bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysing the distance decay of community similarity in river networks using Bayesian methods
Authors: Dias Filipe S. , Betancourt Michael , Rodríguez-González Patricia María , Borda-de-Água Luís 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe distance decay of community similarity (DDCS) is a pattern that is widely observed in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Niche-based theories argue that species are sorted in space according to their ability to adapt to new environmental conditions. The ecological neutral theory argues that community similarity decays due to ecological drift. The continuum hypothesis provides an intermediate perspective between niche-based theories and the neutral theory, arguing that niche and neutral factors are at the opposite ends of a continuum that ranges from competitive to stochastic exclusion. We assessed the association between niche-based and neutral factors and changes in community similarity measured by Sorensen’s index in riparian plant communities. We assessed the importance of neutral processes using network distances and flow connection and of niche-based processes using Strahler order differences and precipitation differences. We used a hierarchical Bayesian approach to determine which perspective is best supported by the results. We used dataset composed of 338 vegetation censuses from eleven river basins in continental Portugal. We observed that changes in Sorensen indices were associated with network distance, flow connection, Strahler order difference and precipitation difference but to different degrees. The results suggest that community similarity changes are associated with environmental and neutral factors, supporting the continuum hypothesis.
Corneal confocal microscopy demonstrates axonal loss in different courses of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Fitzgerald Kathryn C. , Oakley Jonathan , Ponirakis Georgios , Khan Adnan , Gad Hoda , George Pooja , Deleu Dirk , Canibano Beatriz G. , Akhtar Naveed , Shuaib Ashfaq , Own Ahmed , Malik Taimur , Russakoff Daniel B. , Mankowski Joseph L. , Misra Stuti L. , McGhee Charles N. J. , Calabresi Peter , Saidha Shiv , Kamran Saadat , Malik Rayaz A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAxonal loss is the main determinant of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to assess the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in detecting corneal axonal loss in different courses of MS. The results were confirmed by two independent segmentation methods. 72 subjects (144 eyes) [(clinically isolated syndrome (n = 9); relapsing–remitting MS (n = 20); secondary-progressive MS (n = 22); and age-matched, healthy controls (n = 21)] underwent CCM and assessment of their disability status. Two independent algorithms (ACCMetrics; and Voxeleron deepNerve) were used to quantify corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) (ACCMetrics only), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) and corneal nerve fractal dimension (CNFrD). Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation with 95% confidence interval (CI). Compared to controls, patients with MS had significantly lower CNFD (34.76 ± 5.57 vs. 19.85 ± 6.75 fibers/mm2, 95% CI − 18.24 to − 11.59, P < .0001), CNFL [for ACCMetrics: 19.75 ± 2.39 vs. 12.40 ± 3.30 mm/mm2, 95% CI − 8.94 to − 5.77, P < .0001; for deepNerve: 21.98 ± 2.76 vs. 14.40 ± 4.17 mm/mm2, 95% CI − 9.55 to − 5.6, P < .0001] and CNFrD [for ACCMetrics: 1.52 ± 0.02 vs. 1.45 ± 0.04, 95% CI − 0.09 to − 0.05, P < .0001; for deepNerve: 1.29 ± 0.03 vs. 1.19 ± 0.07, 95% − 0.13 to − 0.07, P < .0001]. Corneal nerve parameters were comparably reduced in different courses of MS. There was excellent reproducibility between the algorithms. Significant corneal axonal loss is detected in different courses of MS including patients with clinically isolated syndrome.
Selection and stability validation of reference gene candidates for transcriptional analysis in Rousettus aegyptiacus
Authors: Friedrichs Virginia , Balkema-Buschmann Anne , Dorhoi Anca , Pei Gang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBats are the only mammals capable of powered flight and their body temperature can reach up to 42 °C during flight. Additionally, bats display robust type I IFN interferon (IFN-I) responses and some species constitutively express IFN-α. Reference genes with stable expression under temperature oscillations and IFN-I release are therefore critical for normalization of quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) data in bats. The expression stability of reference genes in Rousettus aegyptiacus remains elusive, although this species is frequently used in the infection research. We selected ACTB, EEF1A1, GAPDH and PGK1 as candidate reference genes and evaluated their expression stability in various tissues and cells from this model bat species upon IFN-I treatment at 35 °C, 37 °C and 40 °C by qRT-PCR. We employed two statistical algorithms, BestKeeper and NormFinder, and found that EEF1A1 exhibited the highest expression stability under all tested conditions. ACTB and GAPDH displayed unstable expression upon temperature change and IFN-I treatment, respectively. By normalizing to EEF1A1, we uncovered that GAPDH expression was significantly induced by IFN-I in R. aegyptiacus. Our study identifies EEF1A1 as the most suitable reference gene for qRT-PCR studies upon temperature changes and IFN-I treatment and unveils the induction of GAPDH expression by IFN-I in R. aegyptiacus. These findings are pertinent to other bat species and may be relevant for non-volant mammals that show physiological fluctuations of core body temperature.
Age-adjusted quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score for predicting mortality and disease severity in children with infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Eun Sohyun , Kim Haemin , Kim Ha Yan , Lee Myeongjee , Bae Go Eun , Kim Heoungjin , Koo Chung Mo , Kim Moon Kyu , Yoon Seo Hee 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the age-adjusted quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (qSOFA) for predicting mortality and disease severity in pediatric patients with suspected or confirmed infection. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Eleven studies with a total of 172,569 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of the age-adjusted qSOFA for predicting mortality and disease severity were 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53–0.81), 0.71 (95% CI 0.36–0.91), and 6.57 (95% CI 4.46–9.67), respectively. The area under the summary receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.733. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for predicting mortality were 0.73 (95% CI 0.66–0.79) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.21–0.92), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for predicting disease severity were 0.73 (95% CI 0.21–0.97) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.11–0.98), respectively. The performance of the age-adjusted qSOFA for predicting mortality and disease severity was better in emergency department patients than in intensive care unit patients. The age-adjusted qSOFA has moderate predictive power and can help in rapidly identifying at-risk children, but its utility may be limited by its insufficient sensitivity.
Vulnerability assessment of agricultural production systems to drought stresses using robustness measures
Authors: Cruz Marangely Gonzalez , Hernandez E. Annette , Uddameri Venkatesh 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntensification of droughts in agricultural areas threaten global food security. The impacts of drought stresses vary widely across a region, not only due to climate variability but also due to heterogeneous soil and groundwater buffering capacities which protect against droughts. An innovative drought vulnerability index was developed by reconciling the negative effects of drought stresses against the robustness offered by hydrologic buffers. Indicators for climate stresses, soil and groundwater buffering capacities were defined using physical principles and integrated using a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) framework. The framework was applied to delineate drought vulnerability of agricultural production systems and evaluate current cropping choices across the High Plains region of the US that is underlain by the Ogallala Aquifer. Current crop growth choices appeared to be compatible with the intrinsic drought vulnerabilities with cotton and sorghum grown in higher vulnerability areas and corn and soybean produced in areas with lower vulnerability. Nearly 50% of the aquifer region fell in the transition zone exhibiting medium to high vulnerabilities warranting the need for better water management to adapt to a changing climate.
Sex differences in metabolic pathways are regulated by Pfkfb3 and Pdk4 expression in rodent muscle
Authors: Christianto Antonius , Baba Takashi , Takahashi Fumiya , Inui Kai , Inoue Miki , Suyama Mikita , Ono Yusuke , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Morohashi Ken-ichirou 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSkeletal muscles display sexually dimorphic features. Biochemically, glycolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation occur preferentially in the muscles of males and females, respectively. However, the mechanisms of the selective utilization of these fuels remains elusive. Here, we obtain transcriptomes from quadriceps type IIB fibers of untreated, gonadectomized, and sex steroid-treated mice of both sexes. Analyses of the transcriptomes unveil two genes, Pfkfb3 (phosphofructokinase-2) and Pdk4 (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4), that may function as switches between the two sexually dimorphic metabolic pathways. Interestingly, Pfkfb3 and Pdk4 show male-enriched and estradiol-enhanced expression, respectively. Moreover, the contribution of these genes to sexually dimorphic metabolism is demonstrated by knockdown studies with cultured type IIB muscle fibers. Considering that skeletal muscles as a whole are the largest energy-consuming organs, our results provide insights into energy metabolism in the two sexes, during the estrus cycle in women, and under pathological conditions involving skeletal muscles.
Asymmetric bias-induced barrier lowering as an alternative origin of current rectification in geometric diodes
Authors: Bai Mengmeng , Zhao Yanqing , Xu Shuting , Tang Tao , Guo Yao 
Published: November 2021

AbstractGeometric diodes, which take advantage of geometric asymmetry to achieve current flow preference, are promising for THz current rectification. Previous studies relate geometric diodes’ rectification to quantum coherent or ballistic transport, which is fragile and critical of the high-quality transport system. Here we propose a different physical mechanism and demonstrate a robust current rectification originating from the asymmetric bias induced barrier lowering, which generally applies to common semiconductors in normal environments. Key factors to the diode’s rectification are carefully analyzed, and an intrinsic rectification ability at up to 1.1 THz is demonstrated.
Hierarchical Fe–Mn binary metal oxide core–shell nano-polyhedron as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient water splitting
Authors: Li Yun-Wu , Su Shi-Kun , Yue Cai-Zhen , Shu Jun , Zhang Peng-Fang , Du Fang-Hui , Wang Su-Na , Ma Hui-Yan , Yin Jie , Shao Xin 
Published: November 2021

A hierarchical Fe3O4@MnOx binary metal oxide core–shell nano-polyhedron executes excellent HER/OER bifunctional electrocatalytic activities due to abundant active sites and the synergistic effects of each component.
Planning for Implementation Science in Clinical Practice Research: An Augmentative and Alternative Communication Example
Authors: Binger Cathy , Douglas Natalie , Kent-Walsh Jennifer 
Published: November 2021

Purpose:
Most evidence-based clinical research findings in communication sciences and disorders never achieve full implementation by practicing clinicians. To address this almost universal problem, this tutorial focuses on the initial planning steps of including implementation methodologies as part of clinical practice research programs. Integrating the principles and methodologies of implementation science can shift the current reality, leading to better uptake of evidence-based interventions.

Method:
A step-by-step approach to integrating implementation science into new or existing research projects is provided, including the construction of a logic model, the selection of an implementation framework, and the selection of research methodologies. A detailed example of an augmentative and alternative communication research program is provided to illustrate the process.

Conclusions:
Readily available online tools can help researchers start the process of integrating implementation science into clinical practice research, and existing frameworks can assist with developing and guiding research programs to ensure maximal impact. If the ultimate goal is to improve the daily lives of individuals with communication disorders through the use of evidence-based practices, clinical practice researchers must integrate these approaches into their research programs.
Comparison of Maternal Serum Levels and Placental mRNA Levels of Dickkopf-1 in Preeclamptic and Normal Pregnant Women at Delivery
Authors: Kasoha Mariz , Takacs Zoltan , Fackiner Lena , Gerlinger Christoph , Sklavounos Panagiotis , Radosa Julia , Solomayer Erich-Franz , Hamza Amr 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background Preeclampsia remains a major cause of perinatal and maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is known to be critically involved in placenta development processes. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is a key regulator of this transduction pathway. The aim of this study is to compare maternal serum DKK1 levels and placental mRNA levels of DKK1 and β-catenin in preeclamptic and normal pregnant women at delivery.
Methods The present study included 30 women with preeclampsia and 30 women with normal pregnancy. Maternal serum DKK1 levels were measured by ELISA. Placental mRNA levels of DKK1 and β-catenin were detected using RT-PCR.
Results Decreased maternal serum DKK1 levels were associated with worse maternal and fetal complications including HELLP syndrome, determination of one or more pathological symptom and IUGR diagnosis. No significant difference in maternal serum DKK1 levels was reported between preeclamptic women and women with normal pregnancy. Placental mRNA DKK1 levels were lower in preeclamptic women compared with normal pregnant women. Placental mRNA β-catenin levels showed no significant difference between two groups.
Conclusions Our findings reported the aberrant placental mRNA DKK1 levels in patients with preeclampsia. In addition, worse preeclampsia features were associated with decreased maternal serum DKK1 levels. Hence, aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling might present a plausible mechanism in preeclampsia pathogenicity. Dysregulated expression of DKK1 at gene level in the placenta but not at protein level in the maternal serum might confirm the notion that preeclampsia is a type of placenta-derived disease.
The EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound – Part II: Joint Pathologies, Pediatric Applications, and Guided Procedures
Authors: Naredo Esperanza , Rodriguez-Garcia Sebastián C. , Terslev Lene , Martinoli Carlo , Klauser Andrea , Hartung Wolfgang , Hammer Hilde B. , Cantisani Vito , Zaottini Federico , Vlad Violeta , Uson Jacqueline , Todorov Plamen , Tesch Christian , Sudoł-Szopińska Iwona , Simoni Paolo , Serban Oana , Sconfienza Luca Maria , Sala-Blanch Xavier , Plagou Athena , Picasso Riccardo , Özçakar Levent , Najm Aurelie , Möller Ingrid , Micu Mihaela , Mendoza-Cembranos Dolores , Mandl Peter , Malattia Clara , Lenghel Manuela , Kessler Jens , Iohom Gabriella , de la Fuente Javier , DʼAgostino Maria Antonietta , Collado Paz , Bueno Angel , Bong David , Alfageme Fernando , Bilous Diana , Gutiu Roxana , Marian Anamaria , Pelea Michael , Fodor Daniela 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe second part of the Guidelines and Recommendations for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSUS), produced under the auspices of EFSUMB, following the same methodology as for Part 1, provides information and recommendations on the use of this imaging modality for joint pathology, pediatric applications, and musculoskeletal ultrasound-guided procedures. Clinical application, practical points, limitations, and artifacts are described and discussed for every joint or procedure. The document is intended to guide clinical users in their daily practice.
New Nasopharyngeal Flap for Posterior Skull-base Reconstruction: The Upper-Tongue Flap
Authors: Pezato Rogério , Dassi Camila , Stamm Aldo Cassol , Voegels Richard Louis 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Introduction Reconstructions of clival resection are still challenging, and additional reconstructive methods may be necessary to achieve full coverage of the skull-base defect in patients with middle- and lower-clivus disease.
Objective To describe a new nasopharyngeal flap for the middle and lower clivus.
Methods Using nasal endoscopy in a cadaver dissection, we demonstrated a new nasopharygeal flap to cover the lower and middle clival resection.
Results We described a new nasopharyngeal flap capable of covering the lower and middle portion of the clivus.
Discussion The new nasopharyngeal flap, called the upper-tongue flap, is particularly adequate as an alternative for the reconstruction of middle and lower clivus defects, and it is better used in association with a nasalseptal flap in cases in which the nasalseptal flap alone does not provide enough mucosal coverage.
Conclusion The new nasopharyngeal flap can be used in the reconstruction of clival resection.
Treatment Results for Stage III Laryngeal Cancer: Analysis of a Populational Database Using Propensity Scores
Authors: Köhler Hugo Fontan , Carvalho Genival Barbosa de , Kowalski Luiz Paulo 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Introduction Treatment of stage III laryngeal cancer suffered a major paradigm change with surgery being substituted by radiation therapy with chemotherapy.
Objective To evaluate the oncological outcome of different treatment modalities for stage III laryngeal cancer using a population database.
Methods A population database representing patients treated in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, was analyzed. Demographic, clinical and treatment variables were included, and the outcomes of interest were disease-specific and overall survival. Propensity score with nearest neighbor matching was used to compensate for imbalances in treatment groups.
Results We retrieved data from 1,804 patients. In multivariate analysis, age, female gender, payment source, clinical N stage (cN) stages, and treatment modality were significant for disease-specific and overall survival. Patients submitted to surgery treatment had a significantly better disease-specific (p < 0.001) and overall survival (p < 0.001) compared with chemoradiation. Propensity score matching was based on cN stage, gender, age, topography, and payment modality, and allowed the pairing of 685 patients from each treatment modality. There was a significant difference in disease-specific survival favoring surgery-based treatment (p = 0.017).
Conclusion The treatment choice has a significant impact on survival in patients with stage III laryngeal cancer with surgery-based treatment being superior to chemoradiotherapy (CRT).
Frequency-Following Response and Auditory Behavior in Children with Prenatal Exposure to the Zika Virus
Authors: Hora Laís Cristine Delgado da , Muniz Lilian Ferreira , Griz Silvana Maria Sobral , Silva Jéssica Dayane da , Britto Diana Babini Lapa de Albuquerque , Venâncio Leonardo Gleygson Angelo , Filho Demócrito de Barros Miranda , Leal Mariana de Carvalho 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Introduction Prenatal exposure to the Zika virus can impair neurodevelopment and cause auditory damage.
Objective To analyze the frequency-following response (FFR) and the auditory behavior (with the LittlEars
® questionnaire) of children with and without prenatal exposure to Zika virus infection.
Methods A total of 30 children participated in the present study, divided into 3 groups: 10 children with microcephaly and prenatal exposure to the Zika virus; 10 normocephalic children with prenatal exposure to the Zika virus; and 10 children with no evidence of prenatal exposure to the virus. The FFR test was performed with the /da/ syllable. The LittlEars
® questionnaire was used with parents/guardians.
Results For the FFR measurements, there was no difference between the groups. The children with exposure to the Zika virus presented a final score in the questionnaire below what is expected from children with normal hearing. A significant difference was observed for the final, semantic, and expressive scores between the group with microcephaly and the other groups. A strong negative correlation was seen between the LittlEars
® questionnaire final score and the FFR measurements for the group with microcephaly when compared with the other groups.
Conclusion Children exposed to the Zika virus, with and without microcephaly, presented FFR patterns similar to what was seen in children with no evidence of virus exposure. However, they showed signs of immature auditory behavior, suggesting auditory development delay.
DIGEST Scale Predictis More Quality of Life Than PAS: The Residue Influence on Supracricoid Laryngectomy
Authors: Freitas Andressa Silva de , Zica Guilherme Maia , Salles Mariana , Silva Ana Catarina Alves e , Silva Thiago Huaytalla , Dias Fernando Luiz , Santos Izabella Costa 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Introduction Supracricoid laryngectomy (SCL CHEP) removes ∼ 70% of the larynx, resulting in structural rearrangement and modification of the swallowing mechanism, promoting chronic dysphagia. One of the consequences of this new physiology is the formation of pharyngeal residues that can increase the possibility of aspiration. The formation of residues after SCL CHEP, its functional consequences, and its influence on quality of life (QOL) is still poorly described in the literature.
Objective To investigate and compare the association between self-reported QoL and objective assessments of swallowing function in patients undergoing SCL CHEP.
Methods A cross-sectional study was performed from 2018 to 2020 in a reference service for head and neck surgery in Brazil. A total of 860 swallowing videofluoroscopy images were evaluated using the Penetration and Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST).
Results In a group of 86 patients, there was a significant relationship between oncological staging and the global (p < 0.001) and total (p = 0.002) QoL domains. There was a negative correlation between the DIGEST scale and the emotional domain of the QoL protocol (p = 0.045). The swallowing function proved to be relevant for QoL.
Conclusion The PAS scale did not show any correlation with QoL. The functional performance of swallowing according to the DIGEST scale was coherent with the QOL scores. It is suggested that the residue may be a more relevant aspect for QoL than the aspiration, making DIGEST a promising tool in the assessment of dysphagic patients.