bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implication of scanning electron microscopy in the seed morphology with special reference to three subfamilies of Fabaceae
Authors: Waheed Abdul , Ahmad Mushtaq , Ghufran Muhammad Asad , Jabeen Asma , Ozdemir Fethi Ahmet , Zafar Muhammad , Sultana Shazia , Shah Muhammad Ajmal , Majeed Salman , Khan Aamir Shehzad 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe current research work was aimed to determine the morphological variation in the seeds of subfamilies Caesalpinioideae, Mimosoideae, and Papilionoideae using scanning electron microscope to investigate the different seed features including; Seed length, width, weight, hilum shape, position, fracture line pattern, pleurogram shape, texture crudeness, ornamentation wall, and surface ornamentation. A total of 12 species were collected. The study reveals that the seed types alters from psilate to rugose, pleurogram shape from lunar to U shape, hilum shape from elliptical to depressed, hilum position from terminal to subterminal, fracture line pattern from reticulate irregular ridges to psilate with regular ridges, texture crudeness from fine to coarse, surface ornamentation from reticulate to psilate, and ornamentation wall also varies from thin to thick. In all the studied species, it was found that seed surface was brown in color except in Senna alata, in which seed surface was black. Regarding the seed size, it was found that the smallest seed was observed for Sesbania sesban, while the largest seed was observed for Pongamia pinnata. The present research article indicates the taxonomic significance of seed morphology in the subfamilies Caesalpinioideae, Mimosaceae, and Papilionoideae.
Using the swimbladder as a respiratory organ and/or a buoyancy structure—Benefits and consequences
Authors: Pelster Bernd 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA swimbladder is a special organ present in several orders of Actinopterygians. As a gas‐filled cavity it contributes to a reduction in overall density, but on descend from the water surface its contribution as a buoyancy device is very limited because the swimbladder is compressed by increasing hydrostatic pressure. It serves, however, as a very efficient organ for aerial gas exchange. To avoid the loss of oxygen to hypoxic water at the gills many air‐breathing fish show a reduced gill surface area. This, in turn, also reduces surface area available for other functions, so that breathing air is connected to a number of physiological adjustments with respect to ion homeostasis, acid–base regulation and nitrogen excretion. Using the swimbladder as a buoyancy structure resulted in the loss of its function as an air‐breathing organ and required the development of a gas secreting mechanism. This was achieved via the Root effect and a countercurrent arrangement of the blood supply to the swimbladder. In addition, a detachable air space with separated blood supply was necessary to allow the resorption of gas from the swimbladder. Gas secretion as well as gas resorption are slow phenomena, so that rapid changes in depth cannot instantaneously be compensated by appropriate volume changes. As gas‐filled cavities the respiratory swimbladder and the buoyancy device require surfactant. Due to high oxygen partial pressures inside the bladder air‐exposed tissues need an effective reactive oxygen species defense system, which is particularly important for a swimbladder at depth.
Conscience clauses in genetic counseling: Awareness and attitudes
Authors: Bonine Shea , Bell Megan , Fishler Kristen , Berninger Taylor , Erickson Lindsay 
Published: April 2021

AbstractConscience clauses are laws that allow healthcare providers to refuse to participate in legal medical services based on moral or ethical objections. Genetic counselors encounter a variety of ethical and moral issues, including counseling about abortions. Currently, three states (Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Virginia) have genetic counseling conscience clause laws that allow genetic counselors to refuse to counsel about abortions. Conscience clause laws applying to physicians and pharmacists have been studied; however, they have not been studied in genetic counseling to date. We conducted an exploratory study assessing conscience clause awareness, attitudes, perceived obligations if utilizing a conscience clause, and alignment with the National Society of Genetic Counseling (NSGC) Code of Ethics. Genetic counselors (n = 274) currently practicing in the United States completed an online survey recruited through the NSGC listserv. The majority of participants were not aware that conscience clauses exist for genetic counseling (90%). There was uncertainty about whether genetic counselors had the right to utilize a conscience clause in practice (24% said yes, 31% said no, and 45% were unsure/needed more information). The majority reported an obligation to refer a patient if implementing a conscience clause (90%), although there were discrepancies among what constitutes an appropriate referral. When asked about the interaction between conscience clauses and the NSGC Code of Ethics, 45% believe they are separate and one does not supersede the other, 31% felt the Code of Ethics supersedes, 8% felt conscience clauses supersede, and 16% were unsure. Our study shows overall uncertainty with how conscience clause laws may be applied in clinical practice. Further clarity and education, especially in states where these laws exist, is critical to navigate the interaction between conscience clause laws and genetic counseling practice.
Association of DNA repair gene XPC Ala499Val (rs2228000 C>T) and Lys939Gln (rs2228001 A>C) polymorphisms with the risk of chronic myeloid leukemia: A case–control study in a South Indian population
Authors: Lakkireddy Samyuktha , Aula Sangeetha , Kapley Atya , Gundeti Sadashivudu , Kutala Vijay Kumar , Jamil Kaiser 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundXeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC), a DNA repair protein, plays an important role in the maintenance of genomic integrity and is essential for the nucleotide excision repair pathway. Polymorphisms in the XPC gene may alter DNA repair leading to genetic instability and oncogenesis. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between the XPC Ala499Val (rs2228000 C>T) and Lys939Gln (rs2228001 A>C) non‐synonymous polymorphisms and susceptibility to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) pathogenesis, disease progression and the response to targeted therapeutic regimen, imatinib mesylate.MethodsThis case–control study included 212 cases and 212 controls, and the genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism assays.ResultsOur results showed significant association of variant CT (odds ratio = 1.92, 95% confidence interval = 1.21–3.06, p = 0.003) and TT (odds ratio = 2.84, 95% confidence interval = 1.22–6.71, p = 0.007) genotypes in patients with the XPC Ala499Val polymorphism and CML risk. In addition, these genotypes were associated with CML progression to advanced phases (p = 0.006), splenomegaly (p = 0.017) and abnormal lactate dehydrogenase levels (p = 0.03). XPC Lys939Gln was found to correlate with a poor response to therapy, showing borderline significant association with minor cytogenetic response (p = 0.08) and a poor molecular response (p = 0.06). Significant association of the Ala499Val and Lys939Gln polymorphisms with prognosis was observed (Hasford high risk, p = 0.031 and p = 0.019, respectively). Haplotype analysis showed a strong correlation of variant TC haplotype with poor therapy responses (minor cytogenetic response, p = 0.019; poor molecular response, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn conclusion, our results suggest that XPC Ala499Val is a high‐penetrance CML susceptibility polymorphism. Both polymorphisms studied are considered as genetic markers with respect to assessing disease progression, therapy response and prognosis in CML patients.
Differences in Radiomics Signatures Between Patients with Early and Advanced T‐Stage Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Facilitate Prognostication
Authors: Wu Shuangshuang , Li Haojiang , Dong Annan , Tian Li , Ruan Guangying , Liu Lizhi , Shao Yuanzhi 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundAccurately predicting the risk of death, recurrence, and metastasis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is potentially important for personalized diagnosis and treatment. Survival outcomes of patients vary greatly in distinct stages of NPC. Prognostic models of stratified patients may aid in prognostication.PurposeTo explore the prognostic performance of MRI‐based radiomics signatures in stratified patients with NPC.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationSeven hundred and seventy‐eight patients with NPC (T1‐2 stage: 298, T3‐4 stage: 480; training cohort: 525, validation cohort: 253).Field Strength/SequenceFast‐spin echo (FSE) axial T1‐weighted images, FSE axial T2‐weighted images, contrast‐enhanced FSE axial T1‐weighted images at 1.5 T or 3.0 T.AssessmentRadiomics signatures, clinical nomograms, and radiomics nomograms combining the radiomic score (Radscore) and clinical factors for predicting progression‐free survival (PFS) were constructed on T1‐2 stage patient cohort (A), T3‐4 stage patient cohort (B), and the entire dataset (C).Statistical TestsLeast absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was applied for radiomics modeling. Harrell's concordance indices (C‐index) were employed to evaluate the predictive power of each model.ResultsAmong 4,410 MRI‐extracted features, we selected 16, 16, and 14 radiomics features most relevant to PFS for Models A, B, and C, respectively. Only 0, 1, and 4 features were found overlapped between models A/B, A/C, and B/C, respectively. Radiomics signatures constructed on T1‐2 stage and T3‐4 stage patients yielded C‐indices of 0.820 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.763–0.877) and 0.726 (0.687–0.765), respectively, which were larger than those on the entire validation cohort (0.675 [0.637–0.713]). Radiomics nomograms combining Radscore and clinical factors achieved significantly better performance than clinical nomograms (P < 0.05 for all).Data ConclusionThe selected radiomics features and prognostic performance of radiomics signatures differed per the type of NPC patients incorporated into the models. Radiomics models based on pre‐stratified tumor stages had better prognostic performance than those on unstratified dataset.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy Stage: 5
Volume measurements on weightbearing computed tomography can detect subtle syndesmotic instability
Authors: Ashkani Esfahani Soheil , Bhimani Rohan , Lubberts Bart , Kerkhoffs Gino M. , Waryasz Gregory , DiGiovanni Christopher W. , Guss Daniel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWhile weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) allows three‐dimensional (3D) visualization of the distal syndesmosis, image interpretation has largely relied on one‐dimensional (1D) distance and, more recently, two‐dimensional (2D) area measurements. This study aimed to (1) determine the sensitivity and specificity of 2D area and 3D volume WBCT measurements towards detecting subtle syndesmotic instability, (2) evaluate whether the patterns of changes in the 3D shape of the syndesmosis can be attributed to the type of ligament injury. A total of 24 patients with unilateral subtle syndesmotic instability and 24 individuals with uninjured ankles (controls) with bilateral ankle WBCT were assessed retrospectively. First, 2D areas at 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 cm, and 3D volumes at 1, 3, 5, and 10 cm above the tibial plafond were measured bilaterally. Secondly, the 3D model of the distal tibiofibular space was created based on WBCT in a subset of 8 out of 24 patients in whom the type of ligament injury was recognized via magnetic resonance imaging. The 3D model of the injured side was superimposed on the uninjured contralateral side to visualize the pattern of changes in different planes. Volume measurement up to 5 cm above the tibial plafond showed the lowest p‐value (<0.001 vs. other methods), higher sensitivity (95.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 87.8–100), and specificity (83.3%, 95% CI: 68.4–98.2) for detection of syndesmotic instability. No specific pattern of changes in the 3D shape could be attributed to a type of ligament rupture. We suggest 3D volume measurements, best measured up to 5 cm proximal to the plafond, as a promising means of diagnosing syndesmotic instability, particularly for subtle cases that are hard to detect. Clinical significance: The ability to compare the ankle joints bilaterally in a 3D manner under physiologic weight provided by weightbearing CT has led to a more accurate diagnostic method. Using volumetric measurement up to 5 cm above the tibial plafond showed higher sensitivity and specificity for recognizing an unstable syndesmosis, especially in subtle cases. However, our preliminary investigations showed that the pattern of 3D alterations in the distal tibiofibular joint space based on WBCT images does not indicate the type of syndesmotic ligamentous injury. Our results can also help image viewing programs to improve their measurement tools to facilitate 3D measurement for the syndesmosis as well as other conditions that may benefit from 3D evaluation of the clinical images.
Is bleeding on probing a reliable clinical indicator of peri‐implant diseases?
Authors: Dukka Himabindu , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Ravidà Andrea , Greenwell Henry , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBleeding on probing (BOP) is regarded as an indispensable diagnostic tool for evaluating periodontal disease activity; however, its role in peri‐implant disease is more intricate. Much of the confusion about the interpretation originates from drawing parallels between periodontal and peri‐implant conditions. BOP can originate from two forms of probing in implants: traumatic or pathologic induction. This, in addition to the dichotomous scale of BOP can complicate diagnosis. The objective of this commentary is to discuss the following: 1) the value of BOP as a diagnostic tool for peri‐implant diseases; 2) the reasons it should be distinct from value for diagnosing periodontal and peri‐implant diseases; and 3) the current best evidence on how to implement it in daily clinical practice. A comprehensive bleeding index is proposed for evaluating and monitoring peri‐implant conditions. BOP should be used in addition to other parameters such as visual signs of inflammation, probing depth, and progressive bone loss before a peri‐implant diagnosis is established.
The Corrosion Inhibition Performance and Mechanism of Rhamnolipid for X65 Steel in CO2‐Saturated Oilfield‐Produced Water
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Meng , Liu Chongshu , Fang Zhaomei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe corrosion inhibition effect and mechanism of rhamnolipid (RL) were studied for X65 steel in oilfield‐produced water saturated with CO2 using the weight loss method, electrochemical measurements, surface analysis, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and quantum chemical calculations. The results prove that RL is an excellent inhibitor against CO2 corrosion and predominantly inhibits the anodic corrosion reaction of X65 steel. The inhibition performance of RL is connected with surface activity and molecular structure. RL adsorbs on the metal surface by the reactivity centers to form a protective film, and the film has good inhibition ability for X65 steel for up to 168 h.
Contemporary trials evaluating neoadjuvant therapy for resectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Chawla Akhil 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWhile the use of neoadjuvant therapy is well‐accepted in the treatment of borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancers, the benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable disease has been a topic of debate. Recently, key trials evaluating neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable pancreatic cancer have reported results. This review describes key clinical trials evaluating the use of preoperative therapy in patients with technically resectable pancreatic cancer with a focus on their contribution to the available evidence.
Transcriptional profiling of intervertebral disc in a post‐traumatic early degeneration organ culture model
Authors: Cui Shangbin , Zhou Zhiyu , Chen Xu , Wei Fuxin , Richards R. Geoff , Alini Mauro , Grad Sibylle , Li Zhen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe goal of this study is to characterize transcriptome changes and gene regulation networks in an organ culture system that mimics early post‐traumatic intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.MethodsTo mimic a traumatic insult, bovine caudal IVDs underwent one strike loading. The control group was cultured under physiological loading. At 24 hours after one strike or physiological loading, RNA was extracted from nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue. High throughput next generation RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the one strike loading group and the control group. Gene Ontology (GO) functional and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed to analyze DEGs and pathways. Protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was analyzed with cytoscape software. DEGs were verified using qRT‐PCR. Degenerated human IVD tissue was collected for immunofluorescence staining to verify the expression of DEGs in human disc tissue.ResultsOne strike loading resulted in significant gene expression changes compared with physiological loading. In total 253 DEGs were found in NP tissue and 208 DEGs in AF tissue. Many of the highly dysregulated genes have known functions in disc degeneration and extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. ACTB, ACTG, PFN1, MYL12B in NP tissue and FGF1, SPP1 in AF tissue were verified by qRT‐PCR and immunofluorescence imaging. The identified DEGs were involved in focal adhesion, ECM‐receptor interaction, PI3K‐AKT, and cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction pathways. Three clusters of PPI networks were identified. GO enrichment revealed that these DEGs were mainly involved in inflammatory response, the ECM and growth factor signaling and protein folding biological process.ConclusionOur study revealed different DEGs, pathways, biological process and PPI networks involved in post‐traumatic IVD degeneration. These findings will advance the understanding of the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration, and help to identify novel biomarkers for the disease diagnosis.
Multifunctional near field focusing transmission metasurface based on polarization sensitivity
Authors: Huang Huifen , Zhang Jian 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a near field focusing transmission metasurface (MS) based on polarization sensitivity is developed at microwave frequency. The MS unit cell has only three metal layers, which is less than the published dual‐polarized transmission structure. And the phase shifting range can cover 320° for x‐ and y‐polarized waves. The biggest bright spot of the focusing MS made of the proposed units is its changeable focus point by rotating the horn 0°–90° round its central axis: focusing switching between one and two focusing points. In addition, the developed MS has the following advantages: multifunctional, low sidelobe, high focusing efficiency, small size, wideband, and less layer number. The focusing relative bandwidth is 9.7%, and the maximum focusing efficiency is 30% at center frequency 15.5 GHz. The efficiency is higher than that of published results in transmission orthogonal polarization mode. The proposed MS has potential applications in medical treatment, noncontact sensing system.
Inventory financing under Risk‐Adjusted‐Return‐On‐Capital criterion
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Li Pingke , Yang S. Alex , Huang Simin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRisk‐Adjusted‐Return‐On‐Capital (RAROC) is a loan‐pricing criterion under which a bank sets the loan term such that a certain rate of return is achieved on the regulatory capital required by the Basel regulation. Some banks calculate the amount of regulatory capital for each loan under the standardized approach (“standardized banks,” the regulatory capital is proportional to the loan amount), and others under the internal rating‐based (IRB) approach (“IRB banks,” the regulatory capital is related to the Value‐at‐Risk of the loan). This article examines the impact of the RAROC criterion on the bank's loan‐pricing decision and the retailer's inventory decision. We find that among the loan terms that satisfy the bank's RAROC criterion, the one that benefits the retailer the most requires the bank to specify an inventory advance rate in addition to the interest rate. Under this loan term, the retailer's inventory level is more sensitive to his asset level when facing an IRB bank compared to a standardized bank. An IRB (standardized) loan leads to higher profit and inventory level for retailers with high (low) asset. For retailers with medium asset, an IRB loan results in a higher retailer profit but a lower consumer welfare. Calibrated numerical study reveals that the benefit of choosing standardized banks (relative to IRB banks) can be as high as 30% for industries with severe capital constraints, volatile demands, and low profit margins, highlighting the importance for retailers to carefully choose the type of banks to borrow from. When the interest rate is capped by regulation, retailers borrowing from a standardized bank are more likely to be influenced by the interest rate cap than those borrowing from an IRB bank. Under strong empire‐building incentives (the bank will offer loan terms to maximize the size of the loan), retailers with medium initial asset level shift their preference from IRB banks to standardized banks.
Bevacizumab Combined with S-1 and Raltitrexed for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Refractory to Standard Therapies: A Phase II Study
Authors: Chen Ye , Zhou Yu-Wen , Cheng Ke , Li Zhi-Ping , Luo De-Yun , Qiu Meng , Li Qiu , Wang Xin , Shen Ya-Li , Cao Dan , Yang Yu , Bi Feng , Liu Ji-Yan , Gou Hong-Feng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Lessons Learned

Background
In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) refractory to standard therapies, S-1 plus raltitrexed showed a good objective response rate (ORR) and significant survival benefit in our previous study. In the present study, we assessed the activity and safety of bevacizumab combined with S-1 and raltitrexed.

Methods
This investigator-initiated, open-label, single-arm, phase II trial was performed at West China Hospital in China. Patients with mCRC who had disease progression after fluoropyrimidine, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin and had at least one measurable lesion were eligible for this trial. Anti–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (for tumors with wild-type RAS) and anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in the first or second line was allowed, but patients who had been treated with bevacizumab across two consecutive chemotherapy regimens were excluded. Patients received bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg on day 1), oral S-1 (80–120 mg per day for 14 days), and raltitrexed (3 mg/m2 on day 1) every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was ORR. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

Results
From September 2015 to November 2019, 44 patients were enrolled. Tumor response evaluation was available in 44 patients at the time of the analysis. There were no complete responses; the ORR was 15.9%, and the disease control rate was 54.5%. Median PFS and OS were 110 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 65.0–155.0) and 367 days (95% CI, 310.4–423.6), respectively. The combination was well tolerated.

Conclusion
Bevacizumab combined with S-1 and raltitrexed showed promising antitumor activity and safety in refractory mCRC.