bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Separating spin compartments in arterial spin labeling using delays alternating with nutation for tailored excitation (DANTE) pulse: A validation study using T2‐relaxometry and application to arterial cerebral blood volume imaging
Authors: Ishida Shota , Kimura Hirohiko , Takei Naoyuki , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Matsuda Tsuyoshi , Kanamoto Masayuki , Matta Yuki , Kosaka Nobuyuki , Kidoya Eiji 
Published: October 2021

PurposeTo clarify the type of spin compartment in arterial spin labeling (ASL) that is eliminated by delays alternating with nutation for tailored excitation (DANTE) pulse using T2‐relaxometry, and to demonstrate the feasibility of arterial cerebral blood volume (CBVa) imaging using DANTE‐ASL in combination with a simplified two‐compartment model.MethodThe DANTE and T2‐preparation modules were combined into a single ASL sequence. T2 values under the application of DANTE were determined to evaluate changes in T2, along with the post‐labeling delay (PLD) and the relationship between transit time without DANTE (TTnoVS) and T2. The reference tissue T2 (T2_ref) was also obtained. Subsequently, the DANTE module was embedded into the Hadamard‐encoded ASL. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and CBVa were computed using two Hadamard‐encoding datasets (with and without DANTE) in a rest and breath‐holding (BH) task.ResultsWhile T2 without DANTE (T2_noVS) decreased as the PLD increased, T2 with DANTE (T2_DANTE) was equivalent to T2_ref and did not change with the PLD. Although there was a significant positive correlation between TTnoVS and T2_noVS with short PLD, T2_DANTE was not correlated with TTnoVS nor PLD. Baseline CBVa values obtained at rest were 0.64 ± 0.12, 0.64 ± 0.11, and 0.58 ± 0.15 mL/100 g for anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries, respectively. Significant CBF and CBVa elevations were observed in the BH task.ConclusionMicrovascular compartment signals were eliminated from the total ASL signals by DANTE. CBVa can be measured using Hadamard‐encoded DANTE‐ASL in combination with a simplified two‐compartment model.
Reinnervation as measured by the motor unit size index is associated with preservation of muscle strength in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but not all muscles reinnervate
Authors: Chan Young , Alix James J. P. , Neuwirth Christoph , Barkhaus Paul E. , Castro José , Jenkins Thomas M. , McDermott Christopher J. , Shaw Pamela J. , de Carvalho Mamede , Nandedkar Sanjeev , Stålberg Erik , Weber Markus 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThe motor unit size index (MUSIX) may provide insight into reinnervation patterns in diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, it is not known whether MUSIX detects clinically relevant changes in reinnervation, or if all muscles manifest changes in MUSIX in response to reinnervation after motor unit loss.MethodsFifty‐seven patients with ALS were assessed at 3‐month intervals for 12 months in four centers. Muscles examined were abductor pollicis brevis, abductor digiti minimi, biceps brachii, and tibialis anterior. Results were split into two groups: muscles with increases in MUSIX and those without increases. Longitudinal changes in MUSIX, motor unit number index (MUNIX), compound muscle action potential amplitude, and Medical Research Council strength score were investigated.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐three muscles were examined. Fifty‐nine percent of the muscles exhibited an increase in MUSIX during the study. Muscles with MUSIX increases lost more motor units (58% decline in MUNIX at 12 months, P < .001) than muscles that did not increase MUSIX (34.6% decline in MUNIX at 12 months, P < .001). However, longitudinal changes in muscle strength were similar. When motor unit loss was similar, the absence of a MUSIX increase was associated with a significantly greater loss of muscle strength (P = .002).DiscussionMUSIX increases are associated with greater motor unit loss but relative preservation of muscle strength. Thus, MUSIX appears to be measuring a clinically relevant response that can provide a quantitative outcome measure of reinnervation in clinical trials. Furthermore, MUSIX suggests that reinnervation may play a major role in determining the progression of weakness.
Home‐based gait analysis as an exploratory endpoint during a multicenter phase 1 trial in limb girdle muscular dystrophy type R2 and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Gidaro Teresa , Gasnier Erwan , Annoussamy Melanie , Vissing John , Attarian Shahram , Mozaffar Tahseen , Iyadurai Stanley , Wagner Kathryn R. , Vissière David , Walker Gennyne , Shukla Sanjay S. , Servais Laurent 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsLimb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMDR2) and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) are genetic muscular dystrophies with an increasing number of potential therapeutic approaches. The aim of this study is to report the data of exploratory digital outcomes extracted from wearable magneto‐inertial sensors used in a non‐controlled environment for ambulant patients with FSHD and LGMDR2 in a short‐term, multicenter clinical study.MethodsDigital outcomes (stride length, stride speed, and walk parameters in a non‐controlled environment) were used as exploratory outcomes in the open‐label study ATYR1940‐C‐004 in ambulant patients during the 3 mo of ATYR1940 treatment and 1 mo of follow‐up. Activity and gait variables were calculated from the data recorded in 30‐day sub‐periods using the sensors. For each sub‐period, activity and gait parameters were compared between FSHD and LGMDR2 patients. Change from baseline over the 4‐mo study period was assessed.ResultsTen patients (5 FSHD, 5 LGMDR2) were ambulant and compliant for analysis. Gait parameters, but not activity variables, were significantly lower in LGMDR2 compared to FSHD patients at baseline. Longitudinal analyses showed a slight but significant decrease in stride speed at month 4 for all subjects. Activity variables such as total number of strides per day were highly variable from month to month in individual patients, and no visit effects were found for this variable.DiscussionThe present study suggests that home‐recorded stride speed constitutes a precise and sensitive outcome in ambulant patients with FSHD and LGMDR2.
Winter Habitat Selection and Efficacy of Telemetry to Aid Grass Carp Removal Efforts in a Large Reservoir
Authors: Hessler Tyler M. , Chapman Duane C. , Paukert Craig P. , Jolley Jeffrey C. , Byrne Michael E. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella were introduced in North America to control aquatic vegetation in small, closed systems. However, when they escape into larger systems in which they can reproduce, they have the potential to cause significant declines and alterations in aquatic vegetation communities. These alterations can in turn affect native species that are dependent on aquatic vegetation. Increased captures and observations of spawning have elevated concerns about Grass Carp establishment in new locations, with particular concern for establishment in Lake Erie and its tributaries. Recent efforts using telemetered fish that co-locate with wild conspecifics, sometimes in aggregations that are susceptible to harvest, have been used successfully to control invasive Common Carp Cyprinus carpio populations. If Grass Carp aggregate in winter similarly to Common Carp, they might be susceptible to similar control or harvest methods. During the winters (December–March) of 2017–2019, we tracked 86 Grass Carp tagged with acoustic transmitters in Truman Reservoir, Missouri, to evaluate winter habitat selection and to determine the effectiveness of using tagged fish in locating and removing wild fish by comparing harvest at locations of tagged fish to harvest at control sites that we believed were suitable Grass Carp habitat. Discrete-choice models showed that Grass Carp exhibited strong selection for shallow water, as 75% of locations were in littoral habitats with depths of 3 m or less. On average, we harvested more fish at sites where tagged fish were located (3.6 fish/attempt) than at control sites (1.2 fish/attempt). Full guts in individuals that were harvested may indicate that fish were using shallow-water habitats to feed. Our results suggested that Grass Carp did not usually form large winter aggregations, and although targeting locations with tagged fish slightly increased harvest success compared to efforts without them, efforts to reduce populations via harvest may be difficult in large systems when fish are widely dispersed.
FOXL2C134W: much ado about something!†
Authors: Fuller Peter J , Nguyen Trang , Alexiadis Maria , Chu Simon 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that the unique FOXL2C134W mutation, which is pathognomonic for adult granulosa cell tumours of the ovary, is a tumour suppressor gene. In a recent issue of The Journal of Pathology, a detailed study by Pilsworth et al seeks to rebut the proposition that the FOXL2C134W mutation, which uniquely characterises adult granulosa cell tumours of the ovary, leads to reduced transcript levels with the implication that FOXL2 is a tumour suppressor gene. The study provides compelling evidence that both wild‐type and mutant FOXL2 transcripts and protein are expressed at equivalent levels. In the context of other recent studies, one is drawn to the conclusion that FOXL2C134W is a gain‐of‐function mutation whose impact is mediated through enhanced interactions with the SMAD transcription factor complex. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Conus medullaris migration during the third trimester: A retrospective study
Authors: Sun Mengchun , Tao Benzhang , Gao Gan , Wang Hui , Shang Aijia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the migration process of the conus medullaris (CM) and propose a normal range of CM levels during the third trimester.MethodWe retrospectively collected the ultrasonographic and clinical data of 588 fetuses during the third trimester. We located the CM and assigned scores. One‐way analysis of variance and linear regression analyses were used to statistically analyze CM migration. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe CM levels were statistically different among the different gestational weeks of the third trimester. The CM level showed a linear regression correlation with the gestational weeks. On an average, the CM migrated from the top third of the L2 vertebra to the L1/2 intervertebral disc level.ConclusionThe CM continues to migrate, from the top third of the L2 vertebra to the L1/2 intervertebral disc level, during the third trimester. The term infant could have the CM at the normal adult level at birth. At the beginning of the third trimester, a CM located above the L2/3 intervertebral disc level could be normal; the CM location at the L3 vertebra level could be physiological and needs follow‐up; and a CM presenting below the L3 vertebra level might indicate tethered cord syndrome. The fetus with a CM significantly above the L1/2 intervertebral disc level may have caudal regression syndrome.
Comparison of inhaled mannitol/dornase alfa combination and daily dornase alfa alone in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Ademhan Tural Dilber , Yalçın Ebru , Emiralioglu Nagehan , Ozsezen Beste , Sunman Birce , Nayir Buyuksahin Halime , Guzelkas Ismail , Dogru Deniz , Ozcelik Ugur , Kiper Nural 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesInhaled recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (dornase alfa) and osmotic agents such as inhaled mannitol are used for improving the clearance of secretions of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. We aimed to evaluate the long‐term clinical effects of adding dry powder inhaled (DPI) mannitol in subjects with CF who are taking daily dornase alfa.MethodWe conducted a retrospective case–control study on subjects with CF. The effect of DPI mannitol was assessed by comparing DPI mannitol and dornase alfa combination with daily dornase alfa alone in children with CF during a 12‐month period. The primary outcome measures of the study were absolute changes in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1 z‐scores and the secondary outcomes included other spirometry indices, body mass index, frequency of pulmonary exacerbations, SPO2, and sputum microbiology.ResultOf a total of 28 patients who committed to use DPI mannitol treatments during the study period, five had a positive challenge with DPI mannitol and two were aged over 18 years. Therefore, the mannitol treatment group consisted of 21 patients. However, the effect of DPI mannitol was analyzed using 15 patients in the mannitol treatment group who received DPI mannitol for at least 12 months, and 18 patients who only used dornase alfa constituted the control group. The median absolute change in FEV1 between baseline and the third month; and baseline and the 12th month were significantly higher in the mannitol treatment group (p = 0.038, p = 0.004, respectively). When the groups are compared with respect to absolute z‐score changes, all spirometry indices, except FVC at the end of 3 months, showed statistically significant improvements in the mannitol treatment group. Some secondary outcomes like pulmonary exacerbation frequency during the study year and median absolute body mass index z‐score changes from baseline to the end of the study showed no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.735, p = 0.161, respectively). No colonization changes were observed in the treatment group.ConclusionsThis study showed that in those patients who tolerated long‐term (12 months) treatment with DPI mannitol and dornase alfa made greater improvements in FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF25–75 z‐scores than treatment with dornase alfa alone in children with CF.
Qualitative and quantitative proteomic and metaproteomic analyses of healthy human urine sediment
Authors: Xiao XiaoLian , Sun Haidan , Liu Xiaoyan , Guo Zhengguang , Zheng Shuxin , Xu Jiyu , Sun Jiameng , Lan Ying , Shao Chen , Sun Wei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeThe healthy human urine sediment proteome and metaproteome are investigated, to shed light on the variations of urine sediment proteins and metaproteins associated with sex and age.Experimental DesignUrine sediment samples are collected from 19 healthy subjects. Protein identification and quantification are performed by liquid chromatography coupled high‐resolution mass spectrometry.ResultsA total of 2736 human proteins were identified, which were primarily associated with inflammatory response and energy metabolism. For the metaproteome, 65 genera were identified that were primarily involved in translation and carbohydrate metabolic processes. The median biological coefficient variation of the proteome/metaproteome of human urine sediment was 0.5/0.72, similar to the proteome of human urine supernatant. In addition, sex and age were observed to affect the proteome and metaproteome of healthy human urine sediment.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceThe healthy human urine sediment were characterized, indicating that urine sediment might represent an alternative resource for disease research in addition to urine supernatant, but the influence of sex and age must be considered in the study design process.
Weighted least‐squares regression with competing risks data
Authors: Choi Sangbum , Choi Taehwa , Cho Hyunsoon , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe semiparametric accelerated failure time (AFT) model linearly relates the logarithm of the failure time to a set of covariates, while leaving the error distribution unspecified. This model has been widely investigated in survival literature due to its simple interpretation and relationship with linear models. However, there has been much less focus on developing AFT‐type linear regression methods for analyzing competing risks data, in which patients can potentially experience one of multiple failure causes. In this article, we propose a simple least‐squares (LS) linear regression model for a cause‐specific subdistribution function, where the conventional LS equation is modified to account for data incompleteness under competing risks. The proposed estimators are shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal with consistent estimation of the variance‐covariance matrix. We further extend the proposed methodology to risk prediction and analysis under clustered competing risks scenario. Simulation studies suggest that the proposed method provides rapid and valid statistical inferences and predictions. Application of our method to two oncology datasets demonstrate its utility in routine clinical data analysis.
New methods for multiple testing in permutation inference for the general linear model
Authors: Mrkvička Tomáš , Myllymäki Mari , Kuronen Mikko , Narisetty Naveen Naidu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPermutation methods are commonly used to test the significance of regressors of interest in general linear models (GLMs) for functional (image) data sets, in particular for neuroimaging applications as they rely on mild assumptions. Permutation inference for GLMs typically consists of three parts: choosing a relevant test statistic, computing pointwise permutation tests, and applying a multiple testing correction. We propose new multiple testing methods as an alternative to the commonly used maximum value of test statistics across the image. The new methods improve power and robustness against inhomogeneity of the test statistic across its domain. The methods rely on sorting the permuted functional test statistics based on pointwise rank measures; still, they can be implemented even for large data. The performance of the methods is demonstrated through a designed simulation experiment and an example of brain imaging data. We developed the R package GET, which can be used for the computation of the proposed procedures.
Effects of Fishing on the Population of Speckled PavonCichla temensisin the Middle Negro River (Amazonas State, Brazil): A Decrease in the Size of the Trophy Fish?
Authors: Lubich Chiara , Campos Caroline , Freitas Carlos , Siqueira‐Souza Flávia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFishing acts selectively on exploited fish stocks, catching larger individuals and altering age and size structure. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of a multi‐use fishery in regards to the size truncation of populations of Speckled PavonCichla temensis. Data collection was carried out in the middle Negro River region, where the two modalities of recreational and commercial fishing occur with greater intensity. Questionnaires were administered to fishers in order to collect information on fishing. Individual fish were captured by recreational fishers in different rivers, were measured and weighed, and were released back into their environments. Weight (g) and TL (mm) data were used to assess the size structure at different fishing intensities. Asymmetry measurements were performed, and kurtosis of the distribution curve of the population was assessed. Linear models were also performed for both fisheries. The analysis of length distribution, asymmetry, and kurtosis showed a trend toward a decrease in the mean length of Speckled Pavon in line with the increase in fishing intensity. In linear models, the average distance (km) between fishing grounds and the fleet headquarters showed a positive relationship only for recreational fishing, which indicates that with an increasing distance from the municipality, the possibility of catching larger individuals increases and, consequently, the fishing yield also increases. The number of fishers presented a negative relationship, indicating a decrease in mean size and mean yield with increasing numbers of fishers in both modalities. The model predicted that low exploitation would cause a decline in the abundance of trophy fish. The results suggest that the Speckled Pavon population of this region exhibits signs of high exploitation and that fisheries management measures should be implemented to ensure the sustainability of stocks and fisheries that have high socioeconomic importance in the region.
Prenatal diagnosis of ductal origin of distal pulmonary artery: presentation of three cases and literature review
Authors: Chen L. , Xu H. , Zhou L. , Liu C. , Xi J. , Wu Y. , Yang L. , Guo Y. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDuctal origin of distal pulmonary artery (DODPA) is a rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 200 000 people. It involves the proximal interruption of one pulmonary artery branch, with the distal part arising from the base of the brachiocephalic artery, via the ipsilateral ductus arteriosus (DA) and the intrapulmonary branch of the pulmonary artery is usually intact. If timely treatment is not provided after birth, it is very likely that, due to DA closure, severe hypoplasia will occur in the lung supplied by the abnormal pulmonary artery. Hence, prenatal diagnosis of DODPA is important to enable initiation of prostaglandin treatment and early rehabilitation of the affected lung. Herein, we report three cases of fetal DODPA diagnosed via two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasonography combined with four‐dimensional (4D) spatiotemporal image correlation. We also present a literature review, and explore the ultrasonographic findings and the importance of 2D and 4D ultrasonography in obtaining an accurate prenatal diagnosis of DODPA. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
How to Write the Introduction to a Scientific Paper?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAn Introduction to a scientific paper familiarizes the reader with the background of the issue at hand. It must reflect why the issue is topical and its current importance in the vast sea of research being done globally. It lays the foundation of biomedical writing and is the first portion of an article according to the IMRAD pattern (Introduction, Methodology, Results, and Discussion) [1].
How to Add Illustrations?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAdding illustrations to a research paper makes the manuscript more readable and attractive. As compared to text-only adding visual aids like radiological images (X-rays, ultrasounds, CT, PET or MRI scans), pathological material (gross tissues, cytopathology, histopathology) using new medical tools or kits which support your diagnosis improves the comprehension and recall for the reader [1]. Illustration is also an effective way of communication both for the doctor and also for the patient [2].
How to Improve the Language and Syntax in Medical Writing?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAlthough India is the second-largest country in the world where the English language is spoken, we often use it incorrectly and tend to be verbose. When it comes to writing skills, we use convoluted phrases and complex words when simple ones would do. A medical paper does not need to be written in theatrical or Shakespearean English. We should express ourselves using short words and simple sentences which convey to a reader why we did the study, how we did it, what the results were and whether they are important, what is known about the subject and what your paper adds. Often, even if your article contains good science it may be rejected by Western journals because you did not state clearly what you wanted to convey. We need to improve not only our scientific endeavours but also our writing skills to be accepted for publication in the world’s best journals.
How to Write an Editorial?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAn Editorial is defined as an opinion or a view of a member of the editorial board or any senior or reputed faculty written in a journal or newspaper. The statement reflects the opinion of the journal and is considered to be an option maker. If you have been asked to write an editorial it means that you are an expert on that topic. Editorials are generally solicited.