bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential surgical therapies for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Authors: Shan Wei , Mao Xuewei , Wang Xiu , Hogan Robert E. , Wang Qun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDrug‐resistant focal epilepsy (DRFE), defined by failure of two antiepileptic drugs, affects 30% of epileptic patients. Epilepsy surgeries are alternative options for this population. Preoperative evaluation is critical to include potential candidates, and to choose the most appropriate procedure to maximize efficacy and simultaneously minimize side effects. Traditional procedures involve open skull surgeries and epileptic focus resection. Alternatively, neuromodulation surgeries use peripheral nerve or deep brain stimulation to reduce the activities of epileptogenic focus. With the advanced improvement of laser‐induced thermal therapy (LITT) technique and its utilization in neurosurgery, magnetic resonance‐guided LITT (MRgLITT) emerges as a minimal invasive approach for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy. In the present review, we first introduce drug‐resistant focal epilepsy and summarize the indications, pros and cons of traditional surgical procedures and neuromodulation procedures. And then, focusing on MRgLITT, we thoroughly discuss its history, its technical details, its safety issues, and current evidence on its clinical applications. A case report on MRgLITT is also included to illustrate the preoperational evaluation. We believe that MRgLITT is a promising approach in selected patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy, although large prospective studies are required to evaluate its efficacy and side effects, as well as to implement a standardized protocol for its application.
Views of Black women patients with obesity on desired and undesired weight‐focused clinical encounters
Authors: Tucker Carolyn M. , Roncoroni Julia , Klein Kirsten G. , Derias Terry O. , Ateyah Wafaa , Williams Jaime , Nmezi Nwakaego A , Shah Nipa R. , Bilello Lori A. , Anton Stephen 
Published: June 2021

SummaryNon‐Hispanic Black women have the highest rates of overweight/obesity of any group in the United States. To date, few interventions have worked to reduce overweight/obesity in this population. This study investigated the views of Black women with overweight and obesity treated in a primary care setting regarding desired and undesired verbal and non‐verbal behaviours by providers in provider‐patient clinical encounters focused on losing weight, maintaining weight loss, and/or obesity. Two focus groups and an individual interview (n = 15) were conducted. Qualitative data analysis yielded five distinct themes, with 11 codes (listed in parenthesis): (a) desired weight‐focused discussions (codes: Discussing weight loss with patients and discussing weight‐loss maintenance with patients), (b) desired weight‐focused support (codes: Supporting patients experiencing weight loss and supporting patients experiencing weight gain), (c) undesired weight‐focused discussions (codes: Things to avoid during weight loss discussions and things to avoid during weight gain discussions), (d) desired attitudes and behaviours during weight‐focused discussions (codes: Show caring and understanding and encourage behaviour change for weight loss), and (e) building physician‐patient rapport (codes: Enable patients to feel respected by doctors, enable patients to feel comfortable with doctors and enable patients to trust their doctors). The qualitative approach employed in this study generates a deep understanding not only of the experiences of Black women patients but also of potential strategies that physicians could employ to succeed in their discussions with patients regarding healthy weight achievement and maintenance.
Exploring the ecological outcomes of mandatory biodiversity net gain using evidence from early‐adopter jurisdictions in England
Authors: zu Ermgassen Sophus O. S. E. , Marsh Sally , Ryland Kate , Church Edward , Marsh Richard , Bull Joseph W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNet outcome‐type biodiversity policies are proliferating globally as perceived mechanisms to reconcile economic development and conservation objectives. The UK government's Environment Bill will mandate that most new developments in England demonstrate that they deliver a biodiversity net gain (BNG) to receive planning permission, representing the most wide‐ranging net outcome type policy globally. However, as with many nascent net‐outcome policies, the likely outcomes of mandatory BNG have not been explored empirically. We assemble all BNG assessments (accounting for ∼6% of England's annual housebuilding and other infrastructure) submitted from January 2020 to February 2021 in six early‐adopter councils who are implementing mandatory no net loss or BNG requirements in advance of the national adoption of mandatory BNG, and analyze the aggregate habitat changes proposed. Our sample is associated with a 34% reduction in the area of nonurban habitats, generally compensated by commitments to deliver smaller areas of higher quality habitat years later in the development project cycle. Ninety‐five percent of biodiversity units delivered in our sample come from habitats within or directly‐adjacent to the development footprint managed by the developers. However, we find that these gains fall within a governance gap whereby they risk being unenforceable, a challenge that is shared with other net outcome type policies implemented internationally.
Probiotics ameliorate alveolar bone loss by regulating gut microbiota
Authors: Jia Leming , Tu Ye , Jia Xiaoyue , Du Qian , Zheng Xin , Yuan Quan , Zheng Liwei , Zhou Xuedong , Xu Xin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectivesOestrogen deficiency is an aetiological factor of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), which not only decreases bone density in vertebrae and long bone but also aggravates inflammatory alveolar bone loss. Recent evidence has suggested the critical role of gut microbiota in osteoimmunology and its influence on bone metabolisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of probiotics on alveolar bone loss under oestrogen‐deficient condition.Materials and MethodsInflammatory alveolar bone loss was established in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and rats were daily intragastrically administered with probiotics until sacrifice. Gut microbiota composition, intestinal permeability, systemic immune status and alveolar bone loss were assessed to reveal the underlying correlation between gut microbiota and bone metabolisms.ResultsWe found administration of probiotics significantly prevented inflammatory alveolar bone resorption in OVX rats. By enriching butyrate‐producing genera and enhancing gut butyrate production, probiotics improved intestinal barrier and decreased gut permeability in the OVX rats. Furthermore, the oestrogen deprivation‐induced inflammatory responses were suppressed in probiotics‐treated OVX rats, as reflected by reduced serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and a balanced distribution of CD4+IL‐17A+ Th17 cells and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in the bone marrow.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that probiotics can effectively attenuate alveolar bone loss by modulating gut microbiota and further regulating osteoimmune response and thus represent a promising adjuvant in the treatment of alveolar bone loss under oestrogen deficiency.
Mobilizing practitioners to support the Emergency Recovery Plan for freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Twardek William M. , Nyboer Elizabeth A. , Tickner David , O'Connor Constance M. , Lapointe Nicolas W. R. , Taylor Mark K. , Gregory‐Eaves Irene , Smol John P. , Reid Andrea J. , Creed Irena F. , Nguyen Vivian M. , Winegardner Amanda K. , Bergman Jordanna N. , Taylor Jessica J. , Rytwinski Trina , Martel André L. , Drake D. Andrew R. , Robinson Stacey A. , Marty Jerome , Bennett Joseph R. , Cooke Steven J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFreshwater biodiversity loss is one of the greatest environmental threats in our changing world. Although declines have been reported extensively in the literature, much less attention has been devoted to solving the freshwater biodiversity crisis relative to other ecosystems. The recently proposed Emergency Recovery Plan for Freshwater Biodiversity (Tickner et al., 2020, BioScience, 70(4), 330–342) outlines an ambitious but necessary set of overarching actions that can help “bend the curve” for freshwater biodiversity declines. This plan is timely given the present opportunity to adjust freshwater biodiversity targets in international biodiversity agreements and to encourage meeting targets of relevant Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, relying solely on a trickle down from such agreements to national and local scales will likely take too long, given the immediate urgency of the situation. Here, we advocate for a broader, concerted effort from all actors to ensure the Emergency Recovery Plan meaningfully influences the actions of practitioners at a local scale. We outline the roles and responsibilities of actors involved with policy, research, professional bodies and societies, advocacy, and industry, as well as practitioners themselves, in achieving this goal. It is our hope that this overview facilitates the real‐world actions needed to execute the Emergency Recovery Plan so that we can indeed “bend the curve” for freshwater biodiversity.
Glucokinase activation or inactivation: Which will lead to the treatment of type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Nakamura Akinobu , Omori Kazuno , Terauchi Yasuo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGlucokinase, which phosphorylates glucose to form glucose‐6‐phosphate, plays a critical role in regulating blood glucose levels. On the basis of data of glucokinase‐knockout and transgenic mice and humans with glucokinase mutations, glucokinase was targeted for drug development aiming to augment its activity, and thereby reduce hyperglycaemia in patients with diabetes. In fact, various small molecule compounds have been developed and clinically tested as glucokinase activators. However, some have been discontinued because of efficacy and safety issues. One of these issues is loss of the drug's efficacy over time. This unsustained glycaemic efficacy may be associated with the excess glycolysis by glucokinase activation in pancreatic beta cells, resulting in beta‐cell failure. Recently, we have shown that glucokinase haploinsufficiency ameliorated glucose intolerance by increasing beta‐cell function and mass in a mouse model of diabetes. Given that a similar phenotype has been observed in glucokinase‐activated beta cells and diabetic beta cells, glucokinase inactivation may be a new therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes.
Deoxyribonuclease is prognostic in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Mangold Andreas , Ondracek Anna S. , Hofbauer Thomas M. , Artner Tyler , Nechvile Johanna , Panagiotides Noel G. , Mirna² Moritz , Hammerer Matthias , Fejzic² Dzeneta , Hoppe² Uta , Wernly² Bernhard , Lauten Alexander , Alushi Brunilda , Franz Marcus , Schulze Paul C. , Wohlschläger‐Krenn Evelyne , Lang Irene M. , Lichtenauer² Michael 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDegenerative aortic valve stenosis is an inflammatory process that resembles atherosclerosis. Neutrophils release their DNA upon activation and form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are present on degenerated aortic valves. NETs correlate with pressure gradients in severe aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established treatment option for aortic valve stenosis. Bioprosthetic valve deterioration promoted by inflammatory, fibrotic and thrombotic processes limits outcome. Deoxyribonuclease is a natural counter mechanism to degrade DNA in circulation. In the present observational study, we investigated plasma levels of double‐stranded DNA, deoxyribonuclease activity and outcome after TAVR.345 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR and 100 healthy reference controls were studied. Double‐stranded DNA was measured by fluorescence assays in plasma obtained at baseline and after TAVR. Deoxyribonuclease activity was measured at baseline using single radial enzyme diffusion assays. Follow‐up was performed at 12 months, and mean aortic pressure gradient and survival were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic, Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox regression models were calculated.Baseline double‐stranded DNA in plasma was significantly higher compared to healthy controls, was increased at 3 and 7 days after TAVR, and declined thereafter. Baseline deoxyribonuclease activity was decreased compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, low deoxyribonuclease activity correlated with higher C‐reactive protein and higher mean transaortic gradient after 12 months. Finally, deoxyribonuclease activity was a strong independent predictor of outcome 12 months after TAVR.Deoxyribonuclease activity is a potential biomarker for risk stratification after TAVR. Pathomechanisms of bioprosthetic valve deterioration involving extracellular DNA and deoxyribonuclease merit investigation.
An evaluation of the potential factors affecting lifetime reproductive success in salmonids
Authors: Koch Ilana J. , Narum Shawn R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLifetime reproductive success (LRS), the number of offspring produced over an organism's lifetime, is a fundamental component of Darwinian fitness. For taxa such as salmonids with multiple species of conservation concern, understanding the factors affecting LRS is critical for the development and implementation of successful conservation management practices. Here, we reviewed the published literature to synthesize factors affecting LRS in salmonids including significant effects of hatchery rearing, life history, and phenotypic variation, and behavioral and spawning interactions. Additionally, we found that LRS is affected by competitive behavior on the spawning grounds, genetic compatibility, local adaptation, and hybridization. Our review of existing literature revealed limitations of LRS studies, and we emphasize the following areas that warrant further attention in future research: (1) expanding the range of studies assessing LRS across different life‐history strategies, specifically accounting for distinct reproductive and migratory phenotypes; (2) broadening the variety of species represented in salmonid fitness studies; (3) constructing multigenerational pedigrees to track long‐term fitness effects; (4) conducting LRS studies that investigate the effects of aquatic stressors, such as anthropogenic effects, pathogens, environmental factors in both freshwater and marine environments, and assessing overall body condition, and (5) utilizing appropriate statistical approaches to determine the factors that explain the greatest variation in fitness and providing information regarding biological significance, power limitations, and potential sources of error in salmonid parentage studies. Overall, this review emphasizes that studies of LRS have profoundly advanced scientific understanding of salmonid fitness, but substantial challenges need to be overcome to assist with long‐term recovery of these keystone species in aquatic ecosystems.
Longitudinal tendon healing assessed with multi‐modality advanced imaging and tissue analysis
Authors: Johnson Sherry A. , Valdés‐Martínez Alejandro , Turk Philip J. , Wayne McIlwraith Cyril , Barrett Myra F. , McGilvray Kirk C. , Frisbie David D. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe range of diagnostic modalities available to evaluate superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US). Direct, comprehensive comparison of multi‐modality imaging characteristics to end‐point data has not previously been performed using a model of tendinopathy but is required to obtain a better understanding of each modality's diagnostic capabilities.ObjectiveTo compare CT, MRI and US evaluation to outcome measures for histologic, biochemical and biomechanical parameters using an equine surgical model of tendinopathy.Study designControlled experiment.MethodsLesions were surgically created in both forelimb SDFTs of eight horses and imaged using MRI, CT and US at seven time points over 12 months. Imaging characteristics were then correlated to end point histologic, biochemical and biomechanical data using lasso regression. Longitudinal lesion size was compared between imaging modalities.ResultsLesion to tendon isoattenuation on CT evaluation correlated with the greatest levels of aggrecan deposition. A significant correlation between cellular density and percentage of tendon involvement on the T2‐weighted sequence and signal intensity on the proton density fat saturated (PD FS) sequence was appreciated at the 12‐month time point (P = .006,P = .02 respectively). There was no significant correlation between end‐point data and US or contrast imaging characteristics. Cross sectional area lesion to tendon measurements were significantly largest on CT evaluation, followed by MRI and then US (P < .001).Main limitationsExperimentally induced tendon injury with singular end‐point data correlation.ConclusionsLesion isoattenuation on CT evaluation suggested scar tissue deposition, while T2‐weighted hyperintensity indicated hypercellular tendinopathy even in chronic stages of healing. Non contrast‐enhanced MRI and CT evaluation correlated most closely to cellular characteristics of surgically damaged tendons assessed over a twelve month study period. Ultrasonographic evaluation underestimates true lesional size and should be interpreted with caution.
Computed tomographic guidance for internal fixation of type II distal phalangeal fractures in 51 horses
Authors: Smanik Lauren E. , Stefanovski Darko , Reilly Patrick T. , Richardson Dean W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundType II distal phalanx (P3) fractures are a well‐described cause of lameness in horses. Reports on outcome following internal fixation of type II P3 fractures are lacking, and with little emphasis on complications.ObjectiveTo describe a technique for internal fixation of type II P3 fractures, and evaluate whether specific variables influenced post‐operative complications or a horse's ability to return to work.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsMedical records of 51 horses with CT‐guided internal fixation of type II P3 fractures were reviewed. Outcome data were acquired from race records and telephone interviews. Associations between independent variables and outcome were analysed using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsEighty‐six per cent (95% CI 74%‐94%; n = 44) successfully returned to work. Implant infection (n = 15) and distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis (n = 9) were the most common complications, with the latter reducing the likelihood of success (OR = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01‐0.7, P = .02). Implant infection increased the time to return to work (HR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.2‐0.9, P = .03). The odds of delayed infection decreased by filling the hoof defect with acrylic hoof adhesive rather than poly(methyl methacrylate) and deeply countersinking the screw head (OR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.02‐0.38, P = .001); the individual effect of each treatment is unknown. Radiographic healing was not associated with likelihood of success.Main limitationsStudy limitations included variation in follow‐up methods, lack of control population for comparison and lack of randomisation of treatment protocols.ConclusionsInternal fixation of type II P3 fractures is an effective treatment that allows horses to return to athletic use, with similar improved success rates as those reported for conservative management. Infection rates were reduced by deeply countersinking the screw head and filling the hoof defect with an acrylic that mimics hoof wall flexibility and provides a secure seal. Recommencement of training should be based on clinical rather than strictly radiographic findings.
Automated detection of orofacial pain from thermograms using machine learning and deep learning approaches
Authors: Umapathy Snekhalatha , Krishnan Palani Thanaraj 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe main objectives of this study are (i) to perform automated segmentation of facial regions from thermograms using k‐means clustering algorithm and to classify the data into normal and orofacial pain (OFP) categories using various machine learning classifiers (ii) to implement the convolutional neural network (CNN) for classification of normal and OFP subjects which involves automated feature extraction and feature selection process. Fifty normal and 50 diseased cases suffering from orofacial pain were included in the study. Facial thermograms were segmented using k‐means algorithm, then statistical features were extracted and classified into normal and OFP using various machine learning classifier. Further, the deep learning networks such as VGG‐16 and DenseNet‐121 were used for automated feature extraction and classification of facial thermograms. The facial temperature variations of 3.46%, 3.4%, and 3.27% were observed in the front, right and left side facial regions respectively between the normal and the OFP subjects. Machine learning classifiers such as support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) classifier provided the highest accuracy of 99%. On the other hand, deep learning models such as modified VGG‐16 achieved an average accuracy of 97% compared to modified DenseNet‐121 which produced an average accuracy of 68% in classification of normal and OFP thermograms. Thus, computer aided diagnosis of facial thermography could be used as a viable screening device for a reliable identification of tooth pathology before the occurrence of structural changes and complications.
Impact of climate change on Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and its autumn diet in the northern highlands of Pakistan
Authors: Zahoor Babar , Liu Xuehua , Ahmad Basharat , Kumar Lalit , Songer Melissa 
Published: June 2021

AbstractApproximately 20%–30% of plant and animal species are at risk of extinction by the end of the 21st century owing to climate change. Range shifts and range contractions in plant species will dramatically affect the distribution of animals relying on them for food and shelter. The negative impacts of climate change on forested landscapes of the northern highlands of Pakistan (NHP) could change the species composition and distribution. The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), a forest‐dwelling species, primarily depends on plants for foraging, and is assumed to be affected by climate change in NHP. Scat analyses and indigenous knowledge from Machiara National Park revealed the maximum consumption of Quercus species (natural food) and Zea mays (human grown food) by the Asiatic black bear in autumn season. We collected the occurrence data of the Asiatic black bear and its commonly used food (three Quercus spp.) in the NHP. We used the MaxEnt model to simulate current and future (in 2050 and 2070) distribution of the species under RCP4.5 (medium carbon emission scenario) and RCP8.5 (extreme carbon emission scenario). The results predict range reduction and extreme fragmentation in the habitats of all the Quercus spp. Besides, a dramatic decrease in the suitable (SH) and very highly suitable (HSH) habitats was predicted in the future. Range shift and range reduction of Quercus spp. may interrupt the denning chronology of Asiatic black bears, escalate the human‐black bear conflicts and local extirpation of the species. Given the extent and magnitude of climate change, it will likely not be enough to focus solely on the conservation of the Asiatic black bear. We need more dynamic planning aiming at mitigating the effect of climate change in forested landscapes including the Quercus forests.