bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of self-descriptive apathy assessment in patients with neurological form of Wilson’s disease
Authors: Leśniak Marcin , Roessler-Górecka Magdalena , Członkowska Anna , Seniów Joanna 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background and aim
Apathy is one of the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Wilson’s disease (WD) which typically affects the brain’s fronto-basal circuits. Lack of agreed diagnostic criteria and common use of self-description assessment tools lead to underestimation of this clinical phenomenon. The aim of this study was to investigate whether subjective and informant-based clinical features of apathy in patients with WD enable clinicians to make a valid diagnosis.

Methods
Multiple aspects of goal-oriented behavior were assessed in 30 patients with the neurological form of WD and 30 age-matched healthy participants using two questionnaires, the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (LARS) and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX). Both included a self-descriptive and a caregiver/proxy version. Cognitive functioning was estimated with the use of Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised.

Results
Patients obtained significantly worse scores on all clinical scales when more objective measures were considered. Features of apathy and executive dysfunction were revealed in patients’ caregiver versions of LARS and DEX, which may indicate poor self-awareness of patients with WD. Roughly 30% of participants were likely to present with clinically meaningful symptoms, independent of cognitive dysfunction.

Conclusions
Methods relying on self-description appear inferior to informant-based scales when diagnosing apathy. More objective criteria and measurement tools are needed to better understand this clinical syndrome.
Indicators for site characterization at seismic station: recommendation from a dedicated survey
Authors: Cultrera Giovanna , Cornou Cécile , Di Giulio Giuseppe , Bard Pierre-Yves 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn recent years, the permanent seismic networks worldwide have largely increased, raising the amount of earthquake signals and the applications using seismic records. Although characterization of the soil properties at recording stations has a large impact on hazard estimates, it has not been implemented so far in a standardized way for reaching high-level metadata. To address this issue, we built an online questionnaire for the identification of the indicators useful for a reliable site characterization at a seismic station. We analysed the answers of a large number of experts in different fields, which allowed us to rank 24 different indicators and to identify the most relevant ones: fundamental frequency (f0), shear-wave velocity profile (VS), time-averaged Vs over 30 m (VS30), depth of seismological and engineering bedrock (Hseis_bed and Heng_bed), surface geology and soil class. Moreover, the questionnaire proposed two additional indices in terms of cost and difficulty to obtain a reliable value of each indicator, showing that the selection of the most relevant indicators results from a complex balance between physical relevancy, average cost and reliability. For each indicator we propose a summary report, provided as editable pdf, containing the background information of data acquisition and processing details, with the aim to homogenize site metadata information at European level and to define the quality of the site characterization (see companion paper Di Giulio et al. 2021). The selected indicators and the summary reports have been shared within European and worldwide scientific community and discussed in a dedicated international workshop. They represent a first attempt to reach a homogeneous set of high-level metadata for site characterization.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours Among Autistic Adults Presenting to the Psychiatric Emergency Department: An Exploratory Chart Review
Authors: Jachyra Patrick , Lai Meng-Chuan , Zaheer Juveria , Fernandes Natasha , Dale Michelle , Sawyer Amanda , Lunsky Yona 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDespite increasing attention on suicidality in autistic people, we know little about suicidal presentations when autistic individuals present to hospital emergency departments (ED). We conducted an exploratory retrospective chart review of suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STB) of autistic adults who presented to a psychiatric ED. The analysis included 16 charts over a 10-week period. Findings highlight that reported STB were not always the presenting issue. Life transitions and interpersonal conflicts were common antecedents, and active rumination about STB was distressing and fatiguing. Findings imply that ED visits serve as important opportunities for suicidal risk reduction for autistic individuals, through implementation of strategies for identification of STB such as active screening, and the provision of suicide resources tailored to autistic people.
Capsule networks for segmentation of small intravascular ultrasound image datasets
Authors: Bargsten Lennart , Raschka Silas , Schlaefer Alexander 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging is crucial for planning and performing percutaneous coronary interventions. Automatic segmentation of lumen and vessel wall in IVUS images can thus help streamlining the clinical workflow. State-of-the-art results in image segmentation are achieved with data-driven methods like convolutional neural networks (CNNs). These need large amounts of training data to perform sufficiently well but medical image datasets are often rather small. A possibility to overcome this problem is exploiting alternative network architectures like capsule networks.

Methods
We systematically investigated different capsule network architecture variants and optimized the performance on IVUS image segmentation. We then compared our capsule network with corresponding CNNs under varying amounts of training images and network parameters.

Results
Contrary to previous works, our capsule network performs best when doubling the number of capsule types after each downsampling stage, analogous to typical increase rates of feature maps in CNNs. Maximum improvements compared to the baseline CNNs are 20.6% in terms of the Dice coefficient and 87.2% in terms of the average Hausdorff distance.

Conclusion
Capsule networks are promising candidates when it comes to segmentation of small IVUS image datasets. We therefore assume that this also holds for ultrasound images in general. A reasonable next step would be the investigation of capsule networks for few- or even single-shot learning tasks.
Overcoming Historical Barriers: Enhancing Positive Perceptions of Medical Research Among African Americans Through a Conference-Based Workshop
Authors: Brewer LaPrincess C. , Pasha Maarya , Seele Pernessa , Penheiter Sumedha , White Richard , Willis Floyd , Albertie Monica , Jenkins Sarah M. , Pullins Christopher 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
African Americans (AAs) and other racial/ethnic minority groups continue to be underrepresented in medical research and clinical trials. Failure to create more racially diverse research cohorts can exacerbate existing health disparities among these groups.

Objective
To investigate best practices and strategies for enhancing participation of AAs in medical research among attendees of a preconference Institute at a faith-based public health conference.

Design
Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Participants
A total of 21 out of 29 attendees (90% AA) of the Institute (72% response rate).

Approach
A culturally tailored preconference Institute was held at the 2017 Healthy Churches 2020 National Conference. The Institute was led by AA researchers focused on underrepresentation of AAs in medical research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted 1-year post-Institute (n=21) and were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed using thematic analysis.

Key Results
The majority of attendees reported that they were more likely to participate in medical research after attending the Institute (75%). Salient learning points reported by attendees demonstrated attainment of the Institute objectives. Key themes emerged describing barriers preventing AAs from participating in medical research including fear/lack of trust, lack of information on research projects, and not being approached to participate. Key themes regarding facilitators for participation in medical research by AAs were clear communication of study objectives and research benefits along with trust in researchers.

Conclusions
Attendees’ perceptions of participation in medical research were largely positive following their attendance at a conference-based Institute aimed to address the underrepresentation of AAs in medical research. Our culturally tailored approach to disseminating knowledge of the research process could extend to other national conferences prioritizing AAs and other racial/ethnic minority populations to improve research participation.
BAFF signaling drives interstitial transformation of mouse renal tubular epithelial cells in a Pin1-dependent manner
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Song Dan , Xu Renfang , He Xiaozhou 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAberrant expression of B cell–activating factor belonging to TNF superfamily (BAFF) and its receptors results in abnormal biological activities in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells and is closely associated with the occurrence and development of various diseases. However, the biological significance and potential mechanisms underlying BAFF signaling in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the biological role of BAFF signaling in RTECs. Mice primary RTECs were applied. The proliferation status and apoptotic rates were examined by MTS assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of BAFF and its receptors was analyzed via flow cytometry and sodium ion transport function, and cytokeratin-18 expression was detected through immunofluorescence staining. In addition, Pin1 was knocked down via siRNA and its expression was assessed through reverse transcription PCR. Lastly, western blotting was performed to analyze E-cadherin, ɑ-SMA, and Pin1 expression. Results suggested that BAFF-R was significantly upregulated upon IFN-γ stimulation, and enhancement of BAFF signaling promoted cell survival and reduced their apoptotic rate, while simultaneously reducing the epithelial phenotype and promoting the interstitial transformation of cells. Furthermore, Pin1 was significantly increased, along with the upregulation of BAFF signaling in the RTECs, and participated in interstitial transformation induced by BAFF signaling. Collectively, the present results elucidate the potential mechanism of loss of normal function of RTECs under long-term high dose of BAFF stimulation provides a potential therapeutic target for renal interstitial fibrosis, and underlining mechanisms of shortening of long-term outcomes of kidney allografts via augmenting of BAFF signaling.
Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy complication rate compared to traditional nipple-sparing mastectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Filipe M. D. , de Bock E. , Postma E. L. , Bastian O. W. , Schellekens P. P. A. , Vriens M. R. , Witkamp A. J. , Richir M. C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBreast cancer is worldwide the most common cause of cancer in women and causes the second most common cancer-related death. Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is commonly used in therapeutic and prophylactic settings. Furthermore, (preventive) mastectomies are, besides complications, also associated with psychological and cosmetic consequences. Robotic NSM (RNSM) allows for better visualization of the planes and reducing the invasiveness. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative complication rate of RNSM to NSM. A systematic search was performed on all (R)NSM articles. The primary outcome was determining the overall postoperative complication rate of traditional NSM and RNSM. Secondary outcomes were comparing the specific postoperative complication rates: implant loss, hematoma, (flap)necrosis, infection, and seroma. Forty-nine studies containing 13,886 cases of (R)NSM were included. No statistically significant differences were found regarding postoperative complications (RNSM 3.9%, NSM 7.0%, p = 0.070), postoperative implant loss (RNSM 4.1%, NSM 3.2%, p = 0.523), hematomas (RNSM 4.3%, NSM 2.0%, p = 0.059), necrosis (RNSM 4.3%, NSM 7.4%, p = 0.230), infection (RNSM 8.3%, NSM 4.0%, p = 0.054) or seromas (RNSM 3.0%, NSM 2.0%, p = 0.421). Overall, there are no statistically significant differences in complication rates between NSM and RNSM.
Immunology of Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Pastor Danielle M. , Schlom Jeffrey 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Patients with Lynch syndrome have a high probability of developing colorectal and other carcinomas. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the immunologic aspects of Lynch syndrome pathogenesis and provides an overview of potential immune interventions for patients with Lynch syndrome polyps and Lynch syndrome–associated carcinomas.

Recent Findings
Immunogenic properties of the majority of Lynch syndrome polyps and associated cancers include microsatellite instability leading to a high mutational burden and the development of novel frameshift peptides, i.e., neoantigens. In addition, patients with Lynch syndrome develop T cell responses in the periphery and in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to tumor-associated antigens, and a proinflammatory cytokine TME has also been identified. However, Lynch syndrome lesions also possess immunosuppressive entities such as alterations in MHC class I antigen presentation, TGFβ receptor mutations, regulatory T cells, and upregulation of PD-L1 on tumor-associated lymphocytes.

Summary
The rich immune microenvironment of Lynch syndrome polyps and associated carcinomas provides an opportunity to employ the spectrum of immune-mediating agents now available to induce and enhance host immune responses and/or to also reduce immunosuppressive entities. These agents can be employed in the so-called prevention trials for the treatment of patients with Lynch syndrome polyps and for trials in patients with Lynch syndrome–associated cancers.
Frontline Maintenance Treatment for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Elyashiv Osnat , Wong Yien Ning Sophia , Ledermann Jonathan A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynaecological cancer. Most patients with advanced disease will relapse within 3 years after primary treatment with surgery and chemotherapy. Recurrences become increasing difficult to treat due to the emergence of drug resistance and 5-year survival has changed little over the last decade. Maintenance treatment, here defined as treatment given beyond primary chemotherapy, can both consolidate the response and prolong the control of disease which is an approach to improve survival.

Recent Findings
Here we review maintenance strategies such as targeting angiogenesis, interference of DNA repair through inhibition of PARP, combinations of targeting agents, and immunotherapy and hormonal therapy.

Summary
Much has been learnt from the success and challenges of these treatments that have in the last few years which led to significant reduction in disease recurrence, changed the guidelines for treatment, and established a new paradigm for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Models for Treating Post-traumatic Headache
Authors: Kamins Joshua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo discuss the treatment of post-traumatic headache (PTH) and how to choose pharmacotherapy based upon known pathophysiology.Recent FindingsPreclinical models of traumatic brain injury are finally revealing some of the mechanisms of PTH, including the significant role that inflammatory neuropeptides like calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) play in the initiation and persistence of symptoms.SummaryTo effectively treat post-traumatic headache (PTH), one needs to understand the pathophysiology behind the initiation and persistence of symptoms. Recent animal models are starting to elucidate these mechanisms, but effective treatment will also likely rely on the identification of patients who are most at risk for persistent PTH. Trials of early, targeted therapy for at-risk patients will be needed to validate these hypotheses. Additionally, high powered clinical trials are lacking in the field of persistent PTH for medications that are known to be effective in primary headache disorders. Effective treatment for persistent PTH also requires understanding how headache interacts with the complex nature of persistent post-concussion symptoms, as this disease often necessitates a multi-disciplinary approach. Regardless, with the knowledge gained by new PTH models cited in this paper, and an increasing availability of novel headache medications, more effective treatment models are on the horizon.
Predictive factors of malignancy in pediatric patients with thyroid nodules and performance of the Italian classification (SIAPEC 2014) in the outcome of the cytological FNA categories
Authors: Tuli Gerdi , Munarin Jessica , Agosto Erica , Matarazzo Patrizia , Quaglino Francesco , Mormile Alberto , de Sanctis Luisa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The rate of malignancy (ROM) among pediatric studies using the Bethesda System is 39.5% and 41.5% for atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance and for suspected follicular neoplasm, respectively. Data reported on the basis of Bethesda System showed lower ROM in adults with indeterminate nodules (30.5 and 28.9% respectively). Studies on adults based on the Italian Society of Anatomic Pathology and Cytology (SIAPEC) classification, report ROM of 14.2% for TIR3a and 44.6% for TIR3b category, showing greater sensitivity in detecting malignancy. To date, no performance data are available about SIAPEC classification in pediatric age.

Methods
Retrospective data were collected from 200 pediatric subjects with thyroid nodules in the period 2000–2020.

Results
The distribution of cytological categories after fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was 7 TIR1, 4 TIR1c, 22 TIR2, 14 TIR3a, 9 TIR3b, 3 TIR4, and 16 TIR5. The surgical approach was performed in 40/200 subjects, with total ROM of 65% (0% for TIR1-TIR3a, 77.8% for TIR3b, and 100% for TIR4–TIR5). Total FNAB accuracy was 95%, while the sensibility and specificity were 92.3 and 92.6%, respectively.

Conclusions
The reported data seem to confirm a greater sensitivity of SIAPEC classification to identify malignancy within the indeterminate category also in pediatric age and not only in adulthood. This finding may orient clinicians toward clinical follow-up for the indeterminate TIR3a group and toward surgical approach with total thyroidectomy in the indeterminate TIR3b group, although this indication should be confirmed in further national multicenter studies including larger cohorts.
A new biological triangle in cancer: intestinal microbiota, immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibiotics
Authors: Zhang Jie , Dai Zhujiang , Yan Cheng , Zhang Wenjie , Wang Daorong , Tang Dong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many malignant tumors. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can reactivate the anti-tumor activity of immune cells, sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy depends on the complex tumor immune processes. In recent years, numerous researches have demonstrated the role of intestinal microbiota in immunity and metabolism of the tumor microenvironment, as well as the efficacy of immunotherapy. Epidemiological studies have further demonstrated the efficacy of antibiotic therapy on the probability of patients' response to ICIs and predictability of the short-term survival of cancer patients. Disturbance to the intestinal microbiota significantly affects ICIs-mediated immune reconstitution and is considered a possible mechanism underlying the development of adverse effects during antibiotic-based ICIs treatment. Intestinal microbiota, antibiotics, and ICIs have gradually become important considerations for the titer of immunotherapy. In the case of immunotherapy, the rational use of antibiotics and intestinal microbiota is expected to yield a better prognosis for patients with malignant tumors.
Notes on the threatened lowland forests of Mt Cameroon and their endemics including Drypetes burnleyae sp. nov., with a key to species of Drypetes sect. Stipulares (Putranjivaceae)
Authors: Cheek Martin , Ndam Nouhou , Budden Andrew 
Published: June 2021

SummaryThis paper reports a further discovery of a new endemic threatened species to science in the context of botanical surveys in the lowland coastal forests of Mount Cameroon in the Cross River-Sanaga interval of west-central Africa. These studies now focus on species discovery and conservation through the Tropical Important Plant Areas programme. New species to science continue to be discovered from Mt Cameroon. Most of these species are rare, highly localised, and threatened by habitat destruction, increasing the justification for improved conservation management of surviving habitat. Drypetes burnleyae is placed in and keyed out in Drypetes sect. Stipulares, a group mostly confined to Lower Guinea, here adjusted to accommodate nine species. The conservation status of Drypetes burnleyae is assessed as Endangered (EN B1+2ab(iii)) according to the 2012 criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. An updated overview of the plant endemics of Mt Cameroon is presented.
The elusive parasite: comparing macroscopic, immunological, and genomic approaches to identifying malaria in human skeletal remains from Sayala, Egypt (third to sixth centuries AD)
Authors: Loufouma Mbouaka Alvie , Gamble Michelle , Wurst Christina , Jäger Heidi Yoko , Maixner Frank , Zink Albert , Noedl Harald , Binder Michaela 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAlthough malaria is one of the oldest and most widely distributed diseases affecting humans, identifying and characterizing its presence in ancient human remains continue to challenge researchers. We attempted to establish a reliable approach to detecting malaria in human skeletons using multiple avenues of analysis: macroscopic observations, rapid diagnostic tests, and shotgun-capture sequencing techniques, to identify pathological changes, Plasmodium antigens, and Plasmodium DNA, respectively. Bone and tooth samples from ten individuals who displayed skeletal lesions associated with anaemia, from a site in southern Egypt (third to sixth centuries AD), were selected. Plasmodium antigens were detected in five of the ten bone samples, and traces of Plasmodium aDNA were detected in six of the twenty bone and tooth samples. There was relatively good synchronicity between the biomolecular findings, despite not being able to authenticate the results. This study highlights the complexity and limitations in the conclusive identification of the Plasmodium parasite in ancient human skeletons. Limitations regarding antigen and aDNA preservation and the importance of sample selection are at the forefront of the search for malaria in the past. We confirm that, currently, palaeopathological changes such as cribra orbitalia are not enough to be certain of the presence of malaria. While biomolecular methods are likely the best chance for conclusive identification, we were unable to obtain results which correspond to the current authentication criteria of biomolecules. This study represents an important contribution in the refinement of biomolecular techniques used; also, it raises new insight regarding the consistency of combining several approaches in the identification of malaria in past populations.