bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echolocation reverses information flow in a cortical vocalization network
Authors: García-Rosales Francisco , López-Jury Luciana , González-Palomarez Eugenia , Wetekam Johannes , Cabral-Calderin Yuranny , Kiai Ava , Kössl Manfred , Hechavarría Julio 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The mammalian frontal and auditory cortices are fundamental structures supporting vocal behaviour, yet the patterns of information exchange between these regions during vocalization remain unknown. Here, we address this issue by means of electrophysiological recordings in the fronto-auditory network of freely-vocalizing Carollia perspicillata bats. We show that oscillations in frontal and auditory cortices predict vocalization type with complementary patterns across structures. Transfer entropy analyses of oscillatory activity revealed directed information exchange in the circuit, predominantly of top-down nature (frontal to auditory). The dynamics of information flow depended on vocalization type and on the timing relative to vocal onset. Remarkably, we observed the emergence of predominant bottom-up information transfer, only when animals produced calls with imminent post-vocal consequences (echolocation signals). These results unveil changes of information flow in a large-scale sensory and association network associated to the behavioural consequences of vocalization in a highly vocal mammalian model.
Biopsychosocial Inequality, Active Lifestyle and Chronic Health Conditions In Brazilians
Authors: Guedes Marcello , Lopes Johnnatas , Silva Lídia da , de Araújo Diego , de Assis Sanderson , Guedes Thais , de Araújo Rodolpho , Marinho Eldys , de Souza Clécio 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background:A study estimated the biopsychosocial factors related to active physical behavior in the Brazilian population with and without chronic non-transmissible disease (CNCD).Methodology: Cross-sectional study of the National Health Survey (NHS) in Brazil, with 60,202 individuals. The outcome was physically active behavior. The independent variables were social characteristics, lifestyle and health. Cox regression was applied to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR).Results: 29,666 (48.3%; 95% CI: 47.0–50.0) reported having CNCD. Not being a smoker or alcoholic, living in an urban area, having informal social support, you are in class A, high schooling as well as paid work are more associated with active lifestyle in both groups. However, in the group without CNCD, the female sex, having some disability and not having private health insurance were more associated with sedentary behavior, while in the group with CNCD, being elderly, white and not having restful sleep are associated with sedentary lifestyle.Conclusion: People with and without CNCD in Brazil have very close active behavior, however, some biopsychosocial factors such as: sex, age, lifestyle, socioeconomic level are unevenly associated with the active lifestyle in the groups. Thus, therapeutic or preventive proposals as well as public policies for health promotion must observe these distinctions when elaborating their actions.
Direct imaging of the disconnection climb mediated point defects absorption by a grain boundary
Authors: Wei Jiake , Feng Bin , Tochigi Eita , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Grain boundaries (GBs) have been considered to be the effective sinks for point defects, which improve the radiation resistance of materials. However, the fundamental mechanisms of how the GBs absorb and annihilate point defects under irradiation at atomic scale are still not well understood. With the aid of the atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), we experimentally investigated the atomistic mechanism of point defects absorption by a ∑31 GB in α-Al2O3 under high energy electron beam irradiation. It is shown that a disconnection pair was formed, during which all the Al atomic columns were tracked by STEM imaging. We demonstrated that the formation of the disconnection pair is proceeded with disappearing of atomic columns in the GB core, which suggests that the GB absorbed vacancies. Such point defect absorption is attributed to the disconnection climb motion in mesoscopic scale. These experimental results provide an atomistic understanding of how GBs improve the radiation resistance of materials.
Optimization of an Ammonia Assay based on Transmembrane pH-gradient Polymersomes
Authors: Spyrogianni Anastasia , Gourmel Charlotte , Hofmann Leopold , Marbach Jessica , Leroux Jean-Christophe 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Reliable ammonia quantification assays are essential for monitoring ammonemia in patients with liver diseases. In this study, we describe the development process of a microplate-based assay for accurate, precise, and robust ammonia quantification in biological fluids, following regulatory guidelines on bioanalytical method validation. The assay is based on transmembrane pH-gradient polymersomes that encapsulate a pH-sensitive ratiometric fluorophore, the fluorescence signal of which correlates with the ammonia concentration in the sample. Using four-parameter logistic regression, the assay had a large quantification range (30–800 µM ammonia). As for selectivity, the presence of amino acids or pyruvate (up to clinically relevant concentrations) showed no assay interference. In samples with low bilirubin levels, polymersomes containing the fluorophore pyranine provided accurate ammonia quantification. In samples with high bilirubin concentrations, billirubin’s optical interference was alleviated when replacing pyranine with a close to near-infrared hemicyanine fluorophore. Finally, the assay could correctly retrieve the ammonia concentration in ammonia-spiked human plasma samples, which was confirmed by comparing our measurements with the data obtained using a commercially available point-of-care device for ammonia.
Tumor Volume and Tumor Crossing of the Axial Renal Midline as Preoperative Predictors of Reduced Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate After Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Ohsugi Haruyuki , Akiyama Kyojiro , Taniguchi Hisanori , Yanishi Masaaki , Sugi Motohiko , Matsuda Tadashi , Kinoshita Hidefumi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The ability of nephrometry scoring systems, including the radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior, and location relative to polar lines (R.E.N.A.L.), to predict loss of renal function after robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is still controversial. Therefore, we verified which combination of factors from nephrometry scoring systems, including tumor volume, was the most significant predictor of postoperative renal function. Patients who underwent RPN for cT1 renal tumors in our hospital were reviewed retrospectively (n=163). The preoperative clinical data (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], comorbidities, and nephrometry scoring systems including R.E.N.A.L.) and perioperative outcomes were evaluated. We also calculated the tumor volume using the equation applied to an ellipsoid by three-dimensional computed tomography. The primary outcome was reduced eGFR, which was defined as an eGFR reduction of ≥20% from baseline to 6 months after RPN. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between preoperative variables and reduced eGFR. Of 163 patients, 24 (14.7%) had reduced eGFR. Multivariate analyses indicated that tumor volume (cutoff value≥14.11 cm3, indicating a sphere with a diameter≥approximately 3 cm) and tumor crossing of the axial renal midline were independent factors for reduced eGFR (odds ratio [OR], 4.57; P=0.003 and OR, 3.21; P=0.034, respectively). Our classification system using these two factors showed a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) than previous nephrometry scoring systems (AUC=0.786 vs. 0.653–0.719), and it may provide preoperative information for counseling patients about renal function after RPN.
Choroidal Remodeling Distribution Pattern in the Macular Region in Chinese Young Patients with Myopia
Authors: Wang Jun , Ye Xin , She Xiangjun , Xu Jiahao , Chen Yiqi , Tao Jiwei , Ye Xinjie , Shen Lijun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The pathogenesis of myopia has been found to be associated with the blood supply of the choroid. This study aimed to determine the relationship between distribution pattern of the choroidal remodeling and the degree of myopia in young patients.Methods: Young patients (age < 18 years) with spherical equivalent of less than -12 diopters (D) were included. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) modality was used to measure the choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in the macular regions. CVI was calculated as the proportion of luminal area to choroidal area and was measured within 1 mm and 3 mm nasal (N1 and N3), temporal (T1 and T3), superior (S1 and S3), and inferior (I1 and I3) to the foveal center. CT and CVI were compared across different ages (i.e., 5~9 years, 10~13 years, and 14~18 years), axial lengths (ALs) (i.e., 21.00~25.00mm and 25.01~29.00mm), and spherical equivalents (SEs) (i.e., SE>-0.5D, -0.5~-3.0D, -3.01~-6.0D, and <-6.0D). Multiple linear regression was applied to examine the associations amongst age, AL, SE, and CVI of different locations.Results: 164 of 172 eyes from 85 volunteers were included. The mean CT in the central foveal was 269.87 ± 63.32µm (ranging from 93.00µm to 443.00µm). The mean sub foveal-CVI was 67.66 ± 2.40% (ranging from 57.84% to 79.60%). Multiple linear regression results revealed significant correlations between SE and T1-CVI (p < 0.05, r2= 0.082, β= 0.194), N1-CVI (p < 0.05, r2= 0.039, β= 0.212). Simple linear regression results revealed that T1-CVI (p < 0.05, r2 = 0.09) and T3-CVI (p < 0.05, r2 = 0.05) were negatively correlated with SE; N1-CVI (p < 0.05, r2 = 0.05) and N3-CVI (p < 0.05, r2 = 0.04) were negatively correlated with SE. Conclusions and Relevance: CVI in the horizontal meridian underwent the largest change as myopia worsened. Temporal and nasal CVIs within the r =1mm and r=3mm sub foveal range were positively associated with degree of myopia in young patients. The CVI value may be used to assess the vascular status of the choroid and be a potential marker of myopic progression.
A Pathogenic Deletion in Forkhead Box L1 (FOXL1) Identifies the First Otosclerosis (OTSC) Gene
Authors: Abdelfatah Nelly , Mostafa Ahmed A. , French Curtis R. , Doucette Lance P. , Penney Cindy , Lucas Matthew B. , Griffin Anne , Booth Valerie , Rowley Christopher , Besaw Jessica E. , Tranebjærg Lisbeth , Rendtorff Nanna Dahl , Hodgkinson Kathy A. , Little Leichelle A. , Agrawal Sumit , Parnes Lorne , Batten Tony , Moore Susan , Hu Pingzhao , Pater Justin A. , Houston Jim , Galutira Dante , Benteau Tammy , MacDonald Courtney , French Danielle , O’Rielly Darren D. , Stanton Susan G. , Young Terry-Lynn 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Otosclerosis is a bone disorder of the otic capsule and common form of late-onset hearing impairment. Considered a complex disease, little is known about its pathogenesis. Over the past 20 years, ten autosomal dominant loci (OTSC1-10) have been mapped but no genes identified. Herein, we map a new OTSC locus to a 9.96 Mb region within the FOX gene cluster on 16q24.1 and identify a 15 bp coding deletion in Forkhead Box L1 co-segregating with otosclerosis in a Caucasian family. Phenotype ranges from moderate to severe hearing loss resolved by stapedectomy, to profound sensorineural loss requiring a cochlear implant. Mutant FOXL1 is both transcribed and translated and correctly locates to the cell nucleus. However, the deletion of 5 residues in the C-terminus of mutant FOXL1 causes a complete loss of transcriptional activity due to loss of secondary (alpha helix) structure. FOXL1 (rs764026385) was identified in a second unrelated case on a shared background. We conclude that FOXL1 (rs764026385) is pathogenic and causes autosomal dominant otosclerosis and propose a key inhibitory role for wildtype Foxl1 in bone remodelling in the otic capsule. New insights into the molecular pathology of otosclerosis from this study provide molecular targets for non-invasive therapeutic interventions.
An Unusual Cause of Failure In Zenith Alpha Abdominal Endograft
Authors: Berchiolli Raffaella N , Marconi Michele , Bargellini Irene , Bertagna Giulia , Adami Daniele , Mocellin Davide M , Cioni Roberto , Ferrari Mauro 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe disruption of the stent component of the graft is an unusual complication of the endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR).Case presentationA 71-year-old man underwent EVAR followed by initial significant sac shrinkage. At 24 months, ultrasound and computed tomography showed sac growth associated with suprarenal stent graft separation from main body, without evidence of endoleak. A thoracic endograft was placed with complete relining of the previous graft.Conclusions.The report demonstrates un uncommon cause of endograft failure with suprarenal stent separation from a Zenith Cook main body and highlights the need for continuous follow-up.
Genetic Variants Associated with the Occurrence and Progression of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Terhune Elizabeth A. , Heyn Patricia C , Piper Christi R , Hadley-Miller Nancy 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a structural lateral spinal curvature of ≥ 10° with rotation. Approximately 2–3% of children in most populations are affected with AIS, and this condition is responsible for approximately $1.1 billion in surgical costs to the U.S. healthcare system. Although a genetic factor for AIS has been demonstrated for decades, with multiple loci identified across populations, treatment options have remained limited to bracing and surgery.MethodsThe databases MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Google Scholar, and Ovid MEDLINE will be searched and limited to articles in English. We will conduct title and abstract, full-text, and data extraction screening through Covidence, followed by data transfer to a custom REDCap database. Quality assessment will be confirmed by multiple reviewers. Studies containing variant-level data (i.e. GWAS, exome sequencing) for AIS subjects and controls will be considered. Outcomes of interest will include presence/absence of AIS, scoliosis curve severity, scoliosis curve progression, and presence/absence of nucleotide-level variants. Analyses will include odds ratios and relative risk assessments, and subgroup analysis (i.e. males vs. females, age groups) may be applied. Quality assessment tools will include GRADE and Q-Genie for genetic studies.DiscussionIn this systematic review we seek to evaluate the quality of genetic evidence for AIS to better inform research efforts, to ultimately improve the quality of patient care and diagnosis.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO registration #CRD42021243253
Can an invasive African grass affect carbon and nitrogen stocks in open habitats of the Brazilian Cerrado?
Authors: Garcia Diana Bertuol , Xavier Rafael Oliveira , Camargo Plinio Barbosa , Vieira Simone A. , Pivello Vania Regina 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Considering the emergence of ecosystems dominated by invasive species, there is growing interest in estimating the effect of biological invasions in ecosystem processes and provision of services. African grasses are the most invasive plants in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna), but their impact on C and N stocks is poorly known. We compared patterns of C and N stocks in the aboveground biomass, root biomass and soil in open Cerrado (campo sujo) sites, both uninvaded and invaded by the African grass Urochloa decumbens. In both sites we estimated the aboveground biomass of U. decumbens and native grasses, as well as the root biomass up to 50 cm. We obtained C and N contents in the soil, as well as C and N stocks, up to 1 m depth, and variation in soil δ13C and δ15N. Although invasion did not affect the aboveground biomass, it did affect belowground biomass, leading to higher C stock in fine roots and soil N content close to soil surface, as well as higher C content along the soil profile. C and N soil stocks, soil δ13C and δ15N values did not significantly differ between invaded and uninvaded site. Even a relatively low level of invasion by U. decumbens changed the root distribution pattern and increased C and N contents in the upper soil, which may promote ecosystem changes by altering nutrient dynamics. Although still preliminary, our study shows that dominance by U. decumbens can have severe effects in the Cerrado belowground environment.
Xanthomatous Hypophysitis Secondary to a Ruptured Rathke’s Cleft Cyst: A Case Report
Authors: Gezer Emre , Çabuk Burak , Bayrak Büşra Yaprak , Cantürk Zeynep , Çetinarslan Berrin , Selek Alev , Sözen Mehmet , Köksalan Damla , Ceylan Savaş 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
PurposeHypophysitis (HP) is a rare disease which develops secondary to chronic or acute inflammation of the pituitary gland and may cause symptoms related to pituitary dysfunction and mass compression. Lymphocytic HP is the most common subtype of primary HP, while xanthomatous HP (XHP) is considered the rarest form, with 35 reported cases, to date. Case ReportA 35-year-old woman was initially admitted to a Gynecology clinic with a 2-year history of amenorrhea and headache. She was started on cabergoline 0.5 mg twice a week for macroprolactinoma. Due to persistent amenorrhea with low gonadotropins, she was referred to our Endocrinology clinic. Her pituitary function profile revealed panhypopituitarism and a 13 x 11 x 12 mm sized sellar mass with diffuse enhancement which sustained toward the infundibulum and dura was observed on the gadolinium-enhanced pituitary MRI. The patient underwent an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for tumor resection and thick yellowish fluid draining from the lesion was observed. The histopathological diagnosis was reported as a rupture of an Rathke’s cleft cyst and a xanthomatous hypophysitis. The surgery did not improve the symptoms/pituitary functions, however, headache recovered immediately after the first dose of high dose methylprednisolone treatment. ConclusionThe inflammatory process in a xanthomatous lesion may actually be a secondary response to mucous fluid content release from a ruptured cyst, thus recommended to classify XHP as secondary hypophysitis. Since the differentiation of XHP from other pituitary tumors may be challenging preoperatively, surgery is the major diagnostic tool and also, the most recommended therapeutic option.
The association of pulmonary function, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, Borg dyspnea scales and health related quality of life in patients with resected lung cancer
Authors: Li Xinping , Chen Yi , Liu Shuangchun , Zhang Mingsheng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Understanding the determinants of quality of life for the patients after lung resection would be beneficial to affect the prevention programs and the treatment strategies. This novel study aims to explore the relationship between pulmonary function, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), dyspnea, and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with resected lung cancer.
Methods

A cross-sectional study design with 38 lung cancer survivors after surgery for one month was conducted. We assessed CRF by measuring maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and anaerobic threshold (VT).Forced vital capacity (FVC) was measured using a spirometer. Physical activity, dyspnea, and HRQoLwereinvestigated by 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), Borg dyspnea scales, and the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36), respectively.Data analyses were conducted using SmartPLS to examine path analyses between the measures.
Results

There was a significant relationship between CRF andHRQoL in this cohort of cancer survivors.FVC (f2 = 0.265) and 6MWD (f2 = 0.389) have a medium to large effect size on the perceived CRF while CRF (f2 = 0.467) was found to have large effect sizes on perceived QoL. More importantly, our results showed that CRF positively and significantly mediated the paths betweenFVC, 6MWD, andHRQoL[β = 0.22 (0.457*0.474),P < 0.01; β = 0.28 (0.525*0.540), P < 0.01; respectively].
Conclusions

Pulmonary function, physical activity, and dyspnea had an indirect effect on the quality of life in patients with resected lung cancer. Furthermore, CRF mediates pulmonary function and physical activity to produces an impact on their quality of life.
Longitudinal Study of Inflammatory, Behavioral, Clinical and Psychosocial Risk Factors for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropath
Authors: Kleckner Ian , Jusko Todd , Culakova Eva , Chung Kaitlin , Kleckner Amber S. , Asare Matthew , Inglis Julia E. , Loh Kah Poh , Peppone Luke J. , Miller Jessica , Melnik Marianne , Kasbari Samer , Ossip Deborah , Mustian Karen M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting side effect of taxane and platinum chemotherapy for breast cancer. Clinicians cannot accurately predict CIPN severity partly because its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Although inflammation may play a role in CIPN, there are limited human studies. Here, we identified the strongest predictors of CIPN using variables measured before taxane- or platinum-based chemotherapy, including serum inflammatory markers.Methods. 116 sedentary women with breast cancer (mean age 55 years) rated (1) numbness and tingling and (2) hot/coldness in hands/feet on 0-10 scales before and after six weeks of taxane- or platinum-based chemotherapy. A sub-study was added to collect cytokine data in the final 55 patients. We examined all linear models to predict CIPN severity at 6 weeks using pre-chemotherapy assessments of inflammatory, behavioral, clinical, and psychosocial factors. The final model was selected via goodness of fit.Results. The strongest pre-chemotherapy predictors of numbness and tingling were worse fatigue/anxiety/depression (explaining 27% of variance), older age (9%), and baseline neuropathy (5%). The strongest predictors of hot/coldness in hands/feet were worse baseline neuropathy (11%) and fatigue/anxiety/depression (6%). Inflammation was a risk for CIPN, per more pro-inflammatory IL-1β (6%) predicting numbness/tingling and less anti-inflammatory IL-10 predicting numbness and tingling (6%) and hot/coldness in hands/feet (9%).Conclusions. The strongest pre-chemotherapy predictors of CIPN included worse fatigue/anxiety/depression and baseline neuropathy. A pro-inflammatory state also predicted CIPN. Because this is an exploratory study, these results suggest specific outcomes (e.g., IL-1β) and effect size estimates for designing replication and extension studies.Trial Registration. NCT00924651