic option. In this review article, we summarize the various molecular subtypes and genetic events associated with neuroblastoma and describe recent advances in targeted therapies. We lay a strong emphasis on the importance of telomere maintenance mechanisms for understanding tumor progression and risk classification of neuroblastoma.
Poly‐L‐lysine‐coated α‐lactalbumin nanoparticles: preparation, effect of pH, and stability under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Jiménez‐Cruz Esmeralda , Cuevas‐Gómez Andrea P. , Unsworth Larry , Cornejo‐Mazón Maribel , Arroyo‐Maya Izlia J. , Hernandez‐Sanchez Humberto 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe development of bioactive compound delivery systems using protein‐based nanoparticles as carriers is a rapidly growing field of study. α‐Lactalbumin (α‐La) nanoparticles are adequate for this task because they are nonantigenic, biodegradable, and easily modifiable via the surface physical adsorption of other molecules. Here, the effect of poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) coating of α‐La nanoparticles on the stability against enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract was investigated.RESULTSα‐La nanoparticles were prepared by desolvation with acetone. It was observed that the pH of the initial protein suspension did not have a significant effect on the size, polydispersity index (PDI), or ζ‐potential of the nanoparticles, so the subsequent experiments were performed at pH 9, where 151.2 nm nanoparticles with a PDI of 0.072 and a ζ‐potential of −29.7 mV were obtained. The nanoparticles coating was performed with two MW‐range PLL at three concentrations. Coating efficiency increased as the polymer concentration increased and this was independent of the PLL MW. The best coating efficiency (90–95%) was obtained in the case of the 1 mg mL−1 PLL coating. Most PLL‐coated nanoparticles showed a good stability to the conditions of in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion compared with the uncoated nanoparticles.CONCLUSIONIt can be concluded that the acetone desolvation method at pH 9 is adequate to obtain α‐La nanoparticles with good characteristics. The process of PLL coating of nanoparticles showed an increase in efficiency with the increase in concentration of the polymer. The resulting coated nanoparticles had enhanced resistance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Using lysis therapy to treat five critically ill COVID‐19 patients who show echocardiographic criteria of right ventricular strain
Authors: Mahdy Ahmed , Abbas Eslam , Tarek Rawad , Jabbour Nawar , Al‐Foudri Huda 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNew options for treatment escalation in critically ill COVID‐19 patients are unmet need. Five critically ill patients were treated using a low‐dose protocol thrombolytic therapy in the form of intravenous alteplase infusion over 15 min (0.6 mg/kg). This therapeutic intervention yielded an immediate favorable outcome on follow up and all five patients were extubated and transferred to the ward. This report suggests that bedside echocardiography can be a beneficial tool in the urgent assessment of the right ventricle—to—pulmonary vascular coupling in mechanically ventilated COVID‐19 patients, and thrombolytic therapy may be beneficial in hemodynamically unstable patients who show echocardiographic criteria of right ventricular strain.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Disproportionate trauma, stress, and adversities as a pathway to health disparities among disenfranchised groups globally
Authors: Allwood Maureen A. , Ford Julian D. , Levendosky Alytia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGlobally, individuals and communities that are marginalized based on their identities are at heightened risk for exposure to traumatic stress and socioeconomic hardship. Marginalization and disproportionate risk for many types of adversities correspond with disparities in physical health, mental health, and overall well‐being. Together, the 12 empirical studies, one systematic review, and commentary in this special issue of the Journal of Traumatic Stress highlight the impact of discrimination and disproportionate adversity among groups marginalized based on race, ethnicity, nativity, caste, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, and medical status. Although most studies in this issue focus on the United States, the articles that focus on disparities and risk factors in India, El Salvador, Uganda, and Burundi provides a multicontinent global perspective. The global perspective, including the impact of the global pandemic, invites further examination of how disproportionate exposure to traumatic stress and adversity are associated with inequitable burden and health disparities worldwide. This special issue further highlights the developmental and multigenerational burden of systemic marginalization by including studies of children, young adults, adults, and parent–child dyads. Pathways for change and intervention are illustrated through a liberatory consciousness perspective, with one study utilizing liberatory media skills (e.g., positive media images and messages) to mitigate the adverse effects of trauma exposure on at‐risk young adults of color. Worldwide, research on the effects of trauma, stress, and adversities must examine contextual factors (e.g., economic hardship), marginalization (e.g., discrimination, identity factors), and the differential impact on health among individuals and communities.
Periosteal medial femoral condyle free flap for metacarpal nonunion
Authors: Christen Thierry , Krähenbühl Swenn M. , Müller Camillo T. , Durand Sébastien 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundMetacarpal nonunion is a rare condition. The osteogenic capacity of periosteal free flap was investigated in five patients with metacarpal nonunion and impaired bone vascularization.Patients and methodsSurgery was performed between 64 and 499 days after the initial bone osteosynthesis. The average age was 27.6 (range 16–32) years. Nonunion was caused by excessive periosteal removal in two patients, extensive open trauma in three. Four nonunions were diaphyseal, one metaphyseal. A periosteal medial femoral condyle free flap was raised on the descending genicular artery for four patients, the superomedial genicular artery for one. After osteosynthesis with a plate, the flap was wrapped around the metacarpal, overlapping the bone proximally and distally. The recipient vessel were the dorsal branch of the radial artery and a vena comitans in the anatomical snuffbox in four patients, at the base of the first webspace in one.ResultsThe flap size ranged from 5 × 3.5 cm to 8 × 4 cm. No postoperative complication occurred. Radiological bone union was achieved 3 to 8 months after surgery. One patient had a full range of motion, one a slight extension lag of the proximal interphalangeal joint, two moderate joint stiffness of the proximal interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joint (one requiring plate removal and extensor tenolysis), one severe stiffness that allowed using a hook grip which was the aim of the surgery.ConclusionIn case of metacarpal nonunion with impaired bone vascularization, the periosteal medial femoral condyle free flap provides an effective and biomimetic approach to bone healing.
Image‐based shading correction for narrow‐FOV truncated pelvic CBCT with deep convolutional neural networks and transfer learning
Authors: Rossi Matteo , Belotti Gabriele , Paganelli Chiara , Pella Andrea , Barcellini Amelia , Cerveri Pietro , Baroni Guido 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurpose: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a standard solution for in‐room image guidance for radiation therapy. It is used to evaluate and compensate for anatomopathological changes between the dose delivery plan and the fraction delivery day. CBCT is a fast and versatile solution, but it suffers from drawbacks like low contrast and requires proper calibration to derive density values. Although these limitations are even more prominent with in‐room customized CBCT systems, strategies based on deep learning have shown potential in improving image quality. As such, this article presents a method based on a convolutional neural network and a novel two‐step supervised training based on the transfer learning paradigm for shading correction in CBCT volumes with narrow field of view (FOV) acquired with an ad hoc in‐room system.Methods: We designed a U‐Net convolutional neural network, trained on axial slices of corresponding CT/CBCT couples. To improve the generalization capability of the network, we exploited two‐stage learning using two distinct data sets. At first, the network weights were trained using synthetic CBCT scans generated from a public data set, and then only the deepest layers of the network were trained again with real‐world clinical data to fine‐tune the weights. Synthetic data were generated according to real data acquisition parameters. The network takes a single grayscale volume as input and outputs the same volume with corrected shading and improved HU values.Results: Evaluation was carried out with a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, computed on 18 unique CT/CBCT pairs from six different patients from a real‐world dataset. Comparing original CBCT to CT and improved CBCT to CT, we obtained an average improvement of 6 dB on peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), +2% on structural similarity index measure (SSIM). The median interquartile range (IQR) Hounsfield unit (HU) difference between CBCT and CT improved from 161.37 (162.54) HU to 49.41 (66.70) HU. Region of interest (ROI)‐based HU difference was narrowed by 75% in the spongy bone (femoral head), 89% in the bladder, 85% for fat, and 83% for muscle. The improvement in contrast‐to‐noise ratio for these ROIs was about 67%.Conclusions: We demonstrated that shading correction obtaining CT‐compatible data from narrow‐FOV CBCTs acquired with a customized in‐room system is possible. Moreover, the transfer learning approach proved particularly beneficial for such a shading correction approach.
Utilizing flip angle/TR equivalence to reduce breath hold duration in hyperpolarized 129Xe 1‐point Dixon gas exchange imaging
Authors: Niedbalski Peter J. , Lu Junlan , Hall Chase S. , Castro Mario , Mugler John P. , Shim Yun M. , Driehuys Bastiaan 
Published: October 2021

PurposeTo reduce scan duration in hyperpolarized 129Xe 1‐point Dixon gas exchange imaging by utilizing flip angle (FA)/TR equivalence.MethodsImages were acquired in 12 subjects (n = 3 radiation therapy, n = 1 unexplained dyspnea, n = 8 healthy) using both standard (TR = 15 ms, FA = 20°, duration = 15 s, 998 projections) and “fast” (TR = 5.4 ms, FA = 12°, duration = 11.3 s, 2100 projections) acquisition parameters. For the fast acquisition, 3 image sets were reconstructed using subsets of 1900, 1500, and 1000 projections. From the resulting ventilation, tissue (“barrier”), and red blood cell (RBC) images, image metrics and biomarkers were compared to assess agreement between methods.ResultsImages acquired using both FA/TR settings had similar qualitative appearance. There were no significant differences in SNR, image mean, or image SD between images. Moreover, the percentage of the lungs in “defect”, “normal”, and “high” bins for each image (ventilation, RBC, barrier) was not significantly different among the acquisition types. After registration, comparison of 3D image metrics (Dice, volume similarity, average distance) agreed well between bins. Images using 1000 projections for reconstruction had no significant differences from images using all projections.ConclusionUsing flip angle/TR equivalence, hyperpolarized 129Xe gas exchange images can be acquired via the 1‐point Dixon technique in as little as 6 s, compared to ~15 s for previously reported parameter settings. The resulting images from this accelerated scan have no significant differences from the standard method in qualitative appearance or quantitative metrics.
Nanocomposite interface coupled with thickness optimization promoting water dissociation in heterogeneous bipolar membrane
Authors: Eswaraswamy Bhuvanesh , Goel Priya , Mandal Priyabrata , Chandra Anusha , Chattopadhyay Sujay 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBipolar membranes (BPMs) are multilayered composite film containing an interface layer sandwiched between cation exchange layer (CEL) and anion exchange layer (AEL), and are capable of dissociating water molecules under reverse bias potential. Woven fabric supported heterogeneous bipolar membranes (HBMs) were synthesized adopting layer‐by‐layer solvent casting technique. Nanocomposite layer based on sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) and GO (graphene oxide) were applied at the interface of CEL/AEL made of cation/anion exchange resins and poly (vinyl chloride) as binder to advance water dissociation in HBMs. Thickness of monopolar layers were initially optimized without any interfacial layer. Introduction of SPEEK interface substantially lowered onset water dissociation potential, Udiss (~1.87 V) relative to the HBM without interface (~3.27 V), which got further reduced (~1.80 V) by nanocomposite (GO + SPEEK) interface. Udiss recorded with SPEEK + GO as interface was much lower than some of the recently reported homogeneous BPM. The NaOH production from NaCl (1.0 mol⋅L−1) solution in a bipolar membrane electrodialysis set up containing synthesized HBM with nanocomposite interface (SPEEK + GO) was double than that of NaOH concentration obtained with HBM having no interface, where the current density was fixed at 50.0 mA·cm−2. Careful optimization of monopolar/interface layer thickness and composition of nanocomposite interface results in developing cost effective HBMs facilitating water dissociation at lower potential.
Infantile myofibromatosis: Excellent prognosis but also rare fatal progressive disease. Treatment results of five Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) trials and one registry
Authors: Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Vokuhl Christian , Seitz Guido , Sorg Benjamin , Tobias Möllers , von Kalle Thekla , Münter Marc , Bielack Stefan S. , Ladenstein Ruth , Ljungman Gustaf , Niggli Felix , Frühwald Michael , Loff Stefan , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundInfantile myofibromatosis (IM) is a rare benign soft tissue tumor and often a self‐limiting disease but rarely includes life‐threatening complications. Little is known about optimal treatment of primary localized (LD) and multifocal disease (MFD).MethodsTreatment and outcome of 95 children with IM registered within five Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) trials and one registry (1981–2016) were evaluated.ResultsLD was diagnosed in 71 patients at a median age of 0.4 years (range 0.0–17.7). MFD was present in 24 patients. The mainstay of treatment was watch‐and‐wait strategy (w&w) after initial biopsy or resection. Low‐dose chemotherapy (CHT) was administered to 16/71 (23%) patients with LD and eight of 24 (33%) patients with MFD, imatinib was added in two. A delayed resection was possible in eight of 71 (11%) and five of 24 (21%) patients with LD and MFD, respectively. Overall, patients were alive in complete remission (n = 77) and partial remission (n = 10) at a median follow‐up time of 3.4 years after diagnosis (range 0.01–19.4); no data available (n = 5). Three patients died of progressive disease (PD) despite CHT. Gender, tumor size, and location correlated with a favorable event‐free survival (EFS) in patients with LD. The 5‐year EFS and overall survival of patients with LD were 73% (±12, confidence interval [CI] 95%) and 95% (±6, CI 95%), respectively; for MFD 51% (±22, CI 95%) and 95% (±10, CI 95%).ConclusionPrognosis is excellent in patients with LD and MFD. Targeted treatment needs to be evaluated for rare fatal PD.
Guidelines for radiotherapy of prostate cancer (2020 edition)
Authors: Li Gaofeng , Li Yexiong , Wang Junjie , Gao Xianshu , Zhong Qiuzi , He Liru , Li Chunmei , Liu Ming , Liu Yueping , Ma Mingwei , Wang Hao , Wang Xuan , Zhu Hui 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn recent years, the incidence of prostate cancer in China has shown a trend of continuous growth. Prostate cancer has become a urinary malignant tumor that seriously affects the health of men in China. Radical surgery and precision radiotherapy are the main methods of radical treatment for prostate cancer. Standardized diagnosis and treatment via a multidisciplinary team should be the standard practice to improve cure rate. Rapid development in imaging, pathology and molecular gene diagnosis has significantly changed the management of prostate cancer. In radiation oncology, image‐guided intensity modulated radiotherapy has been widely adopted in the treatment of prostate cancer. The comprehensive approach centered with radiotherapy has achieved excellent curative effect while continuously reducing treatment‐related side effects.